Hamid Vahabzadeh

US Patent:

6637387, Oct 28, 2003

Filed:

Sep 13, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/243092

Inventors:

Burak Abdulkadir Gecim - Rochester Hills MI
Hamid Vahabzadeh - Oakland MI
Andrew Leslie Bartos - Clarkston MI

Assignee:

General Motor Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F01L 134

US Classification:

123 9016, 123 9011, 123 9048

Abstract:

Variable valve mechanisms utilize magnetorheological fluid (MRF) in lost motion devices for controlling lift and timing of engine valves and the like. The lost motion devices are designed with either of two operational modes, a direct shear mode and a valve mode. In the shear mode, the MR fluid is retained between relatively movable shear surfaces of a lost motion device and the relative motion is controlled by varying the shear strength of the fluid by a magnetic field applied to the MR fluid between the shear surfaces. In the valve mode, the flow rate of MR fluid through an orifice is controlled by varying the magnetic field to control the flow viscosity of the fluid passing through the orifice. The lost motion device units may be applied directly between an input cam and an output valve or may be applied to a pivot for a finger follower or another type of valve actuation.

US Patent:

7246673, Jul 24, 2007

Filed:

May 21, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/851394

Inventors:

Hamid Vahabzadeh - Oakland MI, US
Peter J. Savagian - Bloomfield Hills MI, US

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60K 1/00
F01L 9/04

US Classification:

180 652, 180 658, 123 9012, 123 9016

Abstract:

A vehicle powertrain includes an engine and an electric motor in parallel hybrid combination. The engine includes a plurality of cylinders and a plurality of selectively deactivatable cylinder intake and exhaust valves so that every cylinder in the engine is characterized by an inoperative condition in which corresponding intake and exhaust valves remain in a closed position irrespective of crankshaft rotation. A controller is operatively connected to the valves and configured to advantageously control the valves and render cylinders inoperative. The powertrain enables the rotor of the motor to be continuously operatively connected to the crankshaft of the engine for unitary rotation therewith. The powertrain is preferably characterized by integrated friction launch wherein an active torque-transmitting mechanism controls vehicle launch.

US Patent:

7402124, Jul 22, 2008

Filed:

Mar 22, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/386408

Inventors:

Paul D. Stevenson - Ann Arbor MI, US
Hamid Vahabzadeh - Oakland MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F16H 61/38

US Classification:

477158, 477 86, 477168

Abstract:

A more efficient method for maintaining the hydraulic actuation of a selectively engageable torque transmitting device in a vehicle. The method includes generating a predetermined pressure level of a hydraulic fluid such as, for example, with a pump. The pressurized hydraulic fluid is transferred through an open valve and to a selectively engageable torque transmitting device such that the selectively engageable torque transmitting device is engaged. Thereafter, the valve is closed so that the predetermined pressure level of hydraulic fluid at the selectively engageable torque transmitting device remains relatively constant. Accordingly, the selectively engageable torque transmitting device remains engaged without continuously generating additional pressure such that the fuel economy of the vehicle is improved. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.

US Patent:

7437963, Oct 21, 2008

Filed:

Nov 21, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/285613

Inventors:

Raymond J. Haka - Brighton MI, US
Hamid Vahabzadeh - Oakland MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F16H 3/08

US Classification:

74329, 74331, 74340

Abstract:

A synchronizer-controlled transmission has a plurality of input shafts, which are selectively connectible with a transmission input shaft, at least one countershaft, which rotatably supports a plurality of ratio gears, and an output shaft. A plurality of synchronizers is disposed along the countershaft and at least one input shaft to provide power transmission connections between the countershaft and the ratio gears disposed thereon. At least one ratio is established through direct connection between at least one input shaft and the output shaft.

US Patent:

7586083, Sep 8, 2009

Filed:

Dec 7, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/952240

Inventors:

Hamid Vahabzadeh - Oakland MI, US
Ayoub Chakari - Strasbourg, FR

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

G02F 1/01
G01L 3/00
G01L 1/24

US Classification:

250225, 25023113, 73862324, 73862624, 356364, 356370

Abstract:

Presented herein is a non-contact torque sensing apparatus and method for measuring the instantaneous torque, or torsional stress/strain, transmitted through an elongated power transmission member such as a rotatable shaft. Polarized light is directed along a measurement light path in a cavity of a shaft where it intercepts a polarizing filter. The polarizing filter is operable to alter the polarization angle of the light according to torsional twisting of the shaft. A measurement device measures the change in the polarization angle of the light to obtain the shaft twist angle. Shaft torque is then calculated from the twist angle.

US Patent:

8037989, Oct 18, 2011

Filed:

Jul 25, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/180237

Inventors:

Vijay A. Neelakantan - Rochester Hills MI, US
John C. Schultz - Saline MI, US
Bret M. Olson - Canton MI, US
Hamid Vahabzadeh - Oakland MI, US
Robert L. Moses - Ann Arbor MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F16D 25/12

US Classification:

192 8563, 192 8524

Abstract:

A hydraulic control system for actuating a torque transmitting device in a transmission includes a sump for receiving a hydraulic fluid and a piezoelectric pump for pumping the hydraulic fluid from the sump to the torque transmitting device. A first fluid flow path communicates the hydraulic fluid from the sump to the piezoelectric pump and a second fluid flow path communicates the hydraulic fluid from the piezoelectric pump to the torque transmitting device. An exhaust means selectively communicates the hydraulic fluid from the torque transmitting device to the sump.

US Patent:

8240443, Aug 14, 2012

Filed:

Nov 11, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/268478

Inventors:

Hamid Vahabzadeh - Oakland MI, US
Scott H. Wittkopp - Ypsilanti MI, US
Edwin T. Grochowski - Howell MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F16D 33/16

US Classification:

192 33, 192 8563, 192109 F

Abstract:

A powertrain is provided that has an engine and a torque converter. The engine is configured to provide oil to the torque converter for operation of the torque converter. The engine oil may provide both the fluid coupling and torque converter clutch apply and release functions.

US Patent:

8474586, Jul 2, 2013

Filed:

Oct 18, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/906750

Inventors:

Daryl A. Wilton - Macomb MI, US
James M. Hart - Belleville MI, US
Hamid Vahabzadeh - Oakland MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F16D 25/10
F16D 25/08
F16H 37/06

US Classification:

192 48607, 192 48602, 192 488, 192 8551, 192 8556, 192 8559, 74330

Abstract:

A dual clutch actuation assembly includes a housing, an annular central piston, a plurality of satellite pistons, and an annular apply member. The housing includes an inner cylindrical wall, an outer cylindrical wall, and a plurality of satellite cylindrical walls. The inner and outer walls define an inner piston annulus and the satellite walls define a plurality of satellite piston bores. Each of the satellite walls is disposed at least partially radially outward of the outer wall. The central piston is disposed in the inner piston annulus and is in sliding engagement with the inner and outer walls of the housing. The satellite pistons are disposed in the satellite piston bores and are in sliding engagement with the satellite walls of the housing. The apply member is axially engaged with each of the satellite pistons and includes an annular plate portion disposed radially outward of the outer cylindrical wall of the housing.