Patents by Inventor Paul A. Bauerle

Paul A. Bauerle 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).

  • Publication number: 20080228337
    Abstract: A fault clearing system and method for an engine control system includes a plurality of processor modules to control and monitor the engine and set a plurality of faults. The plurality of processor modules includes an electronic throttle control (ETC) module to control and monitor a throttle of the engine, and a plurality of engine sensors and ETC sensors. An ETC diagnostic module monitors the ETC sensors and engine sensors, with the ETC diagnostic module setting a low voltage induced fault. The ETC diagnostic module will also enter one of a plurality of low voltage states in response to the low voltage induced fault. The ETC diagnostic module selectively controls the ETC module and selectively clears the faults in the ETC module and plurality of processor modules upon entry into one of the low voltage states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Sharon L. Storch, Joseph M. Stempnik, Richard B. Jess, James L. Worthing, Daniel G. Bolstrum
  • Patent number: 7413043
    Abstract: Barometric pressure is determined in a hybrid electric vehicle from manifold absolute pressure. During engine operation, wide open throttle is commanded and output torque disturbances are offset by the electric machine. Barometric pressure is estimated based on sensed intake manifold pressure and engine speed dependent pressure offsets. During engine shut down, barometric pressure may be determined from manifold pressure without any offset adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Bauerle
  • Publication number: 20080183366
    Abstract: There is provided a method and system for monitoring an intake air filter for an internal combustion engine of a hybrid powertrain operative to transmit an output torque to a driveline. The engine has a controllable throttle valve. The method comprises determining a first pressure state comprising an ambient barometric pressure. A second pressure state is determined downstream of the air filter during engine operation at a high flow engine operating point. The hybrid powertrain is controlled to maintain the transmitted output torque to the driveline. The first and second pressure states are compared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Paul A. Bauerle
  • Publication number: 20080164987
    Abstract: A control module for a vehicle is provided. The control module includes at least one device driver implemented by the control module. The at least one device driver generates a control signal to a device of the vehicle and generates a state of health signal based on an operational status of the device driver. A processor implemented by the engine control module monitors the state of health signal from the at least one device driver and generates a running reset command to the at least one device driver based on a fault status of the state of health signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Dennis M. Bogden, J. Oscar Aparicio
  • Patent number: 7392787
    Abstract: A control system for controlling a throttle of a vehicle during a virtual bumper event is provided. The system includes: an enable module that selectively enables torque reduction based on at least one of a torque reduction request and an object detection signal; a throttle override module that overrides a pedal request by commanding a throttle position to reduce torque when the torque reduction is enabled; and a throttle learn module that commands the throttle position to gradually increase torque based on a position indicated by the pedal request when torque reduction is no longer enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Patrick J. O'leary
  • Patent number: 7383120
    Abstract: A sensor module adjustment circuit includes a device have a position between minimum and maximum positions. First and second position sensors sense the position of the device and generate first and second position values, respectively. A sensor module includes first and second signal conversion modules that generate first and second signal waveforms based on the first and second position values, that include first and second gain modules, and that vary a frequency and a duty cycle, respectively, of the first and second signal waveforms based on the first and second position values. A gain magnitude module determines first and second signal gains of the first and second gain modules, respectively. A signal preset module adjusts the first and second signal gains so that the first and second signal waveforms are equal to first and second predetermined signal waveforms, respectively, when the position of the device is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John N. Stockbridge, Kerfegar K. Katrak, Paul A. Bauerle
  • Patent number: 7373241
    Abstract: A correction system and method for an electronic throttle control includes a generator module that generates a learned-correction value corresponding to a first air-learn index. The learned-correction value is used to compensate a throttle position. A correction module writes to a throttle position correction array with the learned-correction value when an air-learn value equals a predetermined stability threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, David A. Stamm
  • Patent number: 7363138
    Abstract: A method of controlling traction in a vehicle having at least one non-driven wheel speed sensor. Actual vehicle acceleration and a wheel speed difference are detected. At least one of the actual vehicle acceleration and the wheel speed difference is compared to at least one of a predetermined vehicle acceleration and a predetermined wheel speed difference to detect vehicle wheel slip. A wheel torque is reduced in response to detected wheel slip. The foregoing method allows traction control to be installed in many types of vehicles, including vehicles without ABS. More than one type of wheel slip detection can be implemented, and various types of wheel slip can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Herve Scelers, Paul A. Bauerle, Ruobai Zhang, Craig J. Hawkins, Hiep T. Do, Timothy J. Keenan
  • Publication number: 20080060613
    Abstract: A control system for controlling a throttle of a vehicle during a virtual bumper event is provided. The system includes: an enable module that selectively enables torque reduction based on at least one of a torque reduction request and an object detection signal; a throttle override module that overrides a pedal request by commanding a throttle position to reduce torque when the torque reduction is enabled; and a throttle learn module that commands the throttle position to gradually increase torque based on a position indicated by the pedal request when torque reduction is no longer enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Patrick J. O'leary
  • Publication number: 20080053403
    Abstract: A correction system and method for an electronic throttle control includes a generator module that generates a learned-correction value corresponding to a first air-learn index. The learned-correction value is used to compensate a throttle position. A correction module writes to a throttle position correction array with the learned-correction value when an air-learn value equals a predetermined stability threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, David A. Stamm
  • Publication number: 20080041645
    Abstract: Barometric pressure is determined in a hybrid electric vehicle from manifold absolute pressure. During engine operation, wide open throttle is commanded and output torque disturbances are offset by the electric machine. Barometric pressure is estimated based on sensed intake manifold pressure and engine speed dependent pressure offsets. During engine shut down, barometric pressure may be determined from manifold pressure without any offset adjustments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Paul A. Bauerle
  • Publication number: 20080021599
    Abstract: A control system for regulating operation of a first vehicle system includes first and second sensors that respectively monitor first and second operating parameters of a plurality of operating parameters, and a module that receives signals generated by the first and second sensors. The module accesses a look-up table that is normally provided to determine a first one of the plurality of operating parameters based on a second one of the plurality of operating parameters and an actual value of an input parameter. The module determines a virtual value of the input parameter while the actual value of the input parameter is equal to zero At least one of the first and second vehicle systems is normally regulated based on the input parameter. The module regulates operation of the first vehicle system based on the virtual value of the input parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, James L. Worthing, Joseph M. Stempnik, Daniel G. Bolstrum
  • Patent number: 7306542
    Abstract: A throttle control method includes generating a throttle request based on a drag torque request and setting a throttle command equal to the throttle request when the throttle request is less than a throttle idle maximum. A throttle maximum increase is determined when the throttle request is greater than the throttle idle maximum and the throttle command is determined based on the throttle maximum increase. The throttle is controlled based on the throttle command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Kerfegar K. Katrak, Colin A. Roberts, Matthew Squire
  • Patent number: 7305295
    Abstract: A throttle limit control for an internal combustion engine throttle control is disclosed. Rate limiting is applied to prevent excessive rates of change in throttle actuation. Throttle pedal authority is continually maintained and throttle headroom is not compromised thereby. Application to various systems including conventional and adaptive cruise systems and power take-off systems is envisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Kerfegar K. Katrak, Barbara A. Shuler, Patrick J. O'Leary
  • Patent number: 7287510
    Abstract: An engine control system that regulates first and second throttles of an internal combustion engine includes a primary control module that generates a throttle area based on an operator input and a second control module that determines a second throttle position based on the throttle area. The second control module determines a redundant throttle position based on the throttle area and regulates a position of the second throttle based on the second throttle position if the second throttle position and the redundant throttle position correspond with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Costin, Paul A. Bauerle
  • Patent number: 7278952
    Abstract: A throttle control system is presented. A throttle has a throttle actuator coupled to a throttle plate. A control module is coupled to the throttle actuator. The control module sends a first signal within a gear change time period to the throttle actuator to position the throttle plate for an increased throttle opening. The control module terminates the first signal after the gear change time period. The control module sends a second signal to the throttle actuator to position the throttle plate. The control module positions the throttle plate by the throttle actuator to attain a lower throttle opening limit. A downshift from a higher gear to a lower gear occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Mark H. Costin, Kerfegar K. Katrak
  • Patent number: 7277265
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for robust power take off (PTO) and/or cruise enable. The apparatus includes a control module for PTO enable having a first input connected to one of a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage, and a second input connected to one of the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage. An inverse reference voltage operator is connected to both of the inputs and configured such that the second input is connected to the second reference voltage when the first input is connected to the first reference voltage and the second input is connected to the first reference voltage when the first input is connected to the second reference voltage. Based on the received voltage at the first and second inputs, the control module enables/disables PTO and/or cruise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kerfegar K. Katrak, Barbara A. Shuler, Donald A. Eveleth, Hugh S. Bauer, Bahram Younessi, Paul A. Bauerle
  • Publication number: 20070221167
    Abstract: An engine control system that regulates first and second throttles of an internal combustion engine includes a primary control module that generates a throttle area based on an operator input and a second control module that determines a second throttle position based on the throttle area. The second control module determines a redundant throttle position based on the throttle area and regulates a position of the second throttle based on the second throttle position if the second throttle position and the redundant throttle position correspond with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Costin, Paul Bauerle
  • Patent number: 7263429
    Abstract: An engine control system that regulates operating of an engine of a motor vehicle includes a first module that determines whether a throttle of the motor vehicle is closed and a second module that determines whether the engine is idling while a cruise control is active. A third module selectively inhibits an RPM-based idle speed control of the engine if the throttle is closed and the engine is idling while the cruise control is active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Matthew Squire, Joseph M. Stempnik, Sharon L. Storch, David A. Stamm, Kevin T. Sharples
  • Patent number: 7219539
    Abstract: A flex fuel vehicle mileage range calculating system and method as described herein can effectively be utilized to calculate the mileage range value corresponding to a fuel mixture. The system is suitable for use in all vehicles capable of using various fuel mixtures. The system can calculate a scale factor, update the mileage range value based on the scale factor and, display the updated mileage range value on an on-board display element to correspond to the fuel mixture in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Bauerle