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: 9249865
    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. 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: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 9249841
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, coupling members, and 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 at least eleven forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. A clutch assembly for use in an automatic transmission is provided that includes an apply piston and a stationary fluid supply member. The apply piston is configured to rotate during at least one gear speed of the automatic transmission. The stationary fluid supply member has portions forming a channel in the stationary fluid supply member and defining an outlet end of the channel. The stationary fluid supply member is configured to supply fluid to the apply piston through the outlet end of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 9239103
    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: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 9222549
    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. 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. One of the torque transmitting devices includes a friction clutch disposed in parallel with a binary clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Patent number: 9194444
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine, a transmission, a pump for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid and a launch clutch connected between the engine and the transmission for coupling the engine to the transmission when the launch clutch is in an engaged condition and for decoupling the engine from the transmission when the launch clutch is in a disengaged condition. A device is rotationally coupled to the engine and to the pump. The device is translatable along an axis between a first position and a second position. The device moves the launch clutch to the engaged condition when in the first position and does not move the launch clutch to the engaged condition when in the second position. A piston in communication with the pressurized hydraulic fluid provided by the pump is configured to translate the device along the axis between at least one of the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20150308552
    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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: EDWARD W. MELLET, JAMES M. HART
  • Publication number: 20150308543
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input and output member, four planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, five interconnecting members continuously interconnecting members of the four planetary gear sets and six torque transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first members, second members, and third members with at least one of another of the first members, second members, third members, and a stationary member. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150267783
    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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventor: James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20150267787
    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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventor: James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20150267786
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and six torque transmitting mechanisms. The torque transmitting mechanisms include clutches and brakes that are actuatable in combinations of three to establish at least ten forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventor: James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20150267785
    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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventor: James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 9133915
    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 four or more to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 9133913
    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 three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20150252877
    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: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Craig S. Ross, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20150233458
    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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: PETE R. Garcia, James M. Hart, Edward W. Mellet, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Douglas John Dwenger
  • Patent number: 9109683
    Abstract: A transmission with an integrated electric motor includes 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 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 9109679
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a gearbox with a forward mode and a reverse mode. The gearbox includes a plurality of gear members and further includes at least two torque transmitting devices such as, a clutch and a brake that are selectively employed to engage various combinations of the gear members such that a particular combination is associated with one of the forward mode and the reverse mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20150211609
    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: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, JAMES M. HART, DARYL A. WILTON
  • Patent number: 9074662
    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. 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. One of the torque transmitting devices includes a friction clutch and a binary clutch which have a spring-ball structure disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton