Patents Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, IN.
  • Engine air intake system with resilient coupling having internal noise attenuation tuning
    Patent number: 7415956
    Abstract: An engine air intake system, which may include a supercharger or other air-handling device, includes a resilient coupling connecting an air intake connector, such as a throttle body, and an air inlet duct. The resilient coupling includes a bellows convolution for allowing limited motion between connected components. The coupling is molded with tuning volumes and connecting passages within the convolution with open sides to allow removal from the mold die. An associated connector closes the chambers upon assembly and forms noise reduction tuning for high frequency air pressure waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory P. Prior
  • Preparing nanosize platinum-titanium alloys
    Patent number: 7416579
    Abstract: Nanometer sized particles containing titanium and platinum are prepared by a sonochemical process. Compounds of the metals are dissolved, suspended, or diluted in a low vapor pressure liquid medium, preferably at a sub-ambient temperature. A reducing gas is bubbled through the liquid as it is subjected to cavitation to affect the reductive decomposition of the metal compounds. Titanium and platinum are co-precipitated in very small particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ion C. Halalay, Michael Kevin Carpenter
  • Hybrid powertrain with valve assembly for dual pumps
    Patent number: 7415820
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a first pump and a second pump. A conduit defines a passageway for providing hydraulic pressure from the first pump or the second pump to a transmission. A valve assembly is configured to selectively supply hydraulic pressure to the passageway solely from the first pump, solely from the second pump, and from both the first and second pumps. The valve assembly thus enables the first and second pump to augment one another, thereby enabling the size of at least one of the pumps to be smaller than would otherwise be possible without the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven P. Moorman
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 7416507
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has four planetary gear sets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms packaged in at least one of six possible zones within the transmission casing. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engagable in different combinations to achieve eight forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 7416509
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has four planetary gear sets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms packaged in at least one of six possible zones within the transmission casing. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engagable in different combinations to achieve eight forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 7416508
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has four planetary gear sets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms packaged in at least one of six possible zones within the transmission casing. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engagable in different combinations to achieve eight forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart
  • Method for internal combustion engine control using pressure ratios
    Patent number: 7418336
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method to operate a direct-injection engine operative at various air/fuel ratios. The method comprises monitoring in-cylinder pressure, along with a corresponding engine crank position to periodically to determine instantaneous in-cylinder pressure states corresponding to the engine crank position during compression and expansion. Pressure ratios are determined based upon the instantaneous in-cylinder pressure states. A combustion heat release is determined based upon the pressure ratios. An aspect of the invention comprises extending the operation to diesel, diesel premixed and to HCCI engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Anton Matekunas, Paul Anthony Battiston, Patrick G. Szymkowicz, Anupam Gangopadhyay
  • Electrically-Variable Transmission with Two Differential Gear Sets
    Publication number: 20080200296
    Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission having two differential gear sets and two motor/generators uses four torque-transmitting mechanisms and selective as well as continuous connecting members and preferably provides an input-split operating mode and an output-split operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • LED Adaptive Forward Lighting Systems
    Publication number: 20080198617
    Abstract: An LED adaptive forward lighting system for an automotive vehicle comprises a headlamp housing fixed to the vehicle for mounting LED lamp units having fixed light beam directions. The LED lamp units each have mounting pivots and link pivots that are spaced from one another to provide lever arms. The mounting pivots mount the LED lamp units on a bezel within the housing. A link is provided both to the link pivots on the LED lamp units and to an axially translational shaft driven by a motor that is restrained with respect to the vehicle. When the drive shaft reciprocates, the LED lamp units rotate and shift the direction of the light beams thereof with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Leo F. Schwab, Alfred M. Allen
  • COMBUSTION CONTROL METHOD FOR A DIRECT-INJECTION CONTROLLED AUTO-IGNITION COMBUSTION ENGINE
    Publication number: 20080201063
    Abstract: A powertrain and a control method therefore are provided wherein ignition of a combustible charge in a combustion chamber of a controlled auto-ignition internal combustion engine equipped with in-cylinder fuel-injection and a spark ignition device is controlled. A spark-discharge plasma channel is generated between the electrodes of the spark ignition device, and the combustible charge is ignited. The spark-discharge plasma channel is moved toward and entrained by the combustible charge, effective to advance phasing of controlled auto-ignition combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David L. Reuss, Tang-Wei Kuo
  • Single Fastener Strut Top Mount and Method of Optimizing Same
    Publication number: 20080197552
    Abstract: A strut top mount is optimized to provide a resilient response to jounce and rebound load rates that is symmetrical and linear over a predetermined range of travel. An annular tower is formed of the body structure. A central bracket has adhered thereto an outer resilient element that abuts the tower, and has adhered oppositely thereto an inner resilient element. A bearing is supported by the central bracket, and a spring seat is supported by the bearing. A sleeve is received by a strut shaft and adhered to the inner resilient element A lower washer abuts a lower end of the inner resilient element. An upper washer abuts an upper end of the inner resilient element. A retention washer is mounted onto the strut shaft, wherein a periphery thereof has a retention washer resilient element. The components are collectively tuned to provide the optimization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Paul A. Winocur
  • HV Battery Cooling with Exhaust Flow of Fuel Cell Systems
    Publication number: 20080196956
    Abstract: A fuel cell system for a hybrid vehicle that includes a high voltage battery, where the system uses a cathode exhaust gas airflow from a fuel cell stack to draw air through a battery compartment in which the battery is mounted to provide battery cooling. An air intake line is in fluid communication with the passenger compartment of the vehicle and the battery compartment. An ejector line is in fluid communication with the battery compartment and the cathode exhaust gas pipe. The flow of the cathode exhaust gas around the injector pipe creates a low pressure area, which draws air through the battery compartment from the passenger compartment. In one embodiment, a compressor that provides the cathode inlet air to the fuel cell stack is used at low stack output loads, such as during vehicle idle, to direct air through the cathode exhaust gas pipe, and cool the battery system under low load conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Koenekamp, Reiner Wilpsbaeumer
  • Adjustable Striker Assembly
    Publication number: 20080197643
    Abstract: A striker assembly, and method of forming, for use with a closure for a vehicle compartment is disclosed. The striker may have a main shaft with a hoop extending from a first end, threads extending around the main shaft, and a rotational retention feature adjacent to the threads. A bracket may have a pair of mounting flanges, a first wall including a threaded hole therethrough that engages the threads, a second wall, spaced from the first wall, having a hole therethrough that engages the main shaft, and a flexible arm having a catch engageable with the rotational retention feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert P. Dennis
  • VOLUME-FILLING MECHANICAL ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF OPERATING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20080200570
    Abstract: A method of operating a volume-filling structure, comprising sensing an impact event and expanding the volume-filling structure from a non-expanded state to an expanded state upon the sensed impact event. The volume-filling structure comprises an open celled material, a first end cap connected to one end of the open celled material and a second end cap connected to a second end of the open celled material. The volume-filling structure further includes an activation mechanism regulating expansion of the open celled material from the non-expanded state to expanded state in response to an activation signal, and the activation mechanism includes an actuator interfaced with the end caps. Embodiments may include triggering a pneumatic device to force the second end cap from the first end cap. Additionally, embodiments may include triggering a mechanical event to force the second end cap from the first end cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Ching-Shan Cheng, Nancy L. Johnson, Gary L. Jones, Scott R. Webb, Francis D. Wood, Ruth M. Gusko, Chin-Hsu Lin
  • System Stability and Performance Improvement with Anode Heat Exchanger Plumbing and Re-Circulation Rate
    Publication number: 20080199742
    Abstract: A fuel cell system that increases stack stability by reducing the amount of liquid water droplets at the anode input of a fuel cell stack in the system. Re-circulated anode exhaust gas from the fuel cell stack and fresh hydrogen gas are sent to an anode heat exchanger so that both the fresh hydrogen gas and the re-circulated anode exhaust gas are heated to reduce the formation of water droplets in the anode input gas. Further, a portion of the heated cooling fluid directly from the fuel cell stack is sent to the heat exchanger to heat the fresh hydrogen gas and the re-circulation hydrogen before the cooling fluid is sent to an isolation heat exchanger to have its temperature reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe C. MacHuca, Abdullah B. Alp
  • Fluorine Treatment of Polyelectrolyte Membranes
    Publication number: 20080199753
    Abstract: A method for providing a polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell that includes treating a hydrocarbon polymer membrane with fluorine to increase its acidity and acid content. Fluorine gas is mixed with an inert gas to dilute the fluorine so that it does not burn the hydrocarbon membrane. The mixed gas is introduced into a container in which the hydrocarbon membrane is mounted so that fluorine is deposited on the membrane. The gas is introduced into the container at a slow enough rate so that the fluorine does not burn the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Michael R. Schoeneweiss
  • Wheel Balancing Method and Apparatus
    Publication number: 20080196496
    Abstract: A method for balancing a wheel and tire assembly includes providing a wheel and tire assembly characterized by a rotational imbalance, and applying a fluid to the wheel and tire assembly thereby to correct the rotational imbalance. The use of a liquid to correct a rotational imbalance facilitates the automation of a balancing operation. Accordingly, another method is provided that includes determining a quantity of mass to be applied to a wheel and tire assembly to correct a rotational imbalance, and commanding an apparatus to dispense an amount of a fluid having the quantity of mass to be dispensed from a nozzle. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Jablonski, Gene P. Emmerich
  • LIGHT ARRANGEMENT, METHOD FOR OPERATING A LIGHT ARRANGEMENT AND A MOTOR VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20080198612
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light arrangement, comprising a motor vehicle light which can be operated in at least two operating modes, as well as further comprising a control mechanism for the motor vehicle light. The invention further relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle light and a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Klaus-Dieter RAMPF
  • Pivot and Stow Seating
    Publication number: 20080197653
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for stowing a bench seat or a segment of a bench seat into the floor of a vehicle. The steps include folding the backrest onto the seat base. The seat is then tilted upwards about an axis aligned with one side end of the seat to place the seat in a raised position. The raised seat is then rotated about a vertical axis until the seat is aligned for pivoting into the seat stowage compartment. The seat is then pivoted downwards into the stowage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jennifer P. Lawall, Diane K. McQueen
  • Oil Temperature Prediction and Vehicle Protection
    Publication number: 20080201036
    Abstract: A vehicle having an oil temperature prediction algorithm that allows for protection of the vehicle is disclosed. The algorithm may predict an oil sump temperature for a manual transmission and, upon reaching a first transmission heat threshold, enter a transmission protection mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Rolf B. Karlsson