Patents Assigned to GM Global Technology Operation LLC
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Patent number: 9482125Abstract: A regeneration system includes a first comparison module that at least one of (i) compares a first temperature of an adsorber to an adsorber release temperature and (ii) compares a second temperature of an engine to a predetermined temperature, and generates a first comparison signal. A second comparison module that compares a particulate matter output of the engine with a predetermined output and generates a second comparison signal. A mode selection module that selects a mode and generates a mode signal based on the first comparison signal and the second comparison signal. A bypass valve control module that adjusts position of a bypass valve to bypass at least one of a particulate matter (PM) filter and the adsorber based on the mode signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso, Michael J. Paratore, Jr.
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Patent number: 9482195Abstract: A number of variations of the invention may include a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine and/or method, wherein heat is exchanged from gaseous fuel in a gaseous fuel line and at least one of a liquid fuel in a liquid fuel feed line or a liquid fuel return line which are connected to an injection fuel rail of an internal combustion engine. In a number of variations, a regulator or throttling valve is provided in the gaseous fuel line to expand gas flowing therein and reduce the temperature of the gas to further cool the liquid fuel flowing in the liquid fuel feed line or the liquid fuel return line. Another variation may include a method comprising exchanging heat from gaseous fuel in a gaseous fuel line and a liquid fuel in a liquid fuel feed line or a liquid fuel return line which are connected to an injection fuel rail of an internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mark D. Archer, Nicholas Carter, Richard W. Hurley, Jon D. Edsell
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Patent number: 9481488Abstract: A pallet assembly and a lid apparatus for the pallet assembly include a first lid segment and a second lid segment selectively cooperating with each other. The lid segments each include an outer edge and an inner edge spaced in an opposing relationship. The inner edges of the lid segments are configured to face each other. The first lid segment includes a first locking feature disposed proximal to the inner edge of the first lid segment and the second lid segment includes a second locking feature disposed proximal to the inner edge of the second lid segment. The lid segments are movable between an engaged position in which the locking features engage each other to secure the lid segments together to define a complete lid, and a disengaged position in which the locking features disengage from each other to separate the lid segments.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Neal A. Lewis
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Patent number: 9481240Abstract: A cover assembly for a filling port of a vehicle includes a hinge structure and a cover portion. The hinge structure includes an interface portion having a plurality of retention tabs. Each of the plurality of retention tabs include an inboard surface that is spaced from an outboard surface of the interface portion. The cover portion includes a plurality of cover tabs. Each of the cover tabs include an outboard surface that is spaced from an inboard surface of the cover portion. The cover portion is disposed adjacent the outboard surface of the interface portion. Each of the retention tabs is engaged with one of the cover tabs in interlocking engagement. Each of the cover tabs is disposed between one of the retention tabs and the interface portion. Each of the retention tabs is disposed between one of the cover tabs and the cover portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthew M. Stack, Robin L. Champion
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Patent number: 9482330Abstract: A transmission for transferring mechanical power between an input member and an output member is described, and includes a first synchronous electric machine including a first stator, a first distal rotor and a first proximal rotor and a second synchronous electric machine including a second stator, a second distal rotor and a second proximal rotor. The input member rotatably couples to the first distal rotor and to the second proximal rotor and the output member rotatably couples to the second distal rotor and to the first proximal rotor. Mechanical power is transferrable between the input member and the output member without torque being applied by the first stator.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Norman K. Bucknor
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Patent number: 9481034Abstract: Methods of forming bi-metallic castings are provided. In one method, a metal preform of a desired base shape is provided defining a substrate surface. A natural oxide layer is removed from the substrate surface, yielding a cleaned metal preform. The method includes forming a thin metallic film on at least a portion of the substrate surface of the cleaned metal preform, and metallurgically bonding the portion of the metal preform having the metallic film with an overcast metal to form a bi-metallic casting. The metallic film promotes a metallurgical bond between the metal preform and the overcast metal. In one aspect, the metal preform may include aluminum (Al) and the metallic film may include zinc (Zn).Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yiqing Chen, Aihua A. Luo, Anil K. Sachdev
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Patent number: 9481262Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric motor, a direct current power source, and an inverter operatively connected to the direct current power source and the electric motor. The inverter is configured to convert direct current from the power source to alternating current and to transmit the alternating current to the electric motor. The inverter is characterized by an on status and an off status. A controller is operatively connected to the inverter and is configured to control whether the inverter is on or off. The controller is configured to selectively cause the inverter to enter a mode of operation in which the inverter cycles between being on and off.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Min-Joong Kim, Jinming Liu, Sean W. McGrogan
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Patent number: 9481357Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine with a crankshaft rotating on a first axis, motor/generator unit (MGU), belted drive system, transmission, actuator assembly, and controller. An MGU rotor shaft rotates about a second axis. The belted drive assembly has a first pulley connected to the crankshaft, a second pulley selectively connected to the rotor shaft, and an endless rotatable drive element that connects the pulleys. The transmission is connected to the flywheel via an input clutch. The actuator assembly has a third axis parallel to the first and second axes, a linear actuator(s), pinion gears translatable along the third axis to selectively engage the first and second gear elements, and overrunning clutches to passively disengage the pinion gears from the first or second gear element. The controller transmits control signals to the MGU and linear actuators to command a control state via translation of the pinion gears.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chandra S. Namuduri, Alexandru Rajala, Alan G. Holmes, Thomas Wolfgang Nehl, Venkata Prasad Atluri, Madhusudan Raghavan
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Patent number: 9481236Abstract: A powertrain is disclosed. A ring gear is attached to a first distal end of a crankshaft such that the ring gear and the crankshaft are rotatable in unison about a longitudinal axis. A motor-generator includes a motor/generator shaft rotatable about a first axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. A starter mechanism includes a first starter gear coupleable to the motor/generator shaft and rotatable about a second axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. The first and second axes are spaced and substantially parallel to each other. The first starter gear is movable along the second axis between a first position engaging the ring gear such that torque is transferred from the motor/generator shaft through the first starter gear and the ring gear to the crankshaft to start the engine, and a second position disengaged from the ring gear to rotatably disconnect the starter mechanism from the ring gear.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Michael G. Reynolds, Alexandru Rajala, Chandra S. Namuduri
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Patent number: 9481224Abstract: An active airflow outlet for a vehicle and method for facilitating airflow through an active airflow outlet are provided. The active airflow outlet may operate in one of a static mode and an active mode. The active airflow outlet may include a motor, a gear assembly, a plurality of vent blades, and at least one control mechanism. The gear assembly may be operatively connected to the motor and the plurality of vent blades. The plurality of vent blades may be capable of occupying one of an open position and a closed position. The at least one control mechanism may be configured to signal the plurality of vent blades to rotate from the closed position to the open position and signal the motor to rotate the gear assembly and the plurality of vent blades in the active mode to facilitate additional airflow through the active airflow outlet.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Gerard Brinas
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Patent number: 9481325Abstract: A system for controlling access into a vehicle in the event of loss of electrical power is disclosed. The vehicle has an access opening into the vehicle's interior with a first door for access thereto, a cargo enclosure with a second door therefor, and an energy storage device for generating the electrical power. A first latch selectively latches and unlatches the first door, while a first switch operates the first latch. A second latch selectively latches and unlatches the second door, while an actuator connects the second door to the vehicle body and selectively opens and closes the second door. A second switch selectively connects a motor-generator to the energy storage device for operating the actuator in a first mode and disconnects the motor-generator from the energy storage device for generating electric current when the second door is operated manually to operate the first latch in a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Richard J. Lange
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Patent number: 9481231Abstract: A method includes providing a vehicle door having an inner panel, an outer panel, and a bracket assembly. The inner panel and the outer panel cooperate to define a door cavity and a window opening. The bracket assembly is mounted with respect to the inner panel inside the door cavity. The method further includes inserting the division post into the door cavity through the window opening, and engaging the division post with the bracket assembly such that the bracket assembly secures the division post to the inner panel. A corresponding door assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Terrence P. Costigan, James K. Platt, James C. O'Kane, Matthew M. Kunz
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Patent number: 9482122Abstract: A detent assembly and a method of assembling the detent assembly are disclosed. The detent assembly includes a first shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis and has an outer surface. The first shaft defines a cavity having an opening defined by the outer surface. The detent assembly further includes a camshaft defining an aperture along the longitudinal axis to present an inner wall of the camshaft that circumscribes the longitudinal axis. The inner wall defines a plurality of recesses spaced from each other. The detent assembly also includes a self-contained plunger unit that is secured to the first shaft in the cavity as a unit. A plunger of the self-contained plunger unit engages the inner wall as the camshaft is disposed over the self-contained plunger unit so that the plunger rests in one of the recesses of the camshaft to selectively secure together the first shaft and the camshaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Joseph J. Moon, Patrick J. Tow, Domenic Certo
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Patent number: 9475356Abstract: One variation may include a product comprising a top mount for a strut comprising a first shell portion and a second shell portion and a main resilient or elastomeric element housed by the first shell portion and the second shell portion, the resilient or elastomeric element being split into at least two pieces and construct and arranged to receive a portion of a strut rod. One variation may include a product for using in a strut top mount comprising an outer shell and a main resilient or elastomeric element received in the outer shell, the main resilient or elastomeric element being split into at least two pieces and being constructed and arranged to receive a portion of a strut rod.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Bryan D. Wilson
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Patent number: 9475040Abstract: A Cu-amine complex of hydrated copper sulfate and ethylene diamine or an oligomer of ethylene diamine is employed in a direct (one-pot) synthesis of a copper-cation containing silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO) zeolite material having the Cu/SAPO-34 structure. The copper-amine complex is included in an aqueous gel of precursors of the SiO2, Al2O3, and P2O5 constituents, which are mixed, aged, and thermally treated to form the desired Cu/SAPO-34 structure. The synthesized Cu/SAPO-34 material is demonstrated to be an effective catalyst material in conversion of nitric oxide to nitrogen (using ammonia as a reductant) in synthetic exhaust streams characteristic of diesel engine and other lean-burn vehicle engine exhaust streams.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gongshin Qi, Wei Li, Xiangju Meng, Fengshou Xiao
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Patent number: 9477989Abstract: A system and method for sharing information from a vehicle for comparison to information from other vehicles. The system and method include collecting vehicle trace data and sharing the vehicle trace data using a communications network such that the vehicle trace data is compared and ranked relative to the vehicle trace data of other vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Donald K. Grimm, Fan Bai, Leonard C. Nieman, Robert A. Hrabak
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Patent number: 9476946Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a state-of-charge (SOC) of a battery, where the system includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor provides a measurement signal that can track changes of a nominal volume of the battery by either measuring a size or pressure of the battery, where the nominal volume is the volume that the electrolyte, anode, cathode and current collectors would occupy if unconstrained. The controller is programmed to use a function to estimate the SOC from the measurement signal. The function can be established after constructing and finding a repeatable charging and discharging curve of the battery that graphs the measurement signal compared to the SOC of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Harald Schlag, Christoph Klunker, Matthias Hampel
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Patent number: 9475388Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle comprises a torque module and a drag request evaluation module. The torque module controls torque output of an engine based on a driver torque request and increases the torque output based on a wheel drag torque request generated based on a driven wheel speed. The drag request evaluation module disables the increase of the torque output when the driven wheel speed is greater than an undriven wheel speed by more than a predetermined speed.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Richard B. Jess, Michael L. Kociba, Joseph M. Stempnik, James L. Worthing, Katie C. Bonasse
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Patent number: 9475436Abstract: A number of variations may include a grille cover which may attach to a grille.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Wayne R. Witkop
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Patent number: 9476948Abstract: A linear magnetic sensor shield system comprises first and second shield parts. The system may include first and second field sensor assemblies, each having field sensors disposed therein. The first shield part may be disposed adjacent to a first side of the first field sensor assembly, and the second shield part may be disposed adjacent to a second side of the second field sensor assembly. The shield parts may be formed of mu metal or a mu metal and steel composite, by of example. A torque transmitting device is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: David T. Stark, Daniel J. Smith, Thomas A. Perry, Thomas Wolfgang Nehl