Patents Assigned to GM Global Technology Operation LLC
  • 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: 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20180162303
    Abstract: A crush assembly for a vehicle is provided. The crush assembly includes a fiber-reinforced composite crush member and a cap assembly. The cap assembly is disposed on a terminal end of the crush member. The cap assembly includes an outer cap and an inner cap. The outer cap has a first base, a first side wall extending from the first base, and an interior portion formed by the first base and the first side wall. The inner cap includes a second base and a second side wall extending from the second base. The inner cap is nested at least partially within the interior portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Venkateshwar R. Aitharaju, Hamid G. Kia, Satvir Aashat
  • Patent number: 9998892
    Abstract: A system for identifying a location of a vehicle user following a collision event and a method of using the system that includes the steps of: receiving an indication of the vehicle collision event at a backend system, wherein the indication is displayed as a graphical user interface; receiving a command at the backend system using the graphical user interface, wherein the command is associated with identifying the location of the vehicle user at a vehicle; and transmitting the command to the vehicle for the vehicle to carry out the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eli Tzirkel-Hancock, Omer Tsimhoni, Scott M. Reilly, Ilan Malka
  • Patent number: 9994100
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a shutter system cooperating with at least one grille opening in the body of a vehicle. The shutter system includes a shutter assembly to regulate airflow entering through the at least one grille opening. The shutter assembly includes a frame and at least one vane operably connected to the frame and selectively positionable between at least an open position and a closed position. The at least one vane includes a body shaped as a cambered airfoil defining a leading edge and an opposing trailing edge. The at least one vane is pivotally connected at a pivot point and is adjustable relative to the frame between at least the open position and the closed position in response to an airflow entering through the at least one grille opening interacting with the leading edge of the body of the at least one vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Del Gaizo, William Fang
  • Patent number: 9994225
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes a geartrain configured to transfer mechanical power between an internal combustion engine, torque machines and a driveline by activation of a synchronous engagement clutch. A method includes commanding activation of the synchronous engagement clutch, including commanding operations of the engine and the first and second torque machines to control members of the clutch, including monitoring speeds thereof. A magnitude of clutch slip is determined. A zero-slip feedback control routine is executed when the clutch slip approaches a zero-slip state, wherein the zero-slip feedback control routine is operative to control the engine and the first and second torque machines to control the rotational speeds of the opposed first and second members to achieve zero clutch slip. The synchronous engagement clutch is activated when the clutch slip is less than a threshold level associated with the zero-slip state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie
  • Patent number: 9994266
    Abstract: According to aspects, an angled extension for an air curtain, the angled extension includes a base and a projection extending from the base. The base is configured to be attached to a front surface of a wheel well and is configured to be is disposed proximal to an interior side of an air-curtain outlet. The projection has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be generally angled toward an exterior side of the air-curtain outlet when the base is attached to the front surface. The first end is configured to deflect at least a portion of a flow of air that exits the air-curtain outlet to thereby inhibit contact between the flow of air and a front face of a tire. The second end is configured to be generally perpendicular to the front surface when the base is attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Del Gaizo, William Fang
  • Patent number: 9997878
    Abstract: According to aspects of the present disclosure, a lightweight busbar includes an aluminum body, a copper connector, and a cladded interface. The aluminum body defines a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The copper connector is disposed proximate the first end of the aluminum body. The copper connector is configured to be fastened to an external component. The cladded interface bonds the copper connector to the first end of the aluminum body. The cladded interface inhibits yield between aluminum and copper during thermal cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Charles Hua
  • Patent number: 9997800
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack and a method of assembling a fuel cell stack includes compressing fuel cells along their stacking axis. A compression retention device made up of an enclosure may be used with one or more optional insertable shims to correct for any stack height variations. Significantly, the enclosure is formed to allow the stack to be loaded in compression by a press such that the cells that make up the stack are placed into and maintained in a substantially compressed state while the compression force is not imparted to the enclosure. By resolving any stack height variances while the cells of the stack are maintained in their substantially compressed state, assembly operations are simplified in that repeated compression and decompression of the stack is avoided while trying to ensure that the stack and enclosure are joined into their final assembly form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David A. Martinchek, Robert C. Thompson, Masaaki Sakano, Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9995253
    Abstract: An air duct system includes a first member that includes a groove disposed around only a portion of an opening. A second member defines a passage extending along a longitudinal axis, and is in fluid communication with the opening of the first member. The second member includes a flange disposed within the groove of the first member. The engagement between the flange and the groove restricts relative movement between the first member and the second member in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis. An attachment system connects the first member and the second member together, and restricts relative movement between the first member and the second member in a lateral direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis, to secure the flange within the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Tucker, Steven A. Kornburger
  • Patent number: D820170
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy P. Kozub, Evan Mai, Gary W. Ruiz
  • Patent number: D820182
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jonghyuk Park