Patents Assigned to GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Publication number: 20130048399
    Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a magnetic decklid damper system is provided for a vehicle. The system comprises a decklid coupled to a body of the vehicle via a hinge strap facilitating the decklid moving between a closed position and an open position. The hinge strap includes a first magnetic element coupled to the hinge strap, and a second magnetic element coupled to a body member of the vehicle. The first and second magnetic elements have a common polarity to magnetically repel each other as the decklid moves toward the open position to provide a damping effect for the decklid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: GARY W. KRAJENKE, ALVIN N. STANDARD, EDWARD L. SCHULTE
  • Publication number: 20130053212
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ali K. Naqvi, Besim Demirovic, Pinaki Gupta, Lawrence A. Kaminsky
  • Publication number: 20130047702
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a sensor of an exhaust system is provided. The method includes evaluating humidity of air entering the exhaust system; and monitoring operation of a sensor in the exhaust system based on the humidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott T. Feldmann, Janean E. Kowalkowski
  • Publication number: 20130053207
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of gear sets, first and second clutches, first and second actuators, and first and second bearings. The plurality of gear sets is disposed between the input member and the output member. The first and second clutches are selectively engaged to rotationally couple first and second pairs of the plurality of gear sets. The first and second actuators each have a stationary cylinder bore and a piston disposed in the stationary cylinder bore, where the pistons are substantially rotationally stationary. The first bearing is disposed between the first clutch and the nonrotating piston of the first actuator and the second bearing is disposed between the second clutch and the nonrotating piston of the second actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20130042426
    Abstract: A vehicle wiper assembly includes a wiper blade configured to wipe a surface, an armature, and an actuator. The armature has a first end spaced from a second end, and is coupled with the wiper blade at the first end, and coupled to a pivot mechanism at the second end. The pivot mechanism is configured to allow the wiper blade to articulate about the second end in a direction substantially away from the surface and between a wiping position and a parked position. The actuator is provided in mechanical communication with the armature and is configured to receive an electrical actuation signal to transition the wiper blade between a wiping position and the parked position, where the wiper blade is in contact with the surface while in the wiping position, and is separated from the surface while in the parked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: SCOTT R. WEBB, NICHOLAS W. PINTO, IV, PAUL W. ALEXANDER, XIUJIE GAO, WENDELL G. SUMMERVILLE, SCOTT P. CHARNESKY, THOMAS W. COX, KHRISTOPHER S. LEE
  • Publication number: 20130045835
    Abstract: A method of controlling engine crankshaft torque on a vehicle requests crankshaft torque modification using multiple types of torque actuators prior to and during a single commanded shift, such as an upshift. Appropriate levels of torque modification for the request, as well as appropriate times to make determinations regarding actuator type and make crankshaft torque reduction requests are determined in light of timing of key events during the shift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Schang, Robert L. Williams, David Szpara
  • Publication number: 20130043816
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, systems, a machine-readable medium operable in a controller, and apparatus for controlling a multi-phase inverter that drives a multi-phase electric machine. When a sensor fault is detected, a phase current angle is computed based on the feedback stator currents, and used to estimate an angular velocity and an angular position of a rotor of the multi-phase electric machine. When the estimated angular velocity of the multi-phase electric machine is less than a transition angular velocity threshold, an open-circuit response can be applied at the multi-phase inverter by controlling all switches in the multi-phase inverter drive to be open. By contrast, when the estimated angular velocity is greater than the transition angular velocity threshold, a short-circuit response can be applied at the multi-phase inverter by controlling selected switches in the multi-phase inverter drive to connect all phases of the multi-phase inverter to a single bus (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: BRIAN A. WELCHKO, MIN DAI
  • Publication number: 20130046428
    Abstract: An energy management device is provided for at least one energy consumer of a vehicle, which includes, but is not limited to a receiver designed to receive data from a navigation system, an evaluator designed on the one hand to determine a traveling time for the vehicle to reach a predetermined destination based on the received data of the navigation system, and on the other to determine a deactivation time based on the traveling time for switching off the at least one energy consumer before the traveling time has expired, and an actuator designed to switch off the at least one energy consumer at the deactivation time before the traveling time has expired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Frank JORDAN
  • Publication number: 20130042717
    Abstract: An adjusting device for a steering column of a motor vehicle for axial and/or vertical positioning of a steering wheel connected to the steering column is provided. The adjusting device comprises a locking device and an electric switch configured to actuate the locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dirk EHRLICH, Thomas DEGENSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20130042715
    Abstract: A serial robot includes a base, first and second segments, a proximal joint joining the base to the first segment, and a distal joint. The distal joint that joins the segments is serially arranged and distal with respect to the proximal joint. The robot includes first and second actuators. A first tendon extends from the first actuator to the proximal joint and is selectively moveable via the first actuator. A second tendon extends from the second actuator to the distal joint and is selectively moveable via the second actuator. The robot includes a transmission having at least one gear element which assists rotation of the distal joint when an input force is applied to the proximal and/or distal joints by the first and/or second actuators. A robotic hand having the above robot is also disclosed, as is a robotic system having a torso, arm, and the above-described hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dalong Gao, Chris A. Ihrke
  • Publication number: 20130046450
    Abstract: A control system for shifting an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle is provided. The control system is connected to a drive engine and a drive train. The control system includes a speed sensor configured for sensing a vehicle speed, an angular sensor configured for sensing an angle of an accelerator pedal of the motor vehicle, an acceleration sensor configured to sense an acceleration of the accelerator pedal, and a control electronic device configured for selecting a predetermined shifting curve for shifting the automatic transmission. The control electronic device also is configured to select from different shifting modes by measurement data of the speed sensor, angular sensor, and acceleration sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Martin GENTILE, Gernot BECKER
  • Publication number: 20130045434
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a subgasket for a fuel cell stack having a pair of plates disposed in a stack includes the step of positioning a membrane between the plates. The membrane includes an inboard portion and a tortuous form portion. The inboard portion abuts a proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell, and the tortuous form portion abuts each of the plates. The tortuous form portion defines at least one cavity between one of the plates and the membrane. A viscous sealant is injected into the cavity. The sealant is cured to form a compliant bead seal on the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Glenn W. Skala, Vinod Kumar
  • Publication number: 20130046435
    Abstract: A starting system for an internal combustion engine includes a starter motor and a battery. A method for evaluating the starting system includes detecting a fault associated with the starter motor when a minimum starting system voltage during a cranking event is greater than a threshold minimum starting system voltage determined in relation to an engine acceleration parameter, and detecting a fault associated with the battery when the engine acceleration parameter is less than a minimum threshold for the engine acceleration parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Kwang-Keun Shin, Mutasim A. Salman
  • Publication number: 20130045689
    Abstract: A hands-free system for a vehicle is provided, where the hands-free system sends and receives communication from a personal electronic device. The hands-free system includes a vehicle control module that is in communication with at least one vehicle system for determining if the vehicle is in a condition to receive input regarding operation, a display, and a hands-free control module. The hands-free control module is in communication with the display and the vehicle control module. The hands-free control module is in communication with the personal electronic device for sending and receiving an external communication from the personal electronic device. The hands-free control module has a memory and a message delivery filter algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Grost, Cody R. Hansen, Matthew M. Highstrom
  • Publication number: 20130042533
    Abstract: A system for controlling an access opening in a vehicle body includes first and second doors arranged to selectively open and close first and second portions of the opening. The system also includes a power-activated device operatively connected to the first door and configured to be selectively retracted before at least one of the first and second doors is opened. The power-activated device is also configured to be protracted when the first and second doors are closed to thereby seal the first and second portions of the access opening. The system additionally includes a primary energy storage device configured to supply power to the power-activated device. Furthermore, the system includes an auxiliary energy storage device configured to supply back-up power to the power-activated device when the power supplied by the primary energy storage device is interrupted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James S. Netherland, III, Scott P. Charnesky
  • Publication number: 20130045826
    Abstract: A powertrain has an input member, an output member, a stationary member, and a motor/generator. The powertrain includes a hybrid transmission with a first and a second planetary gear set. In some embodiments, a third planetary gear set is added. The motor/generator is continuously connected for common rotation with the first member of the second planetary gear set. A first interconnecting member continuously connects the second member of the first planetary gear set for common rotation with the third member of the second planetary gear set. A second interconnecting member continuously connects the third member of the first planetary gear set for common rotation with the second member of the second planetary gear set. A torque-transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to connect the first member of the second planetary gear set for common rotation with the input member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: SCOTT H. WITTKOPP, EDWARD W. MELLET, SHAWN H. SWALES
  • Publication number: 20130042711
    Abstract: A double involute pinion-face gear drive system provides transmission of torque and speed, or direction of movement modification between non-intersecting shafts at right angles to one another. Specifically, the system includes three distinct types of gear drives, in which a double involute cylindrical pinion mounted on one of the two axes, engages a rotatable disk-shaped gear mounted on the second axis, disposed orthogonally offset at a prescribed center distance relative to the first axis. The teeth of the cylindrical pinion are curved in an abridged, normal or extended involute shape and may include an involute-shaped tooth depth profile in a plane passing through the tooth pitch point and orthogonal to the axis of the pinion. Likewise, the teeth of the face gear are curved in abridged, normal or extended involute shape in the lengthwise direction of the teeth and may include a straight line shaped tooth depth profile. These gear drive systems can be simultaneously bi-rotational and bi-directional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ioan Napau, Mircea Napau
  • Publication number: 20130043840
    Abstract: Systems and methods to perform cell balancing on a vehicle battery pack. Cell balancing regulates which cells are discharged during use of the battery pack. Individual cell capacities may be used to determine for how long individual cells are discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Zachary D. Bylsma, Matthew A. Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20130042609
    Abstract: A unit for estimating a rotational speed of a turbocharger is provided. The unit includes a microprocessor comprising input ports configured for receiving measurement signals from an exhaust gas flow control system of an internal combustion engine and an output port for outputting a signal indicative of the rotational speed of the turbocharger. The input ports are adapted to receive a first set of measurement signals and a second set of measurement signals. A microprocessor is configured to calculate an estimated rotational speed of the turbocharger using a turbocharger model, based on the first set of measurement signals and the second set of measurement signals. The second set of measurement signals include signals indicative of a pressure difference across a turbine of the turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Francesco CIANFLONE, Gerhard LANDSMANN, Andreas SIDOROW, Christopher ECK, Rolf ISERMANN, Ulrich KONIGORSKI
  • Publication number: 20130042718
    Abstract: A conformable shape memory article comprises a deformable enclosure covering and discrete particles disposed within the enclosure covering, wherein the discrete particles comprise a shape memory polymer, or the discrete particles have a hollow shell structure comprising a shape memory alloy. In a more specific embodiment, the enclosure is elastically deformable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Robin Stevenson