Patents by Inventor Timothy P Philippart
Timothy P Philippart 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: 11073051Abstract: A first high side switch is configured to connect and disconnect a first reference potential to and from a first node, the first node configured to be electrically connected to a second node and a first end of a first inductor coil of a fuel injector of a cylinder and a first end of a second inductor coil of an oil control valve of the cylinder. A second high side switch is configured to connect and disconnect a second reference potential to and from the second node. A first low side switch is configured to connect and disconnect a ground reference potential to and from a second end of the second inductor coil of the oil control valve. A second low side switch is configured to connect and disconnect the ground reference potential to and from a second end of the first inductor coil of the fuel injector.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: S.M. Nayeem Hasan, Timothy P. Philippart
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Publication number: 20200400044Abstract: A first high side switch is configured to connect and disconnect a first reference potential to and from a first node, the first node configured to be electrically connected to a second node and a first end of a first inductor coil of a fuel injector of a cylinder and a first end of a second inductor coil of an oil control valve of the cylinder. A second high side switch is configured to connect and disconnect a second reference potential to and from the second node. A first low side switch is configured to connect and disconnect a ground reference potential to and from a second end of the second inductor coil of the oil control valve. A second low side switch is configured to connect and disconnect the ground reference potential to and from a second end of the first inductor coil of the fuel injector.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2019Publication date: December 24, 2020Inventors: S.M. Nayeem Hasan, Timothy P. Philippart
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Publication number: 20200025841Abstract: A system and method for selective reset of a sensor powered from a common power supply. The system includes a power supply, a plurality of sensors, each sensor connected to the power supply, responsive to the power supply, configured to detect a sensed parameter and provide a signal corresponding to the parameter. The system also includes a transimpedance current limiting device connected in series with a sensor of the plurality of sensors that limits current from the sensor, a switching device connected in series with the transimpedance current limiting device, that is controllable to interrupt current flow through the sensor, and a controller connected to the plurality of sensors, the controller monitors various signals from at least one sensor and controls the switching device based on those signals, wherein the controller deactivates the switching device if the current from the sensor exceeds a selected threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2018Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: Timothy P. Philippart, S.M. Nayeem Hasan
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Patent number: 10495215Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle transmission includes electrically connecting a Transmission or Powertrain Control Unit (TCU or PCU) to the vehicle transmission, the TCU or PCU controlling operation of the transmission and having switchable power on a high side, and switchable ground on a low side of a plurality of solenoids in a shared functional grouping configuration, proportionally controlling an amount of current through a load such as a solenoid via controlling an amount of time current is being sunk through the solenoid to ground and controlling an amount of time current is provided via an adaptable recirculation path in the TCU or PCU, the recirculation path minimizing current decay when the solenoid is driven in an OFF state. The TCU or PCU having a single hardware layout, but being electronically adaptable to control a plurality of transmission types and solenoid architectures based on any desired functional solenoid grouping.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2018Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Timothy P. Philippart, Robert J. Horner, Michael R. Grimes
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Patent number: 10480444Abstract: A method is provided for operating a three step camshaft system during engine position sensor fault conditions. The three step camshaft has multiple cam actuators each having an actuator pin. The method includes: disposing multiple camshaft barrels on a camshaft, each barrel having a slot receiving the actuator pin of a cam actuator during camshaft barrel rotation axially displacing each camshaft barrel to a high lift lobe position, a low lift lobe position and an active fuel management (AFM) lobe position; determining if an engine position sensor is in a fault condition; identifying if the fault condition occurs simultaneously with any of the camshaft barrels positioned in the AFM lobe position; energizing selected cam actuators in communication with the camshaft barrels positioned in the AFM lobe position to axially displace the camshaft barrel away from the AFM lobe position and to the low lift lobe position.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Etsuko Stewart, Timothy P. Philippart, Scott T. Feldmann, Zhong Li
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Publication number: 20190264804Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle transmission includes electrically connecting a Transmission or Powertrain Control Unit (TCU or PCU) to the vehicle transmission, the TCU or PCU controlling operation of the transmission and having switchable power on a high side, and switchable ground on a low side of a plurality of solenoids in a shared functional grouping configuration, proportionally controlling an amount of current through a load such as a solenoid via controlling an amount of time current is being sunk through the solenoid to ground and controlling an amount of time current is provided via an adaptable recirculation path in the TCU or PCU, the recirculation path minimizing current decay when the solenoid is driven in an OFF state. The TCU or PCU having a single hardware layout, but being electronically adaptable to control a plurality of transmission types and solenoid architectures based on any desired functional solenoid grouping.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2018Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Timothy P. Philippart, Robert J. Horner, Michael R. Grimes
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Patent number: 10358954Abstract: A method of noise filtering a sliding camshaft actuator pin position output signal includes determining an actual pin position output signal period of a sliding camshaft actuator that occurs within a predetermined output signal period measurement window and establishing a pin position output signal filter window based on the actual pin position output signal period. Thereafter, the actual pin position output signal period from the sliding camshaft actuator is monitored by a control module and signals that occur outside of the pin position output signal filter window are rejected accordingly to prevent responding to false triggers.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2017Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Douglas R. Verner, Timothy Karnjate, Timothy P Philippart
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Patent number: 10344734Abstract: A method of determining a sliding camshaft actuator pin position based on engine crankshaft angle includes commanding a sliding camshaft actuator to perform a valve step shift, and monitoring an actuator's pin position during the valve step shift command. At least one crank angle is measured when the actuator pin position reaches or exceeds at least one predetermined pin position threshold and at least one remedial action is performed when the actuator pin position does not correlate to the at least one measured crank angle.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Timothy P Philippart, Douglas R Verner, Dimitri Karatsinides, Timothy Karnjate
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Publication number: 20190003446Abstract: A method of determining a sliding camshaft actuator pin position based on engine crankshaft angle includes commanding a sliding camshaft actuator to perform a valve step shift, and monitoring an actuator's pin position during the valve step shift command. At least one crank angle is measured when the actuator pin position reaches or exceeds at least one predetermined pin position threshold and at least one remedial action is performed when the actuator pin position does not correlate to the at least one measured crank angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2017Publication date: January 3, 2019Inventors: Timothy P. Philippart, Douglas R. Verner, Dimitri Karatsinides, Timothy Karnjate
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Publication number: 20180340484Abstract: A method is provided for operating a three step camshaft system during engine position sensor fault conditions. The three step camshaft has multiple cam actuators each having an actuator pin. The method includes: disposing multiple camshaft barrels on a camshaft, each barrel having a slot receiving the actuator pin of a cam actuator during camshaft barrel rotation axially displacing each camshaft barrel to a high lift lobe position, a low lift lobe position and an active fuel management (AFM) lobe position; determining if an engine position sensor is in a fault condition; identifying if the fault condition occurs simultaneously with any of the camshaft barrels positioned in the AFM lobe position; energizing selected cam actuators in communication with the camshaft barrels positioned in the AFM lobe position to axially displace the camshaft barrel away from the AFM lobe position and to the low lift lobe position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2017Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventors: Etsuko Stewart, Timothy P. Philippart, Scott T. Feldmann, Zhong Li
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Patent number: 10135269Abstract: A circuit for connecting a voltage source to a load is provided. The circuit may include a Vbatt node configured to be connected to a voltage source and a diode electrically connected with the Vbatt node. A battery isolation switch module is electrically connected with the diode, the diode being arranged in series between the battery isolation switch module and the Vbatt node. A capacitor bank is electrically connected with the battery isolation switch module and to ground. The capacitor bank is configured to be further connected with a microprocessor power supply. A high side driver may be configured to receive power from the voltage source. The diode is configured to isolate the capacitor bank and the power supply. The diode is arranged to prevent current from flowing back through the diode from the battery isolation switch module and the capacitor bank to the Vbatt node or HSD output.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Inventors: S M N Hasan, Timothy P Philippart, Sam Barakat
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Publication number: 20180320565Abstract: A method of noise filtering a sliding camshaft actuator pin position output signal includes determining an actual pin position output signal period of a sliding camshaft actuator that occurs within a predetermined output signal period measurement window and establishing a pin position output signal filter window based on the actual pin position output signal period. Thereafter, the actual pin position output signal period from the sliding camshaft actuator is monitored by a control module and signals that occur outside of the pin position output signal filter window are rejected accordingly to prevent responding to false triggers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2017Publication date: November 8, 2018Inventors: Douglas R. Verner, Timothy Karnjate, Timothy P. Philippart
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Patent number: 9954353Abstract: A pre-charge circuit is disclosed for a vehicle including a battery and a load. The pre-charge circuit includes a time delay circuit configured to, in response to receiving power from the battery, generate a first voltage. The first voltage increases from a first value toward a second value. The pre-charge circuit includes a switch control circuit configured to, in response to the first voltage, provide a second voltage that follows the first voltage. The pre-charge circuit includes a switching circuit configured to selectively connect the battery to the load based on the second voltage and disconnect the load from the battery in response to the second voltage reaching a predetermined threshold value. The pre-charge circuit includes an output circuit configured to restrict an amount of power and inrush current that is provided from the battery to the load through the switching circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: S. M. Nayeem Hasan, Timothy P. Philippart
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Publication number: 20180019602Abstract: A circuit for connecting a voltage source to a load is provided. The circuit may include a Vbatt node configured to be connected to a voltage source and a diode electrically connected with the Vbatt node. A battery isolation switch module is electrically connected with the diode, the diode being arranged in series between the battery isolation switch module and the Vbatt node. A capacitor bank is electrically connected with the battery isolation switch module and to ground. The capacitor bank is configured to be further connected with a microprocessor power supply. A high side driver may be configured to receive power from the voltage source. The diode is configured to isolate the capacitor bank and the power supply. The diode is arranged to prevent current from flowing back through the diode from the battery isolation switch module and the capacitor bank to the Vbatt node or HSD output.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2016Publication date: January 18, 2018Inventors: SM N HASAN, TIMOTHY P PHILIPPART, SAM BARAKAT
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Patent number: 9829096Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a first solenoid control module, a fault diagnostic module, and a second solenoid control module. The first solenoid control module controls a plurality of solenoids to shift gears in a transmission. The fault diagnostic module diagnosis a fault in a transmission control system based on an operating parameter of the transmission control system. The second solenoid control module selectively controls the plurality of solenoids to shift gears in the transmission when a fault in the transmission control system is diagnosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Timothy P. Philippart, Michael R. Grimes
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Publication number: 20170146117Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a first solenoid control module, a fault diagnostic module, and a second solenoid control module. The first solenoid control module controls a plurality of solenoids to shift gears in a transmission. The fault diagnostic module diagnosis a fault in a transmission control system based on an operating parameter of the transmission control system. The second solenoid control module selectively controls the plurality of solenoids to shift gears in the transmission when a fault in the transmission control system is diagnosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2015Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Timothy P. PHILIPPART, Michael R. Grimes
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Publication number: 20170133837Abstract: A pre-charge circuit is disclosed for a vehicle including a battery and a load. The pre-charge circuit includes a time delay circuit configured to, in response to receiving power from the battery, generate a first voltage. The first voltage increases from a first value toward a second value. The pre-charge circuit includes a switch control circuit configured to, in response to the first voltage, provide a second voltage that follows the first voltage. The pre-charge circuit includes a switching circuit configured to selectively connect the battery to the load based on the second voltage and disconnect the load from the battery in response to the second voltage reaching a predetermined threshold value. The pre-charge circuit includes an output circuit configured to restrict an amount of power and inrush current that is provided from the battery to the load through the switching circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2015Publication date: May 11, 2017Inventors: S.M. Nayeem HASAN, Timothy P. PHILIPPART
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Patent number: 9347415Abstract: A starter relay connects a battery with a starter motor of an engine when in a closed state and disconnects the starter motor from the battery when in an open state. A switching device provides current to the starter relay when in a closed state and disables current flow to the starter relay when in an open state. For an engine startup event, a switch control module: transitions the switching device to the closed state for a first predetermined period; transitions the switching device to the open state for a second predetermined period after the first predetermined period; and transitions the switching device to the closed state for a third period after the second predetermined period. The starter relay remains in the open state during the first predetermined period and transitions to the closed state when the switching device is in the closed state for the third period.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Timothy P. Philippart, Shawn L. Boozer, Scott J. Chynoweth, Detlev Schafer
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Patent number: 9329219Abstract: A control module includes an input module configured to operate in a normal operating state and a fault diagnosis state. The input module receives an input signal from a circuit module and generates a voltage based on the input signal. In the normal operating state, a fault diagnostic module determines whether the voltage is in a first range or a second range. The first range and the second range indicate that a fault is detected in the circuit module. The fault diagnostic module determines that the detected fault is a first fault type if the voltage is in the first range, transitions the input module from the normal operating state to the fault diagnosis state if the voltage is in the second range, and determines whether the detected fault is a second fault type or a third fault type based on the voltage in the fault diagnosis state.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Timothy P. Philippart, Steven Zechiel
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Patent number: 9156343Abstract: An electrolytic capacitor reformation system for a vehicle includes an electrolytic capacitor, a motor driver module, a switching device, a resistor, and a switching control module. The electrolytic capacitor receives power from a battery of the vehicle. The motor driver module receives power from the electrolytic capacitor and drives an electric motor of the vehicle. The switching device and the resistor are connected in series in a current path between the battery and the electrolytic capacitor. The resistor limits current flow through the current path. The switching control module selectively transitions the switching device to a closed state to reform the electrolytic capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Timothy P. Philippart