Patents Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, IN.
  • Multi-speed transmissions with a long pinion and four fixed interconnections
    Patent number: 7429229
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having up to seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and four interconnecting members. The powertrain includes an engine that is selectively or continuously connectable to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output shaft that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the input shaft and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Method for fabricating antenna structures having adjustable radiation characteristics
    Patent number: 7429961
    Abstract: The radiation properties and wave guiding properties of frequency selective surfaces are used in conjunction with closely spaced antenna elements to fabricate antenna structures having adjustable radiation characteristics. The direction, magnitude, and polarization of radiation patterns for such antenna structures can be adjusted by varying the texture or patterning of layers of conducting material forming the frequency selective surfaces. The invention enables the fabrication of low profile antenna structures that can easily be conformed or integrated into complex surfaces without sacrificing antenna performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Sievenpiper, Hui-Pin Hsu
  • Fuel Cell Control Valve
    Publication number: 20080233443
    Abstract: A flow control valve for a fuel cell that has particular application for controlling the flow of cathode air through a cathode flow channel of the fuel cell. The valve includes an element that controls the flow through the flow channel in response to changes in the voltage potential of the fuel cell. The valve includes a shape memory alloy wire and a flow control element secured to both ends of the shape memory alloy wire. The ends of the wire are also coupled to the anode and cathode of the fuel cell. When no current is flowing through the wire, the flow control element holds the wire in a pre-strained condition. If the voltage generated by the fuel cell increases, the current passing through the wire will heat the wire and cause it to shrink or contract which forces the flow control element into the flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Jacobsen, Jennifer J. Zinck, Leslie A. Momoda, Michael W. Murphy
  • Forward Structure For a Motor Vehicle
    Publication number: 20080231081
    Abstract: In the case of a front structure of a motor vehicle two cross members are connected to one another by means of a longitudinal beam. One of the attachments of the longitudinal beam is displaceable by an amount X in the direction of travel and has an adapter made from plastic. During driving operation a transfer of vibrations between the cross members is prevented by means of the attachment. In the event of a crash, the cross member oriented in the direction of travel is supported by the longitudinal beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ralf-Dieter Bechtold, Stephan Blasser, Sascha Hoffeller
  • Method and Apparatus for Monitoring the Restriction Level of a Vehicular Air Filter Element
    Publication number: 20080229720
    Abstract: A process is provided for monitoring the filter restriction level of a filter element. The filter element is utilized by an air induction system deployed on a vehicle that includes a mass air flow sensor, a manifold pressure sensor, and a throttle position sensor. The process includes receiving (i) throttle position from the throttle position sensor, (ii) mass flow rate from the mass air flow sensor, and (iii) manifold pressure from the manifold pressure sensor. A reference pressure is determined from the received mass flow rate and the received throttle position, a pressure differential is established between the reference pressure and the received manifold pressure, and a filter restriction level is identified from the established pressure differential and the received mass flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott J. Benscoter, Lawrence A. Staat, Dennis P. Stenson, Steven J. Mc Cormick, Roger G. Van Vechten
  • Trunk Emergency Release Handle Having a Luminous Insert
    Publication number: 20080231062
    Abstract: A trunk emergency release handle composed of an exterior shell of preferably opaque plastic material having an instructional pictorial representation in the form of iconic holes conveying purpose and use information of the handle. In one form, a luminous insert is received into a slot of the exterior shell so as to be located at the iconic holes and thereby provide illumination thereof. In a second form, the luminous material is co-molded with the opaque plastic in a two-shot injection molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Konchan
  • Movable Closeout Device for a Convertible Roof
    Publication number: 20080231070
    Abstract: The present invention provides a movable closeout device or closeout panel for a convertible roof that attaches to the rear bow of the roof and moves up and down with the rear bow as the convertible roof retracts or extends. The closeout device may be a substantially rigid panel such as a parcel shelf, or may be a flexible or elastic panel. The movable closeout device attenuates noise entering the vehicle interior from the trunk and improves vehicle appearance by substantially closing out the area between the rear seat and the roof stowage area of the trunk when the convertible roof is in the up position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew Sansome
  • Coolant Reservoir Purge System for Fuel Cell Systems and Vehicles
    Publication number: 20080233448
    Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs a technique for safely removing hydrogen gas that accumulates within a cooling fluid reservoir. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a compressor for providing airflow to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack. The system also includes an air filter box having an air filter that is in fluid communication with an air pocket in the reservoir. The air intake to the compressor flows through the air filter box, and sucks the gas from the reservoir, which is then sent to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be converted to water by the electro-chemical reaction therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Volker Druenert, Uwe Hannesen
  • Motor Vehicle Body With An Adapter Carrier For A Roof Module, Accompanying Adapter Carrier, As Well As A Method For Its Manufacture
    Publication number: 20080231086
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a motor vehicle body with a roof-carrying frame (13), upon which an adapter carrier (7) is placed and secured for holding roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof module variants, and an adapter carrier (7) suitable for installation in a motor vehicle body according to the invention. The invention further indicates a corresponding manufacturing method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Bernhard Mathes, Bernd Mildeberger, Richard Stahlhut, Tobias Stever
  • Override of Automatic Braking in a Collision Mitigation and/or Avoidance System
    Publication number: 20080234907
    Abstract: A method for returning driver control in a vehicle during automatic braking includes the steps of determining a minimum value of accelerator pedal position during the automatic braking, determining a current value of accelerator pedal position, and disengaging the automatic braking, if the current value is greater than the minimum value by at least a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Pamela I. Labuhn, Osman D. Altan, Charles A. Green, Uzmaa H. Balbale, William J. Chundrlik, Patrick J. O'Leary
  • Method for improving the efficiency of transparent thin film antennas and antennas made by such method
    Patent number: 7427961
    Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of antennas having transparent thin-film conductive surfaces, and antennas improved by the method are disclosed. For a selected frequency of antenna operation, values for surface current density in areas distributed over the surface of the thin-film are determined. Regions of the surface containing areas having concentrated current flow are identified based upon the determined values of current density. Antenna efficiency is improved by increasing conductivity in areas of the thin-film surface found to have concentrated current flow. The method enables the improvement of the efficiency of antennas having transparent thin-film conducting surfaces, without unnecessarily obstructing the optical view through the thin-film surfaces of the antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, inc.
    Inventors: Hyok J. Song, Tsung Yuan Hsu, Daniel F. Sievenpiper, Timothy J. Talty, Hui-Pin Hsu
  • Method of discharging high pressure storage vessels
    Patent number: 7426935
    Abstract: A master/slave tank system for storing a compressed hydrogen gas, where the system employs an electrically driven shut-off valve for each tank in the system. The tank system includes a master tank and a slave tank for storing the gas. A first line is coupled to the master tank for providing the gas stored therein to a fuel cell stack. A master tank shut-off valve is positioned in the first line between the master tank and a pressure regulator. A second line is coupled to the slave tank for providing the gas stored therein to the master tank as the pressure difference between the slave tank and the master tank changes. An electrically driven slave tank shut-off valve is positioned within the second line, where the slave tank shut-off valve automatically closes the second line in response to an increase in the differential pressure across the slave tank valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirko Schwan, Holger Winkelmann, Wolfgang Oelerich
  • Electrically variable transmission with input split mode and compound split modes
    Patent number: 7427252
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission includes a differential gear set having five coaxial gear elements and an output member. Two of the gear elements are controllable via torque transmitting mechanisms such as electric motors to establish a plurality of speed ratios between the input shaft and the output shaft. Two of the other gear elements are selectively operatively connectable to an output shaft via a gear arrangement that allows for a plurality of speed ratios between the gear elements and the output shaft. Additional torque transmitting mechanisms such as clutches are selectively engageable to provide continuously variable speed ranges between the input shaft and the output shaft, fixed gear ratios and an electric drive mode. The various speed ratios enable a plurality of compound split operating modes as well as an input split mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • Method and apparatus for urea injection in an exhaust aftertreatment system
    Patent number: 7426825
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system and control system is provided, including a urea injecting device, a selective catalyst reduction device, and, a sensing device operative to monitor a forward portion of the selective catalyst reduction device. The sensing device can comprise a NOx sensor, and alternatively, an ammonia sensor. A control module adapted to monitor signal inputs from the engine, the NOx sensing system, the temperature sensing system, and the sensing device operative to monitor a forward portion of the selective catalyst reduction device; and, adapted to control operation of the urea injecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, David B. Brown, Michael J. Paratore
  • Bearing For a Gearwheel Which Serves as a Reversing Gear and as a Shiftable Free Gear
    Publication number: 20080223161
    Abstract: A transmission for a motor vehicle featured with an internal combustion engine has a helical reversing gear wheel, which is mounted on a dual-row cylinder roller bearing with left-hand cylinder rollers and with right-hand cylinder rollers, which are supported on the inside, in each case, on a circular centre rim in the reversing gear wheel. The left-hand cylinder rollers and the right-hand cylinder rollers are held in a bearing cage. The bearing cage is configured in such a way that the force flow for axial forces between the reversing gear wheel and its transmission shaft, omitting the bearing cage, is introduced through the centre rim and by way of end faces of the cylinder rollers directly adjacent thereto, through the opposing end faces of the cylinder rollers and through adjacent components into the input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Nico Detleffsen
  • RADIOS, SYSTEMS, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING REAL-TIME INFORMATION ABOUT USER-DEFINED GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS
    Publication number: 20080224896
    Abstract: Radios, systems, and methods for providing real-time information about user-defined geographic locations are disclosed. One radio includes memory configured to store a data file representing a geographic location(s) defined by a user, and a receiver configured to receive signals including real-time information about a plurality of geographic locations. A processor is included to compare each of the plurality of geographic locations to the user-defined geographic location(s), and the information about the user-defined geographic locations is provided to the user. A system includes a computing device to create a data file of user-defined geographic locations, and transmit the data file to the radio. One method includes storing user-defined geographic location(s) in memory and receiving signals including information about a plurality of geographic locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Patrik Lundblad
  • Assembly for Aligning and Interlocking an Electro-Monorail System and Vertical Lift Station
    Publication number: 20080223248
    Abstract: An assembly adapted for aiding the alignment of and interlocking a vertical lift station (VLS) rail and the main rail of an electro-monorail system (EMS), the assembly includes a locator pin, a pin receiver having tapered walls for funneling the pin towards an aligned position, and a clamping device fixedly attached to the main rail and configured to apply a holding force to the pin, so as to hold the rails in a fixed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David E. Schutte, James D. Oakley
  • Two-Step Rocker Arm Assembly
    Publication number: 20080223324
    Abstract: A two-step rocker arm assembly is provided having an arm member and a first roller assembly rotatably mounted with respect to the arm member and defining a generally C-shaped opening. A shaft member rotatably supports a second and a third roller assembly. The shaft member extends through the generally C-shaped opening and is selectively translatable therein to guide the second and third roller assemblies with respect to the arm member. A coupling lever is mounted with respect to the shaft member and is operable to selectively retain the shaft member with respect to the arm member for unitary movement therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Kwok Y. Ng
  • TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20080227584
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission assembly having a clutch housing, a gear arrangement disposed within the clutch housing, and a fixed component coupled to the clutch housing. A brake having a housing and a hub is also included. The housing is coupled to the fixed component and the hub is coupled to the gear arrangement. The brake is disposed external to the clutch housing and cooperates with the gear arrangement to provide at least one forward or reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Fredrick R. POSKIE, Elizabeth I. WOODEN, Scott H. WITTKOPP, James W. HAYNES
  • Wide ratio transmissions with four planetary gear sets and three fixed interconnections
    Publication number: 20080227586
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and tree fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Madhusudan Raghavan