Patents by Inventor Henryk Sowul

Henryk Sowul 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).

  • Publication number: 20080202268
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch, to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a plurality of countershafts. At least one transfer gear set transfers torque from the counter shafts to an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Michael B. Solt, Boris I. Burgman, Henryk Sowul
  • Publication number: 20080202266
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch, to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a plurality of countershafts. At least one transfer gear set transfers torque from the counter shafts to an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: James D. Hendrickson, Tejinder Singh, Henryk Sowul
  • Publication number: 20080196526
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch, to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a first and second countershaft. A transfer gear set transfers torque from the countershaft to an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Tejinder Singh, James D. Hendrickson, Henryk Sowul
  • Publication number: 20080184831
    Abstract: A device and method for preloading a transmission shaft assembly is disclosed. The transmission having the device of the present invention generally has a plurality of gears for providing a plurality of speed ratios. The shaft assembly has a first shaft, a first sleeve shaft, a second sleeve shaft and a first fastener. The first shaft has a flange end and an adjustment end. The first sleeve shaft is concentric with the first shaft and has a first end. The first end of the first sleeve shaft is in communication with the flange end of the first shaft. The second sleeve shaft is concentric with the first shaft and is axially aligned with the first sleeve shaft. The second sleeve shaft has a first end. The plurality of synchronizers for selectively connecting at least one of the plurality of gears to at least one of the first and second sleeve shafts. The first fastener is engagable with the adjustment end of the first shaft and is configured to move axially on the adjustment end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: BORIS I. BURGMAN, John A. Diemer, Henryk Sowul, David B. Mischler
  • Publication number: 20080178696
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a countershaft. A transfer gear set transfers torque from the countershaft to an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: JOHN A. DIEMER, JAMES D. HENDRICKSON, PATRICK S. PORTELL, HENRYK SOWUL
  • Publication number: 20080161154
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, a countershaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include synchronizer assemblies. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Per-Gunnar Bjorck, Mikael Mohlin, John A. Diemer, James D. Hendrickson, Patrick S. Portell, Henryk Sowul
  • Publication number: 20080135339
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for cooling and lubricating an off-axis motor/generator of a hybrid transmission. A transmission case at least partially defines a manifold. A transmission cover is mounted to the transmission case such that the off-axis motor/generator is retained therebetween. The transmission cover at least partially defines an oil passage. Oil is transferred through the manifold and onto a bearing device so that the bearing device is lubricated. Oil is also transferred through the oil passage and onto a torque transfer device such that the torque transfer device is lubricated. A corresponding apparatus for lubricating an off-axis motor/generator of a hybrid transmission is provided is similarly provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Kent A. Miller, Henryk Sowul
  • Publication number: 20080134820
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, a plurality of countershafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include synchronizer assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Per-Gunnar Bjorck, Mikael Mohlin, John A. Diemer, Patrick S. Portell, Henryk Sowul
  • Publication number: 20080134817
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, a countershaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include synchronizer assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Per-Gunnar Bjorck, Mikael Mohlin, John A. Diemer, Patrick S. Portell, Henryk Sowul
  • Patent number: 7347797
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical transmission is provided having an input member for receiving power from an engine and output member. A plurality of gear members is operable for changing speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The input is connected with one of the gear members and the output member is connected with another of the gear members. A motor/generator is continuously operatively connected with the output member (via a planetary gear set) in parallel with the gear member that is continuously connected with the output member. The motor/generator is packaged axially between the input member and the plurality of gear members. The motor/generator is packaged in a packaging space typically utilized for a torque converter in a nonelectro-mechanical transmission. Thus, redesign of the nonelectro-mechanical transmission to achieve the electro-mechanical transmission involves a minimal number of steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7331894
    Abstract: A hydraulically-actuatable clutch and method is operable as an overdrive clutch in a transmission system having a transmission main shaft portion. The clutch is engageable between a transmission housing and a sun gear and rotor hub to provide for grounding of the sun gear and rotor hub to the transmission housing. The clutch may either be engaged or disengaged from the transmission housing. The clutch does not allow the rotor and sun gear to rotatably slip with respect to the transmission housing when the clutch is engaged to ground the rotor and sun gear to the transmission housing. When the clutch is disengaged, the rotor and sun gear may rotate with the transmission main shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, Michael H. Pohl
  • Patent number: 7307363
    Abstract: A cooling system for an annular stator housed within a transmission casing includes a first curved tube sufficiently sized to at least partially circumscribe the stator when the tube is placed within the casing. The first tube has a plurality of circumferentially spaced fluid openings. An intake conduit connects the first tube to the transmission casing to deliver fluid through the tube for flow through the fluid openings to cool the stator. Preferably, a second like curved tube is also provided and a connector tube connects the first and second tubes to allow fluid flow therebetween. A method of assembling a cooling system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Pashnik, Henryk Sowul
  • Patent number: 7278941
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission includes: an input member to receive power from an engine; an output member; first and second motor/generators; and first and second differentially geared planetary gear sets each having first, second and third gear members. The input member is continuously connected to the first member of the first planetary gear set, and the output member is continuously connected to the first member of the second planetary gear set. The first motor/generator is continuously connected to the second member of the first planetary gear set, and selectively connected to the second member of the second planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is continuously connected with the third member of the second planetary gear set. A first torque transfer device selectively grounds the second member of the second planetary gear set. A second torque transfer device selectively connects the second member of the second planetary gear set to the second member of the first planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, James D. Hendrickson, Henryk Sowul
  • Patent number: 7261660
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission is provided including an input member to receive power from an engine about a primary axis; an output member connected to a transfer member for transmitting power to a secondary axis; first and second motor/generators; and first and second simple planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members. The input member is continuously connected to the first member of the first gear set, and the output member is continuously connected to the first member of the second gear set. The first motor/generator is continuously connected to the second member of the first gear set. The second motor/generator is continuously connected with the third member of the first or second gear set. First and second torque transfer devices are positioned on one side of the transfer member, and the first and second gear sets are positioned on an opposite side of the transfer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7238132
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission includes an input member to receive power from an engine about a primary axis; an output member connected to a transfer member for transmitting power to a secondary axis; first and second motor/generators; first and second torque transfer devices; and first and second planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members. The input member is continuously connected to the first member of the first gear set, and the output member is continuously connected to the first member of the second gear set. The first motor/generator is continuously connected to the second member of the first gear set. The second motor/generator is continuously connected with the third member of the first or second gear set. The transfer member is positioned between the first and second motor/generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7239055
    Abstract: The invention provides a structural member for a vehicle transmission formed with an annular recess in fluid communication with a fluid source and at least partially enclosing and defining an interior space of the transmission. An interior component, such as a motor/generator, is located in the interior space. The annular recess directs cooling fluid provided from the fluid source onto the interior component. The end cover includes structure defining a flow passage in fluid communication with a fluid source and also defining an annular recess in fluid communication with the flow passage. The flow passage and the annular recess are cooperatively configured for directing fluid provided from the fluid source onto an interior component in the interior space for cooling the interior component. Preferably, the interior component is an electric motor/generator that includes a stator having electric windings. The fluid is directed from the annulus onto the electric windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., DaimlerChrysler AG, DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Boris I. Burgman, Richard A. Pashnik, Henryk Sowul
  • Publication number: 20070117668
    Abstract: An electromechanical transmission is provided having an input member for receiving power from an engine and output member. A plurality of gear members is operable for changing speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The input is connected with one of the gear members and the output member is connected with another of the gear members. A motor/generator is continuously operatively connected with the output member (via a planetary gear set) in parallel with the gear member that is continuously connected with the output member. The motor/generator is packaged axially between the input member and the plurality of gear members. The motor/generator is packaged in a packaging space typically utilized for a torque converter in a nonelectro-mechanical transmission. Thus, redesign of the nonelectro-mechanical transmission to achieve the electromechanical transmission involves a minimal number of steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, James Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7220202
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically variable transmission having two motor/generators, two differential gear sets such as planetary gear sets, and five torque transfer devices arranged to provide improved launch, performance and gradeability, and enabling five fixed speed ratios. An input member is continuously connected to one member (preferably a ring gear) of the first planetary gear set, and an output member is continuously connected to one member (preferably a carrier) of the second planetary gear set. One motor/generator is continuously connected to another member (preferably a sun gear) in the first planetary gear set as well as being selectively connected to a member (preferably a ring gear) of the second planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is continuously connected to the remaining member (preferably a sun gear) of the second planetary gear set, and is selectively connected to the remaining member (preferably a carrier) of the first planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Tejinder Singh, Henryk Sowul, James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7220200
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission is provided including an input member to receive power from an engine; an output member connected to a transfer gear; first and second motor/generators; and first and second simple planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members. The input member is continuously connected to the first member of the first gear set, and the output member is continuously connected to the first member of the second gear set. The first motor/generator is continuously connected to the second member of the first gear set. The second motor/generator is continuously connected with the third member of the first or second gear set. The transfer gear and first and second torque transfer devices are positioned between the first and second gear sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7220203
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission includes: an input member to receive power from an engine; an output member; first and second motor/generators; and first and second differentially geared planetary gear sets each having first, second and third gear members. The input member is continuously connected to the first member of the first planetary gear set, and the output member is continuously connected to the first member of the second planetary gear set. The first motor/generator is continuously connected to the second member of the first planetary gear set, and selectively connected to the second member of the second planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is continuously connected with the third member of the second planetary gear set. Five or six torque transfer devices selectively connect members of the planetary gear sets with each other or with ground. The torque transfer devices are engageable in combinations of two or three to provide five or six available fixed speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, James D. Hendrickson, Henryk Sowul