Patents by Inventor Joseph M. Stempnik

Joseph M. Stempnik 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).

  • Publication number: 20090327821
    Abstract: A diagnostic system includes N dedicated diagnostic modules that each correspond with a respective one of multiple control systems. The N dedicated diagnostic modules each generate status signals indicating results of respective diagnostic tests. A diagnostic error time monitor determines an accumulated error time value between error events for each of the control systems based on the status signals. The diagnostic error time monitor selectively reports a fault to a respective one of the N dedicated diagnostic modules based on the accumulated error time value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Joseph M. Stempnik, Mingguang Yu, Mark H. Costin
  • Publication number: 20090292435
    Abstract: An air-per-cylinder (APC) security system for a vehicle comprises an APC determination module, an APC threshold determination module, and an APC diagnostic module. The APC determination module determines first and second APC values for first and second cylinders of an engine, respectively, based on mass airflow (MAF) into the engine. The APC threshold determination module determines an APC threshold based on the first APC value and a spark timing for the first cylinder. The APC diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in the APC determination module when the second APC value is greater than a sum of the first APC value and the APC threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark H. Costin, Timothy J. Hartrey, Layne K. Wiggins, Bryan D. Lehman, Roberto Depaula, Joseph M. Stempnik
  • Publication number: 20090287378
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: RICHARD B. JESS, MICHAEL L. KOCIBA, JOSEPH M. STEMPNIK, JAMES L. WORTHING, KATIE C. BONASSE
  • Publication number: 20090240418
    Abstract: A system includes an out of correlation (OOC) detection module that detects an OOC error between a first throttle position sensor (TPS) and a second TPS. An out of range (OOR) detection module that detects first and second OOR errors for the first and second TPS, respectively. An OOC counter sets an OOC error when an OOC count is greater than or equal to a first OOC value. An OOR counter sets first and second OOR errors when first and second OOR counts, respectively, are greater than or equal to a second OOR value that is less than the first OOC value. A control module increments the counters when the respective errors occur and sets at least one of the first and second OOR counts equal to the OOC count when at least one of the first and second OOR errors occur after the OOC error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Marco J. Gatti, Joseph M. Stempnik, Jonathan Packard, Anne M. Lemoigne, Pahngroc OH, Daniel G. Bolstrum
  • Publication number: 20090234534
    Abstract: A vehicle speed module includes a speed arbitration module that receives at least two of a wheel speed, a transmission output speed (TOS), and an electric motor speed (EMS), and that determines a vehicle speed based on a comparison of the at least two of the wheel speed, the TOS, and the EMS. A speed diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in one of a wheel speed sensor, a TOS sensor, and an EMS sensor based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Stempnik, Richard B. Jess, Daniel P. Grenn, Tracey A. Bagley-Reed, Ronald W. Van Diepen, Mark H. Costin, Michael A. Turley, Sandra J. Nelson, Bryan D. Lehman
  • Publication number: 20090234545
    Abstract: A control module includes a predicted torque control module that determines a desired throttle area based on a transmission torque request and a desired predicted torque. A throttle security module determines a throttle limit based on the desired throttle area and the desired predicted torque and determines an adjusted desired throttle area based on the throttle limit. A throttle actuator module adjusts a throttle based on the adjusted desired throttle area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Stempnik, Richard B. Jess, Bahram Younessi, Mark H. Costin, Michael L. Kociba, Paul A. Bauerle, Bryan D. Lehman, William R. Mayhew, Andrew W. Baur
  • Publication number: 20090228178
    Abstract: An engine control system of a vehicle comprises a torque module and a chassis request evaluation module. The torque module controls a torque output of an engine based on a driver torque request and selectively increases the torque output based on a chassis torque request. The chassis request evaluation module selectively prevents the increase of the torque output based on at least one of a vehicle speed, a transmission state, and an accelerator pedal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard B. Jess, Mark T. Hutchinson, Joseph M. Stempnik, Michael L. Kociba, Mark H. Costin, Paul A. Bauerle, Michael J. Pitsch
  • Publication number: 20090227420
    Abstract: An engine control system of a vehicle comprises a first module and a cylinder deactivation module. The first module selectively adjusts torque output by an engine based on a vehicle torque request that is greater than a driver torque request. The cylinder deactivation module selectively deactivates a cylinder of the engine when a difference between an estimated maximum torque output of the engine and the driver torque request is greater than a predetermined maximum torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard B. Jess, Bahram Younessi, Michael L. Kociba, Joseph M. Stempnik, Andrew W. Baur
  • Publication number: 20090187304
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle is provided. The system generally includes a first setup module that configures at least one data recording trigger based on data parameters received from at least one of a telematics system and a technician tool. A data logger module records and stores real-time vehicle data based on the at least one data recording trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Waypa, Daniel P. Grenn, Joseph M. Stempnik
  • Patent number: 7555368
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, James L. Worthing, Joseph M. Stempnik, Daniel G. Bolstrum
  • Patent number: 7464695
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle comprises a throttle control module and a diagnostic module. The throttle control module controls a position of a throttle of the vehicle and compensates for changes in effective opening area of the throttle due to coking. The diagnostic module reports a coking value to a user based upon an amount of compensation performed by the throttle control module. A method comprises controlling a position of a throttle of a vehicle; compensating for changes in effective opening area of the throttle due to coking; and reporting a coking value to a user based upon an amount of compensation performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Morgan Chemello, Joseph M. Stempnik
  • Publication number: 20080223335
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle comprises a throttle control module and a diagnostic module. The throttle control module controls a position of a throttle of the vehicle and compensates for changes in effective opening area of the throttle due to coking. The diagnostic module reports a coking value to a user based upon an amount of compensation performed by the throttle control module. A method comprises controlling a position of a throttle of a vehicle; compensating for changes in effective opening area of the throttle due to coking; and reporting a coking value to a user based upon an amount of compensation performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Morgan Chemello, Joseph M. Stempnik
  • Publication number: 20080228337
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Sharon L. Storch, Joseph M. Stempnik, Richard B. Jess, James L. Worthing, Daniel G. Bolstrum
  • Publication number: 20080021599
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, James L. Worthing, Joseph M. Stempnik, Daniel G. Bolstrum
  • Patent number: 7263429
    Abstract: An engine control system that regulates operating of an engine of a motor vehicle includes a first module that determines whether a throttle of the motor vehicle is closed and a second module that determines whether the engine is idling while a cruise control is active. A third module selectively inhibits an RPM-based idle speed control of the engine if the throttle is closed and the engine is idling while the cruise control is active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Matthew Squire, Joseph M. Stempnik, Sharon L. Storch, David A. Stamm, Kevin T. Sharples
  • Patent number: 7069773
    Abstract: An engine fault diagnostic system includes a diagnostic module that generates a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) error signal and that generates a mass air flow (MAF) error signal. A security module generates an air flow fault when the MAP error signal exceeds a MAP threshold and the MAF error signal exceeds a MAF threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. Stempnik, Colin A. Roberts, Kerfegar K. Katrak, Paul A. Bauerle, Bruce A. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7051517
    Abstract: A controller estimates a temperature of a catalytic converter in a vehicle and determines an engine speed. The controller shuts off fuel to the engine if the estimated temperature is greater than a maximum temperature of the catalytic converter and the engine speed is greater than a maximum engine speed. If the estimated catalytic converter temperature is greater than the maximum temperature, the controller delays a spark retard request to the engine. The controller updates vehicle torque with an integral torque if an RPM error is within an RPM error range and vehicle speed is less than a maximum vehicle speed for a first period. The controller increases torque to the engine by a proportional torque if an RPM error is within an RPM error range to prevent engine stall. The controller updates the integral torque when the RPM error is within an RPM error range for a first period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Vivek Mehta, Joseph M. Stempnik, Donovan L. Dibble, Paul A. Bauerle
  • Patent number: 7027914
    Abstract: An engine control system includes an ignition switch that selectively initiates an ignition signal and an operating mode of an engine. A powertrain relay selectively generates a PR load signal based on the ignition signal and the operating mode. A control module enables an ignition signal diagnostic system when the operating mode is a RUN mode, the ignition signal is generated and the PR load signal is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kerfegar K. Katrak, Paul A. Bauerle, Joseph M. Stempnik, Kevin T. Sharples
  • Patent number: 6957140
    Abstract: A throttle control system for a vehicle includes a driver input that generates a control signal and a control module that generates a throttle control signal based on the control signal. The control module determines whether the throttle control signal is within one of a first and a second region, determines a compensation factor from a first look-up table when the throttle control signal is within the first region and determines the compensation factor from a second look-up table when the throttle control signal is within the second region. The control module calculates a compensated throttle control signal based on the compensation factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Joseph M. Stempnik, Kerfegar K. Katrak, Donovan L. Dibble, Alfred E. Spitza, Jr., James L. Worthing, John N. Stockbridge, Edward J. Tully
  • Patent number: 6327900
    Abstract: A method for advising a motor vehicle operator of the need to change the lubricating oil in a direct or an indirect injection diesel engine. The rate of degradation of the engine oil is determined from monitoring engine revolutions, engine oil temperature and engine oil contamination content. At the start of service after an oil change has occurred, a value corresponding to the maximum allowed number of engine revolutions for the useful life of the oil is stored in the memory of the vehicle's computer. Periodically during each period of vehicle operation, an effective engine revolutions value is determined in relation to the product of measured engine revolutions, an engine oil temperature dependent penalty factor and an oil contaminant content dependent penalty factor. The penalty factors increase the effective engine revolutions value to compensate for engine operating conditions that tend to cause increased degradation of the engine oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Mc Donald, Ellen Shirley Schwartz, Nshan Hamparian, Michael Jacek, Joseph M. Stempnik, Scott John Fletcher