Patents by Inventor Alexandre F. Volpato

Alexandre F. Volpato 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).

  • System and method for detecting unlatched condition of closure
    Patent number: 10577840
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a closure arranged relative a closure frame to selectively cover an opening to the vehicle. The vehicle also includes an actuator configured to move the closure among a plurality of positions including open and closed positions, and a first sensor configured to detect motion of the closure among the plurality of positions. The vehicle additionally includes a latch assembly with an engaged state to retain the closure in the closed position and a disengaged state to permit the closure to move among the plurality of positions. A second sensor is configured to detect the engaged or disengaged state of the latch assembly. The vehicle further includes a controller which is configured to, in response to the first sensor detecting motion of the closure among the plurality of positions and the second sensor detecting the latch assembly in the engaged state, provide a diagnostic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Besi Rrumbullaku, Jeffrey R. Nowicki, Alexandre F. Volpato, Thiago Laserra Lima, James C. O'Kane
  • System And Method For Detecting Unlatched Condition Of Closure
    Publication number: 20190024419
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a closure arranged relative a closure frame to selectively cover an opening to the vehicle. The vehicle also includes an actuator configured to move the closure among a plurality of positions including open and closed positions, and a first sensor configured to detect motion of the closure among the plurality of positions. The vehicle additionally includes a latch assembly with an engaged state to retain the closure in the closed position and a disengaged state to permit the closure to move among the plurality of positions. A second sensor is configured to detect the engaged or disengaged state of the latch assembly. The vehicle further includes a controller which is configured to, in response to the first sensor detecting motion of the closure among the plurality of positions and the second sensor detecting the latch assembly in the engaged state, provide a diagnostic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Besi Rrumbullaku, Jeffrey R. Nowicki, Alexandre F. Volpato, Thiago Laserra Lima, James C. O'Kane