Patents by Inventor Michael B. Viola

Michael B. Viola 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: 11639705
    Abstract: An air intake system for an internal combustion engine is described, and includes a vapor capture element disposed in an interior portion of an air intake system. The vapor capture element includes a flexible Metal Organic Framework (MOF) material, wherein the flexible MOF material is reversibly controllable to a first state and to a second state in response to a control stimulus. The flexible MOF material is configured to adsorb hydrocarbon vapor when controlled to the first state and configured to desorb the hydrocarbon vapor when controlled to the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, Anne M. Dailly, Miles K. Maxey, Timothy E. McCarthy, Darrell W. Burleigh
  • Patent number: 11499507
    Abstract: The concepts described herein provide for a system, apparatus and/or method for fuel vapor capture on-vehicle for evaporative emission control. This includes a device for capturing fuel vapor on-vehicle that includes a canister device having a first port that is fluidly coupled to a head space portion of a fuel tank. The canister device defines a chamber that is fluidly coupled in series between the first port and a second port. A first Metal Organic Framework (MOF) material is disposed in the chamber to adsorb fuel vapor constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, Anne M. Dailly, Miles K. Maxey, Timothy E. McCarthy, Darrell W. Burleigh
  • Patent number: 11466631
    Abstract: A vehicle system having an internal combustion engine and evaporative emission system including a canister is described, wherein canister includes a chamber having a flexible Metal Organic Framework (MOF) material disposed therein. A controllable device is coupled to the flexible MOF material, and a controller is operatively connected to the controllable device and the purge valve. The controller includes an instruction set that is executable to activate the controllable device and control the purge valve to an open state in response to a command to purge the canister, determine an activation parameter for the controllable device, determine a purge flow, integrate the purge flow to determine a total purge mass, and deactivate the controllable device when the total purge mass is greater than a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, Darrell W. Burleigh, Timothy E. McCarthy, Anne M. Dailly
  • Publication number: 20220260042
    Abstract: The concepts described herein provide for a system, apparatus and/or method for fuel vapor capture on-vehicle for evaporative emission control. This includes a device for capturing fuel vapor on-vehicle that includes a canister device having a first port that is fluidly coupled to a head space portion of a fuel tank. The canister device defines a chamber that is fluidly coupled in series between the first port and a second port. A first Metal Organic Framework (MOF) material is disposed in the chamber to adsorb fuel vapor constituents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, Anne M. Dailly, Miles K. Maxey, Timothy E. McCarthy, Darrell W. Burleigh
  • Publication number: 20220260027
    Abstract: A vehicle system having an internal combustion engine and evaporative emission system including a canister is described, wherein canister includes a chamber having a flexible Metal Organic Framework (MOF) material disposed therein. A controllable device is coupled to the flexible MOF material, and a controller is operatively connected to the controllable device and the purge valve. The controller includes an instruction set that is executable to activate the controllable device and control the purge valve to an open state in response to a command to purge the canister, determine an activation parameter for the controllable device, determine a purge flow, integrate the purge flow to determine a total purge mass, and deactivate the controllable device when the total purge mass is greater than a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, Darrell W. Burleigh, Timothy E. McCarthy, Anne M. Dailly
  • Publication number: 20220260044
    Abstract: An air intake system for an internal combustion engine is described, and includes a vapor capture element disposed in an interior portion of an air intake system. The vapor capture element includes a flexible Metal Organic Framework (MOF) material, wherein the flexible MOF material is reversibly controllable to a first state and to a second state in response to a control stimulus. The flexible MOF material is configured to adsorb hydrocarbon vapor when controlled to the first state and configured to desorb the hydrocarbon vapor when controlled to the second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, Anne M. Dailly, Miles K. Maxey, Timothy E. McCarthy, Darrell W. Burleigh
  • Patent number: 11230997
    Abstract: The concepts described herein provide for a method, apparatus and system to monitor and control a fuel vapor capture system that is disposed in an air intake system of an internal combustion engine for evaporative emission control. This includes an air intake system for an internal combustion engine that includes a fuel vapor capture system disposed in an interior portion of the air intake system, the fuel vapor capture system including a Metal Organic Framework (MOF) material that is configured to adsorb and desorb hydrocarbon vapor and a controllable device that is integrated into the fuel vapor capture system. In one embodiment, the MOF material is a flexible MOF material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, Darrell W. Burleigh, Timothy E. McCarthy, Anne M. Dailly
  • Patent number: 10669904
    Abstract: A lubricant additive dispensing system includes a cartridge defining an inner cavity to house at least one additive material section and a release opening in communication with a lubrication circulation system of a machine. The lubricant additive dispensing system also includes a spring element arranged to bias the at least one additive material section towards the release opening and a release lever arranged to selectively retain the at least one additive material sections within the cartridge. The lubricant additive dispensing system further includes an actuator coupled to the release lever wherein actuation of the release lever ejects a next one of the at least one additive material sections into the lubrication circulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, Eric W. Schneider
  • Patent number: 10428703
    Abstract: A lubrication system in a machine includes a sump to collect a bulk portion of lubricant and a pump adapted to circulate the lubricant from the sump through a lubricant line to an area of the machine for lubrication. The lubrication system also includes an oil filter disposed along the lubrication line adapted to filer the lubricant flowing through the lubricant line. The lubrication further includes an additive fixture in fluid flow communication with the oil filter adapted to house at least one additive material section and distribute the additive material in a lubrication flow circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, Eric W. Schneider
  • Patent number: 10227903
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a machine includes a sump to collect a bulk portion of a fluid lubricant and a pump adapted to circulate the lubricant from the sump through a lubricant line to a lubrication target area of the machine. The lubrication system also includes a dip stick defining a first end outside of the machine, a second end immersed in the bulk portion of lubricant, and a lubricant level indicator between the first end and the second end. The lubrication system further includes an additive fixture coupled to the second end of the dip stick. The additive fixture includes at least one additive material section adapted to dissolve in the lubricant to distribute an additive chemical in lubricant circulating through the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, Eric W. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20190024544
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a machine includes a sump to collect a bulk portion of a fluid lubricant and a pump adapted to circulate the lubricant from the sump through a lubricant line to a lubrication target area of the machine. The lubrication system also includes a dip stick defining a first end outside of the machine, a second end immersed in the bulk portion of lubricant, and a lubricant level indicator between the first end and the second end. The lubrication system further includes an additive fixture coupled to the second end of the dip stick. The additive fixture includes at least one additive material section adapted to dissolve in the lubricant to distribute an additive chemical in lubricant circulating through the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, Eric W. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20190024543
    Abstract: A lubrication system in a machine includes a sump to collect a bulk portion of lubricant and a pump adapted to circulate the lubricant from the sump through a lubricant line to an area of the machine for lubrication. The lubrication system also includes an oil filter disposed along the lubrication line adapted to filer the lubricant flowing through the lubricant line. The lubrication further includes an additive fixture in fluid flow communication with the oil filter adapted to house at least one additive material section and distribute the additive material in a lubrication flow circulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, Eric W. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20190024545
    Abstract: A lubricant additive dispensing system includes a cartridge defining an inner cavity to house at least one additive material section and a release opening in communication with a lubrication circulation system of a machine. The lubricant additive dispensing system also includes a spring element arranged to bias the at least one additive material section towards the release opening and a release lever arranged to selectively retain the at least one additive material sections within the cartridge. The lubricant additive dispensing system further includes an actuator coupled to the release lever wherein actuation of the release lever ejects a next one of the at least one additive material sections into the lubrication circulation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, Eric W. Schneider
  • Patent number: 9206898
    Abstract: A method to control a clutch in a transmission includes monitoring a frequency response of the clutch including monitoring a response repeating one time per revolution of the clutch a response repeating more than one time per revolution of the clutch. A ratio of the response repeating more than one time per revolution of the clutch to the response repeating one time per revolution of the clutch is determined and compared to a first threshold ratio. A likely shudder condition is indicated based upon the comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, Michael B. Viola
  • Patent number: 8745969
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber and an aftertreatment system. A method for reducing NOx emissions in the powertrain includes monitoring an actual exhaust gas feedstream ratio of NO2 to NO, monitoring a desired exhaust gas feedstream ratio of NO2 to NO, comparing the actual and the desired exhaust gas feedstream ratios of NO2 to NO, and selectively initiating a NO2 generation cycle based upon the comparison of the actual and the desired exhaust gas feedstream ratios of NO2 to NO comprising injecting fuel mass into the combustion chamber after a primary combustion event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thompson M. Sloane, Wei Li, David J. Cleary, Kevin L. Perry, Michael B. Viola, David R. Monroe
  • Patent number: 8713914
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a hydrocarbon-selective catalytic reactor device of an exhaust aftertreatment system of an internal combustion engine operating lean of stoichiometry includes injecting a reductant into an exhaust gas feedstream upstream of the hydrocarbon-selective catalytic reactor device at a predetermined mass flowrate of the reductant, and determining a space velocity associated with a predetermined forward portion of the hydrocarbon-selective catalytic reactor device. When the space velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold space velocity, a temperature differential across the predetermined forward portion of the hydrocarbon-selective catalytic reactor device is determined, and a threshold temperature as a function of the space velocity and the mass flowrate of the reductant is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Schmieg, Michael B. Viola, Shi-Wai S. Cheng, Patricia A. Mulawa, David L. Hilden, Thompson M. Sloane, Jong H. Lee
  • Patent number: 8544258
    Abstract: A method of monitoring operation of an exhaust treatment system of a diesel engine includes injecting a dosing agent into an exhaust and monitoring the operating conditions of an engine during normal driving conditions. A control module monitors inlet and outlet temperatures of a catalyst and compares the inlet temperature to the outlet temperature. The control module further evaluates the exhaust treatment system based on the inlet temperature, the outlet temperature and a predetermined temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: David B. Brown, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Michael B. Viola
  • Publication number: 20120290167
    Abstract: A method to control a clutch in a transmission includes monitoring a frequency response of the clutch including monitoring a response repeating one time per revolution of the clutch a response repeating more than one time per revolution of the clutch. A ratio of the response repeating more than one time per revolution of the clutch to the response repeating one time per revolution of the clutch is determined and compared to a first threshold ratio. A likely shudder condition is indicated based upon the comparing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, Michael B. Viola
  • Patent number: 8186151
    Abstract: A method for initiating a regeneration mode in selective catalytic reduction device utilizing hydrocarbons as a reductant includes monitoring a temperature within the aftertreatment system, monitoring a fuel dosing rate to the selective catalytic reduction device, monitoring an initial conversion efficiency, selecting a determined equation to estimate changes in a conversion efficiency of the selective catalytic reduction device based upon the monitored temperature and the monitored fuel dosing rate, estimating changes in the conversion efficiency based upon the determined equation and the initial conversion efficiency, and initiating a regeneration mode for the selective catalytic reduction device based upon the estimated changes in conversion efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Viola, Steven J. Schmieg, Thompson M. Sloane, David L. Hilden, Patricia A. Mulawa, Jong H. Lee, Shi-Wai S. Cheng
  • Publication number: 20120079813
    Abstract: Where oxygenated hydrocarbons, such as ethanol, may be considered for use as a reductant to be added to diesel or gasoline engine exhaust for promoting the catalyzed reduction of NOx to N2, there is a need to continually adjust the amount of the reductant to be added as engine and catalyst operating conditions change. It is found that useful methods, to be practiced using a suitably programmed on-vehicle computer, can be based on a correlation for ethanol, or other specific reductant, with continually measured values of catalyst temperature, the oxygen and NOx contents of the exhaust, and the volumetric flow rate of the exhaust over a reduction catalyst, such as silver supported on alumina, selected for reduction of NOx to nitrogen. Effective amounts of the reductant for substantial reduction of NOx may be reliably determined using at least such parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: THOMPSON M. SLOANE, KEVIN L. PERRY, DAVID L. HILDEN, NORMAN D. BRINKMAN, JONG H. LEE, MICHAEL B. VIOLA, STEVEN J. SCHMIEG