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).

  • Transmission hydraulic control system having flow augmentation
    Patent number: 8915076
    Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid includes an engine driven main pump and an electrical motor driven auxiliary pump. The auxiliary pump provides hydraulic fluid at line pressure to shift control subsystems during a vehicle launch while the main pump provides hydraulic fluid to cooler or lubrication subsystems during the vehicle launch. A pressure regulation valve regulates the pressure of the hydraulic fluid from the main pump. Once the main pump reaches a critical speed, the main pump provides hydraulic fluid at line pressure to the hydraulic control system and the auxiliary pump is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Zhe Xie, Hong Yang, Anthony L. Smith, James M. Hart, Steven P. Moorman
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8894535
    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 two to establish at least ten forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8894534
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, two planetary gear sets, 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 and the planetary gear set assembly includes a first, second, third and fourth member. 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: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8888648
    Abstract: A transmission 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 one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8876652
    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 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8876651
    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 different combinations to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Andrew W. Phillips, James M. Hart
  • Transmission with dog clutch brake
    Patent number: 8870696
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a housing, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a structural member, a sprocket member, a first dog clutch member, a second dog clutch member, and a biasing member. The structural member is secured to the housing and includes a plurality of splines and defines a cavity. The sprocket member is rotationally supported by the structural member. The first dog clutch member is disposed in the cavity of the structural member and includes splines and dogteeth. The splines are engaged with the splines of the structural member. The second dog clutch member includes dogteeth that are aligned with the dogteeth of the first dog clutch member. The biasing member is disposed between the structural member and the first dog clutch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson, Edward W. Mellet
  • Transmission with band clutch
    Patent number: 8870703
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a housing, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a structural member, a sprocket member, an annular drum, a band, and an actuator. The sprocket member is rotationally supported by the structural member. The annular drum is adjacent the structural member and is continuously rotationally coupled with a member of the one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. The band circumscribes the annular drum and includes at least a first position and a second position. In the first position the band is substantially separated from the drum and in the second position the band contacts the drum. The actuator selectively positions the band between at least the first position and the second position to transfer torque between the structural member and the annular drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Edward W. Mellet, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Hybrid powertrain for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 8858376
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8858386
    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 two to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, James M. Hart, Edward W. Mellet
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20140274547
    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: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James B. Borgerson, James M. Hart
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20140274546
    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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20140256500
    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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION WITH A SERIES DISCONNECT CLUTCH
    Publication number: 20140248989
    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: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, James B. Borgerson
  • Multi-speed transmission and backing plate
    Patent number: 8821336
    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 two to establish at least ten forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. At least one of the torque transmitting mechanisms includes a backing plate having an annular outlet for distributing cooling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart, Edward W. Mellet, James B. Borgerson
  • Electromechanical clutch and transmission
    Patent number: 8814744
    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 mechanisms. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting mechanisms include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. An electromechanical rotating clutch assembly is provided that includes a rotor, an armature, and an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil is operable to selectively engage the rotor with the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Edward W. Mellet
  • Synchronizing disconnect device
    Patent number: 8814743
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a set of four planetary gear sets each having first, second, and third members, a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms each 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 a synchronizer assembly that selectively connects and disconnects one member of one of the planetary gear sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Clinton E. Carey
  • Launch / disconnect clutch for P2 hybrid powertrain
    Patent number: 8813935
    Abstract: A launch and disconnect clutch for the electric motor of a P2 hybrid powertrain is compact and provides improved operation. The clutch is mounted between the engine and transmission in the space formerly occupied by the torque converter. The clutch assembly is configured so that actuation, compensation and cooling are provided by only two oil channels. The clutch utilizes single-sided reaction plates which achieve high clutch gain thereby providing high torque capacity under electric operation and improved launch shudder characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Edwin T. Grochowski, Anthony L. Smith
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION HAVING THREE PLANETARY GEAR SETS
    Publication number: 20140235400
    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: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson
  • Multiple speed transmission with a pump assisted launch device
    Patent number: 8808135
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The transmission input member is connected to a launch device that includes a planetary gear set connected with a pump or a pump having a rotatable housing connected to an engine and a rotor connected to the transmission input member. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices are for example clutches and brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Hamid Vahabzadeh, James B. Borgerson, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp