Patents Assigned to GM Global Technologies Operations, Inc.
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Patent number: 7853466Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for supporting supply chain facility performance analysis. Methods include maintaining supply chain facility configuration information for a plurality of supply chain facilities. The method also includes identifying variables that are attributed to performance of the supply chain facilities. Data corresponding to one or more of the variables for selected supply chain facilities in the plurality of supply chain facilities is collected. Performance analysis is performed for the selected supply chain facilities using the data as input. The performance analysis includes executing a data envelope analysis (DEA) based three-stage performance analysis model, executing a statistical analysis and executing a sensitivity analysis. The results of the performance analysis are output. The results include a performance ranking of the selected supply chain facilities, a prescription for performance improvement, a correlation analysis, and a sensitivity analysis.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Peiling Wu, Shang-Tae Yee, Devadatta M. Kulkarni, Jeffrey D. Tew
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Patent number: 7849879Abstract: A powder paint recirculation block assembly for use in a powder paint transfer assembly, and a method of operation, is disclosed. The recirculation block assembly includes a powder paint recirculation block body having an intake flow passage directing flow to an applicator flow passage leading to an application flow control assembly and a return flow passage leading to a return flow control assembly. The angles (change in direction) through which powder paint flows may be minimized to minimize potential impact fusion. The pinch rubbers in pneumatic pinch valves of the application flow control assembly and return flow control assembly may be removable to allow for valve repair.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Frank P. Rauch, Eric G. Norrmalm, Fei Yang, Gunnar Van Der Steur
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Patent number: 7853386Abstract: There is provided a control system for a powertrain system including an electro-mechanical transmission that is selectively operative in a plurality of fixed gear modes and continuously variable modes. The control system is adapted to execute the following steps, comprising determining a range of permissible engine input speeds and a range of permissible engine input torques, and determining motor input torques for the first and second electrical machines based upon the range of permissible engine input speeds and the range of permissible engine input torques. A cost is determined for each of the motor input torques. A preferred engine input speed and a preferred engine input torque are identified based upon the costs for the motor input torques.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Anthony H. Heap
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Patent number: 7849828Abstract: A rocker arm assembly includes a lever body having a first end defining a pivot point, a second end for engagement with a valve train and a central opening extending therethrough. An eccentric bearing is received in the central opening, the eccentric bearing having an eccentric opening therein. The eccentric opening having at least one thrust absorbing key extending radially inward from a surface of the eccentric opening. An eccentric pivot shaft is supported by the eccentric bearing, the eccentric pivot shaft including at least one radially inwardly extending slot located and sized to receive the at least one thrust absorbing key in an assembled position. A first cam follower is disposed on the eccentric bearing and second and third cam followers are each disposed on opposite ends of the eccentric pivot shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Rodney K. Elnick, Ronald Jay Pierik
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Patent number: 7853377Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronous communication in a control system is disclosed. Within a first time interval, a first source task is executed to broadcast a first destination task, within a second sequential time interval, the first destination task is communicated over a channel to a first destination, and within a third sequential time interval, the first destination task is consumed. Within the first time interval, a second source task may be executed to broadcast a second destination task, within the second sequential time interval, the second destination task may be communicated over the channel to a second destination, and within the third sequential time interval, the second destination task may be consumed. The first source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the second source task, and the second source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the first source task.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2009Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Fuhrman, Miroslawa A. Supal, Arnold W. Millsap
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Patent number: 7847680Abstract: Motor vehicle gear selectors, methods for integrating a variable display on the gear selector, and motor vehicles including a gear selector with an integrated display are provided. One gear selector includes a body and a variable display integral with the body and configured to display a message. The gear selector also includes a processor configured to select the message from a message set and communicate the message to the variable display. Another gear selector includes a shift console, a gear selector body, a variable display integral with the gear selector body, a speaker integral with the gear selector body, and a processor configured to select and communicate a message from a message set to the variable display and the speaker. A method includes providing a gear selector having an integral variable display, selecting a message from a message set, transmitting the message to the variable display, and displaying the message.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Mete I. Gencyuz, Paul R. Williams
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Patent number: 7846055Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a split dual clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: David Earl Earhart
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Patent number: 7846603Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs a technique for safely removing hydrogen gas that accumulates within a cooling fluid reservoir. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a compressor for providing airflow to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack. The system also includes an air filter box having an air filter that is in fluid communication with an air pocket in the reservoir. The air intake to the compressor flows through the air filter box, and sucks the gas from the reservoir, which is then sent to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be converted to water by the electro-chemical reaction therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Volker Druenert, Uwe Hannesen
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Patent number: 7845247Abstract: A shift fork actuation system includes an actuator housing defining a piston cavity and a piston assembly having three pistons with three different surface areas responsive to fluid pressure to establish positions of the piston assembly within the piston cavity. A stopping mechanism, such as a shoulder formed by the actuator housing at the interface of different bores in the piston cavity, interferes with one of the surface areas to prevent movement of one of the pistons past the stopping mechanism. A neutral position of a shift fork is established by interference of the piston assembly with the stopping mechanism. A slot in the piston assembly captures a finger extension from the shift rail to act as an anti-rotation feature, ensuring that a magnet embedded in the piston assembly as part of a sensor assembly is properly positioned.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: David A. Olds, Richard T. Tamba
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Patent number: 7846601Abstract: A fuel cell system that provides a flow of anode exhaust gas into the cathode side of the fuel cells without allowing the anode exhaust gas flow and the cathode input flow to mix in a large volume. In one embodiment, strategically positioned perforations in the MEAs allow the anode exhaust gas to cross over to the cathode channels near the cathode input. These perforations could be provided as an array of small holes in an MEA sub-gasket or an MEA carrier frame. In an alternate embodiment, openings are provided through the bipolar plates that allow the anode exhaust to flow into the cathode channels. This configuration would require a special anode half-plate at one end of the stack to provide the opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Glenn William Skala
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Patent number: 7847579Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating a permanent magnet motor are provided. The method includes the steps of spinning a rotor of the permanent magnet motor; determining a total harmonic distortion of the permanent magnet motor; and comparing the determined total harmonic distortion of the permanent magnet motor with a baseline total harmonic distortion.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Khwaja M. Rahman, Edward L. Kaiser, Matthew D. Laba
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Patent number: 7846366Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a method for compression molding cosmetic panels with visible carbon fiber weaves using clear or lightly filled resins. The method uses a modified, two-step compression molding process to reflow the surface of a partially cured preform of carbon fiber weave and epoxy resin.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Stanley A. Iobst, Chen-Shih Wang, Choongyong Kwag
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Patent number: 7845648Abstract: Active seal assemblies employing active materials that can be controlled and remotely changed to alter the seal effectiveness, wherein the active seal assemblies actively change modulus properties such as stiffness, shape orientation, and the like. In this manner, in seal applications such as a vehicle door application, door opening and closing efforts can be minimized yet seal effectiveness can be maximized.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Andrew C. Keefe, William Barvosa-Carter, Christopher P. Henry, Guillermo A. Herrera, Geoffrey P. Mc Knight, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
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Patent number: 7847709Abstract: A user carried electronic device and method therefore is provided for directing the user to a parked vehicle using several modes of operation. The device includes a display, a memory, an interface for receiving information downloads from the vehicle and a controller coupled thereto for managing operation of the device. The controller stores the downloaded information in the memory and presents RETURN-TO-VEHICLE information on the display in response to a user request. The downloaded information desirably includes photographic information concerning the parked vehicle's environment obtained by vehicle camera(s) or otherwise. Vehicle location information and vehicle location accuracy information may be included. The device desirably includes location tracking elements that, when operating, provide graphical directions back to the vehicle based on vehicle location information in the download.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Clark E. McCall, David T. Proefke, Ryan O'Keefe
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Patent number: 7845709Abstract: A vehicle flow trip, includes a moveable body portion in physical communication with a vehicle body, and an actuator comprising an active material in operative communication with the vehicle body and the moveable body portion; wherein the active material undergoes a change in a property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in a property is effective to displace the moveable body portion from either an original position or a deployed position in an airflow stream to the other of the original or the deployed position through motion of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Guillermo A. Herrera, Geoffrey P. Mc Knight, Christopher P. Henry, Andrew C. Keefe, Bahram Khalighi, Douglas M. Smick
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Patent number: 7848864Abstract: A system and method for estimating vehicle states, such as vehicle roll-rate, vehicle roll angle, vehicle lateral velocity and vehicle yaw-rate, for use in rollover reduction. The system includes an extended Kalman filter observer responsive to a steering angle signal, a yaw-rate signal, a roll-rate signal, a speed signal and a lateral acceleration signal that calculates an estimated yaw-rate signal, an estimated roll-rate, an estimated roll angle and an estimated lateral velocity. The system also includes a lateral velocity estimation processor responsive to the roll-rate signal, the estimated roll angle signal, the estimated lateral velocity signal and the lateral acceleration signal that calculates a modified lateral velocity estimation signal when the vehicle is operating in a non-linear region.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Jihua Huang
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Patent number: 7845362Abstract: A washer fluid system provides washer fluid by blending concentrated washer fluid with waste water produced in the operation of a fuel cell. The concentrated washer fluid is stored in a replenishable container. A mixing pump automatically meters the appropriate ratio of concentrated washer fluid to water (i.e., 1:10), preferably by a dual chamber arrangement, wherein the waste water from the fuel cell and the concentrated washer fluid are drawn from their respective sources and mixed, creating a mixed washer fluid having the proper ratio of water to washer fluid concentrate. In a first embodiment, the system creates the mixed washer fluid in real-time on demand of the wiper system; in a second embodiment a storage reservoir holds mixed washer fluid for stand-by use of the wiper system.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Kevin G. Kolpasky
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Patent number: 7847256Abstract: A system is provided for detecting when an enclosure having a body and a removable cover is opened. The system comprises a light source for generating a light beam, a light detector for detecting the light beam, and at least one reflector all mounted inside the enclosure. The reflector reflects the light beam along a predetermined pathway toward the light detector when the removable cover is closed over the body.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Seok-Joo Jang, Terrence G. Ward, Daniel J. Kaplan, Brooks S. Mann, Louis Thompson
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Patent number: 7847437Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a double-ended inverter system coupled to a first energy source and a second energy source. The method comprises determining a constant power line associated with operation of the double-ended inverter system, the constant power line representing a desired power flow to the second energy source. The method further comprises determining an operating point on the constant power line, the operating point producing a minimum power loss in the double-ended inverter system for a required output current, and modulating the double-ended inverter system using a first voltage command and a second voltage command corresponding to the operating point.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Sibaprasad Chakrabarti, Gregory S. Smith, James M. Nagashima, Brian A. Welchko, Milun Perisic, George John
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Patent number: 7847461Abstract: A permanent magnet machine includes a stator having a hollow core, a rotor rotatably disposed inside the hollow core, and a plurality of multilayered permanent magnets embedded in the rotor. Each multilayered permanent magnet has opposite first and second ends, and includes a first magnet disposed at the first end, and a second magnet disposed at the second end and coupled to the first magnet. The second magnet has higher magnet strength than the first magnet, and also has lower high-temperature stability than the first magnet.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Khwaja M. Rahman, Edward L. Kaiser, Matthew D. Laba