Patents Assigned to GM
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Publication number: 20120103466Abstract: A funnel assembly includes a tube defining a tube passageway and a tube opening. A funnel member defines a first funnel opening, a second funnel opening, and a funnel passageway that provides fluid communication between the first and second funnel openings. The funnel member is positioned such that the second funnel opening is within the tube passageway. The funnel member is selectively movable between a first configuration in which the first funnel opening is wider than the tube opening, and a second configuration in which the first funnel opening is narrower than the tube opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Brian V. Castillo
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Publication number: 20120109379Abstract: A robotic system includes a tendon-driven finger and a control system. The system controls the finger via a force-based control law when a tension sensor is available, and via a position-based control law when a sensor is not available. Multiple tendons may each have a corresponding sensor. The system selectively injects a compliance value into the position-based control law when only some sensors are available. A control system includes a host machine and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having a control process, which is executed by the host machine to control the finger via the force- or position-based control law. A method for controlling the finger includes determining the availability of a tension sensor(s), and selectively controlling the finger, using the control system, via the force or position-based control law. The position control law allows the control system to resist disturbances while nominally maintaining the initial state of internal tendon tensions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicants: The U.S.A. As Represented by the Administrator of The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Muhammad E. Abdallah, Robert J. Platt, JR., Matthew J. Reiland, Brian Hargrave, Myron A. Diftler, Philip A. Strawser, Chris A. Ihrke
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Publication number: 20120109503Abstract: The operation of internal combustion, reciprocating engines in some automotive vehicles may be managed such that the engine operation is stopped each time the vehicle is brought to a stop, and then the engine is re-started when the operator presses the accelerator pedal to put the vehicle in motion. In some driving situations the engine of the vehicle may be stopped and re-started many times, which is a mode of engine operation for which the traditional 12 volt, lead-acid battery is not well suited. It is found that a six cell, lithium-ion battery combining LiFePO4 as the active positive electrode material and Li4Ti5O12 as the active negative electrode material, together with suitable separators and a suitable low freezing point electrolyte may be adapted to deliver starting power for repeated engine starting, despite short intervening charging periods.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jihui Yang, Mark W. Verbrugge, Ping Liu, John S. Wang, Steven Cai
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Publication number: 20120105013Abstract: A system and method for estimating parameters of a rechargeable energy storage system during a plug-in charge mode include reading a first measured voltage and a measured current from the rechargeable energy storage system while charging the rechargeable energy storage system during a plug-in charge mode, interrupting the charge to stop current flow to the rechargeable energy storage system for a predetermined period of time, reading a second measured voltage during the charge interrupt, calculating a resistance based on the first measured voltage, the second measured voltage and the measured current, calculating an open circuit voltage of the rechargeable energy storage system based on the resistance, the second measured voltage, the measured current and determining the state-of-charge for the rechargeable energy storage system using the open circuit voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jian Lin, Xidong Tang, Brian J. Koch, Robert C. Baraszu, Monika A. Minarcin, Steven A. Patterson
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Publication number: 20120108163Abstract: A system for intelligent dissemination of messages via long-range communications to select delegate vehicles, and short-range communications from the delegate vehicles. The system includes a processor and a memory storing a delegation and dissemination algorithm that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to define a dissemination area and define multiple delegation zones within the dissemination area. The algorithm also causes the processor to identify at least one delegate vehicle, of a network of vehicles, for each delegation zone and seed a message into the network of vehicles by transmitting the message to each delegate vehicle via long-range communications so that the delegate vehicles can transmit the message throughout the network of vehicles via short-range communications.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Fan Bai, Donald K. Grimm, Cem U. Saraydar
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Publication number: 20120109573Abstract: A method of sensing an ambient heat transfer condition surrounding a shape memory alloy element includes heating the shape memory alloy element, sensing the resistance of the shape memory alloy element, and measuring the period of time taken to heat the shape memory alloy element to a pre-determined level of a resistance characteristic. The ambient heat transfer condition surrounding the shape memory alloy element is calculated by referencing a relationship between the period of time taken to heat the shape memory alloy to the pre-determined level of the resistance characteristic and the ambient heat transfer condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Guillermo A. Herrera, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Lei Hao, Andrew C. Keefe, Christopher P. Henry
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Publication number: 20120103437Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for a transmission is provided including a source of pressurized fluid and at least one selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanism. At least one latching valve is provided in communication with the source and is operable to selectively communicate the pressurized fluid to effect engagement of the at least one torque transmitting mechanism. The at least one latching valve is operable to maintain engagement the at least one torque transmitting mechanism irrespective of the presence of the pressurized fluid. A valve is in fluid communication with the source. A lubrication circuit is provided and is operable to lubricate the transmission. The valve is operable to variably communicate the pressurized fluid to the lubrication circuit. A transmission incorporating the hydraulic control circuit is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey, Paul D. Stevenson
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Publication number: 20120104292Abstract: A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a high voltage battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole. The plug assembly further includes a return spring coupled to the plug and causing the plug to be biased into the drain hole. The plug assembly also includes at least one shape memory alloy device coupled to the plug and a support structure. The SMA device receives an electrical current that causes the device to contract and move the plug out of the drain hole against the bias of the return spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Craig A. Kollar, Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson, Shawn G. Quinn, Milind S. Gandhi, Scott R. Webb
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Publication number: 20120109449Abstract: A device and method are provided for automatically monitoring tire pressure in a vehicle, as well as a method for displaying information about vehicle tire inflation. The method for automatically monitoring tire pressure in a vehicle encompasses indirectly determining the actual temperature in a vehicle tire. The actual temperature is ascertained based on empirically determined families of characteristics as a function of parameters that describe environmental conditions, driving conditions and/or material properties of the vehicle tires.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Aiko BOEHME, Heiko BALD, Dirk BALZER, Christoph FERBER
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Publication number: 20120107713Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell includes a pair of plates. Each plate has an active area, a header area, and a perimeter area. The perimeter area is disposed adjacent an edge of the plate. The perimeter area is also disposed adjacent to each of the active area and the header area. At least one of the plates includes a raised support feature having an inboard side and an outboard side. The plates are joined in the perimeter area between the outboard side of the raised support feature and the edges of the plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Daniel P. Miller, Steven J. Spencer, Robert Thompson, Matthew J. Beutel, Siguang Xu
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Publication number: 20120109483Abstract: An exemplary method for controlling torque at one or more wheels of a vehicle, including controlling both positive torque (acceleration) and negative torque (braking) with a single torque command. According to one embodiment, the method interprets the acceleration and braking intent of the driver, takes into consideration certain special conditions (e.g., vehicle dynamic conditions like wheel slip, over- and under-steer, etc.), and generates one or more individual torque commands that are sent to individual wheels or corners of the vehicle. The individual torque commands may address certain chassis and powertrain functions like acceleration and braking, and may provide full-feature torque control (i.e., acceleration, braking, vehicle dynamics, etc.) on an individual wheel basis. It is also possible for the method to be used in a system where a number of the common chassis, powertrain and/or vehicle dynamic modules have been integrated into a single torque control module or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Kevin A. O'Dea, John F. Larsen, Edmund F. Gaffney, III, James Heath Holbrook, Benjamin A. C. Beacock, Sisira D. Adikari
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Publication number: 20120109458Abstract: The method and system described herein may be used to determine a reference yaw rate (?ref) for a vehicle chassis control system, and may do so across a wide spectrum of vehicle operating conditions. These conditions may include, for example, when the vehicle is being driven: at low and high vehicle speeds, in forward and reverse directions, with front-, rear- and all-wheel steering systems, according to subtle and aggressive driving maneuvers, and on roads with flat or banked surfaces, to cite a few of the potential scenarios. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method and system take into account certain tire dynamics, such as the relaxation length (?) of the tires, when estimating the reference yaw rate (?ref). Once an accurate reference yaw rate (?ref) is determined, the vehicle chassis control system may use this estimate to control one or more actuators that can influence the yaw rate of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: David M. Sidlosky
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Publication number: 20120105069Abstract: A method for monitoring a lithium-ion battery cell includes monitoring a battery cell voltage and a corresponding charge capacity of the battery cell during an electric power event which may include either an electric power charge event or an electric power discharge event. A measured charge-capacity-derivative is determined by differentiating the charge capacity in relation to the corresponding battery cell voltage during the electric power event. The measured charge-capacity-derivative is compared with a preferred anode charge-capacity-derivative of an anode charge curve (for electric power discharge events) or an anode discharge curve (for electric power charge events), and with a preferred cathode charge-capacity-derivative of a cathode charge curve (for electric power charge events) or a cathode discharge charge curve (for electric power discharge events).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: John S. Wang, Ping Liu, Shuoqin Wang, Souren Soukiazian, Mark W. Verbrugge
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Publication number: 20120102946Abstract: A method of operating an engine having a turbo charger includes sensing a temperature of a flow of exhaust gas from the engine, determining if the temperature of the exhaust gas is greater than an upper temperature threshold, sensing a cylinder pressure within the cylinders of the engine with a pressure sensor, determining if the cylinder pressure is greater than an upper pressure limit, sensing a boost provided by the turbo charger, determining if the boost is greater than a maximum boost limit, and adjusting the operation of the engine when the temperature of the exhaust gas entering the turbo charger is greater than an upper temperature threshold and the cylinder pressure is less than the upper pressure limit to reduce the temperature of the exhaust gas entering the turbo charger to a temperature below the upper temperature threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: THOMAS LAROSE, JR., MICHAEL V. TAYLOR
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Publication number: 20120102922Abstract: A method of sizing a heating core of an exhaust heater for an exhaust gas treatment system includes measuring the cumulative hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide emissions from the exhaust gas for multiple volumetric sizes of the heating core when heated in accordance with a heating strategy. Alternatively, a model of the treatment system may be used to predict the cumulative hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide emissions. The method further includes selecting the volumetric size of the heating core that is associated with the lowest cumulative hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide emissions level from the measured or predicted hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide emissions when the exhaust gas is heated in accordance with the heating strategy. The heating strategy may include pre-crank heating, or a combination of pre-crank heating and post-crank heating.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Karthik Ramanathan, Se H. Oh
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Publication number: 20120110654Abstract: A communication system of a vehicle includes a mode determination module and a connection control module. The mode determination module sets a mode of operation to one of a first mode and a second mode based on a comparison of a common name (CN) of a root certificate with first and second predetermined CNs associated with operation in the first and second modes, respectively. The connection control module selectively transmits a request to one of a first server and a second server to establish a secure wireless connection between the connection control module and the one of the first and second servers. The first and second servers are different, and the first and second predetermined CNs are different.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Ansaf I. Alrabady, Salvatore G. Trupiano, John Patrick S. Gonzaga
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Publication number: 20120103293Abstract: A starter for an internal combustion engine includes a stationary member and an output member adapted for starting the engine. The starter also includes a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set. Each of the respective first and second planetary gear sets includes a first, a second, and a third gear member and each of the respective first and second planetary gear sets is operatively connected to the output member. The starter additionally includes a motor operatively connected to the first gear set and to the second gear set for driving the output member. A motor vehicle employing the disclosed starter is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Darrell Lee Robinette, Clyde A. Bulloch
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Publication number: 20120109413Abstract: A method of and device for determining driving range for a vehicle operating with a rechargeable energy storage supply. The method includes performing a calculation based on a limited number of input parameters, including a driving distance, average speed, location and time of day. Other determinations, such as the possibility of using a battery power-depleting climate control system, as well as battery capacity and climate data for various seasonal and location factors may also be used in the calculations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Irvin T. Smith, Brian K. Bartnick, Larry D. Laws, George K. Perekattu
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Publication number: 20120103304Abstract: A method for controlling combustion in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine operating in a controlled auto-ignition mode includes providing combustion control parameters, determining peak cylinder pressures and crank angle location of the peak cylinder pressures. Cylinder volumes at the peak cylinder pressures and at intake valve closings are determined and cylinder pressures at intake valve closings are determined. A combustion parameter for each cylinder is calculated based upon the peak cylinder pressure, the cylinder pressure at the intake valve closing, the crank angle location of the peak cylinder pressure, the cylinder volume coincident with the peak cylinder pressure, and the cylinder volume at the intake valve closing. A target combustion parameter is determined and the calculated combustion parameter for each cylinder is compared to the target combustion parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jun-Mo Kang, Chen-Fang Chang, Hanho Yun
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Publication number: 20120109617Abstract: A method of predicting an electrochemical mapping parameter in a vehicle that derives at least a portion of its motive power from an energy storage system is provided. The method may comprise providing a plurality of electrochemical mapping parameter sources capable of rendering one or more electrochemical mapping parameters selected from the group consisting of resistance and capacitance and selecting at least one electrochemical mapping parameter source capable of rendering one or more electrochemical mapping parameters based on the state of the energy storage system. The method may also comprise determining an adaptive gain and determining an adaptive factor based on the operating state of the vehicle or the energy storage system. The method may also comprise adapting the one or more electrochemical mapping parameters based on the adaptive factor and adaptive gain to provide an adapted electrochemical mapping parameter value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Monika A. Minarcin, Brian J. Koch, Robert C. Baraszu