Patents by Inventor John A. Diemer

John A. Diemer 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: 20140202279
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission includes a casing. The casing includes a base and a plurality of walls extending outwardly away from the base to a distal edge. The casing defines a first cavity and a second cavity between the walls. The transmission also includes a platform disposed between the walls to separate the first and second cavities. The first cavity is disposed adjacent to the distal edge of each of the walls. The transmission further includes a power inverter module defining a self-contained unit selectively disposed in the first cavity. The self-contained unit is supported by the platform when in the first cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Konstantinos Triantos, John A. Diemer, Pete R. Garcia, Kent A. Miller, Anthony P. Tata
  • Patent number: 8764977
    Abstract: A sump filter assembly for filtering hydraulic fluid supplied by a transmission sump includes a filter housing, a support member, a retainer member, and a biasing member. The filter housing has a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface opposes a bottom surface of the transmission sump. The support member includes a first end portion attached to the filter housing. The retainer member is slideably connected to the support member and includes a first end portion having a retaining surface, wherein the retaining surface opposes the top surface of the filter housing. The biasing member has a first end in contact with the retaining surface of the retainer member and a second end in contact with the top surface of the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Todd A Frerichs, Michael P. Fannin, John A. Diemer, Robert Neil Paciotti
  • Patent number: 8758179
    Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission includes an input member and an output member each rotatable about a first axis. The transmission includes a casing defining a cavity between a first end wall and a second end wall. The transmission includes a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator disposed in the cavity with a second planetary gear set disposed between the first and second motor/generators along the first axis. The transmission includes a first torque-transmitting mechanism disposed between the first and second motor/generators along the first axis. The transmission includes a second torque-transmitting mechanism disposed between the first end wall and the first motor/generator along the first axis. The first motor/generator is disposed between the first and second torque-transmitting mechanisms along the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Pete R. Garcia, Douglas John Dwenger, Boris Burgman, Robert Joseph Gonzales, Kent A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140113760
    Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission includes an input member and an output member each rotatable about a first axis. The transmission includes a casing defining a cavity between a first end wall and a second end wall. The transmission includes a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator disposed in the cavity with a second planetary gear set disposed between the first and second motor/generators along the first axis. The transmission includes a first torque-transmitting mechanism disposed between the first and second motor/generators along the first axis. The transmission includes a second torque-transmitting mechanism disposed between the first end wall and the first motor/generator along the first axis. The first motor/generator is disposed between the first and second torque-transmitting mechanisms along the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Pete R. Garcia, Douglas John Dwenger, Boris Burgman, Robert Joseph Gonzales, Kent A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140106924
    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. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes including a selectable one-way clutch actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kent H. Kienzle, Dan Coffey, David M. Zini, John A. Diemer, Pete R. Garcia, Tejinder Singh, Boris Burgman
  • Publication number: 20140069763
    Abstract: A transmission and a clutch assembly for a vehicle are disclosed. The clutch assembly includes a housing defining a cavity presenting an interior surface. The interior surface defines a pocket along a longitudinal axis. The clutch assembly further includes a piston disposed in the pocket and movable between an initial position and a final position relative to the pocket along the longitudinal axis. The piston includes a plurality of flanges extending outwardly away from the longitudinal axis. The clutch assembly also includes a biasing member attached to the interior surface of the housing and engaging the piston to continuously bias the piston toward the initial position. The biasing member abuts the flanges of the piston to prevent rotation of the piston about the longitudinal axis as the piston moves between the initial and final positions along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott William Heitzenrater, Robert Neil Paciotti, Douglas John Dwenger, Larry D. Diemer, John A. Diemer
  • Publication number: 20140069766
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle and a method of assembling the transmission of the vehicle are disclosed. The transmission includes a housing defining a cavity and a recess disposed inside the housing. The recess extends outwardly away from the cavity along a longitudinal axis. The transmission further includes a clutch disposed inside the cavity. In addition, the transmission includes a guide member disposed inside the cavity and defining a first path and a second path spaced from each other. At least one of the first and second paths is in fluid communication with the clutch. The guide member includes a mounting portion disposed in the recess and engaging the housing in an interference fit to secure the guide member to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Nina Khakham
  • Patent number: 8636125
    Abstract: A dual clutch actuation device generates the axial compression force required to compress a first and second set of frictional elements of a dual clutch module. Dual clutch actuation device includes a first and second annular piston. The annular pistons are arranged in concentric annular piston slots. Together the piston and annular slots form annular piston chambers. The actuation device further includes a first set of wiper seals and a second set of wiper seals disposed in a first and a second annular channel in each of the annular pistons. Advantageously, contamination of the piston chambers is reduced or eliminated through the wiping or cleansing action of the first and second set of wiper seals against walls of the annular slots formed in the housing of the actuation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Edward J. Billings, Joakim Hogberg, James M. Partyka, Robert Neil Paciotti
  • Patent number: 8628442
    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. 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: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Patrick S. Portell, John A. Diemer, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski, Douglas John Dwenger, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Boris Burgman, Clinton E. Carey, Tejinder Singh
  • Publication number: 20140011600
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle and a shaft assembly for transferring a fluid in the transmission of the vehicle are disclosed. The shaft assembly includes an input member rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The input member defines a cavity along the longitudinal axis. The shaft assembly further includes a shaft rotatable about the longitudinal axis and extending to a first end facing the input member. The shaft and the input member are spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis to define a gap therebetween. The shaft assembly also includes a cap attached to the shaft, with the cap extending through the gap into the cavity of the input member. The cap defines an aperture in fluid communication with the cavity for delivering the fluid from the shaft to the cavity of the input member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Mindy L. Barth
  • Publication number: 20130324346
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pete R. Garcia, Tejinder Singh, John A. Diemer, Douglas John Dwenger
  • Publication number: 20130260942
    Abstract: A transmission 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 that are actuated in various combinations to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and a reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pete R. Garcia, John A. Diemer, Tejinder Singh, Douglas John Dwenger
  • Patent number: 8500588
    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. 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 a hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission housing, input member and other coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Douglas John Dwenger
  • Publication number: 20130157797
    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. 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 a hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission housing, input member and other coupling members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Douglas John Dwenger
  • Patent number: 8409050
    Abstract: A gear retention assembly for retaining a gear that has a plurality of gear outer splines includes a gear housing and a retaining ring. The gear housing has a first end, a second end, and a plurality of inner splines each including a ramp portion. The second end of the gear housing includes an annular continuous rolled lip, where the continuous rolled lip and the ramp portions of the plurality of inner splines define a groove. The plurality of inner splines engage with the gear outer splines of the gear to transmit torque between the gear and the gear housing. The retaining ring is disposed in the groove and axially retains the gear. The rolled lip axially retains the retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott William Heitzenrater, Boris Burgman, Douglas John Dwenger, John A. Diemer, Randal William Arndt
  • Patent number: 8376900
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for transmitting a first torque between a first member and a second member includes a first clutch and a second clutch. The first clutch is disposed between the first member and the second member and has a predetermined design torque. The second clutch is disposed in series with the first clutch between the first member and the second member and has a predetermined holding torque that is less than the predetermined design torque. The second clutch allows rotation between the first member and the second member when the first torque is greater than the predetermined holding torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott William Heitzenrater, John A. Diemer, Douglas John Dwenger, Larry D. Diemer
  • Patent number: 8366557
    Abstract: Two embodiments of an improved connection between an engine output shaft and a transmission input shaft reduce or eliminate axial shaft loading and spin losses. In a first embodiment, the transmission input shaft includes an annular flange which is received within a slightly larger annulus or a plurality of axially extending tabs from the engine flex plate. After the transmission and engine are assembled, a plurality of fasteners are installed in radial openings in the flex plate annulus or tabs and extend into threaded openings in the annular flange. Since the output and input shafts are connected after the engine and transmission are assembled there is essentially no deflection of the flex plate, no axial loads on the shafts and no spin losses. In a second embodiment, a plurality of axially oriented threaded fasteners extend through openings in the flex plate and are received within nuts in a transmission drive plate. The nuts include eccentric flanges and are retained in the drive plate by snap rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Boris Burgman, John A. Diemer
  • Patent number: 8362672
    Abstract: An electric machine having a stator body and a machine housing is provided. The stator body includes a stator ring of generally annular shape and a plurality of stator teeth projecting radially inward. A first bolt hole is defined in either the stator ring or machine housing, and a first receptacle is defined in the other and is coaxial with the first bolt hole. A second bolt hole is defined in either the stator ring or machine housing, and a second receptacle is defined in the other and is coaxial with the second bolt hole. A first counter bore is coaxial with the first receptacle. A first hollow dowel is mated to the first counter bore and the first bolt hole, and defines a first dowel hole, which is coaxial with the first counter bore and the first bolt hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward L. Kaiser, Peter Bostwick, Kent A. Miller, John A. Diemer
  • Publication number: 20120322604
    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. 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: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Patrick S. Portell, John A. Diemer, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski, Douglas John Dwenger, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Boris Burgman, Clinton E. Carey, Tejnder Singh
  • Patent number: 8262526
    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. 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: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Patrick S. Portell, John A. Diemer, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski, Douglas John Dwenger, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Boris Burgman, Clinton E. Carey, Tejinder Singh