Patents by Inventor Kent H. Kienzle

Kent H. Kienzle 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: 9080650
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent H. Kienzle, Dan Coffey, David M. Zini, John A. Diemer, Pete R. Garcia, Tejinder Singh, Boris Burgman
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7052430
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft continuously connected directly between an engine and a planetary gear member of a first planetary gearset. Another member of the planetary gearset is selectively grounded by a torque transmitting mechanism to establish a reaction member during the launch of a vehicle incorporating the powertrain. The reaction member is established during both the lowest forward drive ratio and the reverse drive ratio. A third member of the planetary gearset transmits the torque from the input shaft, as modified by the planetary gearset, to other planetary gearsets in down stream power flow arrangement with the first planetary gearset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D Stevenson, Scott H Wittkopp, Richard A Winship, James B. Borgerson, Joel M. Maguire, Kent H. Kienzle, Donald L. Dusenberry, Jeffrey J. Biallas, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 7029417
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft connectable with an engine and a planetary gear unit. The gear unit includes two planes of gears drivingly coupled to one another. A single carrier rotatably supports pinion gears from each plane of gears. A long ring engages the pinion gears from each plane of gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James B. Borgerson, Joel M. Maguire, Kent H. Kienzle
  • Patent number: 6827664
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft continuously connected directly between an engine and a planetary gear member of a first planetary gearset. Another member of the planetary gearset is selectively grounded by a torque transmitting mechanism to establish a reaction member during the launch of a vehicle incorporating the powertrain. The reaction member is established during both the lowest forward drive ratio and the reverse drive ratio. A third member of the planetary gearset transmits the torque from the input shaft, as modified by the planetary gearset, to other planetary gearsets in down stream power flow arrangement with the first planetary gearset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Stevenson, James B. Borgerson, Joel M. Maguire, Kent H. Kienzle, Donald L. Dusenberry, Jeffrey J. Biallas, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20040235608
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft connectable with an engine and a planetary gear unit. The gear unit includes two planes of gears drivingly coupled to one another. A single carrier rotatably supports pinion gears from each plane of gears. A long ring engages the pinion gears from each plane of gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: James B. Borgerson, Joel M. Maguire, Kent H. Kienzle
  • Publication number: 20040224813
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft continuously connected directly between an engine and a planetary gear member of a first planetary gearset. Another member of the planetary gearset is selectively grounded by a torque transmitting mechanism to establish a reaction member during the launch of a vehicle incorporating the powertrain. The reaction member is established during both the lowest forward drive ratio and the reverse drive ratio. A third member of the planetary gearset transmits the torque from the input shaft, as modified by the planetary gearset, to other planetary gearsets in down stream power flow arrangement with the first planetary gearset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Paul D. Stevenson, Scott H. Wittkopp, Richard A. Winship, James B. Borgerson, Joel M. Maguire, Kent H. Kienzle, Donald L. Dusenberry, Jeffrey J. Biallas, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20030119623
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft continuously connected directly between an engine and a planetary gear member of a first planetary gearset. Another member of the planetary gearset is selectively grounded by a torque transmitting mechanism to establish a reaction member during the launch of a vehicle incorporating the powertrain. The reaction member is established during both the lowest forward drive ratio and the reverse drive ratio. A third member of the planetary gearset transmits the torque from the input shaft, as modified by the planetary gearset, to other planetary gearsets in down stream power flow arrangement with the first planetary gearset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Paul D. Stevenson, Scott H. Wittkopp, Richard A. Winship, James B. Borgerson, Joel M. Maguire, Kent H. Kienzle, Donald L. Dusenberry, Jeffrey J. Biallas, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 5297054
    Abstract: An automated generative gear design process, which designs parallel axis gearsets to meet constraints and performance goals. The process uses state space searches, generate and test, and other knowledge based techniques to automatically generate gearset designs and recommend cutting and inspection tools. Specific knowledge applied includes standard gear and gearset equations and conditions for use, standard and specially developed gearset design methodologies, models of generic gears and gearsets, the specific limitations of geometry of various gears and gearsets, the ability to evaluate designs based on performance relative to goals, characteristics of available cutting and inspection tools, lubricants, and materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kent H. Kienzle, Mark J. Jeffery, Trent R. Jaeger, Karon A. Barber