Caleb Gregory Harmon

US Patent:

20120061203, Mar 15, 2012

Filed:

Mar 7, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/041737

Inventors:

Caleb G. Harmon - Hartland MI, US
Scott William Heitzenrater - Orion MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - DETROIT MI

International Classification:

F16D 13/64

US Classification:

192107 M

Abstract:

A composite, i.e., two element, two material clutch hub includes an inner sleeve of a heavy, high strength material to and about which is cast an outer element of a lighter, lower strength material. The sleeve typically includes a splined opening that is received on one or two complementarily splined shafts and a plurality of radially oriented pins or lugs or a discontinuous flange about which the outer element is cast. The outer element is splined to the friction plate of a clutch or other component. The high strength material is preferably, though not necessarily, steel and the lighter material is preferably, though not necessarily, an aluminum alloy. Alternatively, the sleeve may be a high strength aluminum alloy such as a metal matrix composite (MMC) and the outer element may be a lower strength, different aluminum alloy.

US Patent:

20110179620, Jul 28, 2011

Filed:

Dec 16, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/970389

Inventors:

Caleb G. Harmon - Hartland MI, US
Edward J. Billings - Ann Arbor MI, US
Kelly Pietras - Oakland Township MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - DETROIT MI

International Classification:

B23P 11/00
B65D 51/00
B65D 59/06

US Classification:

294262, 49463, 49460

Abstract:

A seal protector assembly is provided. The seal protector assembly includes a cavity for encasing a seal. A plug or cap is removably attached to the protector seal. After shipment of the transmission, the plug or cap is removed. Once any potential damage to the seal during assembly has passed, the protector is then removed.

US Patent:

20140110214, Apr 24, 2014

Filed:

Aug 6, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/960380

Inventors:

- Detroit MI, US
Chinar S. Ghike - Livonia MI, US
Caleb G. Harmon - Hartland MI, US
Vasanthakumar Chinnusamy - Rasipuram, IN

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F16D 25/12

US Classification:

192109 F

Abstract:

A hydraulic fluid filler for a motor vehicle transmission includes a set of holes through which respective springs of a spring pack extend. The filler is generally positioned adjacent to a single retainer ring or between two retainer rings associated with the spring pack. In some implementations, the filler floats between the two retainer rings, while, in other implementations, the filler is securely attached to one or both of the retainer rings. The filler reduces the volume of one of two cavities, chambers, or cylinders positioned on opposite sides of a piston that selectively interacts with a clutch assembly to engage or disengage the clutch assembly. Reducing the volume of one of the cavities, chambers or cylinders effectively reduces the time period the spring pack is then able to apply a restoring force to the piston.