Patents Assigned to GM Global Technology Operations
  • Superelastic shape memory alloy overloading and overheating protection mechanism
    Patent number: 9316212
    Abstract: An actuation assembly adapted for driving a load and protecting against overloading and overheating conditions, includes an actuator defining a stroke when exposed to an activation signal, and further includes a protection device comprising a superelastic shape memory alloy element connected in series to and cooperatively configured with the actuator, and operable to both produce a secondary work output path for the actuator and discontinue the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • System and method for collision avoidance maneuver path determination with jerk limit
    Patent number: 9318023
    Abstract: In a vehicle, an optimal path curvature limited by one or more constraints may be determined. The constraints may be related to lateral jerk and one or more vehicle dynamics constraints. Based on the optimal path curvature, an optimal vehicle path around an object may be determined. The optimal vehicle path may be output to a collision avoidance control system. The collision avoidance control system may cause the vehicle to take a certain path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Nikolai K. Moshchuk, Shih-Ken Chen, Chad T. Zagorski, Aamrapali Chatterjee
  • Engine intake with sump having a heat source
    Patent number: 9316186
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including an intake system to provide air to an engine, the intake system including an inlet manifold to provide an air flow pathway to an inlet port; wherein the inlet manifold includes a false floor at least partially defining a plenum, the plenum at least partially separated from a sump, the sump at least partially defined in a lower portion of the inlet manifold; and wherein the sump includes a heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Robert Lionel Jacques
  • System and method for monitoring engine oil levels
    Patent number: 9316132
    Abstract: A system includes a user interface module, a level determination module, and a level storage module. The user interface module outputs an oil level request based on user input. The level determination module determines N oil levels of an engine. N is an integer greater than one. The level storage module stores the N oil levels and outputs one of the N oil levels in response to the oil level request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Mike M. Mc Donald
  • Ventilation arrangements for motor vehicles
    Patent number: 9315090
    Abstract: A ventilation arrangement includes a console with a surface in which a receptacle is formed. An air outlet is moveably mounted on the console for movement between an opening and a closing position. In the opening position the air outlet protrudes from the receptacle and in the closing position is at least partially flush-mounted in the receptacle. Air guiding elements guide air flowing out of an airflow opening of the air outlet. The air guiding elements are at least partially displaceably mounted on a support structure of the air outlet between an opening and a closing position. The air guiding elements in the opening position are displaceable into working positions in which adjacent air guiding elements have a larger intermediate spacing, and in the closing position into rest positions wherein the elements have a smaller intermediate spacing than in the working positions or lie on one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Marten Wittorf
  • System and method to diagnose fuel system pressure sensor
    Patent number: 9316558
    Abstract: A system includes an ignition detection module, a pressure sensor, a pressure variation module, and a pressure sensor diagnostic module. The ignition detection module detects when an engine is started. The pressure sensor generates a first pressure signal indicating a first pressure within a fuel system of the engine when the engine is started and when a purge valve of the fuel system is closed. The pressure variation module determines an amount of variation in the first pressure signal over a first period. The pressure sensor diagnostic module determines a state of the pressure sensor based on the amount of variation in the first pressure signal over the first period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert Jackson, John F. Van Gilder
  • Function-based method for classifying and fusing system behavior information in product development
    Patent number: 9317596
    Abstract: A method of automatically developing an ontology for product function and failure mode documentation for an apparatus. The apparatus is identified. A function-flow model is generated for the identified apparatus for identifying a composite structure of the apparatus. Functions and failure modes associated with the identified apparatus are enumerated. Failure data is obtained from a plurality of heterogeneous data sources. A semantic similarity module is applied to the enumerated failures by comparing a plurality of documents between the data sources. The semantic similarity module bridges a variety of terms used in the heterogeneous data to describe a respective failure. Failures associated with the enumerated apparatus functions are extracted from the plurality of documents between heterogeneous data sources. A composite of related terminology is generated for each identified failure mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A. Donndelinger, John A. Cafeo, Soumen De, Dnyanesh Rajpathak, Prakash M. Peranandam, Kay L. Darden
  • Support system for magnetically supporting an object on a support
    Patent number: 9315321
    Abstract: A support system includes a support, a root magnet, an object, and a cover magnet. The root magnet is fixedly attached to the support. The cover magnet is fixedly attached to the object. The root magnet and the cover magnet are configured to be magnetically attracted to one another such that the object is magnetically attached to the support when the root magnet and the cover magnet are aligned with one another in an attachment arrangement. The root magnet and the cover magnet are configured to magnetically repel one another such that the object is detached from the support when the root magnet and the cover magnet are unaligned with one another in a detachment arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Albert H. Butlin, Jr., Roland Menassa
  • Method of establishing communication between devices in a vehicle
    Patent number: 9313661
    Abstract: A method and system for establishing secure short range wireless communication between devices in a vehicle. The method involves obtaining a vehicle identifier associated with the vehicle and a module identifier associated with a vehicle module. Then, the method determines a secure pin number for the vehicle module and a similar pin for a vehicle telematics unit. Once the secure pin number is determined at both devices then the devices can communicate via short range wireless communication in a secure manner using the secure pin number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Russ Eling, Kenneth L. Peirce, David P. Pop
  • Turbocharger compressor temperature control systems and methods
    Patent number: 9309803
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a target boost module and a turbocharger control module. The target boost module determines a target boost for first and second turbochargers based on an engine torque request. Based on a temperature of a compressor of the second turbocharger, the turbocharger control module: selectively opens a first bypass valve that regulates exhaust bypassing a first turbine of the first turbocharger; and selectively closes a cutoff valve that regulates exhaust flow through both a second turbine of the second turbocharger and a second bypass valve. The second bypass valve regulates exhaust bypassing the second turbine of the second turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Cowgill, Joel Cowgill
  • System and method for warning of a possible collision of a motor vehicle with an object
    Patent number: 9308915
    Abstract: A system and method for warning of a possible collision of a motor vehicle with an object is disclosed. The system includes sensors configured to monitor a driving path of the motor vehicle, and a warning unit configured to initiate a safety-related action when an object has been detected within the monitored driving path. A control unit dynamically adapts the monitored driving path or driving envelope as a function of vehicle parameters and/or environmental parameters. A method for warning of a possible collision of a motor vehicle with an object in accordance with this system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Johannes Huth, Markus Armbrust
  • Fuel tank coupling assembly
    Patent number: 9308816
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank and a coupling assembly for coupling the fuel tank to the underbody of a vehicle. The fuel tank includes a tank body and a plurality of tabs extending from the tank body. Each tab has a tab opening. The coupling assembly includes at least one strap partially surrounding the fuel tank. The strap defines a strap opening. The coupling assembly further includes at least one fastener extending through the strap opening and the tab opening. Further, the coupling assembly includes a compression sleeve partially positioned in the tab opening. The compression sleeve defines a sleeve opening for receiving the fastener. The compression sleeve has a height that is greater than the height of each of the tabs in order to attenuate the transfer of tensile loads from the at least one strap to the tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Basista, Philip A. Yaccarino
  • Engine control systems and methods for vehicle launch
    Patent number: 9309824
    Abstract: A driver request module determines a driver torque request based on an accelerator pedal position, a first difference between a target engine speed and a transmission input speed, and a second difference between the transmission input speed and a measured engine speed. A request generating module generates first and second torque requests based on the driver torque request. An engine speed control module generates third and fourth torque requests based on a target engine speed and the first and second differences. Based on a mode signal: a first selection module sets a fifth torque request to one of the first and third torque requests; and a second selection module sets a sixth torque request to one of the second and fourth torque requests. An adjusting module selectively adjusts an engine operating parameter based on at least one of the fifth and sixth torque requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Krishnendu Kar
  • Systems and methods of automating driver actions in a vehicle
    Patent number: 9308920
    Abstract: A vehicle automates a driver action by controlling vehicle systems according to a rule. The rule includes a trigger event and an automated action. Rules are created or added for use by a vehicle using applications including user-defined rule applications, automatic rule applications, and network applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Amir Konigsberg
  • System and method for controlling vehicle creep torque
    Patent number: 9308831
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling creep torque in a vehicle with an electric powertrain, like a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The method uses a combination of driver braking intent and other vehicle conditions, such as vehicle speed, to determine when creep torque is not needed and to reduce and/or cancel it accordingly. By reducing and/or cancelling the creep torque during periods where energy is being unnecessarily expended by the electric powertrain in order to work against the brakes, the present method is able to improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Patrick J. Monsere
  • Engine valve lift control systems and methods for reduced fuel consumption
    Patent number: 9309821
    Abstract: A fuel control system of an engine includes a fuel economy module. The fuel economy module determines a first valve lift state and a second valve lift state of a valve of the engine. The fuel economy module generates a first fuel consumption signal based on the first valve lift state and an engine torque request signal, and generates a second fuel consumption signal based on the second valve lift state and the engine torque request signal. The fuel control system also includes a valve lift state module. The valve lift state module selects one of the first valve lift state and the second valve lift state based the first fuel consumption signal and the second fuel consumption signal. The valve lift state module generates a valve lift select signal. The valve lift select signal indicates the selected one of the first valve lift state and the second valve lift state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Scot A. Douglas
  • Exhaust gas recirculation cooler protection system and method
    Patent number: 9309823
    Abstract: A system and method of operating an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system of a vehicle includes controlling an EGR valve actuable between an EGR enabled position and an EGR disabled position, such that with the EGR valve in the EGR enabled position a portion of exhaust gas emitted from an engine is directed through an EGR cooler for recirculation into the engine, and with the EGR valve in the EGR disabled position the exhaust gas is not recirculated through the engine. An EGR coolant temperature is predicted based on measured engine speed, vehicle speed, outside ambient temperature, and commanded fuel level of the vehicle. The EGR valve is actuated to the EGR disabled position when the predicted EGR coolant temperature is equal or greater than an EGR coolant temperature threshold. The EGR coolant temperature is predicted without direct measurement of engine coolant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chad E. Marlett, Kevin J. McKay, Yun Xiao, Steve L Melby
  • Active brake retraction during regeneration
    Patent number: 9308824
    Abstract: A method of operating a brake-retract system during a regenerative braking event begins with monitoring an amount of regenerative braking achieved. A set point threshold is linearly ramped from a first threshold to a max regeneration capacity if the amount of regenerative braking achieved exceeds a second threshold. The second threshold is less than the first threshold, and the first threshold is less than the max regeneration capacity. The max regeneration capacity is representative of a maximum amount of regenerative braking capable of being produced. A friction element is transitioned from a first, retracted-state to a second, ready-state if the amount of regenerative braking achieved exceeds the set point threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, Paul A. Stanowski
  • Multi-density jounce bumper
    Patent number: 9308793
    Abstract: A one-piece, multi-density, jounce bumper is provided. The multi-density jounce bumper incorporates the necessary soft or low entry rate or stiffness, which is necessary to provide adequate feel and ride control, as well as the necessary energy capacity to manage peak loads, during a high-intensity impact event, such as an encounter with a pothole or the like. The multi-density jounce bumper may be configured as a single unitary component having a body, which may include a tip end and a base end. The body may be composed of a resilient material, the resilient material having a density that transitions from a first density at the tip end to a second density at the base end. The body may increase or decrease in density, in g/cc, from tip end to base end, along the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joseph S. Fedullo
  • Vehicle front bumper
    Patent number: D753559
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. McMahan, Brendon C. Mackay, Tyler L. H. Moffett