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).

  • Publication number: 20150144102
    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: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: JONATHAN T. SHIBATA, Michael J. Lucido
  • Patent number: 9032941
    Abstract: A method for controlling re-circulation of exhaust gas (EGR) in an internal combustion engine includes receiving a signal indicative of an engine operating temperature and comparing the engine operating temperature to a first predetermined IEGR threshold. When the engine operating temperature is less than the first predetermined internal EGR threshold, a first internal EGR mode is activated, whereby engine emissions may be reduced or combustion stability may be enhanced. When the engine operating temperature is greater than the first predetermined internal EGR threshold, the first internal EGR mode is deactivated, and a second internal EGR mode is activated, whereby emissions may be reduced as exhaust system heating is accelerated. When the operating temperature is greater than the second temperature threshold, the second internal EGR mode may be deactivated a third mode may be enabled with only external EGR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dean, Manuel Angel Gonzalez Delgado, Michael J. Lucido
  • Publication number: 20150051810
    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: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dean, Michael J. Lucido
  • Publication number: 20140144414
    Abstract: A method for controlling re-circulation of exhaust gas (EGR) in an internal combustion engine includes receiving a signal indicative of an engine operating temperature and comparing the engine operating temperature to a first predetermined IEGR threshold. When the engine operating temperature is less than the first predetermined internal EGR threshold, a first internal EGR mode is activated, whereby engine emissions may be reduced or combustion stability may be enhanced. When the engine operating temperature is greater than the first predetermined internal EGR threshold, the first internal EGR mode is deactivated, and a second internal EGR mode is activated, whereby emissions may be reduced as exhaust system heating is accelerated. When the operating temperature is greater than the second temperature threshold, the second internal EGR mode may be deactivated a third mode may be enabled with only external EGR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dean, Manuel Angel Gonzalez Delgado, Michael J. Lucido
  • Patent number: 8670894
    Abstract: A method and control module for determining a sensor error includes a time-based diagnostic module generating a time-based diagnostic for a sensor and an event-based diagnostic module generating an event-based diagnostic for the sensor. A synchronizing module synchronizes the time-based diagnostic and the event-based diagnostic to obtain a diagnostic result. A fault indicator module generates a fault signal in response to the diagnostic result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Wenbo Wang, Daniel P. Grenn, John F. Van Gilder, Michael J. Lucido, Ian J. MacEwen, Hamid M. Esfahan
  • Publication number: 20140026874
    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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dean, Manuel Angel Gonzalez Delgado, Michael J. Lucido
  • Publication number: 20140000564
    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: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan T. Shibata, Michael J. Lucido
  • Patent number: 8433496
    Abstract: A control system includes an engine enable module and a fuel control module. The engine enable module determines whether predetermined operating conditions of a spark ignition direct injection (SIDI) engine are satisfied and enables an engine prime mode when the predetermined operating conditions are satisfied. The fuel control module controls a fuel injector to deliver a prime pulse to a cylinder of the SIDI engine when the engine prime mode is enabled. The fuel injector delivers the prime pulse by opening for a pulse width to inject fuel directly into the cylinder when the SIDI engine is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: Mark D. Carr, Michael N. Kotsonas, Michael J. Lucido, Dean R. Kwapis
  • Patent number: 8342151
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises an engine speed monitoring module and a pump control module. The engine speed monitoring module compares an engine speed and a predetermined threshold. The pump control module deactivates a pressure pump based on said comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Jesse M. Gwidt, Dustin L. Gardner, Michael J. Lucido, Bjorn E. Soderstrom
  • Patent number: 8220322
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises a model pressure determination module and a sensor diagnostic module. The model pressure determination module determines a modeled fuel rail pressure based on a fuel pump flow rate and an engine fuel flow rate. The sensor diagnostic module generates a status of a fuel rail pressure sensor based on a comparison of the modeled fuel rail pressure and a sensed fuel rail pressure sensed by the fuel rail pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventors: Wenbo Wang, Michael J. Lucido, Vincent A. White
  • Patent number: 8215288
    Abstract: A method and control module for operating an engine that includes a pressure range determination module that determines a pressure value for a pressure sensor in a fuel rail is out of range. A fuel rail pressure estimate module that determines a predicted pressure value. An engine control module that operates the engine using the predicted pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: Jesse M. Gwidt, Michael J. Lucido, Jon C. Miller, Michael N Kotsonas
  • Patent number: 8146569
    Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle comprises a combustion control module and an engine startup module. The combustion control module selectively controls a spark timing and airflow into an engine based on a counter value. The engine startup module, when the counter value is one of greater than and less than a predetermined final value, controls an equivalence ratio (EQR) of an air/fuel mixture provided to the engine during an engine cranking period based on a fuel rail pressure and controls the EQR during an engine running period based on the fuel rail pressure and an engine runtime period. The counter value is set to the predetermined final value after the engine is started for a first time after the engine is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventors: Michael C. Zumbaugh, Jon C. Miller, Robert C. Gibson, Mark D. Carr, Michael J. Lucido, Michael N. Kotsonas
  • Patent number: 8104334
    Abstract: An engine control system comprises a model pressure determination module and a sensor diagnostic module. The model pressure determination module determines a modeled fuel rail pressure based on an injection duration of a fuel injector and a desired fuel mass injected by the fuel injector. The sensor diagnostic module generates a status of a fuel rail pressure sensor based on a comparison of the modeled fuel rail pressure and a sensed fuel rail pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: Wenbo Wang, Michael J. Lucido, Vincent A. White, Ian J. Mac Ewen, Jon C. Miller
  • Patent number: 8091532
    Abstract: A diagnostic system includes a fuel pump module and a diagnostic control module. The fuel pump module activates a first pump when an engine is operating in a diagnostic mode. The first pump supplies fuel to fuel injectors of the engine via a fuel rail. The diagnostic control module receives a measured pressure signal from a pressure sensor that indicates a pressure of the fuel rail during the diagnostic mode. The fuel pump module sends at least one of a first and a second commanded fuel pressure signal to the first pump based on a predetermined relief pressure of a pressure relief valve. The diagnostic control module detects a fault of the pressure sensor based on an engine speed and a comparison between the measured pressure signal and at least one of the first commanded fuel pressure signal and a corrected relief pressure of the pressure relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Wenbo Wang, Michael J. Lucido, Christopher R. Graham
  • Patent number: 8091531
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for a pressure sensor includes a fuel pump module and a diagnostic control module. The fuel pump module activates a first pump and deactivates a second pump when an engine is operating in a diagnostic mode. The first pump supplies fuel to the second pump and the second pump supplies fuel to fuel injectors of the engine via a fuel rail. The diagnostic control module receives a measured pressure signal from a pressure sensor that indicates a pressure of the fuel rail during the diagnostic mode. The diagnostic control module detects a fault of the pressure sensor based on a comparison between the measured pressure signal and the commanded pressure signal for the first pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Michael J. Lucido, Wenbo Wang, Christopher R. Graham
  • Publication number: 20110288746
    Abstract: A control system includes an engine enable module and a fuel control module. The engine enable module determines whether predetermined operating conditions of a spark ignition direct injection (SIDI) engine are satisfied and enables an engine prime mode when the predetermined operating conditions are satisfied. The fuel control module controls a fuel injector to deliver a prime pulse to a cylinder of the SIDI engine when the engine prime mode is enabled. The fuel injector delivers the prime pulse by opening for a pulse width to inject fuel directly into the cylinder when the SIDI engine is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark D. Carr, Michael N. Kotsonas, Michael J. Lucido, Dean R. Kwapis
  • Patent number: 8037742
    Abstract: An engine system includes a status determination module and an open-loop fuel control module. The status determination module determines whether a first ignition fuse is in a failure state. The open-loop fuel control module disables a first plurality of fuel injectors and actuates a second plurality of fuel injectors based on a first air/fuel (A/F) ratio when the first ignition fuse is in the failure state, wherein the first ignition fuse and the first plurality of fuel injectors correspond to a first cylinder bank, and wherein a second ignition fuse and the second plurality of fuel injectors correspond to a second cylinder bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventors: Wenbo Wang, Mark D. Carr, Michael J. Lucido, Jon C. Miller, Wajdi B. Hamama, Kurt D. Mc Lain
  • Patent number: 8033268
    Abstract: An engine control system includes a starting module, a position module, and a deactivation module. The starting module determines when a crankshaft starts to rotate and activates a control valve of a fuel pump when the crankshaft starts to rotate. The position module determines a position of the crankshaft and determines a position of a camshaft based on the position of the crankshaft. The camshaft drives the fuel pump. The deactivation module deactivates the control valve when the position module determines the position of the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventors: Jesse M. Gwidt, Michael J. Lucido
  • Patent number: 7987704
    Abstract: A diagnostic system comprises a monitoring module and a diagnostic module. The monitoring module receives a first rail pressure measured by a high side rail pressure sensor during engine cranking at a location where fuel is pressurized by a high pressure fuel pump. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in at least one of the high pressure fuel pump and the high side rail pressure sensor when the first rail pressure is less than a predetermined pressure and rail pressures received during a predetermined period after the first rail pressure is received are less than the predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Lucido, Wenbo Wang, Ian J. MacEwen, Jon C. Miller
  • Patent number: 7980120
    Abstract: A fuel injector diagnostic system includes a fuel pump control module, a pressure sensor, and a diagnostic module. The fuel pump control module disables delivery of fuel to a fuel rail of an engine. The pressure sensor measures a first pressure of the fuel rail before an injection event and a second pressure of the fuel rail after the injection event on at least one of a plurality of injectors when the engine is running. The diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in the at least one of the injectors based on the first pressure and the second pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Cinpinski, Byungho Lee, Donovan L. Dibble, Michael J. Lucido, Mark D. Carr