Patents Assigned to GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
  • Patent number: 10131209
    Abstract: An airflow outlet assembly and a passenger compartment for a vehicle are disclosed. The airflow outlet assembly includes a support member and a first outlet component. The first outlet component includes a first plate and a first vane extending outwardly from the first plate. The first outlet component is supported by the support member. The airflow outlet assembly further includes a second outlet component. The second outlet component includes a second plate and a second vane extending outwardly from the second plate. The second outlet component is supported by the support member. The first and second outlet components are rotatably coupled to each other such that rotation of the first and second outlet components in opposite directions changes the position of the first and second plates and the first and second vanes relative to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gerard Alan Brinas
  • Patent number: 10131196
    Abstract: A spring-damper assembly for a suspension corner employed in a vehicle having a vehicle body and a road wheel includes a fluid spring configured to suspend the vehicle body relative to the road wheel. The spring-damper assembly also includes a damper configured to attenuate compression and rebound oscillations of the fluid spring. The spring-damper assembly additionally includes a spring-seat housing configured to retain the fluid spring and establish a position of the fluid spring relative to the damper. The spring-seat housing includes an inner surface defining a contour configured to guide the fluid spring upon compression thereof around the damper and define a non-linear stiffness of the fluid spring. A vehicle having such a spring-damper assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Avshalom Suissa, Vladimir Suplin
  • Patent number: 10134286
    Abstract: A system and method of enabling a user to select a location for vehicle pickup, wherein the method is carried out by a handheld mobile device, and wherein the method includes: obtaining vehicle reservation information pertaining to a vehicle reservation, wherein the vehicle reservation information includes a reservation start location; displaying a camera feed on a visual display of the mobile device, wherein the camera feed is video data that is obtained by a camera included on the mobile device; receiving a vehicle pickup selection from a user, wherein the vehicle pickup selection is generated by a user selecting an area for pickup that is within a field of view of the camera; and sending a vehicle pickup selection message to the remote server, wherein the vehicle pickup selection message includes the vehicle pickup selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard Elswick, Aditya S. Kamini, Nathaniel H. Williams
  • Patent number: 10124560
    Abstract: A two-piece part may include a first portion defining at least one through hole and a second portion may be cast such that the second portion extends through the through hole thereby mechanically interlocking the first portion and the second portion together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Pickett
  • Patent number: 10125659
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device includes a housing having a wall. The wall of the housing defines an interior chamber. A substrate is supported by the housing within the interior chamber of the housing. The substrate extends along a longitudinal axis. The substrate includes a flow through structure that allows the flow of exhaust gas to flow through the substrate. The substrate includes a catalytic composition disposed thereon for reacting with the flow of exhaust gas. The substrate includes a cavity, extending along a cavity axis, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the substrate. A sensor is attached to the housing. The sensor includes a probe that at least partially extends into the cavity of the substrate, for sensing a gaseous component in the flow of exhaust gas. The cavity mixes the flow of exhaust gas and directs the exhaust gas toward the probe of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Luciano Nunziato Di Perna, Jianwen Li, Raffaello Ardanese, Rahul Mital, David B. Brown
  • Patent number: 10124724
    Abstract: A number of illustrative variations may include a method of using sequential logic and vehicle sensors to produce a notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Fred W. Huntzicker, William A. Biondo, Julie A. Kleinert
  • Patent number: 10129439
    Abstract: A number of illustrative variations may include a method of producing augmented reality experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Prakash Murugesan, Shiv G. Patel, Michael A. Wuergler
  • Patent number: 10125713
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting a clogging of a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine. Each fuel injector of the plurality of fuel injectors may be tested for a clogging. A test injector is switch off. A requested value of a fuel quantity to be injected by the other fuel injectors of the plurality of fuel injectors is adjusted to operate the internal combustion engine in an idle mode. A difference is calculated between the requested value of the fuel quantity and a reference value of the fuel quantity to be injected by all the fuel injectors of the plurality of fuel injectors to operate the internal combustion engine in idle mode. The calculated difference for each test injector is used to identify if the test injector is clogged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Raffaele Esposito
  • Patent number: 10125710
    Abstract: An engine system includes a mass air flow sensor and a manifold absolute pressure sensor configured to provide a real-time MAP signal during an event. The mass air flow sensor is configured to generate a set of mass air flow readings based on an airflow through the mass air flow sensor during the event. The set of mass air flow readings have a maximum value and a minimum value. A controller is configured to execute a method for detecting reversion in the air flow. If the rate of change in the real-time MAP signal is less than the predetermined transient threshold value (T0), the method includes setting a delta factor (D) as the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value. Reversion is detected based at least partially on a magnitude of the delta factor (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yiran Hu, Shifang Li, Chen-Fang Chang
  • Patent number: 10125718
    Abstract: A cast-aluminum engine block for a compression-ignition internal combustion engine includes a plurality of cylinders that are disposed in an in-line arrangement. The engine block includes a top portion including a top deck and a bottom portion including a plurality of main bearings that are disposed to support journals of a crankshaft. An integrated flow channel is formed between the second end and the last cylinder and proximal to the top deck, and is a continuous channel that passes from the first side to the second side through the portion of the engine block between the second end and the last cylinder and proximal to the top deck. A coolant passageway is disposed in the engine block between the integrated flow channel and the last cylinder, and is oriented parallel to the elevation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Luca Peschini, Aniello Marrone, Silvio Domenico Mosso
  • Patent number: 10124679
    Abstract: A vehicle including an energy storage device and a powertrain system configured to effect regenerative braking is described. A method for controlling the vehicle includes determining an expected increase in a state of charge of the energy storage device achieved through opportunity charging by employing regenerative braking during an anticipated next trip of the vehicle. A preferred setpoint for the state of charge of the energy storage device is determined based upon the expected increase in the state of charge achieved through opportunity charging, and charging of the energy storage device is controlled during a remote charging event based upon the preferred setpoint for the state of charge of the energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew M. Zettel, Larry T. Nitz, Andrew J. Farah, Matthew S. Stout, Daniel P. Grenn
  • Patent number: 10125728
    Abstract: An air induction system includes a hood inlet duct having a first induction inlet and an air induction plenum assembly having a second induction inlet. The air induction system also includes an air box in fluid communication with the air induction plenum and the hood inlet duct. The air box defines an inner box cavity. The air induction system also includes a panel filter disposed inside the air box, wherein the panel filter divides the inner box cavity so that the first induction inlet and the second induction inlet are upstream of the panel filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven K. Mackenzie, William C. Farrer, Jamie L. Hamilton, David W. Turner, Terry C. Bishop
  • Patent number: 10124686
    Abstract: An electrical system connectable to an offboard power supply includes a battery pack, parallel DC-coupled conductive and inductive charging systems, and a controller. The controller initiates charging of the battery pack using analog low-voltage signals. A charging preference may prioritize charging via a designated one of the charging systems. Another electrical system includes a battery pack connected to a DC voltage bus, a charge coupler connectable to the offboard power supply to establish a plug-in charging connection, parallel DC-coupled conductive and inductive charging systems, and a controller. The controller commands charging using the analog low-voltage control signals, doing so via the conductive charging system when the charge coupler is plugged into the power supply and via the wireless charger when the charge coupler is not plugged into the power supply and the controller detects proximity of the system to the primary induction coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Namou, Russell K. Steele, Douglas S. Cesiel
  • Patent number: 10124661
    Abstract: A power-split hybrid powertrain for a vehicle includes a first power-source configured to generate a first output torque, a second power-source configured to generate a second output torque, and a transmission assembly having a transmission input member. The powertrain also includes a planetary gear-set having first, second, and third nodes, wherein each of the three nodes is operatively connected to a separate one of the first power-source, second power-source, and transmission input member. The powertrain additionally includes a housing configured to retain the planetary gear-set. Also, the powertrain includes a first torque-transmitting device configured to selectively connect to the housing the node that is operatively connected to the first power-source. Furthermore, the powertrain includes a second torque-transmitting device configured to selectively connect the node that is operatively connected to the first power-source to the node that is operatively connected to the second power-source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Littlefield, Alan G. Holmes, Rebecca K. Risko Cattell
  • Patent number: 10125679
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft rotatably supported by an engine block, and rotatable about a crank axis. A control shaft is rotatably supported by the engine block, and rotatable about a control axis. A link rod is rotatably connected to the crankshaft. A lower connecting rod includes a first end rotatably connected to the link rod, and a second end rotatably connected to the control shaft. An upper connecting rod is rotatably connected to the link rod and a piston. The second end of the lower connecting rod and the control shaft are rotatably connected at a location offset from the control axis to define an eccentric connection relative to the control axis. Rotation of the control shaft about the control axis rotates the second end of the lower connecting rod about the control axis to adjust a compression stroke length of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Akram R. Zahdeh
  • Patent number: 10125866
    Abstract: A transmission variator includes a first pulley rotatably attached to an intermediate member of a geartrain, and a second pulley rotatably attached to an output member that is rotatably coupled to the driveline. The geartrain includes an input member, a planetary gear set, a first clutch, a second clutch and an intermediate member. The second clutch is a low drag clutch. The input member rotatably couples to the prime mover. A controller includes an instruction set that is executable to activate only the first clutch in response to a request to operate the driveline in a forward direction, and activate only the second clutch in response to a request to operate the driveline in a reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chengwu Duan, Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Jian Yao
  • Publication number: 20180320023
    Abstract: A method of forming a self-cleaning film system includes depositing a photocatalytic material onto a substrate to form a first layer. The method also includes disposing a photoresist onto the first layer and then exposing the photoresist to light so that the photoresist has a developed portion and an undeveloped portion. The method includes removing the undeveloped portion so that the developed portion protrudes from the first layer. After removing, the method includes depositing a perfluorocarbon siloxane polymer onto the first layer to surround and contact the developed portion. After depositing the perfluorocarbon siloxane polymer, the method includes removing the developed portion to thereby form the self-cleaning film system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gayatri V. Dadheech, Thomas A. Seder, James A. Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20180319073
    Abstract: A method of vacuum forming an object includes heating a plastic sheet. After heating the plastic sheet, a vacuum is applied to pull the sheet against an outer surface of a flexible mold so that the plastic sheet has a formed shape that conforms to a contoured shape of the outer surface of the flexible mold. A rigid core is withdrawn from a cavity in the flexible mold. The flexible mold is then withdrawn from the plastic sheet by applying force to the flexible mold in a single direction, thereby causing flexing of the flexible mold past the undercut. An apparatus for vacuum forming a plastic sheet includes the flexible mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Thomas E. Houck
  • Patent number: 10118249
    Abstract: A method of laser welding a first component to a second component includes moving at least one of a laser beam and the components via a controller along a weld path at least a portion of which is a spiral having a first order of continuity thereby welding the first component to the second component. In one embodiment, the spiral is an Archimedean spiral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joshua L. Solomon, Hui-Ping Wang, William P. Payne
  • Patent number: D833040
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Alexandre Batista Da Silva Henriques