Patents Assigned to GM
  • Component with inlay for damping vibrations
    Patent number: 9500242
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes an automotive brake component, such as a brake drum or a brake rotor, and an inlay coupled to the automotive brake component. The inlay constituting at least a portion of a braking surface that is acted upon during a braking event. The inlay damping vibrations in the automotive brake component when the component is vibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Patrick J. Monsere, Mark T. Riefe, David B. Antanaitis, Brent D. Lowe, Mohan Sundar
  • Methods and apparatus for utilizing vehicle system integrated remote wireless image capture
    Patent number: 9503694
    Abstract: A method for using an integrated wireless image capture system on a vehicle and a tow object is provided. The method connects to an image capture device over a vehicle-based wireless network, wherein the image capture device is positioned on the tow object; configures operational parameters for the image capture device; and receives, at a computer system onboard the vehicle, image data from the image capture device, wherein the image data is captured by the image capture device in accordance with the configured operational parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Joel S. Hooton
  • Method and system for controlling a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 9499157
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle includes the following: (a) receiving route data for a trip route; (b) determining a drive profile for the trip route based on the route data and vehicle information; (c) determining an energy deficit distribution based on an adjusted tractive power distribution defined by the drive profile compared with a generator power of the vehicle; (d) determining a minimum energy requirement energy deficit distribution; (e) determining a state of charge (SOC) threshold based on the minimum energy requirement; and (f) commanding the powertrain to operate in a charging mode when the SOC threshold is greater than the SOC of an energy storage device of the vehicle. The charging mode may be one of a condensed charging mode, a standard charging mode, and a prolonged charging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brett T. Muller, Travis James Trippel
  • Grommet seal, center diversion shaft and methods of making and using the same
    Patent number: 9500116
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a drain grommet including a primary and secondary seal and a diversion shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Foos, Harry E. Eustice, Joseph A. MacDonald
  • Method and apparatus for isolating a fault-active controller in a controller area network
    Patent number: 9499174
    Abstract: A method for monitoring communications among a plurality of controllers signally linked to a communication bus of a controller area network includes monitoring bus communications including determining bus error counts for a plurality of execution cycles. When a bus error count associated with message transmission from one of the controllers exceeds a predetermined threshold, the one of the controllers is prohibited from communicating on the communications bus for a predetermined period of time and is included in a subset of candidate fault-active controllers. Any of the plurality of controllers included within the subset of candidate fault-active controllers that successfully transmits a message is removed from the subset of candidate fault-active controllers. A fault-active controller is isolated based upon the subset of candidate fault-active controllers and the bus error counts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Shengbing Jiang
  • Method for automatic quantification of dendrite arm spacing in dendritic microstructures
    Patent number: 9500594
    Abstract: A method to automatically quantify dendrite arm spacing in dendritic microstructures. Once a location of interest in a cast material specimen has been identified, the information contained in it is automatically analyzed to quantify dendrite cell size information that is subsequently converted into a quantified dendrite arm spacing through an empirical relationship or a theoretical relationship. In one form, the relationship between DCS and DAS is such that the DAS in dendritic structure of cast aluminum alloys may be automatically determined from the measurement of one or more of dendrite cell size and the actual volume fraction of the eutectic phases in the local casting microstructure. Non-equilibrium conditions may be accounted for in situations where a theoretical volume fraction of a eutectic phase of the alloy in equilibrium condition is appropriately modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Qigui Wang, James W. Knight, Devin R. Hess
  • Axle carrier housing with structural features
    Patent number: 9500272
    Abstract: An axle carrier housing includes a center housing defining an internal chamber, a pinion nose extending from the center housing to a housing front end, the pinion nose defining a pinion chamber configured to house a pinion shaft assembly, the housing front end defining a shaft opening having a central axis, and a first axle tube extending from the center housing to a housing first side defining a first axle tube opening having a first axle axis that is generally perpendicular to the central axis. A second axle tube extends from the center housing to a housing second side that is opposite the housing first side, the second axle tube defining a second axle tube opening having a second axle axis that is concentric with the first axle axis. First and second transverse webs extend angularly from the pinion nose and the center housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Fawaz Elzib, Muftau M. Alabi, David S. Schulz, Jinsha Li
  • GRINDER ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20160332281
    Abstract: A grinder assembly includes a spindle selectively rotatable about a central axis. The grinder assembly also includes a grinding wheel attachable to and detachable from the spindle. The grinding wheel is rotatable about the central axis when attached to the spindle. The grinder assembly further includes an adaptor cooperating with the spindle and the grinding wheel to provide a quick attachment and detachment of the grinding wheel with the spindle. The adaptor includes a plurality of first teeth extending outwardly relative to the spindle and a plurality of second teeth extending outwardly relative to the grinding wheel. The first and second teeth cooperate with each other to selectively attach the grinding wheel to the spindle and prevent independent rotation of the grinding wheel relative to the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jae Min Lee, John S. Agapiou, James A. Bucan
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A CAM-DRIVEN PUMP
    Publication number: 20160333799
    Abstract: A method for automatically operating a cam-driven pump is disclosed. The pump is monitored to determine whether a specified detachment condition or potential detachment of an actuator of the pump from a driving cam is occurring. The pump is operated in a minimal pressure holding mode to provide a minimal pressure within a working chamber of the pump so as to bias the actuator towards the cam if it is determined that the detachment condition is occurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Massimiliano MELIS, Francesco Concetto PESCE, Stefano NIEDDU, Andrea MOLLAR
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRIFIED POWERTRAIN SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20160332534
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain system includes deactivating a motor disconnect clutch during vehicle operation. Motor speed is decreased to a first inactive speed threshold and an inverter circuit is controlled to an inactive state while monitoring the motor speed. The inverter circuit is deactivated, and when the motor speed decreases to a second inactive speed threshold, the inverter circuit is pulse-activated to operate the electric machine to increase motor speed to the first inactive speed threshold, and then deactivated. The inverter circuit is activated to increase the motor speed to synchronize with speed of the driveline prior to activating the motor disconnect clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Min-Joong Kim, Yo Chan Son, Norman K. Bucknor, R. Travis Schwenke
  • COOLING SYSTEM WITH A COOLANT PUMP FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
    Publication number: 20160333768
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a cooling system with a coolant pump for an internal combustion engine. The coolant pump is operated for a preset period of time after a starting of the internal combustion engine. The cooling system is switched over into a first warming-up operating mode, in which the coolant pump is not operated, in the case that a first warming-up condition is fulfilled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael SELINGER, Mario REICHENBACH, Torsten MUELLER, Michael BRINKER
  • HYBRID TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20160333997
    Abstract: A transmission for transferring mechanical power between an input member and an output member is described, and includes a first synchronous electric machine including a first stator, a first distal rotor and a first proximal rotor and a second synchronous electric machine including a second stator, a second distal rotor and a second proximal rotor. The input member rotatably couples to the first distal rotor and to the second proximal rotor and the output member rotatably couples to the second distal rotor and to the first proximal rotor. Mechanical power is transferrable between the input member and the output member without torque being applied by the first stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Norman K. Bucknor
  • METHOD OF OPERATING AN AFTERTREATMENT DEVICE IN AN AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160333759
    Abstract: A method of operating an aftertreatment device in an automotive system. The aftertreatment device includes a catalytic element suitable to be crossed by an exhaust gas flow. A selected portion of the catalytic element is warmed-up earlier than the rest of the catalytic element to a temperature higher than or equal to an activation temperature value for activating an exothermic reaction in the exhaust gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Davide DI NUNNO
  • COOLING SYSTEM WITH A COOLANT PUMP FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
    Publication number: 20160333769
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a cooling system with a heater and a coolant pump for an internal combustion engine. The cooling system is switched into a predetermined operating mode as a function of a heater request and a temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mario REICHENBACH, Torsten MUELLER, Michael BRINKER
  • System and method for predicting parameters associated with airflow through an engine
    Patent number: 9494092
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an engine air sensor, an engine air prediction module, and an engine actuator module. The engine air sensor measures an engine air parameter at a first rate. The engine air parameter includes at least one of a mass flow rate of air flowing into an intake manifold of an engine, a pressure within the intake manifold, and a mass of air within a cylinder of the engine. The engine air prediction module predicts the engine air parameter at a second rate that is greater than the first rate. The engine actuator module controls an actuator of the engine based on at least one of the measured engine air parameter and the predicted engine air parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Zhiping Steven Liu, Gregory P. Matthews, Anthony B. Will
  • Method and apparatus for controlling a control variable of a powertrain system
    Patent number: 9493168
    Abstract: A powertrain system is described, including a method for controlling a control variable for an element thereof. The method includes determining an initial state transition threshold and an associated hysteresis band for an operating parameter related to the control variable. The hysteresis band is decayed based upon operation in a present state of the control variable for powertrain element, and a preferred control variable for the powertrain element is selected based upon a comparison of the operating parameter and the initial state transition threshold accounting for the decayed hysteresis band for the operating parameter. The element of the powertrain system is controlled to the preferred state for the control variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kee Yong Kim, Anthony H. Heap, Jeremy Wise
  • Method and apparatus to determine rotational position of a phaser in a variable phasing system
    Patent number: 9494488
    Abstract: A method to determine a rotational position of a phaser for variable phasing system including a low-resolution rotational position sensing system includes estimating a rotational position of the phaser based upon a time interval between occurrence of a measured position of the phaser and a present periodic timepoint, a commanded position of the phaser, said measured position of the phaser, and a time constant of the variable phasing system when the occurrence of the measured position of the phaser is subsequent to a preceding periodic timepoint occurring at a set time interval prior to the present periodic timepoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shifang Li, Jyh-Shin Chen
  • Alert systems and methods for a vehicle
    Patent number: 9493116
    Abstract: A method of alerting a driver of a vehicle is provided. The method includes: receiving alert settings configured by a user through a user interface; and selectively generating an alert pattern for at least one of a haptic alert device, an auditory alert device, and a visual alert device based on the alert settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Raymond J. Kiefer, Charles A. Green, Donald K. Grimm
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 9494217
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear set assemblies, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear set assemblies include first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: James M. Hart
  • Vehicle front fascia
    Patent number: D771532
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Vladimir Kapitonov