Patents by Inventor Sean W McGrogan
Sean W McGrogan 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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Publication number: 20230269858Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for steering aligning a laser beam and a fuel target. An example method can include generating, at a first rate, first sensing data indicative of a first overlap between a fuel target and a laser beam. The example method can further include generating, at a second rate, second sensing data indicative of a second overlap between the fuel target and the laser beam. The method can further include generating, at a third rate, and based on the first sensing data and the second sensing data, a steering control signal configured to steer the laser beam or the fuel target. In some aspects, the second rate can be different from the first rate, and the third rate can be about equal to the first rate. In other aspects, the first rate and the second rate can be about equal to the third rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2021Publication date: August 24, 2023Inventors: Poorya Haghi, Sean W. McGrogan, Robert N. Jacques, Daniel Jason Riggs, Liane Manuela Matthes
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Publication number: 20220317576Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method in which off-droplet measurements instead of on-droplet measurements of prepulse energy are used for pulse energy control. Prepulse energy is measured during an off-droplet nonexposure period and controlled to a prepulse energy setpoint. The prepulse energy can then be controlled open-loop to the prepulse energy setpoint during on-droplet periods. This effectively decouples the EUV dose control loop from the prepulse energy control loop and avoids negative side effects of coupling such loops, for example, loss of the part of the dose adjustment range available to the dose controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2020Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Matthew Ryan Graham, Spencer Rich, Sean W. McGrogan
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Patent number: 9493063Abstract: A control-module implemented method for controlling a powertrain system comprising an internal combustion engine, at least one electric machine, a high-voltage battery and an electro-mechanical transmission operative to transmit torque to a driveline includes monitoring a state of charge (SOC) of a high-voltage battery configured to provide stored electrical power to a first electric machine, a second electric machine and at least one auxiliary load. A trickle-charging event is enabled only when the SOC of the high-voltage battery is less than a first SOC threshold. The trickle-charging event activates the first clutch coupled to a first planetary gear set. The trickle-charging event further coordinates a torque capacity of the activated first clutch and a charging set of torque commands between the engine, the first electric machine and the second electric machine to establish a net zero output torque condition.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Syed Naqi, Shaun C. Bowman, Anthony H. Heap, Sean W McGrogan
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Patent number: 9487104Abstract: A method for controlling an electrically-powered torque machine of a powertrain system includes determining a predicted torque command to control the torque machine. A flux command is determined responsive to the predicted torque command. The flux command is a flux level providing a fast torque reserve that is responsive to the predicted torque command. The fast torque reserve is a prescribed minimum rate of change in torque output from the torque machine responsive to the predicted torque command. An inverter controller controls flux of the torque machine responsive to the flux command.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2013Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Jihoon Jang, Sean W. McGrogan, William R. Cawthorne, Krunal P. Patel, Bon Ho Bae
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Patent number: 9481262Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric motor, a direct current power source, and an inverter operatively connected to the direct current power source and the electric motor. The inverter is configured to convert direct current from the power source to alternating current and to transmit the alternating current to the electric motor. The inverter is characterized by an on status and an off status. A controller is operatively connected to the inverter and is configured to control whether the inverter is on or off. The controller is configured to selectively cause the inverter to enter a mode of operation in which the inverter cycles between being on and off.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Min-Joong Kim, Jinming Liu, Sean W. McGrogan
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Patent number: 9416736Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine includes increasing engine drag torque, transitioning from a cylinder deactivation state to an all-cylinder state, and decreasing engine drag torque immediately subsequent to transitioning to the all-cylinder state.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Brenton J. Bergkoetter, Christopher E. Whitney, Brian L. Spohn, Sean W. McGrogan
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Patent number: 9302674Abstract: A method for maximizing regenerative energy captured by an electric machine in a powertrain including an engine, the electric machine and a transmission device configured to transfer torque through a driveline includes detecting an operator brake request and monitoring a time between the detected operator brake request and a preceding operator brake request that was last detected. A maximized regenerative deceleration event is initiated if the time exceeds a predetermined threshold time that includes monitoring a current fixed gear ratio that is selected from among a plurality of fixed gear ratios of the transmission device when the operator brake request is detected and applying a magnitude of torque at the axle that is sufficient for achieving a maximum capability of the electric machine to capture regenerative energy in the current fixed gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: William L. Aldrich, III, Matthew Hawkins, Sean W. McGrogan
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Publication number: 20160016579Abstract: A control-module implemented method for controlling a powertrain system comprising an internal combustion engine, at least one electric machine, a high-voltage battery and an electro-mechanical transmission operative to transmit torque to a driveline includes monitoring a state of charge (SOC) of a high-voltage battery configured to provide stored electrical power to a first electric machine, a second electric machine and at least one auxiliary load. A trickle-charging event is enabled only when the SOC of the high-voltage battery is less than a first SOC threshold. The trickle-charging event activates the first clutch coupled to a first planetary gear set. The trickle-charging event further coordinates a torque capacity of the activated first clutch and a charging set of torque commands between the engine, the first electric machine and the second electric machine to establish a net zero output torque condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2014Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventors: SYED NAQI, SHAUN C. BOWMAN, ANTHONY H. HEAP, SEAN W. MCGROGAN
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Patent number: 9193347Abstract: A powertrain system includes an engine coupled to a multi-mode transmission configured to transfer tractive torque to an output member coupled to a ground wheel. A method for operating the powertrain system includes identifying an undesirable operating region for the multi-mode transmission associated with driveline growl including an input torque range and an output torque range. In response to a command to traverse the undesirable operating region from a first operating region to a second operating region, a fast engine torque transition is executed including controlling the engine as a fast-adjusting torque actuator to control input torque from the engine to the multi-mode transmission and correspondingly controlling motor torque from a torque machine to the multi-mode transmission to maintain output torque from the multi-mode transmission responsive to an output torque request while traversing the undesirable operating region from the first operating region to the second operating region.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Anthony H. Heap, Sean W. McGrogan
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Patent number: 9174631Abstract: A multi-mode transmission is configured to transfer torque among an internal combustion engine, torque machines and an output member. A method for controlling shifting in the transmission includes, in response to a command to execute a range shift in the transmission to a target transmission range: applying mechanical braking torque to reduce output torque from the transmission to off-load torque from an off-going clutch, operating in a pseudo-gear range to synchronize an oncoming clutch, and applying the oncoming clutch to establish the transmission in the target range.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Anthony H. Heap, Sean W. McGrogan, Krunal P. Patel
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Publication number: 20150283917Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric motor, a direct current power source, and an inverter operatively connected to the direct current power source and the electric motor. The inverter is configured to convert direct current from the power source to alternating current and to transmit the alternating current to the electric motor. The inverter is characterized by an on status and an off status. A controller is operatively connected to the inverter and is configured to control whether the inverter is on or off. The controller is configured to selectively cause the inverter to enter a mode of operation in which the inverter cycles between being on and off.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2014Publication date: October 8, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Min-Joong Kim, Jinming Liu, Sean W. McGrogan
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Patent number: 9126588Abstract: A powertrain including an engine and torque machines is configured to transfer torque through a multi-mode transmission to an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain includes employing a closed-loop speed control system to control torque commands for the torque machines in response to a desired input speed. Upon approaching a power limit of a power storage device transferring power to the torque machines, power limited torque commands are determined for the torque machines in response to the power limit and the closed-loop speed control system is employed to determine an engine torque command in response to the desired input speed and the power limited torque commands for the torque machines.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Steven M. Hessell, Robert L. Morris, Sean W. McGrogan, Anthony H. Heap, Gil J. Mendoza
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Patent number: 9073544Abstract: A controller architecture for a vehicle including a multi-mode powertrain system includes an engine controller having a control routine for determining and executing engine torque commands responsive to a hybrid engine torque command, and a control routine for determining a propulsion axle torque command responsive to an output torque request. The controller architecture further includes transmission controller having a control routine for selecting and effecting operation of the passive transmission in a preferred gear responsive to the output torque request. The controller architecture further includes a hybrid controller having control routines for determining and executing torque commands for each of the non-combustion torque machines and for determining the hybrid engine torque command to achieve a desired axle torque in response to the propulsion axle torque command with the passive transmission operating in the preferred gear.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2013Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Anthony H. Heap, Sean W. McGrogan, Kiana Whitehead, Michael Livshiz
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Patent number: 9067598Abstract: A multi-mode transmission for a powertrain system includes a high-voltage electrical system with a high-voltage battery and high-voltage electrical bus coupled to a power inverter electrically coupled to torque machines configured to transform electric power to torque. A method for controlling the multi-mode transmission includes monitoring voltage and current on the high-voltage electrical bus, and estimating electric power limits for the high-voltage electric bus including a constrained battery power command based upon a total motor torque electrical power for the torque machines. Torque commands for the torque machines are constrained in response to the estimated electric power limits for the high-voltage electric bus. Operation of the torque machines of the multi-mode transmission is controlled in response to the torque commands for the torque machines.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Sean W. McGrogan, Anthony H. Heap
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Publication number: 20150166037Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine includes increasing engine drag torque, transitioning from a cylinder deactivation state to an all-cylinder state, and decreasing engine drag torque immediately subsequent to transitioning to the all-cylinder state.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2013Publication date: June 18, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: BRENTON J. BERGKOETTER, CHRISTOPHER E. WHITNEY, BRIAN L. SPOHN, SEAN W. MCGROGAN
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Publication number: 20150155812Abstract: A method for controlling an electrically-powered torque machine of a powertrain system includes determining a predicted torque command to control the torque machine. A flux command is determined responsive to the predicted torque command. The flux command is a flux level providing a fast torque reserve that is responsive to the predicted torque command. The fast torque reserve is a prescribed minimum rate of change in torque output from the torque machine responsive to the predicted torque command. An inverter controller controls flux of the torque machine responsive to the flux command.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2013Publication date: June 4, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: JIHOON JANG, SEAN W. MCGROGAN, WILLIAM R. CAWTHORNE, KRUNAL P. PATEL, BON HO BAE
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Patent number: 9022165Abstract: A method of controlling a fluid pump to supply lubricating fluid to a plurality of fluid requiring components in a hybrid vehicle powertrain includes selecting a component-required flow rate for each respective component using a determined operating speed and torque for that respective component. Once the each component-required flow rate is selected, the system flow rate is set to the maximum component-required flow rate of the plurality of component-required flow rates. The fluid pump is then commanded to supply fluid to each of the plurality of fluid requiring components at the system flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Ali K. Naqvi, Sean W. McGrogan, Mindy L. Barth, Besim Demirovic
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Patent number: 8996215Abstract: A vehicle includes a torque generating device, a transmission, and a controller. The transmission has one or more clutches. The controller executes a method, which includes measuring an amount of slip across an identified offgoing clutches and determining whether the offgoing clutches have slipped prior to a modeled clutch torque capacity reaching zero. A status is assigned indicating that the offgoing clutches are released if the offgoing clutch has slipped prior to the modeled clutch capacity reaching zero. The controller induces slip across the identified offgoing clutches to a calibrated low, non-zero level after recording the value, including by enforcing the low, non-zero slip value using one or more acceleration profiles.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Pinaki Gupta, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Sean W. McGrogan, Anthony H. Heap
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Patent number: 8989940Abstract: A powertrain system is configured to transfer torque to an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes prioritizing a plurality of system torque constraint parameters. The system torque constraint parameters are sequentially applied in an order of descending priority. A feasible state for each of the sequentially applied system torque constraint parameters is determined. A solution set including the feasible states for all the sequentially applied system torque constraint parameters is determined, and employed to control operation of the powertrain system in response to an output torque request.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Anthony H. Heap, Sean W. McGrogan
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Publication number: 20150081148Abstract: A powertrain system is configured to transfer torque to an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes prioritizing a plurality of system torque constraint parameters. The system torque constraint parameters are sequentially applied in an order of descending priority. A feasible state for each of the sequentially applied system torque constraint parameters is determined. A solution set including the feasible states for all the sequentially applied system torque constraint parameters is determined, and employed to control operation of the powertrain system in response to an output torque request.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: ANTHONY H. HEAP, SEAN W. MCGROGAN