Patents by Inventor Joseph Hessell

Joseph Hessell 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).

  • Method and apparatus for applying and releasing a clutch
    Patent number: 7051856
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying and releasing a clutch piston in a clutch cylinder against a return spring includes a fill oil chamber having first and second portions separated by a fill piston. The first portion is in fluid communication with the clutch cylinder through a first passage, and the second portion is in fluid communication with a second passage. A third passage is in fluid communication with the first passage. A fill control valve is operative to alternately communicate the second passage to a transmission line pressure passage or an exhaust passage. The fill control valve is further operative to alternately communicate the third passage to a controllable source of pressurized oil having a signal pressure, or to close the third passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Hessell, Michael J. Gorman
  • Method and apparatus for applying and releasing a clutch
    Publication number: 20050092576
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying and releasing a clutch piston in a clutch cylinder against a return spring includes a fill oil chamber having first and second portions separated by a fill piston. The first portion is in fluid communication with the clutch cylinder through a first passage, and the second portion is in fluid communication with a second passage. A third passage is in fluid communication with the first passage. A fill control valve is operative to alternately communicate the second passage to a transmission line pressure passage or an exhaust passage. The fill control valve is further operative to alternately communicate the third passage to a controllable source of pressurized oil having a signal pressure, or to close the third passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph Hessell, Michael Gorman