Patents Assigned to GM
  • Method and system for determining a state of charge of a battery
    Patent number: 9513338
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. A magnetic force between the battery and a magnet is detected. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the detected magnetic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Koch, Robert S. Conell
  • Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods
    Patent number: 9511802
    Abstract: In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The alignment system includes a first component including at least one corner region having an alignment member, and a second component including at least one corner region having an inner wall defining an alignment aperture. The alignment aperture is configured to receive at least a portion of the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component. The alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the alignment aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the corner regions of the first and second components in a desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall
  • AM/FM antenna performance in the presence of wide-band noise using tunable high-Q structures
    Patent number: 9515753
    Abstract: An AM/FM radio system for a vehicle that is selectively impedance matched to the particular tuned frequency of interest so that noise received by other frequencies does not affect the received signal. The radio system includes an HMI allowing a user to select an AM or FM radio station and a radio tuner responsive to a signal from the HMI identifying the selected radio station. The tuner tunes the radio system to the radio station, and provides a signal to the HMI identifying the radio station. The HMI places a message on a vehicle bus identifying the radio station that the radio tuner is tuned to. An antenna controller receives the message from the vehicle bus to selectively control an impedance matrix to provide impedance matching for the selected radio station frequency. The antenna controller also selectively tunes antenna radiating elements to the particular tuned frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, KATHREIN AUTOMOTIVE NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Talty, Gregg R. Kittinger, Andreas Fuchs, Elias Ghafari
  • Deployable flatbed for pickup truck
    Patent number: 9511803
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a flatbed comprising a bed, a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall wherein the first wall and second wall are hingedly attached to the bed and are constructed and arranged to swing relative to the bed such that the first wall, the second wall, and the bed lie flat to define an enlarged upper surface of the bed, first wall, and second wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott P. Wassell, Scott C. Anderson
  • Magnetic sensor transformer for determining state of charge for iron phosphate lithium ion batteries
    Patent number: 9511670
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor for measuring the magnetic properties of a battery cell, and converting the magnetic properties to a battery cell SOC. The magnetic sensor includes a magnetic core formed of laminated high permeability plates provided in a C-shape. An extended portion of the battery cell extends through a transverse opening in the core so that it is positioned within the core. A driving coil is wrapped around one end of the magnetic core and generates a magnetic field in the core that extends across the transverse opening and through the battery cell. A receiving coil is wrapped around an opposite end of the core that receives the magnetic field, and converts the magnetic field to a representative current. A detection circuit converts the receiving coil current to the battery cell SOC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan O. Conell, Brian J. Koch
  • Optimal acceleration profile for enhanced collision avoidance
    Patent number: 9514647
    Abstract: A system and method for providing an optimal collision avoidance path for a host vehicle that may potentially collide with a target vehicle. The method includes providing off-line an optimization look-up table for storing on the host vehicle that includes an optimal vehicle braking or longitudinal deceleration and an optimal distance along the optimal path based on a range of speeds of the host vehicle and coefficients of friction of the roadway surface. The method determines the current speed of the host vehicle and the coefficient of friction of the roadway surface during the potential collision, and uses the look-up table to determine the optimal longitudinal deceleration or braking of the host vehicle for the optimal vehicle path. The method also determines an optimal lateral acceleration or steering of the host vehicle for the optimal vehicle path based on a friction ellipse and the optimal braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nikolai K. Moshchuk, Shih-Ken Chen, Chad T. Zagorski, Aamrapali Chatterjee
  • Diffusion media, fuel cells, and fuel cell powered systems
    Patent number: 9515328
    Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention provides a diffusion media and fuel cells and systems employing the diffusion media. In at least one embodiment, the diffusion media comprises a porous matrix having an outer surface and a hydrophilic polymeric coating on at least a portion of the porous matrix with the hydrophilic coating comprising the cured product of a formulation comprising a hydrophilic monomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Tao Xie, Chunxin Ji, Yang-Tse Cheng
  • System and method for calibrating a valve lift sensor and evaluating a valve lift sensor and a hydraulic valve actuator
    Patent number: 9512749
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a valve control module and a fault detection module. The valve control module controls a valve actuator to actuate a valve of an engine from a first lift position to a second lift position that is different from the first lift position. The valve includes at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve. The fault detection module detects a fault in at least one of a valve lift sensor and the valve actuator based on input received from the valve lift sensor when the valve is adjusted to the first lift position and when the valve is adjusted to the second lift position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Ronald J. Pierik
  • Full speed lane sensing with a surrounding view system
    Patent number: 9516277
    Abstract: A system and method for providing lane sensing on a vehicle by detecting roadway lane-markers, where the system employs a surround view camera system providing a top-down view image around the vehicle. The method includes detecting left-side and right-side lane boundary lines in the top-down view image, and then determining whether the lane boundary lines in the image are aligned from one image frame to a next image frame and are aligned from image to image in the top-down view image. If the boundary lines are not aligned, then calibration of one or more of the cameras is performed, and if the lines are aligned, then a model fitting process is used to specifically identify the location of the boundary lines on the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wende Zhang, Bakhtiar Brian Litkouhi, Kent S. Lybecker
  • Method for improving engine performance using a temperature managed fuel system
    Patent number: 9512808
    Abstract: A method to operate an internal combustion engine having a fuel delivery system and a heat exchanger located to affect a fuel temperature within the fuel delivery system includes monitoring a desired heat transfer between a flow through the heat exchanger and fuel within the fuel delivery system, determining a required flow through the heat exchanger based upon the desired heat transfer, and controlling a flow control device for the heat exchanger based upon the determined required flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: David J. Cleary
  • METHOD FOR FORMING A STEEL SHEET PART
    Publication number: 20160348209
    Abstract: A method for creating a formed steel part from a steel sheet is provided. The steel sheet is heated to austenitization temperature. The steel sheet is formed with simultaneous cooling-down. A manganese-rich surface layer of the formed steel sheet is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Hartmut BAUMGART, Ronald SANDERS
  • SLIDING CAMSHAFT WITH IMPROVED COMPRESSIVE RESIDUAL STRESS
    Publication number: 20160348780
    Abstract: A sliding camshaft for shifting to a selected one of a plurality of selectable cam lobes includes an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inner shaft has an external spline. The outer shaft has an inner surface, an outer surface, a coating, and an outer portion. The inner surface is subjectable to wear and is configured with an internal spline for transferring torque from and sliding axially on the external spline of the inner shaft. The outer surface is subjectable to wear and loading and is configured with the plurality of selectable cam lobes. The coating on the inner surface is for wear resistance. The outer portion is case hardened for wear resistance of the outer surface and to create a compressive residual stress in the outer portion for load carrying capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Glenn E. Clever, Jason J. Wiedyk
  • ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION
    Publication number: 20160352113
    Abstract: A multi-user electric vehicle charging station is described, and includes a movable charging apparatus that is disposed to service a plurality of parking spaces and a controller that operatively connects to the movable charging apparatus. A human/machine interface device communicates with the controller and includes an interface device including user-selectable states including a user identification, identification of a specific one of the parking spaces and an expected departure time associated with a vehicle parked in the specific one of the parking spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Xiang Zhao, Susan M. Smyth
  • VEHICLE THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD FOR THE SAME
    Publication number: 20160347150
    Abstract: A thermal management system includes a coolant pump, high-voltage electric heater (HEH) for heating the coolant, a heater core, a blower directing air to the heater core, a cabin heater valve (CHV), sensors, and a controller. The CHV has an Engine Bypass position blocking coolant flow from the HEH into the engine, and an Engine Link position directing coolant from the HEH into the engine. In a method, the sensors measure engine outlet coolant temperature (ECT), inlet coolant temperature (ICT) to the HEH, inlet air temperature into the heater core, and outlet air temperature from the heater core. The controller calculates a target coolant temperature (TCT) value as a function of the air temperatures and mass flow rates, and controls the CHV via position control signals such that the CHV is switched between the Engine Link position and the Engine Bypass position when ICT equals the calculated TCT value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Rupesh S. Kakade, Prashant Mer, Vish S. Iyer, Michael H. Carlson
  • HEAT EXCHANGER WITH FLEXIBLE PORT ELEVATION AND MIXING
    Publication number: 20160348982
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for transferring heat from a fluid to a coolant includes a core, an entry tank, and an exit tank. The core has a first port in fluid communication with a second port. The fluid flows between the first and second ports. The entry end tank forms an entry port and is attached to and in fluid communication with the first port. The exit end tank forms an exit port and is attached to and in fluid communication with the second port. One of the end tanks includes a duct therein attached to and in fluid communication with the respective port and configured to control the flow of the fluid in the end tank. The duct may be configured to allow the port to be positioned at any desired elevation on the end tank and/or to improve dispersion or mixing of the fluid in the end tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hauer, Brian Johnson, Leonard A. Jones
  • ENERGY ABSORBING BRACKET
    Publication number: 20160347372
    Abstract: An absorbing bracket can be coupled to a vehicle body and can absorb energy from an external force applied to the vehicle body. In an embodiment, the energy absorbing bracket includes a bracket body at least partly made of a rigid material. The bracket body includes a deformable wall defining a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The first edge is parallel to the second edge. The bracket body defines a plurality of slots extending through the deformable wall. Each slot extends along a slot axis. Further, each slot axis is obliquely angled relative to the first edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David B. Waskie, Jason M. Miller
  • Self-diagnostic non-bussed control module
    Patent number: 9510067
    Abstract: A non-bussed control module that receives an audio code is provided. The non-bussed control module includes a tone processing module, a self-diagnostic module, and a reporting module. The tone processing module receives the audio code, and sends a trigger signal if the audio code is received. The self-diagnostic module performs a self-diagnostic test for the non-bussed control module if the trigger signal is received, and generates a diagnostic signal indicative of the self-diagnostic test. The reporting module receives the diagnostic signal and determines a type of fault based on the diagnostic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Scott M. Reilly, Pawel W. Sleboda, Ian R. Singer
  • System and method for measuring valve lift and for detecting a fault in a valve actuator based on the valve lift
    Patent number: 9506381
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a valve lift determination module and a fault detection module. The valve lift determination module determines valve lift based on at least one of a first period when a valve is open and N differences between a first value of a valve lift signal generated by a valve lift sensor when the valve is closed and a second value of the valve lift signal when the valve is open, wherein N is an integer greater than one. The fault detection module detects a fault in a valve actuator based on the valve lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ronald J. Kubani, Scott T. Feldmann, Donovan L. Dibble
  • Centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber
    Patent number: 9506518
    Abstract: A centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber (CPVA) absorbs vibration and transmits a torque between an output of an engine and an input of a transmission of a vehicle. The CPVA includes a plate with at least one retaining member and a first set of vibration absorbers with at least one mass supported by the at least one retaining member. The at least one mass has a predefined movement path with respect to the plate. The CPVA further includes a first torsion vibration damper assembly that connects the CPVA to a turbine of a torque converter that is selectively engaged with engine, and a second torsion vibration damper assembly that connects the CPVA to the transmission. The at least one mass absorbs a vibration of a harmonic order generated by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Randy L. Melanson
  • Fender panel of car
    Patent number: D773361
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Tae Ho Kim