Patents Assigned to GM
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO REDUCE AIR POCKET FORMATION DURING WELDING
    Publication number: 20160167288
    Abstract: The present technology discloses a system, for joining workpieces using energy, such as ultrasonic energy, where the energy concentrates at a location within a weld area, promoting sequential melting of a plurality of energy directors. The system can be configured so that the sequential melting begins at the center of the weld area and progresses outwards. Sequential melting may occur through use of a welding tip configured to reduce air pockets, a tapering the height of a plurality of energy directors, and/or tapering the energy directors themselves, all of which reduce the size of an energy transfer area produced by thermal energy. The present technology also includes a method for joining workpieces using energy such as ultrasonic energy that concentrates at a location within a weld area causing sequential melting of a plurality of energy directors using the aforementioned features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: WILLIAM A. RODGERS, HAMID G. KIA
  • Method and apparatus for vehicle creep interruption
    Patent number: 9365208
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle employing a powertrain system and a braking system coupled to vehicle wheels includes interrupting vehicle creep operation upon detect absence of a qualified operator in a driver's seat when the vehicle is in a propulsion state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ronald O. Grover, Jr., Tang-Wei Kuo
  • Systems and methods for odometer monitoring
    Patent number: 9367967
    Abstract: Systems and methods for odometer monitoring are disclosed herein. One example method includes storing an odometer value and a vehicle position in response to an initial triggering event, and determining a second odometer value and a second vehicle position in response to a subsequent triggering event. The odometer value is compared with the second odometer value to detect any odometer value change from the initial triggering event to the subsequent triggering event. The vehicle position is compared with the second vehicle position to detect any vehicle position change from the initial triggering event to the subsequent triggering event. From the comparisons, it is determined whether odometer tampering has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, General Motors LLC
    Inventors: William A. Biondo, George Baker
  • Horizontal high speed stacking for batteries with prismatic cans
    Patent number: 9368827
    Abstract: A system and method for stacking battery cells or related assembled components. Generally planar, rectangular (prismatic-shaped) battery cells are moved from an as-received generally vertical stacking orientation to a generally horizontal stacking orientation without the need for robotic pick-and-place equipment. The system includes numerous conveyor belts that work in cooperation with one another to deliver, rotate and stack the cells or their affiliated assemblies. The belts are outfitted with components to facilitate the cell transport and rotation. The coordinated movement between the belts and the components promote the orderly transport and rotation of the cells from a substantially vertical stacking orientation into a substantially horizontal stacking orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew L. Bartos, Yhu-Tin Lin, Raymond D. Turner, III
  • High voltage protection system
    Patent number: 9365118
    Abstract: An electronics housing for a high voltage system of a vehicle defines an interior region, and includes a connection header wall having a window. An optical proximity sensor is disposed within the interior region of the electronics housing, adjacent the window. A cover is removably attached to the electronics housing adjacent an exterior surface of the connection header wall. The cover is disposed over the window. The optical proximity sensor is operable to sense the presence of the cover through the window when the cover is attached to the electronics housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William C Deneszczuk, Brian L. Spohn
  • Hood pop and hang spiral spring counterbalance mechanism
    Patent number: 9366068
    Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism includes a first attachment strap that is fixedly attached to a body structure. An intermediate link is rotatably attached to the first attachment strap and rotatable about a winding axis relative to the first attachment strap. A first end of a second attachment strap is rotatably attached to a moveable panel. A second end of the second attachment strap is rotatably attached to the intermediate link, with the second attachment strap and the intermediate link rotatable relative to each other about a link axis. A spiral spring interconnects the first attachment strap and the intermediate link. The spiral spring biases the intermediate link about the winding axis to rotate the intermediate link and the second attachment strap relative to each other about the link axis, in a scissor-like motion, to rotate the panel relative to the body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gary W. Krajenke
  • Plastic component carrier for front mounting of a motor vehicle body
    Patent number: 9365243
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a front mounting of a motor vehicle body, having a lock cross member extending in the transverse vehicle direction (y), which is connected to a left and a right side member, each of which extends in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle (x), and having an elongated plastic component carrier constructed as a single part, and which is directly or indirectly connected or fastened by a left and a right fastening section to the side members, and which further comprises an elongated connecting section positioned between the fastening sections and constructed integrally therewith, which connection section is located ahead of the lock cross member with reference to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Udo Mildner, Lothar Teske
  • Onboard power line conditioning system for an electric or hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 9365122
    Abstract: A power line quality conditioning system for a vehicle includes an onboard rechargeable direct current (DC) energy storage system and an onboard electrical system coupled to the energy storage system. The energy storage system provides DC energy to drive an electric traction motor of the vehicle. The electrical system operates in a charging mode such that alternating current (AC) energy from a power grid external to the vehicle is converted to DC energy to charge the DC energy storage system. The electrical system also operates in a vehicle-to-grid power conditioning mode such that DC energy from the DC energy storage system is converted to AC energy to condition an AC voltage of the power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Lateef A. Kajouke, Milun Perisic
  • Manual transmission launch control
    Patent number: 9365197
    Abstract: A launch control system and method for vehicles equipped with manual transmissions includes a throttle position sensor, a clutch position sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a system activation switch and a control which receives data from the sensors and controls braking of the non-driven wheels. The control module contains a control algorithm which interrogates the system activation switch, interrogates the clutch position sensor, determines the vehicle speed, interrogates the throttle position sensor and under certain conditions applies the brakes to the non-driving wheels through the vehicle ABS system when the throttle is depressed beyond a predetermined threshold and until the clutch is released beyond a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas A. Ward
  • Method for determining an estimated amount of soot accumulated in a particulate filter of an exhaust gas after-treatment system
    Patent number: 9366171
    Abstract: A method for estimating the amount of soot accumulated in a particulate filter of a vehicle exhaust gas system is provided. The system may include an engine, an exhaust gas system, having a particulate filter, and a controller configured to execute the present method. The controller may be configured to evaluate an instantaneous volumetric flow rate of an exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas system; monitor an exhaust gas pressure drop across the particulate filter; determine a drive state of the vehicle based on the instantaneous volumetric flow rate of exhaust gas and the exhaust gas pressure drop; and execute one of a first control action when the drive state is a steady-state drive state and a second control action when the drive state is a transient-state drive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jianwen Li, Rahul Mital
  • Shutdown strategy to avoid carbon corrosion due to slow hydrogen/air intrusion rates
    Patent number: 9368816
    Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells, each of the fuel cells including an electrolyte membrane disposed between an anode and a cathode, an anode supply manifold in fluid communication with the anodes of the fuel cells, the anode supply manifold providing fluid communication between a source of hydrogen and the anodes, an anode exhaust manifold in fluid communication with the anodes of the fuel cells, and a fan in fluid communication with the anodes of the fuel cells, wherein the fan controls a flow of fluid through the anodes of the fuel cells after the fuel cell system is shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Greszler, Gary M. Robb, John P. Salvador, Balasubramanian Lakshmanan, Hubert Gasteiger
  • Reduced powertrain vibration mounting system
    Patent number: 9365100
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cradle having a structure substantially aligned along a horizontal plane, and a tower extending vertically upward from the structure. A powertrain is supported by the cradle, and includes an elastic axis, and a torque axis. An engine mounting system interconnects the powertrain and the cradle. The engine mounting system includes an engine mount that is attached to the tower, and a mounting bracket attached to the powertrain and the engine mount. An elastic center of the tower is laterally offset from the torque axis, and is vertically offset from the torque axis to position the engine mounting system, such that the elastic axis of the powertrain is substantially aligned with the torque axis of the powertrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Todd H. Smith, John K. Hicks, Michael A. Bride, Kathy L. Amerman
  • Particulate filter device monitoring system for an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 9366172
    Abstract: A particulate filter device monitoring system for an internal combustion engine includes a particulate accumulation register configured to store an amount of particulate in a particulate filter. The particulate accumulation register includes a particulate accumulation trigger zone having a power limiting mode trigger. A power limiting mode trigger module is configured to limit output power of the internal combustion engine when the amount of particulate accumulation reaches the power limiting mode trigger. A particulate accumulation model module includes a particulate accumulation model configured to calculate changes in particulate accumulation in the particulate accumulation register at a first sampling rate when particulate accumulation is outside the particulate accumulation trigger zone, and at a second sampling rate when particulate accumulation is within the particulate accumulation trigger zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Whitt, Douglas Christopher Sarsen, Christopher C. Swoish
  • Engine sound enhancement based on vehicle selected mode
    Patent number: 9365158
    Abstract: A control system is provided for a vehicle having an engine which transitions between an activated mode and a deactivated mode. The control system includes a vehicle bus transmitting a signal indicating a vehicle selected mode and if the engine is operating in one of the activated mode and the deactivated mode. The control system also includes an engine sound enhancement (“ESE”) module configured to receive the signal. The ESE module is configured to select at least one ESE tone and a set of ancillary tones associated with one or more of the deactivated mode, the activated mode, and an activation transition. The ESE module selects a specific type of ancillary tones based on the vehicle selected mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignees: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION LLC, BOSE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Roger C. Barlow, Jr., Scott M. Reilly, Dennis Klug, Frank C. Valeri
  • Method and apparatus for active suspension damping including negative stiffness
    Patent number: 9365089
    Abstract: A suspension assembly between a sprung element and an unsprung element includes an active suspension system having a controllable load-carrying spring element arranged with a negative stiffness element between the sprung element and the unsprung element. The negative stiffness element has a negative stiffness constant that opposes a positive spring rate of the active suspension system to achieve a zero total spring stiffness of the suspension assembly under static conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Avshalom Suissa
  • Method and system for controlling a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 9365212
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric machine includes the following steps: (a) sending data indicative of a current location of the hybrid vehicle to a command center after the hybrid vehicle experiences the loss of propulsion; (b) sending data indicative of a desired destination to the command center; (c) receiving a remedial action command from the command center, wherein the remedial action command is based, at least in part, on vehicle operating parameters, the current location of the hybrid vehicle, and the desired destination; and (d) commanding the hybrid vehicle to perform a remedial action corresponding to the remedial action command, wherein the remedial action allows the hybrid vehicle to travel from the current location to a predetermined location after the hybrid vehicle has experienced the loss of propulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Keith D. Buford
  • Cooperative vision-range sensors shade removal and illumination field correction
    Patent number: 9367759
    Abstract: A method of creating a shadow-reduced image from a captured image. An image of a scene exterior of a vehicle is captured by a vehicle-based image capture device. A first object profile of an object in the captured image is identified by a processor. A second object profile of the object is detected using a non-vision object detection device. Shadows in the captured image are removed by the processor as a function of the first object profile and the second object profile. A shadow reduced image is utilized in a vehicle-based application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPEARATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Inna Stainvas Olshansky, Igal Bilik, Dan Levi
  • Systems and methods for self-closing electrical connector
    Patent number: 9368911
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an electrical connector. In one embodiment, an electrical connector system is provided. The electrical connector system includes a first electrical connector portion and a second electrical connector portion defining a cavity to receive the first electrical connector portion. The electrical connector system also includes a locking system coupled to the first electrical connector portion. The locking system includes a biasing member and at least one locking arm. The biasing member is coupled to the at least one locking arm and the biasing member is movable from a first position to a second position. A force required to move the biasing member from the first position to the second position diminishes as the biasing member moves from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott P. Charnesky, Khanh V. Hoang, Jeffrey L. Konchan
  • Method and apparatus for torque arbitration and shaping in a multi-mode powertrain system
    Patent number: 9365204
    Abstract: A method for operating a multi-mode powertrain system includes monitoring an operator request for tractive power, and arbitrating the operator request for tractive power with axle torque constraints and crankshaft torque constraints. An immediate tractive torque request and a predicted tractive torque request are determined based upon the arbitrated operator request for tractive power. The predicted tractive torque request is shaped based upon driveability torque constraints. Operation of torque-generative devices of the multi-mode powertrain system are controlled based upon the predicted tractive torque request and the driveability-shaped predicted tractive torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Anthony H. Heap
  • Real time retention check tool
    Patent number: 9366554
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a method that may include providing a first part that may include a snap ring, a second part, and a retention check tool that may include an accelerometer. The method may further include assembling the first part and the second part such that the snap ring abuts the second part thereby producing vibration. The method may further include detecting the vibration of the snap ring and generating a corresponding first signal representing the vibration of the snap ring. The method may further include measuring a difference between the first signal and a predetermined baseline signal via the controller to determine a pass or fail status of the first signal. The method may further include generating a second signal representing the pass or fail status of the first signal and indicating the pass or fail status of the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Paul D. Hindson