Patents by Inventor Michael J. Lucido

Michael J. Lucido 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: 11168627
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining and correcting air/fuel imbalance between cylinders of an internal combustion engine. A deactivation strategy is determined and implemented. An evaluation is made of whether the engine is operating with an air/fuel imbalance between cylinders. When an imbalance is identified, an alternate deactivation strategy is implemented. Based on outcomes of the alternate deactivation strategy, a source cylinder of the air/fuel imbalance is identified, and fuel flow to the source cylinder is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Smith, Dale A. Frank, Ryan J. Prescott, Manoj K. Moningi, Michael J. Lucido, Vijay Ramappan
  • Patent number: 11098666
    Abstract: A system includes a three-way catalyst (TWC) sulfur load module, a cylinder/fuel cutoff module, a fuel control module, and a valve control module. The TWC sulfur load module is configured to determine an amount of sulfur deposited on a three-way catalyst of an engine in a vehicle. The cylinder/fuel cutoff module is configured to determine whether to enable deceleration cylinder cutoff (DCCO) based on the amount of sulfur deposited on the three-way catalyst. The fuel control module is configured to control a fuel injector to selectively stop fuel injection in the engine when DCCO is enabled. The valve control module is configured to selectively maintain intake and exhaust valves of the engine in a closed position when DCCO is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Smith, Vijay A. Ramappan, Michael J. Lucido, Jeffrey M. Hutmacher, Scott T. Feldmann, Randy L. Dufresne
  • Publication number: 20210148293
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining and correcting air/fuel imbalance between cylinders of an internal combustion engine. A deactivation strategy is determined and implemented. An evaluation is made of whether the engine is operating with an air/fuel imbalance between cylinders. When an imbalance is identified, an alternate deactivation strategy is implemented. Based on outcomes of the alternate deactivation strategy, a source cylinder of the air/fuel imbalance is identified, and fuel flow to the source cylinder is corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Smith, Dale A. Frank, Ryan J. Prescott, Manoj K. Moningi, Michael J. Lucido, Vijay Ramappan
  • Publication number: 20200149490
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes an engine defining a plurality of cylinders and configured to combust a fuel. A method of increasing efficiency of an engine includes controlling an amount of fuel being injected into the plurality of cylinders of the engine via a respective fuel injector. An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is in selective fluid communication with a second subset of the plurality of cylinders and the air intake system to route the second exhaust product from the second subset of the plurality of cylinders to an air intake system. A valve is coupled to the EGR system and the exhaust system. A first sensor is disposed between the valve and the air intake system, and measures an amount of reformate in the second exhaust product when the valve is in a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Martino A. Casetti, Michael J. Lucido, Ping Ge, Jennifer C. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 10161340
    Abstract: A fuel injection system for a vehicle propulsion system includes an injector driver module that applies power to a fuel injector of an engine in the vehicle propulsion system for a fuel injection event, a voltage measuring module that measures first and second voltages at first and second electrical connectors of the fuel injector, a voltage difference module that determines a difference between the first and second voltages, and a diagnostic module with a pattern based neural network that determines whether the fuel injector injected fuel based on the difference between the first and second voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J Lucido, Jonathan T Shibata
  • Patent number: 10156219
    Abstract: A method and a controller for controlling spark timing in a cold start condition for an engine in a vehicle propulsion system. The method includes determining whether the engine is in a cold start condition, and advancing spark timing before top dead center in a combustion cycle such that combustion heat is primarily received by a surface in a combustion chamber in the engine if the engine is in a cold start condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J Lucido, Robert S Levy
  • Patent number: 10077722
    Abstract: A method of controlling engine internal exhaust gas recirculation may include estimating a flow restriction through a diesel particulate filter in an exhaust system of an engine assembly and adjusting a backpressure control valve in the exhaust system downstream of the diesel particulate filter based on the flow restriction. A controlled amount of internal exhaust gas recirculation may be provided to the engine assembly based on adjusting the backpressure control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dean, Manuel Angel Gonzalez Delgado, Michael J. Lucido
  • Patent number: 9869287
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an ignition timing determination module, an injection timing determination module, a spark control module, and a fuel control module. The ignition timing determination module determines a first crank angle. The injection timing determination module selectively determines a second crank angle based on the first crank angle. The spark control module controls a spark plug to generate spark in a cylinder of an engine at the first crank angle. The fuel control module controls a fuel injector to deliver fuel to the cylinder at the second crank angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan T. Shibata, Michael J. Lucido
  • Patent number: 9708998
    Abstract: A fuel control system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a voltage measuring module, a first difference module, a second difference module, a third difference module, and an injector driver module. The voltage measuring module measures first and second voltages at first and second electrical connectors of a fuel injector of an engine. The first difference module determines a first difference based on a difference between the first and second voltages. The second difference module determines a second difference between (i) the first difference and (ii) a previous value of the first difference. The third difference module determines a third difference between (i) the second difference and (ii) a previous value of the second difference. The injector driver module selectively applies power to the fuel injector based on the third difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan T. Shibata, Michael J. Lucido
  • Patent number: 9695772
    Abstract: A system according to the present disclosure includes a fuel control module and at least one of a desired air per cylinder (APC) module and a predicted manifold absolute pressure (MAP) module. The desired APC module determines a desired amount of airflow to each cylinder of an engine. The predicted MAP module predicts a pressure within an intake manifold of the engine at a future time. The fuel control module selectively adjusts a fuel injection parameter of the engine based on at least one of: a change in the desired air per cylinder from a first time to a second time; and a change in the predicted manifold pressure from the first time to the second time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert S. Levy, David P. Sczomak, Michael J. Lucido, Jonathan T. Shibata
  • Patent number: 9683510
    Abstract: A fuel control system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a parameter determination module, a parameter learning module, and an injector driver module. The parameter determination module determines a parameter of a fuel injector in an engine at an operating condition of the engine. The parameter learning module identifies index values in a table based on the engine operating condition and adjusts learned values of the fuel injector parameter corresponding to the index values based on the determined value of the fuel injector parameter. The injector driver module selectively applies power to the fuel injector based on the learned values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan T. Shibata, Michael J. Lucido
  • Patent number: 9458789
    Abstract: An injector driver module applies power to a fuel injector of an engine for a fuel injection event. A voltage measuring module measures first and second voltages at first and second electrical connectors of the fuel injector. A parameter determination module determines a maximum value based on a first difference between the first and second voltages, determines a minimum value based on the first difference between the first and second voltages, and determines a second difference between the maximum and minimum values. A diagnostic module, based on the second difference between the maximum and minimum values, indicates whether the fuel injector injected fuel in response to the application of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Lucido, Jonathan T. Shibata
  • Patent number: 9435289
    Abstract: A voltage measuring module measures first and second voltages at first and second electrical connectors of a fuel injector of an engine. A first summer module determines a first sum of (i) a difference between the first and second voltages and (ii) N previous values of the difference between the first and second voltages, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to one. A second summer module determines a second sum of (i) the first sum and (ii) M previous values of the first sum, wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to one. A first difference module determines a first difference based on the second sum. A second difference module determines a second difference between (i) the first difference and (ii) a previous value of the first difference. An injector driver module selectively applies power to the fuel injector based on the second difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan T. Shibata, Michael J. Lucido
  • Publication number: 20160084192
    Abstract: A system according to the present disclosure includes a fuel control module and at least one of a desired air per cylinder (APC) module and a predicted manifold absolute pressure (MAP) module. The desired APC module determines a desired amount of airflow to each cylinder of an engine. The predicted MAP module predicts a pressure within an intake manifold of the engine at a future time. The fuel control module selectively adjusts a fuel injection parameter of the engine based on at least one of: a change in the desired air per cylinder from a first time to a second time; and a change in the predicted manifold pressure from the first time to the second time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Robert S. Levy, David P. Sczomak, Michael J. Lucido, Jonathan T. Shibata
  • Patent number: 9163570
    Abstract: A method can determine diesel engine airflow in a diesel internal combustion engine using a late intake valve closure (LIVC) strategy. The method includes monitoring the air temperature in an intake manifold to determine an intake manifold air temperature; monitoring a coolant temperature; and determining the air temperature in an intake port of a diesel internal combustion engine. The method includes monitoring the air pressure in the intake manifold and monitoring the engine speed of the diesel internal combustion engine. Moreover, the method includes determining the air density in the diesel internal combustion engine and determining a diesel engine airflow; and determining an intake valve closure crank angle. The method additionally includes determining an adjusted diesel engine airflow based on the diesel engine airflow, engine speed, and intake valve closure crank angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dean, Michael J. Lucido
  • Publication number: 20150275815
    Abstract: A voltage measuring module measures first and second voltages at first and second electrical connectors of a fuel injector of an engine. A first summer module determines a first sum of (i) a difference between the first and second voltages and (ii) N previous values of the difference between the first and second voltages, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to one. A second summer module determines a second sum of (i) the first sum and (ii) M previous values of the first sum, wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to one. A first difference module determines a first difference based on the second sum. A second difference module determines a second difference between (i) the first difference and (ii) a previous value of the first difference. An injector driver module selectively applies power to the fuel injector based on the second difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan T. Shibata, Michael J. Lucido
  • Publication number: 20150275808
    Abstract: A fuel control system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a voltage measuring module, a first difference module, a second difference module, a third difference module, and an injector driver module. The voltage measuring module measures first and second voltages at first and second electrical connectors of a fuel injector of an engine. The first difference module determines a first difference based on a difference between the first and second voltages. The second difference module determines a second difference between (i) the first difference and (ii) a previous value of the first difference. The third difference module determines a third difference between (i) the second difference and (ii) a previous value of the second difference. The injector driver module selectively applies power to the fuel injector based on the third difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: JONATHAN T. SHIBATA, Michael J. Lucido
  • Publication number: 20150275807
    Abstract: An injector driver module applies power to a fuel injector of an engine for a fuel injection event. A voltage measuring module measures first and second voltages at first and second electrical connectors of the fuel injector. A parameter determination module determines a maximum value based on a first difference between the first and second voltages, determines a minimum value based on the first difference between the first and second voltages, and determines a second difference between the maximum and minimum values. A diagnostic module, based on the second difference between the maximum and minimum values, indicates whether the fuel injector injected fuel in response to the application of power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: MICHAEL J. LUCIDO, JONATHAN T. SHIBATA
  • Publication number: 20150275809
    Abstract: A fuel control system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a parameter determination module, a parameter learning module, and an injector driver module. The parameter determination module determines a parameter of a fuel injector in an engine at an operating condition of the engine. The parameter learning module identifies index values in a table based on the engine operating condition and adjusts learned values of the fuel injector parameter corresponding to the index values based on the determined value of the fuel injector parameter. The injector driver module selectively applies power to the fuel injector based on the learned values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan T. Shibata, Michael J. Lucido
  • Patent number: 9074552
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a voltage measuring module, a second derivative module, a closing period module, and an injector driver module. The voltage measuring module measures first and second voltages at first and second electrical connectors of a fuel injector that injects fuel directly into a cylinder of an engine. The second derivative module determines a second-order derivative of a difference between the first and second voltages. The closing period module determines a closing period of the fuel injector based on the second-order derivative of the difference. The injector driver module selectively adjusts closing of the fuel injector based on the closing period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan T. Shibata, Michael J. Lucido