Patents by Inventor Mohammad R. Pirjaberi

Mohammad R. Pirjaberi 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: 11359562
    Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect, a firing sequence is used to operate the engine in a skip fire manner. A smoothing torque is determined that is applied to a powertrain by an energy storage/release device. The smoothing torque is arranged to at least partially cancel out variation in torque generated by the skip fire firing sequence. Various methods, powertrain controllers, arrangements and computer software related to the above operations are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Serrano, Xin Yuan, John W. Parsels, Mohammad R. Pirjaberi, Mark A. Wilcutts, Masaki Nagashima
  • Patent number: 11280276
    Abstract: Engine controllers and methods are described that facilitate skip fire control of an internal combustion engine. An engine controller determines a skip fire firing fraction and (as appropriate) associated engine settings that are suitable for delivering a requested output. The engine controller selects an operational firing fraction from a set of available firing fractions. A firing controller then directs cylinder firings in a skip fire manner that delivers the selected operational firing fraction. The firing controller includes an accumulator that helps smooth transitions between different firing fractions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad R. Pirjaberi, Adya S. Tripathi, Louis J. Serrano
  • Publication number: 20220074361
    Abstract: Methods, devices, estimators, controllers and algorithms are described for estimating the torque profile of an engine and/or for controlling torque applied to a powertrain by one or more devices other than the engine itself to manage the net torque applied by the engine and other device(s) in manners that reduce undesirable NVH. The described approaches are particularly well suitable for use in hybrid vehicles in which the engine is operated in a skip fire or other dynamic firing level modulation manner—however they may be used in a variety of other circumstances as well. In some embodiments, the hybrid vehicle includes a motor/generator that applies the smoothing torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Mohammad R. PIRJABERI, Kian EISAZADEH-FAR, Steven E. CARLSON, Louis J. SERRANO
  • Patent number: 11208964
    Abstract: Methods, devices, estimators, controllers and algorithms are described for estimating the torque profile of an engine and/or for controlling torque applied to a powertrain by one or more devices other than the engine itself to manage the net torque applied by the engine and other device(s) in manners that reduce undesirable NVH. The described approaches are particularly well suitable for use in hybrid vehicles in which the engine is operated in a skip fire or other dynamic firing level modulation manner—however they may be used in a variety of other circumstances as well. In some embodiments, the hybrid vehicle includes a motor/generator that applies the smoothing torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad R. Pirjaberi, Kian Eisazadeh-Far, Steven E. Carlson, Louis J. Serrano
  • Publication number: 20210396189
    Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect, a firing sequence is used to operate the engine in a skip fire manner. A smoothing torque is determined that is applied to a powertrain by an energy storage/release device. The smoothing torque is arranged to at least partially cancel out variation in torque generated by the skip fire firing sequence. Various methods, powertrain controllers, arrangements and computer software related to the above operations are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Louis J. SERRANO, Xin YUAN, John W. PARSELS, Mohammad R. PIRJABERI, Mark A. WILCUTTS, Masaki NAGASHIMA
  • Patent number: 11136928
    Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect, a firing sequence is used to operate the engine in a skip fire manner. A smoothing torque is determined that is applied to a powertrain by an energy storage/release device. The smoothing torque is arranged to at least partially cancel out variation in torque generated by the skip fire firing sequence. Various methods, powertrain controllers, arrangements and computer software related to the above operations are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Serrano, Xin Yuan, John W. Parsels, Mohammad R. Pirjaberi, Mark A. Wilcutts, Masaki Nagashima
  • Publication number: 20210199060
    Abstract: Engine controllers and methods are described that facilitate skip fire control of an internal combustion engine. An engine controller determines a skip fire firing fraction and (as appropriate) associated engine settings that are suitable for delivering a requested output. The engine controller selects an operational firing fraction from a set of available firing fractions. A firing controller then directs cylinder firings in a skip fire manner that delivers the selected operational firing fraction. The firing controller includes an accumulator that helps smooth transitions between different firing fractions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Mohammad R. PIRJABERI, Adya S. TRIPATHI, Louis J. SERRANO
  • Patent number: 10968841
    Abstract: Skip fire engine control using a first order sigma delta based firing controller is described. An engine controller determines a skip fire firing fraction and (as appropriate) associated engine settings that are suitable for delivering a requested output. The operational firing fraction is selected from a set of available firing fractions. The engine controller uses a first order sigma delta based converter to direct working cycle firings in a skip fire manner that delivers the selected firing fraction. The converter includes or functions substantially equivalent to a first order sigma delta converter and may be implemented any of: algorithmically using a processor; using digital, analog or hybrid components; using a lookup table; or using other appropriate techniques. In some embodiments firing decisions are made on a working cycle by working cycle basis. The described approach may be used in gasoline engines, diesel engines, turbocharged or supercharged engines, or others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: TULA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Mohammad R. Pirjaberi, Adya S. Tripathi, Louis J. Serrano
  • Patent number: 10954877
    Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect, a firing sequence is used to operate the engine in a dynamic firing level modulation manner. A smoothing torque is determined by adaptive control that is applied to a powertrain by an energy storage/release device. The smoothing torque is arranged to at least partially cancel out variation in torque generated by the firing sequence. Various methods, powertrain controllers, arrangements and computer software related to the above operations are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Masaki Nagashima, Mohammad R. Pirjaberi, Louis J. Serrano, Xin Yuan, John W. Parsels, Mark A. Wilcutts
  • Publication number: 20210071605
    Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect, a firing sequence is used to operate the engine in a skip fire manner. A smoothing torque is determined that is applied to a powertrain by an energy storage/release device. The smoothing torque is arranged to at least partially cancel out variation in torque generated by the skip fire firing sequence. Various methods, powertrain controllers, arrangements and computer software related to the above operations are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Louis J. SERRANO, Xin YUAN, John W. PARSELS, Mohammad R. PIRJABERI, Mark A. WILCUTTS, Masaki NAGASHIMA
  • Publication number: 20200386176
    Abstract: Methods, devices, estimators, controllers and algorithms are described for estimating the torque profile of an engine and/or for controlling torque applied to a powertrain by one or more devices other than the engine itself to manage the net torque applied by the engine and other device(s) in manners that reduce undesirable NVH. The described approaches are particularly well suitable for use in hybrid vehicles in which the engine is operated in a skip fire or other dynamic firing level modulation manner—however they may be used in a variety of other circumstances as well. In some embodiments, the hybrid vehicle includes a motor/generator that applies the smoothing torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Mohammad R. PIRJABERI, Kian EISAZADEH-FAR, Steven E. CARLSON, Louis J. SERRANO
  • Patent number: 10830166
    Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect, a firing sequence is used to operate the engine in a skip fire manner. A smoothing torque is determined that is applied to a powertrain by an energy storage/release device. The smoothing torque is arranged to at least partially cancel out variation in torque generated by the skip fire firing sequence. Various methods, powertrain controllers, arrangements and computer software related to the above operations are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Serrano, Xin Yuan, John W. Parsels, Mohammad R. Pirjaberi, Mark A. Wilcutts, Masaki Nagashima
  • Patent number: 10787979
    Abstract: Methods, devices, estimators, controllers and algorithms are described for estimating the torque profile of an engine and/or for controlling torque applied to a powertrain by one or more devices other than the engine itself to manage the net torque applied by the engine and other device(s) in manners that reduce undesirable NVH. The described approaches are particularly well suitable for use in hybrid vehicles in which the engine is operated in a skip fire or other dynamic firing level modulation manner—however they may be used in a variety of other circumstances as well. In some embodiments, the hybrid vehicle includes a motor/generator that applies the smoothing torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad R. Pirjaberi, Kian Eisazadeh-Far, Steven E. Carlson, Louis J. Serrano
  • Publication number: 20200158044
    Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect, a firing sequence is used to operate the engine in a dynamic firing level modulation manner. A smoothing torque is determined by adaptive control that is applied to a powertrain by an energy storage/release device. The smoothing torque is arranged to at least partially cancel out variation in torque generated by the firing sequence. Various methods, powertrain controllers, arrangements and computer software related to the above operations are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Masaki NAGASHIMA, Mohammad R. PIRJABERI, Louis J. SERRANO, Xin YUAN, John W. PARSELS, Mark A. WILCUTTS
  • Publication number: 20200080500
    Abstract: Skip fire engine control using a first order sigma delta based firing controller is described. An engine controller determines a skip fire firing fraction and (as appropriate) associated engine settings that are suitable for delivering a requested output. The operational firing fraction is selected from a set of available firing fractions. The engine controller uses a first order sigma delta based converter to direct working cycle firings in a skip fire manner that delivers the selected firing fraction. The converter includes or functions substantially equivalent to a first order sigma delta converter and may be implemented any of: algorithmically using a processor; using digital, analog or hybrid components; using a lookup table; or using other appropriate techniques. In some embodiments firing decisions are made on a working cycle by working cycle basis. The described approach may be used in gasoline engines, diesel engines, turbocharged or supercharged engines, or others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Mohammad R. PIRJABERI, Adya S. TRIPATHI, Louis J. SERRANO
  • Patent number: 10578037
    Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect, a firing sequence is used to operate the engine in a dynamic firing level modulation manner. A smoothing torque is determined by adaptive control that is applied to a powertrain by an energy storage/release device. The smoothing torque is arranged to at least partially cancel out variation in torque generated by the firing sequence. Various methods, powertrain controllers, arrangements and computer software related to the above operations are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Masaki Nagashima, Mohammad R. Pirjaberi, Louis J. Serrano, Xin Yuan, John W. Parsels, Mark A. Wilcutts
  • Patent number: 10508604
    Abstract: In various described embodiments skip fire control is used to deliver a desired engine output. A controller determines a skip fire firing fraction and (as appropriate) associated engine settings that are suitable for delivering a requested output. In one aspect, the skip fire controller is arranged to select a base firing fraction that has a repeating firing cycle length that will repeat at least a designated number of times per second at the current engine speed. Such an arrangement can be helpful in reducing the occurrence of undesirable vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad R. Pirjaberi, Adya S. Tripathi, Louis J. Serrano
  • Patent number: 10436133
    Abstract: Methods, devices, estimators, controllers and algorithms are described for estimating the torque profile of an engine and/or for controlling torque applied to a powertrain by one or more devices other than the engine itself to manage the net torque applied by the engine and other device(s) in manners that reduce undesirable NVH. The described approaches are particularly well suitable for use in hybrid vehicles in which the engine is operated in a skip fire or other dynamic firing level modulation manner—however they may be used in a variety of other circumstances as well. In some embodiments, the hybrid vehicle includes a motor/generator that applies the smoothing torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad R. Pirjaberi, Kian Eisazadeh-Far, Steven E. Carlson, Louis J. Serrano
  • Patent number: 10344692
    Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect, a firing sequence is used to operate the engine in a dynamic firing level modulation manner. A smoothing torque is determined by adaptive control that is applied to a powertrain by an energy storage/release device. The smoothing torque is arranged to at least partially cancel out variation in torque generated by the firing sequence. Various methods, powertrain controllers, arrangements and computer software related to the above operations are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Masaki Nagashima, Mohammad R. Pirjaberi, Louis J. Serrano, Xin Yuan, John W. Parsels
  • Publication number: 20190178180
    Abstract: Methods, devices, estimators, controllers and algorithms are described for estimating the torque profile of an engine and/or for controlling torque applied to a powertrain by one or more devices other than the engine itself to manage the net torque applied by the engine and other device(s) in manners that reduce undesirable NVH. The described approaches are particularly well suitable for use in hybrid vehicles in which the engine is operated in a skip fire or other dynamic firing level modulation manner—however they may be used in a variety of other circumstances as well. In some embodiments, the hybrid vehicle includes a motor/generator that applies the smoothing torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Mohammad R. PIRJABERI, Kian EISAZADEH-FAR, Steven E. CARLSON, Louis J. SERRANO