General Motors Patents

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General Motors Company designs, builds and sells cars, trucks and automobile parts worldwide. Its main brands include Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC. Outside of North America, it also markets vehicles under the Holden, Open and Vauxhall. In Asia, subsidiaries also design, manufacture, and market vehicles under the Alpheon, Baojun, Jiefan ang Wuling brands. The company provides automotive financing services through GM Financial.
General Motors Patents by Type- General Motors Patents Granted: General Motors patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- General Motors Patent Applications: General Motors patent applications that are pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20210104790Abstract: A cooling plate distributes a coolant for an electrical battery, and is defined by parallel first and second edges and parallel third and fourth edges. A coolant inlet is arranged at a junction between the first and fourth edges, and a coolant outlet arranged at a junction between the second and fourth edges. A first coolant channel is arranged along the first edge, in direct communication with the inlet, and a second coolant channel is arranged along the second edge, in direct communication with the outlet. First and second sets of coolant mini-channels are in direct communication with the second channel. A first coolant manifold, arranged proximate the third edge, is in direct communication with the first channel. A second coolant manifold, arranged proximate the fourth edge, is in direct communication with the inlet. The two manifolds are in communication with the outlet via the respective sets of mini-channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Jason Mazza, Faruk Sohag, Robert J. Schoenherr
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Publication number: 20210104793Abstract: A thermal barrier for use in a power module assembly having at least one battery cell and corresponding method of forming. The thermal barrier includes at least one compressible member having one or more pockets. A first layer and a second layer are positioned adjacent to the compressive member at a first side and a second side, respectively. The thermal barrier includes one or more phase change materials configured to be deposited into the pockets. The phase change materials are configured to undergo an endothermic phase change reaction when a temperature is at or above an activation temperature. The first layer and the second layer may be configured to at least partially reflect radiant heat. In one example, the phase change materials include a bicarbonate salt.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Elaine E. Parkanzky, Karl C. Dorgan, Faruk Sohag, Rajesh K. Bhagirath, Edgar P. Calderon, John M. Moote
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Publication number: 20210101317Abstract: Methods of making a composite article, such as a motor housing, are provided herein. The method can include applying a resin-fiber material to a shaped surface to form an intermediate article. The resin-fiber material includes an uncured resin composition and a fiber substrate material. The method further includes solidifying the uncured resin composition present in the intermediate article to form the composite article. Solidifying can be accomplished by applying heat to the intermediate article to initiate an exothermic reaction comprising polymerization, cross-linking, or both of the uncured resin composition. Application of the heat from the heat source can be ceased after initiation of the exothermic reaction, but polymerization, cross-linking or both of remaining uncured resin composition can continue in one or more of a radial, circumferential, or axial direction through a thickness of the resin-fiber material in the absence of heat from the heat source to form the composite article.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Bradley A. NEWCOMB, Xiaosong HUANG
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Publication number: 20210101318Abstract: A mold for molding a reinforced preform having at least two apertures therein includes first and second mold halves arranged with their respective first and second molding surfaces facing each other. A first emitter is disposed in the first mold half and is configured to emit light therefrom. A first receiver is disposed in the second mold half and is configured to receive light from the first emitter and produce a first signal indicative of the light received from the first emitter. A second emitter is disposed in one of the first and second mold halves and is configured to emit light therefrom. A second receiver is disposed in the other of the first and second mold halves and is configured to receive light from the second emitter and produce a second signal indicative of the light received from the second emitter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: William R. Rodgers, Venkateshwar R. Aitharaju, Selina X. Zhao
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Publication number: 20210101326Abstract: Methods of making a composite article are provided herein. The method can include an unwinding step including unwinding a fiber substrate material from a creel at an unwinding velocity and an impregnation step including applying an uncured resin composition to the fiber substrate material to form a resin-fiber material. The method further includes a winding step comprising applying the resin-fiber material onto a shaped surface at a winding velocity and a solidifying step comprising applying heat to the resin-fiber material to initiate an exothermic reaction comprising polymerization, cross-linking, or both of the uncured resin composition. Temperature of the resin-fiber material can be monitored during operation of the method and a polymerization front velocity set point (vpfs) and an operating polymerization front velocity (vpfo) can be determined. Parameters can be adjusted to maintain a vpfo that is substantially the same as the vpfs. Systems for performing said methods are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Bradley A. NEWCOMB
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Publication number: 20210104107Abstract: A digital key sharing system includes an electronic circuit and a first server computer. The electronic circuit is configured to store a plurality of digital keys, receive a plurality of key sharing requests, and generate a plurality of features in response to the plurality of key sharing requests. The first server computer is in wireless communication with the electronic circuit and is configured to generate an alert signal in response to finding one or more anomalies in the plurality of features to initiate a notification to a primary user device associated with the electronic circuit, and send a suspend notification signal to the electronic circuit in response to the finding of the one or more anomalies in the plurality of features. The electronic circuit is further configured to suspend use of the plurality of digital keys in response to reception of the suspend notification signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Evripidis Paraskevas, Jinzhu Chen, Fan Bai, John Sergakis
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Publication number: 20210101350Abstract: A reinforced preform includes a sheet of reinforced material having opposed first and second edges, with each edge having a respective first connection point located therealong. The preform also includes first and second tethers, with each tether being attached at a respective first end thereof to a respective one of the first connection points and having a respective second end thereof terminating in at least one of: a respective loop tied at the respective second end, a respective knot tied at the respective second end, a respective graspable member to which the respective second end is connected, and an attachment to a respective second connection point located along a perimeter of the sheet. A method and mold for molding a reinforced preform are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Venkateshwar R. Aitharaju, William R. Rodgers, Selina X. Zhao
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Patent number: 10969466Abstract: A system and method to detect an object with a radar system involve transmitting two or more sets of linear frequency modulated signals with a gap duration Dg, during which there is no transmission, between each of the two or more sets of the linear frequency modulated signals. Each of the two or more sets of the linear frequency modulated signals defines a sub-frame, and two or more sub-frames defines a frame. The method includes receiving reflections resulting from the linear frequency modulated signals encountering one or more objects in a field of view of the radar system, and processing the reflections to identify the one or more objects. The processing includes performing an on-off Radon transform to correct a phase bias caused by the gap duration during which there is no transmission.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Oren Longman, Igal Bilik
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Patent number: 10972075Abstract: An active quadrature generation circuit configured to provide an in-phase output signal and a quadrature output signal based on an input signal and a method of fabricating the active quadrature generation circuit on an integrated circuit are described. The circuit includes an input node to receive the input signal and a first transistor including a collector connected to a power supply pin. The circuit also includes a second transistor including a base connected to the power supply pin, the second transistor differing in size from the first transistor by a factor of K, wherein the in-phase output signal and the quadrature output signal are generated based on an inherent phase difference of 90 degrees between a current at a collector of the first transistor and a current at a base of the second transistor.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Hsuanyu Pan, Alexandros Margomenos, Hasan Sharifi, Igal Bilik
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Patent number: 10971714Abstract: A pre-assembled electrical connection unit for a battery pack includes a bus bar defining a hole, and a cage defines a cavity. The unit also includes a fastener disposed in the cavity and the cage surrounds the fastener. The cage is secured to the bus bar, and the fastener is positioned in the hole and the cavity in an initial position. The fastener is movable to a final position relative to the cage which positions the fastener deeper in the hole of the bus bar. The unit is positioned relative to the battery pack, and the battery pack includes a module terminal. The module terminal includes a terminal nut that is accessible during an assembly process. The unit is placed over the terminal nut during the assembly process such that the fastener aligns with the terminal nut and secures the bus bar to the module terminal in the final position.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Adam J. Tallman, Zachary S. Mendla, Holly C. Schwarzwalder, Charanjit S. Chawa
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Patent number: 10967751Abstract: One general aspect includes a system to detect a sufficient charging cable connection, the system including a memory configured to include one or more executable instructions and a processor configured to execute the executable instructions, where the executable instructions enable the processor to carry out the steps of: capturing an image of at least a portion of a vehicle body; determining whether the image includes a charging cable being sufficiently engaged with the portion of the vehicle body; and based on the determination of whether the image includes the charging cable being sufficiently connected to the portion of the vehicle body, producing a connection notification.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLCInventors: Valor Yaldo, Sai Vishnu Aluru, Xiaofeng F. Song
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Patent number: 10969236Abstract: A system and method of determining a vehicle route based on user-provided trip constraints. The method includes the steps of: receiving user trip parameters for a vehicle trip from a vehicle user via a human-machine interface, wherein the vehicle trip includes a start location and an end location, and wherein the user trip parameters include a nausea reduction option; accessing geographical roadway map data for an area corresponding to the vehicle trip; determining a plurality of potential routes for the vehicle trip based on the user trip parameters and the geographical roadway map data; determining a cumulative nausea index score for each of the potential routes; and selecting one of the potential routes as the vehicle route for the vehicle trip based on the cumulative nausea index score.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Goro Tamai, Birendra P. Bhattarai, Steven A. Tarnowsky
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Patent number: 10967398Abstract: During an example coating method, a metallic substrate is provided. A foundation coat precursor is applied on the metallic substrate. The foundation coat precursor includes a matrix and a plurality of capsules present in the matrix. Each capsule includes a shell and a healing agent surrounded by the shell. A basecoat precursor is applied, and a clearcoat precursor is applied. The metallic substrate, the foundation coat precursor, the basecoat precursor, and the clearcoat precursor are heated i) after each respective application or ii) simultaneously, in order to cure the foundation coat, basecoat, and clearcoat precursors and respectively form a foundation coat, a basecoat, and a clearcoat. The foundation coat is ultraviolet (UV) stable and bonds the metallic substrate to the basecoat and the clearcoat.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Hua-tzu Fan, Jorge F. Arinez, Alejandro Hernan Plazas Torres
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Patent number: 10970947Abstract: One general aspect includes a method to provide a rear window wiper notification, the method including: when a rear window wiper is in an active state, via a processor, establishing a time duration; and when the rear window wiper remains in the active state throughout the time duration and after a conclusion of the time duration, via the processor, providing the rear window wiper notification in an interior cabin of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2020Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLCInventors: Kevin R. Horbatt, Brenton J. Bergkoetter
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Patent number: 10967698Abstract: An exemplary self-balancing air spring includes a first chamber, the first chamber defining a primary volume, the first chamber including a movable piston, a second chamber fluidicly coupled to the first chamber via a first orifice and a second orifice, the second chamber defining a secondary volume, and an actuator coupled to the movable piston. In some aspects, the first orifice is an electromechanical valve and the second orifice is a bleed valve that equalizes the pressure between the first and second chambers.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David T. De Carteret, Brian K. Saylor
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Patent number: 10967838Abstract: A variable curvature wiper comprises a wiper arm with a first and second distal ends. The first distal end is pivotally supported on a pivot post. A flexible wiper blade has a first end, a second end and a mounting hub. The mounting hub is pivotally attached to the second distal end of the wiper arm. A first push rod includes a first end attached to the first end of the wiper blade and a second end attached to a push rod pivot point. The push rod pivot point is spaced from the pivot post axis. Pivotal motion of the wiper arm about the pivot post axis in a first direction causes the first push rod to push against the first end and flex the wiper blade. Pivotal motion of the wiper arm about the pivot post axis in a second direction causes the first push rod to pull the first end of the wiper blade back toward a flat position.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas E. Houck, James G. Gobart
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Patent number: 10971745Abstract: A fuel cell reversal event is diagnosed by integrating current density via a controller in response to determine an accumulated charge density. The controller executes a control action when the accumulated charge density exceeds a threshold, including recording a diagnostic code indicative of event severity. The control action may include continuing stack operation at reduced power capability when the accumulated charge density exceeds a first threshold and shutting off the stack when the accumulated charge density exceeds a higher second threshold. The event may be detected by calculating a voltage difference between an average and a minimum cell voltage, and then determining if the difference exceeds a voltage difference threshold. The charge density thresholds may be adjusted based on age, state of health, and/or temperature of the fuel cell or stack. A fuel cell system includes the stack and controller.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Manish Sinha, Jingxin Zhang, Andrew J. Maslyn
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Patent number: 10971786Abstract: A cell stack includes adjacent first and second battery cells respectively having a positive cell tab, a negative cell tab, and an outer surface. The outer surfaces are flush. The positive cell tab of the first battery cell protrudes from the outer surface of the first battery cell, and the negative cell tab of the second battery cell protrudes from the outer surface of the second battery cell. An isolative shield is positioned adjacent to the outer surfaces, and defines through-slots receiving therein a respective one of the cell tabs. A method includes providing the cell stack, inserting the cell tabs into the pair of through-slots of the isolative shield, positioning a primary surface of the isolative shield adjacent to the outer surfaces of the adjacent battery cells after inserting the cell tabs, and affixing the primary surface of the isolative shield to the cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nicholas Compton, Igor M. Kan, Sami A. Syed, Jason Mazza, Steven D. Lorentz
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Patent number: 10972855Abstract: A mobile computing device that provides location information through directional sound is described herein. The mobile computing device includes a location detection system that provides location signals corresponding to a user location and a destination location, such as a vehicle location or a vertex of a predefined travel route, to a spatial audio generation system to define a spatial audio signal based on a direction from the user location to the destination location. The spatial audio signal is provided to an audio device of the mobile computing device that outputs the spatial audio signal as directional sound having a locus at the destination location.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2020Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Stephanie Olivia Engle
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Publication number: 20210094120Abstract: Presented are intelligent non-autogenous metalworking systems and control logic for automated wire-to-beam alignment, methods for making/using such systems, and robot-borne laser welding/brazing heads with closed-loop control for real-time wire alignment. A method for controlling operation of a non-autogenous workpiece processing system includes a system controller receiving sensor signals from a position sensor indicative of a location of filler wire discharged into a joint region by a wire feeder. Using the received sensor signals, the controller determines a displacement between the wire location and a location of a beam emitted onto the joint region by a beam emitter. If the wire displacement is greater than a threshold wire displacement value, the controller responsively determines a corrective force calculated to reduce wire displacement to below the threshold wire displacement value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2019Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: John Forrest
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Publication number: 20210098997Abstract: A system and associated method are described for balancing an electrical parameter associated with stored electric power in a multi-cell battery. A cell charge balancing system determines a first plurality of the electrical parameters associated with respective ones of the plurality of cells, a plurality of first charge parameters associated with the cells, and a first quality index. A second plurality of the electrical parameters are determined, and second charge parameters are determined to determine a second quality index. The first and second quality indices are compared, and a cell charge balancing routine controls the balancing system based upon the first quality index when the first quality index is greater than the second quality index. The cell charge balancing routine controls the cell charge balancing system based upon the second quality index when the first quality index is less than the second quality index.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2019Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Justin Bunnell, Garrett M. Seeman, Joseph Cho
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Publication number: 20210095630Abstract: A method includes: (a) determining an engine speed of an internal combustion engine, wherein the internal combustion engine has an engine wall, and the engine wall has a wall temperature; (b) determining an engine load of the internal combustion engine; (c) determining a wall-reference temperature as a function of the engine load and the engine speed of the internal combustion engine; and (d) adjusting, using a cooling system, a volumetric flow rate of a coolant flowing through the internal combustion engine to maintain the wall temperature at the wall-reference temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2019Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Yiran Hu, David E. Edwards, Min Sun, Michael J. Paratore, JR., Jun Chen, Eugene V. Gonze, Sergio Quelhas
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Publication number: 20210097858Abstract: The present application relates to a method and apparatus for determining a preferred off-road vehicle path including a lidar operative to generate a depth map of an off road surface, a camera for capturing an image of the off road surface, a processor operative to receive the depth map, determine a vehicle path in response to the depth map and a host vehicle characteristic, combine a graphical representation of the vehicle path with the image to generate an augmented image, and a display to display the augmented image to a host vehicle operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2019Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Brunno L. Moretti, Luis Goncalves, Esther Anderson
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Publication number: 20210099034Abstract: A modular stator-inverter assembly for an electric machine includes a stator and a traction power inverter module (“TPIM”). The stator includes a stator core having a center axis, an inner diameter (“ID”), an outer diameter (“OD”), and electrical conductors forming stator windings. Stator teeth extending radially toward the center axis from the ID collectively define stator slots occupied by the stator windings. Each adjacent pair of stator teeth defines a respective stator slot. The TPIM delivers a polyphase voltage to the stator windings to generate a predetermined number of stator poles, such that the stator has either two, three, or four of the stator slots per electric phase per stator pole. The stator defines a center cavity and is configured to receive a selected rotor from an inventory of preconfigured machine rotors. The inventory includes multiple synchronous reluctance machine rotors and an induction machine rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2019Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Alireza Fatemi, Thomas W. Nehl
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Publication number: 20210094537Abstract: The present application relates to a method for performing off road adaptive cruise control in a host vehicle including controlling a vehicle speed at a first speed according to an adaptive cruise control algorithm, detecting an obstacle, using a sensor, within a host vehicle path, reducing the vehicle speed to a reduced speed in response to the detection of the obstacle, detecting a vehicle contact with the obstacle in response to a first inertial measurement unit measurement, applying a brake friction force and increasing an engine torque in response to detecting the vehicle contact with the obstacle, determining a traverse of the obstacle in response to a second inertial measurement unit measurement, and resuming the control of the vehicle speed at the first speed in response to the traverse of the obstacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2019Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Brian Mahnken, Jeffrey Louis Brown, Brent T. Deep
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Publication number: 20210099123Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for controlling and regulating operation of a permanent magnet rotary electric machine including a stator and a rotor includes determining a first reactive power term associated with the electric machine based upon voltage, and determining a second reactive power term associated with the electric machine based upon flux. A first motor temperature associated with the electric machine is determined based upon the first and second reactive power terms, and power output from the permanent magnet electric machine is controlled based upon the first motor temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2019Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Anno Yoo, Daniel J. Berry, Young J. Kim
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Publication number: 20210095737Abstract: Methods of attenuating vibration transfer to a body of a vehicle using a dynamic mass of the vehicle via minimizing a particular angular frequency of a wheel. One method includes receiving vehicle information over a time interval and determining, based on the vehicle information, an instantaneous angular velocity that corresponds to a particular angular frequency of the wheel. This method includes generating a gain-and-phase-compensated actuator drive command to counteract a vibration that occurs at the particular angular frequency of the wheel, which is based on the instantaneous angular velocity, and communicating the gain-and-phase-compensated actuator drive command to a hydraulic mount assembly that supports the dynamic mass. This method includes actuating an actuator of the hydraulic mount assembly in response to the gain-and-phase-compensated actuator drive command in order to minimize the vibration transfer to the body due to the vibration that occurs at the particular angular frequency of the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2019Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Kenneth L. Oblizajek, Nojan Medinei, Wojciech E. Suchta
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Patent number: 10960584Abstract: One general aspect includes a method of manufacturing a handle, the method including: providing a core element; providing a mold; strategically positioning the core element within the mold such that a formable material can be injected into the mold (when in a molten state) to operatively encapsulate the core element and such that the core element remains stationary while being operatively encapsulated by the formable material; and injecting the formable material (when in the molten state) into the mold to operatively encapsulate the core element and be formed, by the mold, into a handle configured to be joined to a window support pillar of a vehicle interior.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Juan Edgar Perez Fernandez, Tito Perez Guizar, Luis Miguel Del Pozo Gonzalez
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Patent number: 10962064Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bidirectional controllable overrunning clutch for a powertrain of a motor vehicle, with the powertrain including a gear having ratchet teeth. The clutch includes a pawl movable to a disengaged position, a locked position, and a transition state where the pawl permits the gear to rotate in the forward direction and where rotation of the gear in the reverse direction moves the pawl to the locked position. The clutch further includes a spring for moving the pawl to the disengaged position. The clutch further includes an actuator configured to hold the pawl in the transition state when the gear rotates in the forward direction and the locked position when the gear changes rotation from the forward direction to the reverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Dumitru Puiu, Binu Jose Kochucheruvil, Jun Ma
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Patent number: 10960883Abstract: A powertrain system for a vehicle is described, and includes an internal combustion engine that is selectively coupled to a driveline. The engine is configured to operate in a coasting mode, wherein the coasting mode includes operating the powertrain system with the engine in an OFF state and decoupled from the driveline. Devices are configured to monitor an output torque request, vehicle speed, and vehicle operating conditions. An executable instruction set monitors the vehicle speed and the output torque request. The engine is controlled to operate in the coasting mode when the output torque request is within the predetermined torque region and the vehicle speed is greater than a minimum speed threshold. The engine is controlled to discontinue operating in the coasting mode in response to the output torque request being outside the torque region of the vehicle speed being less than a minimum speed threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Goro Tamai, Birendra P Bhattarai, Daniel E Nicholson
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Patent number: 10961931Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder and a valve assembly configured to activate and deactivate the at least one cylinder. The valve assembly includes an intake valve configured to control air flow into the at least one cylinder. A controller outputs a first control signal to the valve assembly to deactivate the at least one cylinder in response to detecting a deceleration event. The controller also outputs a second control signal to command the valve assembly to delay opening the intake valve from a closed position after re-activating the cylinder so that the torque output produced in response to re-activating the cylinder is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chad D. Kromrey, Nathan M. Picot
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Patent number: 10961879Abstract: A sensor assembly for a sliding camshaft of a motor vehicle is provided. The sliding camshaft includes a base shaft that extends along a longitudinal axis and rotates about the longitudinal axis. The sliding camshaft further includes lobe banks rotationally fixed to the base shaft. Each lobe bank is axially movable between first and second positions relative to the base shaft. The sensor assembly includes a detection element rotationally fixed relative to the base shaft and axially movable between first and second positions relative to the base shaft. The sensor assembly further includes a sensor operably coupled to the detection element and configured to generate a signal indicative of an axial position of the detection element relative to the base shaft and at least one of an angular speed of the base shaft and an angular position of the base shaft about the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Daniele Ciola, Davide Di Nunno
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Patent number: 10966027Abstract: An audio adjustment system for a vehicle includes a detection module that is configured to receive an image and detect a face of at least one of a passenger of the vehicle and a pedestrian near the vehicle. An age estimation module is configured to estimate an age of the at least one of the passenger and the pedestrian based on the detected face. An adjustment determination module is configured to determine an audio adjustment parameter for an audio signal based on the estimated age of the at least one of the passenger and the pedestrian.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Frank C. Valeri, William Seldon, Glenn Pietila, Benjamin Lannan
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Patent number: 10962636Abstract: A vehicle, radar system for a vehicle, and method of determining a radial velocity of an object via the radar system. The radar system includes a transmitter, receiver and processor. The transmitter transmits a source signal towards an object, and the receiver for receives a reflection of the source signal from the object. The processor obtains a Doppler measurement related to a radial velocity of the object, wherein the Doppler measurement includes a Doppler ambiguity, obtains a range walk rate for the radial velocity of the object, and resolves the Doppler ambiguity of the Doppler measurement using the range walk rate to obtain the radial velocity of the object.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Oren Longman, Shahar Villeval, Igal Bilik
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Patent number: 10961971Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for reducing cold start emissions of a motor vehicle. A brushless DC motor is coupled to an engine for cranking the engine. In response to receiving a cold start signal from a cold start actuator, the motor controller activates the brushless DC motor to crank the engine for a cold start duration and increase fuel pressure. In response to a motor controller receiving an auto start signal from an auto start actuator, the motor controller activates the brushless DC motor to crank the engine for an auto start duration that is shorter than the cold start duration. In response to determining that the cold start duration or the auto start duration has expired, an engine controller activates the fuel delivery system to deliver fuel to the engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Lei Hao, Wei Zeng, Chandra Namuduri, Sharon Xiaobin Li, Michael C. Zumbaugh
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Patent number: 10962371Abstract: A method for vehicle tracking and localization includes receiving, by a controller, odometry data from a sensor of the first vehicle; geospatial data from a Global Positioning System (GPS) device of the first vehicle; inertial data from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) of the first vehicle; estimating an estimated-current location of the first vehicle and an estimated-current trajectory of the first vehicle using the odometry data from the sensor, the geospatial data from the GPS device, and the inertial data from the IMU of the first vehicle; inputting the inertial data into a Bayesian Network to determine a predicted location of the first vehicle and a predicted trajectory of the first vehicle, and updating the Bayesian Network using the estimated-current location and the estimated-current trajectory of the first vehicle using the odometry data and the geospatial data.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Lawrence A. Bush, Fan Bai, Pengfei Ren, Eric L. Raphael, Mohannad Murad, Mohammad Naserian
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Patent number: 10965856Abstract: In various embodiments, cameras and mobile platforms are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a mobile platform is provided that includes a body and a camera disposed on the body. The camera includes one or more image sensors, and one or more lens assemblies. The one or more lens assemblies are configured with respect to the one or more image sensors, that at least one image plane from the one or more image sensors is tilted to form a non-zero angle with at least one equivalent lens plane from the one or more lens assemblies, transferring the image focal plane to be parallel to the movement direction of the mobile platform in which the camera is installed. The use of multiple image sensors or lens assemblies in certain embodiments increases camera angle of view.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Wei Zeng, Shuqing Zeng, Scott E. Parrish
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Patent number: 10964956Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly includes first and second bipolar plates, an active area membrane, and an optional subgasket. The first bipolar plate defines a first plurality of tunnels and the second bipolar plate defines a second plurality of tunnels. The second plurality of tunnels may be engaged with and nested between the first plurality of tunnels. The active area membrane may be disposed within an internal periphery of a subgasket between the first and second bipolar plates wherein the subgasket may, optionally, be positioned between the first and second plurality of tunnels.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Jeffrey A. Rock
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Patent number: 10961941Abstract: A physics-based charge temperature model to calculate a charge air temperature for an automobile vehicle includes multiple variables. The multiple variables include: a first variable defining an engine speed of an engine defining revolutions per minute of a crankshaft of the engine; a second variable defining a cam position; a third variable defining an engine coolant temperature; a fourth variable defining an air intake temperature; a fifth variable defining an engine air flow; and a sixth variable defining a firing fraction of the engine. A controller provides multiple lookup tables. The controller controls operation of the engine using the multiple variables and data in the multiple lookup tables to calculate a charge air temperature for individual intake strokes of at least one cylinder of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2020Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Wesley R. Haney, Layne K. Wiggins, Shawn W. Murphy
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Patent number: 10965857Abstract: In various embodiments, cameras and mobile platforms are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a mobile platform is provided that includes a body and a camera disposed on the body. The camera includes one or more image sensors, and one or more lens assemblies. The one or more lens assemblies are configured with respect to the one or more image sensors, that at least one image plane from the one or more image sensors is tilted to form a non-zero angle with at least one equivalent lens plane from the one or more lens assemblies, transferring the image focal plane to be parallel to the movement direction of the mobile platform in which the camera is installed. The use of multiple image sensors or lens assemblies in certain embodiments increases camera angle of view.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2020Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Wei Zeng, Shuqing Zeng, Scott E. Parrish
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Patent number: 10961768Abstract: A system for operating an automatically movable panel that forms a portion of an exterior of a vehicle, and provides access to an interior of the vehicle; a motivator connected to the panel and moving the panel through a range of motion; a proximity sensor; and a control module disposed within the motor vehicle, the control module having a processor configured to execute control logic, the motivator and the proximity sensor in electronic communication with the control module. The control logic including: determining a position of the panel; receiving a plurality of passive inputs; selectively utilizing the motivator to move the panel through the range of motion based on the passive inputs; utilizing the proximity sensor to selectively determine when to initiate movement of the movable panel through the range of motion with the motivator; and informing a motor vehicle occupant of movement of the panel via a human-machine interface.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Besi Rrumbullaku, Jeffrey L. Konchan, Eric Smith
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Patent number: 10960794Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a seat base fixed to a vehicle floor, a seat back pivotably disposed to the seat base, a first side bolster mounted onto a first side of the seat back, a second side bolster mounted onto a second side of the seat back, a third side bolster mounted onto a first side of the seat base, a fourth side bolster mounted onto a second side of the seat base, and a back insert mounted within the seat back, each of the side bolsters including a support member and an outer trim member, the support members each including a base, an outer frame and a plurality of interior support walls, the outer frame and the plurality of interior support walls defining a plurality of passages extending through each support member to allow light and air to pass through.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Daniel W. Booth, Kelly T. Hagelthorn
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Patent number: 10960828Abstract: An entertainment bracket for a seat of a motor vehicle includes a mount disposed on the seat, the mount having a headrest bracket and a screen support. The headrest bracket extends from a substantially planar headrest attachment portion rearwards to the screen support, the screen support connected at an angle to the headrest attachment portion and including a first portion of a swivel ball joint. A human machine interface (HMI) bracket supports an HMI and includes a second portion of the swivel ball joint connected to the first portion of the swivel ball joint, the first portion and the second portion of the swivel ball joint allowing the HMI bracket to articulate through a range of motion relative to the headrest bracket. A covering component is disposed overtop the headrest attachment portion and forms a substantially smooth, continuous exterior surface of the entertainment bracket.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Stephen L. Smith, Wendy Zaranek, Bryan R. Wakely
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Publication number: 20210086646Abstract: A dual-voltage charging station system for an alternating current (“AC”) power supply and a mobile platform having a charging port includes a charge coupler, an AC-to-DC conversion stage, a cable, and a controller. The charge coupler has AC pins and direct current (“DC”) pins configured to engage with respective AC and DC receptacles of the charging port. The conversion stage is connected to the charge coupler and the AC power supply, converts the supply voltage to a DC charging voltage, and relays an appropriate AC or DC accessory voltage. The cable connects to the charge coupler such that the AC pins receive the accessory voltage and the DC pins receive the DC charging voltage. The controller simultaneously delivers the accessory voltage and the DC voltage to the mobile platform via the AC pins and the DC pins, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2019Publication date: March 25, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Rashmi Prasad, Chandra S. Namuduri
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Publication number: 20210086695Abstract: The present application relates to a method and apparatus for generating a graphical user interface indicative of a vehicle underbody view including a LIDAR operative to generate a depth map of an off-road surface, a camera for capturing an image of the off-road surface, a chassis sensor operative to detect an orientation of a host vehicle, a processor operative to generate an augmented image in response to the depth map, the image and the orientation, wherein the augmented image depicts an underbody view of the host vehicle and a graphic representative of a host vehicle suspension system, and a display operative to display the augmented image to a host vehicle operator. A static and dynamic model of the vehicle underbody is compared vs the 3-D terrain model to identify contact points between the underbody and terrain are highlighted.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2019Publication date: March 25, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Brian Mahnken, Bradford G. Schreiber, Jeffrey Louis Brown, Shawn W. Ryan, Brent T. Deep, Kurt A. Heier, Upali P. Mudalige, Shuqing Zeng
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Publication number: 20210086620Abstract: Presented are intelligent vehicles and control logic for provisioning comprehensive tow features, methods for manufacturing/operating such vehicles, and electric-drive vehicles with tow features for protecting the vehicle's powertrain and electrical components during towing. A method for controlling operation of an electric-drive vehicle includes a vehicle controller verifying initiation of a towing operation for the vehicle, and responsively determining if there is a drive system failure preventing the vehicle's traction motor from electrically connecting with its traction battery pack. If there is no drive system failure, the controller determines if the speed of the traction motor during towing exceeds a calibrated base speed; if so, the controller commands a power inverter to electrically connect the traction motor to the traction battery pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2019Publication date: March 25, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Dongxu Li, Lei Hao
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Publication number: 20210091575Abstract: An electric propulsion system for a mobile platform includes a battery system connected to positive and negative bus rails, an accessory load having a rotary electric machine, a traction power inverter module (“TPIM”), and an accessory load, switches configured to transition the battery modules to a series-connected (“S-connected”) configuration during a direct current fast-charging (“DCFC”) operation of the battery system, and a controller. When battery modules of the battery system are connected in series during a direct current fast-charging (“DCFC”) operation, the controller executes a diagnostic method to determine bus rail voltages on the positive and negative bus rails and a mid-bus voltage, identifies a diagnosed electrical condition of the electric propulsion system by comparing the voltages to expected values or ranges, and executes a control action in response to the diagnosed electrical condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2019Publication date: March 25, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Shifang Li, William T. Ivan, Brendan M. Conlon, Yue Fan
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Publication number: 20210088340Abstract: A system for inferring lane boundaries via vehicle telemetry for a road section is provided. The system includes a computerized remote server device operable to receive through a communications network sensor data describing lane markings upon roads bordering the road section, determine established lanes upon roads bordering the road section based upon the sensor data, receive through the communications network the vehicle telemetry generated by a plurality of vehicles traversing the road section, generate inferred lanes for the road section based upon the vehicle telemetry, match the inferred lanes to the established lanes to generate unified lane geometries, and publish the unified lane geometries.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2019Publication date: March 25, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Orhan Bulan, Sheetal Mahesh, Yehenew G. Mengistu, David H. Clifford
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Publication number: 20210087661Abstract: An alloy composition is provided. The alloy composition includes chromium (Cr) at a concentration of greater than or equal to about 0.5 wt. % to less than or equal to about 9 wt. %, carbon (C) at a concentration of greater than or equal to about 0.15 wt. % to less than or equal to about 0.5 wt. %, manganese (Mn) at a concentration of greater than or equal to about 0 wt. % to less than or equal to about 3 wt. %, silicon (Si) at a concentration of greater than or equal to about 0.5 wt. % to less than or equal to about 2 wt. %, and a balance of the alloy composition being iron. Methods of making shaped steel objects from the alloy composition are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2017Publication date: March 25, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Qi LU, Jiachen PANG, Jianfeng WANG
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Publication number: 20210089190Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a touch screen system is provided that includes a housing, a display screen, one or more capacitive sensors, and one or more force sensors. The display screen is mounted on the housing. The one or more capacitive sensors are coupled to the display screen, and are configured to generate capacitive sensing data pertaining to possible inputs from a user of the touch screen system. The one or more force sensors are configured to generate force sensing data pertaining to the possible inputs for use in confirming the possible inputs from the capacitive sensing data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2019Publication date: March 25, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Michael J. Smith