Patents by Inventor Bret J. Keller

Bret J. Keller 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: 10518778
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes a prime mover having a prime mover output shaft, a continuously variable transmission having a variator input shaft coupled to the prime mover output shaft and having a variator output shaft, a driver torque request module in communication with a driver input and for outputting a driver torque request, an engine backbone in communication with the prime mover, and a transmission backbone in communication with the continuously variable transmission and the engine backbone in the vehicle propulsion system. The transmission backbone includes a positive torque request module that generates a positive torque request, and a positive torque request monitor that limits a torque request from the transmission backbone to the engine backbone to a maximum of a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ronald F Lochocki, Jr., Christopher J Weingartz, Bret J Keller
  • Publication number: 20190118816
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes a prime mover having a prime mover output shaft, a continuously variable transmission having a variator input shaft coupled to the prime mover output shaft and having a variator output shaft, a driver torque request module in communication with a driver input and for outputting a driver torque request, an engine backbone in communication with the prime mover, and a transmission backbone in communication with the continuously variable transmission and the engine backbone in the vehicle propulsion system. The transmission backbone includes a positive torque request module that generates a positive torque request, and a positive torque request monitor that limits a torque request from the transmission backbone to the engine backbone to a maximum of a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, JR., Christopher J. Weingartz, Bret J. Keller
  • Patent number: 9296368
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for determining an effective brake pedal position for a vehicle. A determination is made as to whether automatic braking is occurring for a vehicle. If the automatic braking is occurring, a measure of braking is determined for the vehicle. The effective pedal position of the brake pedal is determined to be a position of the brake pedal that would be expected to be required to attain the measure of braking if automatic braking were not occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Patrick J. O'Leary, Bret J. Keller, Barbara A. Shuler, Eric E. Krueger
  • Patent number: 9284902
    Abstract: A difference module determines a difference between an engine speed and a transmission input shaft speed. A state control module sets a signal to a first state when a driver releases an accelerator pedal and selectively transitions the signal from the first state to a second state when the difference is less than zero. An immediate torque request module decreases an engine torque request when the signal is in the first state and selectively increases the engine torque request when the signal is in the second state. At least one of: a spark control module that selectively adjusts spark timing based on the engine torque request; and a fuel control module that selectively adjusts fueling based on the engine torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bret J. Keller, Krishnendu Kar
  • Patent number: 9080515
    Abstract: A system according the principles of the present disclosure includes a torque determination module and a torque limit module. The torque determination module determines a first torque that prevents an engine from stalling. The torque limit module limits engine torque based on the first torque when a driver actuates an accelerator pedal from a first position in which the accelerator pedal is not depressed to a second position in which the accelerator pedal is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Krishnendu Kar, Bret J. Keller
  • Publication number: 20150120159
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for determining an effective brake pedal position for a vehicle. A determination is made as to whether. automatic braking is occurring for a vehicle. If the automatic braking is occurring, a measure of braking is determined for the vehicle. The effective pedal position of the brake pedal is determined to be a position of the brake pedal that would be expected to be required to attain the measure of braking if automatic braking were not occurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: PATRICK J. O'LEARY, BRET J. KELLER, BARBARA A. SHULER, ERIC E. KRUEGER
  • Publication number: 20150051808
    Abstract: A difference module determines a difference between an engine speed and a transmission input shaft speed. A state control module sets a signal to a first state when a driver releases an accelerator pedal and selectively transitions the signal from the first state to a second state when the difference is less than zero. An immediate torque request module decreases an engine torque request when the signal is in the first state and selectively increases the engine torque request when the signal is in the second state. At least one of: a spark control module that selectively adjusts spark timing based on the engine torque request; and a fuel control module that selectively adjusts fueling based on the engine torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bret J. Keller, Krishnendu Kar
  • Publication number: 20130325291
    Abstract: A system according the principles of the present disclosure includes a torque determination module and a torque limit module. The torque determination module determines a first torque that prevents an engine from stalling. The torque limit module limits engine torque based on the first torque when a driver actuates an accelerator pedal from a first position in which the accelerator pedal is not depressed to a second position in which the accelerator pedal is depressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Krishnendu Kar, Bret J. Keller