Patents by Inventor Robert J. Horner

Robert J. Horner 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: 10495215
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle transmission includes electrically connecting a Transmission or Powertrain Control Unit (TCU or PCU) to the vehicle transmission, the TCU or PCU controlling operation of the transmission and having switchable power on a high side, and switchable ground on a low side of a plurality of solenoids in a shared functional grouping configuration, proportionally controlling an amount of current through a load such as a solenoid via controlling an amount of time current is being sunk through the solenoid to ground and controlling an amount of time current is provided via an adaptable recirculation path in the TCU or PCU, the recirculation path minimizing current decay when the solenoid is driven in an OFF state. The TCU or PCU having a single hardware layout, but being electronically adaptable to control a plurality of transmission types and solenoid architectures based on any desired functional solenoid grouping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy P. Philippart, Robert J. Horner, Michael R. Grimes
  • Publication number: 20190264804
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle transmission includes electrically connecting a Transmission or Powertrain Control Unit (TCU or PCU) to the vehicle transmission, the TCU or PCU controlling operation of the transmission and having switchable power on a high side, and switchable ground on a low side of a plurality of solenoids in a shared functional grouping configuration, proportionally controlling an amount of current through a load such as a solenoid via controlling an amount of time current is being sunk through the solenoid to ground and controlling an amount of time current is provided via an adaptable recirculation path in the TCU or PCU, the recirculation path minimizing current decay when the solenoid is driven in an OFF state. The TCU or PCU having a single hardware layout, but being electronically adaptable to control a plurality of transmission types and solenoid architectures based on any desired functional solenoid grouping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Timothy P. Philippart, Robert J. Horner, Michael R. Grimes
  • Patent number: 9163576
    Abstract: A system for an engine includes an edge detection module and a correlation calibration module. The edge detection module (i) detects edges of a camshaft of the engine using a camshaft position sensor, and (ii) detects edges of a crankshaft of the engine using a crankshaft position sensor. The correlation calibration module calibrates a correlation between the crankshaft and the camshaft based on the detected edges of the crankshaft and the camshaft, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kevin A. Sherwin, Anthony L. Marks, Robert J. Horner, Wenbo Wang, Layne K. Wiggins, Antonio E. Bartolomeo
  • Patent number: 9151685
    Abstract: A method for monitoring torque in a gear train includes coincidently determining angles of rotation of first and second rotationally coupled members of the gear train. Each of the members employs a respective rotational position sensor. Each of said angles of rotation are determined based upon times corresponding to a last signal pulse, a next-to-last signal pulse, and a total quantity of signal pulses generated by the respective rotational position sensor during a current sampling interval. A twist angle corresponding to a difference between the angles of rotation of the first and second rotationally coupled members of the gear train is determined, and torque corresponding to the twist angle is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dongxu Li, Graeme Whyte, Robert J. Horner, Jerry Paul Sagady, Amin Abboud
  • Patent number: 8608374
    Abstract: An outside air temperature (OAT) diagnostic system includes an ambient temperature monitoring module that receives (i) an OAT signal from an OAT sensor and (ii) an intake air temperature (IAT) signal from an IAT sensor of an engine. The ambient temperature monitoring module compares the OAT signal to an IAT signal and generates a first difference signal. A performance reporting module determines whether the OAT sensor is exhibiting a fault and generates an OAT performance signal based on the first difference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Wajdi B. Hamama, Layne K. Wiggins, Wenbo Wang, Robert J. Horner, John F. Van Gilder, Keith M. Lindsey, Jr., Robert D. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20130218426
    Abstract: A method for monitoring torque in a gear train includes coincidentally determining angles of rotation of first and second rotationally coupled members of the gear train. Each of the members employs a respective rotational position sensor. Each of said angles of rotation are determined based upon times corresponding to a last signal pulse, a next-to-last signal pulse, and a total quantity of signal pulses generated by the respective rotational position sensor during a current sampling interval. A twist angle corresponding to a difference between the angles of rotation of the first and second rotationally coupled members of the gear train is determined, and torque corresponding to the twist angle is calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicants: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC., GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dongxu LI, Graeme Whyte, Robert J. Horner, Jerry Paul Sagady, Amin Abboud
  • Patent number: 8498799
    Abstract: A first control system for an engine includes first and second control modules. The first control module determines first and second fuel masses for first and second fuel injection systems of the engine, respectively, and that controls the first fuel injection system to inject a first fuel based on the first fuel mass. The second control module controls the second fuel injection system to inject a second fuel based on the second fuel mass. A second control system for an engine includes first and second control modules. The first control module controls a first fuel injection system of the engine to inject a first fuel and selectively disables at least one of a plurality of components of a second fuel injection system of the engine. The second control module controls the second fuel injection system to inject a second fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: James C. Matthews, Jr., Louis A. Avallone, Robert J. Horner, Nicholas John Kalweit, Marc Sauve, Charles E. Leady, Grant Meade, Amir R. Lodhi
  • Publication number: 20130006496
    Abstract: A system for an engine includes an edge detection module and a correlation calibration module. The edge detection module (i) detects edges of a camshaft of the engine using a camshaft position sensor, and (ii) detects edges of a crankshaft of the engine using a crankshaft position sensor. The correlation calibration module calibrates a correlation between the crankshaft and the camshaft based on the detected edges of the crankshaft and the camshaft, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kevin A. Sherwin, Anthony L. Marks, Robert J. Horner, Wenbo Wang, Layne K. Wiggins, Antonio E. Bartolomeo
  • Publication number: 20120303239
    Abstract: A wastegate control system includes a wastegate control module configured to operate in one of a first PWM mode and a second PWM mode. A first transistor includes a control terminal connected to the wastegate control module, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. A clamp circuit is connected to the first output terminal and the second output terminal of the first transistor. A second transistor includes a control terminal connected to the wastegate control module, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. A diode has an anode connected to the second output terminal of the first transistor and a cathode connected to the first output terminal of the second transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas John Kalweit, Robert J. Horner, Michael R. Grimes
  • Publication number: 20120296552
    Abstract: A first control system for an engine includes first and second control modules. The first control module determines first and second fuel masses for first and second fuel injection systems of the engine, respectively, and that controls the first fuel injection system to inject a first fuel based on the first fuel mass. The second control module controls the second fuel injection system to inject a second fuel based on the second fuel mass. A second control system for an engine includes first and second control modules. The first control module controls a first fuel injection system of the engine to inject a first fuel and selectively disables at least one of a plurality of components of a second fuel injection system of the engine. The second control module controls the second fuel injection system to inject a second fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James C. Matthews, JR., Louis A. Avallone, Robert J. Horner, Nicholas John Kalweit, Marc Sauve, Charles E. Leady, Grant Meade, Amir R. Lodhi
  • Publication number: 20120051388
    Abstract: An outside air temperature (OAT) diagnostic system includes an ambient temperature monitoring module that receives (i) an OAT signal from an OAT sensor and (ii) an intake air temperature (IAT) signal from an IAT sensor of an engine. The ambient temperature monitoring module compares the OAT signal to an IAT signal and generates a first difference signal. A performance reporting module determines whether the OAT sensor is exhibiting a fault and generates an OAT performance signal based on the first difference signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Wajdi B. Hamama, Layne K. Wiggins, Wenbo Wang, Robert J. Horner, John F. Van Gilder, Keith M. Lindsey, JR., Robert D. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7769536
    Abstract: An engine control system includes a digital signal processing (DSP) module that generates a fast Fourier transform (FFT) of an engine knock signal generated by an engine knock sensor. An intensity determination module determines an engine knock intensity based on one of a maximum of and an average of the FFT. A status determination module determines a status of the engine knock sensor based on the engine knock intensity, a plurality of predetermined knock intensity thresholds, and a rotational speed of an engine crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventors: Wajdi B. Hamama, Craig M. Sawdon, Robert J. Horner, Eric Ferch, Hamid M. Esfahan
  • Publication number: 20100168991
    Abstract: An engine control system includes a digital signal processing (DSP) module that generates a fast Fourier transform (FFT) of an engine knock signal generated by an engine knock sensor. An intensity determination module determines an engine knock intensity based on one of a maximum of and an average of the FFT. A status determination module determines a status of the engine knock sensor based on the engine knock intensity, a plurality of predetermined knock intensity thresholds, and a rotational speed of an engine crankshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Wajdi B. Hamama, Craig M. Sawdon, Robert J. Horner, Eric Ferch, Hamid M. Esfahan
  • Patent number: 7562558
    Abstract: A knock sensor diagnostic system may include a knock sensor. A bias circuit applies a bias voltage to the knock sensor. An input circuit receives an input signal based on the bias voltage. A control module indicates a short circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the input signal. A knock sensor diagnostic system may also or alternatively include a signal generator that generates and applies a test signal with a predetermined frequency to the knock sensor. Another input circuit receives another input signal that is based on the test signal. A control module indicates an open circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the other input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Horner, Craig M. Sawdon, Thomas A Szpakowski, Brian Carl Nelson, Karl T. Kiebel, Marilyn L Kindermann, Anthony L. Marks
  • Patent number: 7526943
    Abstract: A knock detection module for an engine comprises a statistics storage module and a processing module. The statistics storage module stores M times N vibration profiles corresponding to M zones of operation of the engine and N cylinders of the engine, wherein M and N are integers greater than one. The processing module determines in which one of the M zones the engine is operating and determines whether knock has occurred for one of the N cylinders by comparing measured vibration data with a selected one of the vibration profiles corresponding to the one of the M zones and the one of the N cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony E. Cubr, Craig M. Sawdon, Wajdi B. Hamama, Karl T. Kiebel, Robert J. Horner, Marilyn L Kindermann, Jian Lin, Trenton W. Haines, Eric Ferch, Hamid M. Esfahan, James T. Kurnik, Weixin Yan
  • Publication number: 20090064762
    Abstract: A knock sensor diagnostic system may include a knock sensor. A bias circuit applies a bias voltage to the knock sensor. An input circuit receives an input signal based on the bias voltage. A control module indicates a short circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the input signal. A knock sensor diagnostic system may also or alternatively include a signal generator that generates and applies a test signal with a predetermined frequency to the knock sensor. Another input circuit receives another input signal that is based on the test signal. A control module indicates an open circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the other input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. Horner, Craig M. Sawdon, Thomas A. Szpakowski, Brian Carl Nelson, Karl T. Kiebel, Marilyn L. Kindermann, Anthony L. Marks
  • Publication number: 20080229806
    Abstract: A knock detection module for an engine comprises a statistics storage module and a processing module. The statistics storage module stores M times N vibration profiles corresponding to M zones of operation of the engine and N cylinders of the engine, wherein M and N are integers greater than one. The processing module determines in which one of the M zones the engine is operating and determines whether knock has occurred for one of the N cylinders by comparing measured vibration data with a selected one of the vibration profiles corresponding to the one of the M zones and the one of the N cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Anthony E. Cubr, Craig M. Sawdon, Wajdi B. Hamama, Karl T. Kiebel, Robert J. Horner, Marilyn L. Kindermann, Jian Lin, Trenton W. Haines, Eric Ferch, Hamid M. Esfahan, James T. Kurnik, Weixin Yan