Patents Assigned to GM Global Technology Operation LLC
  • Vehicle powertrain
    Patent number: 9452672
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine and an electrical circuit having a motor-generator and a starter mechanism coupled to the engine. A first energy storage device is disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with the starter mechanism. A second energy storage device is disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with the motor-generator. A first auxiliary electric system is disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with both the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device. A first switch is disposed within the electrical circuit between the first energy storage device and the first auxiliary electric system. A second switch is disposed within the electrical circuit between the second energy storage device and the first auxiliary electric system. The first auxiliary electric system is disposed, within the electrical circuit, between the first switch and the second switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chandra S. Namuduri, Michael G. Reynolds, David W. Walters, Suresh Gopalakrishnan
  • Control of internal combustion engine with two-stage turbocharging
    Patent number: 9453435
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block defining a cylinder, a cylinder head, an intake valve, an exhaust valve, and a variable exhaust valve timing mechanism. The engine also includes a turbocharging system configured to pressurize ambient airflow for delivery to the cylinder. The turbocharging system includes a low-flow turbocharger, a high-flow turbocharger, and a flow control device for selectively directing post-combustion gas to the low-flow and high-flow turbochargers. A controller directs the post-combustion gas to the low-flow turbocharger and selects a first predetermined exhaust valve timing when the engine operates below a predetermined speed and above a predetermined load. Alternatively, the controller directs the post-combustion gas to the high-flow turbocharger and selects a second predetermined exhaust valve timing at or above the predetermined engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Ko-Jen Wu
  • Transmission for a vehicle
    Patent number: 9452682
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission includes a casing defining a first cavity and a second cavity inside the casing, with the first cavity selectively open to outside of the casing. The transmission also includes a platform at least partially disposed inside the casing to separate the first and second cavities. Furthermore, the transmission includes a power inverter module selectively disposed in the first cavity. The power inverter module includes a cooling system for cooling the power inverter module. The transmission also includes a guide attached to the platform and the casing within the second cavity such that the guide provides fluid communication between the cooling system of the power inverter module within the first cavity and outside of the casing while bypassing the second cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Konstantinos Triantos, John A. Diemer, Pete R. Garcia, Kent A. Miller, Anthony P. Tata
  • Offset bulkhead for creating a compressive mechanical lock
    Patent number: 9452783
    Abstract: A structure that creates a compressive mechanical lock during an external force includes a beam, an offset bulkhead, and a compressive member. The beam has a hollow cross section, an axis, and a wall. The bulkhead is disposed within the hollow cross section and attached to the wall. The member has an axis and an end attached to one of the bulkhead and the beam wall. The member axis and the beam axis intersect with each other in a plan view to form an obtuse angle. The bulkhead is offset from the intersection in an offset direction, parallel to the beam axis and toward the opening of the obtuse angle. The external force causes the member end to deform the beam wall so as to create a pocket or compressive mechanical lock in the beam wall that mechanically locks the member end from moving in the offset direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert N. Saje, Michael E. Quigley, John C. Johnson
  • Helical one way clutches
    Patent number: 9453542
    Abstract: Improvements in one way clutches include a first embodiment directed to a one way clutch having two sets of helical teeth arranged about the axis of rotation of a drive and driven member that translate axially into and out of engagement. The one way clutch is biased into engagement by a wave washer or similar device. As the speed of rotation of the clutch increases, hydraulic fluid which is directed axially against the drive member by a dam urges the drive member away from the driven member and opens the clutch. In a second embodiment, a pair of one way clutches having oppositely arranged sets of helical teeth selectively provide one way or overrunning operation in both directions. In this embodiment, each of the drive members may be selectively engaged with the driven member by a hydraulic piston. Respective return springs bias the pistons and drive members toward disengaged positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Alan Dziurda
  • Electro-mechanical drive system
    Patent number: 9453572
    Abstract: An electro mechanical-drive system includes a main shaft, a plurality of ball bearings disposed around the main shaft, and a plurality of roller bearing disposed around the main shaft. At least one of the ball bearings is aligned with at least one of the roller bearings along an axis perpendicular to the main shaft. The ball and roller bearings may support other components of the electro-mechanical drive system and may be arranged in a nested or staggered configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, Shawn H. Swales, Norman Schoenek
  • Method of estimating engine-out NOx mass flow rate
    Patent number: 9453450
    Abstract: A method of estimating a mass flow rate of nitrogen oxides in exhaust gas includes sensing a mass flow rate of a flow of exhaust gas from the engine. A nitrogen oxides base concentration for when the engine is operating at a reference state is defined, and a nitrogen oxides ratio for a current operating state of the internal combustion engine is calculated. The mass flow rate of the flow of exhaust gas, the nitrogen oxides base concentration, and the nitrogen oxides ratio for the current operating state of the engine are multiplied together to define an estimated value of the current mass flow rate of nitrogen oxides in the flow of exhaust gas from the engine. The estimated value of the mass flow rate of nitrogen oxides may be compared to the output from a nitrogen oxides sensor to determine proper functionality of the nitrogen oxides sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Min Sun, Igor Anilovich, Nagini Devarakonda, Pablo Hernandez Garcia
  • Method for configuring passive-assist work gloves
    Patent number: 9451798
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for configuring a passive-assist glove comprising measuring, in a first measuring operation, force associated with receiving an object into a stress zone at a palmar surface of the hand, the stress zone; measuring, in a second measuring operation, force associated with receiving an object into a dexterity zone at a palmar surface of the hand, the dexterity zone; providing a plurality of palm sections for the glove; and arranging the plurality of palm sections being in the glove based on results of the measuring operation and to allow manipulation of the palm and the at least one of the multiple fingers to receive the object during use of the glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Diana Marie Wegner, Robert Rolland Fox
  • System and method for diagnosing a fault in an oxygen sensor based on ambient temperature
    Patent number: 9453472
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an error count module and a sensor diagnostic module. The error count module increases an error count when an actual air/fuel ratio generated by an oxygen sensor monitoring an exhaust system of an engine is different than a desired air/fuel ratio. The error count module selectively adjusts a rate at which the error count is increased based on an ambient temperature. The sensor diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in the oxygen sensor when the error count is greater than a first predetermined count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Levijoki, Scott Jeffrey
  • System and method for controlling a flow of air
    Patent number: 9452746
    Abstract: A method for controlling a flow of air includes establishing a level of vacuum in a booster device by generating the flow of air from the booster device using a pump. The method also includes determining whether the level of vacuum in the booster device has reached a predetermined value. The method additionally includes terminating the flow of air from the booster device when the level of vacuum in the booster device has reached the predetermined value. A system for controlling a flow of air according to the method may be incorporated into a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine that is adapted to drive the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: William T. Manos
  • Multi-speed dual clutch transmission
    Patent number: 9453558
    Abstract: A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output transfer gear, first and second transmission input shaft members, first and second countershaft members, first and second sleeve shafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Craig S. Ross
  • Method and apparatus for controlling a combined heating and cooling vapor compression system
    Patent number: 9452659
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a combined heating and cooling vapor compression system are provided. The apparatus may be a vehicle and may include a cabin, a vehicle battery, a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS), and a vapor-compression system, having at least one controller, operable in a variety of modes selectable to facilitate cooling, heating, and dehumidification of the vehicle cabin. The method may include steps to adjust evaporator air temperature to control comfort, fogging and smell in the cabin by adjusting the compressor speed; regulate heat pump performance by adjusting the output of an electric heater and adjusting the flow of coolant through the RESS chiller; and evaluating and optimizing the discharge pressure and suction pressure of the compressor by adjusting the compressor speed and adjusting the coolant flow through the RESS chiller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bryan M. Styles, Mark D. Nemesh
  • Steering gear reversal clunk noise characterization
    Patent number: 9452776
    Abstract: A method for characterizing steering gear reversal clunk noise in a steering system having a rack and a pinion gear, and electric power steering assist via a steering assist motor, includes transmitting a steering input angle control signal to a rotary actuator to rotate a steering shaft to a fixed steering angle with assist active. A linear actuator applies an axial force at a constant rate along a longitudinal axis of the rack. Axial rack acceleration is measured after imparting the axial force. A control action is executed when peak amplitude of the axial acceleration value exceeds a calibrated threshold axial acceleration value indicative of the clunk noise. A system includes the rotary actuator and steering system, a linear actuator for providing a calibrated axial apply force along the rack axis, an accelerometer for measuring an axial acceleration value of the rack, and the controller noted above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ian Y. Hwa, William K. Adams
  • Liquefied petroleum gas tank leak detection systems and methods
    Patent number: 9454856
    Abstract: A leak detection system of a vehicle includes a first minimum module, a first maximum module, a difference module, and a diagnostic module. The first minimum module, at a first time, determines a first minimum amount of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in an LPG tank based on a first level of LPG in the LPG tank. The first maximum module, at a second time after the first time, determines a first maximum amount of LPG in the LPG tank based on a second level of LPG in the LPG tank. The difference module determines a difference between the first minimum amount, the first maximum amount, and an amount of LPG consumed by an engine between the first and second times. The diagnostic module selectively indicates that a leak is present in the LPG tank based on the difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farid Ahmad, John F. Larsen, Karl H. Kozole
  • Integral bi-layer separator-electrode construction for lithium-ion batteries
    Patent number: 9455430
    Abstract: A porous bi-layer separator is composed of a first separator layer with a contacting array of non-conducting particles overlaid with a second separator layer of a microporous polymer layer, fabricated on the electrode surface of the anode of a lithium-ion battery to form an integral electrode-separator construction. Exemplary bi-layer separators may be fabricated by deposition of solvent-containing slurries of separator particles followed by solvent evaporation to produce the particle layer with subsequent application of polymer solutions followed by controlled evaporation of solvent to produce the microporous polymer layer. The elevated temperature performance of lithium-ion battery cells incorporating such integral electrode-bi-layer separators was demonstrated to exceed the performance of similar cells using commercial and experimental single layer polymer separators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Xiaosong Huang, Hamid G. Kia
  • Vehicle body exterior
    Patent number: D767449
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Pevovar, Samuel Zhao, Jaymer Starbody
  • Vehicle body exterior
    Patent number: D767450
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hwasup Lee, Kirk D. Bennion
  • Vehicle body exterior
    Patent number: D767451
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy P. Kozub, John P. Mack, Evan Mai, Stuart Cooper
  • Vehicle rear bumper
    Patent number: D767454
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. McMahan, Brendon C. Mackay, Tyler L. H. Moffett
  • Vehicle front fender
    Patent number: D767460
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy P. Kozub, Stuart Cooper, Jonghyuk Park