Patents Assigned to GM Global Technologies Operations, Inc.
  • VARIABLE CATALYST LOADING BASED ON FLOW FIELD GEOMETRY
    Publication number: 20100330458
    Abstract: A fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly composed of a ionically conductive member sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. At least one of the electrodes including a catalyst loading characterized by catalytic activity that varies in proportion to the catalyst loading. Moreover, the fuel cell includes a flow path for supplying gaseous reactants to the electrodes and the catalyst loading is varied according to the flow path geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Fuss, Bhaskar Sompalli
  • Temperature sensing arrangements for power electronic devices
    Patent number: 7857509
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided for controlling temperature in a power electronic device. The power electronic device includes a semiconductor having a major surface. The cooling system includes a temperature sensor coupled to the major surface of the semiconductor; and a control circuit coupled the temperature sensor. The control circuit is configured to reduce current to the inverter circuit when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Terence G. Ward, Edward P. Yankoski
  • Cascaded fuel cell stack operation with anode gas recirculation
    Patent number: 7858258
    Abstract: A device and method to regulate humidification in a cascaded fuel cell stack. The cascaded fuel cell stack includes individual fuel cells placed together in multiple groups. A recirculation loop is fluidly coupled to an anode flowpath to permit the recirculation of hydrogen or a related fuel. A controller and one or more sensors and flow manipulation devices cooperate with one another to selectively increase or decrease the flow of reactant in the recirculation loop in order to manage water levels in one or more of the anode, cathode or electrolyte layer disposed between the anode and cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor W. Logan
  • Rapid light-off catalytic combustor for fuel cell vehicle
    Patent number: 7858255
    Abstract: A catalytic combustion unit for a fuel cell system is provided. The catalytic combustion unit includes a reactor having a porous medium with a catalyst deposited thereon. The reactor is disposed adjacent a heat exchanger and adapted to receive an air stream and a hydrogen stream. The reactor is further adapted to promote an exothermic reaction and modulate a temperature of a fuel cell stack. A fuel cell system and method employing the catalytic combustion unit are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel I. Harris
  • Method and system for monitoring an electrical energy storage device
    Patent number: 7859225
    Abstract: An electrical energy storage device is monitored by cyclically applying an electrical load thereto and monitoring voltage and current at transient portions of the cyclically applied electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mutasim A. Salman, Zhenhui Yao
  • Structural reinforcement of membrane electrodes
    Patent number: 7858266
    Abstract: A catalyst ink composition for a fuel cell electrode is provided. The catalyst ink composition includes a plurality of electrically conductive support particles; a catalyst formed from a finely divided precious metal, the catalyst supported by the conductive support particles; an ionomer; at least one solvent; and a reinforcing material configured to bridge and distribute stresses across the electrically conductive support particles of the ink composition upon a drying thereof. An electrode for a fuel cell and a method of fabricating the electrode with the catalyst ink composition are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald W. Fly, Yeh-Hung Lai, Chunxin Ji, Jeanette E. Owejan
  • Eight speed transmission with planetary and layshaft gearing
    Patent number: 7857726
    Abstract: A transmission is provided that utilizes three planetary gear sets and three layshaft gear sets, as well as four rotating-type clutches and one brake that are engagable in different combinations to provide eight forward speed ratios between an input member and an output member of the transmission. By combining features of a layshaft transmission with those of a planetary transmission, the low spin losses and packaging convenience typical of a layshaft transmission are available while still achieving the high torque capacity typical of a planetary transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Borgerson
  • Article seal assembly
    Patent number: 7857159
    Abstract: A seal assembly is disclosed including a support member, a first seal, a second seal spaced apart from the first seal, and a third seal, wherein the first seal militates against a leakage of fluid when an interior of an article to be sealed is subjected to at least one of temperatures below a predetermined temperature and pressures below a predetermined pressure, and the second seal and the third seal militate against the leakage of fluid when the interior of the article to be sealed is subjected to at least one of temperatures above the predetermined temperature and pressures above the predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Markus Lindner
  • Monitoring system for clinching process
    Patent number: 7856704
    Abstract: A monitoring device monitors an apparatus that clinches together sheet metal panels. In particular, a die assembly positioned on one side of the panels has a button forming die cavity defined by an anvil at the bottom of the die cavity and a plurality of radially moveably die blades at the side of the cavity. A plunger is positioned on the other side of the panels and registers with the die assembly so that linear displacement of the plunger plastically deforms the panels axially into the die assembly to engage with the anvil and then further linear displacement of the plunger will then deform the panels radially outward as permitted by the outward radial movement of the moveable die blades. Transducers measure the linear displacement of the plunger, the radial outward displacement of the radially moveable die blades, and the magnitude of the axial force applied against the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, James W. Wells
  • Valve train with overload features
    Patent number: 7854215
    Abstract: A valve train for use in an engine is provided. The valve train includes a rocker arm assembly having a valve side arm and a cam side arm. A valve is coupled to the engine and is in contact with the valve side arm. A pushrod is reciprocatable by a camshaft and is in contact with the cam side arm. An overload feature is located on at least one of the rocker arm assembly or the pushrod. The overload feature has a reduced cross-sectional area calibrated to activate at a predefined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Rozario, James B. Hicks, William C. Albertson, Gary J. Patterson
  • Hydraulic feed system for a transmission
    Patent number: 7854675
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for use in a transmission that includes a first rotating member having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the first portion and having a bore with an open end. An annulus has a port for providing a fluid and is disposed proximate to the first portion. A second rotating member is at least partially located within the bore and extends from the open end. A first passage is connected to the port of the annulus and a second passage is connected to the first passage. The second passage is located through the second portion. A third passage is connected to the second passage and is located in the second rotating member. Fluid is able to flow from the port through the passages to provide fluid to the second rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Automotive interior bamboo trim structures
    Patent number: 7854459
    Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of interior trim structures for use within a passenger compartment of a motorized vehicle. Each interior trim structure includes a structure body configured to attach to the vehicle. The structure body has at least one exterior wall that is visible to occupants of the passenger compartment. At least a portion of the visible wall is fabricated entirely from a segment of natural bamboo stalk. In one embodiment, the segment is a one-piece, monolithic ring of natural bamboo. Alternatively, the segment can be fabricated as a trim panel that is formed from a plurality of precut natural bamboo slats. The interior trim structure can be configured as a storage receptacle, electronic dial, instrument cluster gauge fixture, storage compartment lid, or cosmetic trim panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Jones, Raymond A. Beaufait
  • Method of making bipolar plate with coolant channels
    Patent number: 7855031
    Abstract: Bipolar plates in a fuel cell stack tend to experience lower operating temperatures near and at the ends of the stack, and these plates require lower coolant flow. But common stamping tooling can be used to make all of the plates for the stack when suitable coolant flow restrictors are stamped into each plate for lowest coolant flow. The flow restrictors are then trimmed (or their formation avoided) from those plates designated for higher coolant flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Spencer
  • 8-speed transmission with three fixed interconnections
    Patent number: 7854679
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting devices and three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is selectively connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, the transmission housing and with the input member, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Apparatus and method for determining the remaining useful life of a transmission filter
    Patent number: 7852201
    Abstract: A vehicle has a transmission, a transmission filter, and a controller having an algorithm or method for predicting the remaining useful life of the filter. The algorithm or method uses a sensor to detect an operating event of the transmission, such as a completed shift event or zero transmission output speed event, and increases a stored value of an accumulated distance and time variable. A shift sensor is operable for comparing a detected speed ratio of the transmission to a stored threshold speed ratio for determining the completed shift event. The remaining useful filter life is predicted using one or more look up tables using the values of the accumulated distance and time variables. The accumulated distance is calculated in part by dividing a prior recorded accumulated distance value by a ratio of an output speed of the transmission to an actual vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Rains, Brett R. Caldwell
  • Engine and method of assembling an engine
    Patent number: 7849827
    Abstract: An engine is provided with features allowing a method of assembly that combines the ease of assembly of a net-assembled system with the positional accuracy of an index-assembled system in order to meet critical valve to piston clearance requirements, especially critical in a diesel engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg T. Purcilly, Edward R. Romblom
  • Concentric camshaft with independent bearing surface for floating lobes
    Patent number: 7849829
    Abstract: A camshaft may include a first shaft, a first lobe member fixed to the first shaft, a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft, and a third lobe member. The first lobe member may include a first lobe portion and a first bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe portion. The second lobe member may include a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion extending axially from the second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion. The third lobe member may include a first end that is rotatably supported on the first bearing portion and a second end that is rotatably supported on the second bearing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn E. Clever, Rodney K. Elnick, Roy Glenn Kaywood
  • Viscous rotary damper for vehicle end gate assembly
    Patent number: 7850219
    Abstract: A viscous rotary damping device for a vehicle end gate assembly is provided. The damping device includes a housing member configured to operatively attach to the vehicle body or the end gate assembly. The housing member defines a fluid chamber having viscous fluid therein. The damping device also includes an impeller member having a mast with a first end configured to operatively attach to the other of the vehicle body and the end gate assembly, and a second end having one or more blades projecting outward therefrom. The second end of the mast is rotatably received in the fluid chamber such that the impeller member dissipates kinetic energy generated by the end gate assembly when transitioning between a first, closed position and a second, open position. A cover plate member is preferably coupled to the housing member, and configured to fluidly seal the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Townson, Graham S. Foulkes, Eduardo S. Atar
  • Battery cooling plate design with discrete channels
    Patent number: 7851080
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment including a battery cooling plate has discrete channels. In one exemplary embodiment each of the channels has a width ranging from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In another exemplary embodiment the battery cooling plate includes a first cooling channel having a flow path generally in a U shape, and a plurality of other channels each having a generally U-shaped flow path, and wherein the other flow channels are in a nested position with respect to the first flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek R. Weber, Steven J. Spencer, Paul F. Spacher
  • Fuel cell stack compression retention system using overlapping sheets
    Patent number: 7851102
    Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided including a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells disposed between a first end unit and a second end unit. The fuel cell system includes a compression retention system comprising a first sheet coupled to the first end unit and a second sheet coupled to the second end unit. A plurality of springs is disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet and is adapted to apply a compressive force to the fuel cell stack. The claimed invention includes methods for assembling the fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Benno Andreas-Schott, Jeffrey A. Rock, Gerald W. Fly, Thomas P. Migliore