Patents Assigned to GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
  • Publication number: 20200014219
    Abstract: A battery system includes a battery module, an active cell balancing circuit, and a battery controller. Each cell has diametrically-opposed positive and negative cell tabs. The circuit includes voltage sensors and, at each end of the battery module, first and second tiers of switches and an energy storage element. Each voltage sensor is located between a different pair of adjacent cells. The controller receives measured voltages from the sensors indicative of an electric potential between adjacent battery cells. Responsive to the measured voltages, the controller commands the first tier to selectively connect or disconnect designated pairs of cells to the corresponding second tier. The controller also commands the second tier to selectively connect or disconnect the designated cells to a corresponding energy storage element. This action shuttles energy between the designated pairs of battery cells to balance a state of charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Tamara R. Thomson, Fang Wang, Tao Wang, Theodore T. Kim, Larry T. Nitz
  • Patent number: 10525922
    Abstract: An airbag assembly including an airbag configured to be coupled to a vehicle floor of a vehicle. The airbag is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the airbag is deflated. In the deployed position, the airbag is inflated and spaced apart from the vehicle floor to define an aperture between the airbag and the vehicle floor. The aperture is sized to receive feet or lower leg of a vehicle occupant, thereby limiting movement of the legs of the vehicle occupant when an external force is exerted on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chin-Hsu Lin, Yi-Pen Cheng, Paul E. Krajewski
  • Patent number: 10527567
    Abstract: A method of testing a SMA element includes connecting the SMA element to a validation tool, and applying an electrical current to the SMA element over a test cycle. A resistance of the SMA element during the test cycle is measured, while the electrical current is being applied. The measured resistance of the SMA element during the test cycle is correlated to an estimated strain value of the SMA element during the test cycle. A temperature of the SMA element during the test cycle is estimated. A stress in the SMA element during the test cycle is estimated from a stress predicting grid, using the estimated strain value and the estimated temperature of the SMA element during the test cycle. The proper functionality of the SMA element may be determined based on the estimated stress in the SMA element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Paul W. Alexander, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Guillermo A. Herrera, Christopher B. Churchill, Andrew C. Keefe, Xiujie Gao
  • Patent number: 10525497
    Abstract: A method of injecting a liquid between a first panel and a second panel positioned flat against each other includes providing a tool defining an internal passageway having an inlet and an outlet. The first panel and the second panel are separated with the tool, to form a pocket between the first panel and the second panel, such that the outlet of the passageway is positioned in fluid communication with the pocket. A liquid source is connected to the inlet of the passageway to supply a liquid to the passageway. The liquid is injected into the pocket formed between the first panel and the second panel through the outlet of the passageway of the tool. The pocket is compressed or flattened to wet-out the liquid. The pocket may be compressed with the separating and injecting tool, or with a different device, such as a compressor or clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Simonin, Robert N. Saje
  • Patent number: 10529996
    Abstract: A plate includes a working face and a header portion. The working face defines a plurality of reactant channels thereon. The header portion is disposed in a peripheral area of the plate and includes a plurality of flanges and a plurality of beads. The flanges are disposed on the header portion and define a plurality of apertures through the plate. Each flange defines a respective one of the apertures. At least one of the apertures is fluidly connected to the reactant channels. The plurality of beads is disposed on the working face. Each bead is disposed about a respective one of the apertures and thereby defines a respective one of the flanges. Each bead defines a shape consisting of bead-corners and bead-sides. Each bead has a sealing surface thereon. The sealing surface is configured to deflect when exposed to a contact pressure to thereby provide a substantially fluid-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Sakano, Xi Yang, Liang Xi, Siguang Xu, Joseph N. Lovria, Jeffrey D. Williams, Yu Tomana, Kentaro Ishida
  • Patent number: 10530019
    Abstract: A battery module includes a battery cell, a bus bar, and a multilayered cell sense flex circuit having a senseline tab containing a portion of a senseline. The flex circuit determines a battery cell voltage. The bus bar has surface projections, possibly with a variable height and/or width, such that the bus bar penetrates into the tab at least as far as the senseline. Adhesive material may be used on the welded joint. A method of manufacturing the battery module includes forming, in the bus bar, one or more surface projections, e.g., multiple projections having the variable height and/or width, positioning a senseline tab of the flex circuit adjacent to such projections, and joining the tab to the surface projections such that the projections penetrate at least partially into the flex circuit at least as far as the senseline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Evan J. Dawley, Wayne W. Cai
  • Patent number: 10527145
    Abstract: A torque converter assembly includes a pump and a turbine fluidly connected to the pump. The torque converter assembly also includes a damper operable upstream from the turbine. The damper is configured to reduce oscillation from the pump toward the turbine. The torque converter assembly further includes a clutch operable between the pump and the turbine. The clutch is operable in a slip condition in which the clutch is adjustable to allow the pump and the turbine to slip relative to each other to control oscillation through the clutch to the turbine. The damper is operable upstream from the clutch such that oscillation from the pump is reduced by the damper before oscillation reaches the clutch. Additionally, a vehicle includes the torque converter assembly operable between an output shaft of an engine and an input member of a transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Dongxu Li
  • Patent number: 10527107
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device (10) includes a clutch housing (14) rotatable about an axis (A), a first set of clutch plates (20A) splined to the clutch housing (14), and a second set of clutch plates (20B) interleaved with the first set and rotatable about the axis (A) of rotation. A push plate assembly (28) is splined to the clutch housing (14) for rotation therewith. A roller assembly (42) includes a roller housing (48) splined to the clutch housing (14), a roller supporter (54) housed in the roller housing (48), and a roller element (62) supported by the roller supporter (54). A wedge assembly (12) includes a wedge housing (64) connected to a wedge block (24). The wedge housing (64) includes a ramp member (70) defining a ramp surface (16) with the roller element (62) contacting the ramp surface (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Jian Yao, Li Chen, Zhao Ding, Chengliang Yin
  • Patent number: 10522880
    Abstract: A method of detecting metallic lithium present on an electrode of a lithium ion secondary battery includes depositing a lithium-reactive solution including an oxidized fluorescent dye onto the electrode to form a coated electrode. Concurrent to depositing, the method includes reducing the oxidized fluorescent dye to form a reduced dye and a plurality of lithium ions. The method further includes, after reducing, drying the coated electrode to again form the oxidized fluorescent dye. After drying, the method includes exposing the oxidized fluorescent dye to ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength of from 100 nm to 500 nm to thereby illuminate and detect the metallic lithium. A lithium ion secondary battery system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Daniel R. Thompson, John M. Moote, Michael P. Balogh, Mark A. Hughes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10521974
    Abstract: An autonomic vehicle control system includes a vehicle spatial monitoring system including a plurality of spatial sensors disposed to monitor a spatial environment proximal to the autonomous vehicle. A controller is in communication with the spatial sensors of the vehicle spatial monitoring system, and the controller includes a processor and a memory device including an instruction set. Evaluating operation of the autonomous vehicle includes commanding operation of an actuator that is disposed to effect operation of the autonomous vehicle and simultaneously monitoring dynamic operation of the autonomous vehicle via a plurality of the spatial sensors. The commanded operation of the actuator is correlated with the dynamic operation of the autonomous vehicle, and a fault can be detected in the actuator based upon the correlation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Xinyu Du, Wen-Chiao Lin
  • Patent number: 10522847
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product that may include a fuel cell stack assembly that may include at least one bipolar plate including at least one first raised bead which may include a first split corner which may include a first connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC.
    Inventors: Liang Xi, Xi Yang, Siguang Xu, Ivan D. Chapman
  • Patent number: 10518727
    Abstract: An exemplary step assembly for a vehicle includes an energy absorption member including a support portion and a connection portion, the support portion including a support surface and a support structure, the support structure including a plurality of support members, the plurality of support members coupled to upper and lower inner walls of the support structure and a mounting member including a horizontal support member defining a plurality of openings. The energy absorption member is coupled to the mounting member with a mechanical fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gheorghe Barbuta, Shreeganesh Sudhindra, Len V. Peschansky, Jungryoung Kim
  • Patent number: 10519531
    Abstract: According to aspects of the present disclosure, a ternary alloy includes a dual-phase microstructure including a first phase and a second phase. The first phase defines a hexagonal close-packed structure with a stoichiometric ratio of Al4Fe1.7Si. The second phase defines a face-centered cubic structure with a stoichiometric ratio of Al3Fe2Si. The dual-phase microstructure is stable above about 800° C., and the dual-phase microstructure has a first-phase abundance greater than about 50 parts by weight and a second-phase abundance less than about 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the ternary alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC.
    Inventors: Zhongyi Liu, Frederick E. Pinkerton
  • Patent number: 10518080
    Abstract: A motion sickness mitigation device includes a textile material having a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, and a first raised portion extending from the first surface and configured for contacting a skin of a user. The textile material defines a first pocket and a second pocket therein between the first surface and the second surface, and the second pocket is spaced apart from the first pocket. The device further includes a controller disposed within the first pocket and configured for transmitting an electrical signal. The device also includes a first electrical excitation pad disposed within the second pocket, covered by the first raised portion, and disposed in electrical communication with the controller. The first electrical excitation pad is configured for receiving the electrical signal and electrically stimulating the skin of the user through the textile material to thereby mitigate motion sickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Olivia Stoneman
  • Patent number: 10522852
    Abstract: A plate assembly includes a first plate having a planar portion and a first bead seal formed therein. The first bead seal includes a first end surface spaced away from the planar portion. The first bead seal includes first and second opposing sides extending away from the first end surface and contiguous with the planar portion. The first bead seal includes a first reinforcement structure having a first plurality of walls each intersecting the first opposing side of the first bead seal. The first plate includes a second bead seal formed therein. The first bead seal and the second bead seal may be joined via the first reinforcement structure such that the first plurality of walls of the first reinforcement structure each intersect a third opposing side of the second bead seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xi Yang, Siguang Xu, Liang Xi, Richard D. Blakeley, Masaaki Sakano, Yu Tomana, Kentaro Ishida
  • Patent number: 10521977
    Abstract: A method of verifying the health and functionality of at least one vehicle sensor is disclosed herein. The method includes positioning the vehicle within a controlled environment test facility, displaying a predetermined test pattern to the at least one vehicle sensor as the vehicle travels within the controlled environment test facility, receiving sensor data corresponding to a performance condition of the at least one sensor from the at least one vehicle sensor, transmitting the sensor data to a remote processor, and determining a functional condition of the at least one vehicle sensor based on the sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Evan M. Pitt, James N. Nickolaou
  • Patent number: 10523387
    Abstract: A system and method for transmitting a plurality of signals. The system includes a transmitting terminal configured to obtain and pack the plurality of signals in multiple signal sequences, with each of the plurality of signals having respective predefined periods. A receiving terminal is configured to receive and unpack the multiple signal sequences from the transmitting terminal. A controller is in communication with the transmitting terminal and the receiving terminal and configured to store a look-up table. The look-up table includes a respective pre-identifier and respective identifier for each of the plurality of signals. The controller is configured to determine if the respective predefined periods vary in magnitude within a frame. If so, the controller is configured to obtain the respective pre-identifiers and respective identifiers for each of the plurality of signals. The multiple signal sequences are based at least partially on the respective pre-identifiers and the respective identifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Prathap Venugopal, Unmesh Dutta Bordoloi, Soheil Samii, Prachi Joshi
  • Patent number: 10519835
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes first and second power cylinders and an expander cylinder, and is configured to operate in an expander mode and a bypass mode by selectively fluidly coupling exhaust flow from the first and second power cylinders to the expander cylinder. Operation includes commanding a transition from the bypass mode to the expander mode, including retarding openings of intake valves of the first and second power cylinders to a LIVC position. Exhaust valves of the power cylinders are controlled to effect fluid flow to the expander cylinder, and opening of an outlet valve of the expander cylinder is controlled to a maximum advanced state. The openings of the intake valves of the first and second power cylinders are controlled to desired positions associated with engine operation in the expander mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC.
    Inventor: Jun-mo Kang
  • Patent number: 10522859
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a controller. The fuel cell stack includes a catalyst and a stack voltage. The controller increases efficiency of the fuel cell stack by minimizing or removing an accumulation of oxides on the catalyst during a low-power operating mode of the fuel cell system. The controller executes a method for dynamically controlling the stack voltage during a detected low-power operating mode. The method includes commanding low-voltage/high-power pulses to the fuel cell stack via the controller at a magnitude and frequency sufficient for minimizing or removing the oxides. The system may include a direct current-direct current (DC-DC) boost converter, with the controller programmed to command the power pulses from the DC-DC boost converter. Or, the controller may be configured to command the power pulses by controlling a feed rate of the oxygen and/or the hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Srikanth Arisetty, Andrew J. Maslyn, Balasubramanian Lakshmanan, Robert J. Moses
  • Publication number: 20190389535
    Abstract: Presented herein are adaptive power assist systems for manually-powered vehicles, methods for operating/constructing such systems, and motor-assisted, operator-powered vehicles with input torque filtering for adaptive power assist operations. A method for regulating a power assist system includes a vehicle controller receiving torque sensor data indicative of user-generated torque input. The vehicle controller then determines: if the torque input is less than a commanded motor torque generated by a tractive motor; and, if a calibrated motor decay time of the tractive motor is less than a scaled cadence time of the user's cadence speed. Responsive to both determinations being positive, the vehicle controller calculates a torque decay factor based on the current cadence speed, and modifies the commanded motor torque based on this calculated torque decay factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Douglas J. Moening, John Corn, Adam J. Heisel