Patents Assigned to GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
  • Patent number: 10006424
    Abstract: A pump assembly and a propulsion system that utilizes the pump assembly includes a casing defining an opening. The pump assembly also includes a first member at least partially disposed in the opening. The first member is movable linearly relative to the opening. The pump assembly further includes a biasing member disposed in the opening. The biasing member is movable independently of the first member. The first member is movable in a first direction that applies a load to the biasing member which creates a torque on the biasing member. The pump assembly also includes a second member that separates the first member and the biasing member such that the torque on the biasing member is transferred to the second member without transferring the torque to the first member when the first member applies the load to the biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Davide Di Nunno, Luca Trabucchi
  • Patent number: 10006777
    Abstract: A system and method of recognizing speech received at a vehicle includes: receiving speech from a vehicle occupant via a microphone; determining whether the speech relates to a point of interest (POI) or an address without receiving a POI command prompt or an address command prompt in the speech from the vehicle occupant; selecting a POI function or an address function based on the determination; and processing the received speech to identify a POI or an address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gaurav Talwar, Xufang Zhao
  • Patent number: 10008342
    Abstract: A device for supplying electric power includes a rectifier, an adaptive voltage clamping circuit, and a DC-DC voltage regulator. The rectifier receives electrical power, and is electrically connected to an input line of the adaptive voltage clamping circuit. The adaptive voltage clamping circuit includes a power transistor, a voltage feedback circuit, and a controller. The DC-DC voltage regulator is electrically connected to the adaptive voltage clamping circuit and, in one embodiment an actuator. The controller monitors the voltage feedback circuit and controls the power transistor to a fully open state to transfer electric power to the DC-DC voltage regulator when the voltage level supplied to the DC-DC voltage regulator is less than a threshold. The controller controls the power transistor in a linear state to regulate the voltage transferred to the DC-DC voltage regulator when the voltage level supplied to the DC-DC voltage regulator is greater than the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chandra S. Namuduri, Suresh Gopalakrishnan, Nicholas W. Pinto, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10006601
    Abstract: Disclosed are vehicle lamp assembly housings, methods for making and for using such housings, and motor vehicles with lamp assemblies employing such housings. A protective lamp housing is disclosed for a motor vehicle lamp assembly. The lamp housing includes a housing body that attaches to the vehicle structure of a motor vehicle. The housing body has an internal chamber that stores therein a light source. The housing body has an open end that attaches to a light-transmissive lens to fluidly isolate the internal chamber. A heat sink with a plurality of convective cooling fins projecting from a thermally conductive main body is integrally formed with the housing body. When joined in this manner, the main body extends into the internal chamber and the cooling fins extend out of the housing body. The heat sink's main body and cooling fins are collectively configured to dissipate heat from the internal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Gordon, Larry E. Wainscott
  • Patent number: 10005484
    Abstract: A seal assembly includes a body having a wall. The body includes a detent that is attached to the wall at a hinge. The detent is bendable about the hinge in a radial direction relative to a central axis. A locking pin is supported by a post extending from the body, and is axially moveable along the central axis, between an insertion position and a locking position. When in the insertion position, the locking pin is disengaged from the detent to allow the detent to bend about the hinge. When disposed in the locking position, the locking pin is engaged with the detent to prevent the detent from bending about the hinge. The post and/or the locking pin include a tactile feature to provide tactile feedback when the locking pin is moved between the insertion position and the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Todd E. Allen
  • Patent number: 10006323
    Abstract: Disclosed are sliding cam actuators, methods for making and using such actuators, and motor vehicles with internal combustion engines employing sliding cam actuators. A sliding cam actuator is disclosed with two actuator pins projecting from an actuator housing. These pins move from retracted to extended positions and engage a shift barrel on a sliding camshaft. An actuator assembly moves each actuator pin to its extended position into engagement with the shift barrel to thereby slide the camshaft to a different location. An actuator shank is attached to the actuator housing and engaged with the actuator pins. Moving the first actuator pin to its extended position moves the actuator shank in one direction, which moves the second actuator pin towards its retracted position. Moving the second actuator pin to its extended position causes the actuator shank to move in another direction, which moves the first actuator pin towards its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Gallon
  • Patent number: 10006329
    Abstract: An after-treatment (AT) system for an exhaust gas flow from an internal combustion engine includes an AT device and an exhaust passage carrying the exhaust gas flow from the engine to the AT device. The system also includes a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the exhaust passage upstream of the AT device and configured to remove heat energy from the exhaust gas flow. The system additionally includes an exhaust gas flow bypass in fluid communication with the exhaust passage and configured to route the exhaust gas flow from the exhaust passage to the AT device around, i.e., in bypass of, the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the system includes a bypass valve configured to selectively direct the exhaust gas flow to one of the heat exchanger and the exhaust gas flow bypass. A vehicle employing the AT system and a method of operating such an AT system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Antonino Conti, Andrea De Filippo
  • Patent number: 10005487
    Abstract: Disclosed are vehicle steering column assemblies with viscous dampers, methods for making and for using such assemblies, and motor vehicles with steering column assemblies having viscous dampers. A steering column assembly is disclosed that includes a first shaft member that connects to a steering wheel/handle, and a second shaft member that connects to a vehicle body. These shaft members are telescopingly connected such that one shaft member selectively translates longitudinally with respect to the other shaft member. A viscous damper assembly is interposed between the two shaft members. The viscous damper assembly includes a damper housing with first and second reservoir volumes disposed inside the housing. Multiple constricted flow channels fluidly connect the reservoir volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Stebbins, Oliver Eichelhard, Sharath Varadappa
  • Patent number: 10005339
    Abstract: A thermal management system includes a coolant pump, high-voltage electric heater (HEH) for heating the coolant, a heater core, a blower directing air to the heater core, a cabin heater valve (CHV), sensors, and a controller. The CHV has an Engine Bypass position blocking coolant flow from the HEH into the engine, and an Engine Link position directing coolant from the HEH into the engine. In a method, the sensors measure engine outlet coolant temperature (ECT), inlet coolant temperature (ICT) to the HEH, inlet air temperature into the heater core, and outlet air temperature from the heater core. The controller calculates a target coolant temperature (TCT) value as a function of the air temperatures and mass flow rates, and controls the CHV via position control signals such that the CHV is switched between the Engine Link position and the Engine Bypass position when ICT equals the calculated TCT value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Rupesh S. Kakade, Prashant Mer, Vish S. Iyer, Michael H. Carlson
  • Patent number: 10008201
    Abstract: A system and method of performing automatic speech recognition (ASR) includes: receiving speech at a vehicle microphone; communicating the received speech to an ASR system; measuring an amount of time that elapses while speech is received; selecting a point-of-interest (POI) context or an address context based on the measured amount of received time; and processing the received speech using a POI context-based grammar when a POI context is selected or an address-based grammar when an address context is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gaurav Talwar, Ron M. Hecht, Xufang Zhao
  • Patent number: 10005366
    Abstract: A system includes a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) having an enclosure, battery cells, contactors, a first pair of high-voltage interlock (HVIL) ports, and female blind-mate electrical sockets selectively connected to the battery cells via the contactors. The battery cells and contactors are within the RESS enclosure. The system includes a high-power distribution module (HPDM) having another enclosure, male blind-mate electrical pins, a second pair of HVIL ports engagable with the first pair, ring-terminal connections connected to the blind-mate electrical pins and connectable to high-current components, and HV280 electrical connectors electrically connected to one or more of the male blind-mate electrical pins. The male blind-mate electrical pins insert directly into and engage with the female blind-mate electrical sockets of the RESS enclosure. A vehicle includes the system, a transmission, and an electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Konking Wang, Brendan M. Conlon, Leo F. Schwab, Alexander M. Bilinski, Stephen G. Heien
  • Patent number: 10005398
    Abstract: A cargo management system for use in a vehicle cargo area includes at least one guide rail disposed on the load floor of the cargo area and include an elongate slot at least partially formed therein. At least one track incorporating a plurality of locking portions is disposed on the load floor proximate the at least one guide rail. A support member includes a housing and one or more extensions at least partially received within the elongate slot of the at least one guide rail. The support member is disposed adjacent to and movably positioned relative to the load floor. A locking mechanism is adjustably connected to the support member housing and includes a locking member having a projection that releasably engages one or more locking portions of the at least one track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Taryn Dyle Kim
  • Patent number: 10003112
    Abstract: A battery pack for use with a supply of heat transfer fluid includes a plurality of battery modules arranged in one or more rows, and an elongated backplane positioned between the rows or adjacent to one row. The backplane has external longitudinal surfaces, and includes multiple bus bar assemblies equal in number to the number of battery modules and connected to the external longitudinal surfaces. The elongated backplane defines internal conduits configured to receive heat transfer fluid from the supply and extending along a length of the backplane adjacent to the bus bar assemblies. End plates of the battery modules include negative and positive voltage terminals mating with corresponding electrical connectors of a respective one of the bus bar assemblies. An electrical connection between each bus bar assembly and corresponding voltage terminals is established via a push-to-connect operation, with a finger-proof barrier covering the positive terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul J. Boor, Robert J. Heydel, Robert J. Schoenherr
  • Patent number: 10003227
    Abstract: An interior permanent magnet machine includes a rotor having a central axis and a plurality of axial segments. The axial segments include a first axial segment and a second axial segment positioned adjacent to each other in an axial direction. Each of the axially-spaced segments includes at least one pole defining a respective angular configuration characterized by respective first, second and third angles. The first axial segment defines a first set of angular configurations and the second axial segment defines a second set of angular configurations. The rotor is configured to have an axially asymmetric configuration such that the first set of angular configurations is different from the second set of angular configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Sinisa Jurkovic, Mohammad Faizul Momen, Khwaja M. Rahman
  • Patent number: 10000215
    Abstract: A method of reconstructing a detected faulty signal. A pitch sensor fault is detected by a processor. A signal of the detected faulty pitch sensor is reconstructed using indirect sensor data. The reconstructed signal is output to a controller to maintain stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shih-Ken Chen, Bakhtiar B. Litkouhi, Amir Khajepour, Reza Zarringhalam, William Melek
  • Patent number: 9999845
    Abstract: A method of removing entrained air from a coolant in a coolant system that may not include a fluid reservoir, includes connecting a de-aeration tank to the coolant system. The de-aeration tank is connected in fluid communication to the coolant system in parallel with a heat exchanger, such that a first connection device connects the de-aeration tank to the coolant system upstream of the heat exchanger, and a second connection device connects the de-aeration tank to the coolant system downstream of the heat exchanger. The coolant is circulated from the coolant system, through the de-aeration tank, and back to the coolant system, with a pump, until substantially all entrained air is removed from the coolant. The de-aeration tank may then be disconnected from the coolant system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael K. Dailey, Rolf B. Karlsson
  • Patent number: 10001199
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) (14) includes a drive pulley (18), a driven pulley (20), and an endless rotatable device (22) coupled between the drive and driven pulleys (18, 20). The drive pulley (18) and the driven pulley (20) each include pulley teeth (19T, 21T), and the endless rotatable device (22) includes device teeth (22T).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chengwu Duan, Ying Huang
  • Patent number: 10000102
    Abstract: A spring aid for a vehicle suspension includes a compliant tower attachable to elements undergoing suspension travel. The tower defines an axis of travel or center axis and includes a plurality of rings and a plurality of window frames connecting the rings. The rings are perpendicular to, and spaced along, the axis, and define a cylindrical cavity. The window frames define a plurality of windows between the rings. The suspension element may also include a core, which substantially fills the cylindrical cavity of the compliant tower. A rod may be disposed within the core and movable within the hole of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jason J. Nolte, Leo D. Sanford, Stephen M. Lambiris, Thomas A. Brock
  • Patent number: D821273
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Hwasup Lee
  • Patent number: D821617
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Perkins