Patents Assigned to GM
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Patent number: 9452776Abstract: A method for characterizing steering gear reversal clunk noise in a steering system having a rack and a pinion gear, and electric power steering assist via a steering assist motor, includes transmitting a steering input angle control signal to a rotary actuator to rotate a steering shaft to a fixed steering angle with assist active. A linear actuator applies an axial force at a constant rate along a longitudinal axis of the rack. Axial rack acceleration is measured after imparting the axial force. A control action is executed when peak amplitude of the axial acceleration value exceeds a calibrated threshold axial acceleration value indicative of the clunk noise. A system includes the rotary actuator and steering system, a linear actuator for providing a calibrated axial apply force along the rack axis, an accelerometer for measuring an axial acceleration value of the rack, and the controller noted above.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ian Y. Hwa, William K. Adams
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Patent number: 9453435Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block defining a cylinder, a cylinder head, an intake valve, an exhaust valve, and a variable exhaust valve timing mechanism. The engine also includes a turbocharging system configured to pressurize ambient airflow for delivery to the cylinder. The turbocharging system includes a low-flow turbocharger, a high-flow turbocharger, and a flow control device for selectively directing post-combustion gas to the low-flow and high-flow turbochargers. A controller directs the post-combustion gas to the low-flow turbocharger and selects a first predetermined exhaust valve timing when the engine operates below a predetermined speed and above a predetermined load. Alternatively, the controller directs the post-combustion gas to the high-flow turbocharger and selects a second predetermined exhaust valve timing at or above the predetermined engine speed.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Ko-Jen Wu
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Patent number: 9452783Abstract: A structure that creates a compressive mechanical lock during an external force includes a beam, an offset bulkhead, and a compressive member. The beam has a hollow cross section, an axis, and a wall. The bulkhead is disposed within the hollow cross section and attached to the wall. The member has an axis and an end attached to one of the bulkhead and the beam wall. The member axis and the beam axis intersect with each other in a plan view to form an obtuse angle. The bulkhead is offset from the intersection in an offset direction, parallel to the beam axis and toward the opening of the obtuse angle. The external force causes the member end to deform the beam wall so as to create a pocket or compressive mechanical lock in the beam wall that mechanically locks the member end from moving in the offset direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert N. Saje, Michael E. Quigley, John C. Johnson
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Patent number: 9452659Abstract: A system and method for controlling a combined heating and cooling vapor compression system are provided. The apparatus may be a vehicle and may include a cabin, a vehicle battery, a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS), and a vapor-compression system, having at least one controller, operable in a variety of modes selectable to facilitate cooling, heating, and dehumidification of the vehicle cabin. The method may include steps to adjust evaporator air temperature to control comfort, fogging and smell in the cabin by adjusting the compressor speed; regulate heat pump performance by adjusting the output of an electric heater and adjusting the flow of coolant through the RESS chiller; and evaluating and optimizing the discharge pressure and suction pressure of the compressor by adjusting the compressor speed and adjusting the coolant flow through the RESS chiller.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2012Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Bryan M. Styles, Mark D. Nemesh
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Patent number: 9453472Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an error count module and a sensor diagnostic module. The error count module increases an error count when an actual air/fuel ratio generated by an oxygen sensor monitoring an exhaust system of an engine is different than a desired air/fuel ratio. The error count module selectively adjusts a rate at which the error count is increased based on an ambient temperature. The sensor diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in the oxygen sensor when the error count is greater than a first predetermined count.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Stephen Paul Levijoki, Scott Jeffrey
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Patent number: 9453558Abstract: A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output transfer gear, first and second transmission input shaft members, first and second countershaft members, first and second sleeve shafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Craig S. Ross
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Patent number: 9453542Abstract: Improvements in one way clutches include a first embodiment directed to a one way clutch having two sets of helical teeth arranged about the axis of rotation of a drive and driven member that translate axially into and out of engagement. The one way clutch is biased into engagement by a wave washer or similar device. As the speed of rotation of the clutch increases, hydraulic fluid which is directed axially against the drive member by a dam urges the drive member away from the driven member and opens the clutch. In a second embodiment, a pair of one way clutches having oppositely arranged sets of helical teeth selectively provide one way or overrunning operation in both directions. In this embodiment, each of the drive members may be selectively engaged with the driven member by a hydraulic piston. Respective return springs bias the pistons and drive members toward disengaged positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventor: Robert Alan Dziurda
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Patent number: 9453737Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for localizing a vehicle. A sensor is configured to detect an object disposed in a generally upward direction from the vehicle while the vehicle is travelling. A processor is coupled to the sensor. The processor is configured to correlate the object with information from a map database, thereby generating a correlation, and determine a geographic location of the vehicle based on the correlation.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: James N. Nickolaou, Daniel Gandhi, Dmitriy Feldman
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Patent number: 9453941Abstract: A method of determining a surface condition of a road of travel. A light beam directed at a surface in the road of travel is transmitted utilizing a lidar system. A response is analyzed at a photodetector of the lidar system after transmitting the light beam. A determination is made whether a form of precipitation is present on the road of travel in response to analyzing the response at the photodetector. A precipitation indicating signal is generated in response to the determination that the ground surface includes a form of precipitation on the road of travel.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Inna Stainvas Olshansky, Yosi Buda, Ariel Lipson
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Patent number: 9453450Abstract: A method of estimating a mass flow rate of nitrogen oxides in exhaust gas includes sensing a mass flow rate of a flow of exhaust gas from the engine. A nitrogen oxides base concentration for when the engine is operating at a reference state is defined, and a nitrogen oxides ratio for a current operating state of the internal combustion engine is calculated. The mass flow rate of the flow of exhaust gas, the nitrogen oxides base concentration, and the nitrogen oxides ratio for the current operating state of the engine are multiplied together to define an estimated value of the current mass flow rate of nitrogen oxides in the flow of exhaust gas from the engine. The estimated value of the mass flow rate of nitrogen oxides may be compared to the output from a nitrogen oxides sensor to determine proper functionality of the nitrogen oxides sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Min Sun, Igor Anilovich, Nagini Devarakonda, Pablo Hernandez Garcia
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Patent number: 9454952Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling noise in a compartment. The audio system includes an error microphone configured to receive sounds and generate an error signal corresponding to the received sounds. A processor in communication with the error microphone is configured receive the error signal from the error microphone and generate a noise-canceling signal based at least in part on the error signal and an acoustic transfer function. The audio system also includes a loudspeaker in communication with the processor to receive the noise-canceling signal and produce a noise-canceling sound wave based on the noise-canceling signal. The processor is also configured to receive at least one audio signal different from the error signal and to modify the acoustic transfer function utilizing the at least one audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Eli Tzirkel-Hancock, Scott M. Reilly
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Patent number: 9451798Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for configuring a passive-assist glove comprising measuring, in a first measuring operation, force associated with receiving an object into a stress zone at a palmar surface of the hand, the stress zone; measuring, in a second measuring operation, force associated with receiving an object into a dexterity zone at a palmar surface of the hand, the dexterity zone; providing a plurality of palm sections for the glove; and arranging the plurality of palm sections being in the glove based on results of the measuring operation and to allow manipulation of the palm and the at least one of the multiple fingers to receive the object during use of the glove.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Diana Marie Wegner, Robert Rolland Fox
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Patent number: 9452715Abstract: In one aspect, a coupling system is provided. The coupling system includes a first component comprising a body, a second component comprising an inner wall defining at least one receiving aperture, wherein a notch is formed in the inner wall, and at least one tab extending outwardly from the body. The at least one tab is biased in a direction away from the body, and a retention feature is formed on the at least one tab and configured to interferingly engage the notch. When the at least one tab is inserted into a corresponding receiving aperture of the at least one receiving aperture, the at least one tab is biased against the inner wall and the retention feature interferingly engages the notch to facilitate coupling the first component to the second component in a desired orientation.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Rodolfo De La Mora Ramirez, Alberto Soto Pineda
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Patent number: 9452722Abstract: A vehicle includes a movable panel having an electronic device; a power source; a data source; and a connector configured to selectively couple the movable panel to the vehicle. The connector is configured to be electrically coupled to the power source and the data source, and is further configured to inductively couple the electronic device of the movable panel to the power source and the data source.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Norman J. Weigert, Chris J. T. Wisniewski, Paul R. Dynes, Tanner E. Goeson, Thomas D. Hagen
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Patent number: 9455435Abstract: Apparatus are provided for receiving power from an external source. The apparatus includes a first electrical contact exposed to an exterior power source, a second electrical contact hardwired to an electrical bus, a separation device in physical contact with both the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact and conditionally insulating the first contact from the second contact and an electrical circuit configured to detect a voltage of the exterior power source and to physically modify the separation device to electrically connect the second contact to the exterior power source when a condition is met.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2013Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Rod Niner, Robert J. Schwabel, Brian J. Ciesinski
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Patent number: D767451Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Timothy P. Kozub, John P. Mack, Evan Mai, Stuart Cooper
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Patent number: D767454Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert B. McMahan, Brendon C. Mackay, Tyler L. H. Moffett
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Patent number: D767459Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Hoon S. Kim
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Patent number: D767460Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Timothy P. Kozub, Stuart Cooper, Jonghyuk Park
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Patent number: D767461Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Timothy P. Kozub, Stuart Cooper, Jonghyuk Park
