Patents Assigned to GM
  • Patent number: 8197378
    Abstract: A front wheel drive 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. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8196559
    Abstract: A device for removing a fluidic contaminant from lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine includes a fluid absorbing element comprising a mounting element and a fluid absorption media assembled into a sump of a crankcase of the internal combustion engine. The fluid absorbing element is immersed within the oil contained in the sump when the engine is not operating. The fluid absorption media is configured to absorb a fluidic contaminant in the engine oil when the engine is not operating and to desorb the absorbed fluidic contaminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, James L. Linden, Andrew M. Mance
  • Patent number: 8196694
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for immobilizing a motor vehicle. A system comprises an impairment sensor system and a control subsystem. The impairment sensor system is adapted to perform an analysis of a sample provided by an operator of a motor vehicle, where the analysis includes determining an impairment-related metric based on the sample. The control subsystem is adapted to control at least one mobility-related apparatus and at least one non-mobility-related apparatus of the motor vehicle. When the result of the analysis indicates that the impairment-related metric does not meet a criteria, the control subsystem is adapted to control the at least one mobility-related apparatus in a manner that disables the motor vehicle from moving and to control the at least one non-mobility-related apparatus in a manner that allows the at least one non-mobility-related apparatus to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William A. Biondo, Clark E. McCall, David T. Proefke
  • Patent number: 8196724
    Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes a strut plate co-annular to a slide plate and a notch plate. The selectable one-way clutch is configured to transfer torque between a strut plate and a notch plate in a first direction when a displacement actuator moves a pin and a slide plate to a first position. The selectable one-way clutch is configured to disengage the strut plate from the notch plate when the displacement actuator moves the pin and the slide plate to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Alexander Millerman, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20120138008
    Abstract: A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine defines first and second intake passages for supplying air through first and second intake valve openings to first and second cylinders. The cylinder head also defines first and second exhaust passages for conveying first and second streams of exhaust gas from first and second exhaust valve openings associated with first and second cylinders. The first exhaust valve opening is disposed outboard of the first intake valve opening, and the second exhaust valve opening is disposed outboard of the second intake valve opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Eric C. Douse
  • Publication number: 20120142472
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes an input member, first and second torque machines, a differential gear set including first, second and third elements, an output member, and first, second, and third selectable one-way clutches (SOWC), each operative in one of a respective deactivated state and a respective plurality of activated states. The second torque machine is rotatably coupled to the first element of the differential gear set, and the output member is rotatably coupled to the second element of the differential gear set. The first SOWC is configurable to prevent rotation of the third element of the differential gear set in a first rotational direction when controlled to a first one of the respective plurality of activated states, and configurable to prevent rotation of the third element of the differential gear set in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction when controlled to a second one of the respective plurality of activated states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC.
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao, Norman K. Bucknor, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20120142487
    Abstract: A drive unit, such as a rear drive unit, for a motor vehicle, such as an all-wheel drive motor vehicle, includes, but is not limited to two drive shafts, of which one drive shaft serves for driving the one wheel and the other drive shaft serves for driving the other wheel of a motor vehicle. Also provided is a transmission operationally connected to the drive shafts, through which a drive torque acting on the input of the transmission can be divided or is divided into at least two output torques and through which the output torque of the transmission acting on the one drive shaft is reversible or is reversed in its operation direction relative to the output torque of the transmission acting on the other drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Franz WINTER, Veit HELD, Richard STARCK, Uwe RUED
  • Publication number: 20120142480
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nine forward speed automatic transmission for a motor vehicle which includes four planetary gear sets, a plurality of friction and synchronizer clutches and two chain drive assemblies. The transmission is arranged along two parallel axes of rotation: a first axis defined by the input shaft and a second axis defined by the output shaft. The chain drive assemblies transfer power between sprockets disposed on the two axes. Various combinations of clutches may be engaged to provide nine forward speed ratios and five reverse speed ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, James B. Borgerson
  • Publication number: 20120143437
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle including an engine, a transmission, an exhaust gas heat recovery (EGHR) heat exchanger, and an oil-to-water heat exchanger providing selective heat-exchange communication between the engine and transmission. The method includes controlling a two-way valve, which is configured to be set to one of an engine position and a transmission position. The engine position allows heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger and the engine, but does not allow heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger and the oil-to-water heat exchanger. The transmission position allows heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger, the oil-to-water heat exchanger, and the engine. The method also includes monitoring an ambient air temperature and comparing the monitored ambient air temperature to a predetermined cold ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian L. Spohn, George M. Claypole, Richard D. Starr
  • Publication number: 20120139280
    Abstract: A display screen in a panel in a vehicle interior, in particular a dashboard or central console, is mounted so it is pivotable in the panel and can be switched over from a display mode into an illumination mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Rainer JUNG
  • Publication number: 20120137806
    Abstract: A method of controlling a hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes controlling a plurality of pressure and flow control devices 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: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Philip C. Lundberg, John R. Czoykowski, Bret M. Olson, Chinar S. Ghike, James D. Hendrickson, Christopher Jay Weingartz
  • Publication number: 20120141912
    Abstract: A fuel cell comprises a substantially contaminant free and contaminant impermeable coating disposed on at least one of a cathode, an anode, a gasket, an insulator plate, a cooler plate, a bipolar plate, a gas diffusion media layer, a polymer electrolyte membrane, an end plate, a tie-bolt, and a gas flow manifold. A process of producing a fuel cell and a fuel cell stack component are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Ann O'Leary, Sean M. MacKinnon, Michael K. Budinski, Timothy J. Fuller, Mark A. Bissell
  • Publication number: 20120142474
    Abstract: A drive unit, more preferably rear drive unit, for an all-wheel drive of a motor vehicle with two drive shafts, of which one drive shaft serves for driving the one wheel and the other drive shaft serves for driving the other wheel of a motor vehicle. Provided is a transmission operationally that is connected to the drive shafts, through which a drive torque acting on the input of the transmission can be divided or is divided into at least two output torques and through which the output torque of the transmission acting on the one drive shaft is reversible or is reversed in its operation direction relative to the output torque of the transmission acting on the other drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gabriel TROENNBERG, Mikael LARSSON, Mats STRANDBERG, Hans-Martin DURINGHOF, Erik STEN
  • Publication number: 20120140061
    Abstract: A transportation vehicle configured to track an object external to the vehicle. The vehicle includes a camera, a range sensor, and an on-board computer. The on-board computer includes a processor and a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform select steps. The steps include determining that new-object data corresponding to the object is available based on input received from the sensor sub-system of the vehicle. The steps also include registering the new-object data and estimating an expected location and an expected appearance for the object according to a prediction algorithm to generate a predicted track corresponding to the object. The steps also include analyzing motion for the object including comparing the predicted track with any existing track associated with the object and stored in a database of the on-board computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Shuqing Zeng
  • Publication number: 20120139297
    Abstract: A frame structure is provided for a motor vehicle having at least two longitudinal girders, each having a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section, which are at an angle to one another, so that in the installed state of the frame structure in a motor vehicle, the first longitudinal section lies essentially horizontally below a floor plate of the vehicle body and the second longitudinal section extends essentially upward and, viewed in the forward travel direction, the first longitudinal section is arranged behind the second longitudinal section. It is provided that beginning in the area of the transition from the second longitudinal section to the first longitudinal section or an area adjacent thereto, the longitudinal girders extend at least partially away from one another in the direction of the first longitudinal section. Furthermore, the invention relates to a rear frame structure and a vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Udo MILDNER, Stanislaw KLIMEK
  • Publication number: 20120137672
    Abstract: Actuation assemblies for and methods of activating a thermally actuated active material actuator utilizing wireless transmissions of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM BLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATION LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Nilesh D. Mankame, Peter Maxwell Sarosi, Andrew M. Mance, Nancy L. Johnson, Marten Wittorf
  • Publication number: 20120143411
    Abstract: A vehicular system including an electrical sub-system, an engine generating a first torque to drive a crankshaft, an electric machine applying a second torque to the crankshaft, and a mechanical accessory sub-system applying a third torque to the crankshaft. The vehicular system also includes a control sub-system having a processor and a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to (i) during idle operation of the vehicle, select a mode operation, of a plurality of system modes including a charge mode and a discharge mode, to stabilize a net torque being a sum of the first, second, and third torques, and (ii) control operation of at least one of the electric machine and the engine according to the selected mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC.
    Inventors: Kerem Koprubasi, William L. Aldrich III
  • Publication number: 20120137997
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure defining a first combustion chamber, a first port in communication with the first combustion chamber and a second port in communication with the first combustion chamber. A first valve may be located in the first port and a second valve may be located in the second port. A first multi-step valve lift mechanism may be supported on the engine structure and engaged with the first valve. A second multi-step valve lift mechanism may be supported on the engine structure and engaged with the second valve. The first and second multi-step valve lift mechanisms may be switched between low and high lift modes independent from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: ALAN W. HAYMAN
  • Publication number: 20120142481
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes four planetary gear sets, a plurality of friction and synchronizing clutches and two chain drive assemblies. Input torque is provided to four clutches which selectively provide torque to one element of a compound assembly comprising first and second planetary assemblies. The second planetary assembly includes only a sun gear and a planet carrier including elongate, stepped pinion gears which extend into the planet carrier of the adjacent first planetary assembly. The sun and ring gears of the first planetary assembly drive respective chain drive sprockets. A pair of chains transfer torque to respective driven chain sprockets. The chain driven by the first planetary assembly sun gear drives a third planetary assembly sun gear. The chain driven by the first planetary assembly ring gear drives a fourth planetary assembly sun gear. The transmission output is connected to the planet carriers of the third and fourth planetary assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20120141901
    Abstract: A fuel cell plate is disclosed, the fuel cell plate including a first unipolar plate, a second unipolar plate cooperating with the first unipolar plate to form a bipolar plate having a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, a reactant inlet, and a reactant outlet, and a coolant flow channel in fluid communication with the coolant inlet formed intermediate the first unipolar plate and the second unipolar plate, the coolant flow channel having a second portion disposed between a first portion and a third portion thereof adjacent to the reactant outlet, wherein the second portion is spaced apart from the reactant inlet at a first distance and the first portion and the third portion are each spaced apart from the reactant inlet at a distance greater than the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Steven J. Spencer