Patents by Inventor Michael L. Duhaime
Michael L. Duhaime 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).
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Patent number: 10543748Abstract: A transmission includes input and output shafts, a hybrid module coupled to the input shaft and a gearbox coupled to the module and output shaft. The hybrid module includes a first electric motor under driven by a gearset; a second electric motor coupled to a module output, a disconnect clutch coupled to the gearset and selectively to the input shaft; and a launch clutch coupled to the disconnect clutch and selectively to the module output. The gearbox includes three gearsets and five torque transmitting devices operable to generate six forward speeds. One torque transmitting device is a clutch brake applied with a piston that reaches over a park gear, and one is a selectable one way clutch. Two of the torque transmitting devices are radially stacked rotating clutches. The transmission includes and/or facilitates an engine only mode, an electric only mode, a hybrid mode and a battery charging mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: FCA US LLCInventors: Michael L Duhaime, Michael B Solt, Gurunath S Kedar-Dongarkar, Robert S Smyczynski, Ali Sarikhani, Cody J Rhebergen, Sachin A Bhide, Tejinder Singh
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Publication number: 20190078666Abstract: A transmission includes input and output shafts, a hybrid module coupled to the input shaft and a gearbox coupled to the module and output shaft. The hybrid module includes a first electric motor under driven by a gearset; a second electric motor coupled to a module output, a disconnect clutch coupled to the gearset and selectively to the input shaft; and a launch clutch coupled to the disconnect clutch and selectively to the module output. The gearbox includes three gearsets and five torque transmitting devices operable to generate six forward speeds. One torque transmitting device is a clutch brake applied with a piston that reaches over a park gear, and one is a selectable one way clutch. Two of the torque transmitting devices are radially stacked rotating clutches. The transmission includes and/or facilitates an engine only mode, an electric only mode, a hybrid mode and a battery charging mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2018Publication date: March 14, 2019Inventors: Michael L Duhaime, Michael B Solt, Gurunath S Kedar-Dongarkar, Robert S Smyczynski, Ali Sarikhani, Cody J Rhebergen, Sachin A Bhide, Tejinder Singh
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Patent number: 9809127Abstract: Compact integrated battery packs for hybrid vehicles are fully integrated with an on-board cooling system and include both the battery cells for supplying a primary voltage, such as powering a belt-driven starter generator (BSG) unit for engine start/stop, as well as a direct current (DC) to DC converter for stepping down the primary voltage to a secondary voltage for powering low voltage components and/or recharging a lead-acid battery. The on-board DC to DC converter decreases packaging size and eliminates the need for an alternator, which further decreases packaging size. Primary and secondary voltage output ports can also be implemented for quick and easy connection to other components. Configurations include single-layer and dual-layer arrangements with integrated air or liquid cooling for placement in or beneath a trunk of a vehicle, behind or beneath seats in a cab of a pickup truck, and/or beneath a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: FCA US LLCInventors: Michael L Duhaime, Steven L Clark, Oliver Gross
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Publication number: 20160176312Abstract: Compact integrated battery packs for hybrid vehicles are fully integrated with an on-board cooling system and include both the battery cells for supplying a primary voltage, such as powering a belt-driven starter generator (BSG) unit for engine start/stop, as well as a direct current (DC) to DC converter for stepping down the primary voltage to a secondary voltage for powering low voltage components and/or recharging a lead-acid battery. The on-board DC to DC converter decreases packaging size and eliminates the need for an alternator, which further decreases packaging size. Primary and secondary voltage output ports can also be implemented for quick and easy connection to other components. Configurations include single-layer and dual-layer arrangements with integrated air or liquid cooling for placement in or beneath a trunk of a vehicle, behind or beneath seats in a cab of a pickup truck, and/or beneath a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2014Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Michael L. Duhaime, Steven L. Clark, Oliver Gross
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Patent number: 9109674Abstract: An electrically variable transmission includes an input member, first and second motor-generators and a gear reduction arrangement including at least a first gear coupled to at least one second gear. A first planetary gear set can include a first sun gear, a first ring gear and a first carrier rotatably supporting a plurality of pinion gears in meshing engagement with the first sun gear and ring gear. The first carrier can be non-rotatably coupled to the input member and the first ring gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the at least one second gear. The sun gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the first motor-generator and the first gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the second motor-generator. The torque transmitting device can be configured to selectively fix rotation of the input member in at least one of a first rotational direction and a second opposite rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: FCA US LLCInventors: Michael L Duhaime, Scott A Miller, Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 9022176Abstract: An active/passive system for managing the temperature of fluid within an automatic transmission includes two heat exchangers, an active solenoid valve and a passive wax motor valve. A first heat exchanger provides transmission fluid heating and receives a flow of engine coolant. A second heat exchanger provides transmission fluid cooling and is exposed to ambient air. The solenoid valve which is preferably driven by a signal from a transmission control module (TCM) and the wax motor valve cooperate to provide three states of operation: transmission fluid heating, that is, heat added, cooling, that is, heat removed and pass-through or bypass (without heating or cooling).Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Tami A. Curtis, Michael L. Duhaime, Anthony P. Tata, Peter Donald Bock
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Publication number: 20150105200Abstract: An electrically variable transmission includes an input member, first and second motor-generators and a gear reduction arrangement including at least a first gear coupled to at least one second gear. A first planetary gear set can include a first sun gear, a first ring gear and a first carrier rotatably supporting a plurality of pinion gears in meshing engagement with the first sun gear and ring gear. The first carrier can be non-rotatably coupled to the input member and the first ring gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the at least one second gear. The sun gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the first motor-generator and the first gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the second motor-generator. The torque transmitting device can be configured to selectively fix rotation of the input member in at least one of a first rotational direction and a second opposite rotational direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Michael L. Duhaime, Scott A. Miller, Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 8967353Abstract: A transmission includes a housing defining a sealed interior and an input hub rotatably coupled to the housing. A gear set is disposed within the housing and configured for receiving a torque from an engine. The transmission further includes an isolator assembly and a bypass clutch, each disposed within the sealed interior of the housing. The isolator assembly is configured for selectively damping drivetrain inertia and/or vibration. The bypass clutch selectively engages and disengages the isolator assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Victor M. Roses, John A. Diemer, Randy Lewis Melanson, Douglas John Dwenger, Randal William Arndt, Pete R. Garcia, Michael L. Duhaime
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Publication number: 20130092349Abstract: An active/passive system for managing the temperature of fluid within an automatic transmission includes two heat exchangers, an active solenoid valve and a passive wax motor valve. A first heat exchanger provides transmission fluid heating and receives a flow of engine coolant. A second heat exchanger provides transmission fluid cooling and is exposed to ambient air. The solenoid valve which is preferably driven by a signal from a transmission control module (TCM) and the wax motor valve cooperate to provide three states of operation: transmission fluid heating, that is, heat added, cooling, that is, heat removed and pass-through or bypass (without heating or cooling).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Tami A. Curtis, Michael L. Duhaime, Anthony P. Tata, Peter Donald Bock
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Patent number: 8226526Abstract: A control system for a hybrid drive unit includes a pressure regulator valve, a first variable bleed solenoid valve for controlling a stationary clutch and a second variable bleed solenoid valve for controlling a rotating clutch. The control system controls the stationary clutch and the rotating clutch to operate the hybrid drive unit in four different modes.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John R. Czoykowski, Michael L. Duhaime, Chinar S. Ghike, Mark A. Vernacchia
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Publication number: 20110269598Abstract: A control system for a hybrid drive unit includes a pressure regulator valve, a first variable bleed solenoid valve for controlling a stationary clutch and a second variable bleed solenoid valve for controlling a rotating clutch. The control system controls the stationary clutch and the rotating clutch to operate the hybrid drive unit in four different modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: John R. Czoykowski, Michael L. Duhaime, Chinar S. Ghike, Mark A. Vernacchia
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Publication number: 20110100157Abstract: A transmission includes a housing defining a sealed interior and an input hub rotatably coupled to the housing. A gear set is disposed within the housing and configured for receiving a torque from an engine. The transmission further includes an isolator assembly and a bypass clutch, each disposed within the sealed interior of the housing. The isolator assembly is configured for selectively damping drivetrain inertia and/or vibration. The bypass clutch selectively engages and disengages the isolator assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Victor M. Roses, John A. Diemer, Randy Lewis Melanson, Douglas John Dwenger, Randal William Arndt, Pete R. Garcia, Michael L. Duhaime
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Patent number: 7934590Abstract: A park-by-wire subsystem which is internally mounted within an electrically variable hybrid transmission is provided. The park-by-wire subsystem provides a means of selectively placing the electrically variable hybrid transmission in a park condition by the selective actuation of an actuator operatively connected to a lever. The lever enables selective engagement of a park pawl mechanism and incorporates multiple Hall effect switches to monitor the position of the lever. The subsystem is monitored by various switches and sensors to provide control and diagnostic feedback and is activated by a command source controlled by a first control unit. A second control unit is incorporated into the design for required control, monitoring, and diagnostic redundancies.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Michael L. Duhaime, Mark A. Vernacchia
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Patent number: 7517296Abstract: The present invention provides a control system employing a single solenoid valve operable to provide a variable fluid flow to effect cooling if the motor/generator assemblies contained within an electrically variable hybrid transmission. The control system of the present invention selectively controls the cooling of at least one motor/generator assembly of an electronically variable hybrid transmission by selectively controlling valves of various types and configurations.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Michael D. Foster, Charles F. Long, Michael L. Duhaime
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Publication number: 20070284213Abstract: A park-by-wire subsystem which is internally mounted within an electrically variable hybrid transmission is provided. The park-by-wire subsystem provides a means of selectively placing the electrically variable hybrid transmission in a park condition by the selective actuation of an actuator operatively connected to a lever. The lever enables selective engagement of a park pawl mechanism and incorporates multiple Hall effect switches to monitor the position of the lever. The subsystem is monitored by various switches and sensors to provide control and diagnostic feedback and is activated by a command source controlled by a first control unit. A second control unit is incorporated into the design for required control, monitoring, and diagnostic redundancies.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2007Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventors: Michael L. Duhaime, Mark A. Vernacchia
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Patent number: 4298105Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control for a power transmission has a solenoid controlled shift valve and a hydraulic controlled shift valve. Preferably, the solenoid controlled valve controls the control clutch while the hydraulic controlled valve controls the clutch or brake which is effective to establish a drive ratio in the transmission. When a ratio change involving the disengagement of the clutch or brake occurs, the exhaust fluid therefrom operates on an electrical switch which is effective to provide momentary disengagement of the torque converter clutch.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1979Date of Patent: November 3, 1981Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Michael L. Duhaime