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).

  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20180106339
    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: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20180106337
    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: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20180106340
    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: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • MULTI-SPEED PLANETARY TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20180106334
    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: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Jezrah Horen, Douglas S. Burchett, Michael Foster
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20180106345
    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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20180106341
    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: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Multi-speed planetary transmission
    Patent number: 9933045
    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: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Jezrah Horen, Douglas S. Burchett, Michael Foster
  • MULTI-SPEED PLANETARY TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20180087620
    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: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Foster, James Raszkowski
  • MULTI-SPEED PLANETARY TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20180087618
    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: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: James Raszkowski, Jezrah Horen, Michael Foster
  • MULTI-SPEED PLANETARY TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20180087608
    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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Drew A. Crafton, Mitchell Irving, Michael Foster
  • MULTI-SPEED PLANETARY TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20180087609
    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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Jezrah Horen, Douglas S. Burchett, Michael Foster
  • MULTI-SPEED PLANETARY TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20180087610
    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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Eric S. Tryon, Michael Foster
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 9927009
    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 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • USER-INPUT SCHEDULING OF SYNCHRONIZATION OPERATION ON A MOBILE DEVICE BASED ON USER ACTIVITY
    Publication number: 20180070324
    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: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sandra I. VARGAS, David R. WILLIAMSON, Gary W. HALL, Michael A. FOSTER, Juan V. Esteve BALDUCCI
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 9890835
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission includes 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 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20180017139
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each of the plurality of planetary gearsets includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier member with pinion 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 plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20180017141
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each of the plurality of planetary gearsets includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier member with pinion 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 plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20180017140
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each of the plurality of planetary gearsets includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier member with pinion 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 plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Brian Schoolcraft
  • User-input scheduling of synchronization operation on a mobile device based on user activity
    Patent number: 9838985
    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: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sandra I Vargas, David R Williamson, Gary W Hall, Michael A Foster, Juan V. Esteve Balducci
  • Manufacturing technique for variator cooling technologies
    Patent number: 9822870
    Abstract: A variator and methods for making the variator are disclosed. A method of making the variator includes forming a plurality of holes in a surface of a case that includes a flange, arranging a plurality of spheres in the case that are configured to be positioned between an input disc and an output disc circumferentially about a central axis so that the plurality of spheres are positioned radially inward of the flange, and positioning a plurality of fluid conduits in the plurality of holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, James Raszkowski, Brian Schoolcraft