Patents by Inventor Nicholas A. Barra

Nicholas A. Barra 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).

  • Methods and systems for reconfiguring a vehicle geometry
    Patent number: 10248134
    Abstract: A system for reconfiguring a vehicle geometry is disclosed. The system includes a configuration system configured to alter the vehicle geometry, a communication system, and a controller in communication with the configuration system and the communication system, the controller configured to receive a configuration signal from the communication system, determine a configuration control signal, and automatically control the configuration system based on the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Barra, Scott W. Damman, Nicholas D. Theis, Michael E. McGuire
  • Control strategy for unoccupied autonomous vehicle
    Patent number: 9969396
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes traction wheels, a powertrain configured to transmit drive power to the traction wheels, a sensor configured to detect a presence of an occupant, an actuator configured to control vehicle steering, acceleration, braking, or shifting, and at least one controller configured to automatically control the actuator based on an automated driving system algorithm. The powertrain is selectively operable in a first mode having a first operating characteristic and a second mode having a second operating characteristic. The controller is further configured to control the powertrain in the first mode in response to the sensor detecting an occupant being present and the actuator being controlled based on the automated driving system algorithm, and in the second mode in response to the sensor detecting no occupant being present and the actuator being controlled based on the automated driving system algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott W. Damman, Michael E. McGuire, Nicholas D. Theis, Nicholas A. Barra
  • Methods And Systems For Reconfiguring A Vehicle Geometry
    Publication number: 20180120863
    Abstract: A system for reconfiguring a vehicle geometry is disclosed. The system includes a configuration system configured to alter the vehicle geometry, a communication system, and a controller in communication with the configuration system and the communication system, the controller configured to receive a configuration signal from the communication system, determine a configuration control signal, and automatically control the configuration system based on the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Barra, Scott W. Damman, Nicholas D. Theis, Michael E. McGuire
  • Control Strategy For Unoccupied Autonomous Vehicle
    Publication number: 20180079416
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes traction wheels, a powertrain configured to transmit drive power to the traction wheels, a sensor configured to detect a presence of an occupant, an actuator configured to control vehicle steering, acceleration, braking, or shifting, and at least one controller configured to automatically control the actuator based on an automated driving system algorithm. The powertrain is selectively operable in a first mode having a first operating characteristic and a second mode having a second operating characteristic. The controller is further configured to control the powertrain in the first mode in response to the sensor detecting an occupant being present and the actuator being controlled based on the automated driving system algorithm, and in the second mode in response to the sensor detecting no occupant being present and the actuator being controlled based on the automated driving system algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Scott W. Damman, Michael E. McGuire, Nicholas D. Theis, Nicholas A. Barra