Patents by Inventor Michael R. Schmidt

Michael R. Schmidt 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: 7341534
    Abstract: Provided for a vehicle is an electrically variable hybrid transmission and powertrain utilizing a flywheel for energy storage. The flywheel is connected to an output shaft of the transmission and a first electric power unit through two planetary gear sets. Also provided is a second electrical power unit selectively coupled to an input shaft of the transmission and continuously coupled to an output shaft of a mechanical power source. The transmission, first and second electrical power units, flywheel, and mechanical power source cooperate to provide a continuously variable rotational speed to a final drive to propel the hybrid powertrain equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7338401
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission includes a power source, three differential gear sets, first and second motor/generators each connected to at least one of the gear sets, and torque-transmitting mechanisms. An input member transfers power from the power source through the differential gear sets to an output member. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable to provide an input-split first electrically variable mode having equal forward and reverse speed ratios for given input speeds and to provide substantially equal fixed forward and reverse speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Klemen, Michael R. Schmidt, Brendan M. Conlon
  • Publication number: 20080030868
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an LCD screen hood is provided for use with digital cameras. The hood includes a hood tube that defines a light blocking sidewall having an open camera end and an opposite viewing end and enclosing a longitudinally extending viewpath therebetween. An eyepiece mounted on the viewing end includes an eyepiece lens for enlarging an image on an associated LCD screen disposed at the camera end of the hood tube. An eye cup is mounted on the eyepiece for shielding the eyepiece lens from ambient light. An objective tube fixed to the hood tube carries a three piece objective lens mounted between the eyepiece lens and the camera end of the hood tube. Magnification of the eyepiece lens varies as appropriate between 1× and 2.5×. Rotation of the eyepiece tube provides for diopter adjuxtment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Louis J. Schmidt, Robert P. Schmidt, Michael R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7282003
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine connected to an input torque device including a torque isolator. A plurality of intermeshed accessory drive gears are connected to the torque device for driving accessories. A hybrid electromechanical transmission is connected to one of the accessory drive gears. A motor/generator of the hybrid electromechanical transmission is operable to drive the accessory drive gears when the engine is not running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Klemen, Michael R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7278941
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission includes: an input member to receive power from an engine; an output member; first and second motor/generators; and first and second differentially geared planetary gear sets each having first, second and third gear members. The input member is continuously connected to the first member of the first planetary gear set, and the output member is continuously connected to the first member of the second planetary gear set. The first motor/generator is continuously connected to the second member of the first planetary gear set, and selectively connected to the second member of the second planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is continuously connected with the third member of the second planetary gear set. A first torque transfer device selectively grounds the second member of the second planetary gear set. A second torque transfer device selectively connects the second member of the second planetary gear set to the second member of the first planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, James D. Hendrickson, Henryk Sowul
  • Patent number: 7264071
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain incorporates an engine, two motor/generator mechanisms, and a planetary gearset. The planetary gearset has at least one torque-transmitting mechanism, which may be selectively energized to provide a brake on one of the motor/generators thereby reducing the electrical power generation within the hybrid transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Schmidt, Larry T. Nitz, Alan G. Holmes, Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 7261660
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission is provided including an input member to receive power from an engine about a primary axis; an output member connected to a transfer member for transmitting power to a secondary axis; first and second motor/generators; and first and second simple planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members. The input member is continuously connected to the first member of the first gear set, and the output member is continuously connected to the first member of the second gear set. The first motor/generator is continuously connected to the second member of the first gear set. The second motor/generator is continuously connected with the third member of the first or second gear set. First and second torque transfer devices are positioned on one side of the transfer member, and the first and second gear sets are positioned on an opposite side of the transfer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7261661
    Abstract: A reduced cost, compact parallel hybrid transmission having only a single motor/generator is provided. The transmission utilizes a reduced number of components, preferably only three interconnecting members and four torque-transmitting mechanisms, to provide a reverse speed mode and seven forward speed modes (i.e., operating states achieved by engagement of a particular torque-transmitting mechanism or torque-transmitting mechanisms, whether encompassing a continuous range of speed ratios or only a fixed speed ratio). At least five of the forward modes are fixed speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7256510
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical transmission is provided having only a single motor/generator, at least one differential gear set and two torque-transmitting mechanisms. A first of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to establish a first continuously variable operating mode and a second of the torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable to establish a second continuously variable operating mode and a synchronous shift between the two operating modes is achievable. A method of control is provided in which vehicle operating characteristics are analyzed to identify a target operating state in terms of operating mode and ratio based on the available motor torque and motor power and on maximizing energy efficiency. The transmission is controlled to approach this operating mode as closely as possible and the diverge away from the optimum torque operating with zero net battery use as the battery charge of the battery connected with the motor/generator accumulates or depletes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corportion
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen
  • Patent number: 7241242
    Abstract: A two-mode compound-split hydro-mechanical powertrain employs a hydro-mechanical continuously variable transmission having two hydraulic units, at least two torque-transmitting mechanisms, and a planetary gear arrangement for combining the output of an engine and the two hydraulic units into a single output mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7238132
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission includes an input member to receive power from an engine about a primary axis; an output member connected to a transfer member for transmitting power to a secondary axis; first and second motor/generators; first and second torque transfer devices; and first and second planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members. The input member is continuously connected to the first member of the first gear set, and the output member is continuously connected to the first member of the second gear set. The first motor/generator is continuously connected to the second member of the first gear set. The second motor/generator is continuously connected with the third member of the first or second gear set. The transfer member is positioned between the first and second motor/generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7235029
    Abstract: A two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical transmission utilizes an input member for receiving power from an engine, and an output member for delivering power from the transmission. First and second motor/generators are operatively connected to an energy storage device through a control for interchanging electrical power among the storage device, the first motor/generator and the second motor/generator. The transmission employs three planetary gear sets. Each planetary gear arrangement utilizes first, second and third gear members. The transmission also employs five torque-transmitting mechanisms. One of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms is contained within each of the first and second motor/generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Klemen, Michael R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7220203
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission includes: an input member to receive power from an engine; an output member; first and second motor/generators; and first and second differentially geared planetary gear sets each having first, second and third gear members. The input member is continuously connected to the first member of the first planetary gear set, and the output member is continuously connected to the first member of the second planetary gear set. The first motor/generator is continuously connected to the second member of the first planetary gear set, and selectively connected to the second member of the second planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is continuously connected with the third member of the second planetary gear set. Five or six torque transfer devices selectively connect members of the planetary gear sets with each other or with ground. The torque transfer devices are engageable in combinations of two or three to provide five or six available fixed speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, James D. Hendrickson, Henryk Sowul
  • Patent number: 7220200
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission is provided including an input member to receive power from an engine; an output member connected to a transfer gear; first and second motor/generators; and first and second simple planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members. The input member is continuously connected to the first member of the first gear set, and the output member is continuously connected to the first member of the second gear set. The first motor/generator is continuously connected to the second member of the first gear set. The second motor/generator is continuously connected with the third member of the first or second gear set. The transfer gear and first and second torque transfer devices are positioned between the first and second gear sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7217211
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission includes a power source, three differential gear sets, first and second motor/generators each connected to at least one of the gear sets, and torque-transmitting mechanisms. An input member transfers power from the power source through the differential gear sets to an output member. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable to provide an input-split first electrically variable mode having equal forward and reverse speed ratios for given input speeds and a compound, power-split second electrically variable mode. Torque provided from the power source is added to torque provided from the second motor generator in both forward and reverse electrically variable modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Klemen, Michael R. Schmidt, Brendan M. Conlon
  • Patent number: 7214154
    Abstract: A two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical transmission utilizes an input member for receiving power from an engine, and an output member for delivering power from the transmission. First and second motor/generators are operatively connected to an energy storage device through a control for interchanging electrical power among the storage device. The transmission employs three planetary gear sets that cooperate with a plurality of torque transmitting devices to provide two distinct gear trains or power paths corresponding to two modes of electrically variable operation in which the speed ratio between the input member and the output member varies with the speed of at least one of the motor/generators. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable to provide six discrete, fixed speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Klemen, Michael R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7169073
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain incorporates an engine, two motor/generator units and three planetary gearsets along with three torque-transmitting mechanisms to provide a two-mode compound-split electrically variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 7166050
    Abstract: A powertrain incorporates two electrical units, two planetary gearsets in a radially-stacked package to provide a shortened length of the transmission. The output members of the electrical units are interconnected by a gear mechanism, which is drivingly connected with a conventional differential mechanism, which is aligned within the radial package of the electrical units. The electrical units combine with power from an engine to provide a two-mode compound-split electrically-variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 7128675
    Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, two electric motor/generators, and four nodes between which three parallel power paths are defined. Two of the power paths are mechanical and one of the power paths is electrical. The electric motor generators provide continuously variable speed ratios; manipulation of the power paths at the nodes provides a plurality of continuously variable operating modes for increased efficiency and smaller motor size. The transmission also provides an equal forward/reverse system with an input split.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Klemen, Michael R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7059986
    Abstract: A powertrain having a fuel cell prime mover, an electronic control unit, two motor/generator units, two planetary gearsets, and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms is operable to provide three ranges of operation. During one range of operation, the power take-off unit operates at a constant speed. During the second range of operation, the power take-off unit, one of the motor/generator units, and the output shaft operate at a same speed, and during the third range of operation, both motor/generator units, the output shaft, and the power take-off unit operate at a same speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Schmidt