Patents by Inventor Eric C. Sandstrom

Eric C. Sandstrom 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: 10473210
    Abstract: A transmission sealed low leak controls system includes a controls system having a first fluid for operation of the controls system provided by a first pump at a first pressure. A transmission input shaft is provided. A planetary gear set is connected to the transmission input shaft by a clutch assembly. A second pump provides a second fluid different from the first fluid for cooling and lubrication of the at least one clutch assembly at a second pressure lower than the first pressure. A torque converter is connected to the transmission input shaft. The second pump further provides the second fluid to the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart, Eric C. Sandstrom
  • Publication number: 20180051796
    Abstract: A transmission sealed low leak controls system includes a controls system having a first fluid for operation of the controls system provided by a first pump at a first pressure. A transmission input shaft is provided. A planetary gear set is connected to the transmission input shaft by a clutch assembly. A second pump provides a second fluid different from the first fluid for cooling and lubrication of the at least one clutch assembly at a second pressure lower than the first pressure. A torque converter is connected to the transmission input shaft. The second pump further provides the second fluid to the torque converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart, Eric C. Sandstrom
  • Patent number: 8925702
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch actuation mechanism having a valve, a plurality of couplings in fluid communication with the valve, wherein one of the plurality of couplings is operable to distribute power between a primary set of wheels and a secondary set of wheels, and another of the plurality of couplings is operable to distribute power between each of the secondary set of wheels. The present invention also includes a drive shaft driven by a source of power, which is also connected to the secondary set of wheels, and a pressure supply device in fluid communication with the valve, wherein the valve directs fluid to the plurality of couplings, and when the valve directs fluid to the one of the plurality of couplings operable to distribute power between the primary set and secondary set of wheels, the drive shaft will transfer power to the secondary set of wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Eric C. Sandstrom, Larry A. Pritchard, David Chen
  • Publication number: 20100009798
    Abstract: A differential system for a front wheel drive vehicle. The differential system includes a differential carrier (24), an actuator housing {44), an intermediate shaft (32), a clutch pack (42), and a piston (40). The differential carrier (24) houses a differential assembly (16) configured to drive a right and left axle shaft. The actuator housing (44) is configured to rotate in conjunction with the differential carrier (24). The intermediate shaft (32) extends through the actuator housing (44). The clutch pack (42) has a first set of clutch plates (46) that engage the actuator housing (44} and a second set of clutch plates (48) that engage the intermediate shaft (32). The piston (40) compresses the first and second set of clutch plates {46, 48) thereby frictionaiiy coupling the differential carrier (24) to the intermediate shaft (32) and thus locking or modulating the differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Robert Keller, Eric C. Sandstrom
  • Publication number: 20090288929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch actuation mechanism having a valve, a plurality of couplings in fluid communication with the valve, wherein one of the plurality of couplings is operable to distribute power between a primary set of wheels and a secondary set of wheels, and another of the plurality of couplings is operable to distribute power between each of the secondary set of wheels. The present invention also includes a drive shaft driven by a source of power, which is also connected to the secondary set of wheels, and a pressure supply device in fluid communication with the valve, wherein the valve directs fluid to the plurality of couplings, and when the valve directs fluid to the one of the plurality of couplings operable to distribute power between the primary set and secondary set of wheels, the drive shaft will transfer power to the secondary set of wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Eric C. Sandstrom, Larry A. Pritchard, David Chen