Patents by Inventor Chad W. Lehner

Chad W. Lehner 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).

  • Patent number: 8112214
    Abstract: A system for limiting the speed of a vehicle includes a first module that generates a first torque signal based on a vehicle speed, a second module that generates a second torque signal based on a difference between a predetermined vehicle speed limit and the vehicle speed, and a third module that generates an output torque signal based on the first and second torque signals. The output torque signal is adapted to control the output torque of a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: Chad W. Lehner, Richard H. Clutz, William G. Howell, Mark T. Hutchinson, Richard B. Jess, Bahram Younessi, Ronald C. Allison
  • Patent number: 8019568
    Abstract: A system includes an input and a thermal data processing module. The input receives a first oil temperature of an engine oil when an engine is turned on. The thermal data processing module estimates a first heat transfer from a piston of the engine to the engine oil. The thermal data processing module estimates a second heat transfer from the engine oil to an engine block of the engine. The thermal data processing module determines a second oil temperature of the engine oil based on the first oil temperature and the first and second heat transfers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Chad W. Lehner, Balaji Maniam, Gary D. Mandrusiak, David A. Smyczynski, Craig Lash
  • Patent number: 7878053
    Abstract: A control system for evaluating a brake booster system is provided. The control system includes an engine evaluation module that detects an engine off condition. A pressure evaluation module monitors hydraulic brake line pressure and detects changes in brake booster pressure during the engine off condition. A fault reporting module selectively detects a brake booster fault based on the brake line pressure and the changes in brake booster pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Chad W. Lehner, William L. Aldrich, III
  • Publication number: 20090119056
    Abstract: A system includes an input and a thermal data processing module. The input receives a first oil temperature of an engine oil when an engine is turned on. The thermal data processing module estimates a first heat transfer from a piston of the engine to the engine oil. The thermal data processing module estimates a second heat transfer from the engine oil to an engine block of the engine. The thermal data processing module determines a second oil temperature of the engine oil based on the first oil temperature and the first and second heat transfers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Chad W. Lehner, Balaji Maniam, Gary D. Mandrusiak, David A. Smyczynski, Craig Lash
  • Publication number: 20080228366
    Abstract: A system for limiting the speed of a vehicle includes a first module that generates a first torque signal based on a vehicle speed, a second module that generates a second torque signal based on a difference between a predetermined vehicle speed limit and the vehicle speed, and a third module that generates an output torque signal based on the first and second torque signals. The output torque signal is adapted to control the output torque of a motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Chad W. Lehner, Richard H. Clutz, William G. Howell, Mark T. Hutchinson, Richard B. Jess, Bahram Younessi, Ronald C. Allison
  • Publication number: 20080154454
    Abstract: A control system for evaluating a brake booster system is provided. The control system includes an engine evaluation module that detects an engine off condition. A pressure evaluation module monitors hydraulic brake line pressure and detects changes in brake booster pressure during the engine off condition. A fault reporting module selectively detects a brake booster fault based on the brake line pressure and the changes in brake booster pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Chad W. Lehner, William L. Aldrich
  • Patent number: 7076347
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for a brake booster sensor includes a monitor that monitors a maximum error and a minimum error based on a brake booster sensor signal over a monitoring period. A first comparator determines one of a pass status and a fail status of the brake booster sensor based on the maximum error and the minimum error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chad W. Lehner, Daniel H. Hooker
  • Patent number: 7005975
    Abstract: A method for detecting a missing or improperly installed fuel cap on a vehicle includes a first leak test that detects a leak in an evaporative emissions system of a vehicle. A refueling test detects a refueling of the vehicle when the first leak test detects the leak. A fuel cap indicator in the vehicle is activated when the first leak test detects the leak and the refueling test detects the refueling. The fuel cap indicator is deactivated after a predetermined time period. The fuel cap indicator remains deactivated when a predetermined number of leak tests consecutively detect the leak. The fuel cap indicator is deactivated when an occupant of the vehicle indicates that a fuel cap of the vehicle is properly installed. The occupant activates an actuator on an instrument panel of the vehicle to indicate the fuel cap is properly installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Chad W. Lehner
  • Patent number: 6925855
    Abstract: A leak detection system for a vehicle includes a fuel system and a controller. The controller communicates with the fuel system to detect a fuel filling event. The controller initiates a vapor leak test of the fuel system and terminates the vapor leak test if a fuel filling event is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. De Ronne, Marc J. Gonsiorowski, Gregory E. Labus, Chad W. Lehner