Patents by Inventor James M. Hart

James M. Hart 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: 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
  • Patent number: 9581221
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four 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 a brake actuatable in combinations of four to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Patent number: 9568068
    Abstract: A transmission has an input member, an output member, at least four 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 actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20160377157
    Abstract: A final drive unit for a motor vehicle includes a sprocket driven by a transmission, a first planetary gear set where one of the rotational members is connected to the sprocket, a second planetary gear set where one of the rotational members is connected to the first planetary gear set, and an actuator moveable between a low range position and a high range position. The actuator is rotationally coupled to a differential. When the actuator is in the low range position, the actuator rotationally couples one of the rotational members of the second planetary gear set to the differential. When the actuator is in the high range position, the actuator rotationally couples another of the rotational members of the second planetary gear set to the differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: James M. Hart, DARYL A. WILTON
  • Patent number: 9528575
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, two planetary gear sets one of which is a selectively speed reducing gear set, another two planetary gear sets that may be stacked or nested to form a planetary gear set assembly, 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 stacked or nested planetary gear set assembly has a carrier member for rotatably supporting a first plurality of pinion gears and a second plurality of pinion gears, a ring gear and a common gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 9523418
    Abstract: A two mode CVT is provided that for a motor vehicle. The CVT includes a speed change device connected to a pulley and belt assembly. The pulley and belt assembly is connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes, and one clutch. The planetary gear set arrangement is connected to a final drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 9494217
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear set assemblies, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear set assemblies include first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20160252165
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a coupling member 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: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson
  • Publication number: 20160245372
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, two planetary gear sets one of which is a selectively speed reducing gear set, another two planetary gear sets that may be stacked or nested to form a planetary gear set assembly, 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 stacked or nested planetary gear set assembly has a carrier member for rotatably supporting a first plurality of pinion gears and a second plurality of pinion gears, a ring gear and a common gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventor: James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 9382998
    Abstract: An assembly for use in a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a planetary gear set that defines an axis of rotation and includes a planetary carrier member, the planetary carrier member having at least one window. A piston is disposed on a first side of the planetary gear set and a clutch pack is disposed on a second side of the planetary gear set opposite the first side. An interplanetary actuator is in contact with the piston and the clutch pack and is slidably disposed in the window of the planetary carrier member. Actuation of the piston in turn translates the interplanetary actuator to engage the clutch pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technnology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Patent number: 9347538
    Abstract: A multi-mode continuously variable transmission in a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a continuously variable unit connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes, and one clutch and provides multiple modes of ratio selection between the continuously variable unit and a transmission output member. The transmission output member is connected to a chain driven final having only three axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 9347525
    Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has 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 first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality of forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James B. Borgerson, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 9347530
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 9347539
    Abstract: A multi-mode continuously variable transmission in a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a continuously variable unit connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes, and one clutch and provides multiple modes of ratio selection between the continuously variable unit and a transmission output member. The transmission output member is connected to a chain driven final having only three axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 9334929
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a coupling member 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: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson
  • Publication number: 20160069441
    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: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20160069443
    Abstract: A multi-mode continuously variable transmission in a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a continuously variable unit connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes, and one clutch and provides multiple modes of ratio selection between the continuously variable unit and a transmission output member. The transmission output member is connected to a chain driven final having only three axes of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: EDWARD W. MELLET, JAMES M. HART, DARYL A. WILTON, CLINTON E. CAREY
  • Patent number: 9279478
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four 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 a brake actuatable in combinations of four to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Craig S. Ross, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20160040767
    Abstract: A multi-mode continuously variable transmission in a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a continuously variable unit connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes, and one clutch and provides multiple modes of ratio selection between the continuously variable unit and a transmission output member. The transmission output member is connected to a chain driven final having only three axes of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 9249864
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four 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 actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson