Patents by Inventor Edward W. Mellet

Edward W. Mellet has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12234869
    Abstract: A clutch control system for a vehicle includes: a reset module configured to selectively start a reset operation of a clutch actuator of a clutch that engages and disengages an electric propulsion motor to and from a gearset; a target position module configured to perform the reset operation by setting a target position of the clutch actuator to follow a predetermined position profile for the reset operation, the reset operation including (a) opening an orifice between a hydraulic fluid reservoir and an pressure chamber of the clutch actuator (b) closing the orifice after the opening; and a clutch control module configured to actuate the clutch actuator based on the target position thereby performing the reset operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dongxu Li, Edward W. Mellet, Matthew Pruski, John Jancowski-Walsh
  • Patent number: 12152657
    Abstract: Compact transmission systems and vehicles with such transmission systems are provided. An exemplary compact transmission includes a drive shaft defining a drive axis and configured to be powered by a drive unit; a planetary gearset having a ring gear member, a planet gear member, a sun gear member, and a planet carrier having a carrier shaft defining a planetary axis, wherein the planetary axis is distanced from the drive axis; an output shaft defining an output axis, wherein the output axis is distanced from the planetary axis and from the drive axis; an output gear connected to the output shaft; a drive pinion gear configured to transfer torque from the drive shaft to the planetary gearset; and an output pinion gear configured to transfer torque from the planetary gearset to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward W Mellet, Peter Beller, Mazharul Chowdhury
  • Publication number: 20240337306
    Abstract: Compact transmission systems and vehicles with such transmission systems are provided. An exemplary compact transmission includes a drive shaft defining a drive axis and configured to be powered by a drive unit; a planetary gearset having a ring gear member, a planet gear member, a sun gear member, and a planet carrier having a carrier shaft defining a planetary axis, wherein the planetary axis is distanced from the drive axis; an output shaft defining an output axis, wherein the output axis is distanced from the planetary axis and from the drive axis; an output gear connected to the output shaft; a drive pinion gear configured to transfer torque from the drive shaft to the planetary gearset; and an output pinion gear configured to transfer torque from the planetary gearset to the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Publication date: October 10, 2024
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Peter Beller, Mazharul Chowdhury
  • Publication number: 20240051386
    Abstract: An electric vehicle, system, and method for operating the vehicle. The electric vehicle has a first motor, a second motor and a processor. The processor is configured to select the first motor for disengagement from a first axle, adjust a torque provided from the first motor to the first axle to zero, disengage the first motor from the first axle, and reduce a speed of the first motor to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Dongxu Li, Edward W. Mellet, Norman K. Bucknor, Clinton E. Carey, Thomas W. Nehl
  • Patent number: 11873867
    Abstract: An electric vehicle transmission includes a housing, a first gear, a second gear, and a first clutch pack supported in the housing. A first actuator is arranged in the housing. The first actuator is coupled with a first actuator member. A second actuator is arranged in the housing. The second actuator is coupled with a second actuator member. A modular actuation system is mounted to the housing. The modular actuation system includes a first energizer member and a second energizer member. The first energizer member is operatively connected to the first actuator and is operable to engage the first gear and the second energizer member is operatively connected to the second actuator and is operable to engage the second gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Dongxu Li, Edward W. Mellet, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 11662005
    Abstract: A drive system includes an electric machine that generates a torque. An output shaft rotates bi-directionally and receives the torque. A coupling is disposed between the electric machine and the output shaft. The coupling includes a torque converter that multiplies the torque. One clutch transfers the torque from the electric machine to the torque converter, when the electric machine operates in a first rotational direction. Another clutch transfers the torque from the electric machine to the torque converter, when the electric machine operates in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction. A gearset includes a number of meshing gears and is disposed between the electric machine and the output shaft to transfer the torque to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward W Mellet, Dongxu Li
  • Patent number: 11384833
    Abstract: An automatic transmission comprising a control valve body adapted to control oil flow within the transmission, a torque converter having a torque converter clutch operable in one of an open and an applied condition, a first control circuit between the control valve body and the torque converter and a second control circuit between the control valve body and the torque converter, a first oil path that provides a fluid connection between the first control circuit and the torque converter, a second oil path that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter, a third oil path that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter clutch, and an orifice that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Leonid Basin, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20220099179
    Abstract: An automatic transmission comprising a control valve body adapted to control oil flow within the transmission, a torque converter having a torque converter clutch operable in one of an open and an applied condition, a first control circuit between the control valve body and the torque converter and a second control circuit between the control valve body and the torque converter, a first oil path that provides a fluid connection between the first control circuit and the torque converter, a second oil path that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter, a third oil path that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter clutch, and an orifice that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Leonid Basin, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20210190203
    Abstract: A transmission hydraulic control system for an automobile transmission includes a hydraulic circuit in fluid communication with the at least one torque transmitting device, a transmission pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit and adapted to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic circuit, an accumulator in fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit and having an annular cylindrical shape concentric with a center-line of the automatic transmission, an annular piston moveable between a first position and a second position, and a spring adapted to bias the piston to the first position, and a valve mechanism positioned between the hydraulic circuit and the accumulator, the valve mechanism adapted to selectively allow fluid communication between the accumulator and the hydraulic circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Leonid Basin, Kelly Eber
  • Patent number: 11040611
    Abstract: A P2 transmission and engine assembly includes a transverse mounted transmission having: a transmission first end and a transmission second end oppositely positioned with respect to the transmission first end; and a transmission gearbox portion having a first cavity positioned at the second end. A torque converter is positioned at the transmission first end. An electric motor is positioned within the first cavity and is rotatably connected to the torque converter using a turbine shaft. A one-way clutch is connected to the turbine shaft and releasably connects the turbine shaft to the torque converter. The one-way clutch when disengaged disconnects the torque converter from the turbine shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Patent number: 10975943
    Abstract: A torque converter assembly configured to be connected between an engine and a transmission in a vehicle. The torque converter assembly comprises a cover plate, a pump, a turbine, a stator, and a clutch assembly operably connected between the cover plate and the turbine. The clutch assembly comprises a coverside plate, a turbine-side plate, and a piston located at least partially between the coverside plate and the turbine-side plate. A charge circuit is configured at least partially between the cover plate and the coverside plate, a compensation circuit is configured at least partially between the coverside plate and the piston, and an apply circuit is configured at least partially between the piston and the turbine-side plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Leonid Basin, Victor M. Roses
  • Publication number: 20210061085
    Abstract: A P2 transmission and engine assembly includes a transverse mounted transmission having: a transmission first end and a transmission second end oppositely positioned with respect to the transmission first end; and a transmission gearbox portion having a first cavity positioned at the second end. A torque converter is positioned at the transmission first end. An electric motor is positioned within the first cavity and is rotatably connected to the torque converter using a turbine shaft. A one-way clutch is connected to the turbine shaft and releasably connects the turbine shaft to the torque converter. The one-way clutch when disengaged disconnects the torque converter from the turbine shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Elizabeth l. Wooden
  • Publication number: 20200256442
    Abstract: A torque converter for a vehicle includes an annular housing. A turbine member is fluidically connected to the pump member. A lock-up clutch is selectively engaged between the annular housing and the turbine member. A lock-up clutch actuator is connected to the lock-up clutch. A cavity is defined between the annular housing and the turbine member. A first fluid circuit is fluidically connected to the pump member, the cavity and a first side of the lockup clutch actuator. The first fluid circuit delivers a fluid to engage the lock-up clutch actuator. A second fluid circuit is hydraulically connected to the pump member and the cavity. The second fluid circuit guide the fluid from the annular housing. A third fluid circuit is hydraulically connected to a second side of the lock-up clutch actuator. The third fluid circuit selectively delivers a pressurized fluid to release the lock-up clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Leonid Basin, Joel H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 10724610
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes an internal combustion engine and a multi-speed transmission coupled to the internal combustion engine. The multi-speed transmission includes an input member, an output member, and a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth planetary gear set each having a sun gear member, a planet carrier assembly member and a ring gear member. The multi-speed transmission further includes a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth planetary gear sets each having a sun gear member, a planet carrier assembly member and a ring gear member. The multi-speed transmission further includes seven torque-transmitting devices configured to selectively interconnect the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth planetary gear sets with one another in combinations of at least four to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Alan G. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20200217404
    Abstract: A torque converter assembly configured to be connected between an engine and a transmission in a vehicle. The torque converter assembly comprises a cover plate, a pump, a turbine, a stator, and a clutch assembly operably connected between the cover plate and the turbine. The clutch assembly comprises a coverside plate, a turbine-side plate, and a piston located at least partially between the coverside plate and the turbine-side plate. A charge circuit is configured at least partially between the cover plate and the coverside plate, a compensation circuit is configured at least partially between the coverside plate and the piston, and an apply circuit is configured at least partially between the piston and the turbine-side plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Leonid Basin, Victor M. Roses
  • Publication number: 20200182333
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes an internal combustion engine and a multi-speed transmission coupled to the internal combustion engine. The multi-speed transmission includes an input member, an output member, and a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth planetary gear set each having a sun gear member, a planet carrier assembly member and a ring gear member. The multi-speed transmission further includes a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth planetary gear sets each having a sun gear member, a planet carrier assembly member and a ring gear member. The multi-speed transmission further includes seven torque-transmitting devices configured to selectively interconnect the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth planetary gear sets with one another in combinations of at least four to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 9777814
    Abstract: A three mode continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a motor vehicle includes an optional speed change device connected to a pulley and a belt assembly or other continuously variable unit. The pulley and belt assembly is also connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes and two clutches. The planetary gear set arrangement is connected to a final drive unit. Engagement of the clutches and brakes provides three modes of operation to the CVT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Craig S. Ross, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 9689481
    Abstract: A one mode, front wheel drive continuously variable transmission includes a transmission input member interconnected to an engine of the motor vehicle, a transmission output member, a continuously variable unit having a first pulley pair, a second pulley pair, and a chain wrapped around the first pulley pair and the second pulley pair. A planetary gear set includes a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member is connected to the first pulley pair and the third member is connected to the transmission input member. A clutch is selectively engageable to connect the first member of the planetary gear set with the transmission input member. A band brake selectively engageable to connect the second member with a stationary member. The transmission output member is interconnected to a differential supported by sets of ball bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 9644722
    Abstract: A powertrain for a motor vehicle includes a one mode continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a torque converter connected to a planetary gear set assembly which is connected to a pulley and a chain assembly or other continuously variable unit (CVU). The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes one planetary gear set, one brake and one clutch. The CVU is connected to a final drive unit. The sheaves of the CVU have an involute spline connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pete R. Garcia, James M. Hart, Edward W. Mellet, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Douglas John Dwenger
  • Patent number: 9618087
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a four coupling members and a six torque-transmitting mechanisms. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Vijay A. Neelakantan