Patents by Inventor Michael A. Foster

Michael A. Foster 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: 10323727
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10316939
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10309495
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10302173
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least nine forward speed ratios is disclosed. The plurality of planetary gearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The plurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and a number of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers. The six selective couplers may include three clutches and three brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Tryon, Michael Foster
  • Patent number: 10295023
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10292120
    Abstract: Data is synchronized between a mobile device and a computing device over a wireless link. Synchronization operations are scheduled according to a synchronization schedule that is based on a current time of day. In one embodiment, the day can be divided into different time periods by the user. The user can also specify the frequency with which synchronization operations are to be performed during each specified period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sandra I. Vargas, David R. Williamson, Gary W. Hall, Michael A. Foster, Juan V. Esteve Balducci
  • Patent number: 10156283
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least nine forward speed ratios is disclosed. The plurality of planetary gearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The plurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and a number of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers. The six selective couplers may include three clutches and three brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: James Raszkowski, Jezrah Horen, Michael Foster
  • Publication number: 20180348125
    Abstract: An optical chemical analyser comprises a source of a first amount of radiation (46), an optics module configured to direct the first amount of radiation such that it is incident on or passes through a target (14) at a target location, the optics module further being configured to receive a second amount of Raman scattered radiation from the target and direct the second amount of radiation (206) to a Spatial Interference Fourier Transform (SIFT) module, the SIFT module including a first dispersive element (216) and a second dispersive element (218), the SIFT module being configured such that a portion of the second amount of radiation is received by the first dispersive element and interferes with a portion of the second amount of radiation received by the second dispersive element to form an interference pattern; the SIFT module further comprising a detector (48) configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the interference pattern and produce a detector signal (226) based on the captured image; an
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Stockwell, David Widdup, Michael Foster, Jonathan Storey
  • Publication number: 20180297723
    Abstract: Capture assemblies and compliant extension assemblies may be utilized for insertion into a nozzle of a liquid engine of a spacecraft. The capture assembly may include an apparatus such as a probe for insertion into the nozzle and an assembly at least partially enclosed in a forward portion of the probe. The assembly may include a plurality of actuated fingers for deploying outwardly from the probe when the probe is inserted into the nozzle. The compliant extension assembly may be at least partially enclosed in a housing connected to the capture assembly for axial movement of the probe. The compliant extension assembly may facilitate axial movement of the probe between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the probe is extended forwardly, relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Peter O. Sorensen, Matthew Alan Michel, William A. Llorens, David M. Murphy, Jeffrey Braden, Michael Edward McEachen, Michael Foster
  • Patent number: 10077822
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10072739
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission having an input member, air output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10071720
    Abstract: A method of selectively controlling a power take-off (PTO) assembly includes positioning a clutch assembly radially between a shaft and a PTO gear, operably controlling the clutch assembly with a controller, and selectively engaging the clutch assembly with the controller. The controller monitors signals received from a plurality of sensors and compares the monitored signals with respective signal thresholds. The clutch assembly is engaged when the compared monitored signals are within the signal thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Douglas Burchett
  • Patent number: 10072737
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10072738
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10072735
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least nine forward speed ratios is disclosed. The plurality of planetary gearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The plurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and a number of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers. The six selective couplers may include four clutches and two brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Drew A. Crafton, Mitchell Irving, Michael Foster
  • Patent number: 10066705
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10066702
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10066706
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10066704
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 10066703
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft