Patents Assigned to GM
  • Patent number: 9556890
    Abstract: An elastic alignment assembly includes a first component having a first engagement surface. Also included is a second component having a second engagement surface and is configured to be mated with the first component. Further included is a receiving feature formed in at least one of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. Yet further included is a protrusion comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the protrusion extending away from at least one of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface, the protrusion formed of an elastically deformable material to elastically deform at a first interface and a second interface upon contact with the receiving feature, wherein the first interface is located proximate the first sidewall and the receiving feature, and wherein the second interface is located proximate the second sidewall and the receiving feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joel Colombo, Michael D. Richardson, Steven E. Morris
  • Patent number: 9555838
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a rocker system using tunable parts to satisfy a number of load cases. A number of variations may include a rocker system including a vehicle rocker and at least one reinforcement attached to a first side wall or a corner of the rocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert N. Saje, Terry A. Swartzell, Robert M. Kielbik
  • Patent number: 9556811
    Abstract: A system includes a cylinder control module that determines target numbers of cylinders of an engine to be activated during a period, determines, based on the target numbers and an engine speed, N predetermined sequences for controlling the cylinders of the engine during the period, determines whether a transition parameter is associated with at least one of the N predetermined subsequences and selectively adjusts at least one of the N predetermined subsequences based on the determination of whether a transition parameter is associated with at least two of the N predetermined sequences. The system further includes a cylinder actuator module that, during the period, controls the cylinders of the engine based on the N predetermined sequence and based on the at least one selectively adjusted predetermined sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nitish J. Wagh, Randall S. Beikmann
  • Patent number: 9555510
    Abstract: A body panel assembly and a method for manufacturing a body panel assembly are disclosed herein. In a non-limiting embodiment, the body panel assembly includes, but is not limited to, an inner panel having a lower portion. The body panel assembly further includes an outer panel that is connected to the inner panel. The outer panel has a main portion, a transitional portion, and a bent portion. The main portion and the bent portion are positioned on opposite sides of the lower portion. The main portion, the transitional portion, and the bent portion are arranged to form a cavity having an elongated configuration below the inner panel. The bent portion defines an opening extending therethrough. The opening is positioned at least partially below the lower portion of the inner panel. The opening provides ventilation to the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Guangling Song
  • Patent number: 9556764
    Abstract: One variation may include a product comprising a piston oil squirting system comprising at least one piston oil squirter operatively communicating with at least one engine oil channel and which is constructed and arranged to squirt oil at at least one piston; and at least one mechanism which is constructed and arranged to control a flow rate and a timing of at least one oil jet stream from the at least one piston oil squirter so that the oil jet stream flows at single or multiple intervals from a zero to a maximum flow rate within an engine cycle or a crankshaft revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Claywell, Bryan K. Pryor, Mojtaba Eshraghi
  • Publication number: 20170022955
    Abstract: A multi-mode powertrain system including an internal combustion engine, a high-voltage electric machine and a high-voltage electric power system is described. A method for controlling the multi-mode powertrain system includes, in response to an operator initiating a jumpstart, electrically connecting the high-voltage electric power system to a remote electric power source and energizing contactors between the high-voltage electric power system and the remote electric power source. Electric power flow through an auxiliary power module electrically connected to the high-voltage electric power system that supplies electric power to an accessory device is minimized. Engine starting parameters are modified, and the internal combustion engine is started by controlling, via a controller, the high-voltage electric machine to spin the internal combustion engine, and controlling operation of the internal combustion engine based upon the modified engine starting parameters to effect starting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Russell K. Steele, James F. Crawford, Stephen D. Gurski
  • Publication number: 20170025006
    Abstract: A method of communicating a notification includes identifying an issue associated with a target vehicle. A location of the target vehicle is determined, and a notification signal is broadcast from a host vehicle. The notification signal includes the location of the target vehicle and the identified issue associated with the target vehicle. The broadcast notification signal is received by the target vehicle, which determines that the received notification signal is intended for the target vehicle, by comparing a current location of the target vehicle to the location of the target vehicle included in the notification signal. When the target vehicle determines that the broadcast notification signal received from the host vehicle is intended for the target vehicle, the target vehicle may issue an alert signal to alert an occupant of the target vehicle of the issue associated with the target vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Suresh Puradchithasan, Peter Andres, Munib Ahmed Yusuf
  • Publication number: 20170026674
    Abstract: A portable system including a digital connection plug, a processing hardware unit, and a non-transitory storage device including code causing the processing hardware unit to perform operations including dividing a received source video file or virtualized source video into a plurality of equal- or non-equal-sized image components. A resulting data-content package is stored at the system such as at a framebuffer thereof. System operations further comprise generating a meta-index package comprising a plurality of index components, each index component corresponding to a respective one of the equal-sized image components, storing the meta-index package, and sending the data-content package and the meta-index package to the host device for publishing of the image components sequentially, in accord with an order of the meta-index package, for display rendering streaming video corresponding to the source video file or virtualized source video.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: FAN BAI, DAN SHAN, LEONARD NIEMAN, DONALD K. GRIMM, KAREN JUZSWIK
  • Publication number: 20170022950
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes an injector tip defining a plurality of injection apertures. A first control device is coupled to the injector tip, and is operable to control fluid flow through at least a first one of the plurality of injection apertures. A second control device is coupled to the injector tip, and is operable to control fluid flow through at least a second one of the plurality of injection apertures. The first control device and the second control device each include a MEMS or a NEMS flow controller for controlling fluid flow through a respective injection aperture, and are independently operable relative to each other to provide variable fluid flow rates and/or injection spray patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: William D. Gough
  • Publication number: 20170021876
    Abstract: A mounting system for a wheel having a center portion with a plurality of wheel apertures includes a cap for covering the center portion of the wheel and having a pocket. The system includes a first fastener having a shank that fits through at least one of the wheel apertures. The shank has a first end, a second end, and a head at the first end configured to be captured by the cap pocket. The first fastener also includes a nut configured to thread onto the second end. The system also includes a second fastener having a shank that fits through at least one of the wheel apertures. The system additionally includes a wheel carrier bracket defining a plurality of bracket apertures, wherein the second fastener is configured to be threadably engaged with at least one of the bracket apertures. A vehicle having such a mounting system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Reginaldo Alves Silva, Fabio D. Rocha
  • Publication number: 20170021763
    Abstract: A notification system for notification of a vehicle operator that an electronic device is in a bin when a triggering event occurs includes a bin, a charging device for charging the electronic device when the electronic device is in the bin, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the charging device and includes a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions to provide a notification to the vehicle operator when the electronic device is in the bin and the triggering event occurs. The triggering event may be a transition of a vehicle electrical power system to an ignition off mode. The charging device may be an inductive charging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Melaragni, Dan V. Lascu, Mark R. Willey
  • Publication number: 20170022880
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle drive includes a housing having a cylinder head water jacket, an exhaust water jacket and a combustion chamber water jacket. A valve is operable for adjusting a flow through a multi-channel coolant inlet. In particular, the valve provides continuous adjustment of a cross section, through which a fluid can flow of a multi-channel exhaust coolant outlet for admitting a flow to the exhaust water jacket and cross-section, through which a fluid can flow of a multi-channel combustion chamber coolant outlet for admitting a flow to the combustion chamber water jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Peter SEEGER
  • Patent number: 9550534
    Abstract: A framework such as a vehicle body is disclosed and includes at least two components of materials with different heat expansion coefficients fastened to one another on an elongated overlap zone. The overlap zone on a first component is subdivided by weak points oriented in its transverse direction into portions following one another in longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Marcus Lange
  • Patent number: 9551248
    Abstract: An apparatus for mitigating fouling within a heat exchanger device includes an internal combustion engine and an external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) circuit. The internal combustion engine is fluidly coupled to an intake gas manifold upstream of the engine and an exhaust gas manifold downstream of the engine. The EGR circuit is fluidly coupled to the exhaust gas manifold at a first end and is configured to selectively route back exhaust gas flow as EGR flow into the intake gas manifold at a second end. The EGR circuit includes the heat exchanger device for cooling the EGR flow prior to entering the intake manifold and a surface deposit removing device configured to remove surface deposit build-up from within the heat exchanger device when the surface deposit removing device is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alok Warey, Patrick G. Szymkowicz, Sandro R. Balestrino, Richard C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9551266
    Abstract: A converter housing including a primary housing portion for housing a first converter brick, an intermediate housing portion, and a secondary housing portion for housing a second converter brick. The intermediate housing portion includes an inlet having a first axis and an outlet having a second axis that is angled with respect to the first axis. The first converter brick is disposed within the primary housing portion while the intermediate housing portion defines flow channels that communicate with a downstream end of the first converter brick along an outer surface of the primary housing portion and toward the outlet. The intermediate housing portion includes indented attachment surfaces which engage and hold the primary housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Jason C. Melecosky
  • Patent number: 9554249
    Abstract: A system comprising a processor and comprising computer-executable instructions that cause a processor to perform operations comprising determining that user-system location data is needed by an application running at a user device. Operations of the system further include determining a first user-system location and determining a privacy parameter based on a location-accuracy requirement associated with the application. The operations further include generating, based on the privacy parameter and the first user-system location, privacy-adjusted location data indicating a second user-system location being less accurate than the first user-system location by an amount corresponding to a value of the privacy parameter. The operations also include providing the privacy-adjusted location data to a destination for use in providing a location-dependent service by way of the application at the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Fan Bai, Donald K. Grimm, Leonard C. Nieman, Robert A. Hrabak
  • Patent number: 9551258
    Abstract: A control apparatus is disclosed for optimizing the regeneration of an aftertreatment device located in an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The control apparatus includes an Electronic Control Unit configured to collect data from a GPS device associated to the vehicle, determine a time period for starting a regeneration of the aftertreatment device on the basis of data collected by the GPS device, and initiate the a regeneration of the aftertreatment device within the time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Roberto Argolini, Giovanni Montinaro, Lorenzo Pataccia, Davide Donna, Thomas Johnen
  • Patent number: D777358
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Duck Jae Won
  • Patent number: D777359
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy P. Kozub, Evan Mai, Gary W. Ruiz
  • Patent number: D777361
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy P. Kozub, Stuart Cooper, Jonghyuk Park