Patents Assigned to GM Global Technology Operation LLC
  • Publication number: 20170314089
    Abstract: Methods of strengthening surface regions of high-strength transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel are provided. The method may comprise shot peening at least one region of an exposed surface of a hot-formed press-hardened component comprising a high-strength steel. Prior to shot peening, the component has a microstructure comprising ?about 5% by volume retained austenite in a matrix of martensite. The shot peening is conducted at a temperature of <about 150° C. and forms at least one hardened surface region comprising ?about 2% by volume austenite. The TRIP steel may be zinc-coated and having a surface coating comprising zinc and substantially free of liquid metal embrittlement (LME). Zinc-coated hot-formed press-hardened components, including automotive components, formed from such methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jianfeng Wang
  • Patent number: 9802465
    Abstract: A visor assembly for a vehicle includes a visor housing including a first side and a second side spaced apart from and cooperating with the first side to define an outer periphery having an opening extending through the first and second sides of the visor housing and an inner periphery having at least one receiving surface cooperating with the opening. At least one support is disposed in the inner periphery of the visor housing and cooperating with the at least one receiving surface. A cover panel having an elongate body received is within the channel and movable relative to the at least support between at least a first position at least partially covering the opening and a second position. A biasing member selectively positions the cover panel in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Celso K. Fukushima, Fernando A. Siqueira
  • Patent number: 9802654
    Abstract: One variation may include using a plurality of node structures to assemble a uniframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward D. Moss, Peter M. Parlow, Robert N. Saje, Giles D. Bryer, Jonathan J. Andrews
  • Patent number: 9802540
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for representing vehicle surroundings information of a motor vehicle, wherein the process comprises the following steps: recording a front surrounding environment of a vehicle by at least two cameras provided on a vehicle front end of the motor vehicle; detecting objects within the recorded front surrounding environment; if at least one object is detected within the front surrounding environment, determining a field of view of a driver of the motor vehicle and making a comparison to determine whether the object detrimentally affects the field of view of the driver of the motor vehicle; if the field of view of the driver is detrimentally affected by the detected object, acquiring information from the recorded front surrounding environment that is not within the field of view of the driver of the motor vehicle; and providing a perspective representation of the acquired information in the determined field of view of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Markus Frommann, Oleg Mazur
  • Patent number: 9803750
    Abstract: A number of variations may include an electric cycle powertrain comprising: a motor comprising a rotor and a stator; a crankshaft operatively connected to a first and second pedal assembly; a stepped pinion planetary gear set comprising a sun gear, at least one stepped pinion gear having a first and second pinion operatively attached to each other, wherein the first pinion is operatively connected to the sun gear and rotates within a grounded first ring gear and the second pinion rotates within a second ring gear; wherein the sun gear is further operatively connected to the rotor; wherein the second ring gear is operatively connected to the crankshaft and the first and second pedal assembly; wherein the first and second pinions are operatively connected to a carrier; wherein the second ring gear is operatively connected to the chain; and a torque measuring device operatively connected to the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven L. Hayslett, Shawn H. Swales
  • Patent number: 9803532
    Abstract: A method for controlling a selective catalytic reduction device in an exhaust aftertreatment system of a vehicle includes monitoring vehicle connectivity information, and controlling ammonia storage in the selective catalytic reduction device based on the monitored vehicle connectivity information. Vehicle connectivity information is used to predict vehicle operating conditions along an estimated path of vehicle travel. The predicted vehicle operating conditions are used to predict profiles for vehicle exhaust gas parameters. Predicted profiles for exhaust gas parameters are used in determining ammonia storage setpoints for the selective catalytic reduction device. The ammonia storage setpoints are use in regulating an amount of ammonia producing dosing agent injected into the exhaust aftertreatment system, thereby controlling ammonia storage in the selective catalytic reduction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shifang Li, Min Sun
  • Patent number: 9802673
    Abstract: A number of variations may include an electric cycle powertrain having a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set, wherein the second planetary gear set is constructed and arranged to selectively overdrive a pedal cadence and wherein the first planetary gear set is constructed and arranged to selectively provide additional gear ratio for a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven L. Hayslett, Shawn H. Swales, Richard J. Lannen, Jussi A. Timonen
  • Patent number: 9803608
    Abstract: Method for voltage stabilization during an engine starting event of a vehicle includes receiving, at a switch device module, an active Start_ON signal from a starter solenoid module indicating initiation of the engine starting event. At the switch device module, an auxiliary electrical energy storage device (ESD) is electrically coupled to one or more auxiliary loads within a predetermined delay since the active Start_ON signal was received. A primary ESD and a starter motor are electrically decoupled from the one or more auxiliary loads only after the auxiliary ESD has been electrically coupled to the one or more auxiliary loads. In response to a predetermined condition occurring while the primary ESD and the starter motor are electrically decoupled from the one or more auxiliary loads, the primary ESD and the starter motor are electrically coupled to the one or more auxiliary loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chandra S. Namuduri, Shawn L. Boozer, Michael G. Reynolds, Kenneth J. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 9797318
    Abstract: A tangible computer readable medium of a vehicle includes object code referencing a plurality of variables, the object code for: identifying sets of possible target values based on air and exhaust setpoints for an engine; generating predicted parameters based on a model of the engine and the sets of possible target values, respectively; selecting one of the sets of possible target values based on the predicted parameters; setting target values based on the selected one of the sets of possible target values, respectively; and controlling opening of a throttle valve based on a first one of the target values. The tangible computer readable medium also includes calibration data stored separately and that includes predetermined values for the variables referenced in the object code, respectively. At least one processor executes the object code using the predetermined values to perform the identifying, the generating, the selecting, the setting, and the controlling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Sharon L. Storch, James A. Shore, Kevin C. Wong, Ning Jin
  • Patent number: 9796372
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain of a vehicle includes calculating, via a controller, an optimal torque target for the powertrain as a function of system limits of the vehicle. The method includes commanding, via transmission of an output torque signal, an actual output torque of the powertrain to pursue or follow the calculated optimal torque target during a steady-state torque request condition. Additionally, the method includes detecting a predetermined vehicle event during the steady-state torque request condition, and shaping the output torque signal via the controller. A variable gain factor may be used in response to detection of the predetermined vehicle event to allow the output torque signal to temporarily deviate from the calculated optimal torque target during the steady-state torque request condition. A powertrain has an engine, an electric machine, and a controller programmed to execute the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Tayoung Choi, Krunal P Patel, Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 9796044
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product that may include a substrate that may include an aluminum-nickel alloy and at least one surface and a coating that may include a metallic material deposited over the at least one surface via laser cladding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Julien P. Mourou, James E. Osbourn, Brian J. Parent
  • Patent number: 9797506
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a fixed-gear transmission includes deriving a node speed relationship for each of the planetary gear sets based upon a center distance and a gear ratio and determining equivalent speed parameters for nodes of the planetary gear sets based upon a transmission input speed state, an intermediate node speed state and a transmission output speed state. A clutch slip speed relationship is determined for each of the clutches based upon the node speed relationships for the planetary gear sets and the equivalent speed parameters for nodes of the planetary gear sets. Rotational speed sensors monitor the input transmission speed, the intermediate node speed and the transmission output speed. A clutch slip speed for each of the clutches is determined based upon the respective clutch slip speed relationship and the monitored input transmission speed, the monitored intermediate node speed and the monitored transmission output speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Pellerito, Dara Monajemi, Brian H. Fiore, Joel H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 9800183
    Abstract: An inverter electrically operatively connected to an electric machine and in communication with a controller is described. The inverter is electrically connected to a high-voltage DC power bus. A method for controlling the multi-phase inverter circuit includes monitoring, via the controller, a rotational speed of the electric machine during operation of the inverter in an over-modulation mode. The inverter is commanded to operate in a linear modulation mode when the rotational speed is within a speed range associated with objectionable audible noise generated by operating the electric machine in the over-modulation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jianglin Wang, Bon Ho Bae, Chia-Chou Yeh
  • Patent number: 9796277
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising: an extended range battery system for an electric bicycle comprising a first battery system and a second battery system, and wherein direct current biasing is utilized between the first battery system and the second battery system to extend the range of the extended range battery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven L. Hayslett, Constantin C. Stancu, Jorge G. Cintron-Rivera
  • Patent number: 9797321
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block that defines a cylinder and a cylinder head positioned relative to the cylinder block. A reciprocating piston is arranged inside the cylinder for compressing an air and fuel mixture at a geometric compression ratio of at least 10:1. A crankshaft is arranged in the cylinder block and rotated by the piston. An intake valve is operatively connected to the cylinder head and controls delivery of air to the cylinder for combustion therein. A mechanism provides late intake valve closing via constant peak lift of the intake valve over at least 5 degrees of crankshaft rotation. A multi-stage boosting system, having a turbocharger, a supercharger, and a continuously variable transmission for varying the supercharger's rotating speed, is regulated by a controller to selectively pressurize air being received from the ambient for delivery to the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David Sun, Yongsheng He, Zhimin Liu, Chengwu Duan
  • Patent number: 9796311
    Abstract: A removable protective floor liner for a rearward seating area of a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a first floor mat section including a first flap section that is configured for installation in a first foot well of the passenger compartment and a second floor mat section including a second flap section that is configured for installation in a second foot well of the passenger compartment. The first flap includes an overlapping portion and a plurality of female interlocking fasteners and the second flap includes an underlapping portion and a plurality of male interlocking fasteners, including the underlapping portion extending a predetermined distance beyond the male interlocking fasteners. The first and second flaps cover a tunnel area intervening between the first and second floor mat sections. The male interlocking fasteners are joined with corresponding ones of the female interlocking fasteners when the first and second flaps are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kevin J. Veik, Wendy E. Zaranek
  • Patent number: 9796439
    Abstract: A method for coupling a sunroof glass apparatus includes the following steps: (a) moving a fixture toward a roof portion of a vehicle body in order to insert a plurality of pins of the fixture into locating holes formed in the vehicle body; (b) coupling net plates to the arms of an actuating mechanism of the sunroof assembly; (c) decoupling the fixture from the net plates while maintaining the net plates coupled to the arms of the actuating mechanism; and (d) coupling the flanges of the sunroof glass apparatus to arms of the actuating mechanism via the net plates in order to movably couple the sunroof glass apparatus to the vehicle body. In another embodiment, the presently disclosed method may additionally include coupling the net plates to the fixture before moving the fixture toward the roof portion of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gerald M. Bojanowski, James A. Forbes, Craig D. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 9797512
    Abstract: An assembly such as a piston assembly for an engine includes a piston pin that has an outer member and a core. The outer member has a cavity extending lengthwise therethrough. The cavity has a first volume. The core is fit to the outer member in the cavity, and has a second volume less than the first volume. For example, the second volume may be less than the first volume because the core has an opening, because the core is shorter in length than the cavity, or both. A method of manufacturing a piston pin includes providing an outer member having a first density and a first length, creating a cavity that extends lengthwise through the outer member, providing a core having a second density and a second length, and inserting the core into the cavity of the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Rodney E. Baker, Dale E. Murrish, Amit Kumar, Balakrishna Chinta
  • Patent number: D801236
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy P. Kozub, Stuart Cooper, Jonghyuk Park
  • Patent number: D801577
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gary W. Ruiz