Patents by Inventor Patrick Benedict Usoro

Patrick Benedict Usoro 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: 7033298
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets, two input clutches, nine, ten or eleven torque transmitting mechanisms and a fixed interconnection. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnection, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of at least three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee, Paul D. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 6932735
    Abstract: A family of transmissions includes three planetary gearsets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each family member may be employed in a powertrain to provide six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio when the torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two in a selected manner. Each planetary gearset includes three planetary members. The first member of the first planetary gearset is continuously connected with the first member of the second planetary gearset. The second member of the first planetary gearset is continuously connected with a first member of the third planetary gearset. The second member of the second planetary gearset is continuously connected with the second member of the third planetary gearset. An input shaft is continuously connected with one of the members of the planetary gearsets and an output shaft is continuously connected with another member of the planetary gearsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6852059
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. Further, two of the torque transmitting mechanisms and one of the input clutches may be replaced with two input clutches, thereby reducing content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6846263
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. Also, one planetary gear member is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is not continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with at least one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6837823
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, seven or eight torque transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even speed ratio changes. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6832675
    Abstract: A disk spring assembly including a flat disk between two angled plates is used in an automatic transmission clutch application. The inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge of the disk are deflected in opposite directions relative to each other by the angled plates. The maximum deflection of the disk is defined by the angled plates. The stiffness of the disk increases monotonically with the deflection of the disk resulting in smooth clutch application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Anthony L. Smith, Andrew Leslie Bartos, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Publication number: 20040195070
    Abstract: A disk spring assembly including a flat disk between two angled plates is used in an automatic transmission clutch application. The inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge of the disk are deflected in opposite directions relative to each other by the angled plates. The maximum deflection of the disk is defined by the angled plates. The stiffness of the disk increases monotonically with the deflection of the disk resulting in smooth clutch application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Anthony L. Smith, Andrew Leslie Bartos, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6793605
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is not continuously connected to any of planetary gear members. In some family members, the output shaft is continuously connected with at least one member of the first or second planetary gear set or continuously connected with a member of the third planetary gear set and selectively connectable with at least one member of the first, second or third planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6783477
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets, two input clutches, nine, ten or eleven torque transmitting mechanisms and a fixed interconnection. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnection, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of at least three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee, Paul D. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 6780138
    Abstract: The family of six-speed planetary transmissions incorporates three planetary gearsets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms, which are engaged in combinations of two to establish at least six forward speeds and one reverse speed within the planetary transmission. The five torque-transmitting mechanisms are comprised of three rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms (clutches) and two stationary type torque-transmitting mechanisms (brakes). Each of the three planetary gearsets has three members with a first member of the first planetary gearset being continuously interconnected with a first member of the second planetary gearset. A second member of the first planetary gearset is continuously interconnected with a first member of the third planetary gearset. A second member of the second planetary gearset is continuously interconnected with a second member of the third planetary gearset. The input shaft and output shafts are continuously connected with selected members of the planetary gearsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chi-Kuan Kao
  • Patent number: 6776738
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions has a plurality of family members each of which have three planetary gearsets, each having three members, and six torque transmitting mechanisms. An output shaft is continuously interconnected with at least one planetary member. An input shaft is selectively interconnected with respective planetary members through at least two of the torque transmitting mechanisms. One member of the second planetary gearset and one member of the third planetary gearset are continuously interconnected, and another member of the third planetary gearset is continuously interconnected with a transmission housing. The remaining torque transmitting mechanisms provide selective interconnections between two planetary members or between a planetary member and the housing, the input shaft, and the output shaft. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engaged in combinations of four to establish at least seven forward speeds and one reverse speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Chi-Kuan Kao
  • Publication number: 20040157697
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets, two input clutches, nine, ten or eleven torque transmitting mechanisms and a fixed interconnection. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnection, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of at least three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee, Paul D. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 6773371
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions wherein each family member includes three planetary gearsets each having three members and six selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms. The planetary gearsets have members that are continuously interconnected by at least three interconnecting members. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engaged in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio in the three planetary gearsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6767307
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, and three fixed interconnections. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The eight torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. One of the torque transmitting mechanisms may be eliminated to provide at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6767306
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and a fixed interconnection. Also, one planetary gear member is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Norman Kenneth Bucknor
  • Patent number: 6764424
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratio and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, seven or eight torque transmitting mechanisms, three fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20040132577
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, and three fixed interconnections. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The eight torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. One of the torque transmitting mechanisms may be eliminated to provide at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Publication number: 20040132576
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratio and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, seven or eight torque transmitting mechanisms, three fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20040132575
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. Further, two of the torque transmitting mechanisms and one of the input clutches may be replaced with two input clutches, thereby reducing content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6758787
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets having two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even speed ratio ranges. The eight torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated along with the input clutches in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee