Patents by Inventor Norman Schoenek
Norman Schoenek 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: 9772028Abstract: An electric motor damping module includes an electric motor, a motor damper continuously interconnected with the electric motor, and an input member continuously interconnected with the motor damper. A transmission includes these elements, plus an output member, first, second, and third planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the third member of the first planetary gear set with the second member of the second planetary gear set, a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the first planetary gear set and the output member with the third member of the third planetary gear set, and a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the third member of the second planetary gear set with the second member of the third planetary gear set. The transmission also includes six torque transmitting mechanisms and a hydraulic pump. A sealing assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Norman Schoenek, Shawn H. Swales, Min-Joong Kim, Leonid Basin
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Patent number: 9453572Abstract: An electro mechanical-drive system includes a main shaft, a plurality of ball bearings disposed around the main shaft, and a plurality of roller bearing disposed around the main shaft. At least one of the ball bearings is aligned with at least one of the roller bearings along an axis perpendicular to the main shaft. The ball and roller bearings may support other components of the electro-mechanical drive system and may be arranged in a nested or staggered configuration.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Goro Tamai, Shawn H. Swales, Norman Schoenek
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Patent number: 9260105Abstract: A system and method of managing power in a hybrid vehicle are provided. The system includes an engine, first and second electronic power components, a power storage device, and a controller. The power storage device is configured to supply a power output to the second electronic power component necessary for the second electronic power component to drive a second set of drive wheels, in an electronic all-wheel drive mode. In steep grade environments, the power storage device is depleted at a higher rate, and may require a power input in addition to the power input of a conventional charge to adequately supply the second electronic power component with adequate power. To provide this power, the controller executes a series of control steps to increase a power output of the first electronic power component, by increasing the speed of the engine, thereby providing continuous power to the power storage device.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Joseph M. Tolkacz, Norman Schoenek, Min-Joong Kim
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Publication number: 20150354671Abstract: An electric motor damping module includes an electric motor, a motor damper continuously interconnected with the electric motor, and an input member continuously interconnected with the motor damper. A transmission includes these elements, plus an output member, first, second, and third planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the third member of the first planetary gear set with the second member of the second planetary gear set, a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the first planetary gear set and the output member with the third member of the third planetary gear set, and a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the third member of the second planetary gear set with the second member of the third planetary gear set. The transmission also includes six torque transmitting mechanisms and a hydraulic pump. A sealing assembly is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2015Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventors: NORMAN SCHOENEK, SHAWN H. SWALES, MIN-JOONG KIM, LEONID BASIN
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Publication number: 20150300461Abstract: An electro mechanical-drive system includes a main shaft, a plurality of ball bearings disposed around the main shaft, and a plurality of roller bearing disposed around the main shaft. At least one of the ball bearings is aligned with at least one of the roller bearings along an axis perpendicular to the main shaft. The ball and roller bearings may support other components of the electro-mechanical drive system and may be arranged in a nested or staggered configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2014Publication date: October 22, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Goro Tamai, Shawn H. Swales, Norman Schoenek
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Patent number: 9121492Abstract: An electric motor damping module includes an electric motor, a motor damper continuously interconnected with the electric motor, and an input member continuously interconnected with the motor damper. A transmission includes these elements, plus an output member, first, second, and third planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the third member of the first planetary gear set with the second member of the second planetary gear set, a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the first planetary gear set and the output member with the third member of the third planetary gear set, and a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the third member of the second planetary gear set with the second member of the third planetary gear set. The transmission also includes six torque transmitting mechanisms and a hydraulic pump. A sealing assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Norman Schoenek, Shawn H. Swales, Min-Joong Kim, Leonid Basin
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Patent number: 9068645Abstract: A method of controlling a level of fluid in a main sump of a transmission includes opening an auxiliary reservoir with a first valve when fluid temperature in the main sump is at or below the predetermined temperature. The first valve is opened to increase the level of fluid in the main sump to at least a predetermined height so that transmission rotating components contact the fluid and generate splash lubrication. When the transmission is transmitting torque and the fluid is above the predetermined temperature, the level of fluid in the main sump is maintained below a predetermined height with closed first valve, such that the rotating components do not contact the fluid inside the main sump. A fluid pump alone is sufficient to lubricate the rotating components above the predetermined temperature and sufficient to lubricate the rotating components at or below the predetermined temperature only with splash lubrication.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Goro Tamai, Norman Schoenek, Anthony J. Corsetti
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Patent number: 9017203Abstract: A gear-train for transferring torque from multiple power sources includes first, second, and third input members, and an output member. The first and second input members rotate about a first axis, the third input member rotates about a second axis, and the output member rotates about a third axis. The gear-train additionally includes a first gear-set connected to the first input member. The gear-train also includes a second gear-set connected to the second input member. The gear-train additionally includes an intermediate shaft that rotates about a fourth axis. Furthermore, the gear-train includes a third gear-set connected to the intermediate shaft. In the third gear-set, first member is connected to the intermediate shaft and to the third input member, second and third members are set coaxially relative to the intermediate shaft and configured for asynchronous rotation with each other, and the third member is also connected to the output member.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Goro Tamai, Shawn H. Swales, Norman Schoenek
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Patent number: 8998760Abstract: A hybrid transmission has an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. The input member is driven by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Norman Schoenek, Hong Yang
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Patent number: 8974338Abstract: A hybrid powertrain has an electrically-variable transmission with a compound planetary gear set that may be only two planetary gear sets. Two members of the first planetary gear set are connected for common rotation with two members of the second planetary gear set. A first motor/generator is connected for common rotation with a member of the first planetary gear set and a member of the second planetary gear set. An input member is connected to another member of the first planetary gear set. A first set of intermeshing gears includes a first gear connected for common rotation with one of the gears of the second planetary gear set and a second gear driven by a second motor/generator. A second set of intermeshing gears includes another gear driving the output member. A first clutch is engageable to establish an input-split mode. A second clutch is engageable to establish a compound-split mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Brendan M. Conlon, Norman Schoenek
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Patent number: 8961344Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, and a stationary member. First and second planetary gearsets each have respective first, second, and third members. A first motor/generator has a first rotor operatively connected to one of the members of the planetary gearsets for unitary rotation therewith. A second motor/generator has a second rotor operatively connected to one of the members of the planetary gearsets for unitary rotation therewith. The transmission also includes first, second, and third torque transmitting devices operative to selectively connect members of the planetary gearsets with the input member, the stationary member, or with other members of the planetary gearsets to provide two electric vehicle modes, two electrically variable modes, and a fixed gear ratio mode of transmission operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Min-Joong Kim, Norman Schoenek, Shawn H. Swales
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Publication number: 20150039162Abstract: A system and method of managing power in a hybrid vehicle are provided. The system includes an engine, first and second electronic power components, a power storage device, and a controller. The power storage device is configured to supply a power output to the second electronic power component necessary for the second electronic power component to drive a second set of drive wheels, in an electronic all-wheel drive mode. In steep grade environments, the power storage device is depleted at a higher rate, and may require a power input in addition to the power input of a conventional charge to adequately supply the second electronic power component with adequate power. To provide this power, the controller executes a series of control steps to increase a power output of the first electronic power component, by increasing the speed of the engine, thereby providing continuous power to the power storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Joseph M. Tolkacz, Norman Schoenek, Min-Joong Kim
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Patent number: 8900094Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine having a crankshaft, a transmission having an input member, and a damper operatively interconnecting the input member and the crankshaft to transmit torque from the crankshaft to the input member. An electric motor/generator is operatively connected to the transmission input member to selectively transmit torque thereto. A damper bypass system is operatively connected to the crankshaft and the input member. The damper bypass system is configured not to transfer torque from the crankshaft to the input member, but transmits torque from the input member to the crankshaft in response to input member torque exceeding crankshaft torque.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Norman Schoenek, Min-Joong Kim
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Patent number: 8876655Abstract: A control strategy for launching a motor vehicle includes using an electric motor to provide high torque at low speeds during synchronization of launch clutches. An internal combustion engine is started and connected with the electric motor to provide additional torque capacity. Selective engagement and disengagement of an engine disconnect clutch prevents the engine start from interfering with the motor vehicle launch.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Norman Schoenek, Min-Joong Kim, Hong Yang
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Patent number: 8795114Abstract: A transmission includes a first motor/generator having a first rotor that is selectively rotatable about a first axis and a second motor/generator having a second rotor that is selectively rotatable about a second axis. A first planetary gearset and a second planetary gearset each has a respective first planetary member, a respective second planetary member, and a respective third planetary member. One of the members of the first planetary gearset is operatively connected to the first rotor to receive torque therefrom. One of the members of the second planetary gearset is operatively connected to the second rotor to receive torque therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Norman Schoenek, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Min-Joong Kim, Shawn H. Swales, Xiaohui Du, Leonid Basin, John Czubay
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Publication number: 20140172250Abstract: A method of controlling a level of fluid in a main sump of a transmission includes opening an auxiliary reservoir with a first valve when fluid temperature in the main sump is at or below the predetermined temperature. The first valve is opened to increase the level of fluid in the main sump to at least a predetermined height so that transmission rotating components contact the fluid and generate splash lubrication. When the transmission is transmitting torque and the fluid is above the predetermined temperature, the level of fluid in the main sump is maintained below a predetermined height with closed first valve, such that the rotating components do not contact the fluid inside the main sump. A fluid pump alone is sufficient to lubricate the rotating components above the predetermined temperature and sufficient to lubricate the rotating components at or below the predetermined temperature only with splash lubrication.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Goro Tamai, Norman Schoenek, Anthony J. Corsetti
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Publication number: 20140128215Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine having a crankshaft, a transmission having an input member, and a damper operatively interconnecting the input member and the crankshaft to transmit torque from the crankshaft to the input member. An electric motor/generator is operatively connected to the transmission input member to selectively transmit torque thereto. A damper bypass system is operatively connected to the crankshaft and the input member. The damper bypass system is configured not to transfer torque from the crankshaft to the input member, but transmits torque from the input member to the crankshaft in response to input member torque exceeding crankshaft torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Norman Schoenek, Min-Joong Kim
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Publication number: 20140121053Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, and a stationary member. First and second planetary gearsets each have respective first, second, and third members. A first motor/generator has a first rotor operatively connected to one of the members of the planetary gearsets for unitary rotation therewith. A second motor/generator has a second rotor operatively connected to one of the members of the planetary gearsets for unitary rotation therewith. The transmission also includes first, second, and third torque transmitting devices operative to selectively connect members of the planetary gearsets with the input member, the stationary member, or with other members of the planetary gearsets to provide two electric vehicle modes, two electrically variable modes, and a fixed gear ratio mode of transmission operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Min-Joong Kim, Norman Schoenek, Shawn H. Swales
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Publication number: 20140094334Abstract: A gear-train for transferring torque from multiple power sources includes first, second, and third input members, and an output member. The first and second input members rotate about a first axis, the third input member rotates about a second axis, and the output member rotates about a third axis. The gear-train additionally includes a first gear-set connected to the first input member. The gear-train also includes a second gear-set connected to the second input member. The gear-train additionally includes an intermediate shaft that rotates about a fourth axis. Furthermore, the gear-train includes a third gear-set connected to the intermediate shaft. In the third gear-set, first member is connected to the intermediate shaft and to the third input member, second and third members are set coaxially relative to the intermediate shaft and configured for asynchronous rotation with each other, and the third member is also connected to the output member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Goro Tamai, Shawn H. Swales, Norman Schoenek
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Patent number: 8640452Abstract: A hydraulic fluid circuit for a power transmission device includes a first hydraulic circuit segment fluidly decoupled from a second hydraulic circuit segment. A hydraulic pump includes a first fluidic pumping element and a second fluidic pumping element. The first fluidic pumping element fluidly communicates with the first hydraulic circuit segment. The second fluidic pumping element fluidly communicates with the second hydraulic circuit segment. The first fluidic pumping element is controllable to a first pump operating point to achieve a preferred high fluidic flow rate in the first hydraulic circuit segment. The second fluidic pumping element is controllable to a second pump operating point to achieve a preferred high fluidic pressure in the second hydraulic circuit segment.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John C. Schultz, Norman Schoenek, Kevin Michael Dougan, Edwin T. Grochowski, Daryl A Wilton, Edward W. Mellet