Patents Assigned to GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
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Publication number: 20130020896Abstract: A rotor for a permanent magnet electric machine includes an axis of rotation, an outer surface, and a cross-section orthogonal to the axis of rotation with a non-circular contour of the outer surface defined by a plurality of radii angularly distributed around the axis of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Xinyu Zhou, Sinisa Jurkovic, Qiang Niu, Khwaja M. Rahman, Xu Han, John C. Morgante
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Publication number: 20130019454Abstract: An elastic tube alignment system for the mating an emblem lens to an outer bezel utilizing the principle of elastic averaging. A plurality of geometrically separated elastic tube (male) alignment features are disposed on a first side of the emblem lens, while a plurality of one-to-one corresponding aperture (female) alignment features are provided in the outer bezel. During the mating, each elastic tube and its respective aperture provide elastic deformation, which, on average, precisely aligns the emblem lens with respect to the outer bezel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Joel Colombo, Steven E. Morris, Michael D. Richardson
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Publication number: 20130022895Abstract: An ion-conducting membrane for fuel cell applications a first layer including a first ion-conducting polymer and nanofibers dispersed therein. The first layer includes a first side and a second side. A second layer is disposed over the first side of the first layer and includes a second ion-conducting polymer without nanofibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ruichun Jiang, Timothy J. Fuller, Craig S. Gittleman
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Publication number: 20130020166Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter assembly includes an internal planetary gear assembly that splits torque between a torque converter and a direct path to the transmission input as well as a damper and a torque converter clutch. The torque converter assembly includes an input shaft that is driven by the engine output shaft and is coupled to both the planetary gear carrier of the planetary gear assembly and the transmission hydraulic pump. The sun gear of the planetary gear assembly is coupled to the torque converter output shaft through a spring damper. The ring gear of the planetary gear assembly is coupled to one side of the torque converter clutch and the pump of the torque converter. The other side of the torque converter clutch is coupled to both the turbine of the torque converter and the spring damper. The stator of the torque converter is grounded. An alternate embodiment replaces the torque converter with a fluid coupling.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Darrell Lee Robinette, Victor M. Roses
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Publication number: 20130019743Abstract: A pneumatic actuator is provided for an active hood and includes a cylinder and a piston, which is movable in the cylinder between a lower terminal position, in which the volume of a chamber delimited by piston and cylinder, which may be impinged using compressed gas, is minimal, and an upper terminal position, in which the volume of the chamber is maximal. The piston is lockable in the lower terminal position by a detent body engaging in first recesses of the cylinder and the piston. A slider is displaceable by impingement using the compressed gas out of an idle position, in which it fixes the detent body in the first recesses, into a triggering position, in which a second recess of the slider overlaps with one of the first recesses and is capable, together with a single one of the first recesses of accommodating the detent body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
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Publication number: 20130021446Abstract: A system and method receives image or video feeds from at least two cameras positioned on a platform such as a vehicle, to view a scene from different viewing points. A relative displacement between the video feeds may be selected (e.g., pre-selected, or selected by a system), and display of the feeds may be alternated on a display a chosen flicker or alternation rate, where the video feeds are displaced at the relative displacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Guy RAZ, Thomas A. Seder, Omer Tsimhoni
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Publication number: 20130020826Abstract: A counterbalanced decklid hinge assembly for rotatably supporting a decklid relative to a vehicle includes a torque rod extending between a first hinge box and a second hinge box. A support member is rotatably supported by each of the first and second hinge boxes. A linkage system interconnects one axial end of the torque rod to one of the support members, and is attached to the axial end of the torque rod in a manner that allows for a straight axial end of the torque rod, i.e., requires no bends. A lever is attached to and rotatable with the other axial end of the torque rod, and is attached in a manner that allows for a straight axial end of the torque rod, i.e., requires no bends.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Alvin N. Standard
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Publication number: 20130019833Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a variable air intake system and method is provided for a vehicle. The system comprises an engine a controller coupled to the engine. The controller also couples to and controls an air intake system including a first air inlet port and a second air inlet port having a valve operable to move between a closed position and an open position responsive to the controller to provide air to the engine via a filter. A sensor is disposed between the filter and the engine to communicate with the controller for controlling the valve. The method comprises determining engine speed and air flow for an engine of a vehicle and comparing via the engine speed and air flow to a respective high threshold and low threshold. A valve within a second (controlled) air inlet port is opened when the engine speed and air flow each exceed the respective high threshold and closed when the engine speed and air flow each are below the respective low threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: LEI LI, JONATHON K. HO, COLIN M. HEBERT, GARY L. MARTINSON
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Publication number: 20130023379Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine coupled to a transmission, a fluid coupling including an impeller and a turbine wherein the impeller is mechanically coupled to a rotatable member of the electric machine and the turbine is mechanically coupled to a rotatable member of the internal combustion engine. The fluid coupling is effective to fluidically couple torque from the electric machine to the internal combustion engine when the impeller and turbine are not mechanically locked.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Anthony L. Smith, Yongsheng He, Hong Yang
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Publication number: 20130019472Abstract: A method of manufacturing an engine includes providing an inventory of cylinder heads each having a first set of features and a first set of datums. The first set of features is spatially arranged relative to the first set of datums. A fixture that is apart from all of the cylinder heads is provided. The fixture has a second set of features spatially arranged relative to one another substantially identically as the first set of features are spatially arranged relative to one another. A cam carrier is secured to the fixture at the second set of features. A cam bore is machined in the cam carrier at a position determined relative to the second set of features and relative to a surface of the cam carrier that abuts the fixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Daniel K. Owusu
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Publication number: 20130019834Abstract: An oil squirter includes a housing in fluid communication with a source of oil pressure, a first nozzle in fluid communication with the housing, and a second nozzle in fluid communication with the housing. The oil squirter also includes a mechanism arranged within the housing and configured to open the first nozzle and close the second nozzle when the oil pressure is below a threshold value. The mechanism is also configured to open the second nozzle and close the first nozzle when the oil pressure is at or above the threshold value. An engine having a cylinder defined by a cylinder bore, a piston configured to reciprocate within the cylinder bore, and the oil squirter, along with a vehicle having such an engine, is also disclosed. In the engine, the first nozzle sprays oil onto the cylinder bore and the second nozzle sprays oil at the underside of the piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Gary J. Hazelton
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Publication number: 20130024085Abstract: An engine includes an intake manifold mixing an intake air flow and an exhaust gas recirculation flow to provide an intake charge flow. A method to estimate an intake charge temperature of the intake charge includes monitoring system conditions for the engine, determining an effect of the mixing upon a specific heat coefficient of the intake charge flow based upon the monitored system conditions, estimating the intake charge temperature based upon the effect of the mixing upon the specific heat coefficient of the intake charge flow and the monitored system conditions, and controlling the engine based upon the estimated intake charge temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Ibrahim Haskara, Ping Ge
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Publication number: 20130022884Abstract: A three-way diverter assembly with a movable member is provided. The three-way diverter assembly includes a housing having a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet and the second inlet are adapted to receive a fluid. The movable member, disposed in the housing adjacent the first inlet, is rotatable about an axis from a first positional limit to a second positional limit, and selectively positional therebetween. Fuel cell systems having the three-way diverter assembly for regulating temperature and humidity of a fuel cell stack are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
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Publication number: 20130024011Abstract: A method of controlling an actuator includes developing a sequence of actuation commands S(tx)=C(tx, tx), C(tx, tx+1), . . . , C(tx, tx+n) obtained from data sensed before time tx for controlling the actuator at different time intervals (tx, tx+1), (tx+1, tx+2), . . . , (tx+n?1, tx+n). The sequence of actuation commands is transmitted to and stored in memory of an actuation ECU, which then applies the actuation command for time interval (tx, tx+1). If a fault affects a sensor, a control ECU or data communication therebetween, the actuation ECU will not receive an updated sequence of actuation commands S(tx+1) at time tx+1. If the updated actuation command sequence, the actuation ECU applies the actuation command for the time intervals (tx+1, tx+2), . . . , (tx+n?1, tx+n) from the sequence of actuation commands S(tx) that is stored in the memory of the actuation ECU.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Markus Jochim, Lawrence E. Peruski, Barbara J. Czerny, Joseph G. D'Ambrosio, Rami I. Debouk
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Publication number: 20130015164Abstract: A method for welding a plurality of aluminum to aluminum welds and a plurality of steel to steel welds using the same welder includes providing a resistance spot welder with a pair of weld electrodes having an electrode face radius of curvature in the range between 20 mm and 40 mm. The series of aluminum to aluminum welds is first made, and then, after completing the aluminum to aluminum welds, the series of steel to steel welds are made. After completing the steel to steel welds the weld electrodes are cleaned by an abrasive to remove any buildup or contamination of aluminum on the electrodes. In the event the electrodes have mushroomed, then dressing of the electrodes is provided and then the abrasive cleaning is performed to restore the surface texture.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: DAVID R. SIGLER, MICHAEL J. KARAGOULIS
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Publication number: 20130015803Abstract: Methods, system and apparatus are provided for reducing power loss in an electric motor drive system that includes an electric machine and an inverter module. A controller determines whether a torque command (Tcmd) is less than a minimum torque threshold (Tmin) that is required to disable the inverter module, and if so, increments a counter and determines whether the torque command (Tcmd) remains less than the minimum torque threshold (Tmin). When the torque command (Tcmd) remains less than the minimum torque threshold (Tmin), the controller checks to determine whether a current count value (n) maintained at the counter is greater than a count threshold (nth), and if so, the controller can generate a disable signal to disable switching within the inverter module.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: MICHAEL ARNETT, STEVEN E. SCHULZ, BON HO BAE, SILVA HITI, RONGHUI LI
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Publication number: 20130015643Abstract: An airbag module is mounted on the outboard side of a vehicle seat bottom frame having a vertical wall. An airbag assembly includes a housing, an inflator within the housing, and an airbag folded within the housing. A molded plastic airbag cover includes a top wall having an airbag opening therein through which the airbag is inflatable, and a vertical depending wall adapted to overlie the vertical wall of the seat bottom frame in spaced relation therefrom to conceal the airbag assembly. The vertical depending wall has mounting elements extending therefrom into engagement with the vertical wall of the seat bottom frame for mounting the airbag cover on the vertical depending wall of the seat bottom frame. The housing has fastener elements mounting the housing on the airbag cover. And the airbag cover has fastener elements thereon for mounting the airbag cover on the seat bottom frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David J. Gorman, Scott D. Thomas, Christopher J. Kehrig
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Publication number: 20130015254Abstract: A variable flow orifice for a hydraulic control system in a transmission includes a shape memory alloy that selectively increases and decreases the size of an orifice. The deformation of the shape memory alloy, and therefore the size of the orifice, is a function of the temperature of the transmission. During cold conditions the orifice size is increased and during normal operating conditions the size of the orifice is decreased.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Zhe Xie, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Robert L. Moses, John E. Marano
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Publication number: 20130014497Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a housing for an internal combustion engine includes a manifold section configured to receive an exhaust gas flow from cylinders of the internal combustion engine and a turbine section, wherein the turbine section and manifold section are a single member. Further, the housing includes a volute chamber within the turbine section configured to direct the exhaust gas flow to a turbine wheel disposed about a turbine axis and a circumferential septum positioned inside the volute chamber to separate two chambers that are substantially nested about the turbine wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC.Inventors: Ko-Jen Wu, Rodney E. Baker, Darrel J. Walter
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Publication number: 20130017816Abstract: A method of enabling communications between a Bluetooth low energy master communication device in a vehicle and a slave communication device. The slave communication device is successfully paired with a Bluetooth high energy master communication device in the vehicle. An identifier of the slave communication device is stored when it is successfully paired with the Bluetooth high energy master communication device. The Bluetooth low energy master communication device identifies an advertising event broadcast by the slave communication device. The advertising event relates to a notification by the slave communication device of the availability of its services. A determination is made whether the identifier of the slave communication device matches the stored identifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Timothy J. Talty, Robert A. Hrabak, Jonathan L. Oakes