Patents by Inventor Joel Cowgill

Joel Cowgill 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: 9399956
    Abstract: An engine control system includes a mean effective pressure (MEP) module, an imbalance module, and a phaser control module. The MEP module determines MEPs for combustion cycles of cylinders, respectively, of an engine. The imbalance module selectively determines whether first and second banks of the cylinders are imbalanced based on the MEPs. When the first and second banks of cylinders are imbalanced, the phaser control module selectively adjusts at least one of: a first phaser of an intake camshaft of the second bank of cylinders; and a second phaser of an exhaust camshaft of the second bank of cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Cowgill, Joel Cowgill
  • Patent number: 9334811
    Abstract: An engine control method for a vehicle includes: determining a crankshaft angle where a predetermined percentage of fuel injected into a cylinder was combusted during homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) operation of an engine; determining a valve closing timing adjustment for one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of based on the crankshaft angle; generating a valve closing timing for the one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve of the cylinder based on the valve closing timing adjustment; and closing the one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve of the cylinder based on the valve closing timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joel Cowgill
  • Patent number: 9309803
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a target boost module and a turbocharger control module. The target boost module determines a target boost for first and second turbochargers based on an engine torque request. Based on a temperature of a compressor of the second turbocharger, the turbocharger control module: selectively opens a first bypass valve that regulates exhaust bypassing a first turbine of the first turbocharger; and selectively closes a cutoff valve that regulates exhaust flow through both a second turbine of the second turbocharger and a second bypass valve. The second bypass valve regulates exhaust bypassing the second turbine of the second turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Cowgill, Joel Cowgill
  • Patent number: 9303553
    Abstract: A system for controlling an engine having a first turbocharger, a second turbocharger and a cutoff valve that regulates exhaust flow through a turbine of the second turbocharger, the system comprising: a speed determination module that determines a current speed of the first turbocharger, determines a current speed of the second turbocharger, and determines a target speed of the second turbocharger based on the current speed of the first turbocharger; and a boost control module that compares the target speed of the second turbocharger with the current speed of the second turbocharger, and that selectively adjusts a position of a cutoff valve to adjust the current speed of the second turbocharger based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Cowgill, Joel Cowgill
  • Patent number: 9239015
    Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle includes a pressure determination module, an adjustment determination module, a target determination module, and a pump control module. The pressure determination module determines a first pressure for a hydraulic fluid provided to fully flexible intake and exhaust valve actuators of an engine. The adjustment determination module determines a pressure adjustment for the first pressure based on a pressure within a cylinder. The target determination module determines a target pressure for the hydraulic fluid based on the first pressure and the pressure adjustment. Based on the target pressure, the pump control module controls a hydraulic fluid pump for an opening timing of an exhaust valve of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joel Cowgill
  • Patent number: 9127601
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes an valve actuator, a cylinder pressure module, and a valve control module. The valve actuator opens a valve of a cylinder at a first target opening timing during a first combustion cycle of the cylinder. The cylinder pressure module receives a cylinder pressure measured by a cylinder pressure sensor of the cylinder and, at a predetermined crankshaft angle after the valve opens during the first combustion cycle, sets a valve opening pressure equal to the cylinder pressure. The valve control module receives a reference cylinder pressure and generates a second target opening timing for a second combustion cycle of the cylinder based on the valve opening pressure and the reference cylinder pressure. The second combustion cycle is after the first combustion cycle. During the second combustion cycle, the valve actuator opens the valve at the second target opening timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventors: Joel Cowgill, Ben W. Moscherosch
  • Patent number: 9068474
    Abstract: A turbine housing comprises an exhaust port flange, a turbine discharge flange, a crossover flange, and a bearing support ring. The exhaust port flange is configured for mechanically coupling the turbine housing to a mating structure providing a source of working fluid. The turbine discharge flange is configured for mechanically coupling the turbine housing to an exhaust system. The crossover flange is configured for mechanically coupling the turbine housing to a crossover duct. The bearing support ring is configured for mechanically supporting a bearing, on which a turbine output shaft is supported. The turbine housing defines an inlet plenum, a turbine shroud, and a discharge vent. The exhaust port flange defines an inlet port configured to provide fluid communication between the inlet plenum and the source of working fluid. The turbine shroud defines a fluid expansion flow path for expansion of the stream of working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joel Cowgill
  • Publication number: 20150159544
    Abstract: A system for controlling an engine having a first turbocharger, a second turbocharger and a cutoff valve that regulates exhaust flow through a turbine of the second turbocharger, the system comprising: a speed determination module that determines a current speed of the first turbocharger, determines a current speed of the second turbocharger, and determines a target speed of the second turbocharger based on the current speed of the first turbocharger; and a boost control module that compares the target speed of the second turbocharger with the current speed of the second turbocharger, and that selectively adjusts a position of a cutoff valve to adjust the current speed of the second turbocharger based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Cowgill, Joel Cowgill
  • Publication number: 20150159545
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a target boost module and a turbocharger control module. The target boost module determines a target boost for first and second turbochargers based on an engine torque request. Based on a temperature of a compressor of the second turbocharger, the turbocharger control module: selectively opens a first bypass valve that regulates exhaust bypassing a first turbine of the first turbocharger; and selectively closes a cutoff valve that regulates exhaust flow through both a second turbine of the second turbocharger and a second bypass valve. The second bypass valve regulates exhaust bypassing the second turbine of the second turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: JOSHUA D. COWGILL, JOEL COWGILL
  • Patent number: 9032922
    Abstract: A camshaft assembly can control the motion of the intake or exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine and includes a base shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The camshaft assembly further includes an axially movable structure mounted on the base shaft and axially movable relative to the base shaft. The axially movable structure includes a plurality of lobe packs. Each lobe pack includes a plurality of cam lobes. The axially movable structure includes a barrel cam defining a control groove. The camshaft assembly additionally includes an actuator including an actuator body and a pin movably coupled to the actuator body between a retracted position and an extended position. The axially movable structure can move axially relative to the base shaft when the base shaft rotates about the longitudinal axis and the pin is in the extended position and at least partially disposed in the control groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph J. Moon, Joel Cowgill, Hans-Guido Kemmer, Robert J. Moran, Donn A. Frincke
  • Publication number: 20150107540
    Abstract: A camshaft assembly can control the motion of the intake or exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine and includes a base shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The camshaft assembly further includes an axially movable structure mounted on the base shaft and axially movable relative to the base shaft. The axially movable structure includes a plurality of lobe packs. Each lobe pack includes a plurality of cam lobes. The axially movable structure includes a barrel cam defining a control groove. The camshaft assembly additionally includes an actuator including an actuator body and a pin movably coupled to the actuator body between a retracted position and an extended position. The axially movable structure can move axially relative to the base shaft when the base shaft rotates about the longitudinal axis and the pin is in the extended position and at least partially disposed in the control groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph J. Moon, Joel Cowgill, Hans-Guido Kemmer, Robert J. Moran, Donn A. Frincke
  • Patent number: 9002623
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a mode control module and a valve control module. The mode control module selectively sets a desired ignition mode for an engine to one of a spark ignition (SI) mode and a homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) mode. Using a fully flexible valve actuator, the valve actuator module selectively adjusts closing timing of an exhaust valve in response to: the desired ignition mode transitioning from the HCCI mode to the SI mode; and the desired ignition mode transitioning from the SI mode to the HCCI mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joel Cowgill
  • Patent number: 8839750
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a first lift control module and a second lift control module. The first lift control module increases lift of M valves of the engine to a predetermined valve lift during a period before disabling or re-enabling N valves of the engine. The second lift control module decreases the lift of the M valves to a desired valve lift during a period after enabling or re-enabling the N valves of the engine, wherein N and M are integers greater than or equal to one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel G. Brennan, Craig D. Marriott, Joel Cowgill, Matthew A. Wiles, Kenneth James Patton
  • Publication number: 20140278009
    Abstract: An engine control system includes a mean effective pressure (MEP) module, an imbalance module, and a phaser control module. The MEP module determines MEPs for combustion cycles of cylinders, respectively, of an engine. The imbalance module selectively determines whether first and second banks of the cylinders are imbalanced based on the MEPs. When the first and second banks of cylinders are imbalanced, the phaser control module selectively adjusts at least one of: a first phaser of an intake camshaft of the second bank of cylinders; and a second phaser of an exhaust camshaft of the second bank of cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Cowgill, Joel Cowgill
  • Publication number: 20140212278
    Abstract: A turbine housing comprises an exhaust port flange, a turbine discharge flange, a crossover flange, and a bearing support ring. The exhaust port flange is configured for mechanically coupling the turbine housing to a mating structure providing a source of working fluid. The turbine discharge flange is configured for mechanically coupling the turbine housing to an exhaust system. The crossover flange is configured for mechanically coupling the turbine housing to a crossover duct. The bearing support ring is configured for mechanically supporting a bearing, on which a turbine output shaft is supported. The turbine housing defines an inlet plenum, a turbine shroud, and a discharge vent. The exhaust port flange defines an inlet port configured to provide fluid communication between the inlet plenum and the source of working fluid. The turbine shroud defines a fluid expansion flow path for expansion of the stream of working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Joel Cowgill
  • Publication number: 20140046571
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes an valve actuator, a cylinder pressure module, and a valve control module. The valve actuator opens a valve of a cylinder at a first target opening timing during a first combustion cycle of the cylinder. The cylinder pressure module receives a cylinder pressure measured by a cylinder pressure sensor of the cylinder and, at a predetermined crankshaft angle after the valve opens during the first combustion cycle, sets a valve opening pressure equal to the cylinder pressure. The valve control module receives a reference cylinder pressure and generates a second target opening timing for a second combustion cycle of the cylinder based on the valve opening pressure and the reference cylinder pressure. The second combustion cycle is after the first combustion cycle. During the second combustion cycle, the valve actuator opens the valve at the second target opening timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joel Cowgill, Ben W. Moscherosch
  • Publication number: 20140039776
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a mode control module and a valve control module. The mode control module selectively sets a desired ignition mode for an engine to one of a spark ignition (SI) mode and a homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) mode. Using a fully flexible valve actuator, the valve actuator module selectively adjusts closing timing of an exhaust valve in response to: the desired ignition mode transitioning from the HCCI mode to the SI mode; and the desired ignition mode transitioning from the SI mode to the HCCI mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joel Cowgill
  • Publication number: 20130332053
    Abstract: An engine control method for a vehicle includes: determining a crankshaft angle where a predetermined percentage of fuel injected into a cylinder was combusted during homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) operation of an engine; determining a valve closing timing adjustment for one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of based on the crankshaft angle; generating a valve closing timing for the one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve of the cylinder based on the valve closing timing adjustment; and closing the one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve of the cylinder based on the valve closing timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joel Cowgill
  • Publication number: 20130245913
    Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle includes a pressure determination module, an adjustment determination module, a target determination module, and a pump control module. The pressure determination module determines a first pressure for a hydraulic fluid provided to fully flexible intake and exhaust valve actuators of an engine. The adjustment determination module determines a pressure adjustment for the first pressure based on a pressure within a cylinder. The target determination module determines a target pressure for the hydraulic fluid based on the first pressure and the pressure adjustment. Based on the target pressure, the pump control module controls a hydraulic fluid pump for an opening timing of an exhaust valve of the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joel Cowgill
  • Patent number: 8307809
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include a cylinder head, a cam cover and a fuel rail assembly. The cylinder head may define intake and exhaust ports and the cam cover may be fixed to the cylinder head. The fuel rail assembly may include a fuel rail, a bracket assembly and a fuel injector. The bracket assembly may be fixed to the fuel rail and may include a fastener and an isolation member. The fastener may be engaged with the cam cover and may secure the fuel rail thereto. The isolation member may be located between the fuel rail and the cam cover to isolate vibration therebetween. The fuel injector may be in communication with the fuel rail and may extend into a combustion chamber defined by the cylinder head at a location between the intake and exhaust ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: James D. Hay, Joel Cowgill, Rodney E. Baker