Patents Assigned to GM
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Publication number: 20160144792Abstract: A seat assembly includes a support and a seat cushion defining a recess. The seat cushion is disposed on the support. The seat assembly further includes a cushion insert removably disposed in the recess and a fastener assembly removably coupling the cushion insert to the support such that the cushion insert is removable from the recess.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2015Publication date: May 26, 2016Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Tushar Rajaram Gawade, Babu Govardhan V
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Publication number: 20160144895Abstract: A vehicle parking assistant system which detects and displays a true distance of an object from the vehicle is disclosed. The system includes several vertically stacked LEDs integrated in a window pane of the vehicle. At least one sensor detects the distance between the motor vehicle and an object at a distance from the motor vehicle. A control unit is connected to the sensor and the LEDs. Each of the LEDs has a threshold value of the distance of the object assigned to it, and the control unit is configured to hold each of the LEDs in an inactive state While the distance exceeds the associated threshold value, and to activate the LEDs when the distance drops below the associated threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2015Publication date: May 26, 2016Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Lena RITTGER, Gerald SCHMIDT
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Publication number: 20160145731Abstract: Methods for press hardening galvanized, pre-treated, optionally non-annealed steel alloys are provided. The press-hardened steel alloy may have an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least about 1,000 MPa and is substantially free of liquid metal embrittlement (LME). The press-hardened steel alloy may be further quenched to below room temperature. The press-hardened steel may have a multi-phase microstructure of ferrite at greater than or equal to about 1% to less than or equal to about 60% by volume and a combined volume percentage of martensite, retained austenite, and other transformation products at greater than or equal to about 40% to less than or equal to about 99%.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2015Publication date: May 26, 2016Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Anil K. SACHDEV, Tyson W. BROWN
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Patent number: 9347502Abstract: A transmission comprising housing and an axially compliant hub having a central plate with an axial opening and an outer circumference. The central plate is attached to the attached to the circumference with at least one strap spring. A method of managing axial stack up in a transmission is also disclosed where the transmission has a plurality of planetary gear sets aligned in series and at least one torque transmitting device. The planetary gear has gear members. The method includes providing a an axially compliant hub having a central plate with an axial opening and an outer circumference, wherein the central plate is attached to the attached to the circumference with at least one strap spring and wherein the outer circumference is connected to the torque transmitting device and wherein the central plate is connected to a gear member of a planetary gear set.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: John A. Diemer, Victor M. Roses, Addison T. Solak
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Patent number: 9347525Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality of forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Edward W. Mellet, James B. Borgerson, James M. Hart
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Patent number: 9347549Abstract: A shifting assembly for a vehicular transmission includes a shift rail having a yoke coupled thereto. A lever may be provided having portions forming an L-shaped slot. The yoke may engage the lever through the slot. The shift rail may be configured to shift the transmission into a forward gear ratio and a reverse gear ratio. The shift rail may be configured to translate along a primary axis in a first direction and in an opposite second direction. A shift fork may be coupled to the shift rail, which is configured to cause the transmission to shift into a forward gear ratio when the shift rail is translated in the first direction to a forward gear engagement position. The yoke may be configured to cause the transmission to shift into a reverse gear ratio when the shift rail is translated in the second direction to a reverse gear engagement position.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventor: Ganesha Neelappa
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Patent number: 9346066Abstract: A method of making a non-woven polymer fiber mat that includes one or more polymer fibers and particles intermingled with the one or more polymer fibers is disclosed. The method, more specifically, includes simultaneously electrospinning the one or more polymer fibers and spraying the particles onto a collection face of a collector substrate. Once formed, the non-woven polymer fiber mat may be incorporated into an electrochemical battery cell of a lithium ion battery.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Xiaosong Huang
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Patent number: 9347560Abstract: A pressure vessel is disclosed, the pressure vessel having an outer shell, an inner shell, and a temperature regulating device, the temperature regulating device adapted to regulate the temperature of a fluid stored in the inner shell during operation of the pressure vessel and to minimize curing time during manufacture of the pressure vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Markus Lindner, Ludger Strack
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Patent number: 9347415Abstract: A starter relay connects a battery with a starter motor of an engine when in a closed state and disconnects the starter motor from the battery when in an open state. A switching device provides current to the starter relay when in a closed state and disables current flow to the starter relay when in an open state. For an engine startup event, a switch control module: transitions the switching device to the closed state for a first predetermined period; transitions the switching device to the open state for a second predetermined period after the first predetermined period; and transitions the switching device to the closed state for a third period after the second predetermined period. The starter relay remains in the open state during the first predetermined period and transitions to the closed state when the switching device is in the closed state for the third period.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Timothy P. Philippart, Shawn L. Boozer, Scott J. Chynoweth, Detlev Schafer
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Patent number: 9347541Abstract: A power transfer unit assembly for transferring torque from a differential carrier to a propeller shaft includes an input shaft configured to be rotatably driven by the transmission differential carrier about a first axis of rotation of the differential carrier. A first bevel gear is engaged with a second bevel gear. The first bevel gear is annular and concentrically surrounds the input shaft. The second bevel gear is configured to rotatably drive the propeller shaft about a second axis of rotation of the propeller shaft that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The power transfer unit assembly has a compound planetary gear set concentric with the first axis of rotation. The compound planetary gear set is configured to transfer torque from the input shaft to the first bevel gear at a reduction ratio. Modular power transfer unit assemblies having common components are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Craig R. Brooks
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Patent number: 9347545Abstract: A vent cap for a transmission is provided. The vent cap includes an insertion part for attaching the vent cap to the transmission. The insertion part has portions forming a first channel through the insertion part. The vent cap also has a vent part for attaching the vent cap to a hose. The vent part is attached to the insertion part. The vent part may have a vent base and a hose attachment portion extending from the vent base, wherein the hose attachment portion defines a second channel therethrough. The second channel is in communication with the first channel. The second channel may be orientated substantially perpendicular to the first channel. The insertion part may have at least one insertion attachment feature that mates with at least one vent attachment features of the vent part.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventor: Barry Hensel
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Patent number: 9349263Abstract: Methods and vehicles are provided for providing haptic feedback to a vehicle occupant. In one embodiment, the method includes determining at least one of interior conditions and exterior conditions of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a plurality of haptic actuators disposed in a seat. The method further includes calculating at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) pattern and an on/off compensation pattern based on the determined interior conditions and exterior conditions. The method further includes generating a signal with active periods that include at least one of the calculated patterns to command the plurality of haptic actuators to produce haptic pulses.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Raymond J. Kiefer, Mark A. Stebbins, Diane K. McQueen, Alexander N. Ballios, Charles A. Green
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Patent number: 9347372Abstract: A control module-implemented method for estimating an end of life a belt transferring torque between at least two rotating members of a belt drive system includes monitoring a plurality of belt parameters during a life cycle of the belt and determining an instantaneous damage factor of the belt based on the plurality of belt parameters. The end of life of the belt is estimated based on the instantaneous damage factor.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Brian L. Spohn, Todd M. York, Brenton J. Bergkoetter
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Patent number: 9346493Abstract: A floor structure of a motor vehicle body is disclosed as having a floor panel and a support structure arranged below the floor panel. Two cross members substantially extend in vehicle transverse direction and are spaced from one another in vehicle longitudinal direction. The end sections of the cross members facing the same vehicle side are connected to one another via a profile part, each substantially extending in vehicle longitudinal direction, which extends along a side member arrangement and supports itself on the side member arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Udo Mildner
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Patent number: 9350217Abstract: A method of forming a rotor, wherein the rotor includes a plurality of conductor bars each joined to a shorting ring, includes disposing an end of each of the plurality of conductor bars within a respective one of a plurality of cavities defined by the shorting ring. The method also includes, after disposing, deforming the end of each of the conductor bars, and brazing the end of each of the conductor bars to the shorting ring to form the rotor. A rotor includes a shorting ring defining a plurality of cavities therein each having a shape, a plurality of conductor bars each having an end disposed within a respective one of the cavities and joined to the shorting ring, wherein the end is deformable to the shape, and a braze material disposed in contact with the end of each of the conductor bars within a respective one of the cavities.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John S. Agapiou, Thomas A. Perry, James G. Schroth
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Patent number: 9346118Abstract: A method is disclosed for using welding electrodes with a spherically-domed welding face having concentric contoured features formed into the face for better contact with workpiece surfaces. The concentric contoured features may be initially formed by rotating a cutting tool with a contoured cutting edge, the cutting edge being in engagement with the electrode face. A similar practice may be followed to re-create the weld face surface geometry if it becomes eroded or malformed during welding use. A suitable tool may have a blade-like geometry, with a mounting portion for supporting and positioning the tool in a rotating holder and a cutting edge. The cutting edge may have a contour complementary to that of the weld face and extend at least from the center of the weld face to at least the radial extent of the concentric contoured features.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David R. Sigler, Michael J. Karagoulis
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Patent number: 9346345Abstract: A vent assembly is disposed within an interior space of a vehicle for opening and closing fluid communication between the interior space and an exterior of the vehicle. The vent assembly includes a housing defining a plurality of openings and a plurality of vanes disposed in the openings. An actuator mechanism moves the vanes between an open position and a closed position, and includes a shaped memory alloy (SMA) member for actuating the vanes between the open and closed positions. The SMA member is activated when a hatch of the vehicle is opened to move the vanes into the open position and thereby open fluid communication between the interior space and the exterior to alleviate excessive air pressure buildup during closure of the hatch.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Paul W. Alexander, Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Mark A. Voss, Derek L. Patterson, Lei Hao, Chandra S. Namuduri, James Holbrook Brown, Aragorn Zolno, John N. Owens, Alexander Millerman, Kevin B. Rober, Suresh Gopalakrishnan, Sanjeev M. Naik
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Patent number: 9348793Abstract: A vehicle having a system is provided. The system has at least one operating output. The system includes an occupant module and a vehicle system module. The occupant module receives at least one occupant signal indicative of occupants currently located within the vehicle, and determines a current number and location of occupants in the vehicle based on the occupant signal. The vehicle system module receives as input the current number of occupants located in the vehicle. The vehicle system module is configured for determining whether the current number of occupants located in the vehicle is less than a total number of occupants the vehicle is configured to seat. The vehicles system module is configured for adjusting the at least one operating output of the system if the current number of occupants located in the vehicle is less than the total number of occupants the vehicle is configured to seat.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ian R. Singer, Frank C. Valeri
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Patent number: 9347381Abstract: An engine control method includes: generating a first predicted engine output torque and a first predicted mass of air per cylinder (APC) based on a model of the spark ignition engine and a first set of possible target values determined based on an engine torque request; generating a second predicted engine output torque and a second predicted mass of APC based on the model of the spark ignition engine and a second set of possible target values determined based on the engine torque request; determining a first cost for the first set of possible target values; determining a second cost for the second set of possible target values; selecting one of the first and second sets based on the first and second costs; and setting target values based on the possible target values of the selected one of the first and second sets.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ruixing Long, Gary Robert Cygan, Jr., Julian R. Verdejo, Christopher E. Whitney, Ning Jin, Alberto Bemporad, Daniele Bernardini
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Patent number: 9347530Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventor: James M. Hart
