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).

  • POWER FOLD SEAT WITH INTUITIVE CONTROLS
    Publication number: 20200139850
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided herein. The seating assembly includes a seat-base. A seatback is pivotally coupled to the seat-base and includes a trim cover. The trim cover includes a front-portion, an upper-portion, and a rear-portion. A motorized system is coupled to the seatback and operable to pivot the seatback relative to the seat-base. A switch extends along the upper-portion and the rear-portion of the trim cover and is configured to activate the motorized system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Aaron Halonen, Pietro Buttolo, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Johnathan Andrew Line, Michael Kolich
  • Vehicle mirror assemblies for addressing moisture accumulation
    Patent number: 10632922
    Abstract: This disclosure details vehicle systems and methods for controlling vehicle exterior mirror assemblies to reduce moisture accumulation on exposed surfaces of the mirror assemblies. An exemplary vehicle system includes a mirror assembly, a sensor system configured to detect moisture on a vehicle surface, and a control module configured to automatically command a mirror of the mirror assembly to a tilted position in response to detecting the moisture on the vehicle surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Erick Michael Lavoie, Pietro Buttolo
  • PROVIDING TRIP STATUS IN A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20200116503
    Abstract: A computer having a processor and memory storing instructions executable by the processor. The computer is programmed to: determine a total trip parameter associated with a destination of an occupant of a vehicle; determine a progress parameter since an outset of an occupant trip; and control a light output of a status assembly, wherein the output represents the parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Stuart C. SALTER, Annette Lynn HUEBNER, Pietro BUTTOLO, Paul Kenneth DELLOCK, Kristin Ann HELLMAN
  • Moving vehicles on and off transport carriages
    Patent number: 10620630
    Abstract: A method that includes a computer in a vehicle. The method includes: controlling an approach to a pivotable bridge that spans between two transport carriages or between one of the carriages and a vehicle loader; receiving, from a communication device coupled to the bridge or one of the carriages, an indication to cross the bridge; and based on the indication, crossing the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Annette Lynn Huebner
  • Method for autonomous vehicle selection when using a vehicle controller
    Patent number: 10616738
    Abstract: A portable interface, comprising a wireless transceiver configured to emit a short-range wireless signal including an encrypted packet configured to prompt authorized autonomous vehicles to respond to the packet with identification and location data of the vehicles. The portable interface further includes a processor configured to cause the transceiver to emit the signal, and in response to receiving the identification and location data, prompt a notification to be output to a shortest-distance vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Paul Kenneth Dellock, James Stewart Rankin, II
  • Vehicle inspection
    Patent number: 10585439
    Abstract: A system includes a computer that is programmed to receive, from an aerial drone, image data that identifies a vehicle, a vehicle location, and a vehicle status; and based on the received image data, transmit an instruction to the vehicle to actuate a vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Brent Young
  • Cargo loader
    Patent number: 10576851
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back and a track attached to the seat back. An extendible member is moveably engaged with the track. The extendible member is moveable along the seat back between a retracted position and an extended position. The extendible member extends outside a vehicle when the extendible member is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Annette Lynn Huebner, Pietro Buttolo, Lori Ross
  • Method and apparatus for dynamic remote control reconfiguration based on proximity to a vehicle
    Patent number: 10571907
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to provide a remote vehicle controller a varied level of vehicle driving control, to drive a vehicle via the controller, responsive to a determination of the remote vehicle controller location relative to the vehicle. The controller interface may be visually adaptable based on a particular designated style of control, including, for example, in-vehicle control, near-vehicle control and far-from-vehicle control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Paul Kenneth Dellock, James Stewart Rankin, II
  • APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR QUEUEING TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS AND PASSENGERS
    Publication number: 20200058092
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for queueing transportation providers and passengers are described. A method includes queuing in a first queue, first broadcast messages received from passenger mobile devices and queuing in a second queue, second broadcast messages received from transportation provider mobile devices. The method also includes comparing, via a processor, each of the first broadcast messages in the first queue to the second broadcast messages in the second queue to identify a match between one of the first broadcast messages and one of the second broadcast messages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Pietro BUTTOLO, Stuart C. SALTER, Annette Lynn HUEBNER, Paul Kenneth DELLOCK, James Stewart RANKIN
  • Autonomous vehicle LIDAR mirror
    Patent number: 10564261
    Abstract: A mirror assembly is coupled to a vehicle and includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a mirror, and a metallized cover. A conductive mirror base is coupled to the LIDAR sensor, mirror, and metallized cover to form the mirror assembly. The mirror and metallized cover are each grounded to the conductive mirror base where the mirror and metallized cover each help to shield the LIDAR sensor from electromagnetic interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Kristin Ann Hellman, Pietro Buttolo
  • CARGO LOADER
    Publication number: 20200017005
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back and a track attached to the seat back. An extendible member is moveably engaged with the track. The extendible member is moveable along the seat back between a retracted position and an extended position. The extendible member extends outside a vehicle when the extendible member is in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Annette Lynn Huebner, Pietro Buttolo, Lori Ross
  • Traffic system linked illuminating vehicle assembly
    Patent number: 10529229
    Abstract: An exemplary vehicle system includes an illuminating vehicle assembly and a control system configured to communicate with a traffic control device and control the illuminating vehicle assembly to emit lighting effects that are synchronized with the traffic control device. An exemplary method for controlling the illuminating vehicle assembly includes receiving a wireless signal from a traffic control device, and controlling the illuminating vehicle assembly to produce a lighting effect that is synchronized with a corresponding lighting effect of the traffic control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo, Annette Lynn Huebner, James J. Surman
  • POWERED TAILGATE ASSEMBLY AND CORRESPONDING METHOD
    Publication number: 20200002995
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle, such as a pickup truck, including a including a powered tailgate assembly and a corresponding method of using the same. An exemplary motor vehicle includes a powered tailgate assembly having a tailgate moveable between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The tailgate is also moveable to a neutral loading position near the fully open position. Further, the motor vehicle includes a controller configured to identify the onset of an active loading condition when the tailgate moves from the neutral loading position toward the fully open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Aaron Halonen, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo
  • Proximity switch having wrong touch adaptive learning and method
    Patent number: 10501027
    Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method are provided having wrong touch feedback and adaptive learning. The method includes the steps of detecting multiple attempted activations of a proximity switch that is not allowed, and adjusting one or more settings based on the detected multiple attempted activations to provide adaptive learning. The method also includes the steps of detecting an allowed activation of the proximity switch based on the adjusted one or more settings, and performing an action in response to the detected allowed activation. The proximity switch assembly includes one or more user perceived feedback devices for generating user perceived feedback when an attempted activation that is not allowed is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Stuart C. Salter
  • Foldable side mirror and method of using the same
    Patent number: 10501016
    Abstract: A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a side mirror assembly having a mirror housing and a mirror. The mirror housing is moveable between a normal position and a partially-folded position, and the mirror is moveable relative to the mirror housing such that a line of sight remains the same in the normal and partially-folded positions. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Keith Hoelscher, Erick Michael Lavoie, Pietro Buttolo
  • Vehicle light assembly
    Patent number: 10493904
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a mirror light assembly. A plurality of light sources is disposed in a housing and a plurality of reflectors surrounds each light source having a focal axis that is offset from each of the remaining reflectors. A sensor is configured to detect an object proximate the vehicle. A controller is configured to selectively illuminate the light sources to illuminate the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo, Annette Lynn Huebner
  • Rear camera with defroster and embedded proximity switch
    Patent number: 10499017
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for operating a rear camera with an embedded defroster and proximity switch. An example vehicle includes a rear view camera having a lens, an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) coating applied to the lens, and a control system. The control system is configured to detect a water-based obstruction on the lens, run current through the ITO coating to remove the water-based obstruction, detect a lens touch event, and release a vehicle trunk latch responsive to the lens touch event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo, Stuart C. Salter, Aaron Bradley Johnson
  • Vehicle electrical connector
    Patent number: 10483678
    Abstract: An electrical connector is provided herein. The electrical connector includes a base member disposed within an exterior panel on a vehicle. A port is disposed within a surface of the base member. A wireless transceiver disposed within the vehicle. A controller is configured to selectively activate the port based on a location of an electronic device in relation to the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Stuart C. Salter, Christopher Anthony Danowski, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Capacitive sensor and switch assembly with decorative conductive component
    Patent number: 10476501
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor and switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first electrode forming a decorative conductive component on a vehicle, and a second electrode dielectrically isolated from the first electrode and electrically coupled therewith to generate an activation field. The assembly also includes a dielectric layer disposed between the first and second electrodes, and a controller for processing a signal generated from the activation field and sensing an object, wherein the controller determines activation of a switch based on the signal generated from the activation field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo, Wei Xu, Satyanarayana Raju Vemulapati
  • Vehicle window having moisture sensor
    Patent number: 10466195
    Abstract: A proximity switch and moisture sensing assembly includes a vehicle window and a proximity switch including a proximity sensor located on the window and providing an activation field. The proximity switch and moisture sensing assembly also includes control circuitry monitoring a signal responsive to the activation field, determining a switch activation based on the signal, and determining a moisture value based upon the signal. A conductive shield may be disposed between the proximity sensors and the outside environment to reduce the effects of moisture on the outer side of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo