Patents Assigned to GM
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Patent number: 9588020Abstract: A method of testing a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated device includes cyclically operating the device. The method further includes determining a number of cycles in a functional life of the device based on observations of the device during the cyclical operation. The functional life is a range of consecutive cycles of operation of the device beginning with a first cycle during which the device performs within a specified limit. The functional life is immediately followed by a cycle during which the device performs outside of the specified limit. The method still further includes applying a progressive substitution sub-process to identify an opportunity to increase the number of cycles in the functional life of the device.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan L. Browne, Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Christopher B. Churchill, Guillermo A. Herrera, Geoffrey P. McKnight
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Patent number: 9587614Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an auto stop feature of an engine of a vehicle. A sensor is configured to provide information pertaining to engine speed at first full compression of the engine and at predetermined times including and beyond the time to first full compression after commencement of engine crank. A processor is coupled to the sensor, and is configured to disable the auto stop feature if the engine speed is less than a predetermined speed threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Mark J. Rychlinski, David W. Walters, Michael G. Reynolds
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Patent number: 9586320Abstract: A method includes the following steps: actuating a robotic arm to perform an action at a start position; moving the robotic arm from the start position toward a first position; determining from a vision process method if a first part from the first position will be ready to be subjected to a first action by the robotic arm once the robotic arm reaches the first position; commencing the execution of the visual processing method for determining the position deviation of the second part from the second position and the readiness of the second part to be subjected to a second action by the robotic arm once the robotic arm reaches the second position; and performing a first action on the first part using the robotic arm with the position deviation of the first part from the first position predetermined by the vision process method.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Timothy Daro, Jeffrey A. Abell, Raymond D. Turner, III, Daniel J. Casoli
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Patent number: 9586586Abstract: A powertrain system including an internal combustion engine rotatably coupled to a variator of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is described. A method for controlling the CVT includes determining a desired variator speed ratio in response to a command to increase output power from the powertrain system and executing a step-down shift in the CVT based upon the desired variator speed ratio, the step-down shift. The step-down shift includes determining a preferred CVT input acceleration profile based upon the desired variator speed ratio, a present variator speed ratio, and a preferred shift time and synchronizing the preferred CVT input acceleration profile with engine torque. A change rate for the variator speed ratio is based upon the preferred CVT input acceleration profile, and the CVT is controlled in response to the change rate for the variator speed ratio and the desired variator speed ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Zhen J Zhang, Paul G Otanez
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Patent number: 9587684Abstract: A method of regulating a clutch assembly that has a set of clutch plates and a clutch piston with a fluid seal in an automatic transmission that includes a hydraulic circuit is disclosed. The method includes commanding the hydraulic circuit via the controller to apply a first hydraulic force to the clutch piston to displace the clutch piston relative to the set of clutch plates in order to affect a shift between speed-ratios in the transmission. The method also includes determining a drag force of the fluid seal. The method also includes determining a velocity of the displaced clutch piston that results from the drag force of the fluid seal acting counter to the displacement of the clutch piston. The method additionally includes regulating the clutch assembly to compensate for the determined drag force of the fluid seal acting counter to the displacement of the clutch piston.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David C. Webert, Scott D. Biggs
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Patent number: 9586480Abstract: Automobiles, automobile instruments, and user interfaces for controlling automobile equipment are provided. A user interface for controlling automobile equipment includes a circuit board accommodating an encoder circuit. Further, the user interface includes a dial mounted independent of the circuit board. The dial is moveable in response to manipulation by a user of the automobile equipment. The dial communicates electronically with the encoder circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Robert C. Jablonski, Fred W. Huntzicker
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Patent number: 9586610Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column pivotably coupled to a rake bracket at a first pivot point, a rake locking mechanism including a rotatable rake bolt, and a multi-link assembly including a first member, a second member and a third member. The first member includes a first end fixedly coupled to the rotatable rake bolt and the second end rotatably coupled to a first end of the second member. The second member includes a second end rotatably coupled to a first end of a link portion of the third member. The third member includes a link coupled to a lever. A first end of the lever is coupled to a second end of the link. The lever includes a thumb pad. Rotation of the thumb pad around a second pivot point effects rotation of the rotatable rake bolt to lock or unlock the rake locking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Dan W. Figlioli, Michael P. Phillips, Jessica P. Tran
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Patent number: 9586579Abstract: A system for use with a battery and sensors operable for measuring battery data includes an interactive user interface and a controller programmed with battery degradation monitoring logic for estimating a state of the battery. As part of a method, the controller identifies data bins for which measured state of charge range-based battery performance data is missing or dated/stale, and automatically prompts an operator to execute an assigned task corresponding to the identified data bins. The controller records the battery performance data for the identified data bins upon completion of the assigned task, estimates the state of the battery using the recorded battery performance data and the battery degradation monitoring logic, and executes a control action with respect to the system using the estimated state. A virtual or actual reward feature may be displayed in response to completion of the assigned task.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Patricia M. Laskowsky, Patrick E. Frost, Rory B. Fraga, Eugenie T. Abboud, Todd P. Lindemann, Mark D. Miller
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Patent number: 9587704Abstract: A system for managing noise and vibration in a vehicle includes a housing defining an internal cavity. A compliant member is attached to the housing and further defines the internal cavity. A magnet is operatively fixed to the housing in the cavity and has a magnetic field. A coil is positioned in the cavity and is configured so that there is relative movement between the coil and the magnet in the magnetic field in response to movement of the compliant member relative to the housing. A resistor is in electrical communication with the coil to form an electrical circuit. Relative movement of the coil in the magnetic field induces a current in the circuit that creates an opposing magnetic field, thereby reducing transmitted dynamic forces.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ping Lee, Sam M. Jomaa
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Publication number: 20170058823Abstract: A cylinder head defines an inlet port having an exit. A valve seat insert defines a seat cut surface that is disposed adjacent to the exit of the inlet port. A cross section of the inlet port parallel to a centerline of the inlet port defines a long turn edge of the inlet port cross section. The long turn edge of the inlet port cross section defines a flow path trajectory of the inlet port. The seat cut surface and the flow path trajectory are substantially aligned to extend the flow path trajectory of the long turn edge of the inlet port cross section across the seat cut surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Alan W. Hayman, Kenneth M. Eastman, Edward J. Keating, Erwan Gautier
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Publication number: 20170057466Abstract: A vehicle includes a pane of glass and a flush mount washer assembly. The flush mount washer assembly includes a panel, and the panel includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The panel defines an aperture through the outer and inner surfaces. The assembly further includes a mount coupled to the inner surface of the panel. The assembly also includes a nozzle secured to the mount. The nozzle includes a show surface substantially aligning with the aperture and positioned such that the show surface does not extend beyond the outer surface of the panel to create a flush exterior appearance of the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David T. Renke, Jeffrey T. Arnone
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Publication number: 20170057319Abstract: An air inlet assembly selectively directs intake air from an exterior region to an interior region. The assembly includes an inlet panel having a first inlet wall defining an aperture and a shutter member. The shutter member is movable relative to the inlet panel between a plurality of positions, including a closed position and an open position. The shutter member includes a vented section operative to provide airflow communication between the exterior and interior region such that the vented section is visible through the aperture when the shutter member is in the open position. The shutter member includes a non-vented section restricting airflow communication between the exterior and interior region such that the non-vented section is visible through the aperture when the shutter member is in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David T. Renke, Christopher S. Aude, Sorin Ratiu
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Publication number: 20170057373Abstract: An electric machine is provided for a dual voltage power system having a first energy storage system (HV-ESS) with a first nominal voltage and second energy storage system (LV-ESS with a second nominal voltage). The electric machine includes a rotor assembly having a rotor core configured to support permanent magnets spaced around the rotor core to define a number of rotor poles. The rotor core has multiple rotor slots arranged as at least one barrier layer at each of the rotor poles. Permanent magnets are disposed in the at least one barrier layer. A stator assembly surrounds the rotor assembly. The electric machine is configured to be operatively connected with the HV-ESS. The electric machines has at least one of a predetermined efficiency at rated power, a predetermined power density, a predetermined torque density, a predetermined peak power range, or a predetermined maximum speed of the electric machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Lei Hao, Chandra S. Namuduri, Thomas W. Nehl
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Publication number: 20170063187Abstract: An electric machine is provided that has a rotor assembly having a rotor core configured to support permanent magnets spaced around the rotor core to define a number of rotor poles. The rotor core has multiple rotor slots arranged as multiple barrier layers at each of the rotor poles. The multiple barrier layers are positioned adjacent one another between an inner periphery of the rotor core and an outer periphery of the rotor core and include a first barrier layer nearest the inner periphery. Permanent magnets are disposed in at least the first barrier layer. A stator assembly surrounds the rotor assembly. The electric machine is configured to function as a motor in a motoring mode and as a generator in a generating mode. The electric machine is configured with predetermined operating parameters selected for optimizing operation in the motoring mode and/or the generating mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Lei Hao, Chandra S. Namuduri, Thomas W. Nehl
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Publication number: 20170057325Abstract: An air vent includes a housing extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening, such that the housing defines a substantially closed air path between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. A first vane is disposed within the air path and is configured to rotate about a first axis. A second vane is disposed within the air path and is configured to rotate about a second axis, which is substantially orthogonal to the first axis. A controller is configured to rotate the first vane about the first axis and to rotate the second vane about the second axis. The controller is disposed outside of the air path, such that both the first vane and the second vane are adjustable from outside of the air path.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Gerard A. Brinas
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Publication number: 20170057446Abstract: A protection arrangement for an occupant of a vehicle includes an air bag package and a structural component. The structural component includes a reception with a profile geometry for the air bag package. The air bag package includes a receiving section which is received in the reception. The receiving section includes a permanent press contour corresponding and/or equals to the profile geometry of the reception.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas JENNY, Juergen MAIER, Andreas MEINEL
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Publication number: 20170057566Abstract: A splitter system for a vehicle includes a splitter body having a first splitter-body side and a second splitter-body side. The vehicle includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal body axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow. The splitter body is mounted at the first vehicle body end to generate an aerodynamic downforce thereon when the vehicle is in motion. The splitter system has a first winglet operatively connected to a first splitter-body side and a second winglet operatively connected to a second splitter-body side, wherein the first and second winglets are configured to control movement of the ambient airflow relative to the splitter body. A mechanism is configured to selectively shift each of the winglets in a direction transverse to the longitudinal body axis, to thereby adjust the aerodynamic downforce generated by the splitter body on the first vehicle body end.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Daniel J. Hommes
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Publication number: 20170057551Abstract: A vehicle includes a seat frame rail, a pair of spaced reaction surfaces and an energy management system. The energy management system includes a lateral bar and a spacer. The lateral bar extends along a bar axis, between a pair of ends. The lateral bar is disposed between the reaction surfaces, such that each end of the lateral bar is in facing relationship with a respective reaction surface and the spacer is operatively disposed between the lateral bar and the seat frame rail. The lateral bar is operable to be displaced toward the seat frame rail when compressed between the reaction surfaces, along the bar axis. The spacer is operable to react against the lateral bar and the seat frame rail to transfer loads therebetween, such that the displacement of the lateral bar is resisted by the seat frame rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Robert N. Saje, Arthur Wyszynski
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Publication number: 20170057005Abstract: A method of joining multiple components is disclosed. The method includes arranging a first component having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a feature, in contact with a second component having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and defining an aperture. When so arranged, the first surface of the first component is adjacent to the second surface of the second component. The method also includes positioning a fastener on the first surface of the second component and in contact with the feature of the first component, such that at least a portion of the fastener overlaps the aperture on the first surface of the second component. The method additionally includes abutting and fusing the fastener to the feature of the first component to thereby affix the first component to the second component.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Chris J. T. Wisniewski
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Patent number: D780631Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Timothy P. Kozub, Jong Hyuk Park