Patents Assigned to GM
  • Superelastic shape memory alloy overloading and overheating protection mechanism
    Patent number: 9316212
    Abstract: An actuation assembly adapted for driving a load and protecting against overloading and overheating conditions, includes an actuator defining a stroke when exposed to an activation signal, and further includes a protection device comprising a superelastic shape memory alloy element connected in series to and cooperatively configured with the actuator, and operable to both produce a secondary work output path for the actuator and discontinue the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Paint, in particular for temporary road markings, containing biodegradable polymers
    Patent number: 9309418
    Abstract: The invention relates to removable temporary paint having a release agent including a non-ionic surfactant and having a pH of 3 to 6. The paint includes: 10 wt % to 50 wt % of a natural alkyd resin in an aqueous emulsion, the alkyd resin having a molar mass Mp of 3,000 g/mol to 100,000 g/mol, a polydispersity index lp of 1 to 20, an oil length of 20% to 40%, and an acid index of 10 to 35; at least one inorganic filler and/or pigment; and a sufficient amount of water. The paint can be used as eco-friendly road paint for temporary markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignees: GM AGRI, INVENTIVE HOLDING
    Inventors: Gerard Messant, Yves Ortais
  • Engine valve lift control systems and methods for reduced fuel consumption
    Patent number: 9309821
    Abstract: A fuel control system of an engine includes a fuel economy module. The fuel economy module determines a first valve lift state and a second valve lift state of a valve of the engine. The fuel economy module generates a first fuel consumption signal based on the first valve lift state and an engine torque request signal, and generates a second fuel consumption signal based on the second valve lift state and the engine torque request signal. The fuel control system also includes a valve lift state module. The valve lift state module selects one of the first valve lift state and the second valve lift state based the first fuel consumption signal and the second fuel consumption signal. The valve lift state module generates a valve lift select signal. The valve lift select signal indicates the selected one of the first valve lift state and the second valve lift state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Scot A. Douglas
  • Exhaust gas recirculation cooler protection system and method
    Patent number: 9309823
    Abstract: A system and method of operating an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system of a vehicle includes controlling an EGR valve actuable between an EGR enabled position and an EGR disabled position, such that with the EGR valve in the EGR enabled position a portion of exhaust gas emitted from an engine is directed through an EGR cooler for recirculation into the engine, and with the EGR valve in the EGR disabled position the exhaust gas is not recirculated through the engine. An EGR coolant temperature is predicted based on measured engine speed, vehicle speed, outside ambient temperature, and commanded fuel level of the vehicle. The EGR valve is actuated to the EGR disabled position when the predicted EGR coolant temperature is equal or greater than an EGR coolant temperature threshold. The EGR coolant temperature is predicted without direct measurement of engine coolant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chad E. Marlett, Kevin J. McKay, Yun Xiao, Steve L Melby
  • System and method for controlling dosing in selective catalytic reduction catalyst
    Patent number: 9309797
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes an exhaust system having a first SCR catalyst, a second SCR catalyst in fluid communication with the first SCR catalyst, and an injector configured to inject reductant into the exhaust system. A controller is configured to estimate a first amount of ammonia stored in the first SCR catalyst and to estimate a second amount of ammonia stored in the second SCR catalyst. The controller is operatively connected to the injector and configured to control the amount of reductant injected by the injector. The controller controls the injector based on the first amount, the second amount, and a temperature of a substrate disposed in the second SCR catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Min Sun, Justin Adam Shetney, Amr Radwan
  • System and methods for controlled depowering of automobile batteries
    Patent number: 9312702
    Abstract: Methods and systems for depowering an automotive battery in a controlled manner. The methods comprise (i) providing a depowering medium comprising one or more non-ionic electric conductors (for example, a carbon conductor) dispersed in a substantially non-ionic aqueous medium; (ii) contacting terminals of the battery with the depowering medium; and (iii) maintaining contact between the depowering medium and terminals for a period of time sufficient to depower the battery. The systems comprise (i) the depowering medium; and (ii) a container configured to receive a battery and the depowering medium such that the battery body is contacted with the depowering medium prior to the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Xie, Yan Wu, Xiaosong Huang, Chih-Cheng Hsu, Mahmoud Abd Elhamid
  • Fuel tank coupling assembly
    Patent number: 9308816
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank and a coupling assembly for coupling the fuel tank to the underbody of a vehicle. The fuel tank includes a tank body and a plurality of tabs extending from the tank body. Each tab has a tab opening. The coupling assembly includes at least one strap partially surrounding the fuel tank. The strap defines a strap opening. The coupling assembly further includes at least one fastener extending through the strap opening and the tab opening. Further, the coupling assembly includes a compression sleeve partially positioned in the tab opening. The compression sleeve defines a sleeve opening for receiving the fastener. The compression sleeve has a height that is greater than the height of each of the tabs in order to attenuate the transfer of tensile loads from the at least one strap to the tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Basista, Philip A. Yaccarino
  • Active brake retraction during regeneration
    Patent number: 9308824
    Abstract: A method of operating a brake-retract system during a regenerative braking event begins with monitoring an amount of regenerative braking achieved. A set point threshold is linearly ramped from a first threshold to a max regeneration capacity if the amount of regenerative braking achieved exceeds a second threshold. The second threshold is less than the first threshold, and the first threshold is less than the max regeneration capacity. The max regeneration capacity is representative of a maximum amount of regenerative braking capable of being produced. A friction element is transitioned from a first, retracted-state to a second, ready-state if the amount of regenerative braking achieved exceeds the set point threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, Paul A. Stanowski
  • Method of establishing communication between devices in a vehicle
    Patent number: 9313661
    Abstract: A method and system for establishing secure short range wireless communication between devices in a vehicle. The method involves obtaining a vehicle identifier associated with the vehicle and a module identifier associated with a vehicle module. Then, the method determines a secure pin number for the vehicle module and a similar pin for a vehicle telematics unit. Once the secure pin number is determined at both devices then the devices can communicate via short range wireless communication in a secure manner using the secure pin number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Russ Eling, Kenneth L. Peirce, David P. Pop
  • Multi-density jounce bumper
    Patent number: 9308793
    Abstract: A one-piece, multi-density, jounce bumper is provided. The multi-density jounce bumper incorporates the necessary soft or low entry rate or stiffness, which is necessary to provide adequate feel and ride control, as well as the necessary energy capacity to manage peak loads, during a high-intensity impact event, such as an encounter with a pothole or the like. The multi-density jounce bumper may be configured as a single unitary component having a body, which may include a tip end and a base end. The body may be composed of a resilient material, the resilient material having a density that transitions from a first density at the tip end to a second density at the base end. The body may increase or decrease in density, in g/cc, from tip end to base end, along the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joseph S. Fedullo
  • Clamping element and method for use
    Patent number: 9309905
    Abstract: A clamping element, a fastening arrangement with clamping element, and a method for use of the clamping element are provided. In one example, the clamping element has a first leg and a second leg. The first and the second leg are arranged lying opposite one another. The first and the second leg are connected mechanically via a base region. The base region braces in the first leg in a spring-elastic manner with respect to the second leg on the parts arranged and clamped between the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Joachim Lacroix
  • Hand brake device for a vehicle
    Patent number: 9308898
    Abstract: A hand brake device for a vehicle includes an electric actuator for activating a brake and an operating element that can be moved between a brake position and release position. A control unit triggers the actuator according to the position of the operating element. A locking device for locking the operating element in the brake position is controlled by the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Schramm, Winfried Palaschinski, Axel Luenenbuerger, Klaus Duckwitz, Andreas Holl
  • Rechargeable energy storage system cooling
    Patent number: 9308812
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles provide for cooling of a vehicle rechargeable energy storage system (RESS). A control system is coupled to the RESS, and is configured to cool the RESS. The control system includes a passive cooling system for cooling the RESS, an active cooling system for cooling the RESS, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the passive cooling system and the active cooling system, and is configured to determine whether conditions are present for effective use of the passive cooling system, initiate cooling of the RESS using the passive cooling system if it is determined that the conditions are present for effective use of the passive cooling system, and initiate cooling of the RESS using the active cooling system if it is determined that the conditions are not present for effective use of the passive cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Keith D. Buford, Matthew Simonini
  • System and method for warning of a possible collision of a motor vehicle with an object
    Patent number: 9308915
    Abstract: A system and method for warning of a possible collision of a motor vehicle with an object is disclosed. The system includes sensors configured to monitor a driving path of the motor vehicle, and a warning unit configured to initiate a safety-related action when an object has been detected within the monitored driving path. A control unit dynamically adapts the monitored driving path or driving envelope as a function of vehicle parameters and/or environmental parameters. A method for warning of a possible collision of a motor vehicle with an object in accordance with this system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Johannes Huth, Markus Armbrust
  • Method of inferring intentions of an operator to move a robotic system
    Patent number: 9308645
    Abstract: A method of inferring intentions of an operator to move a robotic system includes monitoring the intention of the operator, with a controller. The intention of the operator is inferred to be one of a desired acceleration and a desired deceleration. The intention of the operator is also as a desired velocity. Admittance parameters are modified as a function of at least one of the inferred acceleration, deceleration, and velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Universite Laval
    Inventors: Alexandre Lecours, Boris Mayer-St-Onge, Clement Gosselin, Dalong Gao
  • Engine control systems and methods for vehicle launch
    Patent number: 9309824
    Abstract: A driver request module determines a driver torque request based on an accelerator pedal position, a first difference between a target engine speed and a transmission input speed, and a second difference between the transmission input speed and a measured engine speed. A request generating module generates first and second torque requests based on the driver torque request. An engine speed control module generates third and fourth torque requests based on a target engine speed and the first and second differences. Based on a mode signal: a first selection module sets a fifth torque request to one of the first and third torque requests; and a second selection module sets a sixth torque request to one of the second and fourth torque requests. An adjusting module selectively adjusts an engine operating parameter based on at least one of the fifth and sixth torque requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Krishnendu Kar
  • Turbocharger compressor temperature control systems and methods
    Patent number: 9309803
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a target boost module and a turbocharger control module. The target boost module determines a target boost for first and second turbochargers based on an engine torque request. Based on a temperature of a compressor of the second turbocharger, the turbocharger control module: selectively opens a first bypass valve that regulates exhaust bypassing a first turbine of the first turbocharger; and selectively closes a cutoff valve that regulates exhaust flow through both a second turbine of the second turbocharger and a second bypass valve. The second bypass valve regulates exhaust bypassing the second turbine of the second turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Cowgill, Joel Cowgill
  • Systems and methods of automating driver actions in a vehicle
    Patent number: 9308920
    Abstract: A vehicle automates a driver action by controlling vehicle systems according to a rule. The rule includes a trigger event and an automated action. Rules are created or added for use by a vehicle using applications including user-defined rule applications, automatic rule applications, and network applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Amir Konigsberg
  • System and method for controlling vehicle creep torque
    Patent number: 9308831
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling creep torque in a vehicle with an electric powertrain, like a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The method uses a combination of driver braking intent and other vehicle conditions, such as vehicle speed, to determine when creep torque is not needed and to reduce and/or cancel it accordingly. By reducing and/or cancelling the creep torque during periods where energy is being unnecessarily expended by the electric powertrain in order to work against the brakes, the present method is able to improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Patrick J. Monsere
  • Vehicle front bumper
    Patent number: D753559
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. McMahan, Brendon C. Mackay, Tyler L. H. Moffett