Patents by Inventor Eugene V. Gonze

Eugene V. Gonze 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: 20160047293
    Abstract: A coolant control system of a vehicle includes first and second target flowrate modules, a target speed module, and a speed control module. The first target flowrate module determines a first target flowrate of coolant through an engine. The second target flowrate module, when a change in heat input to the engine is greater than a predetermined value, sets a second target flowrate to greater than the first target flowrate. The target speed module determines a target speed of an engine coolant pump based on the second target flowrate. The speed control module controls a speed of the engine coolant pump based on the target speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: EUGENE V. GONZE, YUE-MING CHEN, VIJAY RAMAPPAN, BEN W. MOSCHEROSCH
  • Publication number: 20160047292
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a coolant valve, a valve control module, and a fault diagnostic module. The coolant valve includes a first valve chamber, a second valve chamber, and a partition disposed between the first and second valve chambers. The coolant valve further includes a first end stop disposed on a first outer perimeter surface of the first valve chamber and a second end stop disposed on a second outer perimeter surface of the second valve chamber. The valve control module rotates the coolant valve in a first direction and in a second direction that is opposite from the first direction. The fault diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in the coolant valve based on a measured position of the coolant valve as the coolant valve is rotated in the first and second directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: EUGENE V. GONZE, Vijay Ramappan, Yue-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20160047374
    Abstract: A pump current module determines a first current flowing through an electric engine coolant pump based on a coolant valve position. A current error module receives a second current flowing through the electric engine coolant pump measured using a current sensor and determines a current error based on a difference between the first current and the second current. A fault module indicates whether a fault is present based on the current error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: EUGENE V. GONZE, VIJAY RAMAPPAN, YUE-MING CHEN
  • Patent number: 9255537
    Abstract: A palladium-only (i.e., platinum free) oxidation catalyst body is used to oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the exhaust stream of a diesel engine powered vehicle, which is operated at a fuel-lean air-to-fuel ratio (A/F) for much of the time it powers a vehicle. Periodically, a recent history of the temperatures of the exhaust gas at the inlet to the palladium oxidation catalyst body is prepared in a computer control module. And a recent history of the A/F of the operating engine is considered. These temperature and A/F values are then used in determining whether the engine should be temporarily operated in a fuel-rich or stoichiometric A/F mode to provide an exhaust gas composition suitable for rejuvenation of the palladium by reducing its oxide formed during lean operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chang H. Kim, Michelle H. Wiebenga, Eugene V. Gonze
  • Patent number: 9238995
    Abstract: A system includes a mode module and an energy module. The mode module generates a mode signal based on a temperature of an engine and at least one of a deceleration signal and a regenerative braking signal. The energy module, based on the mode signal, increases cooling of a coolant of the engine during at least one of a deceleration event of a vehicle and a regenerative braking event. The energy module, while increasing the cooling of the coolant, supplies an overvoltage to a cooling pump of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Stuart R. Smith, Jennifer M. Stanek
  • Patent number: 9222571
    Abstract: A system for thermally managing a transmission having a transmission heat exchanger, wherein the transmission is coupled to an engine having a block and a head. A closed cooling circuit is provided to flow coolant through the system. A block output valve is provided for receiving coolant exiting the block and having a first outlet in fluid communication with the transmission heat exchanger and a second output connected to a bypass. Thermosensors may also be provided to determine the temperature of the block and the transmission. A system having a controller to thermally manage a transmission is also provided. A method of thermally managing a transmission is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Casie M. Bockenstette, Kurt Alfred Wellenkotter
  • Patent number: 9206727
    Abstract: A method of monitoring an exhaust treatment system of a vehicle is provided. The method includes: determining a modeled resistance of exhaust flow in the exhaust treatment system; determining a measured resistance of exhaust flow in the exhaust treatment system; evaluating the modeled resistance and the measured resistance to determine a fault status; and generating at least one of a warning signal and a message based on the fault status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Zhiping Steven Liu, Eugene V. Gonze, Janean E. Kowalkowski
  • Patent number: 9200553
    Abstract: A power system and a method for energizing an electrically heated catalyst are provided. The system includes a battery outputting a first voltage, and a generator outputting a second voltage greater than the first voltage in response to a first signal. The system further includes a controller that generates a second signal to set a first switching device to a first operational state to apply the second voltage to the electrically heated catalyst to increase a temperature of the catalyst, if a first temperature level of the catalyst is less than a first threshold temperature level. The controller generates a third signal to induce the generator to output a third voltage, and generates a fourth signal to set a second switching device to a second operational state to apply the first voltage to the catalyst, if the first temperature level is greater than the first threshold temperature level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Christopher J. Kalebjian
  • Patent number: 9140159
    Abstract: A system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter, an electric heater, and a control circuit. The electric heater includes multiple zones, which each correspond to longitudinal zones along a length of the PM filter. A first zone includes multiple discontinuous sub-zones. The control circuit determines whether regeneration is needed based on an estimated level of loading of the PM filter and an exhaust flow rate. In response to a determination that regeneration is needed, the control circuit: controls an operating parameter of an engine to increase an exhaust temperature to a first temperature during a first period; after the first period, activates the first zone; deactivates the first zone in response to a minimum filter face temperature being reached; subsequent to deactivating the first zone, activates a second zone; and deactivates the second zone in response to the minimum filter face temperature being reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Garima Bhatia
  • Patent number: 9114344
    Abstract: A method for implementing particulate filter regeneration management is provided. The method includes determining a presumptive deviation between a particulate model and actual particulate level conditions of the particulate filter. The presumptive deviation is determined from identification of an occurrence of extended parking, a passive regeneration, residual particulates, and a pressure signal. Each of the extended parking, passive regeneration, residual particulate, and pressure signal is specified by a respective particulate model deviation type. The method also includes selectively controlling current to at least one zone of a plurality of zones of an electric heater to initiate a regeneration event based on the presumptive deviation, and estimating the particulate level in the particulate filter once the regeneration event is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michelangelo Ardanese, Raffaello Ardanese, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Eugene V. Gonze
  • Patent number: 9051853
    Abstract: A system includes a heat exchanger and a fluid flow control module. The heat exchanger includes a substrate, a catalyst applied to the substrate, and fluid passages. Exhaust gas from an engine flows through the heat exchanger and a working fluid in the fluid passages absorbs heat from the exhaust gas. The fluid flow control module controls fluid flow from the heat exchanger based on a temperature of the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Stuart R. Smith, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 9021793
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine operatively disposed therein. The engine generates exhaust gases. The vehicle further includes an alternator operatively connected to the engine. The alternator produces DC power. An ultracapacitor is operatively connected to the alternator to receive electrical energy therefrom. The vehicle still further includes an exhaust gas treatment system operatively connected to the engine to receive exhaust gases therefrom. The exhaust gas treatment system includes an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) device electrically connected to the ultracapacitor to selectively heat a catalytic exhaust system component. The ultracapacitor stores energy converted by the alternator from vehicle kinetic energy and releases the stored energy to heat the EHC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chang H. Kim, Eugene V. Gonze, Chandra S. Namuduri, Kenneth J. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 9016047
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for controlling nitrogen oxides in an exhaust gas received by an exhaust system, the exhaust system including a first selective catalytic reduction device, an exhaust gas heat recovery device and a second selective catalytic reduction device is provided. The method includes flowing the exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into the first selective catalytic reduction device, receiving the exhaust gas from the first selective catalytic reduction device into the exhaust gas heat recovery device and directing the exhaust gas to a heat exchanger in the exhaust gas heat recovery device based on a temperature of the internal combustion engine proximate moving engine components. The method includes adsorbing nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas via a nitrogen oxide adsorbing catalyst disposed in the heat exchanger and flowing the exhaust gas from the exhaust gas heat recovery device into the second selective catalytic reduction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Chang H. Kim, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., George M. Claypole
  • Patent number: 9016045
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided and includes an exhaust gas conduit, a generator, an electrically heated catalyst (“EHC”) device, and a control module. The exhaust gas conduit is in fluid communication with, and is configured to receive an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The generator operates at a generator speed to produce electrical power. The EHC device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit. The EHC device includes a monolith structure that is divided into a plurality of segments that define discrete resistive paths. The resistive paths are selectively connected to the generator for receiving electrical power. The control module is in communication with the EHC device, the generator, and the internal combustion engine. The control module includes control logic for determining the generator speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Chang H. Kim, Charles E. Solbrig
  • Patent number: 8997464
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system with an integrated hydrocarbon adsorber for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine that generates exhaust gas containing hydrocarbons, and a catalytic converter, includes an exhaust gas conduit, an exhaust gas heat exchanger, a heat exchanger bypass valve, a coolant circuit with a coolant bypass and a coolant bypass valve, and a controller. The exhaust gas heat exchanger includes at least one channel through which the exhaust gas is flowable, the channel having an interior surface coated with a hydrocarbon adsorbing material configured to adsorb hydrocarbons. The heat exchanger and coolant bypass valves are configured to selectively direct at least a portion of the exhaust gas and the coolant, respectively, to the exhaust gas heat exchanger or to bypass it. They are controlled by the controller such that the hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas are selectively adsorbable by and desorbable from the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Halim G. Santoso, Eugene V. Gonze, Chang H. Kim
  • Publication number: 20150080179
    Abstract: A system for thermally managing a transmission having a transmission heat exchanger, wherein the transmission is coupled to an engine having a block and a head. A closed cooling circuit is provided to flow coolant through the system. A block output valve is provided for receiving coolant exiting the block and having a first outlet in fluid communication with the transmission heat exchanger and a second output connected to a bypass. Thermosensors may also be provided to determine the temperature of the block and the transmission. A system having a controller to thermally manage a transmission is also provided. A method of thermally managing a transmission is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Casie M. Bockenstette, Kurt Alfred Wellenkotter
  • Patent number: 8978370
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine has an engine off condition. The exhaust gas treatment system includes particulate filter (“PF”) device in fluid communication with an exhaust gas conduit, an electric heater, a primary energy storage device, a single secondary energy storage device, and a control module. The PF device has a filter structure for removal of particulates in the exhaust gas, and is selectively regenerated based on an amount of particulates trapped within the filter structure of the PF device. The electric heater is disposed upstream of the filter structure and is selectively energized to provide heat for regeneration of the PF device. The single secondary energy storage device is selectively connected to the primary energy storage device. The single secondary energy storage device selectively energizes the electric heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Michael G. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8973349
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system is provided, having an internal combustion engine, an exhaust gas conduit, an electrically heated catalyst (“EHC”) device, an oxidization catalyst (“OC”) device, an OC temperature sensor, a hydrocarbon (“HC”) adsorber, and a control module. The hydrocarbon supply is selectively activated for delivery of a hydrocarbon and formation of an exhaust gas and hydrocarbon mixture therein. The EHC device is selectively activated to produce heat and induce oxidization. The OC device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and located downstream of the EHC device. The OC temperature sensor is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and located downstream of the OC device. The HC adsorber is located downstream of the EHC device. The control module is in communication with the hydrocarbon supply, the EHC device, the OC device, the OC temperature sensor, and the HC adsorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Christopher J. Kalebjian
  • Patent number: 8968666
    Abstract: A catalytic converter includes an inlet end, an outlet end and a catalyst body. The inlet end is configured to receive an exhaust gas from an engine. An outlet end is configured to output the exhaust gas. A catalyst body includes partitioning members disposed between the inlet end and the outlet end. The catalyst body includes exhaust channels and fluid channels. The exhaust channels are configured to guide the exhaust gas from the inlet end to the outlet end. The fluid channels are configured to receive a fluid from and return the fluid to a waste heat recovery circuit. Each of the exhaust channels and each of the fluid channels includes a respective ones of the partitioning members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Stuart R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8950177
    Abstract: A control system includes a heater control module and a particulate matter (PM) load module. The heater control module selectively activates an electric heater to initiate regeneration in a zone of a particulate filter and deactivates the electric heater after the regeneration is initiated. The regeneration continues along a length of the particulate filter after the electric heater is deactivated. The PM load module determines a PM load based on an outlet temperature of the particulate filter after the regeneration is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Stuart R. Smith, Garima Bhatia