Patents Assigned to GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Composite Bi-Stable Device
    Publication number: 20130081389
    Abstract: A deformable bi-stable device includes an elastically deformable member having at least two stable configurations and capable of being deformed from a first stable configuration to a second stable configuration, the element passing through an unstable configuration as it is deformed from the first stable configuration to the second stable configuration, and a shape memory polymer layer on or in the elastically deformable member. A method of using this device includes heating the shape memory polymer to a temperature sufficient to reduce the modulus of the shape memory polymer, deforming the deformable member to move from one of the first and second stable configurations to another of the first and second stable configurations, and cooling the device to a temperature sufficient to increase the modulus of the shape memory polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Andrew C. Keefe, Guillermo A. Herrera
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20130085032
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • METHOD OF REDUCING THE EFFECT OF PREHEAT TIME VARIATION DURING SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATION
    Publication number: 20130081493
    Abstract: A system for and method of reducing the effects of preheat period variation in shape memory alloy actuation, include sensing the removal of motion delay due to slack, backlash, and/or compliance in the actuator and drive-train of the system, and determining actuator activation, as a result thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Xiujie GAO, Lei HAO, Paul W. ALEXANDER, Guillermo A. HERRERA, Nancy L. JOHNSON, Geoffrey P. MC KNIGHT, Alan L. BROWNE
  • SHADING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A SHADING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20130082485
    Abstract: A shading system is provided, such as an overhead shading system for a panoramic window of a motor vehicle, which includes, but is not limited to a holding frame for attachment to a motor vehicle body. The holding frame exhibits a cross member, a first longitudinal member joined with the cross member, and a second longitudinal member joined with the cross member, a transverse strip guided so that it can slide from the first longitudinal member and second longitudinal member in order to activate a shading device coupled with the cross member and transverse strip, such as a roller blind or window shade, for at least partially covering a window opening bordered by the holding frame and transverse strip, and a guide connected with the holding frame, in particular a guiding rope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20130085033
    Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart
  • ENGINE CRADLE WITH DEFLECTOR DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130081897
    Abstract: An engine cradle mounting an engine in a vehicle has left and right side members spaced laterally apart on opposite sides of the engine, a rear cross member having right and left ends attached respectively to the left and right side members, and a front cross member having left and right ends attached respectively to the left and right side members. Body mounts are provided on the left and right ends of the front cross member for bolting the cradle to the vehicle body. Left and right deflector devices are mounted on the cradle, and each includes an impact receiving member that projects outwardly from the cradle to receive an impact load, and a brace member that extends between the cradle and the impact receiving member to brace the impact receiving member and provide a load path transferring the impact load into the cradle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Bhushan W. Dandekar, Balaji J, Sajid H. Syed, Manoj Marella
  • ACTIVELY CONTROLLED VIBRATION WELDING SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20130081750
    Abstract: A vibration welding system includes a controller, welding horn, an active material element, and anvil assembly. The assembly may include an anvil body connected to a back plate and support member. The element, e.g., a piezoelectric stack or shape memory alloy, is positioned with respect to the assembly. The horn vibrates in a desirable first direction to form a weld on a work piece. The element controls any vibrations in a second direction by applying calibrated response to the anvil body in the second direction. A method for controlling undesirable vibrations in the system includes positioning the element with respect to the anvil assembly, connecting the anvil body to the support member through the back plate, vibrating the horn in a desirable first direction, and transmitting an input signal to the element to control vibration in an undesirable second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Wayne W. Cai, Bongsu Kang, Chin-An Tan
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARING A CATALYST
    Publication number: 20130085063
    Abstract: A method for preparing a catalyst includes preparing a first solution including a gold precursor and a palladium precursor, preparing an alumina suspension, heating the alumina suspension to a preferred temperature range, introducing the first solution to the alumina suspension and coincidently maintaining the pH of a resulting solution at a preferred pH level, separating solids in the resulting solution, and calcining the separated solids to form a catalyst including gold and palladium co-deposited onto alumina.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chang H. Kim, Michelle H. Wiebenga
  • CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SHIFTING AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20130085648
    Abstract: A control system is provided for shifting an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, which includes, but is not limited to a speed controller, and an electronic control device. Through the electronic control device the parameters vehicle speed, position of the speed controller and acceleration of the speed controller can be captured. Through the electronic control device and through comparison of the captured values of the parameters with predetermined reference values a shifting time is determined for shifting the automatic transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Martin GENTILE, Gernot BECKER
  • Bi-Stable and Multi-Stable Devices
    Publication number: 20130082427
    Abstract: A bi-stable or multi-stable device having two or more stable positions includes an elastically deformable member having two or more stable positions of minimal potential energy, the deformable member being movable, in response to an external force applied to the deformable member, between stable positions by moving through a position at which the deformable member has a peak potential energy. The device also includes an energy storage member, either separate from or part of the deformable member, that absorbs energy from the external force applied to the deformable member as the deformable member moves from a stable position toward a position of peak potential energy, and releases energy as the deformable member moves from a position of peak potential energy toward a stable position, wherein the energy storage member includes a super elastic shape memory alloy (SMA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Pablo D. Zavattieri, Nilesh D. Mankame
  • Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Additive to Polyelectrolyte Membrane
    Publication number: 20130084516
    Abstract: An ion-conducting membrane for fuel cells includes an ion-conducting polymer having protogenic groups and poly(methyl methacrylate). Characteristically, the ion-conducting layer is planar having a thickness from 1 microns to 200 microns. A membrane electrode assembly includes the ion-conducting membrane interposed between a cathode layer and an anode layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Schoeneweiss, Timothy J. Fuller, Lijun Zou
  • Methods For Forming Molded Components Having A Visible Designer Feature and/or Improved Operational Properties Via A Porous Preform
    Publication number: 20130081776
    Abstract: A method for forming a casted component using a porous structure. The casted component may include a visible design feature formed in part by the casted component and in part by a body material also forming other parts of the component. The casted component may be a brake rotor having a mixed-material composite formed in part by the casted component and in part by a body material also forming other parts of the rotor. The porous structure can include a ceramic foam or a metal mesh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
  • FRONT- AND REAR- SEAT AUGMENTED REALITY VEHICLE GAME SYSTEM TO ENTERTAIN & EDUCATE PASSENGERS
    Publication number: 20130083061
    Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an augmented virtual reality game is provided for a vehicle. A method comprises receiving a real-time video image during operation of a vehicle from a camera mounted on the vehicle and merging the real-time video image with one or more virtual images to provide an augmented reality image. The augmented reality image is then transmitted to a display of a gaming device during the operation of the vehicle. A system comprises a camera providing a real-time video image and a controller coupled to the camera. Additionally, a database provides the controller with one or more virtual images so that the controller may provide an augmented reality image by merging the real-time video image with the one or more virtual images. Finally, a transmitter is included for transmitting the augmented reality image to a display of a game device during the operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: PRADYUMNA K. MISHRA, JOHN W. SUH
  • METHOD OF MAKING ND-FE-B SINTERED MAGNETS WITH REDUCED DYSPROSIUM OR TERBIUM
    Publication number: 20130084204
    Abstract: A method of making a permanent magnet and a permanent magnet. The method includes providing combining a core material and a surface material so that the surface concentration of dysprosium, terbium, or both in the surface material is high while simultaneously keeping the bulk concentration of dysprosium, terbium, or both low. From this, the magnet has a non-uniform distribution of dysprosium, terbium or both. Varying approaches to preparing the combined core and surface materials may be used to ensure that the surface powder effectively wraps around the core powder as a way to achieve the high surface concentration and low bulk concentration. In one form, the core material may be made from a neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnet precursor material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAVING A PRIMARY ENERGY SOURCE AND A REDUNDANT RECHARGEABLE ENERGY SOURCE
    Publication number: 20130082639
    Abstract: Presented here is an electrical system for a vehicle having an electrical load. The electrical system includes a primary energy source, a rechargeable redundant energy source coupled to the primary energy source via a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, and a control unit. The fourth switch is coupled between the electrical load and the second switch, and is coupled between the electrical load and the third switch. The control unit operates the first switch to facilitate charging of the rechargeable redundant energy source with the primary energy source, operates the second switch and the third switch in concert to selectively provide operating power from either the primary energy source or the rechargeable redundant energy source to the fourth switch, and operates the fourth switch to provide the operating power to the electrical load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: JAMES C. O'KANE, RICHARD J. LANGE
  • Reconfigurable Bi-Stable Device
    Publication number: 20130081933
    Abstract: A reconfigurable bi-stable device includes an elastically deformable panel laterally disposed between and connected to one or more mounting members directly or indirectly connected to opposing ends of the panel, with the panel maintained under compressive force along at least one vector extending between the opposing ends. The compressive force deforms the panel into a one of two stable deformed positions, with the device disposed such that the panel may be moved between each of the two stable deformed positions by application of manual force to one of two opposing faces of the panel. A first shape memory alloy (SMA) or piezo actuator member is connected to the panel, the actuator member being capable of moving the panel from a first one of the two stable deformed positions to a second one of the two stable deformed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Geoffrey P. Mc Knight, Andrew C. Keefe, Guillermo A. Herrera
  • HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATOR
    Publication number: 20130074967
    Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator includes a housing with a pair of ends, a piston slidably disposed in the interior of the housing, and a biasing member that urges the piston towards one end of the housing. The accumulator further includes a fluid flow control device in communication with a fluid chamber defined by a face of the piston and the interior surface of the housing. The desired amount of fluid entering and exiting the fluid chamber is controlled by the fluid flow control device according to the desired pressure within the fluid chamber as determined by a pressure sensor which is also in communication with the fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Carlos E. Marin, Gary H. Paelicke, Leonid Basin
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISCHARGING BUS VOLTAGE USING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
    Publication number: 20130076405
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for discharging a voltage bus using a transistor. An exemplary gate drive circuit associated with the transistor includes a pulse generation module having an input and an output and a switched capacitance arrangement coupled between the output and a reference voltage node. The pulse generation module is configured to generate a voltage pulse at its output in response to a control signal at the input. In one embodiment, the control signal results in the voltage pulse having a duty cycle that operates the transistor associated with the gate drive circuit in a linear mode when the switched capacitance arrangement is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: RAY M. RANSOM, DAVID TANG
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING OIL FLOW IN AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
    Publication number: 20130074797
    Abstract: A lubrication system for an internal combustion engine includes an oil jet configured to communicate oil onto an internal engine surface. The oil jet is fluidly connected to a pressurized oil source via an oil flow controller that is configured to control oil flowrate to the oil jet in response to a temperature of the internal engine surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Mordukhovich
  • CONVERTIBLE SPACE SYSTEM FOR INTERIOR CARGO AREA OF A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20130076056
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a convertible space system that is integrated into a floor of an interior cargo area. The convertible space system includes a pair of panels that are moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. When in the deployed position, the pair of panels are extended and integrally positioned on the floor to define a primary load bearing surface. When in the stowed position, the pair of panels are collapsed and positioned on the floor to define vertically extending lateral boundary walls for the cargo area, and to expose a secondary load bearing surface disposed below the primary load bearing surface, thereby increasing the effective height of the interior cargo area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Flor Elena Quiros Perez, Maurice James Gisler, Mario Garcia Garcia