Patents Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, IN.
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FORMING A WORKPIECE
    Publication number: 20080188161
    Abstract: A method for shaping a workpiece having a base portion using a tool is provided. The method includes rotating the tool at a fixed rotational speed in a first direction and rotating the workpiece in the first direction. The tool is positioned in contact with the workpiece at a first portion of the base portion of the workpiece. The workpiece is rotated at a first rotational speed when the tool contacts the first portion of the base portion of the workpiece. The workpiece is rotated at a second rotational speed when the tool contacts a second portion of the base portion of the workpiece. The first rotational speed and the second rotational speed are different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: SHANE E. BREMER, Ihab M. Hanna, Jason J. Wiedyk, Aleksandar J. Filipovic
  • DAMPED PRODUCTS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20080185249
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention include products and parts including a frictional damping means and methods of making and using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Schroth, Michael D. Hanna, Richard H. Hammar, Omar S. Dessouki, Brent D. Lowe, Mark T. Riefe, Mohan Sundar
  • Pressure Device for a Clamping System
    Publication number: 20080185761
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressing device for a clamping system. The pressing device is coupled to a clamping element of the clamping system. For this purpose, the pressing device has a pressing arm, which is operationally linked at one end to a clamping element of the clamping system and has an oblong hole on the diametrically opposite free end, in which a fastening rod for a clamping head is situated so it is longitudinally displaceable and rotatable. The pressing device additionally has a twist lock, which secures the angle between clamping head and pressing arm, having a twist lock plate and a lock pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Karl Jurcinsky, Thomas Ultes
  • Method and apparatus to monitor ambient sensing devices
    Publication number: 20080189009
    Abstract: A method is provided to monitor operation of a sensing system for a motor vehicle equipped with inter-vehicle communications capability. The method comprises comparing analogous signals communicated from a plurality of vehicles in close proximity thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Man-Feng Chang
  • Engine valvetrain having variable valve lift timing and duration
    Publication number: 20080184947
    Abstract: An engine includes a crankshaft, a first noncircular gear operatively connected to the crankshaft to be driven thereby, a second noncircular gear meshingly engaged with the first noncircular gear, a cam operatively connected to the second noncircular gear to be driven thereby, and a valve operatively connected to the cam for movement between open and closed positions. The noncircular gears enable the speed of the cam to vary cyclically with constant rotation of the crankshaft speed. Valve lift timing and duration may be variable by moving the second noncircular gear with respect to the first noncircular gear while maintaining meshing engagement therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Burak A. Gecim
  • TREATED MAGNETIZABLE PARTICLES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20080185554
    Abstract: Magnetizable particles treated with a silane precursor comprising a hydrophobic group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: John C. Ulicny, Tao Xie, Mark A. Golden, Andrew M. Mance, Keith S. Snavely
  • Crimping apparatus and method
    Publication number: 20080184767
    Abstract: A crimping apparatus and method are provided that enable secure crimping of objects to one another even when the objects are subject to thermal or stress cycling. Specifically, an apparatus for crimping a work-piece includes a die pair with a first die that defines a first groove characterized by a first cross-sectional shape as well as a second die opposing the first die. The second die defines a second groove characterized by a second cross-sectional shape different than the first cross-sectional shape. When the dies are moved together for crimping the work-piece, the first and second grooves are aligned to define a die cavity with a compound cross-sectional shape for crimping the work-piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ukpai I. Ukpai, Andrew L. Bartos
  • Check Link Assembly
    Publication number: 20080184525
    Abstract: A check link assembly is operatively connectable to a door to provide resistance to the rotation of the door. The amount of resistance varies with the position of the door to provide at least one detent position. The check link assembly stores energy when the door is latched in its closed position, and is configured to release the energy when the door is unlatched so that the door moves toward its open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roberto Cruz, Luis Miguel Del Pozo Gonzalez, Jose Carlos Murillo Marquez, Richard J. Lange
  • Monitoring a delivery chain network
    Publication number: 20080189236
    Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for monitoring a delivery chain network. An exemplary method includes accessing a database of delivery records. Each delivery record includes delivery characteristics including delivery time data for an item transported along a route. A group of delivery records having one or more specified delivery characteristics is selected from the database. The selected group includes delivery records for items transported along at least two different routes. The delivery time data for the group of delivery records is averaged to calculate bundled chart data. The bundled chart data is then output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Earnest J. Foster, Lynn T. Truss, Jeffrey D. Tew, David A. Field
  • Wide ratio transmission with four planetary gear sets
    Publication number: 20080188344
    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, four fixed interconnections, and a stationary (grounded) member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is selectively 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 at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Joel M. Maguire
  • Collision avoidance system and method of detecting overpass locations using data fusion
    Publication number: 20080189039
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system adapted for use with a vehicle, and a method of modifying a first warning assessment algorithm of the system to reduce false alerts caused by overpasses, and maintain sufficient warning distances are presented, wherein the system includes at least one sensor operable to detect an object location, a locator device operable to determine the current position coordinates of the vehicle, a map database presenting a plurality of overpass locations ahead of the vehicle, and an electronic control unit operable to execute a second algorithm, if the detected object location generally matches an overpass location, and in a preferred embodiment, a third algorithm, if the detected location does not match an overpass location, such that the third algorithm is executable over a shorter period than the second, and the second algorithm is executable over a shorter period than the first.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Varsha Sadekar, Sarmad Y. Hermiz
  • APPARATUS FOR HYDROGEN-AIR MIXING IN A FUEL CELL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20080187786
    Abstract: A fuel cell assembly and method is disclosed for the mixing and heating of hydrogen and air in the fuel cell assembly and introducing the heated hydrogen and air to the fuel cell assembly during a starting operation to heat the fuel cell assembly to militate against vapor condensation and ice formation in the fuel cell assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Harris, Glenn W. Skala
  • Method and System for Securely Storing Odometer Information in an Automobile
    Publication number: 20080189006
    Abstract: A method and system, according to one embodiment of the present invention, provide a means to securely store odometer information in an automobile. A distance traveled by the automobile is calculated. The distance traveled is then stored in both a first and second memory unit within the automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Terence L. Meehan, Kenneth M. Hromada, Steven A. Stringfellow, Kevin E. Fondaw
  • Homogeneous charge compression ignition engine operation
    Patent number: 7409285
    Abstract: An HCCI engine is operated by controlling a plurality of engine operating parameters in accordance with a calibration data set representing equilibrium set-points of engine operation characterized by combustion phasing that is relatively least sensitive to cylinder charge temperature deviations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun-Mo Kang, Chen-Fang Chang, Man-Feng Chang, Tang-Wei Kuo, Paul M. Najt
  • ACTIVE MATERIAL ACTUATED LOUVER SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20080178526
    Abstract: An active material actuated louver system having an actuator mechanism operable to selectively place a louver or louver system in an open or closed state of operation. The actuator mechanism includes a cable or wire formed from an active material, such as a shape memory alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Jan H. Aase, James H. Brown
  • Algorithm for Online Adaptive Polarization Curve Estimation of a Fuel Cell Stack
    Publication number: 20080182139
    Abstract: An algorithm for determining a polarization curve of a fuel cell stack. When the fuel cell stack is running and certain data validity criteria have been met, the algorithm goes into a data collection mode where it collects stack data, such as stack current density, average cell voltage and minimum cell voltage. When the stack is shut down, the algorithm uses a cell voltage model to solve a least squares problem to estimate predetermined parameters that define the polarization curve. If the estimated parameters satisfy certain termination criteria, then the estimated parameters are stored to be used by a system controller to calculate the polarization curve of the stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Sriram Ganapathy, John P. Salvador, Balasubramanian Lakshmanan, Frank Leo, Jason R. Kolodziej
  • MULTI-SPEED COUNTERSHAFT TRANSMISSION WITH A PLANETARY GEAR SET AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20080182700
    Abstract: A transmission is provided that combines first and second shaft members in a countershaft configuration with a planetary gear set and first and second head gear sets to provide ratios. Each of the shaft members includes gears in no more than four co-planar, intermeshing gear sets (and in some embodiments no more than three co-planar, intermeshing gear sets) and two sets of radially nested clutches, thus minimizing the overall length of the shaft members. At least one gear concentric with each shaft member is supported by a bearing on the adjacent gear rather than on the shaft member, thereby minimizing the weight of each shaft member. The transmission provides at least seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio and utilizes at most eight torque-transmitting mechanisms. A method of reducing the length and weight of a transmission package is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: DAVID EARL EARHART
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION WITH COUNTERSHAFT GEARING ARRANGEMENT
    Publication number: 20080178696
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a countershaft. A transfer gear set transfers torque from the countershaft to an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: JOHN A. DIEMER, JAMES D. HENDRICKSON, PATRICK S. PORTELL, HENRYK SOWUL
  • Integrated System and Method of Battery Cooling for a Hybrid or Fuel Cell Vehicle
    Publication number: 20080182499
    Abstract: An acoustically improved cooling system is provided for an energy storage system including a battery with air from a carpeted vehicle compartment, the cooling system including: a carpet portion sufficiently spaced from a floor panel of a vehicle to define a cavity forming an air passage through which air may flow and including an air inlet opening integrally formed therein through which the air from the compartment may be drawn; a fan for circulating air from the cavity into heat exchange relationship with the battery for cooling the battery; and a vent opening connecting the cavity and the fan in air flow communication. The frame is dome-shaped above the vent opening, to force noise reflection off the dome-shaped frame. A sound absorption layer is installed underneath the dome-shaped frame for noise attenuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Hua He, Michael J. Gorman, Joseph F. Mercurio
  • VALVE CONFIGURATION FOR A LUBRICATION CIRCUIT OF A LATCHED PUMP APPLIED CLUTCH TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20080182709
    Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for a transmission is provided including a source of pressurized fluid and at least one selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanism. At least one latching valve is provided in communication with the source and is operable to selectively communicate the pressurized fluid to effect engagement of the at least one torque transmitting mechanism. The at least one latching valve is operable to maintain engagement the at least one torque transmitting mechanism irrespective of the presence of the pressurized fluid. A valve is in fluid communication with the source. A lubrication circuit is provided and is operable to lubricate the transmission. The valve is operable to variably communicate the pressurized fluid to the lubrication circuit. A transmission incorporating the hydraulic control circuit is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey, Paul D. Stevenson