Patents by Inventor Thomas A Szpakowski

Thomas A Szpakowski 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).

  • Knock sensor diagnostic system and method
    Patent number: 7562558
    Abstract: A knock sensor diagnostic system may include a knock sensor. A bias circuit applies a bias voltage to the knock sensor. An input circuit receives an input signal based on the bias voltage. A control module indicates a short circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the input signal. A knock sensor diagnostic system may also or alternatively include a signal generator that generates and applies a test signal with a predetermined frequency to the knock sensor. Another input circuit receives another input signal that is based on the test signal. A control module indicates an open circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the other input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Horner, Craig M. Sawdon, Thomas A Szpakowski, Brian Carl Nelson, Karl T. Kiebel, Marilyn L Kindermann, Anthony L. Marks
  • KNOCK SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20090064762
    Abstract: A knock sensor diagnostic system may include a knock sensor. A bias circuit applies a bias voltage to the knock sensor. An input circuit receives an input signal based on the bias voltage. A control module indicates a short circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the input signal. A knock sensor diagnostic system may also or alternatively include a signal generator that generates and applies a test signal with a predetermined frequency to the knock sensor. Another input circuit receives another input signal that is based on the test signal. A control module indicates an open circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the other input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. Horner, Craig M. Sawdon, Thomas A. Szpakowski, Brian Carl Nelson, Karl T. Kiebel, Marilyn L. Kindermann, Anthony L. Marks