Patents by Inventor Edwin T. Grochowski

Edwin T. Grochowski 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: 9163704
    Abstract: A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing. Each of the clutches and the brake are located within specific areas defined by the planetary gear sets and the housing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Daryl A. Wilton, Edwin T. Grochowski, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8960226
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a clutch of a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a line pressure regulator valve, a clutch control valve, a control valve bore, and a bypass sleeve. The bypass sleeve is installed in the control valve bore and includes an axial bore, and a first and a second port. The first port is in communication with the axial bore and the first of the plurality of ports of the control valve bore, the second port is in communication with the axial bore and the second of the plurality of ports of the control valve bore, and the axial bore is not in communication with the remainder of the plurality of ports of the control valve bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Patent number: 8888646
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a gearbox with two forward modes and a reverse mode. The gearbox includes a plurality of gear members and further includes at least three torque transmitting devices such as, clutches and brakes that are selectively employed to engage various combinations of the gear members such that a particular combination is associated with one of the two forward modes and the reverse mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Patent number: 8858389
    Abstract: A variator assembly for a transmission includes an input shaft, an input disc, an output disc, a roller, a trunnion, a piston, and a connection member. The input shaft defines an axis of rotation and the input disc is rotationally coupled to the input shaft and coaxial with the axis of rotation. The roller is disposed between the input disc and the output disc to provide a speed ratio between the input disc and the output disc. The trunnion is connected to the roller and includes a connecting feature. The piston defines a central bore. The connection member has a head portion, a shaft portion, and a connecting portion, where the connecting portion is connected to the connecting feature of the trunnion, the head portion abuts the piston, and the shaft portion is disposed in the central bore of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Shushan Bai, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Patent number: 8858376
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Patent number: 8813935
    Abstract: A launch and disconnect clutch for the electric motor of a P2 hybrid powertrain is compact and provides improved operation. The clutch is mounted between the engine and transmission in the space formerly occupied by the torque converter. The clutch assembly is configured so that actuation, compensation and cooling are provided by only two oil channels. The clutch utilizes single-sided reaction plates which achieve high clutch gain thereby providing high torque capacity under electric operation and improved launch shudder characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Edwin T. Grochowski, Anthony L. Smith
  • Patent number: 8795113
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edwin T. Grochowski, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 8678780
    Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid in a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a pump for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid having an inlet port and an outlet port. A bypass valve includes an inlet port in communication with the outlet port of the pump, a first outlet port in communication with the inlet port of the pump, and a second outlet port. The inlet port of the bypass valve is in communication with the second outlet port of the bypass valve when the bypass valve is in a first position and the inlet port of the bypass valve is in communication with the first outlet port of the bypass valve when the bypass valve is in a second position. A control device and accumulator are operatively associated with the bypass valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Dougan, Fredrick R. Poskie, Edwin T. Grochowski, Bret M. Olson, James W. Haynes
  • Patent number: 8640452
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid circuit for a power transmission device includes a first hydraulic circuit segment fluidly decoupled from a second hydraulic circuit segment. A hydraulic pump includes a first fluidic pumping element and a second fluidic pumping element. The first fluidic pumping element fluidly communicates with the first hydraulic circuit segment. The second fluidic pumping element fluidly communicates with the second hydraulic circuit segment. The first fluidic pumping element is controllable to a first pump operating point to achieve a preferred high fluidic flow rate in the first hydraulic circuit segment. The second fluidic pumping element is controllable to a second pump operating point to achieve a preferred high fluidic pressure in the second hydraulic circuit segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, Norman Schoenek, Kevin Michael Dougan, Edwin T. Grochowski, Daryl A Wilton, Edward W. Mellet
  • Patent number: 8628442
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. 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: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Patrick S. Portell, John A. Diemer, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski, Douglas John Dwenger, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Boris Burgman, Clinton E. Carey, Tejinder Singh
  • Patent number: 8579753
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle having a compact single mode transfer gear continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a compound planetary gear carrier for use in front wheel drive vehicles. The automatic transmission includes an input shaft, a variator or other, similar device which provides a continuously variable input to output speed ratio over a limited range, a compound planetary gear assembly having a sun gear, a planet gear carrier with compound gear sets and a ring gear, a friction brake, a friction clutch and a plurality of transfer gears and layshafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott William Heitzenrater, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Publication number: 20130196815
    Abstract: A variator assembly for a transmission includes an input shaft, an input disc, an output disc, a roller, a trunnion, a piston, and a connection member. The input shaft defines an axis of rotation and the input disc is rotationally coupled to the input shaft and coaxial with the axis of rotation. The roller is disposed between the input disc and the output disc to provide a speed ratio between the input disc and the output disc. The trunnion is connected to the roller and includes a connecting feature. The piston defines a central bore. The connection member has a head portion, a shaft portion, and a connecting portion, where the connecting portion is connected to the connecting feature of the trunnion, the head portion abuts the piston, and the shaft portion is disposed in the central bore of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Shushan Bai, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Patent number: 8460142
    Abstract: Various embodiments of electrically-variable transmissions have first and second motor-generators, first and second planetary gear sets, and two torque-transmitting mechanisms, including a rotating-type torque-transmitting mechanism and a stationary-type torque-transmitting mechanism. An input member is connected for common rotation with a ring gear of the first planetary gear set. Carrier members of both of the planetary gear sets are connected for common rotation with one another, and with an output member, via one or more radial-extending hub members and an axial-extending member or shaft. The first motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the first planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set. In each embodiment, the various components of the transmission are positioned relative to one another to minimize the number and/or size of interconnecting shafts and shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Alan G. Holmes, James M. Hart, Edwin T. Grochowski, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Publication number: 20130130859
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a gearbox with two forward modes and a reverse mode. The gearbox includes a plurality of gear members and further includes at least three torque transmitting devices such as, clutches and brakes that are selectively employed to engage various combinations of the gear members such that a particular combination is associated with one of the two forward modes and the reverse mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Patent number: 8342996
    Abstract: Various embodiments of electrically-variable transmissions are provided that have two motor-generators, two planetary gear sets, and two torque-transmitting mechanisms, including a rotating-type clutch and a stationary-type clutch. An input member is connected for common rotation with a ring gear of the first planetary gear set. Carriers of both of the planetary gear sets are connected for common rotation with one another, and with an output member. The first motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the first planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the second planetary gear set. A drive transfer assembly transfers torque from components establishing the first axis of rotation through components establishing one or two additional axes of rotation to a differential establishing yet another axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edwin T. Grochowski, Scott H. Wittkopp, James B. Borgerson, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 8336410
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, first and second counter shaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Craig S. Ross, Edwin T. Grochowski, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Publication number: 20120322604
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. 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: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Patrick S. Portell, John A. Diemer, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski, Douglas John Dwenger, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Boris Burgman, Clinton E. Carey, Tejnder Singh
  • Patent number: 8262526
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. 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: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Patrick S. Portell, John A. Diemer, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski, Douglas John Dwenger, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Boris Burgman, Clinton E. Carey, Tejinder Singh
  • Patent number: 8240443
    Abstract: A powertrain is provided that has an engine and a torque converter. The engine is configured to provide oil to the torque converter for operation of the torque converter. The engine oil may provide both the fluid coupling and torque converter clutch apply and release functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hamid Vahabzadeh, Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Patent number: 8226514
    Abstract: Various embodiments of electrically-variable transmissions are provided that have two motor-generators, two planetary gear sets, and two torque-transmitting mechanisms, including a rotating-type clutch and a stationary-type clutch. An input member is connected for common rotation with a ring gear of the first planetary gear set. Carriers of both of the planetary gear sets are connected for common rotation with one another, and with an output member. The first motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the first planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set. A drive transfer assembly transfers torque from components establishing the first axis of rotation to components establishing the second axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edwin T. Grochowski, Scott H. Wittkopp, James B. Borgerson, James M. Hart