Patents by Inventor William S. Reed

William S. Reed 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: 11519464
    Abstract: A profiled wheel assembly for coupling to a shaft includes a profiled wheel having a first guide slot extending radially outwardly from a central aperture of the profiled wheel and a first assembly slot spaced apart from and parallel to the first guide slot. A retainer is supported on the profiled wheel for movement between a lock position wherein the retainer axially locks the profiled wheel relative to the shaft and a release position wherein the retainer axially unlocks the profiled wheel relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: James Raszkowski, William S. Reed
  • Patent number: 11519497
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a transmission spool valve/valve body arrangement facilitating the manufacturing of the valve body chambers accommodating the spool valves. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure provides a valve body having a common datum from which machining for each valve cavity formed through a particular face of a valve body can be referenced. In particular embodiments of the disclosure, a spring biases a solenoid assembly for each valve against a datum (common or otherwise). In more particular embodiments of the disclosure, the spring biases the solenoid assembly in a direction opposite to the direction of actuation of the spool valve upon actuation of the solenoid assembly. The spring bias positively displaces the solenoid assembly to the datum for precision location of the solenoid relative to the various hydraulic ports of the respective valve chamber. A variety of spring clip arrangements are provided to index the solenoid to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth P. Dick, Doug S. Burchett, James A. Raszkowski, William S. Reed
  • Publication number: 20200393002
    Abstract: A profiled wheel assembly for coupling to a shaft includes a profiled wheel having a first guide slot extending radially outwardly from a central aperture of the profiled wheel and a first assembly slot spaced apart from and parallel to the first guide slot. A retainer is supported on the profiled wheel for movement between a lock position wherein the retainer axially locks the profiled wheel relative to the shaft and a release position wherein the retainer axially unlocks the profiled wheel relative to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: James Raszkowski, William S. Reed
  • Publication number: 20190178370
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a transmission spool valve/valve body arrangement facilitating the manufacturing of the valve body chambers accommodating the spool valves. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure provides a valve body having a common datum from which machining for each valve cavity formed through a particular face of a valve body can be referenced. In particular embodiments of the disclosure, a spring biases a solenoid assembly for each valve against a datum (common or otherwise). In more particular embodiments of the disclosure, the spring biases the solenoid assembly in a direction opposite to the direction of actuation of the spool valve upon actuation of the solenoid assembly. The spring bias positively displaces the solenoid assembly to the datum for precision location of the solenoid relative to the various hydraulic ports of the respective valve chamber. A variety of spring clip arrangements are provided to index the solenoid to the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Elizabeth P. Dick, Doug S. Burchett, James A. Raszkowski, William S. Reed
  • Patent number: 8783135
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive-unit includes an input member, an output member, a drive-unit housing, and a gearing arrangement operatively connected to each of the output and input members. The drive-unit also includes a pump for circulating pressurized fluid and an electric motor. The electric motor includes a rotor connected to the gearing arrangement, a stator fixed relative to the drive-unit housing and having wire windings, and a motor housing configured to retain the rotor and the stator. The drive-unit also includes a fluid cavity between the drive-unit housing and the motor housing configured to receive the pressurized fluid. The drive-unit housing defines a passage in fluid communication with the fluid cavity. The drive-unit also includes a fastener having a head and a shank. The fastener is secured within the passage to facilitate discharging the fluid from under the fastener head onto the wire windings for cooling and/or lubrication thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Knoth, William S. Reed
  • Patent number: 8764596
    Abstract: A transmission system of a vehicle comprises a pump, an auxiliary pump, and a transmission. The pump pressurizes transmission oil when an engine is operating. The auxiliary pump operably coupled to the pump and located parallel to the pump that pressurizes the transmission oil when the engine is not operating. The transmission selects a gear ratio based on the pressurized transmission oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Eric S. Tryon, William S. Reed, Matthew R. Knoth
  • Publication number: 20140041482
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive-unit includes an input member, an output member, a drive-unit housing, and a gearing arrangement operatively connected to each of the output and input members. The drive-unit also includes a pump for circulating pressurized fluid and an electric motor. The electric motor includes a rotor connected to the gearing arrangement, a stator fixed relative to the drive-unit housing and having wire windings, and a motor housing configured to retain the rotor and the stator. The drive-unit also includes a fluid cavity between the drive-unit housing and the motor housing configured to receive the pressurized fluid. The drive-unit housing defines a passage in fluid communication with the fluid cavity. The drive-unit also includes a fastener having a head and a shank. The fastener is secured within the passage to facilitate discharging the fluid from under the fastener head onto the wire windings for cooling and/or lubrication thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Knoth, William S. Reed
  • Patent number: 8424415
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission includes a transmission housing and a motor/generator stator configured to be attached to the transmission housing. A clutch housing is configured to be attached to the motor/generator stator, such that the clutch housing is not directly attached to the transmission housing but is statically fixed. An axis of rotation defines a coordinate system having axial, radial, and clocking rotations. A first piloting feature may be formed on the clutch housing and a second piloting feature on the transmission housing. The first and second piloting features cooperate to axially and radially orient, but not attach, the clutch housing relative to the transmission housing. Third and fourth piloting features cooperate to orient the clocking rotation of the clutch housing. Stator bolts may permanently locate and attach the motor/generator stator to the transmission housing, and clutch bolts permanently locate and attach the clutch housing to the motor/generator stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William S. Reed, Greg B. Witczak
  • Patent number: 8307970
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch assembly including a first housing comprising a first clutch, a first clutch actuator and a second housing having the first clutch actuator at least partially disposed therein so that said first clutch actuator selectively engages the first clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Douglas Scott Burchett, William S. Reed, Kenneth D. Schoch
  • Patent number: 8256600
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. A hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William S. Reed, Douglas Scott Burchett, Rayman Eton Bazilio
  • Patent number: 8221279
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for selectively actuating a clutch includes a first actuator ring that is moveable between a first axial position and a second axial position along a rotational axis of the clutch, and a second actuator ring that is slidably received within the first actuator ring, and that is moveable between a third axial position and a fourth axial position by the first actuator ring. The first actuator ring receives a first actuation force, and when in the second axial position, transfers the first actuation force to the second actuator ring. The second actuator ring selectively receives the first actuation force and a second actuation force, and when in the fourth axial position, transfers one of the first and second actuation forces to the clutch. The actuator assembly is included with a transmission and actuates a clutch that provides an input to a planetary gear set of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventors: William S. Reed, Kevin C. Beckner
  • Publication number: 20120103132
    Abstract: A transmission assembly is provided. The transmission assembly includes a transmission case with at least one wall having an interior side and an exterior side; a transmission component arranged within the transmission case; an interface formed in the wall of the transmission case; and a connector secured to the wall at the interface with a snap-in connection that substantially prevents axial, radial, and rotational movement between the connector and interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: MERRITT J. MORRIS, WILLIAM S. REED
  • Patent number: 8157037
    Abstract: An automotive drive system includes a transmission comprising a plurality of gears, an electric motor having a rotor and being coupled to the transmission such that operation of the electric motor causes actuation of the gears, and a sensor assembly coupled to and located on the exterior of at least one of the transmission and the electric motor, the sensor assembly being configured to detect movement of at least one of the rotor and the plurality of gears and generate a signal representative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William S. Reed, Dan H. Nguy, Christopher J. Bowes
  • Patent number: 8115351
    Abstract: A cooling system for an electrically variable transmission includes an electric motor having a plurality of connectors. The plurality of connectors are each assembled within a plurality of connector openings in a terminal block. Fluid from within a passageway is supplied by a pressurized fluid source, and an orifice for the passageway is located adjacent to one of the plurality of connector opening. The fluid flowing from the passageway is directed onto one of the plurality of connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Reinhart, Kevin P Coleman, Eric S. Tryon, William S. Reed, Grantland I. Kingman
  • Patent number: 7926819
    Abstract: A seal for use between the housing of an automatic transmission and the housing (can) of a transmission drive motor is disposed at each end of the drive motor housing. The seal includes a preferably metal annulus having inner and outer elastomeric ribbed seals secured thereto. The annulus, which defines a non-hardened ā€œSā€ shape in cross section, maintains the shape and strength of the seal and the ribbed inner seal provides a fluid tight seal with the motor housing while the ribbed outer seal provides a fluid tight seal with the transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Reinhart, Gregory W. Kempf, William S. Reed
  • Publication number: 20110079485
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission includes a transmission housing and a motor/generator stator configured to be attached to the transmission housing. A clutch housing is configured to be attached to the motor/generator stator, such that the clutch housing is not directly attached to the transmission housing but is statically fixed. An axis of rotation defines a coordinate system having axial, radial, and clocking rotations. A first piloting feature may be formed on the clutch housing and a second piloting feature on the transmission housing. The first and second piloting features cooperate to axially and radially orient, but not attach, the clutch housing relative to the transmission housing. Third and fourth piloting features cooperate to orient the clocking rotation of the clutch housing. Stator bolts may permanently locate and attach the motor/generator stator to the transmission housing, and clutch bolts permanently locate and attach the clutch housing to the motor/generator stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William S. Reed, Greg B. Witczak
  • Publication number: 20110067969
    Abstract: A grounded clutch mechanism for a transmission includes a transmission housing and a backing plate fixedly secured to the transmission housing. The backing plate has a plurality of backing plate posts. A plurality of reaction plates have a plurality of radially-outward spline teeth configured to mate with the backing plate posts. Torque may be transferred between the backing plate and the reaction plates. The reaction plates do not transfer torque directly to the transmission housing. The backing plate may be radially symmetric with respect to an axis of rotation. A plurality of clutch plates may be configured to selectively transfer torque to the reaction plates. The clutch plates may be configured to be selectively rotatable with respect to the axis of rotation and the reaction plates are configured not to be rotatable with respect to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William S. Reed, Gregory W. Kempf, Douglas Scott Burchett
  • Publication number: 20110031086
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. A hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William S. Reed, Douglas Scott Burchett, Rayman Eton Bazilio
  • Publication number: 20100300797
    Abstract: A cooling system for an electrically variable transmission includes an electric motor having a plurality of connectors. The plurality of connectors are each assembled within a plurality of connector openings in a terminal block. Fluid from within a passageway is supplied by a pressurized fluid source, and an orifice for the passageway is located adjacent to one of the plurality of connector opening. The fluid flowing from the passageway is directed onto one of the plurality of connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Reinhart, Kevin P. Coleman, Eric S. Tryon, William S. Reed, Grantland I. Kingman
  • Publication number: 20100180720
    Abstract: A motor module is configured for attachment to a transmission housing of a modular transmission assembly. The motor module includes a motor and a support structure. The motor is configured for rotation about a central axis and extends between a first end and a second end. The support structure is operatively connected to the motor such that the support structure at least partially supports the motor. The support structure at least partially extends across the second end of the motor. The support structure is configured for internal attachment to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory W. Kempf, William S. Reed, Timothy J. Reinhart