Patents Assigned to GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
  • Publication number: 20190258466
    Abstract: An updating system of a vehicle includes a communication module configured to wirelessly download an over the air (OTA) update package. The OTA update package includes: a predetermined period for beginning installation of the OTA update package; an indicator of a module and code to be updated; and replacement code. A display control module is configured to, when a transmission of the vehicle is in park and the predetermined period has not yet passed after the downloading of the OTA update package, display a message on a display within a passenger cabin of the vehicle. The message solicits user input regarding whether to: (i) begin installation of the OTA update package; or (ii) install the OTA update package at a later time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Monica E. MITCHELL, Kevin M. BALTES, Brian J. CIESINSKI, Peter M. ANSBRO, Scott E. JACKSON, Kathleen S. MCMAHON, Kelly M. COMASTRO
  • Publication number: 20190257384
    Abstract: An isolator assembly includes a clutch configured to operate in a full locked condition. The isolator assembly also includes a first damper and a second damper configured to reduce oscillation when the clutch is in the full locked condition. The first and second dampers each include at least one plate and at least one spring. The isolator assembly further includes a centrifugal pendulum absorber (CPA) coupled to one of the first and second dampers. The CPA is configured to reduce oscillation when the clutch is in the full locked condition. A vehicle includes an engine and a transmission. The engine includes an output shaft and the transmission includes an input member. The vehicle includes the isolator assembly operable between the output shaft and the input member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dongxu Li, Farzad Samie, Derek F. Lahr
  • Publication number: 20190256016
    Abstract: An audio system of a vehicle includes a selection module configured to, based on whether a gear shift of a transmission of the vehicle is occurring, set a selected torque to one of: a torque output of an engine of the vehicle; and a predicted torque output of the engine. A sound control module is configured to: determine frequencies for outputting a predetermined engine sound; and based on the selected torque, determine magnitudes for outputting the predetermined engine sound at the frequencies, respectively. An audio driver module is configured to apply power to speakers to output sound within a passenger cabin of the vehicle at the magnitudes and frequencies, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Frank C. VALERI, Glenn PIETILA, Richard I. CHANG
  • Publication number: 20190256101
    Abstract: A system that determines a road surface profile based upon filter coefficient data from noise cancellation systems is disclosed. The system includes a filter coefficient monitoring module that is configured to receive a first set of filter coefficient data from an noise cancellation module. The system also includes a road surface profile module that is configured to receive an input representing a road surface type and generate a road surface profile based upon the road surface type and the first set of filter coefficient data and to store the road surface profile including a correspondence between the road surface type and the first set of filter coefficient data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Roggenkamp, Christopher A. Stirlen, Frank C. Valeri
  • Patent number: 10384733
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body structure defining a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment. A first roof panel is disposed over at least part of the passenger compartment and a second roof panel is disposed over at least part of the cargo compartment. A plurality of side panels surround at least the cargo compartment. A plurality of extensions are fixed to the second roof panel and coupled to the side panels. The extensions and the second roof panel are movable relative to the first roof panel and the side panels between a pre-assembled position and a final-assembled position. The second roof panel is disposed closer to the side panels when in the pre-assembled position than when in the final-assembled position. A method of manufacturing the vehicle includes providing the body structure, fixing a plurality of extensions to the second roof panel and coupling the extensions to the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Frederic M. Moler
  • Patent number: 10386937
    Abstract: Disclosed are object detection systems for automated compartment closure assemblies, methods for operating such systems, and motor vehicles with a power liftgate assembly and foreign object detection capabilities. A method is disclosed for detecting objects obstructing the path of an automated closure assembly. The method includes receiving a command signal to move the closure assembly to an open or closed position, and receiving gesture-sensitive sensor signals with a location and velocity of an object within a supervision field. Responsive to the object being inside a protected zone within the supervision field or the object's velocity being towards the protected zone, commanding an automated driving mechanism to: slow the closure assembly's speed; if the object is still located inside the protected zone after a calibrated period of time, stop the closure assembly; and if the object moves outside the protected zone, increase the closure assembly speed to a default speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Doru N. Serban, Princess Len Carlos
  • Patent number: 10385754
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine fluidly coupled to an exhaust aftertreatment system that includes an exhaust purifying device is described. A pressure monitoring device is disposed to monitor a pressure differential between an inlet and an outlet of the exhaust purifying device. A method of monitoring the exhaust purifying device includes monitoring a pressure differential between an inlet and an outlet thereof, and determining an exhaust gas flowrate associated with operation of the internal combustion engine. A raw flow resistance is dynamically determined based upon the pressure differential and the exhaust gas flowrate, and an estimated flow resistance is determined based upon the raw flow resistance. The exhaust purifying device is evaluated based upon the estimated flow resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Raffaele Esposito, Alberto Giordano
  • Patent number: 10384623
    Abstract: A clip assembly includes a bracket defining a hole. A vehicle includes a component and the clip assembly attached to the component. The bracket includes an inner surface, a first side and a second side opposing the first side. The hole is defined through the first and second sides. The clip assembly includes a post disposed through the hole and an attachment feature formed to the post. The clip assembly includes a first stop and a second stop each formed to the post. The first stop is disposed between the first side of the bracket and the attachment feature. The second stop is spaced from the first stop, and the bracket is disposed between the first and second stops. The second side of the bracket is open such that the second stop is unsurrounded by the bracket relative to the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert Dallos, Jr., Michael J. Mukhtar
  • Patent number: 10384643
    Abstract: A system and method of managing virtual vehicle keys includes: receiving at a central facility a request to use a vehicle; receiving an identifier of a handheld wireless device at the central facility; generating at the central facility a virtual vehicle key that permits vehicle access using the handheld wireless device; and wirelessly transmitting the virtual vehicle key to the handheld wireless device and a vehicle the handheld wireless device has authorization to access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nikola J. Pudar, Robert A. Hrabak, Amanda J. Kalhous
  • Patent number: 10389751
    Abstract: A mobile vehicle communications system and a method of determining the legitimacy of a wireless sensor signal received by an electronic control unit (ECU) in a vehicle. The method includes the steps of: receiving at the electronic control unit (ECU) a first wireless signal identified as being from a first vehicle sensor; performing a correlation procedure at the ECU using the first wireless signal; and based on the correlation procedure, determining whether the first wireless signal is a legitimate signal sent by the first vehicle sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Moshe Laifenfeld, Gill R. Tsouri
  • Patent number: 10385967
    Abstract: Controlling a powertrain system including a continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes determining, employing a first controller, a first desired speed ratio in response to an output torque request. The first desired speed ratio is evaluated to determine if it is valid and achievable. A second controller is employed to determine a second desired speed ratio, and a final desired speed ratio is determined based upon the first and second desired speed ratios. The final desired speed ratio is evaluated, and the CVT is controlled based upon the final desired speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Artin Farahani
  • Patent number: 10388979
    Abstract: A method for assembling a fuel cell stack for a vehicle is provided wherein the method includes the steps of: (1) providing a batch of fuel cells having varying active area thicknesses among each fuel cell; (2) measuring an active area thickness for each fuel cell in the batch of fuel cells and sorting each fuel cell in the batch of fuel cells into one of a first group, a second group, and a third group based on the active area thickness for each fuel cell; (3) assembling a target number of fuel cells to a target height from at least one of the first, second and third groups onto a first end plate; and (4) affixing a second end plate to the target number of fuel cells and the first end plate thereby creating a fuel cell stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Xi Yang, Liang Xi, Jeffrey A Rock, Siguang Xu, Yeh-Hung Lai
  • Patent number: 10384675
    Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically controlling a vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes an actuator configured to control one or more vehicle driving characteristics, at least one vehicle sensor configured to measure a vehicle characteristic, a remote assistant in communication with the vehicle, and a controller in communication with the actuator, the at least one vehicle sensor, and the remote assistant, the controller being programmed with an automated driving system control algorithm and configured to determine whether a failsafe condition has occurred based on sensor data from the at least one vehicle sensor, receive a control signal from the remote assistant, and automatically control the actuator based on the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Alarcon, Akram M. Abdel-Rahman, Grant L. Meade, Sigrid C. Wagner, Jeremy A. Salinger
  • Patent number: 10384644
    Abstract: A system and method of managing virtual vehicle keys includes: receiving at a central facility a request to use a vehicle; receiving an identifier of a handheld wireless device at the central facility; generating at the central facility a virtual vehicle key that permits vehicle access using the handheld wireless device; and wirelessly transmitting the virtual vehicle key to the handheld wireless device and a vehicle the handheld wireless device has authorization to access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nikola J. Pudar, Robert A. Hrabak, Amanda J. Kalhous
  • Patent number: 10388969
    Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell includes a first plate having a first bead seal, and a second plate having a second bead seal. The first bead seal and the second bead seal are disposed opposite each other and extend along a centerline. An outer weld connects the first plate and the second plate together, and extends along an outer weld line. The outer weld line is laterally spaced an outer gap distance from an outer lateral edge of the first and second bead seals. The outer gap distance varies with a position along the centerline to control a stiffness of the bead seals. Positioning the weld line nearer the outer lateral edge increases the stiffness of the raised bead seals in low stiffness areas, whereas positioning the weld line farther from the lateral edge decreases the stiffness of the raised bead seals in high stiffness areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Blakeley, Xi Yang, Siguang Xu, Liang Xi
  • Publication number: 20190251265
    Abstract: A vehicle control module is provided and includes a hybrid memory and a processor. The hybrid memory includes: application memory that stores application code; boot memory that stores a first RMTS code, where the first RMTS code includes first risk functions; and ETM that temporarily stores a second RMTS code. The second RMTS code includes second risk functions. The processor: based on an operating mode of the vehicle control module, executes the application, first RMTS and second RMTS codes; erases the ETM prior to installation of the vehicle control module in a vehicle or delivery of the vehicle; and based on the first RMTS code, permits execution of the first RMTS code prior to and subsequent to installation of the vehicle control module in the vehicle and the second RMTS code prior to installation of the vehicle control module in the vehicle or delivery of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph E. Ploucha, Cheryl A. Williams, Robert F. Semrau
  • Publication number: 20190252693
    Abstract: A microseal for a metal bead seal joint includes a substantially horizontal surface, first and second substantially vertical surfaces disposed on opposite ends of the substantially horizontal surface, and a contoured surface operatively configured to adhere to a portion of a metal bead. The contoured surface may be disposed opposite the substantially horizontal surface and may be integral to the first and second substantially vertical surfaces. The substantially horizontal surface may be operatively configured to substantially maintain its horizontal surface orientation in both a compression state and a non-compression state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Xi Yang, Anita Luong, Liang Xi, Siguang Xu
  • Patent number: 10383045
    Abstract: A system and method for carrying out wireless service discovery at a vehicle, the method comprising: determining that a wireless service is desired; determining a vehicle state, wherein the vehicle state is indicative of an operating vehicle state or an environmental vehicle state; selecting a wireless discovery mechanism based on the vehicle state, wherein the selection comprises selecting one of a plurality of different wireless discovery mechanisms, each of which utilizes a different wireless technology using the vehicle electronics; receiving one or more wireless communication messages at the vehicle using the wireless discovery mechanism, wherein the one or more received wireless communication messages include data corresponding to one or more wireless services; and determining availability of the wireless service based on the received communication messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Lakshmi V. Thanayankizil
  • Patent number: 10377221
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a drive unit that can be modular and is adaptable to be used as an all-electric drive unit, an input power-split drive unit, or an input and compound power-split drive unit. The drive unit includes a first planetary gear set that has a sun gear member, a ring gear member, and a carrier member all rotatable about a first axis of rotation. The drive unit includes a first electric machine operable as a motor and having a rotor connected to rotate in unison with the sun gear member about the first axis of rotation. A first brake is selectively engageable to ground the ring gear member, a first clutch is operatively connected to the ring gear member, and an output member is connected to rotate in unison with the carrier member about the first axis of rotation. Multiple drive units can be used on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Joseph Ralph Littlefield
  • Patent number: 10381170
    Abstract: In an example of a method, a halogenide-hydrocarbon, an aprotic hydrocarbon solvent, and a reductant are combined to initiate a reaction that forms intermediate particles having a microporous framework. The intermediate particles are subjected to a heat treatment at a heat treatment temperature ranging from about 300° C. to less than 1500° C. for a heat treatment time period ranging from about 20 minutes to about 10 hours to form a precursor to microporous carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Fang Dai, Jingmei Shen, Mei Cai, Anne M. Dailly