Patents by Inventor Michael T. Berhan

Michael T. Berhan 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).

  • Publication number: 20130065718
    Abstract: A motor vehicle powertrain includes an engine, a motor/generator including a rotor, gearing including an input driveably connected to the engine, and an output secured to the rotor and driven in a rotary direction opposite to that of the input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alfredo R. Munoz, Michael W. Degner, Michael T. Berhan, Shaun G. Knowles, Thomas A. McGinn
  • Patent number: 7509802
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an electric power source in a transmission includes a transmission housing, and an electric machine including a rotor and a stator secured to the housing. A first member is secured to the rotor, extends radially toward an axis of rotation, and is formed with a first pilot surface. A second member, secured to the rotor and the housing, extends from the housing toward the axis and is formed with a second pilot surface that is aligned axially with the first pilot surface. An anti-friction bearing, located at an axial rearward side or axially frontward side of a torque converter, is engaged with the first pilot surface and the second pilot surface. A second balanced bearing is located either in the driving engine or the driven transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew D. Hammond, Michael T. Berhan, Jeffrey E. Maurer, Steve G. Thomas, Julie A. Sunstein
  • Publication number: 20080099258
    Abstract: A system for venting a sealed, enclosed volume in the powertrain of an automotive vehicle includes a first housing, a second housing mechanically connected to the first housing, the first and second housings enclosing a volume, a seal located at an interface between the first and second housings for sealing said volume against passage of fluid; and a hollow vent tube having a length and including a first end communicating with the volume, and a second end spaced along the length from the first end, the second end permitting pneumatic fluid to enter and leave the vent tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Michael T. Berhan
  • Publication number: 20080072586
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an electric power source in a transmission includes a transmission housing, and an electric machine including a rotor and a stator secured to the housing. A first member is secured to the rotor, extends radially toward an axis of rotation, and is formed with a first pilot surface. A second member, secured to the rotor and the housing, extends from the housing toward the axis and is formed with a second pilot surface that is aligned axially with the first pilot surface. An anti-friction bearing, located at an axial rearward side or axially frontward side of a torque converter, is engaged with the first pilot surface and the second pilot surface. A second balanced bearing is located either in the driving engine or the driven transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew D. Hammond, Michael T. Berhan, Jeffrey E. Maurer, Steve G. Thomas, Julie A. Sunstein