Patents by Inventor Reid Baldwin

Reid Baldwin 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: 7678003
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain has an engine, a motor, a generator and a battery that define electro-mechanical power flow paths to vehicle traction wheels in both a forward drive operating mode and a reverse drive operating mode. The engine drives a power input element of a power-dividing gearset and the generator is connected to a reaction element of the power-dividing gearset. A torque reversing gearset drivably connects a power output element of the power-dividing gearset to final drive gearing to complement reverse driving motor torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7467564
    Abstract: A system for actuating gear changes in a motor vehicle transmission includes an electric motor including a motor shaft supported for rotation about an axis, first and second actuator drums supported for rotation substantially parallel to the axis, and a drive mechanism including a first power path driveably connecting the motor shaft and the first drum, and a second power path driveably connecting the motor shaft and the second drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Reid Baldwin, David Janson
  • Patent number: 7462121
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. A countershaft transmission in the powertrain delivers power from an engine through countershaft gearing. Electric power from a single motor-generator complements engine power and may drive front traction wheels. Regenerative power is recovered during power delivery to rear traction wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7455135
    Abstract: A torque transfer case for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. The transfer case receives torque from a power transmission mechanism and distributes driving torque to a primary traction wheel and axle assembly and to a secondary traction wheel and axle assembly wherein an electric motor power boost for each traction wheel and axle assembly is available as well as a regenerative braking power recover from either or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7428852
    Abstract: A system for actuating couplers to produce gear changes in a motor vehicle transmission includes first and second actuator drums supported for rotation, and first and second shift forks. Each first shift fork is driveably connected to a first actuator drum, secured to a first coupler, and displaced in response to rotation of a first actuator drum between a neutral state, wherein no gear is engaged, and at least one first drive state, wherein a gear of a first gear group is engaged. Each second shift fork is driveably connected to a second actuator drum, secured to a second coupler, and displaced in response to rotation of a second actuator drum between a neutral state, wherein no gear is engaged, and at least one second drive state, wherein a gear of the second gear group is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Reid Baldwin, David Janson
  • Publication number: 20080176695
    Abstract: The disclosed hybrid electric vehicle powertrain has an engine, a motor, a generator and a battery that define electro-mechanical power flow paths to vehicle traction wheels in both a forward drive operating mode and a reverse drive operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7303500
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission having an input and output includes a first and second planetary gearsets, each gearset including a sun gear, a ring gear surrounding the sun gear, a set of planet pinions meshing with the sun gear and the ring gear, and a carrier on which the planet pinions are rotatably supported, the carrier of the first gearset being driveably connected to the ring gear of the second gearset. A third gearset, driveably connected to the carrier of the second gearset and the ring gear of the first gearset, alternately drives the output at a predetermined lower speed relative to a speed of the carrier of the second gearset, and driving the output at substantially the speed of the ring gear of the first gearset. A first clutch connects and disconnects the input and the sun gear of the first gearset. A second clutch connects and disconnects the input and the sun gear of the second gearset. A third clutch alternately connects and disconnects the input and the carrier of the first gearset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Reid Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20070261901
    Abstract: A system for driving the wheels of a motor vehicle includes an engine or another prime mover, a transmission for transmitting rotary power to and from the engine, an electric machine, a clutch driveably connected to an output of the transmission; and a gearset driveably connected to the electric machine, the transmission output and the clutch, for transmitting rotary power between the electric machine and at least one of the transmission output and the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20070265126
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. A countershaft transmission in the powertrain delivers power from an engine through countershaft gearing. Electric power from a single motor-generator complements engine power and may drive front traction wheels. Regenerative power is recovered during power delivery to rear traction wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20070209461
    Abstract: A system for actuating gear changes in a motor vehicle transmission includes an electric motor including a motor shaft supported for rotation about an axis, first and second actuator drums supported for rotation substantially parallel to the axis, and a drive mechanism including a first power path driveably connecting the motor shaft and the first drum, and a second power path driveably connecting the motor shaft and the second drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Reid Baldwin, David Janson
  • Publication number: 20070209460
    Abstract: A system for actuating couplers to produce gear changes in a motor vehicle transmission includes first and second actuator drums supported for rotation, and first and second shift forks. Each first shift fork is driveably connected to a first actuator drum, secured to a first coupler, and displaced in response to rotation of a first actuator drum between a neutral state, wherein no gear is engaged, and at least one first drive state, wherein a gear of a first gear group is engaged. Each second shift fork is driveably connected to a second actuator drum, secured to a second coupler, and displaced in response to rotation of a second actuator drum between a neutral state, wherein no gear is engaged, and at least one second drive state, wherein a gear of the second gear group is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Reid Baldwin, David Janson
  • Patent number: 7246536
    Abstract: A multiple speed power transmission is disclosed having an input, first and second input shafts, first and second clutches releasably coupling the input to the first and second input shafts, respectively, and a set of selectable power paths connecting the first and second input shafts to the output, the set of selectable power paths having at least one power path that includes both the first and second input shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Reid Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20070142158
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission having an input and output includes a first and second planetary gearsets, each gearset including a sun gear, a ring gear surrounding the sun gear, a set of planet pinions meshing with the sun gear and the ring gear, and a carrier on which the planet pinions are rotatably supported, the carrier of the first gearset being driveably connected to the ring gear of the second gearset. A third gearset, driveably connected to the carrier of the second gearset and the ring gear of the first gearset, alternately drives the output at a predetermined lower speed relative to a speed of the carrier of the second gearset, and driving the output at substantially the speed of the ring gear of the first gearset. A first clutch connects and disconnects the input and the sun gear of the first gearset. A second clutch connects and disconnects the input and the sun gear of the second gearset. A third clutch alternately connects and disconnects the input and the carrier of the first gearset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Reid Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20070051196
    Abstract: A method for controlling gear shifts in a multiple speed power transmission for a vehicle that includes a first clutch for transmitting power through a first power path producing a reverse gear, and a second clutch for transmitting power through a second power path producing a forward gear. The method includes selecting a reverse range in which the transmission is to operate, preparing the transmission to transmit power alternately through the first power path and second power path; engaging the first clutch and transmitting power through the first power path in the reverse gear, selecting a forward range in which the transmission is to operate, disengaging the first clutch and engaging the second clutch, and transmitting power through the second power path in the forward gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Reid Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20070034427
    Abstract: A torque transfer case for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. The transfer case receives torque from a power transmission mechanism and distributes driving torque to a primary traction wheel and axle assembly and to a secondary traction wheel and axle assembly wherein an electric motor power boost for each traction wheel and axle assembly is available as well as a regenerative braking power recover from either or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20060207365
    Abstract: A multiple speed power transmission is disclosed having an input, first and second input shafts, first and second clutches releasably coupling the input to the first and second input shafts, respectively, and a set of selectable power paths connecting the first and second input shafts to the output, the set of selectable power paths having at least one power path that includes both the first and second input shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Inventor: Reid Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7107866
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input, a first layshaft, a second layshaft, a first power path for transmitting power between the input and first layshaft and producing a first ratio of a speed of the first layshaft and a corresponding speed of the input, a second power path for transmitting power between the input and second layshaft and producing a second ratio of the speed of the second layshaft and corresponding speed of the input; and a clutch for releasably connecting the input and the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Reid Baldwin, David Janson
  • Patent number: 7086987
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission for an automotive vehicle includes an input and an output, a planetary gear system comprising first, second and third planetary gear units, each gear unit including a sun gear, a ring gear, planet pinions meshing with the sun gear and ring gear, and a carrier rotatably supporting the planet pinions. A forward clutch releasably connects the carrier of the second gear unit and the carrier of the third gear unit. A second clutch releasably connects the carrier of the first gear unit to the ring gear of the second gear unit. A third clutch releasably connects the ring gear of the third gear unit to the carrier of the second gear unit. First brake releasably holds the carrier of the third gear unit against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7083540
    Abstract: A power transmission for a motor vehicle In realizing these advantages, a power transmission according to this invention includes an input shaft, an output, and a layshaft disposed parallel to the input shaft. A pair of drive elements includes a first element secured to the input shaft, and a second element journalled on the layshaft and driveably connected to the first element. A first coupler is secured to the layshaft for releasably coupling the second element and the layshaft. A planetary gear unit driveably connecting the layshaft and the output, includies a sun gear secured to the layshaft, a ring gear surrounding the sun gear and fixed against rotation, a carrier driveably connected to the output, and a set of planet pinions meshing with the sun gear and ring gear and rotatably supported on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7080566
    Abstract: A power transmission for a motor vehicle includes an input, a first layshaft, a second layshaft, an intermediate layshaft, a first power path for transmitting power between the input and first layshaft and producing a first ratio of a speed of the first layshaft and a corresponding speed of the input, a second power path for transmitting power between the input and second layshaft and producing a second ratio of the speed of the second layshaft and corresponding speed of the input, a speed reduction power path driveably connected to the intermediate layshaft, couplers for the first and second layshafts to various gearsets, a range coupler for coupling the output alternately to the speed reduction power path and the intermediate layshaft, and a clutch for releasably connecting the input and second power path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Reid Baldwin, David Janson