Patents Assigned to GM
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Publication number: 20120100790Abstract: A method of monitoring operation of an adjustable shutter adapted for cooling a powertrain in a vehicle includes commanding the shutter to adopt a position and assessing whether the shutter has adopted the commanded position. The method also includes generating a first signal if the shutter has adopted the commanded position, and commanding the shutter to perform a first retry to adopt the commanded position if the shutter has not adopted the commanded position. The method additionally includes generating a second signal if the shutter has adopted the commanded position on the first retry. A vehicle using a controller to perform such a method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Frederick P. Miesterfeld, Brennen R. Waugh, Eric R. Kolm
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Publication number: 20120100403Abstract: A lithium ion battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte operatively disposed between the positive and negative electrodes. The negative electrode contains a composite material including graphitic carbon and a disordered carbon.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: John S. Wang, Mark W. Verbrugge, Elena Sherman, Ping Liu
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Publication number: 20120100947Abstract: A powertrain system includes an engine coupled via an input member to a transmission to transfer torque to an output member. The engine is configured to execute an autostop event and an autostart event during ongoing powertrain operation. The transmission includes a plurality of planetary gear sets and a plurality of torque transfer clutches. The plurality of torque transfer clutches includes hydraulically-activated clutches and mechanical clutch devices, including an electromechanically-activated selectable one-way clutch. The transmission is configured to provide hydraulic pressure to activate the hydraulically-activated clutches using only a mechanically driven hydraulic pump. The transmission is configured to effect torque transfer among the input member, the plurality of planetary gear sets and the output member in one of a plurality of fixed gear states by selectively activating at least one of the plurality of torque transfer clutches.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale
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Publication number: 20120096980Abstract: A steering wheel is provided for a vehicle with a middle section. The middle section exhibits a front side facing the driver and a rear side facing away from the driver. An input device with at least one scroll wheel is arranged in the region of the middle section. At least one first region of the scroll wheel on the front side of the middle section and a second region of the scroll wheel on the rear side of the middle section are exposed for activation purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas Schramm, Ralf Rathmacher, Michael Schiebahn
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Publication number: 20120101753Abstract: A system and method for determining whether an onboard estimation process, such as a recursive least squares regression process, can effectively calculate the state-of-charge of a battery. The method includes defining a current sample time and a previous sample time and measuring the battery current. The method then calculates a variation moving average of the measured current and an index of current change rate determined by averaging the absolute value of the current variation moving average using the measured current and calculated moving averages from the previous sample time. The method then determines if the current change index is greater than a predetermined threshold, and if so, the estimate of the battery state-of-charge resulting from the onboard estimation process is valid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jian Lin, Xidong Tang, Brian J. Koch
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Publication number: 20120097121Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a first lift control module and a second lift control module. The first lift control module increases lift of M valves of the engine to a predetermined valve lift during a period before disabling or re-enabling N valves of the engine. The second lift control module decreases the lift of the M valves to a desired valve lift during a period after enabling or re-enabling the N valves of the engine, wherein N and M are integers greater than or equal to one.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Daniel G. Brennan, Craig D. Marriott, Joel Cowgill, Matthew A. Wiles, Kenneth James Patton
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Publication number: 20120100414Abstract: A cover for a high voltage vehicle battery is disclosed that is made of a light weight, non-conductive thermoset plastic composite, such as a polyester resin matrix, and includes an EMI/RFI shield. In one embodiment, the EMI/RFI shield is a Faraday cage including a ferrous mesh that is molded into the thermoset plastic composite so that it is completely encapsulated therein. In another embodiment, the EMI/RFI shield is an acrylic polymer coating including nickel plated copper flakes formed on an outside surface of the thermoset plastic composite.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Kestutis A. Sonta
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Publication number: 20120096966Abstract: A manual transmission includes an input member, an output member, a transmission input shaft, a countershaft, a reverse shaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: James B. Borgerson, Scott H. Wittkopp
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Publication number: 20120101674Abstract: A method of determining and predicting a state of a rechargeable battery device in real time involves measuring a current and a voltage of the rechargeable battery in real time, inputting the measured current and voltage into an algorithm, and applying the algorithm to determine the state of the rechargeable battery. The algorithm includes a first mathematical model based on a direct solution of at least one differential equation characterizing an equivalent RC circuit of the battery as a function of time. The first model generates a plurality of parameters that are usable to determine the state of the battery. The algorithm further includes a second mathematical model configured to regress the parameters over time, and a third mathematical model configured to estimate the state of the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: SHUOQIN WANG, MARK W. VERBRUGGE, JOHN S. WANG, PING LIU
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Publication number: 20120101700Abstract: A system for controlling a transmission of a vehicle powered by an engine includes a torque determination module and a shift determination module. The torque determination module determines a desired exhaust brake torque for the engine based on an actual speed of the vehicle and a desired speed of the vehicle. The shift determination module determines whether to shift between gear ratios of the transmission based on the desired exhaust brake torque and an exhaust brake torque capacity of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Andrew L. Mitchell, Kevin L. Kluemper, Brett R. Caldwell
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Publication number: 20120098228Abstract: A control arm includes a first clamshell half and a second clamshell half, a ball joint housing, and a paddle portion. The paddle portion is formed as a single piece with the ball joint housing, has a first side and a second side, and is disposed between the first clamshell half and the second clamshell half. A first weld connection may join the first clamshell half to the first side of the paddle portion, and a second weld connection may join the second clamshell half to the second side of the paddle portion. Attachment of the first clamshell half to the first side of the paddle portion and attachment of the second clamshell half to the second side of the paddle portion may be characterized by the absence of a rivet and a bolt.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicants: MULTIMATIC INC., GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Bryan D. Wilson, Kennet A. Mangus, Chris Loo, Frank Tomassini
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Publication number: 20120097465Abstract: A method is provided for controlling operation of an adjustable shutter configured to be operated between and inclusive of fully-closed and fully-opened positions for cooling a powertrain in a vehicle having a grille opening. The method includes monitoring operation of a fan capable of being driven at a selectable speed for cooling the powertrain. The method also includes maintaining the fully-closed position of the shutter when the speed of the fan is below a predetermined speed. The method additionally includes selecting a non fully-closed position of the shutter before the predetermined speed of the fan is selected. Furthermore, the method includes selecting the predetermined speed of the fan after the non fully-closed position of the shutter has been selected. A system for controlling operation of such a fan and a vehicle are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Michael G. Leffert, Darren L. Bohne, David J. Liller
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Publication number: 20120100953Abstract: A multi-speed transmission module is provided that can passively and automatically upshift and downshift between two speed ratios, even if the speed of the output member does not decrease. The transmission module includes a planetary gear set. A torque-transmitting mechanism is engageable to connect the two members of the planetary gear set for common rotation. A centripetal member is configured to apply a first axial force urging engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism. The first axial force increases as the speed of the output member increases. A torque-to-thrust actuator, such as a ball screw actuator, is connected for rotation with the input member and is configured to apply a second axial force opposing engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Andrew W. Phillips
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Publication number: 20120101672Abstract: A vehicle includes electrical components, current sensors which determine current flowing through the electrical components, and a control system. The control system calculates and records error index values over an interval using the currents. The control system increments a first counter with every sample in the series, increments a second counter whenever a given error index value exceeds a calibrated high threshold, and decrements the second counter whenever the given error index value is less than a calibrated low threshold. A control action, e.g., recording a PASS or FAIL value, executes when either the absolute value of the second counter or the present value of the first counter reaches a corresponding limit or threshold. A method enhances the robustness of a hybrid vehicle torque security diagnostic using the control system. The vehicle and method use a signed X of Y debouncing or error signal processing method as noted above.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Wei D. Wang, Harry J. Bauer, Jeffrey David, Wei Ren
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Publication number: 20120098278Abstract: A charge port lock assembly for use with a charge receptacle on a vehicle having a rechargeable battery. The charge port lock assembly may include an actuator assembly including an actuator energizable to retract the post to a retracted position and to move to an extended rest position and a partially retracted rest position; a charge port door that covers the charge receptacle and a has a door ejection spring; a charge door lock assembly that releases the charge port door when the post is in the fully retracted position and retains the charge port door in the closed position when the post is in the other positions; a cord lock assembly that retains a charge cord assembly in the charge receptacle when the post is in the extended rest position and releases the charge cord assembly in the other positions. The controller energizes the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David T. Proefke, Andrew J. Farah, William A. Biondo
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Publication number: 20120101712Abstract: The attentiveness of the driver of motor vehicle traveling in a lane provided with boundaries on both sides is assessed by measuring the distance of the vehicle from one of the boundaries, determining the objective lateral freedom of movement of the vehicle in the lane, specifying a desired range of the distance of the vehicle from one boundary by means of the objective lateral freedom of movement, and adapting a parameter representative of the assessed attentiveness of the driver when the distance of the vehicle from one boundary leaves the desired range.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas Schramm, Ralf Rathmacher, Michael Schiebahn
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Publication number: 20120098717Abstract: An antenna system connectable to a vehicle includes a primary antenna, a primary data transmission line, a secondary antenna, a secondary data transmission line, and an RF device. The primary antenna is connected to the vehicle and is located in an exterior environment. The secondary antenna is connected to the vehicle and is located in one of the exterior environment and an interior cabin of the vehicle. The primary data transmission line transmits a first RF signal and is in communication with the primary antenna. The secondary data transmission line transmits a secondary RF signal and is in communication with the secondary antenna. The fixed RF device is connected to the vehicle and is in communication with the primary data transmission line and the secondary data transmission line to provide an output RF signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATONS, INC. @@ GENERAL MOTORS LLCInventors: David R. Petrucci, Charles A. Massoll, Donald B. Hibbard, JR., Nathan C. Callaghan, Mark A. Wisnewski, David J. Trzcinski, Steven P. Schwinke
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Publication number: 20120098678Abstract: A method is provided for assessing the attentiveness of the driver of motor vehicle traveling in a lane including, but not limited to detecting the position of the motor vehicle on the lane transverse to the direction of travel, determining the extent of fluctuations of the position, and assessing the attentiveness as insufficient if within an observation period at least one first significant period is detected in which the extent of fluctuations of the position falls below a first low limiting value and a second significant period is detected in which the extent of the fluctuations exceeds a second high limiting value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ralf RATHMACHER, Thomas SCHRAMM, Oliver SCHEPP
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Publication number: 20120097464Abstract: A shutter system for controlling an airflow through a grille opening in a vehicle includes at least one louver. The shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the at least one louver between and inclusive of fully-opened and fully-closed to control the airflow through the grille opening. The shutter system additionally includes a slave processor in operative communication with the mechanism and a master controller in bi-directional communication with the slave processor via a single wire. The master controller is adapted to control a selection of the position of the at least one louver by commanding the mechanism via the slave processor using solely the single wire. The slave processor is adapted to respond to the master controller using solely the single wire. A method of controlling operation of an adjustable shutter is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Brennen R. Waugh
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Publication number: 20120100454Abstract: A subassembly for a fuel cell includes a fuel cell plate having a first side and a second side. Each of the first side and the second side has a flow field disposed between a pair of headers. An insulating spacer abuts the first side of the fuel cell plate and is disposed adjacent a perimeter of the fuel cell plate. A unitized electrode assembly includes a subgasket, a membrane electrode assembly, and a pair of diffusion medium layers. The membrane electrode assembly has an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. The membrane electrode assembly is sandwiched between the pair of diffusion medium layers. The subgasket surrounds, and is coupled to, the membrane electrode assembly. The subgasket abuts the insulating spacer. An elastomeric seal abuts the second side of the fuel cell plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Matthew J. Beutel, Ronald L. James, Daniel P. Miller, Steven J. Spencer