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).

  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 9074663
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20150159738
    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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, JAMES M. HART
  • Hybrid powertrain
    Patent number: 9050882
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine, electric motor, disconnect clutch and a transmission. The 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. The electric motor is connected to the input of the transmission and the engine is selectively connected to the input member through the disconnect clutch. A controller is configured to control the operation of the powertrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Transmission-integrated electromechanical device
    Patent number: 9039556
    Abstract: A transmission assembly for use in a motor vehicle is provided. The transmission assembly has a case for housing components of the transmission and an electromechanical device operable to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. The electromechanical device is disposed within the transmission case. The case may have a main housing portion and a bell housing portion, with the electromechanical device housed in the main housing portion, in some variations. A transmission shaft may be rotatably supported within the case and configured to be connected to an engine of the motor vehicle. A connecting device may continuously interconnect the electromechanical device with the transmission shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James B. Borgerson, Daryl A. Wilton, Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 9039564
    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: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 9005072
    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: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8992372
    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 coupling members continuously interconnect a member of the first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets with another member of the first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the first, second and third members with at least one other of the first, second, third members and a stationary member and are actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • TWO MODE CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20150087464
    Abstract: A two mode CVT is provided 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, one brake and two clutches. The planetary gear set arrangement is connected to a final drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION WITH CHAIN OUTPUT
    Publication number: 20150080170
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for a motor vehicle includes an input member, an output member, a first planetary gear set having first, second, and third members, wherein the first member is interconnected with the input member, a brake connected to the second member of the first planetary gear set, a clutch interconnected between one of the first member, second member, and third member of the first planetary gear set and another one of the first member, second member, and third member of the first planetary gear set, a belt and pulley assembly connected to the third member of the first planetary gear set and the output member, a chain drive interconnected to the output member, and a final drive unit interconnected to the chain drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart
  • MULTI-MODE CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION WITH TRANSFER GEAR SET
    Publication number: 20150065288
    Abstract: A multi-mode continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a motor vehicle includes a transfer gear set connected upstream in a powerflow to a pulley and belt assembly. The pulley and belt assembly is connected upstream in the powerflow 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: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, JAMES M. HART, LEONID BASIN
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8968145
    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: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Method for controlling a multi-speed transmission having four planetary gear sets for producing at least nine gear speeds
    Patent number: 8961355
    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 include clutches and brakes. A method for controlling the transmission selectively engages the torque transmitting devices in combinations of at least two to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Bret M. Olson, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Continuously variable transmission with chain output
    Patent number: 8961350
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for a motor vehicle includes an input member, an output member, a first planetary gear set having first, second, and third members, wherein the first member is interconnected with the input member, a brake connected to the second member of the first planetary gear set, a clutch interconnected between one of the first member, second member, and third member of the first planetary gear set and another one of the first member, second member, and third member of the first planetary gear set, a belt and pulley assembly connected to the third member of the first planetary gear set and the output member, a chain drive interconnected to the output member, and a final drive unit interconnected to the chain drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart
  • Multi-speed transmission with integrated electric motor
    Patent number: 8944949
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes an input shaft or member, an output shaft or member and three simple and one compound planetary gear assemblies each including a sun gear, a planet gear carrier with a plurality of planet gears and a ring gear. The input shaft or member is coupled to the sun gear of the second planetary gear assembly and the output shaft is coupled to the planet gear carrier of the fourth planetary gear assembly. An electric motor is coupled to and drives the sun gear of the fourth planetary gear assembly. The transmission also includes six torque transmitting devices: four friction brakes and two friction clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson
  • Multi-speed transmission with a series disconnect clutch
    Patent number: 8939863
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. One of the plurality of torque transmitting devices is an integrated friction launch clutch. A disconnect clutch is in series relationship with the launch clutch and is configured to disconnect the launch clutch from at least one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish at least ten forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, James B. Borgerson
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8932175
    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 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: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Clutch and gear arrangement for a rear wheel drive vehicle
    Patent number: 8932174
    Abstract: A rear 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 brakes arranged within a transmission housing. Each of the clutches and brakes are located within specific areas defined by the planetary gear sets and the housing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION WITH CHAIN OUTPUT
    Publication number: 20150011350
    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: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, JAMES M. HART, DARYL A. WILTON, CLINTON E. CAREY
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8926469
    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 include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8920281
    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 one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips