Patents by Inventor Michael J. Pitsch

Michael J. Pitsch 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: 9862371
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle. The vehicle includes at least one motor-generator, an internal combustion engine employing a camshaft and a camshaft phaser, and an energy-storage device operatively connected to the engine and to the at least one motor-generator. The method includes determining whether a deceleration of the vehicle is desired, and ceasing a supply of fuel to the engine when the deceleration is desired. The method additionally includes regulating the camshaft phaser to a predetermined fuel cut-off position when the supply of fuel to the engine has been ceased, such that a magnitude of compression pulses in the engine is reduced relative to when the engine is being fueled. A system for controlling the hybrid electric vehicle and for executing the above method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Pitsch, Lan Wang, Shannon E. Reeves, William L. Aldrich, III
  • Patent number: 9057333
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an axle torque determination module, an engine torque determination module, and an engine torque control module. The axle torque determination module determines an axle torque request based on a driver input and a vehicle speed. The engine torque determination module determines an engine torque request based on the axle torque request and at least one of a turbine speed and whether a clutch of a torque converter is applied. The engine torque control module controls an amount of torque produced by an engine based on the engine torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Roger A. Madsen, Richard B. Jess, Michael J. Pitsch, Michael L. Waterman, Ryan Z. Goode
  • Publication number: 20150039190
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an axle torque determination module, an engine torque determination module, and an engine torque control module. The axle torque determination module determines an axle torque request based on a driver input and a vehicle speed. The engine torque determination module determines an engine torque request based on the axle torque request and at least one of a turbine speed and whether a clutch of a torque converter is applied. The engine torque control module controls an amount of torque produced by an engine based on the engine torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: MICHAEL LIVSHIZ, Roger A. Madsen, Richard B. Jess, Michael J. Pitsch, Michael L. Waterman, Ryan Z. Goode
  • Patent number: 8594904
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes an engine torque request module, an engine torque response module, a torque command limit module, and an actuation module. The engine torque request module determines an engine torque request based on (i) an engine power request and (ii) a desired engine speed (DRPM). The engine torque response module determines first and second torque values based on (i) an engine torque response model and (ii) first and second torque boundaries, wherein the first and second torque boundaries are based on the DRPM and a measured engine speed (RPM). The torque command limit module generates a secured engine torque request based on (i) the engine torque request and (ii) the first and second torque values. The actuation module controls at least one actuator of the engine based on the secured engine torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Richard B. Jess, Michael J. Pitsch, Michael L. Waterman, Pahngroc Oh
  • Patent number: 8566002
    Abstract: A system includes a power request module, a first desired engine speed (DRPM) determination module, a driver torque request module, and an actuation module. The power request module generates a power request for an engine of the vehicle based on an accelerator pedal position and a vehicle speed. The first DRPM determination module determines a first target DRPM based on the power request, a turbine speed of a torque converter, and a k-factor of the torque converter. The driver torque request module selectively generates a torque request for the engine based on the power request and the first target DRPM. The actuation module controls at least one engine actuator based on the torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Michael J. Pitsch, Michael L. Waterman, Pahngroc Oh
  • Patent number: 8504265
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a torque phase detection module, a torque request generation module, and an engine torque control module. The torque phase detection module detects a start of a torque phase of an upshift of a transmission coupled to the engine. The torque request generation module generates an engine torque request at the start of the torque phase of the transmission upshift. The engine torque control module controls engine torque during the torque phase of the transmission upshift based on the engine torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew W. Baur, Craig J. Hawkins, Michael J. Pitsch
  • Patent number: 8499734
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor includes an engine speed control module, an air pressure control module, and an engine torque control module. The engine speed control module increases engine speed during a first calibration period based on a driver torque request and a predetermined torque threshold. The air pressure control module decreases intake manifold pressure (MAP) of the engine during a second calibration period based on the driver torque request and the predetermined torque threshold. The engine torque control module starts the engine during a period after the first and second calibration periods by activating N of M cylinders of the engine, wherein N is based on the driver torque request and the predetermined torque threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Lan Wang, Goro Tamai, Michael J. Pitsch, William L. Aldrich, III
  • Publication number: 20130080023
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes an engine torque request module, an engine torque response module, a torque command limit module, and an actuation module. The engine torque request module determines an engine torque request based on (i) an engine power request and (ii) a desired engine speed (DRPM). The engine torque response module determines first and second torque values based on (i) an engine torque response model and (ii) first and second torque boundaries, wherein the first and second torque boundaries are based on the DRPM and a measured engine speed (RPM). The torque command limit module generates a secured engine torque request based on (i) the engine torque request and (ii) the first and second torque values. The actuation module controls at least one actuator of the engine based on the secured engine torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Richard B. Jess, Michael J. Pitsch, Michael L. Waterman, Pahngroc Oh
  • Patent number: 8386150
    Abstract: An engine control system includes a fuel cutoff (FCO) module, a fuel control module, and a spark control module. The FCO module, when a FCO event is disabled, determines a feed-forward (FF) number of cylinders to offset a delay period associated with supplying fuel to the cylinders of an engine and selectively maintains a FCO torque request at a predetermined torque. The fuel control module commands fuel be supplied to the FF number of cylinders of the engine when the FCO event is disabled. The spark control module maintains a spark timing of the FF number of cylinders at a fully retarded spark timing based on the FCO torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Jun Lu, Michael J. Pitsch, Ryan Goode, Krishnendu Kar
  • Patent number: 8346447
    Abstract: An engine control system includes an inertia phase detection module, a feed-forward (FF) engine speed module, a FF APC module, a FF phaser position module, and a phaser control module. The inertia phase detection module determines when an inertia phase of a gear shift is occurring within a transmission. The FF engine speed module predicts an engine speed for a future time when the inertia phase ends. The FF APC module predicts an air-per-cylinder (APC) for the future time based on the engine speed. The FF phaser position module determines a FF phaser position based on the engine speed and the APC. The phaser control module controls a camshaft phaser position based on the FF phaser position during the inertia phase of the gear shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew W. Baur, Michael J. Pitsch, Christopher E. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20120296537
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a torque phase detection module, a torque request generation module, and an engine torque control module. The torque phase detection module detects a start of a torque phase of an upshift of a transmission coupled to the engine. The torque request generation module generates an engine torque request at the start of the torque phase of the transmission upshift. The engine torque control module controls engine torque during the torque phase of the transmission upshift based on the engine torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Baur, Craig J. Hawkins, Michael J. Pitsch
  • Publication number: 20120265421
    Abstract: A system includes a power request module, a first desired engine speed (DRPM) determination module, a driver torque request module, and an actuation module. The power request module generates a power request for an engine of the vehicle based on an accelerator pedal position and a vehicle speed. The first DRPM determination module determines a first target DRPM based on the power request, a turbine speed of a torque converter, and a k-factor of the torque converter. The driver torque request module selectively generates a torque request for the engine based on the power request and the first target DRPM. The actuation module controls at least one engine actuator based on the torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Michael J. Pitsch, Michael L. Waterman, Pahngroc Oh
  • Publication number: 20120109432
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle. The vehicle includes at least one motor-generator, an internal combustion engine employing a camshaft and a camshaft phaser, and an energy-storage device operatively connected to the engine and to the at least one motor-generator. The method includes determining whether a deceleration of the vehicle is desired, and ceasing a supply of fuel to the engine when the deceleration is desired. The method additionally includes regulating the camshaft phaser to a predetermined fuel cut-off position when the supply of fuel to the engine has been ceased, such that a magnitude of compression pulses in the engine is reduced relative to when the engine is being fueled. A system for controlling the hybrid electric vehicle and for executing the above method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Pitsch, Lan Wang, Shannon E. Reeves, William L. Aldrich, III
  • Patent number: 8170759
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: Richard B. Jess, Mark T. Hutchinson, Joseph M. Stempnik, Michael L. Kociba, Mark H. Costin, Paul A. Bauerle, Michael J. Pitsch
  • Patent number: 8150595
    Abstract: A control method for a hybrid powerplant includes receiving a pre-transition signal, and selectively adjusting a combustion torque of an engine of the powerplant between a first torque value and a second torque value prior to a deactivation transition period based on the pre-transition signal, wherein the second torque value is less than the first torque value. The method further includes selectively adjusting an electric drive torque of an electric machine of the powerplant prior to the deactivation transition period based on the pre-transition signal and the combustion torque. The selectively adjusting the electric drive torque includes adjusting the electric drive torque such that a sum of the combustion torque and the electric drive torque is equal to a desired drive torque of the powerplant during a pre-transition period prior to the deactivation transition period. A related control system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventors: Scott J Thompson, Michael J. Pitsch, Goro Tamai
  • Publication number: 20110270509
    Abstract: An engine control system includes a fuel cutoff (FCO) module, a fuel control module, and a spark control module. The FCO module, when a FCO event is disabled, determines a feed-forward (FF) number of cylinders to offset a delay period associated with supplying fuel to the cylinders of an engine and selectively maintains a FCO torque request at a predetermined torque. The fuel control module commands fuel be supplied to the FF number of cylinders of the engine when the FCO event is disabled. The spark control module maintains a spark timing of the FF number of cylinders at a fully retarded spark timing based on the FCO torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Jun Lu, Michael J. Pitsch, Ryan Goode, Krishnendu Kar
  • Publication number: 20110264342
    Abstract: An engine control system includes an inertia phase detection module, a feed-forward (FF) engine speed module, a FF APC module, a FF phaser postion module, and a phaser control module. The inertia phase detection module determines when an inertia phase of a gear shift is occurring within a transmission. The FF engine speed module predicts an engine speed for a future time when the inertia phase ends. The FF APC module predicts an air-per-cylinder (APC) for the future time based on the engine speed. The FF phaser position module determines a FF phaser position based on the engine speed and the APC. The phaser control module controls a camshaft phaser position based on the FF phaser position during the inertia phase of the gear shift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Baur, Michael J. Pitsch, Christopher E. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20110088659
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor includes an engine speed control module, an air pressure control module, and an engine torque control module. The engine speed control module increases engine speed during a first calibration period based on a driver torque request and a predetermined torque threshold. The air pressure control module decreases intake manifold pressure (MAP) of the engine during a second calibration period based on the driver torque request and the predetermined torque threshold. The engine torque control module starts the engine during a period after the first and second calibration periods by activating N of M cylinders of the engine, wherein N is based on the driver torque request and the predetermined torque threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Lan Wang, Goro Tamai, Michael J. Pitsch, William L. Aldrich, III
  • Patent number: 7765052
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle including an engine with cylinder deactivation comprises an engine time off module that determines an engine time off value. A re-purge determining module estimates a re-purge time required to purge a hydraulic control system of the engine of air before initiating cylinder deactivation. The re-purge time is estimated based on the engine time off value and an engine temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Michael J. Pitsch, James B. Hicks, William C. Albertson
  • Patent number: 7757666
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises a torque control module and a fueling control module. The torque control module selectively generates a deactivation signal for a first cylinder of a plurality of cylinders of an engine based on a torque request. The fueling control module halts fuel delivery to the first cylinder based on the deactivation signal. The torque control module increases a spark advance of the engine at a first time after the fueling control module halts fuel injection for the first cylinder. The first time corresponds to an initial time combustion fails to occur in the first cylinder because fuel delivery has been halted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Mark D. Carr, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Michael J. Pitsch, Bahram Younessi