Patents by Inventor Michael G. Reynolds
Michael G. Reynolds 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: 8443594Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) in an exhaust system of an engine is provided. The method includes determining the temperature of the heated side of the TEG, determining exhaust gas flow rate through the TEG, and determining the exhaust gas temperature through the TEG. A rate of change in temperature of the heated side of the TEG is predicted based on the determined temperature, the determined exhaust gas flow rate, and the determined exhaust gas temperature through the TEG. Using the predicted rate of change of temperature of the heated side, exhaust gas flow rate through the TEG is calculated that will result in a maximum temperature of the heated side of the TEG less than a predetermined critical temperature given the predicted rate of change in temperature of the heated side of the TEG. A corresponding apparatus is provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gregory P. Prior, Michael G. Reynolds, Joshua D. Cowgill
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Patent number: 8408175Abstract: A starter system is provided for an engine having a stop-start capability. The starter system includes a first gear coupled to the engine, wherein the first gear rotates at a speed of the engine. The starter system also includes a starter arranged relative to the engine. The starter includes a second gear arranged to selectively mesh with and apply torque to the first gear in order to start the engine, such that the second gear is capable of rotating at the speed of the engine. The starter additionally includes a synchronizer arranged to substantially match the speed of the first gear with the speed of the engine prior to engagement of the first and second gears, such that the second gear is enabled to mesh with and apply torque to the first gear to thereby start the engine. The starter system and the engine may be employed in a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Norman Schoenek, Michael G. Reynolds, Gary E. McGee
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Patent number: 8347855Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a stop-start initiation module and a load control module. The stop-start initiation module shuts down the engine in response to an engine shutdown request. The load control module, in response to the engine shutdown request, increases a rate at which a rotational speed of the engine decreases during engine shutdown by increasing a rotational load input to the engine by an engine accessory coupled to a crankshaft of the engine. A method for an engine includes shutting down the engine in response to an engine shutdown request. The method further includes increasing, in response to the engine shutdown request, a rate at which a rotational speed of the engine decreases during engine shutdown by increasing a rotational load input to the engine by an engine accessory coupled to a crankshaft of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventors: Norman Schoenek, Michael G. Reynolds, Amin Abboud, Gary E. McGee, Douglas R. Verner, Sharon Liu
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Patent number: 8256220Abstract: A method of controlling engine exhaust flow through at least one of an exhaust bypass and a thermoelectric device via a bypass valve is provided. The method includes: determining a mass flow of exhaust exiting an engine; determining a desired exhaust pressure based on the mass flow of exhaust; comparing the desired exhaust pressure to a determined exhaust pressure; and determining a bypass valve control value based on the comparing, wherein the bypass valve control value is used to control the bypass valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael G. Reynolds, Jihui Yang, Greogry P. Meisner, Francis R. Stabler, Hendrik Pieter (Peter) Jacobus De Bock, Todd Alan Anderson
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Publication number: 20120212190Abstract: A method for operating a thermoelectric generator supplying a variable-load component includes commanding the variable-load component to operate at a first output and determining a first load current and a first load voltage to the variable-load component while operating at the commanded first output. The method also includes commanding the variable-load component to operate at a second output and determining a second load current and a second load voltage to the variable-load component while operating at the commanded second output. The method includes calculating a maximum power output of the thermoelectric generator from the determined first load current and voltage and the determined second load current and voltage, and commanding the variable-load component to operate at a third output. The commanded third output is configured to draw the calculated maximum power output from the thermoelectric generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2011Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Michael G. Reynolds, Joshua D. Cowgill
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Patent number: 8245684Abstract: An engine having a fluid lubrication and control system is provided. The engine also includes a pump configured to maintain fluid pressure in the lubrication and control system when the engine is running. The engine additionally includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the lubrication and control system. The accumulator is configured to accumulate and retain fluid when the engine is running, and to discharge the fluid when the engine is not running in order to maintain fluid pressure in the lubrication and control system. A method for controlling oil pressure in the engine is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Michael G. Reynolds, Bryan K. Pryor, William C. Albertson, Mike M. McDonald
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Patent number: 8196687Abstract: An extended-range electric vehicle includes drive wheels, an engine having an output shaft, a planetary gear set having a node driven by the output shaft of the engine when the engine is on, and first and second electric machines. The first electric machine is connected to another node, and operates as a generator when the engine is on. A one-way clutch is connected to the remaining node. The second electric machine is connected to an output side of the one-way clutch, with a shaft connecting the drive wheels to the second electric machine. A controller provides a forward electric-only (EV) mode, a reverse EV mode, power-split mode(s), and series mode(s). The series mode(s) provide a direct mechanical path between the engine and drive wheels, with the one-way clutch overrunning in the forward EV mode. The one-way clutch may be activated passively or by a PRNDL device.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Shawn H. Swales, Joel M. Maguire, Michael G. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20120031231Abstract: A starter system is provided for an engine having a stop-start capability. The starter system includes a first gear coupled to the engine, wherein the first gear rotates at a speed of the engine. The starter system also includes a starter arranged relative to the engine. The starter includes a second gear arranged to selectively mesh with and apply torque to the first gear in order to start the engine, such that the second gear is capable of rotating at the speed of the engine. The starter additionally includes a synchronizer arranged to substantially match the speed of the first gear with the speed of the engine prior to engagement of the first and second gears, such that the second gear is enabled to mesh with and apply torque to the first gear to thereby start the engine. The starter system and the engine may be employed in a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Norman Schoenek, Michael G. Reynolds, Gary E. McGee
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Patent number: 8097969Abstract: A control system of a vehicle comprises a current estimation module, a current sensor, and a current diagnostic module. The current estimation module determines an estimated output current of a generator of the vehicle based on an engine speed when the generator is operating in a steady-state condition. The current sensor measures an output current of the generator. The current diagnostic module diagnoses a condition of the current sensor based on the estimated output current and the measured output current.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventors: Julian R. Verdejo, Michael G. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20110297466Abstract: An extended-range electric vehicle includes drive wheels, an engine having an output shaft, a planetary gear set having a node driven by the output shaft of the engine when the engine is on, and first and second electric machines. The first electric machine is connected to another node, and operates as a generator when the engine is on. A one-way clutch is connected to the remaining node. The second electric machine is connected to an output side of the one-way clutch, with a shaft connecting the drive wheels to the second electric machine. A controller provides a forward electric-only (EV) mode, a reverse EV mode, power-split mode(s), and series mode(s). The series mode(s) provide a direct mechanical path between the engine and drive wheels, with the one-way clutch overrunning in the forward EV mode. The one-way clutch may be activated passively or by a PRNDL device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Shawn H. Swales, Joel M. Maguire, Michael G. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20110277728Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a stop-start initiation module and a load control module. The stop-start initiation module shuts down the engine in response to an engine shutdown request. The load control module, in response to the engine shutdown request, increases a rate at which a rotational speed of the engine decreases during engine shutdown by increasing a rotational load input to the engine by an engine accessory coupled to a crankshaft of the engine. A method for an engine includes shutting down the engine in response to an engine shutdown request. The method further includes increasing, in response to the engine shutdown request, a rate at which a rotational speed of the engine decreases during engine shutdown by increasing a rotational load input to the engine by an engine accessory coupled to a crankshaft of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Norman Schoenek, Michael G. Reynolds, Amin Abboud, Gary E. McGee, Douglas R. Verner, Sharon Liu
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Publication number: 20110239634Abstract: An exhaust system for an engine comprises an exhaust heat recovery apparatus configured to receive exhaust gas from the engine and comprises a first flow passage in fluid communication with the exhaust gas and a second flow passage in fluid communication with the exhaust gas. A heat exchanger/energy recovery unit is disposed in the second flow passage and has a working fluid circulating therethrough for exchange of heat from the exhaust gas to the working fluid. A control valve is disposed downstream of the first and the second flow passages in a low temperature region of the exhaust heat recovery apparatus to direct exhaust gas through the first flow passage or the second flow passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Michael G. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20110240080Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) in an exhaust system of an engine is provided. The method includes determining the temperature of the heated side of the TEG, determining exhaust gas flow rate through the TEG, and determining the exhaust gas temperature through the TEG. A rate of change in temperature of the heated side of the TEG is predicted based on the determined temperature, the determined exhaust gas flow rate, and the determined exhaust gas temperature through the TEG. Using the predicted rate of change of temperature of the heated side, exhaust gas flow rate through the TEG is calculated that will result in a maximum temperature of the heated side of the TEG less than a predetermined critical temperature given the predicted rate of change in temperature of the heated side of the TEG. A corresponding apparatus is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATION, INC.Inventors: Gregory P. Prior, Michael G. Reynolds, Joshua D. Cowgill
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Patent number: 7963264Abstract: A vehicle has an engine, a starter motor, an energy storage system (ESS) for powering an auxiliary system, and a supercapacitor module for powering the starter motor during engine cranking and starting. The supercapacitor module disconnects from the starter motor to recharge. A DC-DC booster converter increases the level of voltage supplied from the ESS so as to charge the supercapacitor module to a relatively higher voltage level, such as approximately 125 to 140 percent of the voltage level supplied by the ESS. A method for preventing voltage sag in an auxiliary system of the vehicle includes disconnecting the supercapacitor module from the starter motor when the engine is running, and then charging the supercapacitor module using the ESS until a cranking support voltage equals a stored target voltage. A detected commanded cranking and starting of the engine causes the connection of the supercapacitor module to the starter motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Michael G. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20100281866Abstract: A method of controlling engine exhaust flow through at least one of an exhaust bypass and a thermoelectric device via a bypass valve is provided. The method includes: determining a mass flow of exhaust exiting an engine; determining a desired exhaust pressure based on the mass flow of exhaust; comparing the desired exhaust pressure to a determined exhaust pressure; and determining a bypass valve control value based on the comparing, wherein the bypass valve control value is used to control the bypass valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicants: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael G. Reynolds, Jihui Yang, Greogry P. Meisner, Francis R. Stabler, Hendrik Pieter (Peter) Jacobus De Bock, Todd Alan Anderson
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Publication number: 20100284823Abstract: An engine having a fluid lubrication and control system is provided. The engine also includes a pump configured to maintain fluid pressure in the lubrication and control system when the engine is running. The engine additionally includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the lubrication and control system. The accumulator is configured to accumulate and retain fluid when the engine is running, and to discharge the fluid when the engine is not running in order to maintain fluid pressure in the lubrication and control system. A method for controlling oil pressure in the engine is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Michael G. Reynolds, Bryan K. Pryor, William C. Albertson, Mike M. Mc Donald
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Patent number: 7797096Abstract: An engine control system for an engine that drives a generator includes a temperature sensor that generates a temperature signal and a control module that determines a generator torque based on an engine speed and a generator characteristic. The control module determines a torque correction factor based on the temperature signal and determines a corrected generator torque based on the generator torque and the torque correction factor. Various embodiments of the invention utilize engine speed, system voltages field winding duty cycle engine temperature, ambient temperature and/or generator current.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Inventors: Michael G. Reynolds, Chandra S. Namuduri, Toufic M Hijazi, Scott J. Chynoweth, Michael Livshiz
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Publication number: 20100066097Abstract: A control system of a vehicle comprises a current estimation module, a current sensor, and a current diagnostic module. The current estimation module determines an estimated output current of a generator of the vehicle based on an engine speed when the generator is operating in a steady-state condition. The current sensor measures an output current of the generator. The current diagnostic module diagnoses a condition of the current sensor based on the estimated output current and the measured output current.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Julian R. Verdejo, Michael G. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20090322101Abstract: A vehicle has an engine, a starter motor, an energy storage system (ESS) for powering an auxiliary system, and a supercapacitor module for powering the starter motor during engine cranking and starting. The supercapacitor module disconnects from the starter motor to recharge. A DC-DC booster converter increases the level of voltage supplied from the ESS so as to charge the supercapacitor module to a relatively higher voltage level, such as approximately 125 to 140 percent of the voltage level supplied by the ESS. A method for preventing voltage sag in an auxiliary system of the vehicle includes disconnecting the supercapacitor module from the starter motor when the engine is running, and then charging the supercapacitor module using the ESS until a cranking support voltage equals a stored target voltage. A detected commanded cranking and starting of the engine causes the connection of the supercapacitor module to the starter motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventor: Michael G. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20090229649Abstract: A method comprising flowing engine combustion exhaust through a thermoelectric device and flowing engine coolant through the thermoelectric device to provide faster engine and transmission warming (coolant, oil).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2009Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jihui Yang, Michael G. Reynolds, Francis R. Stabler