Patents by Inventor Jeffrey M. Kaiser

Jeffrey M. Kaiser 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: 8555857
    Abstract: A method for operating a spark-ignition internal combustion engine includes controlling spark ignition timing responsive to a combustion charge flame speed corresponding to an engine operating point and a commanded air/fuel ratio associated with an operator torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Yang, Wenbo Wang, Tang-Wei Kuo, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Chao F. Daniels
  • Patent number: 8550054
    Abstract: A method of operating an engine of a vehicle includes generating a first torque request. The method includes generating a second torque request that is greater than and based on the first torque request, increasing a torque output of the engine based on the second torque request at a first rate and during a first period, and increasing the torque output of the engine based on the first torque request at a second rate and during a second period. The first period is distinct from and before the second period, and the first rate is greater than the second rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Michael L. Kociba, Richard B. Jess, Zhong Li, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Michael Livshiz
  • Patent number: 8540606
    Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle includes a power request determination module, a desired speed determination module, and a torque control module. The power request determination module determines a power request for an engine based on a request from a driver of the vehicle and a speed of the vehicle. The desired speed determination module determines a desired speed of the engine based on a speed of a turbine in a torque converter of the engine, a state of a clutch in the torque converter, and one of the power request, a first amount of clutch slip, and a second amount of clutch slip. The torque control module determines a desired engine torque based on the desired engine speed and the power request and controls torque output of the engine based on the desired engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Ronald W. Van Diepen
  • Patent number: 8538659
    Abstract: A control system and method of controlling operation of an internal combustion engine includes a load determination module that determines an engine load, an equivalence ratio module that determines an equivalence ratio, a correction factor module that generates a correction factor based on the engine load, the equivalence ratio, and the engine speed and an engine operation module that regulates operation of the engine based on the correction factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Wenbo Wang, Layne K. Wiggins, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Chao F Daniels
  • Patent number: 8483935
    Abstract: A method for selectively creating vacuum in a hybrid powertrain controlled by a hybrid control processor and having an engine controlled by an engine control module includes requesting a pressure differential between a first intake point and a second intake point, wherein the first intake point and the second intake point are separated by a throttle. An actual torque capacity is calculated for the engine, wherein the actual torque capacity occurs when pressure is substantially equal at the first intake point and at the second intake point. A desired torque capacity is also calculated for the engine, wherein the desired torque capacity reduces the pressure at the second intake point relative to the pressure at the first intake point, such that the requested pressure differential is created. The engine is then operated at one of the desired torque capacity and the actual torque capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, William R. Cawthorne, Anthony H. Heap, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Dennis A. Light, Jon C. Wasberg, Weixin Yan
  • Patent number: 8473179
    Abstract: An engine control system includes a desired manifold absolute pressure (MAP) module, a MAP to torque module, a threshold determination module, and a fuel economy (FE) mode module. The desired MAP module determines a desired MAP for operation of an engine in one of a cylinder deactivation mode and a low-lift mode based on a difference between a desired vacuum and an air pressure upstream of a throttle valve. The MAP to torque module determines a desired torque output of the engine for operation in the one of the cylinder deactivation mode and the low-lift mode based on the desired MAP. The threshold determination module determines an entry torque based on the desired torque output. The FE mode module selectively triggers operation in the one of the cylinder deactivation mode and the low-lift mode based on a comparison of the entry torque and a torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Andrew W. Baur, Alfred E. Spitza, Jr., Zhong Li, Jeffrey M. Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20130080023
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes an engine torque request module, an engine torque response module, a torque command limit module, and an actuation module. The engine torque request module determines an engine torque request based on (i) an engine power request and (ii) a desired engine speed (DRPM). The engine torque response module determines first and second torque values based on (i) an engine torque response model and (ii) first and second torque boundaries, wherein the first and second torque boundaries are based on the DRPM and a measured engine speed (RPM). The torque command limit module generates a secured engine torque request based on (i) the engine torque request and (ii) the first and second torque values. The actuation module controls at least one actuator of the engine based on the secured engine torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Richard B. Jess, Michael J. Pitsch, Michael L. Waterman, Pahngroc Oh
  • Patent number: 8397694
    Abstract: A method of torque-based control for an internal combustion engine may include determining a desired airflow rate into an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine during an engine start condition, determining a torque limit for a torque-based engine control module based on the desired airflow rate, and regulating engine torque based on the determined torque limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Jon C. Miller, Robert C. Simon, Jr., Michael Livshiz, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Todd R. Shupe, Mark D. Carr
  • Publication number: 20130045832
    Abstract: A control system for use with an engine and a transmission in a vehicle is provided that includes at least one controller having a processor with at least one stored algorithm that determines different crankshaft torque capacities associated with different respective torque actuators including a relatively slow torque actuator, such as an airflow actuator, and at least one relatively fast torque actuator, such as a spark actuator or a fuel actuator. The algorithm determines a torque actuation range over which to modify engine torque during an oncoming shift of the transmission. The torque actuation range may be based at least partially on a target gear of the upshift, desired shift duration, and a vehicle operating condition indicative of an operator intent regarding shift duration. Requests for torque modification by use of the torque actuators are then made to provide the torque actuation range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Mark A. Schang, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Andrew W. Baur, Ning Jin
  • Patent number: 8364373
    Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid powertrain having an internal combustion engine monitors a throttle intake pressure and calculates a first torque capacity from a pressure model using the throttle intake pressure as an input. The method determines a maximum expected air mass from the monitored throttle intake pressure and calculates a second torque capacity from an air mass model using the maximum expected air mass volume as an input. The method calculates a final torque capacity as a function of the first torque capacity and the second torque capacity, and sends the final torque capacity to the hybrid control processor. An engine control module receives a torque request calculated as a function of the final torque capacity. A manifold pressure request is calculated as a function of the torque request, and a throttle is actuated as a function of the manifold pressure request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Dennis A. Light, Anthony H. Heap, Honghao Tan
  • Publication number: 20120318235
    Abstract: An engine control system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a manifold air pressure (MAP) determination module, a boost control module, and a throttle control module. The MAP determination module determines a desired MAP based on a driver torque request. The boost control module controls a boost device based on the desired MAP and a basic boost pressure. The boost device is actuated using boost pressure and the boost pressure is insufficient to actuate the boost device when the boost pressure is less than the basic boost pressure. The throttle control module controls a throttle valve based on the desired MAP and the basic boost pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Timothy L. Gibbs, Zhong Li, James L. Worthing
  • Patent number: 8316828
    Abstract: A control system includes a throttle control module, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) control module, and a diagnostic control module. The throttle control module selectively maintains a desired throttle area when a vehicle is in a coastdown mode. The EGR control module opens an EGR valve when the desired throttle area is maintained. The diagnostic control module selectively diagnoses an error of an EGR system based on a pressure increase measured in an intake manifold of the vehicle when the EGR valve is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Gregory J. York, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Katie C. Bonasse
  • Patent number: 8307808
    Abstract: An engine control system includes a disturbance module, a torque correction module, a torque-to-spark module, and a spark correction module. The disturbance module determines a disturbance value for a past combustion stroke of a cylinder of an engine based on rotation of a crankshaft. The torque correction module selectively determines a torque correction for a future combustion stroke of the cylinder based on the disturbance value. The torque-to-spark module determines a spark correction based on the torque correction and determines an uncorrected spark timing based on a torque request. The spark correction module determines a corrected spark timing based on the uncorrected spark timing and the spark correction and generates spark during the future combustion stroke based on the corrected spark timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Timothy M. Karnjate, Christopher E. Whitney, Zhong Li, David S. Mathews, Eric B. Ferch, Pahngroc Oh
  • Publication number: 20120265421
    Abstract: A system includes a power request module, a first desired engine speed (DRPM) determination module, a driver torque request module, and an actuation module. The power request module generates a power request for an engine of the vehicle based on an accelerator pedal position and a vehicle speed. The first DRPM determination module determines a first target DRPM based on the power request, a turbine speed of a torque converter, and a k-factor of the torque converter. The driver torque request module selectively generates a torque request for the engine based on the power request and the first target DRPM. The actuation module controls at least one engine actuator based on the torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Michael J. Pitsch, Michael L. Waterman, Pahngroc Oh
  • Publication number: 20120180759
    Abstract: A method includes: retarding spark timing relative to a predetermined spark timing when an engine torque output reduction is requested for a gear shift; estimating a first torque output of an engine based on N cylinders of the engine being fueled, an engine speed, an air per cylinder (APC), and the predetermined spark timing; estimating a second torque output of the engine based on M cylinders being fueled, the engine speed, the APC, and the spark timing. determining an initial pressure ratio across a turbocharger compressor; determining an adjustment based on M and the first and second torque outputs; generating a desired pressure ratio across the turbocharger compressor based on the adjustment and the initial pressure ratio; and controlling opening of a turbocharger wastegate based on the desired pressure ratio. N is a total number of cylinders of the engine and M is less than or equal to N.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Per Andersson, Timothy L. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 8214127
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises a clutch cut off enable module and a torque control module. The clutch cut off enable module generates an enable signal based on a clutch engagement signal and an accelerator pedal signal. The torque control module reduces a spark advance of an engine to a minimum value and disables fueling of cylinders of the engine based on the enable signal. The minimum value is a minimum allowed spark advance for current engine airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Jun Lu, Robert C. Simon, Jr., Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Todd R. Shupe
  • Patent number: 8181627
    Abstract: An engine system includes a throttle actuator module and a torque control module. The throttle actuator module controls a throttle actuator based on a desired throttle area. The torque control module determines an actuator torque. The torque control module determines a rate limited torque, a maximum torque, and a minimum torque based on the actuator torque and a predetermined rate of change. The torque control module determines the desired throttle area based on the actuator torque when the rate limited torque is greater than the maximum torque. The torque control module determines the desired throttle area based on the actuator torque when the rate limited torque is less than the minimum torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin T. Sharples, Mark H. Costin, Timothy J. Hartrey, Christopher E. Whitney, Bahram Younessi, Weixin Yan, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Richard B. Jess, Joseph M. Stempnik, John A. Jacobs, Jinchun Peng, Leonard G. Wozniak, Vivek Mehta, Bruce A. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20120118266
    Abstract: A method for operating a spark-ignition internal combustion engine includes controlling spark ignition timing responsive to a combustion charge flame speed corresponding to an engine operating point and a commanded air/fuel ratio associated with an operator torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Yang, Wenbo Wang, Tang-Wei Kuo, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Chao F. Daniels
  • Publication number: 20120067327
    Abstract: A lubrication torque limit module includes a temperature module that determines a temperature of an engine and generates an engine temperature signal. A limit module generates a torque limit signal based on the temperature signal and a speed of the engine. The torque limit signal identifies an indicated torque maximum limit. A torque arbitration module limits indicated torque of the engine based on the indicated torque maximum limit. The indicated torque of the engine is equal to an unmanaged brake torque of the engine plus an overall friction torque of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Christopher E. Whitney, Timothy W. Athan, Dennis A. Light, Timothy L. Gibbs
  • Publication number: 20120065864
    Abstract: A method for selectively creating vacuum in a hybrid powertrain controlled by a hybrid control processor and having an engine controlled by an engine control module includes requesting a pressure differential between a first intake point and a second intake point, wherein the first intake point and the second intake point are separated by a throttle. An actual torque capacity is calculated for the engine, wherein the actual torque capacity occurs when pressure is substantially equal at the first intake point and at the second intake point. A desired torque capacity is also calculated for the engine, wherein the desired torque capacity reduces the pressure at the second intake point relative to the pressure at the first intake point, such that the requested pressure differential is created. The engine is then operated at one of the desired torque capacity and the actual torque capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, William R. Cawthorne, Anthony H. Heap, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Dennis A. Light, Jon C. Wasberg, Weixin Yan