Patents Assigned to GM
  • Hydrogen sensor assembly
    Patent number: 8196448
    Abstract: A hydrogen sensor assembly is disclosed. The hydrogen sensor assembly includes a sensing element within a sensor housing. The sensor housing includes an opening to facilitate a fluid communication between the sensing element and an exhaust stream of a fuel cell. A substantially water-vapor-impermeable membrane is disposed within the opening between the sensing element and the exhaust stream to militate against water vapor from the exhaust stream entering the sensor housing. The sensor housing may include a second opening to facilitate a fluid communication between the sensing element and an external environment to evacuate water vapor generated by the sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Christoph Kuebel
  • Protocol for map data transmission for infrastructure to vehicle communications
    Patent number: 8199028
    Abstract: A method is provided for selectively transmitting stop sign intersection data to a vehicle in an infrastructure-to-vehicle communication system. The infrastructure-to-vehicle system includes a fixed entity for broadcasting wireless messages to vehicles in a predetermined area. The local intersection data is broadcast from a local intersection device at a first repetition rate. The local intersection data relates to the intersection in which the vehicle is currently approaching. Remote intersection data, such as map GID, is broadcast from the local intersection device at a second repetition rate. The remote intersection data relates to intersections beyond the vehicle's current approaching intersection. The second repetition rate is lower than the first repetition rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Upali Priyantha Mudalige
  • Retracting seal surface enabling independent action of opposing hinged vehicle doors
    Patent number: 8196992
    Abstract: A seal module for sealing between a first door and a second door of opposing-hinged doors includes a base defining a channel and a retractable seal moveably disposed within the channel. The retractable seal moves between an extended position for sealing between the first door and the second door, and a retracted position spaced from one of the first door and the second door to allow independent pivotable movement of either the first door or the second door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Konchan, James C. O'Kane, Gary W. Krajenke
  • Method for controlling input torque provided to a transmission
    Patent number: 8200403
    Abstract: A method for controlling an input torque provided to a transmission includes executing a first iterative search within a first range of permissible torque values to determine a first torque value based on a first cost value. The first cost value is based on a first set of powertrain measurements measured at a first time. A second cost value based on a second torque value and the first set of powertrain measurements measured at the first time is calculated. The second torque value is determined using a second set of powertrain measurements measured at a second time prior to the first time. One of the first torque value and the second torque value is then selected based on the first cost value and the second cost value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen, Bin Wu, Brian R Medema
  • System and method for active traction control of a vehicle
    Patent number: 8200408
    Abstract: A method for active traction control of a vehicle can be performed to optimize corner exiting performance of a vehicle that is operating in a high performance or racing environment. The method estimates a real-time tire traction value during operation of the vehicle, computes a remaining tire traction value based upon a comparison of the estimated real-time tire traction value to a total available tire traction value, and calculates a traction system torque limit from the remaining tire traction value. The calculated torque limit can then be used to limit the actual traction system torque of the vehicle as needed in a real-time manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael P. Turski, Charles M. Tomlinson
  • Method for controlling a powertrain system based upon torque machine temperature
    Patent number: 8200383
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes an engine coupled to an input member of a transmission device operative to transmit torque between the input member and a torque machine and an output member. The torque machine is connected to an energy storage device. A method for controlling the powertrain system include monitoring a temperature of the torque machine, selecting a candidate powertrain system operating point, determining an electrical power input and a motor power output of the torque machine for the candidate powertrain system operating point, determining a power loss for the torque machine associated with the motor power output of the torque machine and the electrical power input, and determining operating costs for operating the powertrain system at the candidate powertrain system operating point associated with the power loss from the torque machine and based upon the temperature of the torque machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anthony H. Heap
  • Turbocharger housing with a conversion coating and methods of making the conversion coating
    Patent number: 8197199
    Abstract: A turbocharger includes a center housing having a bearing surface configured to contact an inner surface of a unison ring. A conversion coating is impregnated onto at least the bearing surface of the center housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Perry, Carnell E. Williams, Julian Velosa, Anil K. Sachdev
  • Method and apparatus for controlling combustion phasing in an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8196563
    Abstract: Operating an engine includes monitoring engine crank position, a corresponding engine torque, and an engine operating point. A state of an engine control parameter is adjusted in response to a difference between an identified location of peak torque and a preferred location of peak torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hossein Javaherian, Alan W. Brown, Michael P. Nolan
  • Automatic rearview mirror adjustment system for vehicle
    Patent number: 8200397
    Abstract: Mirrors on a motor vehicle are adjusted by monitoring the position of a first, preferably manually adjusted, mirror and adjusting the position of additional mirrors based on the monitored position of the first one of the mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jihan Ryu, Kwang-Keun Shin, Jin-Woo Lee, Bakhtiar Brian Litkouhi
  • Vehicle door latch assembly
    Patent number: 8196974
    Abstract: A vehicle door and a vehicle door latch assembly is disclosed. The vehicle door includes a door outer panel; a door inner panel affixed to the door outer panel and defining a door wet cavity, with the door inner panel including an access hole; and a door trim panel mounted to the door inner panel and defining a door dry cavity. A door latch is located in the door wet cavity; a latch locking lever is exposed to the door dry cavity and shielded from the door wet cavity, with the latch locking lever engaging the door latch; and a lock rod has a first end attached to the latch locking lever, with the lock rod extending through the access hole and between the door inner panel and the door trim panel, whereby the lock rod is not exposed to the door wet cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Konchan, Frank J. Arabia, Jr.
  • Automatic transmission gear and clutch arrangement
    Patent number: 8197377
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Scott H. Wittkopp, James B. Borgerson, Clinton E. Carey
  • Low content extended-range electric vehicle powertrain
    Patent number: 8196687
    Abstract: An extended-range electric vehicle includes drive wheels, an engine having an output shaft, a planetary gear set having a node driven by the output shaft of the engine when the engine is on, and first and second electric machines. The first electric machine is connected to another node, and operates as a generator when the engine is on. A one-way clutch is connected to the remaining node. The second electric machine is connected to an output side of the one-way clutch, with a shaft connecting the drive wheels to the second electric machine. A controller provides a forward electric-only (EV) mode, a reverse EV mode, power-split mode(s), and series mode(s). The series mode(s) provide a direct mechanical path between the engine and drive wheels, with the one-way clutch overrunning in the forward EV mode. The one-way clutch may be activated passively or by a PRNDL device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shawn H. Swales, Joel M. Maguire, Michael G. Reynolds
  • Actuator for active motor vehicle bonnet
    Patent number: 8196507
    Abstract: A pneumatic actuator is provided for an active bonnet. The pneumatic actuator includes, but is not limited to a cylinder and a piston transferable from a rest position to an extended position and lockable in its rest position. The piston, in its rest position, is held pre-stressed by a spring element in the direction of the extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joachim Schäfer, Volker Scheuch, Werner Schmidt, Martin Zilg
  • Vehicle window mounting assembly
    Patent number: 8196356
    Abstract: The invention concerns a window assembly in a vehicle having a window pane that is fixed in a window frame that is also used for movable windows, and a method for mounting the fixed window pane in the window assembly. The method may include: mounting a window mounting assembly to a vehicle structure adjacent to the window opening; sliding the window pane into run channels of the vehicle window frame; mounting a lower edge of the window pane onto a peripheral support surface of a window support cam of the window mounting assembly; rotating a cam lobe of the window support cam into contact with the lower edge of the window pane until the window pane slides upward into a fully closed position; and locking the window support cam, against rotation allowing the window pane to lower, as the window pane is lifted into the fully closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Randy C. Allen, David T. Renke, Obadiah Fitzpatrick
  • Methods of operating a control system of a vehicle and vehicle systems
    Patent number: 8200374
    Abstract: Methods for operating a control system of a vehicle and vehicle systems are provided. A method includes receiving a first output signal from a longitudinal accelerometer during a first travel condition of the vehicle including a first vehicle speed of the vehicle and a first road grade substantially equal to zero, wherein the first vehicle speed is a constant speed and the first output signal represents a first measurement including a first vehicle acceleration component and a bias offset component, receiving a second output signal during a second travel condition of the vehicle including a second vehicle speed of the vehicle and a second road grade, wherein the second output signal represents a second measurement including a second vehicle acceleration component and the bias offset component, and determining the bias offset component and gravity component to obtain an estimated road grade factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hualin Tan, Shih-Ying Sheu
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8197375
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input and output member, four planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, five interconnecting members continuously interconnecting members of the four planetary gear sets and six torque transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first members, second members, and third members with at least one of another of the first members, second members, third members, and a stationary member. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Edward W. Mellet, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Shape memory polymers with surface having dangling adhesive polymeric chains and methods of making and using the same
    Patent number: 8198369
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the invention includes grafting a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive material to a shape memory polymer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Tao Xie
  • Method and circuit for processing a resolver fault
    Patent number: 8198841
    Abstract: A method of processing a resolver fault in a motor generator unit (MGU) includes receiving a position signal from a resolver describing a measured angular position of a rotor of the MGU, determining the presence of the resolver fault using the position signal, and calculating or extrapolating an estimated rotor position when the resolver fault is determined. A predetermined resolver fault state may be determined using a measured duration of the resolver fault, and the MGU may be controlled using the estimated rotor position for at least a portion of the duration of the resolver fault. A motor control circuit is operable for processing the resolver fault using the above method, and may automatically vary a torque output or a pulse-width modulation (PWM) of the MGU depending on the duration of the resolver fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wei D. Wang, Bon Ho Bae, Stephen T. West, Rick H. Schroeder
  • Vehicle tow hook
    Patent number: D661627
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthew J. Noone, Morio Ikeda, Daniel S. Nozaki
  • Vehicle tail lamp
    Patent number: D661830
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Helio F. Maciel de Queiroz