Patents by Inventor Vijay Ramappan

Vijay Ramappan 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).

  • Publication number: 20160047374
    Abstract: A pump current module determines a first current flowing through an electric engine coolant pump based on a coolant valve position. A current error module receives a second current flowing through the electric engine coolant pump measured using a current sensor and determines a current error based on a difference between the first current and the second current. A fault module indicates whether a fault is present based on the current error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: EUGENE V. GONZE, VIJAY RAMAPPAN, YUE-MING CHEN
  • Publication number: 20160047291
    Abstract: A target speed module determines a target speed of an engine coolant pump of the vehicle. A speed adjustment module determines a speed adjustment based on a position of a valve, wherein a backpressure of the engine coolant pump changes when the position of the valve changes. An adjusted target speed module determines an adjusted target speed for the engine coolant pump based on the target speed and the speed adjustment. A speed control module controls a speed of the engine coolant pump based on the adjusted target speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: EUGENE V. GONZE, VIJAY RAMAPPAN, YUE-MING CHEN
  • Patent number: 9157390
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a first exhaust gas flow rate (EGF) estimation module, a second EGF estimation module, and an EGF fault detection module. The first EGF estimation module estimates a first flow rate of exhaust re-circulated back to an intake manifold based on a concentration of oxygen in the intake manifold. The second EGF estimation module estimates a second flow rate of exhaust re-circulated back to the intake manifold based on an engine speed and an engine load. The EGF fault detection module selectively indicates a fault is present in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system based on the first flow rate and the second flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: B. Jerry Song, Vijay Ramappan, Darrell W. Burleigh
  • Patent number: 8915236
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes first and second modules. The first module determines an oxygen concentration within an intake manifold of the engine. The second module regulates a flow of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) into the intake manifold based on the determined oxygen concentration. In a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine, the second module may also disable an HCCI combustion mode of the HCCI engine based on the oxygen concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Vijay Ramappan, Darrell W. Burleigh, B. Jerry Song
  • Patent number: 8868319
    Abstract: A control system for a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine includes first and second modules. The first module determines an adjusted intake valve opening (IVO) timing based on a base IVO timing and an IVO timing adjustment, wherein the IVO timing adjustment is based on one or more of a plurality of operating parameters. The second module controls intake valves of the HCCI engine based on the adjusted IVO timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventors: Darrell W. Burleigh, Vijay Ramappan, Ben W. Moscherosch
  • Publication number: 20140257673
    Abstract: A fuel control system of a vehicle includes an injection control module and a command module. The injection control module determines a first target amount of fuel for a combustion event of an engine. A command module selectively command the injection control module to provide two fuel injections when a torque request decreases. In response to the command, the injection control module: determines second and third target amounts of fuel based on the first target amount; provides a first fuel injection during the combustion event based on the second target amount; and provides a second fuel injection during a compression stroke of the combustion event based on the third target amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Sanjeev M. Naik, Vijay Ramappan, Martino Casetti
  • Publication number: 20140222318
    Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate-estimation module and a control module. The EGR rate-estimation module receives a first signal indicating a first relative humidity of a flow of air and a second signal indicating a second relative humidity of a mixed flow of air and exhaust gas. The EGR rate-estimation module determines an estimated EGR rate based on the first relative humidity and the second relative humidity, wherein the estimated EGR rate corresponds to a flow rate of a flow of exhaust gas to an engine. The control module selectively adjusts an engine operating parameter based on the estimated EGR rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Vijay Ramappan, Darrell W. Burleigh, Gerald W. Fly
  • Patent number: 8776762
    Abstract: A control system and method for operating an engine includes a threshold determination module that determines a plurality of combustion mode thresholds based on the engine speed and engine temperature. The control module also includes a transition module that compares the engine load and the plurality of combustion mode thresholds and changes a combustion mode of the engine in response to comparing the engine load and the plurality of combustion mode thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Allen B. Rayl, Vijay Ramappan, Peter Kafarnik, Jun-Mo Kang, Hanho Yun
  • Patent number: 8755987
    Abstract: A control system for a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine includes first and second modules. The first module determines a load on the HCCI engine when the HCCI engine is operating in an HCCI combustion mode. The second module controls torque generated by the HCCI engine based on the determined load and a predetermined threshold, wherein the second module controls the torque generated by the HCCI engine by controlling fueling of the HCCI engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventors: Vijay Ramappan, Darrell W. Burleigh, Ben W. Moscherosch
  • Patent number: 8726880
    Abstract: A system for an engine includes a motor driver module, a target phase angle module, and a correlation control module. The motor driver module controls an electric motor of a camshaft phaser based on a target angle defined by a crankshaft position and a camshaft position. The target phase angle module selectively sets the target angle to a first phase angle before a deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO) event and selectively transitions the target angle to a predetermined phase angle during the DFCO event. The correlation control module selectively compares a value of the crankshaft position with a predetermined crankshaft position range during the DFCO event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Etsuko Muraji Stewart, Vijay Ramappan
  • Publication number: 20130253798
    Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle includes a flowrate module, first and second mass fraction calculating modules, and an actuator control module. The flowrate module determines a mass flowrate of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to an engine. The first mass fraction calculating module, based on the mass flowrate of EGR, determines a first mass fraction of recirculated exhaust gas relative of a first gas charge for a first combustion event of the engine. The second mass fraction calculating module determines a second mass fraction of recirculated exhaust gas of a second gas charge for a second combustion event of the engine based on an average of the first mass fraction and one or more other values of the first mass fraction determined for other combustion events, respectively. The actuator control module selectively adjusts an engine operating parameter based on the second mass fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: GM Globel Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Vijay Ramappan, Darrell W. Burleigh, Martino Casetti
  • Patent number: 8539932
    Abstract: A system for controlling intake airflow of an engine includes a mode determination module, a throttle valve control module, and a valve actuation module. The mode determination module generates a mode signal based on an engine speed signal and an engine load signal. The mode signal indicates one of a spark ignition mode and a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode. The throttle valve control module generates a valve control signal based on the mode signal, a temperature signal, and a plurality of valve position signals that indicate positions of first and second throttle valves. The throttle valve control module controls the positions of the first and second throttle valves to regulate flow rates of intake air into an intake manifold of the engine via a heat exchanger based on the valve control signal. The valve actuation module actuates the first and second throttle valves based on the valve control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventors: Vijay Ramappan, Jonathan T. Shibata, Amanpal S. Grewal
  • Publication number: 20130226435
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a volumetric efficiency adjustment module and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow adjustment module. The volumetric efficiency adjustment module adjusts an estimated volumetric efficiency of an engine based on a mass flow rate of air entering the engine. The EGR flow adjustment module selectively adjusts an estimated mass flow rate of exhaust gas passing through an EGR valve based on an amount by which the volumetric efficiency adjustment module adjusts the volumetric efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jon C. Wasberg, Vijay Ramappan, Layne K. Wiggins, Gregory J. York, Martino Casetti
  • Patent number: 8499738
    Abstract: An oil circulating control system for an engine includes an engine speed module and a mode selection module. The engine speed module determines a speed of the engine. The mode selection module is configured to select a first pressure mode and a second pressure mode of an oil pump of the engine for the speed. The selection module selects one of the first pressure mode and the second pressure mode based on at least one mode request signal. The mode selection module signals a solenoid valve of a variable oil pressure circuit of the oil pump to transition to a first position when operating in the first pressure mode and to a second position when operating in the second pressure mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin J. Storch, David R. Staley, Bryan K. Pryor, Vijay Ramappan, Morena Bruno, Roberto Argolini
  • Patent number: 8463531
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a feedback determination module, a feed-forward determination module, and a valve control module. The feedback determination module generates an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) feedback value based on engine speed and a difference between desired and measured combustion phasing. The feed-forward determination module generates an EGR feed-forward value based on a difference between desired and measured mass air flow (MAF) rates. The valve control module controls an EGR valve based on the EGR feedback and feed-forward values, an intake manifold absolute pressure (MAP), an engine speed, and an exhaust back pressure (EBP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventors: Vijay Ramappan, Jun-Mo Kang, Hanho Yun, Chen-Fang Chang
  • Patent number: 8452520
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a parameter determination module and a period determination module. The parameter determination module determines a first fuel injection parameter based on a rate of change of a quantity of fuel injected during a period, and determines a second fuel injection parameter based on an initial quantity of fuel injected during the period. The period determination module determines a desired fuel injection period based on a desired fuel injection quantity, the first and second fuel injection parameters, and at least one of mass air flow (MAF) rate, intake air temperature (IAT), fuel injector pressure (FIP), engine coolant temperature (ECT), and exhaust gas air/fuel (A/F) ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Vijay Ramappan, Jun-Mo Kang, Peter Kafarnik, Jonathan T. Shibata
  • Patent number: 8433500
    Abstract: A control system for a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine includes a timing adjustment module and a combustion control module. The timing adjustment module, per combustion event, advances timings of N fuel injections and retards timings of M fuel injections and spark during a transition from HCCI combustion to mixed-mode combustion. The combustion control module subsequently retards the timings of the N fuel injections and advances the timings of the M fuel injections and the spark to desired timings, respectively, wherein the N fuel injections and the M fuel injections occur sequentially during each combustion event of the HCCI engine, and wherein N and M are integers greater than or equal to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: Vijay Ramappan, Jun-Mo Kang, Hanho Yun
  • Publication number: 20130073179
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a first exhaust gas flow rate (EGF) estimation module, a second EGF estimation module, and an EGF fault detection module. The first EGF estimation module estimates a first flow rate of exhaust re-circulated back to an intake manifold based on a concentration of oxygen in the intake manifold. The second EGF estimation module estimates a second flow rate of exhaust re-circulated back to the intake manifold based on an engine speed and an engine load. The EGF fault detection module selectively indicates a fault is present in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system based on the first flow rate and the second flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: B. Jerry Song, Vijay Ramappan, Darrell W. Burleigh
  • Patent number: 8397490
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling an engine includes a homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) mode control module that operates an engine in HCCI mode and a condition monitor module that monitors operating conditions of the engine. The control module also includes a condition predictor module that generates a first predicted condition of a catalyst in response to the operating conditions of the engine. A comparison module compares the first predicted condition to a first threshold. A spark injection mode control module operates the engine in a spark injection mode in response to comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan T. Shibata, Allen B. Rayl, Vijay Ramappan
  • Patent number: 8381700
    Abstract: An engine control system for a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine includes a position determination module, a position correction module, and a valve control module. The position determination module determines an initial position of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve based on a predetermined function of a desired EGR flow, intake manifold pressure, exhaust manifold pressure, and exhaust gas temperature. The position correction module determines a position correction for the EGR valve based on pressure in a cylinder of the HCCI engine. The valve control module commands the EGR valve to the initial position during a transition from spark ignition (SI) combustion to HCCI combustion, and commands the EGR valve to a final position within a predetermined period after the transition, wherein the final position includes a sum of the initial position and the position correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Vijay Ramappan, Allen B. Rayl