Patents by Inventor Anthony L. Smith
Anthony L. Smith 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).
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Publication number: 20180031740Abstract: Self-cleaning optic apparatuses and automobiles with self-cleaning optic apparatuses are provided. An exemplary self-cleaning optic apparatus includes an optic device for transmitting or receiving light. The optic device is located in a chamber. The self-cleaning optic apparatus further includes a window for transmitting the light. Also, the self-cleaning optic apparatus includes a photocatalytic coating on a surface of the window. Energy emitted from within the chamber activates a photocatalytic reaction in the photocatalytic coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2016Publication date: February 1, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: MICHAEL D. ALARCON, MAHMOUD H. ABD ELHAMID, ANTHONY L. SMITH, PAUL W. ALEXANDER, ADAM F. GROSS
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Publication number: 20170344036Abstract: A thermal bypass valve includes a housing defining a bore along a longitudinal axis and having two inlet ports and two outlet ports; a cap disposed within the bore; a shuttle disposed within the bore and reversibly translatable towards and away from the cap along the longitudinal axis between a first fill position, a cooling position, and a bypass position; and an actuator configured for translating the shuttle along the longitudinal axis between the cooling position and the bypass position. The actuator is formed from a shape memory alloy and is transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a temperature of the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2017Publication date: November 30, 2017Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, DYNALLOY, INC.Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Kevin B. Rober, Marco A. Lopes, Nancy L. Johnson, Anthony L. Smith, Nicholas W. Pinto, Richard J. Skurkis, Tyler P. Ownby
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Patent number: 9739624Abstract: An electric-vehicle power management system including a processing hardware unit and multiple modules executable by the processing hardware unit. The modules include a calendar module configured to, by way of the processing hardware unit, obtain a user itinerary indicating multiple appointment locations to be visited by a user of an electric vehicle and associated times to visit the appointment locations. The modules also include a routing module configured to, by way of the processing hardware unit, determine optional routes connecting the appointment locations indicated by the itinerary, and a vehicle-energy module configured to, by way of the processing hardware unit, predict states of charge, or changes in state of charge, for the vehicle in connection with the optional routes, yielding state-of-charge predictions. The routing module determines selected routing based on the state-of-charge predictions from the vehicle-energy module.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Sai S. Rajagopalan, Anthony L. Smith, Nathan F. Thompson, Xiaoyu Huang
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Publication number: 20170176195Abstract: An electric-vehicle power management system including a processing hardware unit and multiple modules executable by the processing hardware unit. The modules include a calendar module configured to, by way of the processing hardware unit, obtain a user itinerary indicating multiple appointment locations to be visited by a user of an electric vehicle and associated times to visit the appointment locations. The modules also include a routing module configured to, by way of the processing hardware unit, determine optional routes connecting the appointment locations indicated by the itinerary, and a vehicle-energy module configured to, by way of the processing hardware unit, predict states of charge, or changes in state of charge, for the vehicle in connection with the optional routes, yielding state-of-charge predictions. The routing module determines selected routing based on the state-of-charge predictions from the vehicle-energy module.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2015Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Sai S. Rajagopalan, Anthony L. Smith, Nathan F. Thompson, Xiaoyu Huang
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Publication number: 20160170203Abstract: A number of variations may include a product that may include a camera that may include a lens wherein the lens is exposed to the atmosphere and a lens cover disposed over the lens and a transducer in communication with the lens cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2014Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: NORMAN J. WEIGERT, JUSTIN J. GAMMAGE, PAUL W. ALEXANDER, ANTHONY L. SMITH, HANIF MUHAMMAD
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Patent number: 9327607Abstract: An automated recharging system includes an electric vehicle and a charging apparatus. The electric vehicle includes a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), a charging receptacle, and a first controller configured to monitor the status of the electric vehicle and the charge level of the RESS. The charging apparatus includes a charging plug configured to mate with the charging receptacle to recharge the RESS, and a movement mechanism to substantially align the charging plug with and insert it into the charging receptacle. The charging apparatus also includes a second controller to control the movement mechanism and to communicate with the first controller. The electric vehicle further includes an array of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags arranged around the charging receptacle, and the charging apparatus further includes a RFID reader configured to read the RFID tags to determine the location of the charging plug in relation to the charging receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Seoul National University R&DB FoundationInventors: Hyungan Sean Oh, Byungchul An, Anthony L. Smith, Chongwoo Park
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Patent number: 9272705Abstract: A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch interconnecting an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is coupled to a manually operated gearbox operable in at least one electric only drive position and at least one hybrid drive position. A latch is coupled to the clutch and is moveable between a closed position inhibiting the clutch from interconnecting the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the electric only drive position, and an open position allowing the clutch to interconnect the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the hybrid drive position.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Anthony L. Smith
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Electrically actuated rotating band torque transmitting mechanism for hybrid and other transmissions
Patent number: 9062719Abstract: A torque transmitting mechanism includes a drum attached to one of a first member and a second member, and a shell attached to another of the first member and the second member. The drum and the shell are concentrically disposed about a longitudinal axis, with the shell concentrically disposed about the drum. An electric motor includes a stator, and a first rotor rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the stator. A band is coupled to the shell, wrapped around the drum between four and twelve complete revolutions, and includes a first end attached to the first rotor for rotation with the first rotor. The band includes a second end attached to a reaction member. Rotation of the first rotor tightens the band against the drum to bias the drum against the shell, to transmit torque between the first member and the second member.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Anthony L. Smith, Scott H. Wittkopp, Anthony J. Corsetti, Scott William Heitzenrater -
Patent number: 8992378Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member. A clutch has an engaged state in which torque is transferred between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member through the clutch. The clutch has a disengaged state in which torque is not transferred between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member through the clutch. A clutch actuator includes a motor-generator that has a rotor rotatably drivable by one of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member, and has a stator powerable to rotatably drive the rotor relative to said one of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. A controller is operatively connected to the stator and is configured to control the motor-generator to function as a generator to provide torque on the rotor. The motor-generator provides electrical power to a vehicle component.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Anthony L. Smith, Anthony J. Corsetti
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Publication number: 20150038288Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member. A clutch has an engaged state in which torque is transferred between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member through the clutch. The clutch has a disengaged state in which torque is not transferred between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member through the clutch. A clutch actuator includes a motor-generator that has a rotor rotatably drivable by one of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member, and has a stator powerable to rotatably drive the rotor relative to said one of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. A controller is operatively connected to the stator and is configured to control the motor-generator to function as a generator to provide torque on the rotor. The motor-generator provides electrical power to a vehicle component.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Anthony L. Smith, Anthony J. Corsetti
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Patent number: 8941455Abstract: A method of and attachment system for securing and manipulating attractive objects upon an interior vehicular surface, utilizing at least one coded magnet to selectively attach/retain the objects, and provide various other functions, including aiding in alignment, orientation, and retrieval of the objects, and activating an associated sub-system.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Paul W. Alexander, Paul E. Krajewski, Roy J. Mathieu, Anthony L. Smith, Nancy L. Johnson, Thomas Wolfgang Nehl, Mark A. Voss, Kevin Krenn
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ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED ROTATING BAND TORQUE TRANSMITTING MECHANISM FOR HYBRID AND OTHER TRANSMISSIONS
Publication number: 20150014115Abstract: A torque transmitting mechanism includes a drum attached to one of a first member and a second member, and a shell attached to another of the first member and the second member. The drum and the shell are concentrically disposed about a longitudinal axis, with the shell concentrically disposed about the drum. An electric motor includes a stator, and a first rotor rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the stator. A band is coupled to the shell, wrapped around the drum between four and twelve complete revolutions, and includes a first end attached to the first rotor for rotation with the first rotor. The band includes a second end attached to a reaction member. Rotation of the first rotor tightens the band against the drum to bias the drum against the shell, to transmit torque between the first member and the second member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Anthony L. Smith, Scott H. Wittkopp, Anthony J. Corsetti, Scott William Heitzenrater -
Patent number: 8915076Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid includes an engine driven main pump and an electrical motor driven auxiliary pump. The auxiliary pump provides hydraulic fluid at line pressure to shift control subsystems during a vehicle launch while the main pump provides hydraulic fluid to cooler or lubrication subsystems during the vehicle launch. A pressure regulation valve regulates the pressure of the hydraulic fluid from the main pump. Once the main pump reaches a critical speed, the main pump provides hydraulic fluid at line pressure to the hydraulic control system and the auxiliary pump is turned off.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Zhe Xie, Hong Yang, Anthony L. Smith, James M. Hart, Steven P. Moorman
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Publication number: 20140333261Abstract: An automated recharging system includes an electric vehicle and a charging apparatus. The electric vehicle includes a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), a charging receptacle, and a first controller configured to monitor the status of the electric vehicle and the charge level of the RESS. The charging apparatus includes a charging plug configured to mate with the charging receptacle to recharge the RESS, and a movement mechanism to substantially align the charging plug with and insert it into the charging receptacle. The charging apparatus also includes a second controller to control the movement mechanism and to communicate with the first controller. The electric vehicle further includes an array of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags arranged around the charging receptacle, and the charging apparatus further includes a RFID reader configured to read the RFID tags to determine the location of the charging plug in relation to the charging receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicants: Seoul National University R & DB Foundation, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC,Inventors: Hyungan Sean Oh, Byungchul An, Anthony L. Smith, Chongwoo Park
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Patent number: 8813935Abstract: A launch and disconnect clutch for the electric motor of a P2 hybrid powertrain is compact and provides improved operation. The clutch is mounted between the engine and transmission in the space formerly occupied by the torque converter. The clutch assembly is configured so that actuation, compensation and cooling are provided by only two oil channels. The clutch utilizes single-sided reaction plates which achieve high clutch gain thereby providing high torque capacity under electric operation and improved launch shudder characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: James M. Hart, Edwin T. Grochowski, Anthony L. Smith
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Publication number: 20140232500Abstract: A method of and attachment system for securing and manipulating attractive objects upon an interior vehicular surface, utilizing at least one coded magnet to selectively attach/retain the objects, and provide various other functions, including aiding in alignment, orientation, and retrieval of the objects, and activating an associated sub-system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Paul W. Alexander, Paul E. Krajewski, Roy J. Mathieu, Anthony L. Smith, Nancy L. Johnson, Thomas Wolfgang Nehl, Mark A. Voss, Kevin Krenn
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Patent number: 8758192Abstract: A powertrain includes a first electric motor coupled to an internal combustion engine with a ratio changing device and a second motor selectively coupled to the engine through an engine disconnect clutch, the second motor further coupled to an input shaft of a transmission. A method to control the powertrain includes monitoring a propelling torque provided by the second motor, monitoring a speed of the second motor, determining a condition of the second motor based upon the propelling torque and the speed of the second motor, selecting a control mode for the first motor based upon the condition of the second motor and controlling the first motor, the second motor, and the engine disconnect clutch based upon the control mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Anthony L. Smith, Hong Yang, Norman K. Bucknor, Yongsheng He
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Patent number: 8731753Abstract: A powertrain includes an electric motor providing propulsion torque to a transmission input shaft, an internal combustion engine, and an engine disconnect clutch selectively providing torque transfer between the engine and the motor. A method to control a flying engine start in the powertrain includes monitoring an output torque request, determining the propulsion torque to the transmission input shaft based upon the output torque request, determining a compensation torque to be provided to the engine disconnect clutch for the flying engine start, and controlling the motor to provide a motor torque based upon a sum of the propulsion torque and the compensation torque.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Anthony L. Smith, Hong Yang, Norman K. Bucknor, Yongsheng He
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Publication number: 20140051547Abstract: A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch interconnecting an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is coupled to a manually operated gearbox operable in at least one electric only drive position and at least one hybrid drive position. A latch is coupled to the clutch and is moveable between a closed position inhibiting the clutch from interconnecting the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the electric only drive position, and an open position allowing the clutch to interconnect the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the hybrid drive position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Anthony L. Smith
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Hybrid powertrain with manual transmission and off-latching clutch, and method of operating the same
Patent number: 8641567Abstract: A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch interconnecting an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is coupled to a manually operated gearbox operable in at least one electric only drive position and at least one hybrid drive position. A latch is coupled to the clutch and is moveable between a closed position inhibiting the clutch from interconnecting the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the electric only drive position, and an open position allowing the clutch to interconnect the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the hybrid drive position.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Anthony L. Smith