Patents Assigned to GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Publication number: 20130099526
    Abstract: An underbody structure for at least two motor vehicles, in particular for at least two passenger cars having a first and a second wheelbase, is provided. The underbody structure comprises a middle underbody structure and a rear underbody structure with laterally arranged side members, between which at least one connecting profile is arranged. The connecting profile is connected to the side members and to a floor of the middle underbody structure to form a first overlap region for the first wheelbase and a second overlap region for the second wheelbase. The first and the second overlap region have an at least approximately same width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Publication number: 20130102295
    Abstract: A mobile voice platform for providing a user speech interface to computer-based services includes a mobile device having a processor, communication circuitry that provides access to the computer-based services, an operating system, and one or more applications that are run using the operating system and that utilize one or more of the computer-based services via the communication circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
  • Publication number: 20130099555
    Abstract: A wheel for a motor vehicle is provided. The wheel includes at least one spoke, and a swallowtail profile disposed on the spoke. The wheel also includes a spoke module with swallowtail encompassing regions, which are configured to be pushed onto the swallowtail profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Publication number: 20130102162
    Abstract: An integrated electrical connector comprises one or more terminals housed within a connector body. The connector body is configured and arranged to structurally join an auxiliary component to a host vehicle to which the integrated electrical connector is mechanically fixed and electrically coupled. The connector body is configured to facilitate electrically coupling electrical circuitry of the auxiliary component to the host vehicle. The connector body is configured to facilitate transmission of information among the auxiliary component and the host vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Joel M. Maguire, Andrew J. Farah, Edward D. Tate, JR., Steven A. Tarnowsky
  • Publication number: 20130099462
    Abstract: A wheel suspension device for a motor vehicle is provided. The wheel suspension device includes a wheel guiding device which is provided for connection to the motor vehicle and to a wheel. The wheel suspension device has a spring device, in one example, a leaf spring device, which at a first coupling point is connected to a coupling device in an articulated manner. The coupling device is connected to the wheel guiding device at a second coupling point in an articulated manner, and a coupling device axis is defined by a straight line through the first and through the second coupling point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Publication number: 20130097848
    Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a system for isolating magnesium components from fastener devices is provided to prevent corrosion. The system comprises an isolation member of a metal other than magnesium and configured within a hole for receiving the fastener formed in a magnesium component. A compressible sealing washer having a first diameter is positioned over the hole and an isolation washer having a second diameter being less than the first diameter, and consisting of a similar metal as the isolation member, is placed over the compressible sealing washer. The fastener passes through the isolation washer, the compressible sealing washer and the isolation member within the hole, where is it tightened to compress the compressible sealing washer between the isolation member and isolation washer forming a water-tight seal around the hole to resist corrosion of the magnesium component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: KOUICHI INABA, JAMES C. O'KANE, RINALDO M. LUCCHESI
  • Publication number: 20130103259
    Abstract: A system and method that may inspect an upcoming road segment and use that information to control certain aspects of a vehicle suspension system. In an exemplary embodiment, several cameras are used to evaluate an upcoming road segment and to provide road information to a control module so that damping and/or other aspects of an active or semi-active suspension system can be controlled in a feed-forward manner. Because the vehicle suspension system assesses a segment of the road that is ahead of the vehicle, as opposed to one currently being encountered by the vehicle, the system may improve ride performance by anticipating and preparing for road conditions before they are actually encountered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Donald Eng, Robert G. Izak
  • Publication number: 20130098342
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a plurality of PCV ports formed internally within the engine block and the cylinder head. The PCV ports directly connect a crankcase chamber with each of a plurality of intake ports defined by the cylinder head. The blow-by gases that accumulate within the crankcase chamber are directly vented through the internal PCV ports into the intake ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Fleck, Thomas A. Spix, Kevin M. Luchansky
  • Publication number: 20130099159
    Abstract: One embodiment may include a method of making nanoparticles comprising elemental metals or metalloids and/or alloys thereof. The method may include reducing a metal halide or a metalloid halide with an alkali metal to produce a reaction product comprising particles of the desired metal or metalloid and a halide salt. One embodiment may include introducing reactants to each other in the presence of a non-reactive solvent and/or inducing cavitation in the reactants and/or the non-reactive solvent when present. Certain metals or metalloids such as tin, aluminum, silicon, antimony, indium or bismuth may be useful in electrochemical cells such as lithium-ion cells when produced by these illustrative methods. One embodiment of a battery electrode may include nanoparticles that may be produced by these or other methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ion C. Halalay, Michael P. Balogh
  • Publication number: 20130103404
    Abstract: A mobile voice platform providing a user speech interface to computer-based services uses a device having a processor, communication circuitry, an operating system, and applications that are run using the operating system and that utilize the computer-based services via the communication circuitry. The mobile voice platform includes a non-transient digital storage medium storing first and second program modules. Upon execution by the processor the first program module receives speech recognition results, determines a desired service based on the speech recognition results, and provides at least some of the speech recognition results to the second program module. The second program module, when executed, generates a service request based on the speech recognition results provided from the first program module, provides the service request to one or more of the computer-based services, obtains a service result from the computer-based service(s), and supplies the first program module with a response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
  • Publication number: 20130097827
    Abstract: A seat belt system includes a belt having an upper end mounted adjacent the occupant shoulder and a lower end mounted adjacent the occupant lap. A latch plate assembly is carried by the belt for engagement with a buckle and includes a housing having a base wall with a tongue for latching engagement by the buckle and a pair of flanges extending at a lateral spacing greater than the width of the belt. A lock bar is pivotally mounted on the flanges. The lock bar has a clamping surface moving toward and away from the base wall upon pivoting of the lock bar to clamp and unclamp the belt against the base wall to prevent transference of the belt through the latch plate assembly. A detent mechanism between the lock bar and the housing locks the lock bar at a pivotal position clamping the belt against the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Richter, George J. Strnad
  • Publication number: 20130099562
    Abstract: A connector is provided for coupling an electric motor of a vehicle to a power source. The connector comprises electrode and a connector housing receiving at least a portion of the electrode. The connector housing is configured to snap-fit into a powertrain housing of the vehicle via compliant flanges. In this way, the connector may be coupled to the vehicle powertrain housing without other fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: STEPHEN G. HEIEN, JIMMY M. CHANG
  • Publication number: 20130097838
    Abstract: A clamping element, a fastening arrangement with clamping element, and a method for use of the clamping element are provided. In one example, the clamping element has a first leg and a second leg. The first and the second leg are arranged lying opposite one another. The first and the second leg are connected mechanically via a base region. The base region braces in the first leg in a spring-elastic manner with respect to the second leg on the parts arranged and clamped between the legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Publication number: 20130098029
    Abstract: A pumping assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first movable element selectively movable within a first pump housing and an actuator including an active material. The active material is configured to undergo a change in attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material is operatively connected to the first movable element such that the change in attribute causes the first movable element to move within the first pump housing. In one example, the active material is a shape memory alloy material having a crystallographic phase that is changeable between Austenite and Martensite in response to the activation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Scott R. Webb, Paul W. Alexander, Thomas W. Cox, Xiujie Gao
  • Publication number: 20130103234
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes an engine and electric motors configured to transfer torque through a transmission. A method for controlling the hybrid powertrain includes determining a transition window associated with torque output of one of the electric motors coupled to an element of the transmission. A noise reduction control scheme is executed when the torque output of the one of the electric motors coupled to the element of the transmission is within the transition window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Lan Wang, John A. Anderson, James Sydenstricker
  • Publication number: 20130101780
    Abstract: A component includes a cast portion and an insert. The cast portion includes a sacrificial suspension device. The insert is configured to provide damping to the component. The sacrificial suspension device is dissolved during a casting process, into a molten material, forming the cast portion such that the insert is fully encapsulated by the cast portion, including the dissolved suspension device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Hanna, Bob R. Powell, JR., Michael J. Walker
  • Publication number: 20130103779
    Abstract: A method and system for augmenting smartphone-centric in-car infotainment systems using Wi-Fi or DSRC communications between a vehicle and surrounding infrastructure. One or more smartphones or other electronic devices within a vehicle electronically communicate with the vehicle via a wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth, or a wired connection. The electronic devices run applications which submit requests for internet-based files or data, such as web pages, audio or video files. The vehicle brokers these requests and, using its own external wireless communications systems, such as Wi-Fi or DSRC, retrieves as many of the files or data as possible whenever internet access is available via an external wireless connection. The vehicle then provides the files or data to the requesting electronic devices. A token-based method for prioritizing the requests and rendering the data to the electronic devices is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Fan Bai, Donald K. Grimm
  • Publication number: 20130099469
    Abstract: A safety device is provided, comprising an elastic membrane, which partially or completely delimits a hollow space, which is provided for the accident-initiated filling subject to elastic expansion of the membrane, and a gas generator with a filling fluid source communicating with the hollow space, wherein between the filling fluid source and a surface of the membrane facing the hollow space and/or in the membrane at least one heat protection means is arranged, which is provided for the protection of the membrane from a thermal impact through filling fluid of the filling fluid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Publication number: 20130093280
    Abstract: A multi-filar conductor for an electric machine includes a first solid core and a second solid core. The first and second solid cores directly contact each other along a bare interface. An insulation layer surrounds the first and second solid cores. However, the insulation layer does not pass through the bare interface, such that there is no insulation between the first solid core and the second solid core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Savagian, Rajeev Vyas
  • Publication number: 20130093294
    Abstract: An integrated rotary transformer and resolver and a motor including an integrated rotary transformer and resolver is provided. The integrated rotary transformer and resolver may include, but is not limited to, a stator having an outer surface and a plurality of slots disposed along the outer surface, a plurality of sensing coils, the plurality of sensing coils disposed in at least some of the plurality of slots, a rotor having a surface varying from a first predetermined thickness to a second predetermined thickness, and a controller electrically coupled to the plurality of sensing coils and configured to determine a position of the rotor based upon a voltage induced in each of the coils due to a relative thickness of the rotor opposed to the respective sensing coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: SEOK-JOO JANG, PETER J. SAVAGIAN, CONSTANTIN C. STANCU