Patents by Inventor Robert Franklin Combs

Robert Franklin Combs 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: 7863764
    Abstract: A torque converter-mounted generator is provided that, along with power electronics, offers at least two types of electrical power output and may be attached to a transmission without impacting the axial length of a powertrain in comparison to a powertrain with an identical transmission and a torque converter not having a generator mounted thereto. Different torque-converter mounted generators and power electronics configurations providing different combinations of electrical power voltages may be offered for use with a given transmission type, thus allowing flexibility in meeting customer needs without unduly impacting assembly of the powertrains. A method of assembling transmissions is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Franklin Combs, David J. Sagers, Leroy K. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090071784
    Abstract: A torque converter-mounted generator is provided that, along with power electronics, offers at least two types of electrical power output and may be attached to a transmission without impacting the axial length of a powertrain in comparison to a powertrain with an identical transmission and a torque converter not having a generator mounted thereto. Different torque-converter mounted generators and power electronics configurations providing different combinations of electrical power voltages may be offered for use with a given transmission type, thus allowing flexibility in meeting customer needs without unduly impacting assembly of the powertrains. A method of assembling transmissions is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Franklin Combs, David J. Sagers, Leroy K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5747883
    Abstract: The cooling for large track laying type vehicles is provided by a fan which circulates air through the powertrain compartment and a radiator. The fan speed is varied to reduce the power requirement when maximum air flow is not needed. The speed of the fan is modulated relative to the engine speed by a separate drive mechanism. The electrical generator speed can also be modulated simultaneously with the fan drive. To provide a compact arrangement, the fan input shaft and generator input shaft are coaxially disposed such that the fan structure surrounds the outer periphery of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Frederick Hammer, Robert Franklin Combs