Patents by Inventor Charles H. Folkerts
Charles H. Folkerts 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: 9050903Abstract: A method of regulating a torque output of a vehicle powertrain includes generating a plurality of torque requests and associating each of the plurality of torque requests with one of a plurality of arbitration domains to form torque request sets associated with each of the plurality of arbitration domains. A first torque request set is arbitrated within a first of the plurality of arbitration domains to provide a first torque request. The first torque request is introduced into a second torque request set associated with a second of the plurality of arbitration domains. The second torque request set is arbitrated within the second arbitration domain to provide a second torque request. A torque source is regulated based on the second torque request.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Leonard G. Wozniak, Robert C. Simon, Jr., Christopher E. Whitney, Donovan L. Dibble, Charles H. Folkerts, Joseph R. Dulzo, Thomas Magnusson, Magnus Wall, Emil Ritzen
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Patent number: 8191532Abstract: A method and a control module for performing the same include a filter module filtering in-cylinder pressure signals using a filter to form filtered in-cylinder pressure signals. The control module further includes a heat release rate determination module generating heat release rate signals based on the in-cylinder pressure signals and a maximum heat rate determination module determining a maximum heat release rate from the heat release rate signals. The system also includes a correction module correcting auto-ignition for the engine based on the maximum heat release rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Inventors: Charles H. Folkerts, Jose C Zavala Jurado, Karl T. Kiebel, Johnson Wu
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Patent number: 8195370Abstract: A powertrain control system for a vehicle includes a plurality of axle torque request modules that generate respective axle torque requests based on respective performance criteria of a vehicle, an axle torque arbitration module that generates a net axle torque request based on the plurality of axle torque requests, a plurality of propulsion torque request modules that generate respective propulsion torque requests based on respective performance criteria of an engine of the vehicle, a propulsion torque arbitration module that determines a net engine torque request based on the net axle torque request and the plurality of propulsion torque requests, and a propulsion torque control module that controls a plurality of actuators based on the net engine torque request such that the engine produces an output torque in accordance with the net engine torque request.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2007Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Inventors: Robert C. Simon, Jr., Leonard G. Wozniak, Michael Livshiz, Christopher E. Whitney, Charles H. Folkerts, Scott J. Chynoweth, David J. Stroh
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Patent number: 8122868Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a heat-release rate (HRR) module, a first filter module, a second filter module, an auto-ignition energy determination module, and a corrective action module. The HRR module generates an HRR signal based on in-cylinder pressures of a cylinder of the engine. The first filter module generates a first filtered HRR signal indicative of a first HRR due to combustion in the cylinder by filtering the HRR signal. The second filter module generates a second filtered HRR signal indicative of a second HRR due to auto-ignition in the cylinder by filtering one of the HRR signal and the first filtered HRR signal. The auto-ignition energy determination module determines an auto-ignition energy of the cylinder based on the first and second filtered HRR signals. The corrective action module selectively adjusts auto-ignition of the engine based on the auto-ignition energy. A related method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Inventors: Jose C Zavala Jurado, Charles H. Folkerts, Karl T. Kiebel
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Publication number: 20110077846Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a heat-release rate (HRR) module, a first filter module, a second filter module, an auto-ignition energy determination module, and a corrective action module. The HRR module generates an HRR signal based on in-cylinder pressures of a cylinder of the engine. The first filter module generates a first filtered HRR signal indicative of a first HRR due to combustion in the cylinder by filtering the HRR signal. The second filter module generates a second filtered HRR signal indicative of a second HRR due to auto-ignition in the cylinder by filtering one of the HRR signal and the first filtered HRR signal. The auto-ignition energy determination module determines an auto-ignition energy of the cylinder based on the first and second filtered HRR signals. The corrective action module selectively adjusts auto-ignition of the engine based on the auto-ignition energy. A related method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jose C. Zavala Jurado, Charles H. Folkerts, Karl T. Kiebel
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Publication number: 20100242912Abstract: A method and a control module for performing the same include a filter module filtering in-cylinder pressure signals using a filter to form filtered in-cylinder pressure signals. The control module further includes a heat release rate determination module generating heat release rate signals based on the in-cylinder pressure signals and a maximum heat rate determination module determining a maximum heat release rate from the heat release rate signals. The system also includes a correction module correcting auto-ignition for the engine based on the maximum heat release rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2009Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Charles H. Folkerts, Jose C. Zavala Jurado, Karl T. Kiebel, Johnson Wu
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Publication number: 20090024263Abstract: A powertrain control system for a vehicle includes a plurality of axle torque request modules that generate respective axle torque requests based on respective performance criteria of a vehicle, an axle torque arbitration module that generates a net axle torque request based on the plurality of axle torque requests, a plurality of propulsion torque request modules that generate respective propulsion torque requests based on respective performance criteria of an engine of the vehicle, a propulsion torque arbitration module that determines a net engine torque request based on the net axle torque request and the plurality of propulsion torque requests, and a propulsion torque control module that controls a plurality of actuators based on the net engine torque request such that the engine produces an output torque in accordance with the net engine torque request.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Robert C. Simon, JR., Leonard G. Wozniak, Michael Livshiz, Christopher E. Whitney, Charles H. Folkerts, Scott J. Chynoweth, David J. Stroh
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Publication number: 20080208420Abstract: A method of regulating a torque output of a vehicle powertrain includes generating a plurality of torque requests and associating each of the plurality of torque requests with one of a plurality of arbitration domains to form torque request sets associated with each of the plurality of arbitration domains. A first torque request set is arbitrated within a first of the plurality of arbitration domains to provide a first torque request. The first torque request is introduced into a second torque request set associated with a second of the plurality of arbitration domains. The second torque request set is arbitrated within the second arbitration domain to provide a second torque request. A torque source is regulated based on the second torque request.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Leonard G. Wozniak, Robert C. Simon, Christopher E. Whitney, Donovan L. Dibble, Charles H. Folkerts, Joseph R. Dulzo, Thomas Magnusson, Magnus Wall, Emil Ritzen
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Patent number: 7367290Abstract: A combustion mode switching control system for diesel engines is provided. The system includes: a switch determination module that initiates a switch request to switch between at least one of a premixed compression ignition (PCI) mode and a diesel combustion mode based on engine speed and at least one of fuel quantity and torque; a transition module that commands the at least one of the PCI mode and the diesel combustion mode based on the switch request; and a control module that controls at least one of target airflow, desired fuel quantity, and desired fuel injection timing based on the command.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Qian Chen, Charles H. Folkerts
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Publication number: 20080047523Abstract: A combustion mode switching control system for diesel engines is provided. The system includes, a switch determination module that initiates a switch request to switch between at least one of a premixed compression ignition (PCI) mode and a diesel combustion mode based on engine speed and at least one of fuel quantity and torque; a transition module that commands the at least one of the PCI mode and the diesel combustion mode based on the switch request; and a control module that controls at least one of target airflow desired fuel quantity and desired fuel injection timing based on the command.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventors: Qian Chen, Charles H. Folkerts
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Patent number: 7004144Abstract: A method of dynamically controlling torque output of a torque producing device includes determining a shaped torque command based on a torque command generated by an input device and calculating an actuator variable based on the shaped torque command and a gain. An actuator is regulated based on the actuator variable to adjust the torque output.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: David J. Stroh, Charles H. Folkerts
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Patent number: 6895941Abstract: An engine control system including a variable displacement internal combustion engine, a plurality of cylinders located in the internal combustion engine, a plurality of fuel injectors for providing fuel to the plurality of cylinders, a plurality of valves coupled to the plurality of cylinders, the plurality of valves controlling the air flow in and out of the cylinders, an actuation apparatus for actuating the plurality of valves, an intake manifold coupled to the internal combustion engine, a throttle coupled to the intake manifold, a controller electronically coupled to the fuel injectors, an accelerator pedal position sensor electronically coupled to the controller, and where the controller determines the number of the cylinders to provide with fuel and air and a desired engine output torque based on the accelerator pedal position sensor and a hysteresis value.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Gregory P. Matthews, Charles H. Folkerts
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Publication number: 20040055569Abstract: An engine control system including a variable displacement internal combustion engine, a plurality of cylinders located in the internal combustion engine, a plurality of fuel injectors for providing fuel to the plurality of cylinders, a plurality of valves coupled to the plurality of cylinders, the plurality of valves controlling the air flow in and out of the cylinders, an actuation apparatus for actuating the plurality of valves, an intake manifold coupled to the internal combustion engine, a throttle coupled to the intake manifold, a controller electronically coupled to the fuel injectors, an accelerator pedal position sensor electronically coupled to the controller, and where the controller determines the number of the cylinders to provide with fuel and air and a desired engine output torque based on the accelerator pedal position sensor and a hysteresis value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Gregory P. Matthews, Charles H. Folkerts
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Patent number: 5596972Abstract: Integrated control of internal combustion engine fueling including control of fuel injectors and control of purge valve position to vary the rate at which fuel vapor trapped in a canister is purged to an engine intake manifold, determines the mass of purge vapor reaching the intake manifold, estimates the mass of purge vapor reaching each engine cylinder, and adjusts the engine cylinder fuel injection mass in response thereto to provide an accurate overall cylinder fueling insensitive to the purge rate, allowing the purge control operations to be aggressively driven while ambitious cylinder air/fuel ratio standards are maintained. Feedforward purge control proactively adjusts purge control commands in response to desired cylinder purge mass and to purge vapor flow dynamics and feedback purge control trims the purge control commands in response to a difference between the desired cylinder purge mass and estimated cylinder purge mass.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Myrna C. Sultan, Charles H. Folkerts, Gregory P. Matthews, Mark D. Kushion
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Patent number: 5465617Abstract: Engine cylinder inlet air rate measurement is provided with minimization of system calibration and parameter measurement using a correction generated under steady state engine inlet air dynamic conditions through a comparison of mass airflow-based engine inlet air rate measurement and a nominal calculated cylinder inlet air rate. The correction may be periodically updated under steady state engine inlet air dynamic conditions and may be applied under all engine inlet air dynamic conditions, especially transient inlet air dynamic conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1994Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Kenneth P. Dudek, Gregory P. Matthews, Charles H. Folkerts, Ronald A. Davis
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Patent number: 5463993Abstract: Internal combustion engine speed is controlled through a nested plurality of compensation loops each of which is dedicated to exclusively addressing engine control processes and the delays associated therewith. State observers provide predicted state values to the plurality for generation of desired state values at a subsequent cylinder event. Feedforward compensation is included to compensate for substantially constant engine loads of known magnitude while such loads are determined to be applied. Ignition timing advance compensation is favored for small speed errors or when rapid response is required, and engine inlet air rate compensation is favored for large speed errors or when slower response can be tolerated.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1994Date of Patent: November 7, 1995Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Mikhail Livshits, David J. Sanvido, Charles H. Folkerts
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Patent number: 5423208Abstract: The state of internal combustion engine inlet air dynamics is characterized in a substantially noise immune albeit rapid manner according to the degree by which a first set of criteria indicate a steady state condition in which engine inlet air rate substantially corresponds to cylinder inlet air rate or to the degree by which a second set of criteria indicate a transient condition in which engine inlet air rate does not substantially correspond to cylinder air rate. Cylinder inlet air rate may then be predicted in accord with the characterization.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1993Date of Patent: June 13, 1995Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Kenneth P. Dudek, Gregory P. Matthews, Charles H. Folkerts, Ronald A. Davis
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Patent number: 5421302Abstract: Prediction of the torque and speed of an internal combustion engine at a subsequent engine angular position at which engine control commands are to be issued include information on a steady state torque estimation in accord with a set of engine parameters, an estimated torque production delay value, and prior predictions of engine speed and torque. Correction values reflect differences between previous predicted values and corresponding measurements, when such measurements become available, such correction values being applied to refine the predictions.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1994Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Mikhail Livshits, Charles H. Folkerts, David J. Sanvido
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Patent number: 5273019Abstract: A method and apparatus disclosed provide dynamic prediction of re-circulated exhaust gas content in an engine intake manifold. An engine-controller combination, comprises a vehicle engine and an exhaust gas re-circulation valve providing re-circulation of engine exhaust gas. Several sensors determine measures of a set of engine parameters and provide measurement signals indicative of the measures. A microprocessor control unit receives the measurement signals, (ii) predicts future values of MAP and P.sub.o, where MAP represents an absolute pressure of an engine intake manifold and where P.sub.o represents a new air partial pressure of the engine intake manifold, and (iii) controls the vehicle engine in response to the predicted future values of MAP and P.sub.o.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1992Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Gregory P. Matthews, Kenneth P. Dudek, Charles H. Folkerts
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Patent number: 5094213Abstract: An engine--powertrain--controller combination includes a microprocessor control unit which predicts a future value of an engine state and uses that predicted value in engine control functions for improved control of the engine--powertrain in such areas as air-fuel ratio control, control of the engine during engine idle, and engine spark timing control.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1991Date of Patent: March 10, 1992Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Kenneth P. Dudek, Charles H. Folkerts