Patents by Inventor James L. Worthing
James L. Worthing 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: 8090522Abstract: A system for an engine with a turbocharger system includes a rate determination module, a limiting rate selection module, a throttle inlet absolute pressure (TIAP) calculation module, and a throttle control module. The rate determination module generates a pressure rate value based on a pressure difference between a current TIAP signal from a TIAP sensor and a previous TIAP signal. The limiting rate selection module selects a limiting rate based on the pressure rate value. The TIAP calculation module generates a calculated TIAP signal based on the limiting rate and the current TIAP signal. The throttle control module generates a throttle control signal based on the calculated TIAP signal and actuates an inlet throttle valve of the engine based on the throttle control signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Inventors: Marco J. Gatti, Paul A. Bauerle, James L. Worthing, Layne K. Wiggins, J. Oscar Aparicio, Jr., Joseph E. Ploucha
-
Publication number: 20110270507Abstract: An engine control system includes a coordinated torque control (CTC) module, a diagnostic module, and an actuator limiting module. The CTC module determines a first position for a throttle valve of a spark-ignition, internal combustion engine and controls opening of the throttle valve based on the first position. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses an engine shutdown fault and disables the control of the opening of the throttle valve based on the first position when the engine shutdown fault is diagnosed. The actuator limiting module determines a second position for the throttle valve based on an accelerator pedal position, selects a lesser one of the first and second positions, and selectively limits the opening of the throttle valve to the lesser one of the first second positions when the engine shutdown fault is diagnosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: JAMES L. WORTHING, PAUL A. BAUERLE
-
Patent number: 8046128Abstract: A fault clearing system and method for an engine control system includes a plurality of processor modules to control and monitor the engine and set a plurality of faults. The plurality of processor modules includes an electronic throttle control (ETC) module to control and monitor a throttle of the engine, and a plurality of engine sensors and ETC sensors. An ETC diagnostic module monitors the ETC sensors and engine sensors, with the ETC diagnostic module setting a low voltage induced fault. The ETC diagnostic module will also enter one of a plurality of low voltage states in response to the low voltage induced fault. The ETC diagnostic module selectively controls the ETC module and selectively clears the faults in the ETC module and plurality of processor modules upon entry into one of the low voltage states.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Sharon L. Storch, Joseph M. Stempnik, Richard B. Jess, James L. Worthing, Daniel G. Bolstrum
-
Patent number: 8041487Abstract: An engine control system comprises first and second integral modules, a summer module, and a torque adjustment module. The first integral module determines an engine speed (RPM) integral value based on a difference between a desired RPM and a measured RPM. The second integral module determines a torque integral value based on a difference between a desired torque output for an engine and an estimated torque of the engine. The summer module determines an RPM-torque integral value based on a difference between the RPM and torque integral values. The torque adjustment module determines a torque adjustment value based on the RPM-torque integral value and adjusts the desired torque output and the estimated torque based on the torque adjustment value.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Inventors: James L. Worthing, Michael Livshiz, Christopher E. Whitney, Ning Jin, Martin Weber, Enrico Tropschug
-
Publication number: 20110178691Abstract: An engine control system comprises a pedal torque request module, a filtering module, a selection module, and an arbitration module. The pedal torque request module determines a first pedal torque request at a first time and determines a second pedal torque request at a second time. The first time is before the second time. The filtering module determines a filtered pedal torque request based on the first pedal torque request, the second pedal torque request, and a filter coefficient. The selection module selects one of the second pedal torque request and the filtered pedal torque request. The arbitration module arbitrates between at least one driver torque request and the selected one of the second pedal torque request and the filtered pedal torque request, outputs a raw driver request based on a result of the arbitration, and controls at least one engine actuator based on the raw driver request.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Lan Wang, James L. Worthing, Jinchun Peng, Robert D. Peavyhouse, Zhong Wang
-
Publication number: 20110125384Abstract: A system for an engine with a turbocharger system includes a rate determination module, a limiting rate selection module, a throttle inlet absolute pressure (TIAP) calculation module, and a throttle control module. The rate determination module generates a pressure rate value based on a pressure difference between a current TIAP signal from a TIAP sensor and a previous TIAP signal. The limiting rate selection module selects a limiting rate based on the pressure rate value. The TIAP calculation module generates a calculated TIAP signal based on the limiting rate and the current TIAP signal. The throttle control module generates a throttle control signal based on the calculated TIAP signal and actuates an inlet throttle valve of the engine based on the throttle control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Marco J. Gatti, Paul A. Bauerle, James L. Worthing, Layne K. Wiggins, J. Oscar Aparicio, JR., Joseph E. Ploucha
-
Publication number: 20110060487Abstract: An engine control system comprises a derivative module and a slip remediation module. The derivative module determines a mathematical derivative of a driven wheel speed of a vehicle. The slip remediation module, when the mathematical derivative is more negative than a predetermined deceleration, at least one of disables regenerative braking being performed by one or more electric motors, increases an axle torque request, and unlocks a torque converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Richard B. Jess, Paul A. Bauerle, Christopher E. Whitney, James L. Worthing, Michael L. Kociba
-
Publication number: 20100298095Abstract: A control method for an engine of a vehicle includes generating a brake value indicative of an operating condition of a brake system of the vehicle, and selectively adjusting one of a fuel control value of the engine and a fuel adjustment diagnostic value for the engine based on the brake value. In the method, a mass of fuel delivered to the engine is based on the fuel control value, and a diagnostic result indicative of lean operation of the engine is based on the fuel adjustment diagnostic value. The brake operating condition is selected from a group including a state of operation, a pedal displacement, an actuation period, a fluid operating pressure, and a power assist pressure. The fuel control value is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: LAN WANG, ZHONG WANG, JAMES L. WORTHING, TONY T. HOANG
-
Patent number: 7757665Abstract: A method of regulating a throttle opening of an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle system includes initiating a fuel-cut off operating mode of the engine, monitoring an engine speed during said fuel cut-off operating mode and regulating the throttle opening based on the engine speed during the fuel-cut off mode to maintain a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) of the engine above a threshold MAP.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Inventors: Goro Tamai, James L. Worthing
-
Publication number: 20100057283Abstract: An engine control system comprises first and second integral modules, a summer module, and a torque adjustment module. The first integral module determines an engine speed (RPM) integral value based on a difference between a desired RPM and a measured RPM. The second integral module determines a torque integral value based on a difference between a desired torque output for an engine and an estimated torque of the engine. The summer module determines an RPM-torque integral value based on a difference between the RPM and torque integral values. The torque adjustment module determines a torque adjustment value based on the RPM-torque integral value and adjusts the desired torque output and the estimated torque based on the torque adjustment value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: James L. Worthing, Michael Livshiz, Christopher E. Whitney, Ning Jin, Martin Weber, Enrico Tropschug
-
Patent number: 7669569Abstract: A method of regulating a crankshaft position in a hybrid electric vehicle includes deactivating cylinders of an internal combustion engine, driving a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine using an electric machine, and determining a target crankshaft position when a rotational speed of the crankshaft crosses a first threshold. The crankshaft is driven towards the target crankshaft position at a nudge rotational speed, and rotation of the crankshaft is braked using the electric machine when a brake crankshaft position is achieved at the target rotational speed. Rotation of the crankshaft is arrested at the target position.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Goro Tamai, Mark A. Zerbini, James L. Worthing
-
Patent number: 7637842Abstract: A method and system to capture energy during regenerative braking while managing driveline disturbances by controlling locking and unlocking of a torque-converter clutch based upon operator input, typically throttle position or accelerator pedal position, vehicle speed, and engine load is offered. The exemplary vehicle has an engine, a torque converter with a clutch, and a transmission device. Vehicle kinetic energy is transmittable to an electrical machine using the transmission device and the torque converter. It includes monitoring an operator demand for power, engine operating speed, and, engine load; and, actuating the locking clutch for the torque converter based upon the operator demand for power, the engine operating speed, and, the engine load.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Goro Tamai, Daniel P. Laurent, Birendra P. Bhattarai, James L. Worthing
-
Publication number: 20090319147Abstract: A method and controller for operating cruise control in a vehicle having an engine with active fuel management (AFM) is provided. Adaptive scaler values can be determined based on a cylinder deactivation signal and calibrated scaler values. Cruise control commands can be calculated based on the adaptive scaler values. A speed of the vehicle can be controlled based on the cruise control commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Lan Wang, Wenbo Wang, Zhong Wang, James L. Worthing, Michael Kappaz
-
Publication number: 20090287378Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle comprises a torque module and a drag request evaluation module. The torque module controls torque output of an engine based on a driver torque request and increases the torque output based on a wheel drag torque request generated based on a driven wheel speed. The drag request evaluation module disables the increase of the torque output when the driven wheel speed is greater than an undriven wheel speed by more than a predetermined speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: RICHARD B. JESS, MICHAEL L. KOCIBA, JOSEPH M. STEMPNIK, JAMES L. WORTHING, KATIE C. BONASSE
-
Patent number: 7603224Abstract: A control system includes a cam position calculation module that determines intake and exhaust cam positions during operation of an engine. The engine includes a regeneration and fuel cut-off (FCO) mode. A cam position adjustment module generates alternate intake and exhaust cam positions during the regeneration and FCO mode. A cam positioning module positions the intake and exhaust cams based on lower values of the intake and exhaust cam positions and the alternate intake and exhaust cam positions, respectively, during the regeneration and FCO mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Inventors: William L. Aldrich, III, Lyle E. Hamilton, James L. Worthing, Donald D. Crites
-
Publication number: 20090204280Abstract: A hybrid controller for controlling a hybrid vehicle is set forth. The hybrid vehicle has an engine, an electric motor and an engine controller determining a crankshaft torque. The hybrid controller includes an optimization module determining an electric motor torque, determining an engine torque and communicating the engine torque from the hybrid controller to the engine controller. The hybrid controller also includes a motor control module controlling the electric motor based on the electric motor torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Robert C. Simon, JR., Christopher E. Whitney, William R. Cawthorne, John L. Lahti, Douglas J. Babcock, Vivek Mehta, Anthony H. Heap, Todd R. Shupe, Cheryl A. Williams, Leonard G. Wozniak, Ning Jin, Birendra P. Bhattarai, James L. Worthing
-
Patent number: 7555368Abstract: A control system for regulating operation of a first vehicle system includes first and second sensors that respectively monitor first and second operating parameters of a plurality of operating parameters, and a module that receives signals generated by the first and second sensors. The module accesses a look-up table that is normally provided to determine a first one of the plurality of operating parameters based on a second one of the plurality of operating parameters and an actual value of an input parameter. The module determines a virtual value of the input parameter while the actual value of the input parameter is equal to zero. At least one of the first and second vehicle systems is normally regulated based on the input parameter. The module regulates operation of the first vehicle system based on the virtual value of the input parameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, James L. Worthing, Joseph M. Stempnik, Daniel G. Bolstrum
-
Patent number: 7543670Abstract: A wheel slip control system includes wheel speed sensors that generate wheel speed signals and a control module that controls torque production of at least one of an engine and an electric motor and that detects a negative wheel slip based on the wheel speed signals. The control module increases torque production of at least one of the engine and the electric motor when the negative wheel slip is detected.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Goro Tamai, James L. Worthing, Birendra P. Bhattarai
-
Patent number: 7503877Abstract: A control system for enabling an engine to operate in a deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO) mode is provided. The system includes: an enable module that selectively enables a DFCO mode based on an accelerator pedal position; and an engine speed module that regulates engine speed based on turbine speed during a predetermined time period after the DFCO mode is enabled.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Goro Tamai, Birendra P. Bhattarai, William L. Aldrich, III, James L. Worthing
-
Publication number: 20090030585Abstract: A control system comprises a cam position calculation module that determines intake and exhaust cam positions during operation of an engine. The engine includes a regeneration and fuel cut-off (FCO) mode. A cam position adjustment module generates alternate intake and exhaust cam positions during the regeneration and FCO mode. A cam positioning module positions the intake and exhaust cams based on lower values of the intake and exhaust cam positions and the alternate intake and exhaust cam positions, respectively, during the regeneration and FCO mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: William L. Aldrich III, Lyle E. Hamilton, James L. Worthing, Donald D. Crites