Patents Assigned to GM
  • Patent number: 8204711
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for managing test procedures for a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation environment. The apparatus comprises an input interface for receiving input from a user, a first processor coupled to the input interface and in operable communication with the HIL simulation environment. The first processor is configured to generate a test sequence comprising a plurality of test procedure references based on input from the user, wherein each test procedure reference corresponds to a test procedure that comprises instructions for issuing commands to, and receiving data from, the HIL simulation environment, and sequentially execute each referenced test procedure within the generated test sequence in cooperation with the HIL simulation environment, in response to a command from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Luis A. Colmenares
  • Publication number: 20120147189
    Abstract: A method and system for vehicular clear path detection using adaptive machine learning techniques including reliable local model updating. Digital camera images are segmented into patches, from which characteristic features are extracted representing attributes such as color and texture. The patch features are analyzed by a Support Vector Machine (SVM) or other machine learning classifier, which has been previously trained to recognize clear path image regions. The SVM classifier is adaptively updated using reliable local test samples, such as positive clear path samples which just passed by the vehicle. The resultant classifier, being continuously and adaptively updated with recent, reliable training samples, exhibits improved performance and accuracy in analyzing subsequent image regions or patches for the existence of a clear driving path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Wende Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120145506
    Abstract: A mode selector mechanism for a selectable one way clutch assembly includes a lever moveable between a first position, a second position and a third position. A lever biasing device biases the lever in a first direction. A piston acts in opposition against the lever biasing device to move the lever in a second direction opposite the first direction. The piston is actuated by a variable hydraulic signal. The lever is disposed in the second position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure between a first fluid pressure and a second fluid pressure. The lever is disposed in the third position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure greater than the second fluid pressure. The lever is disposed in the first position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure less than the first fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Andrew L. Bartos, Chunhao J. Lee, Robert K. Saley
  • Publication number: 20120146355
    Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle includes a first panel that defines a loading surface and has first and second sides. The apparatus also includes a support frame connected to the first panel and having first and second supports. A second panel is pivotably connected to the first panel. The first and second supports are configured to be selectively connectable to and releasable from the vehicle body. The apparatus is positionable in a stowed position when the supports are connected to the vehicle body. In the stowed position, the apparatus is within the interior cargo area and the first panel is substantially parallel with and above the floor. The apparatus is pivotable with respect to the vehicle body to a deployed position in which the supports are connected to the vehicle body and in which the apparatus extends at least partially out of the vehicle to provide additional cargo area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Kevin D. Dinger, James G. Gobart, Albert H. Butlin, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120149515
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission is provided that has both a hybrid series operating mode and a compound-split operating mode. The transmission includes an input member operatively connected with the engine, an output member, and a plurality of selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms. A gearing arrangement and first and second motor/generators operatively connected with the gearing arrangement are also provided. The gearing arrangement includes a first, a second, and a third planetary gear set, each having a first, a second, and a third member. A pair of interconnecting members connect two respective ones of the members of one of the planetary gear sets for common rotation with two respective ones of the members of another of the planetary gear sets. Another interconnecting member connects a third of the members of the one of the planetary gear sets for common rotation with one of the members of still another of the planetary gear sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20120150371
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission that receives torque from an engine and/or a motor. A clutch assembly that may be actuated by a driver is operably disposed between the transmission and the motor, the engine, or both. A controller is configured to control the torque provided by the motor and the engine to prevent engine stall, excessive engine flare, or both, during manual actuation of the clutch assembly by the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Shawn H. Swales, Hong Yang, Joel M. Maguire, Donald L. Dusenberry, Craig S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20120145504
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system and method for controlling a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices and logic valve assemblies in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Philip C. Lundberg, John R. Czoykowski, Bret M. Olson, Christopher Jay Weingartz
  • Publication number: 20120150389
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a motor drive torque in an EPS system having a motor and a steering assembly. The method includes receiving a torque signal from the steering assembly; processing the torque signal in accordance with a steering perception program to produce a motor control signal; and controlling the motor drive torque based on the motor control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: KENNETH L. OBLIZAJEK, JOHN D. SOPOCI, STEPHEN R. PASTOR
  • Publication number: 20120146766
    Abstract: A method of processing vehicle crash data includes the steps of receiving vehicle data obtained at a vehicle during a vehicle crash, determining the identity of the vehicle, estimating the severity of the vehicle crash using the determined vehicle identity and the received vehicle data, and providing the estimated severity to an emergency responder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: Scott P. Geisler, Steven C. Tengler, Richard K. Deering, Catherine L. McCormick
  • Publication number: 20120150386
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating at least one first sensor of a vehicle traveling on a roadway. The first sensor is configured for detecting objects within a detection range and the method includes, but is not limited to determining a course of the roadway in a region of an instantaneous environment of the vehicle with map data stored in a storage apparatus. In addition, it is determined whether the roadway in the direction of travel of the vehicle has a bend based on the determined course of the roadway. If is determined that the roadway has a bend in the direction of travel of the vehicle, the at least one first sensor is adapted in such a manner that the detection range of the at least one first sensor in the region of the determined bend is aligned in the direction of the course of the bend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Markus ARMBRUST
  • Publication number: 20120148263
    Abstract: A communication interface for communication between a storage tank and a refueling station is described. One embodiment of the communication interface includes a control unit; an optical transmitter comprising an IR-LED, the optical transmitter directly integrated into the control unit or mounted on the control unit; and an optical frontend optically connected to the optical transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Oliver Maier
  • Publication number: 20120151290
    Abstract: A method and system for comparing and merging fault models which are derived from different data sources. Two or more fault models are first represented as bipartite weighted graphs, which define correlations between failure modes and symptoms. The nodes of the graphs are compared to find failure modes and symptoms which are the same even though the specific terminology may be different. A graph matching method is then used to compare the graphs and determine which failure mode and symptom correlations are common between them. Finally, smoothing techniques and domain expert knowledge are used to merge and update the fault models, producing an integrated fault model which can be used by onboard vehicle systems, service facilities, and others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Satnam Singh, Steven W. Holland, Pulak Bandyopadhyay
  • Publication number: 20120149514
    Abstract: A powertrain has an engine with a crankshaft. The powertrain includes a planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third member. The first member is connected for common rotation with an input member. A first clutch is selectively engageable to operatively connect the crankshaft with the input member. A second clutch is selectively engageable to ground the input member with a stationary member. An electric motor/generator has a rotor operatively connected for common rotation with the second member. An output member is provided, with a set of intermeshing gears configured to transfer torque from the third member to the output member. A first gear pair and a second gear pair are operable by engagement of a first synchronizer and a second synchronizer, respectively, to provide two different fixed ratios between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Awadesh Tiwari, Ravikanth GV, Atul Kumar Agrawal, Madhukar Kumar, Vikas Bhu Sharma
  • Publication number: 20120150399
    Abstract: A control system includes a driver torque determination module, a lash zone torque determination module, a rate limit determination module, and an immediate torque determination module. The driver torque determination module determines a driver torque request when a driver depresses an accelerator pedal while a vehicle is coasting. The lash zone torque determination module determines a lash zone torque based on a transmission gear and an engine speed. The rate limit determination module determines an adjustment rate limit based on a previous immediate torque request, the lash zone torque, and the transmission gear. The immediate torque determination module determines a present immediate torque request based on the driver torque request and selectively determines the present immediate torque request based on the adjustment rate limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Krishnendu Kar, Pahngroc Oh, Andrew W. Baur
  • Publication number: 20120145103
    Abstract: An engine assembly may define first and second combustion chamber and may include a camshaft having a first lobe region engaged with the first valve arrangement and a second lobe region engaged with the second valve arrangement and rotatable relative to the first lobe region. The cam phaser may be coupled to the camshaft and may include a first member and a second member rotatable relative to the first member. The first lobe region may be fixed for rotation with the first member and the second lobe region may be fixed for rotation with the second member to vary valve timing for the second combustion chamber independently from the valve timing of the first combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: ALAN W. HAYMAN, ROBERT S. MCALPINE
  • Publication number: 20120149513
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, and a planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third member. A first electric motor/generator has a first rotor connected for rotation with the first member. A second electric motor/generator has a second rotor connected for rotation with the second member. A first set of intermeshing gears has a first gear ratio, and a second set of intermeshing gears has a second gear ratio different than the first gear ratio. A first torque-transmitting mechanism is engageable to establish torque flow between the planetary gear set and one of the input member and the output member through the first set of intermeshing gears. A second torque-transmitting mechanism is engageable to establish torque flow between the planetary gear set and the one of the input member and the output member through the second set of intermeshing gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Darrell Lee Robinette, Clyde A. Bulloch
  • Publication number: 20120149524
    Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Edward W. Mellet
  • Publication number: 20120145111
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block, a first piston, a second piston, and a cylinder head. The cylinder head and the engine block may define a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber. The cylinder head may define a first intake port and a second intake port. The first intake port may be in communication with the first combustion chamber and may include a first inlet extending through an upper surface of the cylinder head. The second intake port may be in communication with the second combustion chamber and may include a second inlet extending through a side of the cylinder head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: ALAN W. HAYMAN
  • Publication number: 20120145132
    Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel tank, a fill neck through which fuel enters the tank, a fuel pump module located in the fuel tank, and a fuel retention component including a lower surface on which the fuel pump module is supported, first and second walls enclosing the lower surface, and a ramp directed from the fill neck toward the lower surface enclosed by the walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Jarrod J. White
  • Publication number: 20120150437
    Abstract: A vehicle having an on-board computer, vehicle sensors, a satellite-positioning unit, a database storing a lane-level map performs a method to determine a new pose of the vehicle using map matching. The method includes the on-board computer of the vehicle receiving new data from at least one of the vehicle sensors and collecting measurements from the vehicle sensors. The method also includes the on-board computer of the vehicle computing propagation of vehicle pose with respect to consecutive time instances and performing a curve-fitting process. The method further includes the on-board computer of the vehicle performing a sub-routine of updating at least one observation model based on results of the curve-fitting process, performing a tracking sub-routine including using a probability distribution to update the vehicle pose in terms of data particles, and performing a particle filtering sub-routine based on the data particles to compute the new vehicle pose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC.
    Inventors: Shuqing Zeng, Varsha Sadekar