Patents by Inventor John F. Larsen
John F. Larsen 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).
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Patent number: 10222249Abstract: A method for determining a liquid level of a reservoir includes sensing a plurality of liquid level points during a plurality of defined computation intervals, and determining filtered block points from the sensed liquid level points occurring during each of the computation intervals. The method fits a regression model to the determined filtered block points, including determining a slope and a standard error of regression, and determines an actual liquid level change from the slope of the regression model. The method may also include making a diagnostic determination if the method determines that a confidence ratio is sufficiently high.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: John F. Larsen
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Publication number: 20180321071Abstract: A method for determining a liquid level of a reservoir includes sensing a plurality of liquid level points during a plurality of defined computation intervals, and determining filtered block points from the sensed liquid level points occurring during each of the computation intervals. The method fits a regression model to the determined filtered block points, including determining a slope and a standard error of regression, and determines an actual liquid level change from the slope of the regression model. The method may also include making a diagnostic determination if the method determines that a confidence ratio is sufficiently high.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2017Publication date: November 8, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: John F. Larsen
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Patent number: 9657632Abstract: A system for controlling an aerodynamic shutter of a vehicle includes an ambient temperature estimation module that determines an ambient temperature. A shutter control module that determines whether to actuate the shutter based on the ambient temperature. The shutter control module also determines a predetermined period before selectively applying a predetermined torque value to the shutter. The predetermined period is selected based on the ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Edward J. Abeska, David J. Verbrugge, Scott P. Charnesky, John C. Remy, Brian A. Macfarlane, John F. Larsen, David W. Turner
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Patent number: 9454856Abstract: A leak detection system of a vehicle includes a first minimum module, a first maximum module, a difference module, and a diagnostic module. The first minimum module, at a first time, determines a first minimum amount of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in an LPG tank based on a first level of LPG in the LPG tank. The first maximum module, at a second time after the first time, determines a first maximum amount of LPG in the LPG tank based on a second level of LPG in the LPG tank. The difference module determines a difference between the first minimum amount, the first maximum amount, and an amount of LPG consumed by an engine between the first and second times. The diagnostic module selectively indicates that a leak is present in the LPG tank based on the difference.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Farid Ahmad, John F. Larsen, Karl H. Kozole
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Patent number: 9104443Abstract: A method is provided for creating custom control software for a particular propulsion system configuration. Generic control software is provided that is configurable for use with a plurality of different propulsion system configurations. The generic control software is generically designed to control each of the different propulsion systems regardless of their different propulsion system configurations. The generic control software comprises a plurality of programmable arrays (or configuration tables). Information that characterizes a particular propulsion system configuration of the plurality of different propulsion system configurations is input into the programmable arrays to configure the generic control software into custom control software that is customized for use and designed to operate with the particular propulsion system configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Benjamin A. C. Beacock, John F. Larsen, Christopher P. Lawrence
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Publication number: 20150206359Abstract: A leak detection system of a vehicle includes a first minimum module, a first maximum module, a difference module, and a diagnostic module. The first minimum module, at a first time, determines a first minimum amount of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in an LPG tank based on a first level of LPG in the LPG tank. The first maximum module, at a second time after the first time, determines a first maximum amount of LPG in the LPG tank based on a second level of LPG in the LPG tank. The difference module determines a difference between the first minimum amount, the first maximum amount, and an amount of LPG consumed by an engine between the first and second times. The diagnostic module selectively indicates that a leak is present in the LPG tank based on the difference.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2014Publication date: July 23, 2015Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Farid Ahmad, John F. Larsen, Karl H. Kozole
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Patent number: 8755971Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a variance determination module and a fault detection module. The variance determination module determines a variance of samples generated from a ride height signal. The ride height signal is output by a ride height sensor that detects a ride height of a vehicle. The fault detection module detects a fault in the ride height sensor based on the variance.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Inventors: Brian A. MacFarlane, John F. Larsen, Steven A. Opiteck
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Publication number: 20140038507Abstract: A system for controlling an aerodynamic shutter of a vehicle includes an ambient temperature estimation module that determines an ambient temperature. A shutter control module that determines whether to actuate the shutter based on the ambient temperature. The shutter control module also determines a predetermined period before selectively applying a predetermined torque value to the shutter. The predetermined period is selected based on the ambient temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Edward J. Abeska, David J. Verbrugge, Scott P. Charnesky, John C. Remy, Brian A. Macfarlane, John F. Larsen, David W. Turner
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Publication number: 20130253763Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a variance determination module and a fault detection module. The variance determination module determines a variance of samples generated from a ride height signal. The ride height signal is output by a ride height sensor that detects a ride height of a vehicle. The fault detection module detects a fault in the ride height sensor based on the variance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Brian A. MacFarlane, John F. Larsen, Steven A. Opiteck
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Patent number: 8428840Abstract: An exemplary method for controlling torque at one or more wheels of a vehicle, including controlling both positive torque (acceleration) and negative torque (braking) with a single torque command. According to one embodiment, the method interprets the acceleration and braking intent of the driver, takes into consideration certain special conditions (e.g., vehicle dynamic conditions like wheel slip, over- and under-steer, etc.), and generates one or more individual torque commands that are sent to individual wheels or corners of the vehicle. The individual torque commands may address certain chassis and powertrain functions like acceleration and braking, and may provide full-feature torque control (i.e., acceleration, braking, vehicle dynamics, etc.) on an individual wheel basis. It is also possible for the method to be used in a system where a number of the common chassis, powertrain and/or vehicle dynamic modules have been integrated into a single torque control module or the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kevin A. O'Dea, John F. Larsen, Edmund F. Gaffney, III, James Heath Holbrook, Benjamin A. C. Beacock, Sisira D. Adikari
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Publication number: 20120253547Abstract: A method is provided for creating custom control software for a particular propulsion system configuration. Generic control software is provided that is configurable for use with a plurality of different propulsion system configurations. The generic control software is generically designed to control each of the different propulsion systems regardless of their different propulsion system configurations. The generic control software comprises a plurality of programmable arrays (or configuration tables). Information that characterizes a particular propulsion system configuration of the plurality of different propulsion system configurations is input into the programmable arrays to configure the generic control software into custom control software that is customized for use and designed to operate with the particular propulsion system configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Benjamin A.C. BEACOCK, John F. LARSEN, Christopher P. LAWRENCE
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Publication number: 20120109483Abstract: An exemplary method for controlling torque at one or more wheels of a vehicle, including controlling both positive torque (acceleration) and negative torque (braking) with a single torque command. According to one embodiment, the method interprets the acceleration and braking intent of the driver, takes into consideration certain special conditions (e.g., vehicle dynamic conditions like wheel slip, over- and under-steer, etc.), and generates one or more individual torque commands that are sent to individual wheels or corners of the vehicle. The individual torque commands may address certain chassis and powertrain functions like acceleration and braking, and may provide full-feature torque control (i.e., acceleration, braking, vehicle dynamics, etc.) on an individual wheel basis. It is also possible for the method to be used in a system where a number of the common chassis, powertrain and/or vehicle dynamic modules have been integrated into a single torque control module or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Kevin A. O'Dea, John F. Larsen, Edmund F. Gaffney, III, James Heath Holbrook, Benjamin A. C. Beacock, Sisira D. Adikari
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Patent number: 8000856Abstract: A diagnostic system for a vehicle comprises a refueling indicator module and a diagnostic module. The refueling indicator module selectively indicates when a refueling event occurs. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in a fuel door position sensor when the fuel door position sensor indicates that a fuel door is in one of an open position for less than a first predetermined period when the refueling event occurs and a closed position for greater than a second predetermined period when the refueling event occurs.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Inventors: John F. Larsen, Zhong Wang, Michael Pickett, Lan Wang, Richard E. Parsons, Jr.
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Publication number: 20090216400Abstract: A diagnostic system for a vehicle comprises a refueling indicator module and a diagnostic module. The refueling indicator module selectively indicates when a refueling event occurs. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in a fuel door position sensor when the fuel door position sensor indicates that a fuel door is in one of an open position for less than a first predetermined period when the refueling event occurs and a closed position for greater than a second predetermined period when the refueling event occurs.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: John F. Larsen, Zhong Wang, Michael Pickett, Lan Wang, Richard E. Parsons, JR.
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Publication number: 20090082935Abstract: A method for controlling braking of a trailer hitched to a vehicle with a braking control system during a braking event includes the steps of determining vehicle speed, measuring an amount of braking intent applied to the braking control system, determining a first level of braking output, providing the first level of braking output to the trailer if the vehicle speed is greater than a first predetermined threshold, and providing a second level of braking output to the trailer if the vehicle speed is less than the first predetermined threshold and the amount of braking intent has not exceeded a second predetermined threshold during the braking event. The first level of braking output corresponds to a function of the amount of braking intent. The second level of braking output is less than the first level of braking output.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: ROBERT W. LESCHUK, JOHN F. LARSEN
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Patent number: 7254472Abstract: A method of preventing undesirable vehicle behavior in a vehicle torque control system that includes determining an expected axle torque based on a vehicle speed, a powerplant profile, an accelerator pedal position and/or a cruise control signal. The method also includes estimating an actual axle torque of a powerplant based on a powerplant maximum torque, a throttle position and powertrain inefficiencies and converting the expected axle torque to an expected acceleration and the actual axle torque to an actual acceleration based on a wheel radius and a road load. The method further includes regulating a torque output of a powerplant when a rate-of-change in a difference between the expected acceleration and the estimated actual acceleration is greater than a first threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: John F. Larsen, Gene Dimarco, Timothy J. Hartrey, Tom C. Ender
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Patent number: 6712013Abstract: Methods for planting sugarcane seed are provided to achieve high sugarcane plant densities per unit area. The methods include providing sugarcane seed pieces in an appropriate length, preparing the soil for planting the sugarcane seed by creating rows of wide furrows or wide seedbeds, placing the sugarcane seed on the prepared soil in a random orientation to form a layer of sugarcane seed or in an orientation perpendicular to the direction of the furrows or seedbeds, and covering the sugarcane pieces with soil. Soil preparation includes creation of wide rows of furrows, flat seedbeds or raised seedbeds, with each row ranging in width from about 0.5 meters to about 3.1 meters.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: United States Sugar CorporationInventors: J. Michael Gould, Michael S. Irey, John F. Larsen, Stuart E. McGahee
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Patent number: 6568379Abstract: A bi-fuel engine has a gaseous fuel mode engine start strategy that delivers a calibrated amount of supplemental gasoline during engine starting and initial gaseous fuel engine runs. The strategy is embodied in an algorithm employing variables including start of supplemental gasoline fueling, end of supplemental gasoline fueling, ramp-in period of supplemental gasoline fueling, ramp-out period of supplemental gasoline fueling, and the fraction of supplemental gasoline fuel to be delivered relative to that which is normally delivered during a conventional gasoline start. The algorithm differentiates between hot and cold engine starts for determining how much supplemental gasoline is to be delivered during gaseous fuel starts, wherein hot starts occur before substantially complete diffusion of gaseous fuel in the intake system, and cold starts occur after diffusion of gaseous fuel in the intake system is substantially complete.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: John F Larsen
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Publication number: 20030075087Abstract: Methods for planting sugarcane seed are provided to achieve high sugarcane plant densities per unit area. The methods include providing sugarcane seed pieces in an appropriate length, preparing the soil for planting the sugarcane seed by creating rows of wide furrows or wide seedbeds, placing the sugarcane seed on the prepared soil in a random orientation to form a layer of sugarcane seed or in an orientation perpendicular to the direction of the furrows or seedbeds, and covering the sugarcane pieces with soil. Soil preparation includes creation of wide rows of furrows, flat seedbeds or raised seedbeds, with each row ranging in width from about 0.5 meters to about 3.1 meters.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: J. Michael Gould, Michael S. Irey, John F. Larsen, Stuart E. McGahee
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Patent number: 6543373Abstract: Methods for planting sugarcane seed are provided to achieve high sugarcane plant densities per unit area. The methods include providing sugarcane seed pieces in an appropriate length, preparing the soil for planting the sugarcane seed by creating rows of wide furrows or wide seedbeds, placing the sugarcane seed on the prepared soil in a random orientation to form a layer of sugarcane seed or in an orientation perpendicular to the direction of the furrows or seedbeds, and covering the sugarcane pieces with soil. Soil preparation includes creation of wide rows of furrows, flat seedbeds or raised seedbeds, with each row ranging in width from about 0.5 meters to about 3.1 meters.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: United States Sugar CorporationInventors: J. Michael Gould, Michael S. Irey, John F. Larsen, Stuart E. McGahee