Patents by Inventor Thomas G. Brand

Thomas G. Brand 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).

  • Brake bands for an automatic transmission and method for controlling a gear shift in automatic transmission and feedback loop control system
    Patent number: 7066305
    Abstract: A brake band shifting mechanism for an automatic transmission. The brake band shifting mechanism includes a brake band encircling a brake drum of the transmission. A first end of the brake band is mounted to a secured portion of the transmission by a first linkage and a second end of the brake band is mounted to a two-stage servo by a second linkage. The servo provides selective apply and release pressure to the second linkage to control the compression or expansion of the brake band. In operation, the brake band is quickly compressed to the brake drum during the first stage of the servo, and then fine adjustments are made to control the speed of the brake drum during the second stage of the servo, where inputs from position and speed sensors in the transmission are used to control the adjustment of the brake band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grzesiak, Chris Denault, Thomas G. Brand, Darren L. Firth, Richard T. Tamba
  • Brake bands for an automatic transmission and method for controlling a gear shift in automatic transmission and feedback loop control system
    Publication number: 20020121410
    Abstract: A brake band shifting mechanism for an automatic transmission. The brake band shifting mechanism includes a brake band encircling a brake drum of the transmission. A first end of the brake band is mounted to a secured portion of the transmission by a first linkage and a second end of the brake band is mounted to a two-stage servo by a second linkage. The servo provides selective apply and release pressure to the second linkage to control the compression or expansion of the brake band. In operation, the brake band is quickly compressed to the brake drum during the first stage of the servo, and then fine adjustments are made to control the speed of the brake drum during the second stage of the servo, where inputs from position and speed sensors in the transmission are used to control the adjustment of the brake band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grzesiak, Chris Denault, Thomas G. Brand, Darren L. Firth, Richard T. Tamba