Patents Assigned to GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • UNIT FOR ESTIMATING THE ROTATIONAL SPEED OF A TURBOCHARGER AND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH A TURBOCHARGER
    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
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING CELL BALANCING IN A VEHICLE USING CELL CAPACITIES
    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
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING PRESENCE OF ONE OR MORE USER IDENTIFICATION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130043976
    Abstract: A method for detecting presence of one or more security token comprises a host device transmitting a wake-up message for receipt by the security token. Based on the wake-up message and a condition of the one or more security token, the security token either awakens or returns to an inactive state. The wake-up message comprises a security code that is unique to a host device and an instruction code that is configured to selectively instruct at least one of the one or more security tokens associated with the vehicle to awaken. A system for detecting presence of a user includes a host device configured for transmitting a wake-up message to be received by a security token. The wake-up message comprises a unique security code and an instruction code that is configured to instruct security tokens associated with the vehicle to awaken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Aaron P. Creguer, David T. Proefke
  • EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
    Publication number: 20130042841
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine comprising an exhaust gas recirculation conduit fluidly connecting an exhaust manifold to an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine, first and second exhaust gas coolers located in series in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit, each of the first and second exhaust gas coolers comprising an inlet and an outlet fluidly connected to a first and a second coolant circuit respectively, wherein the second coolant circuit comprises a radiator having a coolant inlet in fluid communication with the coolant outlet of the second exhaust gas cooler, a pump having a coolant inlet in fluid communication with a coolant outlet of the radiator and a coolant outlet in fluid communication with the coolant inlet of the second exhaust gas cooler, and an additional conduit fluidly connecting the coolant outlet of the exhaust cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Vassallo, Hans H. Drangel
  • EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COOLER FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
    Publication number: 20130042842
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation cooler for an internal combustion engine is provided. The exhaust gas recirculation cooler includes an external casing with an inlet and an outlet for an exhaust gas flow. A first tube bundle and a second tube bundle, each with an inlet and an outlet for a coolant, are located inside the external casing so that the exhaust gas flow flows through the first tube bundle and the second tube bundle in series. A bypass passage conveys the exhaust gas flow from downstream the first tube bundle to the outlet of the external casing bypassing the second tube bundle. The bypass passage is located inside the external casing between the first tube bundle and the second tube bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alberto VASSALLO, Hans DRANGEL
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING CRANKSHAFT TORQUE DURING A TRANSMISSION SHIFT WITH TORQUE CAPACITY-BASED TORQUE REDUCTION RANGE SELECTION
    Publication number: 20130045832
    Abstract: A control system for use with an engine and a transmission in a vehicle is provided that includes at least one controller having a processor with at least one stored algorithm that determines different crankshaft torque capacities associated with different respective torque actuators including a relatively slow torque actuator, such as an airflow actuator, and at least one relatively fast torque actuator, such as a spark actuator or a fuel actuator. The algorithm determines a torque actuation range over which to modify engine torque during an oncoming shift of the transmission. The torque actuation range may be based at least partially on a target gear of the upshift, desired shift duration, and a vehicle operating condition indicative of an operator intent regarding shift duration. Requests for torque modification by use of the torque actuators are then made to provide the torque actuation range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Mark A. Schang, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Andrew W. Baur, Ning Jin
  • ENGINE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION WITH OIL SURGE PROTECTION
    Publication number: 20130042844
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine structure, an intake air assembly and a crankcase ventilation line assembly. The engine structure defines a cylinder bore, an intake port in communication with the cylinder bore, and a crankcase. The air intake assembly is in communication with the intake port. The crankcase ventilation line assembly includes a fresh air line and an oil surge protection device. The fresh air line is in communication with the crankcase and the air intake assembly and provides fresh air to the crankcase. The oil surge protection device is in communication with the fresh air line and defines an oil obstruction inhibiting oil flow to the air intake assembly while allowing air flow between the crankcase and the air intake assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: THOMAS A. SPIX, STEVEN G. BRYDE
  • ENGINE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING VALVETRAIN LUBRICATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20130042826
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine block, a cylinder head coupled to the engine block and first and second lubrication systems. The first lubrication system includes a first pump in communication with the engine block and providing a first fluid to the engine block. The second lubrication system is isolated from the first lubrication system and includes a second pump in communication with the cylinder head and providing a second fluid to the cylinder head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: JASON C. MELECOSKY, TIMOTHY L. NEAL
  • ROTOR FOR ELECTRIC MOTOR AND BRAZING PROCESS
    Publication number: 20130043760
    Abstract: A plurality of conductor bars are positioned within slots of a laminated electric steel disc stack, and the ends of the conductor bars are brazed to end rings to manufacture a rotor. The method includes inserting the conductor bars into the slots of the disc stack, providing the end rings with slots for receiving the ends of the conductor bars; positioning spacers of braze material adjacent each end of each of the conductor bars to create a gap between the end rings and the steel disc stack; and applying heat to melt the braze material of the spacers whereby braze material is furnished by the spacers of braze material to braze the first and second ends of the conductor bars to the first and second end rings. Channels are provided in the face of the end rings facing the steel disc stack to drain away excess braze material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Osborne, Qigui Wang, Yucong Wang
  • FASTENING SYSTEM, COVERING APPARATUS, SEATING DEVICE, AND VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20130043710
    Abstract: A fastening system for fastening a covering apparatus to a support structure is provided. The fastening system comprises a support frame having a fastening edge configured as a beading and a fastening device for fastening the covering apparatus on the support frame. The fastening device has a fastening opening into which a fastening unit projecting from the support frame engages at least partially so that a fastening fixed in at least six degrees of freedom is ensured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Andrzej PLESKOT
  • VALVE CONFIGURED FOR REGULATING THE FLOW OF FLUID FROM A TRANSMISSION TO A FLUID COOLER
    Publication number: 20130042927
    Abstract: A transmission fluid circuit includes a transmission, a cooler, and a valve. The transmission receives and expels a fluid. The cooler receives and expels the fluid to the transmission. The valve directs the flow of fluid received from the transmission to one of the transmission and the fluid cooler. The valve includes a housing, a spool and an actuator. The housing defines a cavity. The spool is movable longitudinally in the cavity between a first position and a second position to direct the flow of the fluid from the cavity to the cooler or the transmission. The actuator is operatively connected to the spool and includes a smart material which is activated in response to the temperature of the fluid in the cavity having at least a first temperature and deactivated in response to the fluid in the cavity having a sufficient number of degrees less than the first temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Vijay A. Neelakantan, Paul G. Otanez, Shushan Bai
  • SYSTEM FOR MONITORING ITEMS IN PROXIMITY TO A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20130038432
    Abstract: A vehicle having an item detection system is provided having at least one indicator for selectively emitting an alarm when activated, a vehicle alarm control module, at least one radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag, and a radio frequency (“RF”) interrogator. The vehicle alarm control module is in communication with the at least one indicator and includes control logic for sending an activation data signal to the at least one indicator to selectively activate the at least one indicator. The RFID tag is configured for receiving a query RF signal and transmitting a reply RF signal upon receipt of the query RF signal. The RF interrogator is in communication with the vehicle alarm and is located within a specified distance of the RFID tag. The RF interrogator has a processor, and includes control logic for transmitting the query RF signal to the RFID tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Grost, Matthew M. Highstrom
  • STOWABLE UNDER-SEAT STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ORGANIZING A PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20130038080
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a seat moveable between a horizontal seating position and a vertical raised position. An under-seat space is defined between a floor surface of the vehicle and a bottom surface of the seat. A collapsible storage system is stowable under the seat, flat against the bottom surface of the seat when not needed for storage, and is positionable on the floor to define a lateral boundary wall to convert the under-seat space into an enclosed storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Edward D. Tate, JR.
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERFERENCE REDUCTION DURING KEYLESS IGNITION AUTHENTICATION
    Publication number: 20130041560
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for interference reduction during keyless authentication. The apparatus includes a control system having a controller configured to detect an authentication event and deactivate at least one device within the vehicle. The control system is also configured to transmit an authentication command and to reactive the at least one device within the vehicle in response to receiving a valid authentication signal. The method includes an authentication method for a user to operate a vehicle wherein an authentication event is detected and at least one device within the vehicle is deactivated. An authentication command is transmitted and the at least one device within the vehicle is reactivated in response to receiving a valid authentication signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: CHARLES J. BONGIORNO, AARON P. CREGUER, DAVID T. PROEFKE
  • ADAPTER APPARATUS, VEHICLE SEAT, MOTOR VEHICLE, AND METHOD FOR THE ABSORPTION OF KINETIC ENERGY OF A VEHICLE SEAT
    Publication number: 20130038098
    Abstract: A seat adapter apparatus for fixing a seat frame to a moving part of a seat rail of a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle is provided. The seat adapter apparatus has a seat frame side with a seat mount and an energy absorption device coupled to the seat frame side. The energy absorption device is configured to absorb at least a portion of the kinetic energy of the vehicle seat and/or redirect it to the seat rail in the event of a crash of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Juergen MAIER
  • DIGITAL CONTENT NETWORKING
    Publication number: 20130041580
    Abstract: Mobile network services for a vehicle are provided via a computer processing device, and a digital communications module executable by the computer processing device. The digital communications module identifies a content channel selection for content presented on a device in the vehicle, continuously receives information indicating a location of the vehicle, and monitors signal strength of the content as the vehicle moves among location. Upon determining a threshold signal strength is reached, the digital communications module determines an action to be taken, and performs the action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David R. Petrucci, Charles A. Massoll, Thiep T. Nguyen, Mark A. Wisnewski, David J. Trzcinski, Anna Saadatjoo
  • COMMON POINT OF INTEREST ("POI") IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20130041581
    Abstract: A system and method of determining a geographically reachable area is provided. A vehicle is in communication with a network. The network is in communication with at least one other vehicle. The method includes establishing communication between the vehicle and at least one other vehicle through the network. The method includes determining a travel range for the vehicle and a travel range for the at least one other vehicle. The method includes comparing the travel range for the at least one other vehicle with the travel range for the vehicle. The method includes determining where the travel range for the at least one other vehicle and the travel range for the vehicle overlap. The method further includes identifying the geographically reachable area by both the vehicle and the at least one other vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Edward D. Tate, JR.
  • FUEL STORAGE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20130037007
    Abstract: An evaporative emission control system for a fuel tank of a vehicle includes a diurnal control module coupled to a vapor exhaust line running between the fuel tank and an activated carbon canister. A purge line is coupled to the canister and is open to atmospheric pressure. The purge line includes a breathing loss accumulator that collects fuel vapors expelled from the canister during diurnal thermal expansion. The diurnal control module closes fluid communication between the fuel tank and the canister when the fuel tank is not being refueled to maintain the fuel tank in a pressurized condition and the canister in a non-pressurized condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Sam R. Reddy
  • METHOD FOR APPLYING VARIABLE MAGNETIC PROPERTIES TO A INDUCTION HEATED TOOL FACE AND MANUFACTURING PARTS USING THE TOOL
    Publication number: 20130040051
    Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method for manufacturing a tool comprises applying at least one ferro-magnetic material to at least a portion of a tool face of a different material. The method produces a tool face with varying magnetic properties facilitating substantially uniform induction heating of the tool face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: JULIEN P. MOUROU, URBAN J. DE SOUZA
  • PLASTIC SPEED TARGET WHEEL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
    Publication number: 20130038319
    Abstract: A speed target wheel includes an annular body portion and a plurality of gear teeth. The annular body portion consists of a plastic material and the plurality of gear teeth project from the annular body portion. Each of the plurality of gear teeth includes a base portion adjacent the annular body portion and a tip portion, where the base portion is integrally formed with the annular body portion and substantially comprises the plastic material, and where the tip portion includes a ferrous region integrally encompassed by the plastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jack M. Gayney, Kevin A. Shipley, Apoorva S. Kelkar