Patents Assigned to GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
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Publication number: 20130047965Abstract: Propulsion systems for vehicles are provided. The propulsion system includes an engine and a module. The module includes a fuel pump, a check valve, and a relief valve. The fuel pump is configured to supply fuel flow having a pressure. The check valve is configured to receive the fuel flow from the fuel pump, and to allow passage of the fuel flow to the engine. The relief valve is coupled to the fuel pump and configured to release a portion of the pressure of the fuel flow. The relief valve is disposed upstream of the check valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: WILLIAM L. VILLAIRE, RYAN A. BUCCAFURRI, PETER N.C. NGUYEN, GORDON G. RINKE
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Publication number: 20130049454Abstract: A power module system for a vehicle includes a circuit board, a power transistor mounted to the circuit board, and a temperature sensor mounted to the circuit board in a sensing location remote from the power transistor. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a real-time temperature at the sensing location. The system also includes a processor coupled to the temperature sensor to generate a predicted real-time silicon temperature for the power transistor from the measured real-time temperature at the sensing location. The predicted real-time silicon temperature is generated using a selected calibration curve that corresponds to a current operating state of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: KHIET LE, GREGORY D. ROSDAHL, David TANG, SEOK-JOO JANG, SONG HE
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Publication number: 20130049401Abstract: A body panel assembly and a method for manufacturing a body panel assembly are disclosed herein. In a non-limiting embodiment, the body panel assembly includes, but is not limited to, an inner panel having a lower portion. The body panel assembly further includes an outer panel that is connected to the inner panel. The outer panel has a main portion, a transitional portion, and a bent portion. The main portion and the bent portion are positioned on opposite sides of the lower portion. The main portion, the transitional portion, and the bent portion are arranged to form a cavity having an elongated configuration below the inner panel. The bent portion defines an opening extending therethrough. The opening is positioned at least partially below the lower portion of the inner panel. The opening provides ventilation to the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: GUANGLING SONG
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Publication number: 20130048613Abstract: Aluminum-base alloy workpieces have surfaces with films of aluminum oxide which inhibit good contact with weld faces of resistance spot weld electrodes and the faying surfaces of, for example, sheet workpieces stacked for welding. Sometimes, the surfaces of the sheets also are coated with an adhesive or a sealer which further complicates welding. But in accordance with this invention, weld faces of opposing, round, copper welding electrodes are pressed against opposite outside surfaces of the sheets at a spot weld site and weld current is applied to the electrodes in accordance with a three-stage weld schedule to better form each weld. The weld schedule comprises a Conditioning stage (stage 1), a weld nugget Shaping stage (stage 2), and a weld nugget Sizing stage (stage 3).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David R. Sigler, Michael J. Karagoulis
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Publication number: 20130047759Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engageable to establish at least four forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member, and one or more latches associated with one or more of the torque-transmitting mechanisms. The one or more latches engages the respective torque-transmitting mechanisms during or prior to a start event.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Robert L. Moses, Carlos E. Marin, Zhen J. Zhang
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Publication number: 20130047591Abstract: Exhaust systems of a combustion engine of a motor vehicle, motor vehicles with exhaust systems, and methods for operating an exhaust system of a combustion engine in a motor vehicle are provided. An exhaust system includes an exhaust line comprising a heat exchanger branch and a bypass branch. The exhaust line has an adjustable control element by which combustion gas flowing through the exhaust line is fed to the heat exchanger branch and/or the bypass branch. A heat exchanger is connected to the heat exchanger branch and to a cooling circuit and an adjusting mechanism has an actuator for adjustment of the adjusting mechanism. The adjusting member of the adjusting mechanism is configured such that the actuator is spaced from the exhaust line.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Bert MOEHLMANN, Lothar SEYBOLD, Kai-Ove PIETSCH
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Publication number: 20130052509Abstract: A lithium ion battery in which electrically-non conducting ceramic particles are interposed between the anode and cathode to enforce separation between them and prevent short circuits is described. The particles, preferably equiaxed or monodisperse, may be generally uniformly dispersed in a non-aqueous gelled or high viscosity electrolyte. The electrolyte may be applied to one or both of the anode and cathode in suitable thickness to deposit the particles with the electrolyte and form a layered composite with substantially uniformly spaced particles suitable for holding the opposing anode and cathode faces in spaced-apart relation. The thickness of the applied electrolyte layer will be selected to enable deposition of the particles substantially as a fractional monolayer, a monolayer, or a multilayer as required for the application.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ion C. Halalay, Scott W. Jorgensen
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Publication number: 20130054100Abstract: A method is provided for operating an engine that includes, but is not limited to checking if a clutch pedal is depressed. If this is the case, the setpoint value for the rotational speed is predetermined to a target idle speed and a target torque is predetermined. Following this it is checked if the clutch pedal is in a position in which it is no longer depressed, and if the neutral gear sensor indicates that a gear is engaged. If this is the case, the setpoint value of the rotational speed of the engine and/or the torque reserve are increased. Otherwise, the setpoint value of the rotational speed of the engine and the torque are left.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Martin GIENCKE, Norbert KAISER
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Publication number: 20130047616Abstract: A cogeneration system includes an engine, a motor/generator unit (MGU) powered by the engine, a compressor powered by the MGU, and a heat storage tank. The system further includes an engine coolant loop which places the engine in thermal communication with the tank, and a vapor loop which circulates refrigerant from the compressor. An air handler unit exchanges heat between the engine coolant loop and the vapor loop. A controller is configured to control the engine, MGU, compressor, and air handler unit, alone or in combination, to heat or cool air supplied to a building and water in the tank, and to selectively charge at least one auxiliary device such as a battery of an electric vehicle (EV) via the MGU. The system may include two power plants, with one, e.g., an EV or a portable module, having the engine and a first engine coolant loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Edward D. Tate, JR., George M. Claypole, Constantine Nick Raptis, Michael Andrew Miller
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Publication number: 20130047604Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, an internal combustion engine includes a turbocharger configured to receive an air flow and a first exhaust flow from the internal combustion engine and a supercharger downstream of the turbocharger configured to receive a compressed air charge from the turbocharger. The engine further includes an exhaust gas recirculation circuit receiving a second exhaust flow from the internal combustion engine and supplying the second exhaust flow to the compressed air charge upstream of the supercharger, wherein the second exhaust flow and compressed air charge comprise an exhaust-air mixed flow received by the internal combustion engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Steven J. Andrasko, Christopher J. Kalebjian, Bryan A. Kuieck, Yun Xiao, Thomas L. Bahensky
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Publication number: 20130048639Abstract: A fuel cap for a filler neck on a fuel tank includes a cap body having threads for engaging the filler neck when the fuel cap is installed on the filler neck and a cap handle rotatably mounted on the cap body. A clutch acts between the cap handle and the cap body to permit the cap handle to rotate freely on the cap body when the clutch is disengaged. When the clutch is engaged, rotation of the cap handle will rotate the cap body so that the user can remove the fuel cap from the filler neck to refuel the vehicle. A pressure-sensing diaphragm disengages the clutch when the pressure differential between the fuel vapor pressure and the atmospheric pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold and engages the clutch when the pressure differential between the fuel vapor pressure and the atmospheric pressure is less than the predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: RICHARD W. WIESE, JONATHAN J. STEC, TIMOTHY E. MCCARTHY
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Publication number: 20130049400Abstract: A motor vehicle body includes, but is not limited to a front hood, a windshield rising from a rear edge of the front hood and a cross member substantially extending over the width of the windshield, of which a front edge supports a front lower edge of the windshield and a rear edge is supported on a structural element of the body. A top side of the cross member faces the passenger cell and a bottom side faces the engine compartment. Between the front edge and the rear edge the cross member comprises at least one first region, in which the top side is concavely curved in a section plane running in vehicle longitudinal direction and which yields to a load by intensifying the curvature along an apex line yielding towards the engine compartment and pivoting of two zones extending on both sides of the apex line towards each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Joachim SCHAEFER, Uwe SCHMITZ, Stefan WOLFF, Stephan WALTER
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Publication number: 20130050114Abstract: A device is provide for controlling functions of electronic devices of a vehicle having a steering device, which includes, but is not limited to a front side and a back side. The front side is directed at an occupant who is seated on a driver's seat of the vehicle, having a first input device which is designed for generating control signals, having a first display device, which is designed for the graphical representation of converted control signals in displays. The first input device is arranged on the back side of the steering device and the first display device is arranged on the front side of the steering device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Fredrik BACKMAN
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Publication number: 20130048408Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle is provided with a temperature tolerant exhaust system that eliminates the need for exhaust pipes, pipe routing, support systems, and ground clearance issues. The exhaust system includes a fuel cell exhaust pipe in fluid communication with a fuel cell stack and an exhaust tube. The exhaust tube is supported within an exhaust channel that extends along and forms a part of the underbody of the fuel cell vehicle. Alternatively, the exhaust tube is formed within the interior of the exhaust channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Jörg Schulze
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Publication number: 20130047605Abstract: A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, comprising a bearing housing, a rotating shaft coupled to the bearing housing, a compressor wheel mounted at one end of the rotating shaft, a compressor housing accommodating the compressor wheel and provided with an inlet and an outlet for an air stream, a turbine wheel mounted at the opposite end of the rotating shaft, and a turbine housing accommodating the turbine wheel and provided with an inlet and an outlet for an exhaust gas stream, wherein the bearing housing comprises a fastening flange suitable to be fixed to a component of the internal combustion engine, wherein the turbine housing is provided with a connecting pipe for fluidly connecting the turbine housing inlet with an exhaust manifold of the internal combustion engine, and wherein the connecting pipe includes means for compensating axial thermal deformations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Hans H. Drangel, Lorenzo Magro, Luca Trabucchi
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Publication number: 20130047582Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine comprises a particulate filter assembly configured to receive exhaust gas from the engine. The particulate filter assembly comprises an electrically heated catalyst, a particulate filter disposed downstream of the electrically heated catalyst, a hydrocarbon injector, in fluid communication with the exhaust gas, upstream of the electrically heated catalyst and configured to inject excess hydrocarbon into the exhaust gas, an air pump in fluid communication with the exhaust gas upstream of the electrically heated catalyst and configured to deliver air to the exhaust gas to increase the volumetric gas flow rate through, and to decrease the heat residence time in, the particulate filter and a controller configured to operate the hydrocarbon injector, the electrically heated catalyst and the air pump based on predetermined exhaust gas flow rates, temperature thresholds and particulate loadings within the particulate filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, JR., Garima Bhatia
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Publication number: 20130054096Abstract: A system and method for reducing a buffeting condition in a passenger compartment of a vehicle is disclosed herein. The system includes, but is not limited to, a blocking member disposed between the passenger compartment and an adjacent space that is configured to move between an open position and a closed position to respectively open and close an opening between the passenger compartment and the adjacent space. The system further includes a motor operatively coupled with the blocking member and configured to move the blocking member between the open position and the closed position. The system still further includes a controller operatively coupled to the motor and configured to control the motor to move the blocking member to alternate between the open position and the closed position at a predetermined rate in response to a triggering event, whereby a buffeting condition experienced in the passenger compartment is diminished.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: TAEYOUNG HAN, BAHRAM KHALIGHI, KUO-HUEY CHEN
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Publication number: 20130049685Abstract: An electrical charging system is provided, and includes a voltage supply and a conductive coupling element. The conductive coupling element includes a pilot circuit, a resistance element, a light-emitting diode (“LED”), and a switching element. The pilot circuit has a primary control contact and a ground contact. The pilot circuit is configured to be in communication with and receive voltage from the voltage supply. The pilot circuit is configured for supplying a control pilot voltage. The resistance element is electrically connected to the ground contact. The resistance element includes a resistance value. The LED is electrically connected to the resistance element and the ground contact, and has a forward voltage drop. The switching element is actuated to selectively connect the resistance element and the LED element to the primary control contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Andrew J. Farah, David E. Milburn, Barbara A. Carter
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Publication number: 20130053212Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain with an engine, first and second torque machines, and a hybrid transmission. A method for operating the vehicle includes operating the engine in an unfueled state, releasing an off-going clutch which when engaged effects operation of the hybrid transmission in a first continuously variable mode, and applying a friction braking torque to a wheel of the vehicle to compensate for an increase in an output torque of the hybrid transmission resulting from releasing the off-going clutch. Subsequent to releasing the off-going clutch, an oncoming clutch which when engaged effects operation of the hybrid transmission in a second continuously variable mode is synchronized. Subsequent to synchronization of the oncoming clutch, the oncoming clutch is engaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ali K. Naqvi, Besim Demirovic, Pinaki Gupta, Lawrence A. Kaminsky
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Publication number: 20130049516Abstract: An end ring assembly for a rotor, wherein the rotor is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis, includes a plurality of annular sheets stacked adjacent one another. Each of the plurality of annular sheets has a first surface and a second surface spaced opposite the first surface. The end ring assembly also includes a braze material sandwiched between and joining only a first portion of the first surface of each of the plurality of annular sheets, and a corresponding second portion of the second surface of a respective adjacent one of the plurality of annular sheets without joining an entirety of the first surface of each of the plurality of annular sheets and the second surface of the respective adjacent one of the plurality of annular sheets. A method of forming the end ring assembly is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Richard M. Kleber, David R. Sigler, James G. Schroth