Patents Assigned to GM Global Technology Operation LLC
  • Automotive vehicle container handling system
    Patent number: 9505331
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a container handling system for an automotive vehicle having a generally horizontal cargo bed area including a container for holding cargo. The container may have an alignment surface. A power unit for imparting vertical and horizontal movement to the container may also be provided. The power unit may be connected on the vehicle. A latching mechanism connecting the power unit with the container may be provided. A guide structure connected on the vehicle may guide vertical and horizontal movement of the container by interacting with the container alignment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jussi A. Timonen
  • Fuel cell plate features to resolve differences in component tolerances
    Patent number: 9502731
    Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell has a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. The bipolar plate also has an active region, a feed region, a perimeter region, a sealing region, and a hinge region. The sealing region is disposed between the perimeter region and each of the active region and the feed region. A plurality of outwardly extending tabs are disposed adjacent the perimeter region at each of the first end and the second end of the bipolar plate. The hinge region is disposed between the perimeter region and the outwardly extending tabs. The hinge region extends from the first side of the plate to the second side of the bipolar plate. The hinge region permits a flexing of the outwardly extending tabs to connect with peripheral electrical device without undesirably flexing the sealing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Jeff D. Williams, Matthew J. Beutel, Steven J. Spencer
  • Method and apparatus for inspecting an object employing machine vision
    Patent number: 9500475
    Abstract: A machine vision system including a digital camera can be employed to inspect an object in a field of view. This includes projecting digitally-generated light patterns including first and second boundary patterns and first and second spatial patterns onto the object in the field of view. Images associated with the projected light patterns including the object are captured. Spatial cells are found in the field of view by matching codes in the first and second spatial patterns to boundaries determined based upon one of the first and second boundary patterns. The spatial cells are found in the field of view by matching codes in the spatial patterns to boundaries determined based upon the boundary patterns. The spatial cells are decoded and matched to the boundaries. Three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data of the object is generated based upon the decoded spatial cells matched to the boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, SungyKyunKwan University Foundation for Corporate Collaboration
    Inventors: Sukhan Lee, Quang-Lam Bui, Jianying Shi
  • Pintle latch system
    Patent number: 9500011
    Abstract: A latch system includes a striker and a latch mechanism. The striker includes a pintle having a head portion. The latch mechanism includes a first latch door and a second latch door, each rotatable between a respective latch position and a respective insertion position. The first latch door and the second latch door each define a latch section and a release section disposed opposite each other. When the first latch door and the second latch door are disposed in their respective insertion positions, the latch sections are operable to receive the head portion therebetween. When the first latch door and the second latch door are disposed in their respective latch positions, the latch sections are operable to engage the head portion in latching engagement, and the release sections are operable to release the head portion of the pintle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Anil A. Masih
  • Cathode humidification unit adapting degradation factor
    Patent number: 9502726
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus to adapt the performance of a cathode humidification unit as a membrane in a fuel cell stack degrades over time. An algorithm compares a sensed humidity profile of the fuel cell stack and model humidity profile of a cathode humidification unit model to calculate a new degradation factor. The cathode humidification unit model uses the degradation factor in the performance of the cathode humidification unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John P. Nolan, Daniel T. Folmsbee, Derek R. Lebzelter, Yan Zhang
  • Alternator control systems and methods for vehicle deceleration
    Patent number: 9500143
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a fuel control module and a voltage setting module. The fuel control module cuts off fuel to an engine during a deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO) event. During the DFCO event, the voltage setting module monitors a brake pedal position, sets a desired voltage to a first predetermined voltage when a brake pedal is not depressed, and sets the desired voltage to a second predetermined voltage when the brake pedal is depressed. The second predetermined voltage is greater than the first predetermined voltage. A regulator generates a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal based on the desired voltage and applies the PWM signal to an alternator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Josef J. Correia, Christopher E. Whitney
  • Pump assembly with multiple gear ratios
    Patent number: 9500197
    Abstract: A pump assembly for a vehicle transmission that is coupled to a prime mover, a chain drive assembly, a hydraulic pump with a rotor, and a planetary gear set. A drive sprocket of the chain drive assembly is rotationally coupled with the prime mover. The planetary gear set includes first, second, and third members. The first member is rotatable with the pump and the third member is rotatable with the driven sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, Philip C. Lundberg
  • Method for automatic quantification of dendrite arm spacing in dendritic microstructures
    Patent number: 9500594
    Abstract: A method to automatically quantify dendrite arm spacing in dendritic microstructures. Once a location of interest in a cast material specimen has been identified, the information contained in it is automatically analyzed to quantify dendrite cell size information that is subsequently converted into a quantified dendrite arm spacing through an empirical relationship or a theoretical relationship. In one form, the relationship between DCS and DAS is such that the DAS in dendritic structure of cast aluminum alloys may be automatically determined from the measurement of one or more of dendrite cell size and the actual volume fraction of the eutectic phases in the local casting microstructure. Non-equilibrium conditions may be accounted for in situations where a theoretical volume fraction of a eutectic phase of the alloy in equilibrium condition is appropriately modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Qigui Wang, James W. Knight, Devin R. Hess
  • Method and system for controlling a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 9499157
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle includes the following: (a) receiving route data for a trip route; (b) determining a drive profile for the trip route based on the route data and vehicle information; (c) determining an energy deficit distribution based on an adjusted tractive power distribution defined by the drive profile compared with a generator power of the vehicle; (d) determining a minimum energy requirement energy deficit distribution; (e) determining a state of charge (SOC) threshold based on the minimum energy requirement; and (f) commanding the powertrain to operate in a charging mode when the SOC threshold is greater than the SOC of an energy storage device of the vehicle. The charging mode may be one of a condensed charging mode, a standard charging mode, and a prolonged charging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brett T. Muller, Travis James Trippel
  • Component with inlay for damping vibrations
    Patent number: 9500242
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes an automotive brake component, such as a brake drum or a brake rotor, and an inlay coupled to the automotive brake component. The inlay constituting at least a portion of a braking surface that is acted upon during a braking event. The inlay damping vibrations in the automotive brake component when the component is vibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Patrick J. Monsere, Mark T. Riefe, David B. Antanaitis, Brent D. Lowe, Mohan Sundar
  • Grommet seal, center diversion shaft and methods of making and using the same
    Patent number: 9500116
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a drain grommet including a primary and secondary seal and a diversion shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Foos, Harry E. Eustice, Joseph A. MacDonald
  • High performance torsional vibration isolator
    Patent number: 9500259
    Abstract: A torsional vibration isolator for a motor vehicle includes an input member having an engine drive component. An output member defines a transmission input shaft. A component group connecting the input member to the output member includes a first spring engagement element connected to a ring gear. At least one pinion gear is engaged to the ring gear. A sun gear is engaged to the at least one pinion gear. A second spring engagement element is connected to a carrier, the carrier also connected to the at least one pinion gear. At least one spring contacts both the second spring engagement element and the first spring engagement element to permit the second spring engagement element and the carrier to angularly deflect with respect to the first spring engagement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Shushan Bai
  • System and method for predicting parameters associated with airflow through an engine
    Patent number: 9494092
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an engine air sensor, an engine air prediction module, and an engine actuator module. The engine air sensor measures an engine air parameter at a first rate. The engine air parameter includes at least one of a mass flow rate of air flowing into an intake manifold of an engine, a pressure within the intake manifold, and a mass of air within a cylinder of the engine. The engine air prediction module predicts the engine air parameter at a second rate that is greater than the first rate. The engine actuator module controls an actuator of the engine based on at least one of the measured engine air parameter and the predicted engine air parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Zhiping Steven Liu, Gregory P. Matthews, Anthony B. Will
  • Method and apparatus to determine rotational position of a phaser in a variable phasing system
    Patent number: 9494488
    Abstract: A method to determine a rotational position of a phaser for variable phasing system including a low-resolution rotational position sensing system includes estimating a rotational position of the phaser based upon a time interval between occurrence of a measured position of the phaser and a present periodic timepoint, a commanded position of the phaser, said measured position of the phaser, and a time constant of the variable phasing system when the occurrence of the measured position of the phaser is subsequent to a preceding periodic timepoint occurring at a set time interval prior to the present periodic timepoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shifang Li, Jyh-Shin Chen
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 9494217
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear set assemblies, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear set assemblies include first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: James M. Hart
  • Method and apparatus for controlling a control variable of a powertrain system
    Patent number: 9493168
    Abstract: A powertrain system is described, including a method for controlling a control variable for an element thereof. The method includes determining an initial state transition threshold and an associated hysteresis band for an operating parameter related to the control variable. The hysteresis band is decayed based upon operation in a present state of the control variable for powertrain element, and a preferred control variable for the powertrain element is selected based upon a comparison of the operating parameter and the initial state transition threshold accounting for the decayed hysteresis band for the operating parameter. The element of the powertrain system is controlled to the preferred state for the control variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kee Yong Kim, Anthony H. Heap, Jeremy Wise
  • Striker with expandable sleeve
    Patent number: 9493968
    Abstract: A striker assembly includes a striker having an attachment portion, a shaft portion having a cylindrical outer surface, and a shoulder portion between the shaft portion and the attachment portion. The striker assembly also includes a striker sleeve having a wall that has an inner surface defining an interior space having first and second openings. The wall has corrugations such that the inner surface defines a plurality of concave portions and joining portions that interconnect the concave portions. The concave portions and the joining portions extend from the first opening to the second opening. The shaft portion is inside the interior space and the outer surface of the shaft portion contacts the joining portions of the inner surface of the striker sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph P. Fannon, Derek L. Patterson, Hugh S. Bauer, Paulo M. Mendonca
  • Vehicle front fascia
    Patent number: D771532
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Vladimir Kapitonov
  • Vehicle front fascia
    Patent number: D771533
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Vladimir Kapitonov
  • Vehicle front headlamp
    Patent number: D773084
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Vladimir Kapitonov