The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 23, 2005
Filed:
Feb. 18, 2004
John F. Van Gilder, Webberville, MI (US);
William J. Morgan, Dewitt, MI (US);
Randall L. Gallagher, Capac, MI (US);
John F. Van Gilder, Webberville, MI (US);
William J. Morgan, Dewitt, MI (US);
Randall L. Gallagher, Capac, MI (US);
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
Methods, systems and devices for identifying irrational results from an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor in a vehicle are described. The vehicle suitably includes a processor in communication with the ECT sensor and an intake air temperature (IAT) sensor. The method includes the steps of receiving an ECT reading from the ECT sensor and a IAT reading at the processor, evaluating a temperature difference between the ECT reading and the IAT reading to determine if irrationality is present, and providing a fault indication in response to the evaluating step. The evaluating step includes monitoring the IAT reading during operation of the vehicle to identify the presence of an engine block heater if the temperature difference exceeds a pre-determined threshold.