Patents Assigned to GM Global Technology Operations LLC
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING LOW QUALITY REDUCTANT AND CATALYST DEGRADATION IN SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20120085082
    Abstract: A control system for a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system includes a conversion efficiency determination module, an ammonia slip determination module, and a diagnostic module. The conversion efficiency determination module determines a conversion efficiency of an SCR catalyst. The ammonia slip determination module determines an amount of ammonia slip across the SCR catalyst when the conversion efficiency is less than a predetermined threshold. The diagnostic module determines pass/fail statuses of a reductant supply and the SCR catalyst based on the amount of ammonia slip and at least one ammonia slip threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Levijoki, Yue-Yun Wang, Brett B. Thompson
  • Intake system of combustion air of a vehicle
    Publication number: 20120085307
    Abstract: An intake system of combustion air is provided for a vehicle. The intake system has an intake opening, an intake duct, and an air filter. The intake opening is situated on one side of a water separation container, which is fixed on a girder of the vehicle. The intake opening is situated in a front most front face of the vehicle in the travel direction for this purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ralf SIBER, Wolfgang FASAN, Torsten LANG
  • HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATOR
    Publication number: 20120085451
    Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator includes a cylindrical body or housing having male or external threads on each end and shoulders proximate the ends of the threads nearer the center of the cylindrical body or housing that act as stops. An end cap having internal or female threads is disposed at one end of the accumulator. The accumulator may be threaded into a manifold or control valve assembly or it may include a second threaded end cap having an access, i.e., inlet/outlet, port. A piston resides within the accumulator and is biased by a pair of compression springs toward the manifold, control valve body or second threaded end cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Fredrick R. Poskie, Leonid Basin, Carlos E. Marin
  • DIESEL PISTON WITH BI-METALLIC DOME
    Publication number: 20120085228
    Abstract: A diesel piston with a cast bi-metallic dome and a method of making the piston. In one form, the dome may include a laminate of a relatively high-temperature material, for example, stainless steel, and a relatively low temperature material, for example, aluminum or aluminum alloys, such that the portion of the dome made from the relatively high-temperature material is directly exposed to combustion within a cylinder into which the piston is placed. In another form, an aluminum coated stainless steel ring is used to form the dome. In one form, an ablation casting process may be used to manufacture the dome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Kopchick, Mark A. Osborne
  • PASSIVE MECHANICAL LAUNCH DEVICE
    Publication number: 20120085617
    Abstract: A device is provided that includes a torque-transmitting mechanism selectively engageable by centripetal force to transfer torque between a rotatable input member and a rotatable output member. A mass is connected for rotation with the output member and is configured to move radially outward as the output member rotates to reduce torque transfer from the input member to the output member as the speed of the output member approaches the speed of the input member. Furthermore, the mass connected for rotation with the output member may create a force that causes torque transfer between the input member and the output member when the output member rotates faster than the input member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips
  • SELECTABLE MASS FLYWHEEL
    Publication number: 20120085198
    Abstract: A selectable mass flywheel assembly for a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a first mass and a second mass. The first mass is connected to a crankshaft of an engine and the second mass engages with a clutch to transfer torque from the engine to a transmission. The two masses are rotationally coupled to each other with a spring and damper assembly. The flywheel assembly further includes a locking mechanism that engages both masses during the startup of the engine to lock the two masses together to minimize the vibrations and pulsations in the powertrain during startup of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Partridge, Robert A. Muchmore, Paul A. Piorkowski, Michael S. Powell
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AUTOMATIC ENGINE STOP-START
    Publication number: 20120088630
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to enable an automatic stop-start mode of operation based on vehicle conditions. In addition, the system and method is configured to selectively actuate an accumulator to prime the transmission for a smooth restart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Zhen J. Zhang, Casie M. Bockenstette, Paul G. Otanez
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AUTOMATIC ENGINE STOP-START BASED ON TRANSMISSION CONDITIONS
    Publication number: 20120088631
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to disable an automatic stop-start mode of operation based on accumulator pressure conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Zhen J. Zhang, Casie M. Bockenstette, Paul G. Otanez, Shushan Bai
  • ACCUMULATOR ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20120085450
    Abstract: An accumulator assembly for a motor vehicle powertrain includes an armature and a follower. Together the armature and the follower can selectively lock together. The accumulator assembly may include a biasing member and a solenoid. When the solenoid is de-energized, the biasing member pushes the armature towards the follower to lock the armature and the follower together. When the solenoid is energized, the armature is magnetically drawn towards the solenoid and away from the follower to unlock the two components and to compress the biasing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Carlos E. Marin, Leonid Basin
  • MOTOR VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20120088444
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided having a ventilation system. The ventilation system includes, but is not limited to at least one front ventilation opening for supplying air to a passenger on a front seat, a rear ventilation opening for supplying air to a passenger on a rear seat, an air duct for conducting air to the rear ventilation opening, the air duct being situated between the front seats in the area of a central console, the air duct being integrated in a removable central console part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Marten WITTORF
  • NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE FOR SEMANTIC SEARCH SYSTEM AND METHOD TO SUPPORT LOCAL POI DISCOVERY
    Publication number: 20120089615
    Abstract: A neighborhood guide system, related method and associated database for providing information about businesses and other locations to a vehicle driver, or other user, in a more natural and informative manner than traditional IVR systems. When interacting with the user, the neighborhood guide system typically will only provide choices for the user to select from based on a user request that are in the particular vicinity of the user. Further, the neighborhood guide system provides usable information about the selected business by the user, such as hours of operation, cost, ratings, parking, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLC.
    Inventors: Frances H. James, John W. Suh, Timothy A. Musgrove, Peter Ridge
  • PRESSURE REGULATION METHOD FOR AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20120089306
    Abstract: A transmission control system for a vehicle includes a transmission control module (TCM), a solenoid valve, a pressure regulator valve, and a transmission element. The TCM includes a control algorithm providing output signals to valve drive electronics, where the valve drive electronics supply current to the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve controls an output pressure located in a passage between the pressure regulator valve and the transmission element. During an engine start-up condition of the vehicle, the control algorithm of the TCM includes control logic for activating a solenoid adjustment algorithm. The solenoid adjustment algorithm decreases the sensitivity of the valve drive electronics when supplying current to the solenoid valve. The solenoid adjustment algorithm is activated for a predetermined amount of time after engine start-up, and is then terminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Zhen J. Zhang, Ronald F. Lochocki, JR.
  • ADAPTIVE COMPRESSOR SURGE CONTROL IN A FUEL CELL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120088177
    Abstract: A fuel cell system having an adaptable compressor map and method for optimizing the adaptable compressor map is provided. The method includes the steps of establishing an initial operating setpoint for an air compressor based on the adaptable compressor map; monitoring a surge indicator; adjusting the adaptable compressor map based on the monitored surge indicator; determining a desired operating setpoint based on the adjusted adaptable compressor map; and establishing an adapted operating setpoint for the air compressor based on the adaptable compressor map following the adjustment thereof. The steps are repeated until the adaptable compressor map for the air compressor is optimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Matthew C. Kirklin
  • LATCHING ASSEMBLY FOR AN ACCUMULATOR
    Publication number: 20120085227
    Abstract: An accumulator assembly includes a pressure canister and a latching assembly. The latching assembly includes a solenoid, an actuator, and a piston. The piston is slidingly engaged within an interior space the canister. The piston divides the interior space of the canister into an air chamber and a fluid filled chamber. The fluid filled chamber is in fluid communication with a fluid supply line. A biasing member is located within the air filled chamber and exerts a biasing force on the piston. The solenoid induces a magnetic field used to actuate the actuator, where the actuator selectively engages with a groove located along an outer surface of the piston. When the actuator disengages from the groove, the biasing force exerted by the biasing member urges the piston to slide within the canister, causing fluid to discharge from the fluid chamber and into the supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Carlos E. Marin, Leonid Basin
  • Integrated Thermal And Structural Management Solution For Rechargeable Energy Storage System Assembly
    Publication number: 20120087091
    Abstract: A thermal management component for a Rechargeable Energy Storage Systems (RESS) assembly and a method of managing the temperature of a RESS battery module using the component are disclosed. The thermal management component comprises (i) a frame having a chamber defined therein; and (ii) a heat exchange plate in mechanical communication with at least a portion of the frame. The method comprises (a) providing a thermal management component as described herein; and (b) circulating at least one heat transfer fluid through said component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Mathew L. Nassoiy
  • Method and apparatus for determining temperature in a gas feedstream
    Patent number: 8152369
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas feedstream flowing past a gas sensing device disposed therein. The gas sensor includes an integrated electrical heating element which provides a resistance indicative of its temperature. An unknown input observer is used to determine the exhaust gas feedstream temperature based on the heating element temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Qi Ma, Julian R. Verdejo, Nicholas John Kalweit
  • Engine balance shaft housing and method of assembling same
    Patent number: 8151756
    Abstract: A balance shaft housing is provided that includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, with the first housing and the second housing configured to cooperatively define first and second balance shaft chambers. A cover member is secured to the second housing portion and cooperates with the first and second housing portions to define an air flow path outside of the chambers for circulating air to the balance shaft chambers. A method of assembling a balance shaft housing is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Timothy L. Neal
  • Sensor mount assemblies and sensor assemblies
    Patent number: 8154380
    Abstract: Sensor mount assemblies and sensor assemblies are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a sensor mount assembly includes a busbar, a main body, a backing surface, and a first finger. The busbar has a first end and a second end. The main body is overmolded onto the busbar. The backing surface extends radially outwardly relative to the main body. The first finger extends axially from the backing surface, and the first finger has a first end, a second end, and a tooth. The first end of the first finger is disposed on the backing surface, and the tooth is formed on the second end of the first finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: David H. Miller
  • High vacuum crankcase ventilation
    Patent number: 8151775
    Abstract: A combustion engine is configured to substantially reduced pressure in the crankcase relative to atmospheric conditions. Under the conditions of reduced pressure, removal of contaminants present in the lubricating oil present is effected, which may provide one or more benefits including extended service intervals, reduced volumes of motor oils used, and lessened wear of internal engine components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Changsoo Kim, Gregory F. O'Daniel, Steven E. Ives, Ellen Shirley Schwartz
  • Eight to thirteen speed automatic transmission
    Patent number: 8152683
    Abstract: An eight, nine, eleven or thirteen speed automatic transmission has an input and output, four planetary gear assemblies, four connecting members for coupling certain elements of the planetary gear assemblies to other elements, four brakes for selectively connecting certain elements of the planetary gear assemblies to ground and three friction clutches for selectively connecting certain elements of the planetary gear assemblies to other elements. Sequenced operation of the brakes and clutches provides, eight, nine, eleven or thirteen forward speeds or gear ratios and reverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips