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).

  • Patent number: 7703346
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch and a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gears sets having gears that are selectively connectable to at least two countershafts. Moreover, one of the gears of the plurality of co-planar gears sets that provides a reverse gear ratio is selectively connectable to a first countershaft and is in mesh with only one other gear of the plurality of co-planar gears sets that is selectively engagable to a second countershaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Hendrickson, John A. Diemer, Douglas John Dwenger
  • Patent number: 7644639
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch, to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a plurality of countershafts. At least one transfer gear set transfers torque from the counter shafts to an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Hendrickson, John A. Diemer, Patrick S. Portell, Henryk Sowul, Ted T. Selever, Tejinder Singh, Craig S. Ross
  • Patent number: 7591749
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically variable transmission for a hybrid vehicle. The electrically variable transmission includes a transmission input shaft defining a first axis of rotation, and a transmission output shaft defining a second axis of rotation. A first motor/generator is operatively connected to the transmission input shaft and is configured to rotate about a third axis of rotation for improved packaging. A second motor/generator is operatively connected to the transmission input shaft and is configured to rotate about the first axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Tejinder Singh, Richard A. Pashnik, Boris I. Burgman
  • Patent number: 7494439
    Abstract: A pumping system for a transmission system having a single pump functionally connected to a mechanical power source and an electrical power source is provided. The connections between the pump and the mechanical power source and electrical power source include at least one roller clutch, which permits only one of the power sources to drive the pump at any given time. Additionally, the functional connections, which may be chains, provide that the pump and the electrical power source may be located non-coaxial with the center axis of the transmission system, as may be preferred for improved packaging. The dual-chain and roller clutch pumping system is appropriate for gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles where pumping may be necessary when the engine is off and limited packaging space is available in the transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Pashnik, John A. Diemer
  • Publication number: 20090031836
    Abstract: A synchronizer actuating system with selectives for use in dual clutch transmission is provided. The synchronizer actuating system includes an apply finger and a fork mounted on a shift rail. The fork grips a synchronizer sleeve that supports a synchronizer. The synchronizer is moveable to a neutral position. A three area piston assembly is operable to engage and actuate the apply finger. The three area piston assembly includes a hydraulic neutral position. A selective element is coupled to the synchronizer actuating system to calibrate the hydraulic neutral position of the three area piston assembly to the neutral position of the synchronizer sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Brian Tooman, Fredrik Englund, Robert Roessner, Henryk Sowul
  • Patent number: 7473199
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission family is provided which has low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, up to six selectable torque-transfer devices and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transmitting devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and at least four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transmitting devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Tejinder Singh, John A. Diemer, Alan G. Holmes, James D. Hendrickson, Joshua E. Lehrmann, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7470066
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission pump bearing assembly having an integral seal. The apparatus preferably includes an outer race retained by a pump body such that the outer race is fixed relative thereto. An inner race is disposed radially within the outer race, and is engaged by a damper hub such that the inner race rotates along with the damper hub. The inner race includes a radially recessed portion adapted to accommodate a seal and maintain tight clearance to control leakage. A plurality of bearing members are disposed radially between the inner race and the outer race. The seal disposed within the radially recessed portion of the inner race is configured to engage the pump body and thereby seal an interface between the inner race and the pump body such that leaked hydraulic fluid is restricted from passing therebetween. A bearing cage is configured to axially retain and/or to maintain circumferential spacing of the plurality of bearing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Robert E. Rhein
  • Publication number: 20080305907
    Abstract: An input brake assembly is provided for selectively grounding a transmission input member. The packaging location of the input brake assembly does not interfere with, and thus still allows the option of providing a bypass clutch for a flex plate-type flywheel connecting the engine with the transmission input member. The input brake assembly includes a flywheel, preferably a flex plate, for transferring rotary torque between the engine and the transmission input member and a ring gear secured to the outer periphery of the flex plate. A pinion gear is axially movable into and out of meshing engagement with the ring gear. A grounding device is operatively connected to the pinion gear and is operable to prevent rotation of the pinion gear, thereby braking the flex plate as well as the transmission input member operatively connected thereto when the pinion gear is in meshing engagement with the ring gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: James D. Hendrickson, John A. Diemer, Craig S. Ross, Michael H. Pohl, Robert K. Dunlap
  • Patent number: 7419041
    Abstract: A transmission shaft is divided into a first shaft portion releasably connectable to a first electric motor/generator via a first gear set and a second shaft portion connected to a second electric motor/generator via a second gear set. The first and second shaft portions are operatively connected to one another for rotation together. The first shaft portion is selectively slidable with respect to the second shaft portion to connect and disconnect the first shaft portion and the first gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Boris I. Burgman, Henryk Sowul
  • Publication number: 20080202267
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch, to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a plurality of countershafts. At least one transfer gear set transfers torque from the counter shafts to an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: James D. Hendrickson, John A. Diemer, Patrick S. Portell, Henryk Sowul, Ted T. Selever, Tejinder Singh, Craig S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20080202265
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch and a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gears sets having gears that are selectively connectable to at least two countershafts. Moreover, one of the gears of the plurality of co-planar gears sets that provides a reverse gear ratio is selectively connectable to a first countershaft and is in mesh with only one other gear of the plurality of co-planar gears sets that is selectively engagable to a second countershaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: James D. Hendrickson, John A. Diemer, Douglas John Dwenger
  • Publication number: 20080184831
    Abstract: A device and method for preloading a transmission shaft assembly is disclosed. The transmission having the device of the present invention generally has a plurality of gears for providing a plurality of speed ratios. The shaft assembly has a first shaft, a first sleeve shaft, a second sleeve shaft and a first fastener. The first shaft has a flange end and an adjustment end. The first sleeve shaft is concentric with the first shaft and has a first end. The first end of the first sleeve shaft is in communication with the flange end of the first shaft. The second sleeve shaft is concentric with the first shaft and is axially aligned with the first sleeve shaft. The second sleeve shaft has a first end. The plurality of synchronizers for selectively connecting at least one of the plurality of gears to at least one of the first and second sleeve shafts. The first fastener is engagable with the adjustment end of the first shaft and is configured to move axially on the adjustment end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: BORIS I. BURGMAN, John A. Diemer, Henryk Sowul, David B. Mischler
  • Publication number: 20080178696
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a countershaft. A transfer gear set transfers torque from the countershaft to an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: JOHN A. DIEMER, JAMES D. HENDRICKSON, PATRICK S. PORTELL, HENRYK SOWUL
  • Publication number: 20080161154
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, a countershaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include synchronizer assemblies. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Per-Gunnar Bjorck, Mikael Mohlin, John A. Diemer, James D. Hendrickson, Patrick S. Portell, Henryk Sowul
  • Patent number: 7387586
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators and five or six selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged to provide an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse), four or more mechanically fixed forward speed ratios and at least one mechanical reverse speed ratio. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide six operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, fixed forward mode and mechanical reverse mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Tejinder Singh, John A. Diemer, Joel M. Maguire, James D. Hendrickson, Norman K. Bucknor, Joshua E. Lehrmann, Alan G. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20080134820
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, a plurality of countershafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include synchronizer assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Per-Gunnar Bjorck, Mikael Mohlin, John A. Diemer, Patrick S. Portell, Henryk Sowul
  • Publication number: 20080134817
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, a countershaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include synchronizer assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Per-Gunnar Bjorck, Mikael Mohlin, John A. Diemer, Patrick S. Portell, Henryk Sowul
  • Publication number: 20080070733
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically variable transmission for a hybrid vehicle. The electrically variable transmission includes a transmission input shaft defining a first axis of rotation, and a transmission output shaft defining a second axis of rotation. A first motor/generator is operatively connected to the transmission input shaft and is configured to rotate about a third axis of rotation for improved packaging. A second motor/generator is operatively connected to the transmission input shaft and is configured to rotate about the first axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Tejinder Singh, Richard A. Pashnik, Boris I. Burgman
  • Patent number: 7339300
    Abstract: An electromechanical transmission includes a motor/generator having a stator and a rotor and including a structural support member that supports the stator in fixed relation thereto and the rotor in rotational relation thereto. By supporting both the stator and the rotor, the structural support member substantially controls a spatial relationship (i.e., the gap in which a magnetic field is created) between the stator and rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Boris I. Burgman, Richard A. Pashnik, John A. Diemer
  • Patent number: 7309165
    Abstract: An improved hybrid transmission including two electric motor/generator modules and a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively connectable to the motor/generators and to an engine is provided. Novel structural and packaging schemes enhance the function and efficiency of the transmission. More precisely, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for applying an adjustable load to internal rotating components of the hybrid transmission to maximize efficiency thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., DaimlerChrysler AG, DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick S. Portell, Boris I. Burgman, John A. Diemer