Patents by Inventor Michael Prucka

Michael Prucka 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: 10012204
    Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling operation of a vehicle engine are provided. For instance, one example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to determining a spark timing associated with a combustion engine. For instance, a combustion phasing target to be implemented by a combustion engine can be received. A spark timing associated with the combustion engine can be determined based at least in part on the combustion phasing target. The spark timing can be determined based at least in part on an optimization comprising one or more iterations determined during an engine cycle. The spark timing is determined based at least in part on a combustion phasing prediction model determined based at least in part on at least one of laminar flame speed, residual gas mass, or turbulent intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventors: Shu Wang, Robert Gary Prucka, Hussein Dourra, Michael Prucka, Qilun Zhu
  • Publication number: 20160377043
    Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling operation of a vehicle engine are provided. For instance, one example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to determining a spark timing associated with a combustion engine. For instance, a combustion phasing target to be implemented by a combustion engine can be received. A spark timing associated with the combustion engine can be determined based at least in part on the combustion phasing target. The spark timing can be determined based at least in part on an optimization comprising one or more iterations determined during an engine cycle. The spark timing is determined based at least in part on a combustion phasing prediction model determined based at least in part on at least one of laminar flame speed, residual gas mass, or turbine intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Shu Wang, Robert Gary Prucka, Hussein Dourra, Michael Prucka, Qilun Zhu
  • Patent number: 8655545
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a first sensor that provides first data indicating at least one of vehicle speed and ambient temperature. The system also includes a shutter control module. The shutter control module includes a first sub-module that provides a first amount of modification to an opening amount for a shutter based on the first data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Songping Yu, Bryon Wasacz, Michael Prucka
  • Patent number: 8447449
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a motor, a belt, and a controller. The engine is configured to output torque via a crankshaft. The motor is configured to apply torque to and/or receive torque from the engine via an output shaft. The belt is operably disposed on the crankshaft of the engine and the output shaft of the motor. Rotation of the output shaft is transferred to the crankshaft via the belt. The controller is configured to identify a slip event by comparing a speed of the motor to a speed of the engine. The controller is further configured to count the number of slip events and diagnose a belt failure if the number of slip events exceeds a predetermined number of slip events over a predetermined number of drive cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael Prucka, Stanley D. Sullivan, Andrew M. Zettel, John G. Noetzel, Michael William Roblin
  • Publication number: 20120158226
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a motor, a belt, and a controller. The engine is configured to output torque via a crankshaft. The motor is configured to apply torque to and/or receive torque from the engine via an output shaft. The belt is operably disposed on the crankshaft of the engine and the output shaft of the motor. Rotation of the output shaft is transferred to the crankshaft via the belt. The controller is configured to identify a slip event by comparing a speed of the motor to a speed of the engine. The controller is further configured to count the number of slip events and diagnose a belt failure if the number of slip events exceeds a predetermined number of slip events over a predetermined number of drive cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Prucka, Stanley D. Sullivan, Andrew M. Zettel, John G. Noetzel, Michael William Roblin
  • Publication number: 20110288717
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a first sensor that provides first data indicating at least one of vehicle speed and ambient temperature. The system also includes a shutter control module. The shutter control module includes a first sub-module that provides a first amount of modification to an opening amount for a shutter based on the first data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Songping Yu, Bryon Wasacz, Michael Prucka
  • Publication number: 20070112501
    Abstract: A residual ratio factor characterizing the amount of residual exhaust gas left in a selected cylinder at the end of a piston intake stroke is determined from tabular and surface models based on previously gathered dynamometer data from a test vehicle at various engine speeds. The residual ratio factor is then used to calculate the mole fractions of air and residual exhaust gas in the selected cylinder, which, in turn, are used to determine mass airflow at an engine intake port at the end of the intake stroke. The mass airflow can then be used to derive further models for determining an engine operating parameter, such as fuel/air ratio, required for achieving at preselected vehicle operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Inventors: Roger Vick, Michael Prucka, Timothy Coatesworth, Denise Kramer, Eugenio DiValentin, Gregory Ohl
  • Publication number: 20060211539
    Abstract: Prior to transitioning a multiple-displacement engine from a full-displacement engine operating mode to a partial-displacement engine operating mode, a base slip rate of a torque converter coupled to the engine engine is increased by a predetermined slip rate offset. The engine is then transitioned to partial-displacement mode upon the earlier of either achieving the desired offset slip rate, or once a maximum time delay has occurred since the slip rate offset was enabled. An offset slip rate is maintained throughout partial-displacement engine operation, and through a transition back to a full-displacement mode. The slip rate offset is removed or disenabled once the engine is again operating in the full-displacement mode. The slip rate offset is either a calibratable constant or is determined as a function of one or more suitable engine or vehicle operating parameters affecting vehicle NVH levels, such as engine speed and vehicle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Bonne, Mark Duty, John Mitchell, Gregory Pannone, Michael Prucka, Marc Sullivan