Patents by Inventor Mark A. Schang

Mark A. Schang 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: 11590972
    Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a body, a drive system, and a control system for controlling the adaptive cruise control functionality for the vehicle. The drive system is disposed within the body, and has adaptive cruise control functionality. The control system includes: one or more sensors disposed onboard the vehicle and configured to obtain sensor data for monitoring a driver of the vehicle while the vehicle is stopped during adaptive cruise control operation while a target vehicle in front of the vehicle has stopped; and a processor coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to provide instructions for automatically resuming movement of the vehicle, when the target vehicle resumes movement, based on the monitoring of the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ming Zhao, Mark A. Schang, Sung-Tu Ho
  • Publication number: 20210402993
    Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a body, a drive system, and a control system for controlling the adaptive cruise control functionality for the vehicle. The drive system is disposed within the body, and has adaptive cruise control functionality. The control system includes: one or more sensors disposed onboard the vehicle and configured to obtain sensor data for monitoring a driver of the vehicle while the vehicle is stopped during adaptive cruise control operation while a target vehicle in front of the vehicle has stopped; and a processor coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to provide instructions for automatically resuming movement of the vehicle, when the target vehicle resumes movement, based on the monitoring of the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ming Zhao, Mark A. Schang, Sung-Tu Ho
  • Patent number: 9938917
    Abstract: A propulsion system controller for a vehicle that includes a prime mover operable for generating an input torque on an input shaft, and a transmission connected to the prime mover that is configured to receive the input torque from the input shaft and produce an output torque on an output shaft. The controller is programmed to generate a torque phase ratio, rationalize the generated torque phase ratio, and submit a torque request to the prime mover that is based upon a desired output torque divided by the rationalized torque phase ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ronald F Lochocki, Jr., Scott D Biggs, Jonathan P Kish, Mark A Schang, Ryan Z Goode
  • Publication number: 20180094595
    Abstract: A propulsion system controller for a vehicle that includes a prime mover operable for generating an input torque on an input shaft, and a transmission connected to the prime mover that is configured to receive the input torque from the input shaft and produce an output torque on an output shaft. The controller is programmed to generate a torque phase ratio, rationalize the generated torque phase ratio, and submit a torque request to the prime mover that is based upon a desired output torque divided by the rationalized torque phase ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, JR., Scott D. Biggs, Jonathan P. Kish, Mark A. Schang, Ryan Z. Goode
  • Patent number: 9869259
    Abstract: A propulsion system controller for a vehicle that includes a prime mover operable for generating an input torque on an input shaft, and a transmission connected to the prime mover that is configured to receive the input torque from the input shaft and produce an output torque on an output shaft. The controller is programmed to generate a torque phase ratio, and submit a torque request to the prime mover that is based upon a desired output torque divided by the torque phase ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Ryan Z. Goode, Mark A. Schang, Jonathan Kish
  • Patent number: 9738285
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission includes determining if an internal combustion engine of the vehicle is currently operating with active fuel management, or if the internal combustion engine is currently operating without active fuel management. The vehicle controller further determines if a possible engine torque is equal to, greater than, or less than a required engine torque. The transmission is upshifted when the internal combustion engine is currently operating with active fuel management, and when the possible engine torque is equal to or greater than the required engine torque. When the possible engine torque is less than the required engine torque, active fuel management is exited so that the internal combustion engine is currently operating without active fuel management. When the internal combustion engine is currently operating without active fuel management, the vehicle controller upshifts the transmission from the current gear ratio to the higher gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Schang, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Jeremy V. Horgan
  • Patent number: 8721498
    Abstract: A method of controlling engine crankshaft torque on a vehicle requests crankshaft torque modification using multiple types of torque actuators prior to and during a single commanded shift, such as an upshift. Appropriate levels of torque modification for the request, as well as appropriate times to make determinations regarding actuator type and make crankshaft torque reduction requests are determined in light of timing of key events during the shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark A Schang, Robert L. Williams, David Szpara
  • Patent number: 8696517
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Mark A. Schang, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Andrew W. Baur, Ning Jin
  • Patent number: 8579762
    Abstract: A clutch control system for a vehicle includes a shift command module and an offgoing clutch control module. The shift command module commands an upshift of a clutch-to-clutch transmission when an engine torque is less than a predetermined negative torque. The offgoing clutch control module increases an offgoing clutch pressure above a predetermined apply pressure in response to the command. An offgoing clutch is fully engaged when the offgoing clutch pressure is greater than the predetermined apply pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Mark A Yacoub, Matthew D. Whitton, Craig J. Hawkins, Mark A. Schang, Robert L. Williams, Christopher Jay Weingartz
  • Patent number: 8532892
    Abstract: A system includes a pump, accumulator, a sensor which measures line pressure in a fluid circuit, and a controller. The controller plots and calculates respective slopes of first and second sets of measured pressure values from the sensor, calculates a slope ratio, and compares the slope ratio to a threshold. The controller also records the pre-charge pressure as the point of intersection of lines representing the slopes when the ratio exceeds the threshold. A control action is executed when the pre-charge pressure drops below a calibrated minimum threshold. A method includes measuring the pressure values, calculating the respective slopes and the slope ratio, comparing the slope ratio to a ratio threshold, recording the point of intersection of lines representing the slopes as an interpolated pre-charge pressure value when the ratio exceeds the threshold, and executing the control action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Crystal Nassouri, Mark A. Schang, Stephen Lewis Pudvay
  • Publication number: 20130179046
    Abstract: A system includes a pump, accumulator, a sensor which measures line pressure in a fluid circuit, and a controller. The controller plots and calculates respective slopes of first and second sets of measured pressure values from the sensor, calculates a slope ratio, and compares the slope ratio to a threshold. The controller also records the pre-charge pressure as the point of intersection of lines representing the slopes when the ratio exceeds the threshold. A control action is executed when the pre-charge pressure drops below a calibrated minimum threshold. A method includes measuring the pressure values, calculating the respective slopes and the slope ratio, comparing the slope ratio to a ratio threshold, recording the point of intersection of lines representing the slopes as an interpolated pre-charge pressure value when the ratio exceeds the threshold, and executing the control action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Crystal Nassouri, Mark A. Schang, Stephen Lewis Pudvay
  • Patent number: 8396637
    Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission coupled to an engine by a torque converter includes a torque module and a first clutch control module. The torque module determines an input torque to the transmission based on an output torque of the engine. The first clutch control module adjusts an acceleration of a turbine of the torque converter during a down shift of the transmission based on the input torque. The first clutch control module adjusts the acceleration of the turbine by adjusting a first pressure of fluid supplied to an off-going clutch of the transmission based on the input torque. The first clutch control module adjusts the first pressure based on a mathematical model that relates a torque capacity of the off-going clutch, the input torque, and the acceleration. A method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventors: Mark A. Schang, Matthew D. Whitton
  • Publication number: 20130045835
    Abstract: A method of controlling engine crankshaft torque on a vehicle requests crankshaft torque modification using multiple types of torque actuators prior to and during a single commanded shift, such as an upshift. Appropriate levels of torque modification for the request, as well as appropriate times to make determinations regarding actuator type and make crankshaft torque reduction requests are determined in light of timing of key events during the shift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Schang, Robert L. Williams, David Szpara
  • 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: 8323150
    Abstract: A control system includes a shift stage determination module and a clutch control module. The shift stage determination module determines a duration of a first power-on downshift when a second power-on downshift is requested, where a power-on downshift is a downshift of a transmission that occurs when an accelerator pedal is depressed. The clutch control module completes the first power-on downshift and selectively starts controlling the second power-on downshift before the first power-on downshift ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Harinath Atmaram, Matthew D. Whitton, Robert L. Williams, Mark A. Schang
  • Publication number: 20120010046
    Abstract: A clutch control system for a vehicle includes a shift command module and an offgoing clutch control module. The shift command module commands an upshift of a clutch-to-clutch transmission when an engine torque is less than a predetermined negative torque. The offgoing clutch control module increases an offgoing clutch pressure above a predetermined apply pressure in response to the command. An offgoing clutch is fully engaged when the offgoing clutch pressure is greater than the predetermined apply pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Yacoub, Matthew D. Whitton, Craig J. Hawkins, Mark A. Schang, Robert L. Williams, Christopher Jay Weingartz
  • Publication number: 20110275479
    Abstract: A control system includes a shift stage determination module and a clutch control module. The shift stage determination module determines a duration of a first power-on downshift when a second power-on downshift is requested, where a power-on downshift is a downshift of a transmission that occurs when an accelerator pedal is depressed. The clutch control module completes the first power-on downshift and selectively starts controlling the second power-on downshift before the first power-on downshift ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Harinath Atmaram, Matthew D. Whitton, Robert L. Williams, Mark A. Schang
  • Publication number: 20110251766
    Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission coupled to an engine by a torque converter includes a torque module and a first clutch control module. The torque module determines an input torque to the transmission based on an output torque of the engine. The first clutch control module adjusts an acceleration of a turbine of the torque converter during a down shift of the transmission based on the input torque. The first clutch control module adjusts the acceleration of the turbine by adjusting a first pressure of fluid supplied to an off-going clutch of the transmission based on the input torque. The first clutch control module adjusts the first pressure based on a mathematical model that relates a torque capacity of the off-going clutch, the input torque, and the acceleration. A method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Schang, Matthew D. Whitton