Patents by Inventor Michael J. Paratore

Michael J. Paratore 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).

  • Electrically heated DPF start-up strategy
    Patent number: 8151557
    Abstract: An exhaust system that processes exhaust generated by an engine has a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that is disposed downstream of the engine and that filters particulates in the exhaust. An electrical heater is disposed upstream of the DPF and selectively heats the exhaust to initiate combustion of the particulates. Heat generated by combustion of particulates in the heater induces combustion of particulates within the DPF. A control module selectively enables current flow to the electrical heater for an initial period of a DPF regeneration cycle, and limits exhaust flow while the electrical heater is heating to a predetermined soot combustion temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Frank Ament
  • Variable power distribution for zoned regeneration of an electrically heated particulate filter
    Patent number: 8146350
    Abstract: A system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter with multiple zones, an electric heater and a control module. The electrical heater includes heater segments, which each correspond with a respective one of the zones. The electrical heater is arranged upstream from and is proximate with the PM filter. The control module selectively applies a first energy level to a first one of the zones via a first one of the heater segments to initiate regeneration in the first zone. The control module also selectively applies a second energy level that is less than the first energy level to a second one of the zones via a second one of the heater segments to initiate regeneration in the second zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventors: Garima Bhatia, Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr.
  • Electrically heated particulate filter incomplete regeneration identification system and method
    Patent number: 8141350
    Abstract: A system comprises a regeneration module and a diagnostic module. The regeneration module controls an electric heater to heat exhaust gas produced by an engine. The regeneration module determines when a regeneration cycle of a particulate matter (PM) filter begins by comparing a temperature of the exhaust gas input to the PM filter and a first temperature threshold. The diagnostic module determines a regeneration status by comparing a temperature of the exhaust gas output by the PM filter and a second temperature threshold during a predetermined period after the regeneration cycle begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr.
  • EXHAUST GAS AFTERTREATEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION
    Publication number: 20120060471
    Abstract: An exhaust gas after treatment system for an internal combustion engine comprises an oxidation catalyst device having a first substrate, a heater, and a second substrate disposed serially between the inlet and the outlet. A hydrocarbon supply is connected to and is in fluid communication with the exhaust system upstream of the oxidation catalyst device for delivery of a hydrocarbon thereto. The heater is configured to oxidize the hydrocarbon therein and to raise the temperature of the second substrate and exhaust gas passing therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, JR.
  • PARTICULATE FILTER AND HYDROCARBON ADSORBER BYPASS SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20120060482
    Abstract: A regeneration system includes a first comparison module that at least one of (i) compares a first temperature of an adsorber to an adsorber release temperature and (ii) compares a second temperature of an engine to a predetermined temperature, and generates a first comparison signal. A second comparison module that compares a particulate matter output of the engine with a predetermined output and generates a second comparison signal. A mode selection module that selects a mode and generates a mode signal based on the first comparison signal and the second comparison signal. A bypass valve control module that adjusts position of a bypass valve to bypass at least one of a particulate matter (PM) filter and the adsorber based on the mode signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso, Michael J. Paratore, JR.
  • Injection anti-coking system for particulate filters
    Patent number: 8122707
    Abstract: A system comprising an injector for injecting fuel directly into the exhaust system. A control module supplies fuel using the injector to burn particulate matter in the particulate filter when the control module determines that regeneration is needed. The control module selectively supplies fuel to exercise the injector during periods when the control module determines that regeneration is not needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: David B. Brown, Michael J. Paratore, Jr.
  • Low exhaust temperature electrically heated particulate matter filter system
    Patent number: 8112990
    Abstract: A system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter, a sensor, a heating element, and a control module. The PM filter includes with an upstream end that receives exhaust gas, a downstream end and multiple zones. The sensor detects a temperature of the exhaust gas. The control module controls current to the heating element to convection heat one of the zones and initiate a regeneration process. The control module selectively increases current to the heating element relative to a reference regeneration current level when the temperature is less than a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Garima Bhatia
  • Target Particulate Matter Filter Regeneration and Temperature Control System
    Publication number: 20120031072
    Abstract: A regeneration system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter loading module that determines a current soot loading level of a PM filter. A PM filter temperature module determines a temperature of the PM filter. An exhaust flow rate module determines an exhaust flow rate of the PM filter. A control module deactivates an air pump of an air pump circuit and operates an engine within a predetermined range of stoichiometry based on the current soot loading, the temperature and the exhaust flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso, Michael J. Paratore, JR.
  • Electrically heated particulate filter preparation methods and systems
    Patent number: 8104270
    Abstract: A control system that controls regeneration of a particulate filter is provided. The system generally includes a fuel control module that controls injection of fuel into exhaust that passes through the particulate filter. A regeneration module controls current to the particulate filter to initiate regeneration after the fuel has been injected into the exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr.
  • Face crack reduction strategy for particulate filters
    Patent number: 8105417
    Abstract: A system comprises a particulate matter (PM) filter that comprises an upstream end for receiving exhaust gas, a downstream end and at least one portion. A control module initiates combustion of PM in the PM filter using a heater and selectively adjusts oxygen levels of the exhaust gas to adjust a temperature of combustion adjacent to the at least one portion of the PM filter. A method comprises providing a particulate matter (PM) filter that comprises an upstream end for receiving exhaust gas, a downstream end and at least one portion; initiating combustion of PM in the PM filter using a heater; selectively adjusting oxygen levels of the exhaust gas to adjust a temperature of combustion adjacent to the at least one portion of the PM filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Garima Bhatia
  • Predicting ash loading using an electrically heated particulate filter
    Patent number: 8097066
    Abstract: A control system includes a heater control module, a measured duration module, and a regeneration volume module. The heater control module selectively initiates a regeneration in a zone of a particulate filter in an exhaust system. The measured duration module measures a duration of the regeneration. The regeneration volume module determines an available volume within the particulate filter to regenerate particulate based on the measured duration of the regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr.
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PARTICULATE MATTER FILTER REGENERATION USING A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AS A COMBUSTOR
    Publication number: 20120000180
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes an exhaust module and a combustion module. The exhaust module supplies a first MAF to exhaust produced by the engine upstream of a catalytic converter during regeneration of a PM filter located downstream of the catalytic converter. The combustion module, during the regeneration, supplies a first amount of fuel to a cylinder during an intake stroke based on the first MAF and a second MAF to the cylinder during the intake stroke. The combustion module, during the regeneration, further supplies a second amount of fuel to the cylinder during a subsequent intake stroke based on a first A/F ratio of the cylinder and an oxygen content of the exhaust downstream of the catalytic converter. A method for controlling an engine during regeneration of the PM filter is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso, Michael J. Paratore, JR.
  • Radiant zone heated particulate filter
    Patent number: 8083839
    Abstract: A system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter including an upstream end for receiving exhaust gas and a downstream end. A radiant zoned heater includes N zones, where N is an integer greater than one, wherein each of the N zones includes M sub-zones, where M is an integer greater than or equal to one. A control module selectively activates at least a selected one of the N zones to initiate regeneration in downstream portions of the PM filter from the one of the N zones, restricts exhaust gas flow in a portion of the PM filter that corresponds to the selected one of the N zones, and deactivates non-selected ones of the N zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr.
  • Zoned electrical heater arranged in spaced relationship from particulate filter
    Patent number: 8057581
    Abstract: A system comprises a particulate matter (PM) filter that comprises an upstream end for receiving exhaust gas and a downstream end. A zoned heater is arranged spaced from the upstream end and comprises N zones, where N is an integer greater than one, wherein each of the N zones comprises M sub-zones, where M is an integer greater than one. A control module selectively activates at least a selected one of the N zones to initiate regeneration in downstream portions of the PM filter from the one of the N zones and deactivates non-selected ones of the N zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr.
  • EXHAUST TREATMENT METHODS AND SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20110271660
    Abstract: A method of controlling an exhaust treatment system, comprising: selectively determining a first control state from a plurality of control states based on an exhaust temperature and a plurality of activation temperatures; estimating a reductant dose based on the control state; and controlling an injection of a reductant to the exhaust treatment system based on the reductant dose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, JR.
  • Electrically heated particulate filter zone-based post fuel injection system
    Patent number: 8051644
    Abstract: A system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter with multiple zones. An electrical heater includes heater segments that are associated with respective ones of the zones. The electrical heater is arranged upstream from and proximate with the PM filter. A post fuel injection system injects fuel into at least one of a cylinder of an engine and an exhaust system. A control module selects one of the zones, adjusts post fuel injection based on the selected one of the zones, and electrically heats the one of the zones via a respective one of the heater segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr.
  • Electrically Heated Particulate Filter Heater Insulation
    Publication number: 20110259190
    Abstract: A system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter that includes an upstream end for receiving exhaust gas and a downstream end. A zoned resistive heater is arranged spaced from said upstream end and includes N zones, where N is an integer greater than one, wherein each of the N zones includes M sub-zones, where M is an integer greater than or equal to one, and wherein the zoned heater includes an electrically insulating material. A control module selectively activates at least a selected one of the N zones to initiate regeneration in downstream portions of the PM filter from the one of the N zones and deactivates non-selected ones of the N zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, JR., Kevin W. Kirby, Amanda Phelps
  • Electrically Heated Filter Regeneration Methods and Systems
    Publication number: 20110258985
    Abstract: A method of regenerating a particulate filter is provided. The method includes estimating a stress level of the particulate filter; and selectively controlling current to a heater of the particulate filter based on the stress level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, JR.
  • Ammonia Slip Catalyst Diagnostic Methods and Systems
    Publication number: 20110258992
    Abstract: A method of diagnosing an ammonia slip catalyst device is provided. The method includes: computing a delta between a first temperature and a second temperature; evaluating the delta based on an efficiency threshold; and generating a fault notification based on the evaluating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, JR.
  • Selective catalyst reduction light-off strategy
    Patent number: 8037673
    Abstract: An emissions control system includes a temperature determination module and an emissions control module. The temperature determination module determines a first temperature of a heater element of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) assembly in an exhaust system and determines a second temperature of a catalyst of the DPF assembly. The emissions control module selectively activates the heater element, selectively initiates a predefined combustion process in an engine based upon the first temperature, and selectively starts a reductant injection process based upon the second temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr.