Patents by Inventor Pietro Buttolo

Pietro Buttolo 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: 11679709
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a cargo bed of a vehicle, a first crossbar spanning the cargo bed, and a second crossbar spanning the cargo bed. The first and second crossbars are slidable relative to the cargo bed. The first and second crossbars are slidable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, William Wurz, David Brian Glickman, Pietro Buttolo, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Publication number: 20230186182
    Abstract: A vehicle sharing system includes a vehicle having interior transceiver modules associated with different passenger seating areas and a vehicle computing system (VCS) including a processor and a memory in communication with the modules and programmed to detect occupancy status of each seating area based on signals from the modules and to communicate the occupancy statuses to a remote server to facilitate scheduling of ride-sharing passengers for a specified seating area of the vehicle. The reserved seating location may be used to align the seating location/door with a passenger during pick-up, adjust vehicle accessory settings associated with the reserved seating location, and activate a visual indicator to direct the passenger to the assigned/reserved seating location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Pietro BUTTOLO, Stuart C. SALTER, James Stewart RANKIN, II, James J. SURMAN, Annette Lynn HUEBNER, Jeffrey A. WALLACE, Cornel Lewis GARDNER
  • Publication number: 20230182720
    Abstract: An example vehicle can include a sensor platform and a controller that is configured to determine an object that is in front of the vehicle, determine the object as a hazard by at least one of determining, using dead reckoning, that the object is in a path of travel of the vehicle that will cause the object to travel under a restricted zone of the vehicle and/or the object has a height that is higher than a vehicle ride height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Hanson, Pietro Buttolo, John Van Wiemeersch
  • Publication number: 20230182779
    Abstract: An item repositioning method includes, in response to a request for an item, moving a vehicle along a first route to a location of the item, loading the item in the vehicle using a lift assist device mounted to the vehicle, moving the vehicle along a second route to transport the item to a desired location, and at the desired location, unloading the item from the vehicle using the lift assist device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Brendan Diamond, David Kennedy, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Pietro Buttolo, Paul Kenneth Dellock, David Brian Glickman
  • Publication number: 20230184568
    Abstract: A multi-layer electrode for a capacitive pressure sensor is manufactured according to a method including co-extruding a conductive polymer layer and a dielectric foam layer and forming coextruded layers of the capacitive pressure sensor and pressure rolling an XY layer and the coextruded layers together and forming the multi-layer electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Richard Gall, Jim Robert Chascsa
  • Publication number: 20230177888
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo utilization control system includes a processor disposed in a vehicle controller and a memory for storing executable instructions. The processor is programmed to execute the instructions to receive identity information associated with a vehicle user from a mobile device and vehicle sensory devices, and determine identity of the vehicle user. The system receives receive anthropometry information, and entry and exit data associated with the vehicle user that can indicate mobility limitations or special uses of the vehicle cargo hold that have been observed and recorded by the system. The processor may determine a vehicle recommendation based on the identity of the vehicle user and the anthropometry information, and cause a vehicle configuration change that modifies a vehicle system based on the unique user identity, mobility limitations, and predicted use of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Annette Lynn Huebner, David Kennedy, Hussein Berry
  • Publication number: 20230177890
    Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for battery life cycle prediction for a preowned electrified vehicle including receiving state of charge (SOC) and mileage data associated with the preowned electrified vehicle, providing one or more driving maneuvers to be performed by a driver, providing one or more instructions to the driver to operate power-driven accessories of the preowned electrified vehicle, collecting data representing battery usage by the driver by monitoring the driving maneuvers and the operation of power-driven accessories as performed by the driver, and responsive to the collected data representing battery usage and the SOC and mileage, providing a battery life prediction for the preowned electrified vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Annette Huebner, David Kennedy, Hussein Berry
  • Patent number: 11662214
    Abstract: A dynamic navigation coach system is programmed to monitor and assist drivers while keeping them engaged en route to the destination. The system may provide driver navigation assistance and training that monitors user navigational skills, driving habits, and environmental factors, and provides dynamically adjustable tools to provide varying levels of navigation assistance in a game play format. The system may selectively provide navigational directions or corrections to the driver when the driver deviates from a scheduled travel route, instead of providing instructions at every driving event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cynthia Neubecker, Pietro Buttolo, Ali Hassani, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Publication number: 20230118953
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a cargo bed having a first and a second sidewall. A rail assembly is disposed on the first sidewall. The rail assembly is movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the first sidewall. An actuator system raises and lowers the rail assembly to move the rail assembly between the extended position and the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Annette Lynn Huebner, Pietro Buttolo, Robert Walsh, Jacob Michael Haspiel, Joseph Ian Halaszynski
  • Publication number: 20230099899
    Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for a reconfigurable on-board package sorting system for a delivery vehicle including an enclosed storage compartment with a horizontal plane, a plurality of bins for holding packages, each bin including a computer readable identifier, a set of correlated conveyor belts on each horizontal plane, the correlated conveyors belts sized as a function of the bins, including at conveyor belts linearly oriented on the horizontal plane, mixing conveyors, each oriented adjacent to each convey belt to provide directional transition to a next conveyor belt, wherein the correlated conveyor belts provide directional movement of the bins in a loop on the horizontal plane by selective rotation of each conveyor belt, and a computer including a processor and memory to receive data from each identifier, the processor including instructions to: identify a location of bin and direct the operation of the correlated conveyor belts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Yifan Chen, Kurt Lundeen, John Randolf Vincent, Timothy Mark Feldkamp
  • Publication number: 20230093271
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a steering wheel, a steering wheel sensor sensing rotational movement of the steering wheel, an accelerator pedal actuatable to accelerate the vehicle, a brake pedal actuatable to decelerate the vehicle, and a sensor sensing a signal indicative of an acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes at least one proximity switch located on the steering wheel, and a controller configured to process the rotational movement of the steering wheel and the sensed signal and control an interaction mode of the at least one input switch, wherein the controller changes the interaction mode of the at least one input switch based on the sensed steering wheel movement and the sensed signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Adrian Aguirre, Michael John Kipley, Pietro Buttolo, James Robert Chascsa, II, Ross Kern
  • Publication number: 20230088122
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to record a first video of inputs to respective controls of a user interface of a vehicle, add metadata to the first video of respective times at which the respective inputs are provided, and generate a second video based on the first video and the metadata. The second video shows the user interface and highlights the respective controls corresponding to the respective inputs at the respective times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Mike Kipley, Laura Symington, David Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20230078320
    Abstract: A system includes a first vehicle computer programmed to monitor first vehicle sensor data as the first vehicle traverses a route; identify a location of interest along the route based on a topographic feature of the location of interest determined from the first vehicle sensor data; and store a selected subset of the first vehicle sensor data for the location of interest in a set of collected data about the route. The system further includes a second computer programmed to receive the collected data about the route; and based on the collected data about the route, generate a set of guidance data including one or more recommended operating parameters for the location of interest, whereby the recommending operating parameters are available to a third computer for a second vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, William H. Wurz, Hussein H. Berry, David Kennedy, Kenneth Mchugh
  • Publication number: 20230076816
    Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for assisting a battery electric vehicle (BEV) execute a battery charging operation. In an example method, a processor of a battery charging advisory system in a BEV obtains information about a battery charging lot and evaluates the information to identify a battery charging station having a first charging cable that includes a first type of plug which is compatible for coupling to a charging port of the BEV. The processor may then identify a location of the charging port on the BEV and uses this information to determine an orientation of the BEV with respect to the battery charging station. The processor then provides an advisory for maneuvering the BEV into a position that allows coupling of the first charging cable of the battery charging station to the charging port of the BEV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Stuart Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Annette Huebner, David Kennedy, Hussein Berry
  • Patent number: 11599833
    Abstract: A vehicle sharing system includes a vehicle having interior transceiver modules associated with different passenger seating areas and a vehicle computing system (VCS) including a processor and a memory in communication with the modules and programmed to detect occupancy status of each seating area based on signals from the modules and to communicate the occupancy statuses to a remote server to facilitate scheduling of ride-sharing passengers for a specified seating area of the vehicle. The reserved seating location may be used to align the seating location/door with a passenger during pick-up, adjust vehicle accessory settings associated with the reserved seating location, and activate a visual indicator to direct the passenger to the assigned/reserved seating location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Stuart C. Salter, James Stewart Rankin, II, James J. Surman, Annette Lynn Huebner, Jeffrey A. Wallace, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Publication number: 20230063296
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a cargo bed of a vehicle, a first crossbar spanning the cargo bed, and a second crossbar spanning the cargo bed. The first and second crossbars are slidable relative to the cargo bed. The first and second crossbars are slidable relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, William Wurz, David Brian Glickman, Pietro Buttolo, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Publication number: 20230057766
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a cabin interior, a seat configured to hold a passenger, a window having a movable panel actuatable between open and closed positions, and an actuator to power the window between the open and closed positions. The vehicle also includes an imaging device located in the cabin interior and oriented to capture images of a passenger seated on the seat and at least a portion of the movable panel of the window, and a controller processing the images to determine one or more characteristics of a face of the passenger. The controller further processes the images to monitor a position of the movable panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Michael John Kipley, Adrian Aguirre, Pietro Buttolo, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Publication number: 20230055433
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a cargo bed of a vehicle, a passenger side rail mounted to a passenger side wall assembly of the cargo bed, and a driver side rail mounted to a driver side wall assembly of the cargo bed. A crossbar is slidably coupled to the passenger and driver side rails. The crossbar is slidable along the passenger and driver side rails between a forward position and a rearward position. The crossbar is closer to a cab of the vehicle when the crossbar is in the forward position than when the crossbar is in the rearward position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, William Wurz, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo
  • Patent number: 11573102
    Abstract: A multi-layer electrode of a capacitive pressure sensor is manufactured by roll to roll printing a conductive layer onto a polymer layer and forming a mutual capacitance sensor layer of the capacitive pressure sensor, co-extruding a conductive polymer layer and a foam dielectric layer and forming a coextruded layer of the capacitive pressure sensor, and pressure rolling the mutual capacitance sensor layer and the coextruded layer together and forming the multi-layer electrode. The conductive polymer layer includes between about 2 wt. % to about 15 wt. % graphene and between about 0.01 wt. % and 5 wt. % of the carbon nanotubes. Also, the conductive polymer layer has a flexural modulus equal to or greater than 5,000 MPa and an electrical resistivity less than or equal to 10 Ohm/mm3, and the polymer layer and/or the conductive polymer layer is formed from recycled polyethylene terephthalate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Richard Gall, Jim Robert Chascsa
  • Publication number: 20230014322
    Abstract: A central computer includes a first processor and a first memory. A portable computer includes a second processor and a second memory. The portable computer is programmed to: obtain an identifier of a vehicle via a scanner included in the portable computer, and transmit the identifier and first validation data to the central computer, and transmit a message to the central computer for a destination computer. The central computer is programmed to receive the identifier and the first validation data from the portable computer, determine second validation data; identify a destination computer based on the identifier, and upon determining that a comparison of the first validation data and the second validation data meets a specified criterion, transmit the message from the portable computer to the destination computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, David Brian Glickman, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Annette Lynn Huebner