Patents by Inventor Eric M. Rask

Eric M. Rask 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: 9527484
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling regenerative braking in a vehicle having a regenerative braking system are provided. Values of one or more dynamic variables are obtained during operation of the vehicle. A maximum regenerative braking torque is calculated using the dynamic variable values. Regenerative braking torque is provided up to the maximum regenerative braking torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Monika A. Minarcin, Jon K. Logan, Eric M. Rask
  • Patent number: 8612074
    Abstract: Methods and systems for modulating regenerative braking in a vehicle having a regenerative braking system and an energy storage system are provided. A value is obtained for a variable pertaining to a condition that affects energy absorption of the energy storage system. A regenerative braking torque capacity for the regenerative braking system is determined using the value. Regenerative braking is controlled via the regenerative braking system based at least in part on the regenerative braking torque capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Monika A. Minarcin, Eric M. Rask, Jon K. Logan
  • Patent number: 8262524
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided that includes an engine operatively connected with an input member. The powertrain includes a transmission with first and second electric motor/generators, a differential gear set having multiple members, and selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms. The input member, the output member, the engine and the motor/generators are selectively interconnected through the differential gear set by engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanisms in different combinations. The powertrain provides multiple operating modes between the input member and the output member, including an electric-only operating mode in which the engine is off and both electric motor/generators act as motors to provide torque at the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Rask, Peter J. Savagian, Alan G. Holmes, Larry T. Nitz
  • Patent number: 8234025
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid powertrain determines operator demands, a powertrain operating state, and operating conditions based upon the inputs; selects an operating strategy based upon the operator demands, the powertrain operating state, and the operating conditions; determines a preferred powertrain operating state; and controls the powertrain to the preferred powertrain operating state based upon the selected operating strategy, the operator demands and the operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Alan G. Holmes, Edward D. Tate, Jr., Eric M. Rask
  • Patent number: 8204664
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a friction braking system and a powertrain system including a torque machine operative to react tractive torque input from a wheel of the vehicle. A method for controlling braking in a vehicle includes monitoring operation of the powertrain system, determining a driver intended total brake torque, determining a regenerative braking capacity based upon the operation of the powertrain system, determining a regenerative braking request based upon a time-rate change in the regenerative braking capacity, and determining a motor torque command for the torque machine based upon the regenerative braking request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Monika A Minarcin, Jon K. Logan, Jian M Wang, Eric M. Rask
  • Patent number: 8135526
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain system and a friction braking system communicating tractive torque with a driveline, the powertrain system including a torque machine, and an energy storage device connected to the torque machine, said torque machine communicating tractive torque with the driveline. A method for controlling regenerative braking and friction braking includes monitoring a vehicle operating point, determining a braking torque request, determining a regenerative braking motor torque ratio based upon the vehicle operating point wherein the regenerative braking motor torque ratio is non-linearly dependent on the vehicle operating point, and actuating the friction brake based upon the regenerative braking motor torque ratio and the braking torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Monika A Minarcin, Jon K. Logan, Jian M Wang, Eric M. Rask
  • Patent number: 8116925
    Abstract: A hybrid control system comprises a power loss (PL) determination module, a hysteresis estimation module, and a mode determination module. The PL determination module determines a power loss of a hybrid drivetrain based on an engine speed, a motor speed, and a vehicle speed. The hysteresis estimation module determines an average power loss of the hybrid drivetrain based on the power loss and determines a hysteresis power loss of the hybrid drivetrain based on the average power loss. The mode determination module selects an operation mode of the hybrid drivetrain based on the hysteresis power loss. The hybrid control system controls the hybrid drivetrain based on the operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventors: Jian M Wang, Eric M. Rask, Chihang Lin
  • Patent number: 8083626
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system for a vehicle includes an engine and a transmission. The transmission includes a transmission input member, first and second electric machines, first and second planetary gear sets, and a plurality of selectively engageable torque transfer devices enabling configuring the powertrain in variously to operate in electric drive, electrically variable, fixed gear and neutral charging operating states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Alan G. Holmes, Edward D. Tate, Jr., Eric M. Rask
  • Publication number: 20110275466
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided that includes an engine operatively connected with an input member. The powertrain includes a transmission with first and second electric motor/generators, a differential gear set having multiple members, and selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms. The input member, the output member, the engine and the motor/generators are selectively interconnected through the differential gear set by engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanisms in different combinations. The powertrain provides multiple operating modes between the input member and the output member, including an electric-only operating mode in which the engine is off and both electric motor/generators act as motors to provide torque at the output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Rask, Peter J. Savagian, Alan G. Holmes, Larry T. Nitz
  • Publication number: 20110276243
    Abstract: Methods and systems for modulating regenerative braking in a vehicle having a regenerative braking system and an energy storage system are provided. A value is obtained for a variable pertaining to a condition that affects energy absorption of the energy storage system. A regenerative braking torque capacity for the regenerative braking system is determined using the value. Regenerative braking is controlled via the regenerative braking system based at least in part on the regenerative braking torque capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Monika A. Minarcin, Eric M. Rask, Jon K. Logan
  • Patent number: 8043182
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided that includes an engine operatively connected with an input member. The powertrain includes a transmission with first and second electric motor/generators, a differential gear set having multiple members, and selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms. The input member, the output member, the engine and the motor/generators are selectively interconnected through the differential gear set by engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanisms in different combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Rask, Peter J. Savagian, Alan G. Holmes, Larry T. Nitz
  • Publication number: 20110251770
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling regenerative braking in a vehicle having a regenerative braking system are provided. Values of one or more dynamic variables are obtained during operation of the vehicle. A maximum regenerative braking torque is calculated using the dynamic variable values. Regenerative braking torque is provided up to the maximum regenerative braking torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: MONIKA A. MINARCIN, JON K. LOGAN, ERIC M. RASK
  • Publication number: 20110237378
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided that includes an engine operatively connected with an input member. The powertrain includes a transmission with first and second electric motor/generators, a differential gear set having multiple members, and selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms. The input member, the output member, the engine and the motor/generators are selectively interconnected through the differential gear set by engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanisms in different combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Rask, Peter J. Savagian, Alan G. Holmes, Larry T. Nitz
  • Publication number: 20110212802
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system for a vehicle includes an engine and a transmission. The transmission includes a transmission input member, first and second electric machines, first and second planetary gear sets, and a plurality of selectively engageable torque transfer devices enabling configuring the powertrain in variously to operate in electric drive, electrically variable, fixed gear and neutral charging operating states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Alan G. Holmes, Edward D. Tate, JR., Eric M. Rask
  • Patent number: 7980980
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided that includes an engine operatively connected with an input member. The powertrain includes a transmission with first and second electric motor/generators, a differential gear set having multiple members, and selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanisms. The input member, the output member, the engine and the motor/generators are selectively interconnected through the differential gear set by engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanisms in different combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Rask, Peter J. Savagian, Alan G. Holmes, Larry T. Nitz
  • Patent number: 7967711
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system for a vehicle includes an engine and a transmission. The transmission includes a transmission input member, first and second electric machines, first and second planetary gear sets, and a plurality of selectively engageable torque transfer devices enabling configuring the powertrain in variously to operate in electric drive, electrically variable, fixed gear and neutral charging operating states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Alan G. Holmes, Edward D. Tate, Jr., Eric M. Rask
  • Publication number: 20100217464
    Abstract: A hybrid control system comprises a power loss (PL) determination module, a hysteresis estimation module, and a mode determination module. The PL determination module determines a power loss of a hybrid drivetrain based on an engine speed, a motor speed, and a vehicle speed. The hysteresis estimation module determines an average power loss of the hybrid drivetrain based on the power loss and determines a hysteresis power loss of the hybrid drivetrain based on the average power loss. The mode determination module selects an operation mode of the hybrid drivetrain based on the hysteresis power loss. The hybrid control system controls the hybrid drivetrain based on the operation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jian M. Wang, Eric M. Rask, Chihang Lin
  • Patent number: 7769505
    Abstract: A method of operating a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is provided including the steps of: A) determining whether the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is receiving power from an external power source; B) disabling the operation of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and executing a thermal program if the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is receiving power from the external power source, wherein the thermal program includes charging a high voltage battery and monitoring the state of charge of the high voltage battery; C) determining if the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle continues to receive power from the external power source; and D) enabling operation of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle if the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is no longer receiving power from the external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Rask, Robert D. Burns, Mark A. Theobald
  • Patent number: 7748481
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided including an internal combustion engine sufficiently configured for operation in a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode of operation. An electric motor and an electric storage device are provided in parallel hybrid combination with the internal combustion engine. A transmission is operatively connected to the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. The engine may operate in one of a two-stroke and a four-stroke cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Peter J. Savagian, Mark A. Theobald, Eric M. Rask
  • Publication number: 20090124451
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided that includes an engine operatively connected with an input member. The powertrain includes a transmission with first and second electric motor/generators, a differential gear set having multiple members, and selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanisms. The input member, the output member, the engine and the motor/generators are selectively interconnected through the differential gear set by engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanisms in different combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric M. Rask, Peter J. Savagian, Alan G. Holmes, Larry T. Nitz