Patents Assigned to GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
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Publication number: 20130004413Abstract: A hydrogen storage material comprises an oxide and a hydride that can react with each other reversibly to produce hydrogen gas. A solid state hydrogen storage device and process of producing and storing hydrogen are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: John J. Vajo, Ping Liu
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Publication number: 20130004867Abstract: An exemplary embodiment and associated method of use discloses a reversible hydrogen storage system that liberates hydrogen and a perlithiohydrocarbon compound by destabilization of a hydrocarbon source or sources with lithium hydride (LiH). The liberated hydrogen may be subsequently utilized in a coupled end-use application.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: John J. Vajo
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Publication number: 20130006417Abstract: A communication system for communicating over high-latency, low bandwidth networks includes a communications processor configured to receive a collection of data from a local system, and a transceiver in communication with the communications processor. The transceiver is configured to transmit and receive data over a network according to a plurality of communication parameters. The communications processor is configured to divide the collection of data into a plurality of data streams; assign a priority level to each of the respective data streams, where the priority level reflects the criticality of the respective data stream; and modify a communication parameter of at least one of the plurality of data streams according to the priority of the at least one data stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicants: The U.S.A. As Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Adam M. Sanders, Philip A. Strawser
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Publication number: 20130000455Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stator core is disclosed. The method includes advancing a blank at each of a plurality of press cycles to form a segment at each of the press cycles and shaping the segments. Shaping the segments further includes activating a tooth punch, activating a mounting-ear punch, and activating an joint punch. The method also includes separating the segments from the blank.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Edward L. Kaiser, Peter J. Savagian
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Publication number: 20130006440Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a system and method are provided for using tire temperature for dynamically adjusting active chassis systems of a vehicle. The method comprises determining a tire temperature value for at least one tire of a vehicle using at least one sensor and adjusting at least one active chassis system of the vehicle responsive to the tire temperature value. The system comprises a chassis having an engine providing power to tires to propel the vehicle. At least one active chassis system is configured to control braking, power applied or control inputs to the tires, and a controller is configured to determine a tire temperature value for adjusting the at least one active chassis systems. The at least one active chassis systems are adjusted responsive to the tire temperature value provided by the controller to control braking, power applied or control inputs to the tires.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: MICHAEL G. PETRUCCI, ALEXANDER J. MACDONALD
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Publication number: 20130006548Abstract: A method for determining a fluid level value in a fluid tank of an internal combustion engine equipped with a discrete level sensor is provided. The discrete level sensor is configured for generating a first electrical signal when a fluid level is above or equal to a first predetermined fluid level threshold value and generating a second electrical signal when the fluid level is above or equal to a second predetermined fluid level threshold value. The second predetermined fluid level threshold value is greater than the first predetermined fluid level threshold value. The method includes monitoring a number of occurrences of the first electrical signal and of the second electrical signal over a time interval. The fluid level in the fluid tank is calculated as a function of the number of occurrences of the first and of the second electrical signals over the time interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Igor ZANETTI, Giovanni DAVID
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Publication number: 20130004871Abstract: A method for providing calibration synchronization pulses in a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal including fuel cell voltage measurement pulses. The method includes providing a sequence of voltage signals representative of the voltage of the fuel cells in a fuel cell group, where the sequence of voltage signals are provided in the order of the position of the fuel cells in the group. The method also includes providing a sequence of calibration pulses and combining the sequence of voltage signals and the sequence of calibration pulses so that the calibration pulses are provided before a voltage signal of a first cell in the group. The method modulates the combined sequence of the voltage signals and the calibration pulses using an inverted saw tooth wave to provide the PWM signal, where a width of the pulses representing the voltage signals are proportional to a width of the pulses representing the calibration pulses.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David J. Reed, Kenneth L. Kaye, Derek R. Lebzelter
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Publication number: 20130000206Abstract: An assembly includes a first member and a second member spaced from and the first member, with the first member and the second member moveable relative to each other. A shape memory alloy actuator couples the second member to the first member. The shape memory alloy actuator includes a first end and a second end, both attached to the first member, with the shape memory alloy wrapped around a guide device to redirect the path of the shape memory alloy actuator. Having both the first end and the second end attached to the second member doubles the tensile force applied to the second member when the shape memory alloy actuator contracts.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: James C. O'Kane, Phillip C. Storck, III
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Publication number: 20130001975Abstract: An arrangement for housing a device in an interior of a vehicle is disclosed herein. The arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a trim component that is configured to be mounted within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The trim component defines a cavity. The cavity is configured to substantially conform to the device, to engage with multiple surfaces of the device, and to support the device in a generally horizontal orientation. The trim component further defines an opening to the cavity. The arrangement further includes a retaining body that is connected to the trim component. The retaining body is configured to inhibit egress of the device from the cavity through the opening when the device is positioned within the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas A. JONES, Timothy SAUNDERS, Raymond A. BEAUFAIT
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Publication number: 20130002416Abstract: Systems and methods for switching between manual-mode steering and autonomous-mode steering, including a steering wheel assembly sending a signal to an autonomous driving electronic control unit, to engage autonomous-mode steering, in response to an autonomous interface steering wheel of the assembly having been moved from a first position to a second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Ran Y. Gazit
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Publication number: 20130002013Abstract: A customizable energy system for a vehicle includes a plurality of interchangeable energy modules, wherein at least one of the plurality of interchangeable energy modules is an energy storage module configured for storing a first form of energy. The customizable energy system also includes a receptacle defining at least one cavity therein and configured for operatively communicating with the plurality of interchangeable energy modules, wherein the at least one cavity is configured for receiving any one of the plurality of interchangeable energy modules. Each of the plurality of interchangeable energy modules has a substantially similar shape and is interchangeably insertable into and removable from the at least one cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Adam T. Timmons
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Publication number: 20130004857Abstract: A product, and a method for forming a product, that includes a composite material having a polymeric carrier resin and a shape memory polymer material capable of transformation between a temporary shape and a permanent shape in the presence of an external stimuli, wherein said transformation from said temporary shape to said permanent shape changes at least one property of said composite material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Hamid G. Kia, Mark W. Verbrugge, Tao Xie, Ingrid A. Rousseau
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INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE EXHAUST THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME
Publication number: 20130000285Abstract: An internal combustion engine exhaust thermoelectric generator includes a stainless steel exhaust gas heat exchanger having an interior portion defined by a stainless steel wall and an exterior surface of the stainless steel wall distal to the interior portion. The exhaust gas heat exchanger receives a pressurized exhaust gas stream from the internal combustion engine and extracts thermal energy from the exhaust gas stream. At least one copper heat sink is in thermal contact with the exhaust gas heat exchanger to conduct thermal energy from the exhaust gas heat exchanger. A thermoelectric module has a hot side disposed on a surface of the at least one copper heat sink, and a cold side distal to the hot side. The thermoelectric module converts thermal energy to electrical energy for consumption or storage by an electrical load.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Gregory P. Prior -
Publication number: 20130002086Abstract: A stator core includes a first lamination and a second lamination. The first lamination is formed from a plurality of first segments and has a plurality of first mounting ears. The second lamination is formed from a plurality of second segments and has a plurality of second mounting ears. The first lamination and the second lamination are aligned with a common axis and are rotated about the common axis such that the first lamination is not aligned with the second lamination.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Edward L. Kaiser, Peter J. Savagian, Peter Bostwick
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Publication number: 20130004872Abstract: A system and method for determining a possible failure of membranes in the fuel cells for a fuel cell stack. The method includes monitoring the stack current density and the minimum cell voltage of the fuel cells in the stack. If both the minimum cell voltage and the stack current density are below predetermined values, then the method multiplies scaling factors of the minimum cell voltage and the stack current density to provide a membrane failure factor. If the membrane failure factor is greater than a threshold, then an indication is given of a possible membrane failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Brian McMurrough, Bernd Krause
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Publication number: 20130002072Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission having an input member on a primary axis and a motor positioned on the primary or a secondary axis. The motor includes a rotor circumscribing a rotor shaft connected to the input member, a stator having axially-extending end-windings, and a reduction gear set. The gear set is positioned substantially within in a void or radial space between the end windings. The gear set may include a first member on the rotor shaft and a stationary second member positioned adjacent to the end windings. A method for assembling the motor includes providing the gear set, stator, and rotor, connecting the ring gear to the stationary member, and inserting the carrier member into the ring gear from an axial side of the traction motor until the gear set is substantially inside of the void between the end windings.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Andrew W. Phillips
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Publication number: 20130002232Abstract: A method for providing calibration and synchronization pulses in a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal including cell voltage measurement pulses, where the calibration pulses are four calibration pulses having a pattern of a narrow width high voltage pulse followed by a wide width low voltage pulse followed by a narrow width high voltage pulse followed by a wide width low voltage pulse that has a very low probability of occurring in a practical fuel cell system. The method modulates a combined sequence of the voltage measurement signals and the calibration pulses using an inverted saw tooth wave to provide the PWM signal, where a width of the pulses representing the voltage signals are proportional to a width of the pulses representing the calibration pulses.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David J. Reed, Kenneth L. Kaye, Derek R. Lebzelter, Kevin Sampson
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Publication number: 20130000742Abstract: A method and system for controlling a pressure regulator in a gas storage system using a pressure switch as a pressure measurement device. A controller uses supply pressure data and gas flow demand data to compute a feed-forward control term, and uses data from a pressure sensor downstream of the pressure regulator to compute a feedback control term. During normal operation, with pressure downstream of the regulator oscillating about a set point pressure, on-time and off-time periods of a pressure switch are monitored, and an adaptive control term is computed which balances on-time and off-time. If the pressure sensor fails, excessive switch on-time or off-time will be detected; in response to this, the feedback control term is disregarded, and an adaptive control term is computed which aims to restore balanced on-time and off-time of the switch, thus indicating that the actual pressure is oscillating about the set point.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Oliver Maier, Thomas Weispfenning
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Publication number: 20130000761Abstract: An active fluid reservoir for transmission fluid of an automatic transmission, in a first embodiment, comprehends an elongate reservoir disposed adjacent and parallel to fluid lines leading from the automatic transmission to the transmission oil (fluid) cooler (TOC). Depending upon available space, the reservoir may be associated with either the supply or return line or two smaller reservoirs associated with both lines. Thermally actuated valves at each end of the reservoir(s) open to allow fluid flow through the reservoir as fluid temperature increases and a diverter valve in the cooler line(s) closes to divert flow into the reservoir. In a second embodiment, the fluid reservoir comprehends a container, tank or similar storage device in fluid communication with a transmission oil cooler (TOC) line.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Kenneth E. Stevens
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Publication number: 20130000776Abstract: A device is provided that may be adapted to control or monitor the pressure level of a fluid system. The device includes a member composed of a shape memory alloy in a superelastic state. The member is configured to undergo a phase change from a high modulus Austenitic phase to a low modulus Martensitic phase and stretch in response to an activation stress. In one embodiment, the member defines two ends such that one end of the member is operatively connected to a fixed point. Another end of the member is operatively connected to a movable element. As the member stretches in response to the activation stress, the movable element is translated relative to the fixed point. In another embodiment, the member includes two plates with respective holes that are selectively aligned when the first and second plates stretch or deform in response to the activation stress.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne, Xiujie Gao, Paul W. Alexander, Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Richard J. Skurkis, Scott R. Webb