Patents by Inventor Andrew L. Bartos
Andrew L. Bartos has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9682484Abstract: A set-up stand is provided including a counterbalance mechanism for use in reconfiguring an end-effector with an articulating portion rotated by a bi-directional rotary locking device, for example, a clutch. A counterbalance mechanism is provided including a holding member which is attached to a preloaded member and connected to an articulating portion of the end-effector during reconfiguration of the end-effector. The preloaded member provides a tension load to counterbalance the gravity moment load of the articulating portion when the articulated portion is rotated in the same direction as the output shaft of the bi-direction rotary locking device, to prevent overhauling, chattering or binding stops during rotation and reconfiguration. A method is provided to utilize the counterbalance mechanism as described.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Andrew L. Bartos
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Patent number: 9368827Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 21, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Andrew L. Bartos, Yhu-Tin Lin, Raymond D. Turner, III
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Patent number: 9358867Abstract: A powertrain system in a hybrid vehicle includes a hydraulic device, a pilot valve, and a regulator valve. The pilot valve is operably connected to the hydraulic device and configured to actuate. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The regulator valve is operably connected to the pilot valve and the hydraulic device. The regulator valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulic device based on the actuation of the pilot valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Dongxu Li, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober
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Patent number: 9347609Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems, for selectively actuating a safety mechanism, using a transformable material, to protect against an unwanted condition. The system in one implementation includes first and second pulley devices configured to accommodate multiple strands of the transformable material. In another implementation, the system includes two connection points for holding the transformable material and an overload-protection sub-system for protecting the transformable material from overload. In still another implementation, the system includes a first biasing element and a manual-release sub-system including a second biasing element.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Andrew L. Bartos
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Patent number: 9194490Abstract: A wet dual clutch transmission includes at least one hydraulic component and a pilot valve operably connected to the hydraulic component to actuate the hydraulic component. The pilot valve includes a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based pressure differential actuator valve. The hydraulic component may include but is not limited to a first clutch and a second clutch of the wet dual clutch transmission, a lube regulator valve, an on/off solenoid, a synchronizing shift fork or a line pressure control valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Dongxu Li, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober
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Patent number: 9016445Abstract: A light-weight and sound-damped brake rotor for a vehicle braking system includes a rotor hat and a rotor cheek supported by the rotor hat. The rotor hat includes an axially-protruding central hub and a flange that extends radially from and circumferentially around the central hub. The rotor cheek, which provides at least one braking surface, is formed from two or more separate and distinct pieces which are fixedly secured to the flange of the rotor hat. Located within the rotor cheek underneath the at least one braking surface is a vibration damping element. The brake rotor derives its vibration-deadening and sound-damping effects from the vibration damping element through the occurrence of relative frictional contacting movement.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Michael D. Hanna, Mark T. Riefe, Mohan Sundar, Brent D. Lowe, Andrew L. Bartos
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Publication number: 20150052741Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Andrew L. Bartos, Yhu-Tin Lin, Raymond D. Turner, III
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Patent number: 8936141Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a vehicle includes a hydraulically-controlled component and a pilot valve. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electrical-mechanical-systems (MEMS) based device. The pilot valve is operably connected to and is configured for actuating the hydraulically-controlled component. The pilot valve additionally includes a regulating valve operably connected to the pilot valve and to the hydraulically-controlled component. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulically-controlled component when actuated by the pilot valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Chunhao J. Lee, Dongxu Li, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober
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Patent number: 8935971Abstract: An automatic transmission for a vehicle includes a hydraulically-controlled component and a pilot valve. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The pilot valve is operably connected to and is configured for actuating the hydraulically-controlled component. The pilot valve additionally includes a regulating valve operably connected to the pilot valve and to the hydraulically-controlled component. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulically-controlled component when actuated by the pilot valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Farzad Samie, Andrew L. Bartos, Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Dongxu Li, Kevin B. Rober
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Patent number: 8925699Abstract: A pressure and flow control system includes a hydraulically-controlled component, a pilot valve, and a regulating valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal, which controls the hydraulically-controlled component.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Dongxu Li, Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Chi-Kuan Kao, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober, Bret M. Olson
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Patent number: 8887891Abstract: A pressure and flow control system for a dog clutch includes a pilot valve, a regulating valve, and a selector. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The selector is configured to engage and disengage the dog clutch in response to the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Dongxu Li, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober
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Patent number: 8857877Abstract: A reconfigurable end-effector attachable to a robotic arm, includes a master boom, a first branch assembly and a second branch assembly, a dual articulation mechanism. The dual articulation mechanism includes a first clutch attached to the first branch assembly and is configured to articulate the first branch assembly relative to the second branch assembly. The dual articulation mechanism further includes a second clutch attached to the master boom, the second branch assembly and the first clutch and is configured to simultaneously articulate the first and second branch assemblies relative to the master boom. The first and second branch assemblies each have limbs connected to branches supporting a plurality of tool modules. Each tool module includes an end element configurable to interact with a workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Andrew L. Bartos, Roland J. Menassa, Hyunshik Shin, Shinho Kang, Yong-Hyun Ju, Ki-Beom Kim, Sang-Yul Ju
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Patent number: 8845491Abstract: An automated manual transmission includes a hydraulic device, a pilot valve, and a regulating valve. The pilot valve is operably connected to the hydraulic device and configured to actuate. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The regulating valve is operably connected to the pilot valve and the hydraulic device. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulic device based on the actuation of the pilot valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Dongxu Li, Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Chi-Kuan Kao, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober, Bret M. Olson
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Patent number: 8844702Abstract: A clutch includes a pilot valve, a regulating valve, and a clutch control valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The clutch control valve is configured to engage and disengage the clutch in response to the control signal. The clutch may be configured as one of a wet clutch and a dry clutch.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao, Dongxu Li, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober
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Patent number: 8844694Abstract: A dry dual clutch transmission includes at least one hydraulic component and a pilot valve operably connected to the hydraulic component to actuate the hydraulic component. The pilot valve includes a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based pressure differential actuator valve. The hydraulic component may include but is not limited to a first clutch and a second clutch of the dry dual clutch transmission, an on/off solenoid, a line pressure control valve or a synchronizing shift fork.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Dongxu Li, Andrew L. Bartos, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kevin B. Rober
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Patent number: 8800404Abstract: A powertrain system in a mild hybrid vehicle includes a hydraulic device, a pilot valve, and a regulator valve. The pilot valve is operably connected to the hydraulic device and configured to actuate. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The regulator valve is operably connected to the pilot valve and the hydraulic device. The regulator valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulic device based on the actuation of the pilot valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Farzad Samie, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Dongxu Li, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober
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Patent number: 8794411Abstract: A pressure control system configured to control a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) includes a pilot valve and a SOWC actuator. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The pressure control system may further include a regulating valve in fluid communication with the pilot valve and configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The SOWC actuator is configured to select between operating modes of the selectable one-way clutch in response to one of the pilot signal and the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Farzad Samie, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Dongxu Li, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober
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Patent number: 8794417Abstract: A pressure and flow control system for a torque converter clutch includes a pilot valve, a regulating valve, and a torque converter control valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The torque converter control valve is configured to engage and disengage the torque converter clutch in response to the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Dongxu Li, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober
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Publication number: 20140162843Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, torque converter assembly, and transmission. The torque converter assembly includes a torque converter clutch (TCC). The transmission is connected to the engine via the torque converter assembly, and includes rotating and braking clutches, a pump, and a valve body assembly (VBA). The VBA includes Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) pressure sensors and high-flow, hybrid MEMS flow control valves. Each MEMS pressure sensor and each MEMS control valve is in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the TCC, the rotating, and the braking clutches. The VBA includes first and second low-flow, fully MEMS valves which control line pressure to the VBA and fluid pressure to the TCC, respectively. The VBA delivers fluid pressure to the clutches, alone or in different combinations, to establish at least six different forward drive states of the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Farzad Samie, Andrew L. Bartos, Dongxu Li, Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Xingyong Song
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Patent number: 8747270Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, torque converter assembly, and transmission. The torque converter assembly includes a torque converter clutch (TCC). The transmission is connected to the engine via the torque converter assembly, and includes rotating and braking clutches, a pump, and a valve body assembly (VBA). The VBA includes Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) pressure sensors and high-flow, hybrid MEMS flow control valves. Each MEMS pressure sensor and each MEMS control valve is in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the TCC, the rotating, and the braking clutches. The VBA includes first and second low-flow, fully MEMS valves which control line pressure to the VBA and fluid pressure to the TCC, respectively. The VBA delivers fluid pressure to the clutches, alone or in different combinations, to establish at least six different forward drive states of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Farzad Samie, Andrew L. Bartos, Dongxu Li, Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Xingyong Song