Gary P Nichols

US Patent:

7503311, Mar 17, 2009

Filed:

Apr 13, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/787018

Inventors:

Gary A. Nichols - Farmington Hills MI, US
Daniel L. McKay - Brighton MI, US

Assignee:

Delphi Technologies, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

F02D 9/10

US Classification:

123399, 123361, 123396

Abstract:

An electronic throttle control system and method for detecting a throttle plate obstruction when the ignition key is on and the engine is either not running or running, and for clearing the throttle plate obstruction before a fault setting is set by the ECU.

US Patent:

20040231325, Nov 25, 2004

Filed:

May 23, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/444580

Inventors:

Gary Nichols - Farmington Hills MI, US

International Classification:

F16D031/02

US Classification:

060/297000

Abstract:

In one embodiment, a brake system comprises: a means for accumulating a vacuum pressure capable of being disposed in operable communication with a means for creating a vacuum pressure in an engine, and a means for directing a vacuum pressure produced by the means for creating a vacuum pressure, wherein the a means for directing comprises a means for controlling a pressure flow that is capable of being disposed less than or equal to about 150 millimeters from the means for creating, and is adapted to be responsive to a pressure pulse.

US Patent:

56027320, Feb 11, 1997

Filed:

Dec 21, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/361089

Inventors:

Gary A. Nichols - Farmington Hills MI
James D. Yegerlehner - South Lyon MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60K 4104
G01M 1500

US Classification:

364424034

Abstract:

Resolution of redundant displacement sensor information to form a displacement value in an automotive electronic throttle control system provides for a varying contribution by each of a plurality of redundant sensors to the formation of the displacement value in accord with diagnosed variations in the fault status of the sensors. The number and type of fault conditions attributed to a specific sensor of the plurality over an analysis period are used to determine the relative degree by which that sensor will contribute to the displacement value formation. As an increasing number of fault conditions are attributed to a sensor, the relative degree of contribution of that sensor will gradually decrease. When severe fault conditions are attributed to a sensor, the relative degree of contribution of that sensor will rapidly decrease.

US Patent:

57493430, May 12, 1998

Filed:

Oct 7, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/729750

Inventors:

Gary Arthur Nichols - Farmington Hills MI
Roger Allen Clark - Waterford MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F02D 1110
F02D 4104

US Classification:

123350

Abstract:

An adaptive electronic throttle control system for internal combustion engine intake air rate control selectively adapts the responsiveness of the intake air rate control to maintain synchronism with other engine control systems including fuel control and dilution control systems according to the responsiveness of such other control systems and, as indicated by current engine operating conditions, according to the need to maintain synchronism to minimize emissions and maximize performance and stability.

US Patent:

60502436, Apr 18, 2000

Filed:

Jul 17, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/118266

Inventors:

Gary Arthur Nichols - Farmington Hills MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F02M 5100

US Classification:

123479

Abstract:

Internal combustion engine air/fuel ratio control responsive to low voltage operating conditions of an electrical system maintains stable, precise air/fuel ratio conditions under electrical system fault conditions affecting operation of fuel control components including fuel pumps, fuel injectors, and drivers therefor. Electrical system operating voltage is monitored and when a voltage drop below a voltage threshold associated with reliable engine cylinder air/fuel ratio control is diagnosed, the air/fuel ratio smoothly transitions to a reduced engine performance operating mode which, at least for high engine output power requests, limits fueling and airflow to the engine cylinders to a level that may be accurately, reliably supported by the fuel control system components under their reduced electric drive signals. The reduced performance operating mode is maintained while the fault condition persists.