Patents Assigned to GM
  • Hybrid powertrain and dual clutch transmission
    Patent number: 8191441
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission is provided including a transmission input member, a first output member, a first, second, third and fourth gear sets, a first and second countershafts, and a first and second sleeve shafts. In operation, the first countershaft is engaged to the first sleeve shaft or the second countershaft is engaged to the second sleeve shaft, at least one of the first and second gears of the first and second gear sets is engaged to at least one of the first and second sleeve shafts, and at least one of the first and second gears of the third and fourth gear sets is engaged to at least one of the first and second countershafts to establish at least eight forward speed ratios between the transmission input member and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • Trust-based methodology for securing vehicle-to-vehicle communications
    Patent number: 8194550
    Abstract: A vehicle-to-vehicle communications system that employs a challenge/response based process to ensure that information received from a vehicle is reliable. The subject vehicle transmits a challenge question to the suspect vehicle to determine whether the suspect vehicle is a reliable source of information. The process increases a number of tokens in a token bucket for the suspect vehicle if the response to the challenge question is correct, and decreases the number of tokens in the token bucket for the suspect vehicle if the response to the challenge question is incorrect. The subject vehicle accepts a message from the suspect vehicle if the number of tokens in the bucket for the suspect vehicle is greater than a predetermined upper threshold, and discards the message from the suspect vehicle if the number of tokens in the bucket for the suspect vehicle is less than a predetermined lower threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Rajeev Shorey, Anitha Varghese, Bhargav Ramchandra Bellur
  • Control method for cold fuel cell system operation
    Patent number: 8192881
    Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell and a compressor that provides air to the fuel cell. The method comprises sensing a temperature indicative of the temperature of a fuel cell, providing a restriction in an air flow path to the fuel cell when the sensed temperature is below a threshold, and increasing the speed of the compressor to provide a desired air flow to the fuel cell. In at least some implementations, increasing the speed of the compressor increases the power drawn from the fuel cell to power the compressor and helps to increase the heat of the fuel cell. The increased speed of the compressor can also result in warmer air flow from the compressor that can further increase the temperature of the system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthew C. Kirklin, Prem C. Menon, Bruce J. Clingerman
  • Method for producing a liner of a vessel
    Patent number: 8192666
    Abstract: A vessel and method for forming the vessel is disclosed, the vessel having an injection blow molded hollow liner, wherein the hollow liner includes reinforced interfacial features formed substantially around a portion of at least one vessel penetration element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ludger Strack, Markus Lindner
  • Front section for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 8191664
    Abstract: A front section for a motor vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to a bumper and a radiator module arranged behind the bumper. The radiator module is held by means of first and separable second holding means. The first holding means allow a movement of the radiator module with one degree of freedom in a direction facing away from the bumper when the second holding means are separated, and wherein the second holding means can be separated by a rearward yielding motion of the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Claus Steller
  • Method for maximum net power calculation for fuel cell system based on online polarization curve estimation
    Patent number: 8192879
    Abstract: An algorithm for determining the maximum net power available from a fuel cell stack as the stack degrades over time using an online adaptive estimation of a polarization curve of the stack. The algorithm separates the current density range of the stack into sample regions, and selects a first sample region from the far left of the estimated polarization curve. The algorithm then calculates the cell voltage for that current density sample region, and determines whether the calculated cell voltage is less than or equal to a predetermined cell voltage limit. If the calculated cell voltage is not less than the cell voltage limit, then the algorithm selects the next sample region along the polarization curve. When the calculated cell voltage does reach the cell voltage limit, then the algorithm uses that current density for the sample region being analyzed to calculate the maximum power of the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John P. Salvador, Sriram Ganapathy, Kiran Mallavarapu, Frank X Leo, Balasubramanian Lakshmanan
  • Method for predicting a speed output of a hybrid powertrain system
    Patent number: 8195349
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes determining an operator torque request, determining a time-based derivative of the operator torque request, determining a first future time, and predicting a change in the operator torque request based upon the operator torque request, the time-based derivative of the operator torque request, and the first future time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Jason J McConnell, Kee Yong Kim, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Method for controlling combustion mode transitions in an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8195375
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is selectively operative in one of a plurality of combustion modes. A method for controlling the engine includes commanding the engine operation to transition from a first combustion mode to a second combustion mode. Engine valve operation is commanded to a desired valve overlap and valve overlap is monitored. Engine operation is changed to the second combustion mode when the engine valve overlap achieves a predetermined range or threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jyh-Shin Chen, Chen-Fang Chang, Jun-Mo Kang
  • Intercooler system for engine air charger
    Patent number: 8191365
    Abstract: An intercooler system and method of operation for use with an air charging system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The intercooler system may comprise an intercooler pump for pumping a coolant through the intercooler system, a first heat exchanger that transfers heat from charged intake air to the coolant, a second heat exchanger that transfers heat from the coolant to outside air, and an intercooler coolant reservoir that contains the coolant therein. Coolant lines direct a flow of the coolant through the intercooler pump, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the intercooler coolant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Quinn, Raymond C. Majcher, Luke Sewell, Li-Jen Peter Ho, Charles J. Musienko
  • Robust speech recognition based on spelling with phonetic letter families
    Patent number: 8195456
    Abstract: A system and method for entering a destination into a navigation system, usually a vehicle navigation system, that uses phonetic letter families, or groups of letters which sound similar, to improve the reliability and accuracy of speech recognition. The method involves grouping each letter of the English alphabet into a family of letters which sound similar, such as A, J, and K. When a destination name is spelled by a user, each letter is recognized in terms of the phonetic letter family to which it belongs. This phonetic equivalent spelling is compared to the navigation database of street, city, and state names, which has also been converted to its phonetic equivalent spelling. If a match is found, the user is asked to confirm that this is the desired destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert P. Roesser, Sarmad Y. Hermiz
  • Method and apparatus for multivariate active driveline damping
    Patent number: 8195352
    Abstract: A multivariate control method and system to control torque output from a powertrain system to a driveline is provided, to reduce driveline oscillations. The powertrain preferably comprises hybrid powertrain having a plurality of torque-generative devices connected to a transmission. Desired powertrain and driveline operating states are determined, as are a plurality of operating state errors. Each torque-generative device is controlled, based upon the operating state errors, and operating mode of the transmission. A damping torque command, additive to a commanded torque, is determined for one or more of the torque-generative devices based upon the determined transmission operating mode. Determined operating states include operator input, and powertrain/driveline including driveline torque; transmission input torque, rotational speed of the torque-generative devices; road load; and, accessory load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Morris
  • Rearview mirror adjustment system for trailer attached vehicle
    Patent number: 8192036
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically correcting the viewing angle of a rear-view mirror on a vehicle towing a trailer when the vehicle is traveling around a curve. If the dimensions of the trailer are unknown, then the corrected viewing angle is the same as the hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. If the dimensions of the trailer are known, then trigonometry is used to determine the corrected viewing angle. Depending on whether the road is curving to the right or to the left will determine whether the left side rear-view mirror or the right side rear-view mirror is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jin-Woo Lee, Jihan Ryu, Kwang-Keun Shin, Bakhtiar Brian Litkouhi
  • Eight speed automatic transmission
    Patent number: 8192321
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes 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 be either clutches or brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp, Clinton E. Carey, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Low inductance busbar
    Patent number: 8193449
    Abstract: A busbar assembly for an inverter module has a power module, a capacitor module with at least one capacitor, and a battery all interconnected by a busbar. The busbar includes a base busbar portion that is electrically coupled to the battery and a branch busbar portion that extends from the base busbar to the power module and that electrically connects to the capacitor module at points located between the base node and the power module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gholamreza Esmaili, Konstantinos Triantos, Constantin C. Stancu, Larry A. Hagerty, David Tang, Mark L. Selogie, Mark D. Korich
  • Adaptive vehicle control system with driving style recognition based on maneuvers at highway on/off ramps
    Patent number: 8195341
    Abstract: An adaptive vehicle control system that classifies a drivers driving style based on highway on/off ramp maneuvers. Once the maneuver has been determined to be an on-ramp maneuver or an off-ramp maneuver, a style characterization processor can classify the maneuver using selected discriminant features obtained or derived from the maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jihua Huang, William C. Lin, Yuen-Kwok Chin
  • Shutdown strategy for enhanced water management
    Patent number: 8192885
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a fuel cell stack purge to remove excess water during system shut-down. A compressor is operated at a shut-down speed to force water out of the cathode flow channels and draw water through the membrane from the anode flow channels so that a desired amount of water is removed from the fuel cell stack without over drying the membrane. The cathode shut-down purge flow can be introduced in the forward or reverse direction. Further, the flow of hydrogen fuel can be directed so that it flows through the anode flow channels in an opposite direction to push water out of an anode outlet manifold into the anode flow channels so that it will also be drawn through the membrane by the cathode airflow. Finally, a brief rehydration step is added after the shut-down purge to achieve the desired water content in the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pinkhas A. Rapaport, Steven R. Falta, Derek R. Lebzelter, Eric J. Connor
  • Method and apparatus for operating an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8191519
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes intake and exhaust camshafts including high-lift lobes and low-lift lobes separated by a lobe separation angle. The engine transitions between operating in a controlled auto-ignition combustion mode with positive valve overlap and a controlled auto-ignition combustion mode with negative valve overlap solely by selecting the corresponding one of the high-lift lobes and the low-lift lobes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nicole Wermuth, Paul M. Najt, Hanho Yun
  • Method for controlling an engine valve of an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8191531
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine system is equipped with a controllable engine valve actuation system. Controlling lift of an engine valve includes periodically monitoring engine valve lift and engine crank angle. A preferred engine valve lift profile is determined in a crank angle-domain. A preferred engine valve position is determined in the crank angle-domain. The preferred engine valve position is interpolated to determine a preferred engine valve position in the time-domain. The control circuit is actuated to control the engine valve in the time-domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jun-Mo Kang, Hanho Yun, Chen-Fang Chang
  • Method and algorithm to detect frozen anode pressure sensor
    Patent number: 8192878
    Abstract: A method for performing a plausibility check of a fuel cell stack anode side pressure sensor to determine whether the pressure sensor is providing an accurate measurement. Prior to system start-up when a cathode side compressor is not providing cathode air to a fuel cell stack, and the cathode side of the stack is at ambient pressure, a pressure measurement from a differential pressure sensor between the anode side and the cathode side of the fuel cell stack is provided. The differential pressure sensor reading is added to a pressure measurement from an ambient pressure sensor, where the sum should be about the same as the pressure measurement from the anode side pressure sensor if the anode side pressure sensor is operating properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Loren Devries, Bruce J. Clingerman, Abdullah B. Alp, Aaron Rogahn
  • Hydraulic fluid supply system having active regulator
    Patent number: 8192176
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid supply system includes an active pressure regulator or feed limit valve with a flow cut-off which may be used with dual clutch transmission hydraulic control systems. The supply system includes a pump, a filter, pressure relief and filter bypass valves, an accumulator, a system pressure sensor and the active feed limit valve. The active feed limit and flow cut-off valve includes an on-off solenoid valve and a spool or logic valve having an inlet port, an outlet port, a control port, a feedback port and an exhaust port. The inlet port is supplied with pressurized hydraulic fluid and the control port is supplied with hydraulic fluid from the solenoid control valve when it is energized. A valve spool having a pair of spaced-apart lands is biased toward the control port. One side of a check valve is in fluid communication with the feedback port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Bret M. Olson