Patents by Inventor Leonard G. Wozniak

Leonard G. Wozniak 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: 7599780
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises a first torque request module that generates a first torque request, a second torque request module that generates a second torque request, a torque arbitration module, an arbitration feedback module, and a torque control module. The torque arbitration module selects one of the first and second torque requests and outputs an arbitrated torque based on the selected one of the first and second torque requests. The arbitration feedback module reports a status signal to the first torque request module. The status signal has a first value when the first torque request is the selected one of the first and second torque requests. The torque control module controls an engine to produce the arbitrated torque. The power source includes an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Robert C. Simon, Jr., Leonard G. Wozniak, Richard B. Jess, Meera Raja
  • Publication number: 20090204280
    Abstract: A hybrid controller for controlling a hybrid vehicle is set forth. The hybrid vehicle has an engine, an electric motor and an engine controller determining a crankshaft torque. The hybrid controller includes an optimization module determining an electric motor torque, determining an engine torque and communicating the engine torque from the hybrid controller to the engine controller. The hybrid controller also includes a motor control module controlling the electric motor based on the electric motor torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert C. Simon, JR., Christopher E. Whitney, William R. Cawthorne, John L. Lahti, Douglas J. Babcock, Vivek Mehta, Anthony H. Heap, Todd R. Shupe, Cheryl A. Williams, Leonard G. Wozniak, Ning Jin, Birendra P. Bhattarai, James L. Worthing
  • Patent number: 7537542
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a powertrain system comprising an engine and two electrical machines operably coupled to a two-mode compound-split electro-mechanical transmission is provided. It includes a system controller and two motor control processors. The system controller communicates with the motor control processors via two high speed communications buses and directly-linked serial peripheral interface buses. The motor control processors control flow of electrical power between the electrical machines and an electrical energy storage device. A second control device is operable to control the engine, preferably to control torque output. The internal combustion engine preferably has a crank position sensor which is signally connected to a dedicated input to the second control device and to a dedicated input to the system controller of the first control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Cawthorne, Mario V. Maiorana, Jr., Jy-Jen F. Sah, Sean E Gleason, Gregory A. Hubbard, Leonard G. Wozniak, Matthew T. Boyle, Anthony H. Heap, Aniket Kothari
  • Publication number: 20090107745
    Abstract: A method to monitor integrity of a signal in a distributed control system for a powertrain system includes communications link transmitting signals between control modules. Integrity of each of the control modules is monitored. The signal is generated and verified in an originating control module and transmitted to a receiving control module whereat it is subsequently verified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hanne Buur, William R. Cawthorne, Leonard G. Wozniak
  • Publication number: 20090112412
    Abstract: Controlling a hybrid powertrain includes monitoring an operator torque request, determining maximum and minimum allowable transmission output torques based upon the operator torque request, determining a commanded transmission output torque, and comparing the commanded transmission output torque and each of the maximum and minimum allowable transmission output torques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William R. Cawthorne, Leonard G. Wozniak, Paul A. Stanowski, Hanne Buur
  • Publication number: 20090112399
    Abstract: A method to monitor integrity of a signal generated and communicated in a distributed control module system for a hybrid powertrain system includes generating and verifying signal within an originating control module. A message is generated based upon the signal. The message is transmitted and received at a receiving control module. The signal is extracted from the message and its integrity is verified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hanne Buur, William R. Cawthorne, Trenton W. Haines, Jeong J. Park, Leonard G. Wozniak
  • Patent number: 7519466
    Abstract: A method of regulating a torque output of an internal combustion engine in a hybrid electric vehicle includes determining whether a cam phaser system of the engine is in one of an inactive state and an active state and monitoring at least one engine operating parameter. An engine torque array is selected from a plurality of engine torque arrays based on the one of the inactive state and the active state. An available engine torque is determined based on the engine torque array and the at least one engine operating parameter and the engine is regulated based on the available engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Brennan, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Bryan R. Snyder, Gregory J. York, Anne M. Shields, Leonard G. Wozniak
  • Publication number: 20090056429
    Abstract: A method for collecting crankshaft position data includes rotating a crankshaft of an engine within a selected angular velocity range without any fuel being applied to the engine and measuring crankshaft position data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Xuan Dung Avallone, John L. Lahti, David S. Mathews, Robert C. Simon, JR., Leonard G. Wozniak, William R. Cawthorne, Robert S. Wickman
  • Publication number: 20090037073
    Abstract: A control system for an engine of a vehicle includes a requested torque module that determines a first requested torque based on an accelerator pedal position and a current engine torque output capacity. An accelerator effective position module determines an accelerator effective position based on a requested driver axle torque request signal. A power enrichment (PE) module enables a PE mode to provide a richer than stoichiometric fuel equivalence ratio based on the first requested torque and the accelerator effective position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jaehak Jung, Louis A. Avallone, Christopher E. Whitney, Leonard G. Wozniak, Klaus Pochner, Jeffrey M. Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20090024263
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20090012665
    Abstract: A torque estimation system for a vehicle comprises an operating parameter module, a torque estimation module, and an estimation control module. The operating parameter module determines an estimated engine operating parameter based on engine speed. The torque estimation module estimates engine torque based on the engine speed and the estimated engine operating parameter. The estimation control module provides a plurality of engine speeds to the operating parameter module and the torque estimation module to determine estimated engine torque as a function of engine speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Brennan, Leonard G. Wozniak, Robert C. Simon, JR., Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Emil Ritzen, Mats A. Reimark, Richard M. Backman, Magnus Wall, Thomas Magnusson
  • Publication number: 20090005216
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises a first torque request module that generates a first torque request, a second torque request module that generates a second torque request, a torque arbitration module, an arbitration feedback module, and a torque control module. The torque arbitration module selects one of the first and second torque requests and outputs an arbitrated torque based on the selected one of the first and second torque requests. The arbitration feedback module reports a status signal to the first torque request module. The status signal has a first value when the first torque request is the selected one of the first and second torque requests. The torque control module controls an engine to produce the arbitrated torque. The power source includes an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Robert C. Simon, JR., Leonard G. Wozniak, Richard B. Jess, Meera Raja
  • Publication number: 20080281496
    Abstract: A method of regulating a torque output of an internal combustion engine in a hybrid electric vehicle includes determining whether a cam phaser system of the engine is in one of an inactive state and an active state and monitoring at least one engine operating parameter. An engine torque array is selected from a plurality of engine torque arrays based on the one of the inactive state and the active state. An available engine torque is determined based on the engine torque array and the at least one engine operating parameter and the engine is regulated based on the available engine torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel G. Brennan, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Bryan R. Snyder, Gregory J. York, Anne M. Shields, Leonard G. Wozniak
  • Publication number: 20080243355
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises a torque request module, an immediate torque control module, an actuation module, and an expected torque control module. The torque request module generates an expected torque request and an immediate torque request. The immediate torque control module controls a spark advance of an engine based on the immediate torque request. The actuation module selectively reduces the expected torque request based on the immediate torque request and a spark capacity. The spark capacity is based on a difference between a first engine torque and a second engine torque, determined at a current airflow. The first engine torque is determined at a first spark advance and the second engine torque is determined at a second spark advance that is less than the first spark advance. The expected torque control module that controls a throttle valve area based on the expected torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Richard B. Jess, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Weixin Yan, Michael Livshiz, Robert C. Simon, Leonard G. Wozniak
  • Publication number: 20080228369
    Abstract: A method and system for regulating a drive torque provided to a driveline of a vehicle includes monitoring an accelerator pedal position and a brake pedal position. An adjusted accelerator pedal position is determined based on the accelerator pedal position and the brake pedal position and a drive torque request is determined based on the adjusted accelerator pedal position. Drive torque is generated based on the drive torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: David J. Stroh, Robert C. Simon, Leonard G. Wozniak, William R. Cawthorne
  • Publication number: 20080221763
    Abstract: A control method is provided including detecting transmission output speed and a forward and reverse shift request, and executing inhibit limits when the detected speed exceeds a predetermined threshold speed. The inhibit limits slow the output speed to zero upon detection of a shift request at output speeds above the threshold, with a pedal progression map executed upon reaching zero output speed. The limits approach zero output torque as vehicle speed increases, reaching zero at a relatively high speed and simulating a neutral transmission upon a detected shift request at high speed. A vehicle is also provided having a transmission, a sensor for detecting transmission output speed, a sensor for detecting a shift request, and a PCM having an algorithm and a threshold transmission output speed. The algorithm inhibits a shift event in the direction opposite that of vehicle travel upon detection when vehicle speed is greater than the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William R. Cawthorne, Leonard G. Wozniak
  • Publication number: 20080220934
    Abstract: A method of regulating a torque output of each of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric machine (EM) in a hybrid powertrain system includes determining a desired axle torque of the hybrid powertrain system and arbitrating the desired axle torque and a first plurality of torque requests in an engine control module (ECM) of the hybrid powertrain system to provide an arbitrated axle torque request. The method further includes arbitrating a torque request, which is based on the arbitrated axle torque request, and a second plurality of torque requests in a hybrid control module (HCM) to provide a final torque request, and generating ICE control signals and EM control signals based on the final torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas J. Babcock, Leonard G. Wozniak
  • Publication number: 20080208420
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Leonard G. Wozniak, Robert C. Simon, Christopher E. Whitney, Donovan L. Dibble, Charles H. Folkerts, Joseph R. Dulzo, Thomas Magnusson, Magnus Wall, Emil Ritzen
  • Publication number: 20080179119
    Abstract: A power distribution system for a hybrid vehicle having an engine is disclosed. The power distribution system includes an electric motor/generator, a vehicle accessory drive system comprising a first accessory, and a power distribution apparatus. The power distribution apparatus includes a first power transfer member comprising a first shaft, the first shaft being configured to transfer power to the engine and from the engine. The power distribution apparatus further includes a second power transfer member comprising a second shaft, the second shaft being configured to transfer power to the motor/generator and from the motor/generator. The power distribution apparatus further includes a third power transfer member comprising a third shaft, the third shaft being configured to transfer power to the accessory drive system to drive the first accessory. The power distribution apparatus further includes a first clutch and a second clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel P. Grenn, Marek L. Wilmanowicz, Aniket Kothari, Leonard G. Wozniak, Rick H. Schroeder, Andrew M. Zettel, Peter E. Wu, Wei D. Wang, Michael J. Taljonick, Jayanthi Padmanabhan
  • Publication number: 20080064559
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a powertrain system comprising an engine and two electrical machines operably coupled to a two-mode compound-split electro-mechanical transmission is provided. It includes a system controller and two motor control processors. The system controller communicates with the motor control processors via two high speed communications buses and directly-linked serial peripheral interface buses. The motor control processors control flow of electrical power between the electrical machines and an electrical energy storage device. A second control device is operable to control the engine, preferably to control torque output. The internal combustion engine preferably has a crank position sensor which is signally connected to a dedicated input to the second control device and to a dedicated input to the system controller of the first control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: William R. Cawthorne, Mario V. Maiorana, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Sean E. Gleason, Gregory A. Hubbard, Leonard G. Wozniak, Matthew T. Boyle, Anthony H. Heap, Aniket Kothari