Patents by Inventor Robert C. Simon, Jr.

Robert C. Simon, Jr. 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: 20100082220
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises a clutch cut off enable module and a torque control module. The clutch cut off enable module generates an enable signal based on a clutch engagement signal and an accelerator pedal signal. The torque control module reduces a spark advance of an engine to a minimum value and disables fueling of cylinders of the engine based on the enable signal. The minimum value is a minimum allowed spark advance for current engine airflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Jun Lu, Robert C. Simon, JR., Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Todd R. Shupe
  • Publication number: 20100075802
    Abstract: A cold-start control system for an internal combustion engine includes a heat estimation module, a torque request module and a propulsion torque determination module. The heat estimation module determines an exhaust system temperature and estimates heat required to heat an exhaust system to a predetermined temperature. The torque request module generates a torque request based on the estimated heat. The propulsion torque determination module determines a desired engine torque based on the torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Gillanders, John L. Lahti, Louis A. Avallone, Jon C. Miller, Robert C. Simon, JR., Todd R. Shupe, Jaehak Jung, William R. Cawthorne, Leonard G. Wozniak
  • Publication number: 20090283070
    Abstract: An engine control system includes an air control module, a spark control module, a torque control module, a transient detection module, and a launch torque module. The air control module controls a throttle valve of an engine based on a commanded predicted torque. The spark control module controls spark advance of the engine based on a commanded immediate torque. The torque control module increases the commanded predicted torque when a catalyst light-off (CLO) mode is active, and increases the commanded immediate torque when a driver actuates an accelerator input. The transient detection module generates a lean transient signal when an air per cylinder increase is detected while the CLO mode is active. The launch torque module generates a torque offset signal based on the lean transient signal. The torque control module increases the commanded immediate torque based on the torque offset signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Michael S. Emmorey, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Robert C. Simon, JR., Cheryl A. Williams, Jon C. Wasberg, Eric Ferch, Craig M. Sawdon
  • Publication number: 20090276137
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises a pedal torque determination module, a driver interpretation module, and an actuation module. The pedal torque determination module determines a zero pedal torque based on a desired engine torque at a zero accelerator pedal position and a minimum torque limit for an engine system. The driver interpretation module determines a driver pedal torque based on the zero pedal torque and an accelerator pedal position. The actuation module controls at least one of a throttle area, spark timing, and a fuel command based on the driver pedal torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. WHITNEY, Klaus POCHNER, Todd R. SHUPE, Vivek MEHTA, Ning JIN, Ronald W. VAN DIEPEN, Robert C. SIMON, JR., Etsuko Muraji STEWART, Jun LU, Enrico TROPSCHUG, Jorg BERNARDS, Helmut OSWALD
  • Publication number: 20090276128
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises an air control module and a spark control module. The air control module controls a throttle valve based on a first desired torque when the throttle valve is in an operable state. The spark control module controls spark advance based on the first desired torque and a second desired torque when the throttle valve is in a fault state. The throttle valve is maintained in a predetermined fault position when in the fault state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. WHITNEY, Paul A. Bauerle, Ning Jin, Todd R. Shupe, Robert C. Simon, JR.
  • Patent number: 7610800
    Abstract: A method for collecting crankshaft position data includes rotating a crankshaft of an engine within a selected angular velocity range without any fuel being applied to the engine and measuring crankshaft position data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Xuan Dung T. Avallone, John L. Lahti, David S. Mathews, Robert C. Simon, Jr., Leonard G. Wozniak, William R. Cawthorne, Robert S Wickman
  • Patent number: 7599780
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises a first torque request module that generates a first torque request, a second torque request module that generates a second torque request, a torque arbitration module, an arbitration feedback module, and a torque control module. The torque arbitration module selects one of the first and second torque requests and outputs an arbitrated torque based on the selected one of the first and second torque requests. The arbitration feedback module reports a status signal to the first torque request module. The status signal has a first value when the first torque request is the selected one of the first and second torque requests. The torque control module controls an engine to produce the arbitrated torque. The power source includes an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Robert C. Simon, Jr., Leonard G. Wozniak, Richard B. Jess, Meera Raja
  • Publication number: 20090241899
    Abstract: A reserve torque system comprises a first module and a reserve torque module. The first module generates a first signal a predetermined period before an equivalence ratio (EQR) of an air/fuel mixture supplied to an engine is transitioned from a non-lean EQR to a lean EQR. The reserve torque module creates a reserve torque between when the first signal is generated and when the EQR is transitioned to the lean EQR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Robert J. Genslak, Edward Stuteville, Cheryl A. Williams, Robert C. Simon, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090204280
    Abstract: A hybrid controller for controlling a hybrid vehicle is set forth. The hybrid vehicle has an engine, an electric motor and an engine controller determining a crankshaft torque. The hybrid controller includes an optimization module determining an electric motor torque, determining an engine torque and communicating the engine torque from the hybrid controller to the engine controller. The hybrid controller also includes a motor control module controlling the electric motor based on the electric motor torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert C. Simon, JR., Christopher E. Whitney, William R. Cawthorne, John L. Lahti, Douglas J. Babcock, Vivek Mehta, Anthony H. Heap, Todd R. Shupe, Cheryl A. Williams, Leonard G. Wozniak, Ning Jin, Birendra P. Bhattarai, James L. Worthing
  • Publication number: 20090056429
    Abstract: A method for collecting crankshaft position data includes rotating a crankshaft of an engine within a selected angular velocity range without any fuel being applied to the engine and measuring crankshaft position data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Xuan Dung Avallone, John L. Lahti, David S. Mathews, Robert C. Simon, JR., Leonard G. Wozniak, William R. Cawthorne, Robert S. Wickman
  • Publication number: 20090056672
    Abstract: A method of torque-based control for an internal combustion engine may include determining a desired airflow rate into an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine during an engine start condition, determining a torque limit for a torque-based engine control module based on the desired airflow rate, and regulating engine torque based on the determined torque limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Jon C. Miller, Robert C. Simon, JR., Michael Livshiz, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Todd R. Shupe, Mark D. Carr
  • Publication number: 20090024263
    Abstract: A powertrain control system for a vehicle includes a plurality of axle torque request modules that generate respective axle torque requests based on respective performance criteria of a vehicle, an axle torque arbitration module that generates a net axle torque request based on the plurality of axle torque requests, a plurality of propulsion torque request modules that generate respective propulsion torque requests based on respective performance criteria of an engine of the vehicle, a propulsion torque arbitration module that determines a net engine torque request based on the net axle torque request and the plurality of propulsion torque requests, and a propulsion torque control module that controls a plurality of actuators based on the net engine torque request such that the engine produces an output torque in accordance with the net engine torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert C. Simon, JR., Leonard G. Wozniak, Michael Livshiz, Christopher E. Whitney, Charles H. Folkerts, Scott J. Chynoweth, David J. Stroh
  • Publication number: 20090018733
    Abstract: An engine control module comprises a torque control module, an engine speed (RPM) control module, and an actuator module. The torque control module determines a first desired torque based on a requested torque. The RPM control module selectively determines a second desired torque based on a desired RPM. The torque control module determines the first desired torque further based on the second desired torque when the engine control module is transitioning from an RPM control mode to a torque control mode. The RPM control module determines the second desired torque further based on the first desired torque when the engine control module is transitioning from the torque control mode to the RPM control mode. The actuator module controls an actuator of an engine based on the first and second desired torques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Scott J. Chynoweth, Todd R. Shupe, Christopher E. Whitney, Robert C. Simon, JR., Vivek Mehta, Ning Jin
  • Publication number: 20090012665
    Abstract: A torque estimation system for a vehicle comprises an operating parameter module, a torque estimation module, and an estimation control module. The operating parameter module determines an estimated engine operating parameter based on engine speed. The torque estimation module estimates engine torque based on the engine speed and the estimated engine operating parameter. The estimation control module provides a plurality of engine speeds to the operating parameter module and the torque estimation module to determine estimated engine torque as a function of engine speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Brennan, Leonard G. Wozniak, Robert C. Simon, JR., Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Emil Ritzen, Mats A. Reimark, Richard M. Backman, Magnus Wall, Thomas Magnusson
  • Publication number: 20090005216
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises a first torque request module that generates a first torque request, a second torque request module that generates a second torque request, a torque arbitration module, an arbitration feedback module, and a torque control module. The torque arbitration module selects one of the first and second torque requests and outputs an arbitrated torque based on the selected one of the first and second torque requests. The arbitration feedback module reports a status signal to the first torque request module. The status signal has a first value when the first torque request is the selected one of the first and second torque requests. The torque control module controls an engine to produce the arbitrated torque. The power source includes an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Robert C. Simon, JR., Leonard G. Wozniak, Richard B. Jess, Meera Raja
  • Patent number: 7222012
    Abstract: A powertrain braking system for a vehicle includes an powerplant that can be regulated to provide a desired powerplant torque and a transmission that transfers the desired powerplant torque at one of a plurality of gear ratios to provide a desired axle torque. A control module calculates an axle torque command based on a powertrain braking request and determines a shift command based on the powertrain braking request. The control module controls the powerplant based on the axle torque command and the transmission based on the shift command to achieve a desired vehicle deceleration rate that corresponds with the powertrain braking request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Simon, Jr., Leonard G. Wozniak, David J. Stroh
  • Patent number: 6739314
    Abstract: An engine control system and method monitors torque increase during cylinder deactivation for a displacement on demand engine. A timer is started at cylinder deactivation. A controller adjusts throttle position and determines whether cylinder deactivation completes within a predetermined time. The controller adjusts throttle position based on the status of an enable condition. The controller determines if engine speed and vehicle acceleration are each within a threshold. The controller operates the throttle in a preload operating mode if the enable condition is met and operates the throttle in a normal operating mode if the enable condition is not met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Allen B. Rayl, Donovan L. Dibble, Kerfegar K. Katrak, Kevin J. Storch, Alfred E. Spitza, Jr., Robert C. Simon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5394327
    Abstract: A transferable electronic control unit having a non-volatile memory that retains values of learned correction factors for control parameters used in adaptively controlling the operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The electronic control unit receives an identification signal from the vehicle in which it operates. By comparing the value of the received identification signal with a stored value identifying the vehicle operated when learning the values of the correction factors that are stored in non-volatile memory, the electronic control unit determines whether or not it has been transferred between vehicles. When a transfer between vehicles has not occurred, the value of the learned correction factors stored in non-volatile memory are used to begin adaptively controlling vehicle operation. When a transfer between vehicles has occurred, initial or mean values for the correction factors are used to begin adaptively controlling vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignees: General Motors Corp., Delco Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Robert C. Simon, Jr., Joseph M. Tolkacz, Steven J. Swantick, Dennis D. Thompson, Douglas J. Tackitt
  • Patent number: 5351193
    Abstract: A fuel vapor canister is purged by admitting fuel vapor from the canister to the vehicle engine under control of a solenoid valve, the duty cycle of the valve being controlled to optimize the purge rate. Closed loop fuel correction and block learn fuel correction factors developed by the fuel control system are used to update a learned purge duty cycle which is stored in a keep-alive memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Poirier, John C. Haraf, George T. Stephens, Robert C. Simon, Jr., Edward G. Himes
  • Patent number: 5186080
    Abstract: When the throttle of a vehicle engine is released by the vehicle operator of a vehicle having an automatic transmission, the slip of the automatic transmission is measured and the airflow of the engine is trimmed as a function of the measured slip to establish a desired drive-on feel of the vehicle during coastdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Simon, Jr., George C. Mitchell, Joseph M. Tolkacz, William G. Polom, Peter M. Medich