Patents Assigned to GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
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Patent number: 10041586Abstract: A vehicle includes a prime mover, a transmission having an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system, a user interface device that generates an electric range selection (ERS) signal in response to a selected operating range, and a controller. The controller processes the ERS signal and determines the operating range and executes a remedial control action when the incorrect powerflow is detected. The remedial action may include interrupting powerflow. A control apparatus includes the user interface device and controller. A method includes determining if a powerflow fault condition is present, including comparing clutches commanded on against a calibrated list of clutches not permitted to be on, and one or both of comparing a measured speed ratio to an expected speed ratio and comparing actual switch states of mode valves to states commanded by the ETRS system. The method includes executing the remedial control action when the incorrect powerflow is detected.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Moussa Ndiaye, Jill A. Hampton, Joel H. Gunderson, Angela G. Hundley, Scott D. Biggs
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Patent number: 10040494Abstract: A floor pan includes a mid-body portion having a bottom wall. The bottom wall includes a forward end and a rearward end spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis. The mid-body portion of the floor pan is spaced above a reference plane, e.g., a ground surface, a first height at the forward end of the bottom wall, and is spaced above the reference plane a second height at the rearward end of the bottom wall. The second height is less than the first height to position the second end of the bottom wall nearer the reference plane than the first end of the bottom wall. The contoured shape of the mid-body portion provides an aerodynamic shield to direct airflow underneath components of the vehicle located rearward of the rearward end of the mid-body portion of the floor pan, as well as additional under-floor storage space.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven A. Del Gaizo, Suzanne M. Cody-Gump, Brian S. Tipton, Alexander N. Nastov
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Patent number: 10040029Abstract: A method is disclosed of providing a fuel efficient regeneration of an exhaust after-treatment (AT) system that includes a lean oxides of nitrogen (NOX) trap (LNT) and a selective catalytic reduction filter (SCRF) positioned downstream of the LNT. The method includes regulating a selectable position valve. The valve permits a first gas flow portion to pass through the LNT and diverts a remaining second portion of exhaust gas flow from a first passage connecting an engine and the AT system to a second exhaust passage to thereby bypass the LNT. The method also includes regulating a first device to inject fuel into the first portion of the exhaust gas flow. The injection of fuel in to the first portion of the exhaust gas flow provides fuel efficient regeneration of the LNT and promotes NOX conversion and ammonia (NH3) formation in the LNT. A system employing the method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2014Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Rahul Mital, Jianwen Li, Andrea De Filippo, Chang H Kim, Shouxian Ren
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Publication number: 20180216658Abstract: In various aspects, a lightweight connecting rod for an internal combustion engine is provided. The lightweight connecting rod has one or more of: hollow regions, lattice regions, or weight reduction apertures. The connecting rod may be made via an additive manufacturing process. The connecting rod includes a first end, a second end, and an arm. The first end is configured to be pivotally connected to a piston. The second end is configured to be pivotally connected to a crankshaft. The arm extends between the first end and the second end. The arm includes a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall has an outer surface, an inner surface, and an interior region. The interior region is defined be the inner surface. The interior region includes at least one void space. The void space is a lattice structure or a hollow region.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Tyson W. Brown, Anil K. Sachdev, Alin C. Dragoiu
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Publication number: 20180216501Abstract: A monolithic rocker arm component includes a first lateral wall defining a first aperture and a first mass reducing feature, an opposing second wall defining a second aperture and a second mass reducing feature, a pushrod receiving member that bridges the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall at a first end of the rocker arm, and a tongue element that bridges the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall at a second end of the rocker arm. The pushrod receiving member routes oil from the first towards the second end. The monolithic rocker arm may have one or more internal regions having lattice structures. Methods for additive manufacturing the monolithic rocker component are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Tyson W. Brown, Anil K. Sachdev, Michael B. Fleck, Ronald B. Beals, Kevin M. Luchansky
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Publication number: 20180214860Abstract: A method of stabilizing a catalyst system includes hydrothermally treating an aluminum oxide catalyst support having ?about 95 volume % of ?-Al2O3 phase by heating to a temperature of about 800° C. to about 1,200° C. in the presence of water. A majority of the ?-Al2O3 is converted to a stable alumina phase selected from the group consisting of: ?-Al2O3, ?-Al2O3, and combinations thereof to form a stabilized porous aluminum oxide support having an average surface area of ?about 50 m2/g to ?about 150 m2/g. A platinum group metal is then bound to a surface of the stable porous aluminum oxide support to form the stabilized catalyst systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gongshin Qi, Se H. Oh, Ming Yang, Ryan J. Day, Wei Li
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Publication number: 20180216593Abstract: A vehicle part or component includes a surface that is configured to contact a fuel containing ethanol. The surface has a layer of non-hydrogenated diamond like carbon (NH-DLC) material disposed on the surface. The layer of NH-DLC has a thickness of from greater than or equal to about 100 nm to less than or equal to about 100 ?m. The NH-DLC material has a carbon content of greater than or equal to about 90 atomic % (at. %), a carbon-carbon sp3 hybrid bond content of from greater than or equal to about 60% to less than or equal to about 100%, and a carbon-carbon sp2 hybrid bond content of from greater than or equal to about 0 to less than or equal to about 40%. The NH-DLC material is substantially free of hydrogen atoms. Methods for manufacturing the vehicle part or component are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Michael J. Lukitsch, Zhongyi Liu
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Publication number: 20180214859Abstract: Methods of preparing a sinter-resistant catalyst include forming a dual coating system. A surface of a particulate catalyst support contacts a first liquid precursor including a metal salt with an element selected from the group consisting of: aluminum (Al), cerium (Ce), zirconium (Zr), titanium (Ti), silicon (Si), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and combinations thereof. The first liquid precursor precipitates or is adsorbed as an ion on a portion of the surface forming a first coating including a porous metal oxide on the surface. The surface may be contacted with a second liquid precursor including a metal oxide sol including a metal selected from the group consisting of: aluminum (Al), cerium (Ce), zirconium (Zr), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), silicon (Si), and combinations thereof. A second coating is formed from the second liquid precursor on a portion of the surface to create the sinter-resistant catalyst system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gongshin Qi, Ming Yang, Ryan J. Day, Xingcheng Xiao, Wei Li
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Patent number: 10037016Abstract: A modified dual-duplex fail-operational control system. A primary controller includes a first processing unit and a second processing unit for executing a function. A first comparative module comparing the function results from the first and second processing unit to determine an error the first controller. A second controller includes a first processing unit and second processing unit. The first processing unit executes the function. The second processing unit operating in a non-redundant state and not executing the function while in the non-redundant state. A second comparative module determines whether an error is present in the second controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Soheil Samii, Markus Jochim, Thomas E. Fuhrman, Massimo Osella
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Patent number: 10035216Abstract: A method of joining multiple components is disclosed. The method includes arranging a first component having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a feature, in contact with a second component having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and defining an aperture. When so arranged, the first surface of the first component is adjacent to the second surface of the second component. The method also includes positioning a fastener on the first surface of the second component and in contact with the feature of the first component, such that at least a portion of the fastener overlaps the aperture on the first surface of the second component. The method additionally includes abutting and fusing the fastener to the feature of the first component to thereby affix the first component to the second component.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2015Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Chris J. T. Wisniewski
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Patent number: 10035414Abstract: An automatically-shiftable transaxle includes an input member configured to receive an external power-source torque and rotate about a first axis. The transaxle also includes torque transmitting device(s) and a gear-train, each operatively connected to the input member for selecting transaxle speed ratios, and a first transfer gear operatively connected to the gear-train and rotatable about the first axis. The transaxle also includes an intermediate shaft rotatable about a second axis, and a second transfer gear rotatably fixed to the intermediate shaft and meshed with the first transfer gear. The transaxle additionally includes an electric motor arranged on a third axis for providing a torque input to the second transfer gear. Furthermore, the transaxle includes a differential assembly operatively connected to the intermediate shaft and rotatable about a fourth axis to thereby transmit a transaxle output torque to drive the load. All four transaxle rotational axes are arranged in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Darrell Lee Robinette
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Patent number: 10037024Abstract: An automated method for discovering features in a repeatable process includes measuring raw time series data during the process using sensors. The time series data describes multiple parameters of the process. The method includes receiving, via a first controller, the time series data from the sensors, and stochastically generating candidate features from the raw time series data using a logic block or blocks of the first controller. The candidate features are predictive of a quality of a work piece manufactured via the repeatable process. The method also includes determining, via a genetic or evolutionary programming module, which generated candidate features are most predictive of the quality of the work piece, and executing a control action with respect to the repeatable process via a second controller using the most predictive candidate features. A system includes the controllers, the programming module, and the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Diana M Wegner, Jeffrey A. Abell, Michael A. Wincek
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Patent number: 10035400Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a structure and a wheel maintaining contact with a road surface. A suspension supports the structure and includes one or more suspension corner assemblies connecting the wheel to the structure and configured to maintain contact between the wheel and the road surface. A secondary actuation system cooperates with the suspension system and is operable to selectively change at least one vehicle operating property. The secondary actuation system includes at least one actuator device operatively connected to the structure at a first end and the one or more suspension corner assemblies at a second end to selectively change at least one vehicle operating property and a spring assembly in fluid communication with the at least one actuator device selectively actuated to adjust an amount of fluid in the at least one actuator device to selectively change the at least one vehicle operating property.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Robert P. Marble
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Patent number: 10035549Abstract: A vehicle has first and second portions, with a front aerodynamic element located in the first portion and a rear aerodynamic element located in the second portion. The front and rear aerodynamic elements are each independently movable to respective deployment positions between respective stowed positions and respective fully-extended positions. A controller is operatively connected to each of the front and rear aerodynamic elements and has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory. The controller is programmed to obtain a front target position (Tf,n) for the front aerodynamic element at a current time step (n) based at least partially on at least one vehicle state parameter at a previous time-step (n?1) and a detected position (Dr,n-1) of the rear aerodynamic element at the previous time-step (n?1).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Chris Morgan
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Patent number: 10035470Abstract: Disclosed are rack-and-pinion mounting devices, methods for making and methods for using such devices, and motor vehicles with storage containers secured by rack-and-pinion mounting devices. A mounting device is disclosed for attaching an accessory to a surface. The mounting device includes a latch housing that mounts to the accessory (or surface). A bolt latch, which is slidably coupled to the housing, includes a linear gear bar and locking pins. These locking pins engage tie-down loops attached to the surface (or accessory). A pinion gear is rotatably coupled to the housing and intermeshed with the gear bar. Spinning the pinion gear in one direction slides the bolt latch to disengage the locking pins from the loops and detach the accessory from the surface. Spinning the pinion gear in the opposite direction slides the bolt latch to engage the locking pins with the loops and attach the accessory to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Mark A. Pulleyblank
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Patent number: 10037683Abstract: A vehicle telematics device for a vehicle that includes an electronic processor, a wireless chipset for wireless communication to and from the vehicle, and a bus interface for receiving bus messages from a communications bus in the vehicle. The vehicle telematics device includes computer readable memory storing program code that, upon execution by the processor, causes the vehicle telematics device to: (a) monitor for messages received by the bus interface from the communications bus; (b) detect a communication failure of the communication bus based on the monitoring; (c) determine a vehicle movement that is indicative of a vehicle crash; and (d) initiate a communication with a remote facility in response to both the detection of the communication failure and the determination of the vehicle movement that is indicative of a crash a notification.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Eric T. Hosey, Andrew J. MacDonald, Curtis L. Hay, Steven R. Croyle
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Patent number: 10038226Abstract: A cooling plate for a battery pack with a plurality of battery cells is provided. The cooling plate includes a cooling fin with a substantially planar surface and a perimeter. The cooling plate includes a frame abutting the cooling fin and forming a seal with the cooling fin adjacent the perimeter of the same. The frame and the cooling fin define at least one fluid inlet, at least one fluid outlet, and a flow channel therebetween. The at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet are disposed through the seal and are in fluid communication with the flow channel. The flow channel is disposed adjacent the perimeter and in heat transfer communication with the substantially planar surface of the cooling fin. A battery pack with the cooling plate, and a method for controlling a temperature of the battery pack, are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2014Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Derek R. Weber, Roger Michael Brisbane
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Patent number: 10038359Abstract: A rotor casting includes a lamination stack and a cast structure including proximal and distal cast end rings respectively adjacent proximal and distal end faces of the lamination stack. Cast axial ribs are distributed radially on a peripheral surface of the lamination stack and extend between the proximal and distal cast end rings. Cast feed members extend axially from the proximal cast end ring and are respectively positioned radially between an adjacent pair of axial ribs. In one example, cast bar segments integral to the proximal and distal cast end rings are formed in axial slots of the lamination stack. In one example, a bar insert in each axial slot has insert ends that extend respectively from the proximal and distal end faces of the lamination stack and are fully encapsulated respectively in the proximal and distal cast end rings. A method of forming the rotor casting is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2018Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Michael D. Hanna, John S. Agapiou
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Patent number: D824824Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Young Sun Kim
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Patent number: D824825Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Niels A. Loeb