Patents by Inventor Brandon R. Jones

Brandon R. Jones 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).

  • Publication number: 20240075839
    Abstract: An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charging station for charging a propulsion battery pack of an electric vehicle (EV) includes a charging cabinet, an electrical cable, and a charge coupler. The charging station is operable for providing a charging voltage or current to the battery pack during a charging operation. The electrical cable has a distal end connected to the charging cabinet. The charge coupler is connected to a proximal end of the electrical cable and connects to a charge receptacle of the EV. The charge coupler includes at least one heating element connected to the charge coupler. The heating element is configured to selectively heat the charge coupler in response to the environmental state being indicative of accumulated snow or ice on the charge coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brandon R. Jones, Kodjo M. Lee, Nathan C. Adams, Michael E. Pedigo, Denise A. Burns
  • Publication number: 20240079818
    Abstract: An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charging station for charging a propulsion battery pack of an electric vehicle (EV) includes a charging cabinet, an electrical cable, a charge coupler, and a cradle operable for stowing the charge coupler. The charging station provides a charging voltage or current to the battery pack during a charging operation of the EV. The electrical cable has a distal end connected to the charging cabinet. The charge coupler is connected to a proximal end of the electrical cable and connects to a charge receptacle of the EV. The cradle includes at least one heating element connected thereto. The heating element is configured to selectively heat the cradle body in response to the environmental state of the cradle body being indicative of accumulated snow or ice on the charge coupler and/or the cradle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Denise A. Burns, Brandon R. Jones, Kodjo M. Lee, Michael E. Pedigo, Nathan C. Adams
  • Patent number: 11548402
    Abstract: A controller of a host system executes a method for detecting an external AC electrical device. While an AC charging inlet of the host system is electrically connected to the device via different vehicle-to-live (V2L) and jump-charge connections, the controller detects a control pilot voltage and a proximity voltage. When the control pilot voltage is 0V, the controller determines whether entry conditions are satisfied indicative of a desire to offload power from the host system to the device. When the entry conditions are satisfied, the proximity or control pilot voltage are modulated to generate a modulated voltage signal, which the controller compares to an expected voltage indicative of the device. Power is offloaded to the device when the modulated voltage signal matches the expected voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Douglas S. Cesiel, Jacob A. St George, Brandon R. Jones, Aniket P. Kothari, Patricia M. Laskowsky, Bryan M. Ludwig, Bryan T. Sauter, Giovanni Spoleti, Jack M. Williams, Bo Xie, Matthew A. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20220185137
    Abstract: A controller of a host system executes a method for detecting an external AC electrical device. While an AC charging inlet of the host system is electrically connected to the device via different vehicle-to-live (V2L) and jump-charge connections, the controller detects a control pilot voltage and a proximity voltage. When the control pilot voltage is 0V, the controller determines whether entry conditions are satisfied indicative of a desire to offload power from the host system to the device. When the entry conditions are satisfied, the proximity or control pilot voltage are modulated to generate a modulated voltage signal, which the controller compares to an expected voltage indicative of the device. Power is offloaded to the device when the modulated voltage signal matches the expected voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Douglas S. Cesiel, Jacob A. St George, Brandon R. Jones, Aniket P. Kothari, Patricia M. Laskowsky, Bryan M. Ludwig, Bryan T. Sauter, Giovanni Spoleti, Jack M. Williams, Bo Xie, Matthew A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11332026
    Abstract: An electric vehicle, and a system and method for charging the electric vehicle. The system includes a user locating system and a processor. The user locating system is configured to determine a location of the user. The processor is configured to charge the vehicle at a first charging rate and determine a location of a user of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle. The processor adjusts the charging of the vehicle from the first charging rate to a second charging rate when the location of the user is within a selected distance from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brandon R. Jones, Matthew S. Stout, Natalie R. Stokes, David A. Lafave
  • Patent number: 11052783
    Abstract: System and method of controlling operation of a device having multiple rechargeable packs configured to store energy. The multiple rechargeable packs include at least one primary pack characterized by a first capacity and at least one auxiliary pack characterized by a second capacity, the first capacity being greater than the second capacity. A controller is configured to selectively command one or more of the multiple rechargeable packs to begin at least one of discharging and charging. When an estimated end of trip time is less than or equal to a discharging time of the at least one auxiliary pack, the discharging of the at least one auxiliary pack is begun. When the estimated end of trip time is greater than the discharging time, the discharging is delayed until the respective state of charge of the at least one primary pack reaches a first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James C. Gibbs, Brandon R. Jones, Garrett M. Seeman
  • Publication number: 20210061112
    Abstract: An electric vehicle, and a system and method for charging the electric vehicle. The system includes a user locating system and a processor. The user locating system is configured to determine a location of the user. The processor is configured to charge the vehicle at a first charging rate and determine a location of a user of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle. The processor adjusts the charging of the vehicle from the first charging rate to a second charging rate when the location of the user is within a selected distance from the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Brandon R. Jones, Matthew S. Stout, Natalie R. Stokes, David A. Lafave
  • Publication number: 20200384880
    Abstract: System and method of controlling operation of a device having multiple rechargeable packs configured to store energy. The multiple rechargeable packs include at least one primary pack characterized by a first capacity and at least one auxiliary pack characterized by a second capacity, the first capacity being greater than the second capacity. A controller is configured to selectively command one or more of the multiple rechargeable packs to begin at least one of discharging and charging. When an estimated end of trip time is less than or equal to a discharging time of the at least one auxiliary pack, the discharging of the at least one auxiliary pack is begun. When the estimated end of trip time is greater than the discharging time, the discharging is delayed until the respective state of charge of the at least one primary pack reaches a first threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James C. Gibbs, Brandon R. Jones, Garrett M. Seeman
  • Patent number: 10800287
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for preconditioning a rechargeable energy system (RESS) for a vehicle. The method includes monitoring one or more rechargeable energy storage system parameters; adjusting a rechargeable energy storage system precondition window based on one or more of the monitored rechargeable energy storage system parameters; and prompting for or activating thermal preconditioning of the rechargeable energy storage system at least partially depending on the adjusted rechargeable energy storage system precondition window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joshua A. Vallender, Brandon R. Jones, William M. Hare, Jeanette C. Kurnik
  • Publication number: 20200055406
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for preconditioning a rechargeable energy system (RESS) for a vehicle. The method includes monitoring one or more rechargeable energy storage system parameters; adjusting a rechargeable energy storage system precondition window based on one or more of the monitored rechargeable energy storage system parameters; and prompting for or activating thermal preconditioning of the rechargeable energy storage system at least partially depending on the adjusted rechargeable energy storage system precondition window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Joshua A. Vallender, Brandon R. Jones, William M. Hare, Jeanette C. Kurnik
  • Patent number: 10457158
    Abstract: Disclosed are control algorithms and system architectures for arbitrating vehicle charging, e.g., for electric vehicles with rechargeable battery packs, wired and wireless charging capabilities, and control logic for governing such charging. A method is disclosed for managing charging of electrical storage units of motor vehicles at vehicle charging stations. The method includes determining if a wireless charging interface of the motor vehicle is available for wireless power transfer, and determining whether or not the vehicle charging station has an electrical connector coupled to a wired charging interface of the motor vehicle. Responsive to the charging station having an electrical connector coupled to the wired charging interface, the method initiates a wired (conductive) charge power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Namou, Brandon R. Jones, Douglas S. Cesiel
  • Patent number: 10401525
    Abstract: A delayed charging system for a vehicle implements an energy transfer efficiency check prior to the scheduled charge time to confirm sufficient grid power quality and wireless power quality. In addition to this, a foreign object check is performed prior to the scheduled charge. These checks are performed immediately after the customer sets up the delayed session as well as at specified intervals after that. If a power quality issue is detected, the customer will be alerted so they can remedy the situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ryan M. Ashby, Brandon R. Jones, Andrew J. Namou
  • Publication number: 20190263271
    Abstract: A method and system for use in performing a real-time charge session swap between a primary electric vehicle located at a charging station of an electric vehicle charging facility and a secondary electric vehicle located at the electric vehicle charging facility, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving via a mobile wireless device a request for an electric vehicle charge session swap; (b) receiving one or more charge priority metrics from the secondary electric vehicle indicating a level of need for charging of the secondary electric vehicle; (c) providing an acceptance of the request for the electric vehicle charge session swap based on an evaluation of the charge priority metrics; and (d) notifying the secondary electric vehicle of the acceptance, thereby communicating the availability of the charging station for use by the secondary electric vehicle to carry out the electric vehicle charge session swap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Ryan Ashby, Brandon R. Jones, Matthew S. Stout, Jeanette C. Kurnik
  • Patent number: 10245966
    Abstract: Disclosed are control algorithms and system architectures for managing wireless vehicle charging, including vehicles with rechargeable battery packs, wireless charging capabilities, and control logic for governing such charging. A method is disclosed for managing charging of an electrical storage unit of a motor vehicle at a wireless vehicle charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brandon R. Jones, Ryan M. Ashby, Andrew J. Namou
  • Patent number: 10218196
    Abstract: A system of selecting charging modes for a rechargeable energy storage unit in an autonomous device includes a controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions. The controller is configured to determine availability of at least one charging station and at least one parking lot through a survey of local charging infrastructure and local parking infrastructure, respectively, within a predefined radius of the autonomous device. The controller is configured to determine if it is cost-effective during an excursion to incur a charging fee at the charging station or incur a parking fee at the parking lot. If it is cost-effective to incur the charging fee, then the controller is configured to selectively employ at least one of a plurality of charging modes, including an open-ended charging mode and a defined departure charging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brandon R. Jones, Ryan Ashby, Tony Wingett, Margaret C. Richards, Matthew S. Stout, Cody D. Berman
  • Publication number: 20190058342
    Abstract: A system of selecting charging modes for a rechargeable energy storage unit in an autonomous device includes a controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions. The controller is configured to determine availability of at least one charging station and at least one parking lot through a survey of local charging infrastructure and local parking infrastructure, respectively, within a predefined radius of the autonomous device. The controller is configured to determine if it is cost-effective during an excursion to incur a charging fee at the charging station or incur a parking fee at the parking lot. If it is cost-effective to incur the charging fee, then the controller is configured to selectively employ at least one of a plurality of charging modes, including an open-ended charging mode and a defined departure charging mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brandon R. Jones, Ryan Ashby, Tony Wingett, Margaret C. Richards, Matthew S. Stout, Cody D. Berman
  • Publication number: 20180354383
    Abstract: Disclosed are control algorithms and system architectures for arbitrating vehicle charging, e.g., for electric vehicles with rechargeable battery packs, wired and wireless charging capabilities, and control logic for governing such charging. A method is disclosed for managing charging of electrical storage units of motor vehicles at vehicle charging stations. The method includes determining if a wireless charging interface of the motor vehicle is available for wireless power transfer, and determining whether or not the vehicle charging station has an electrical connector coupled to a wired charging interface of the motor vehicle. Responsive to the charging station having an electrical connector coupled to the wired charging interface, the method initiates a wired (conductive) charge power mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Namou, Brandon R. Jones, Douglas S. Cesiel
  • Publication number: 20180290551
    Abstract: Disclosed are control algorithms and system architectures for managing wireless vehicle charging, including vehicles with rechargeable battery packs, wireless charging capabilities, and control logic for governing such charging. A method is disclosed for managing charging of an electrical storage unit of a motor vehicle at a wireless vehicle charging station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brandon R. Jones, Ryan M. Ashby, Andrew J. Namou
  • Publication number: 20180257500
    Abstract: A delayed charging system for a vehicle implements an energy transfer efficiency check prior to the scheduled charge time to confirm sufficient grid power quality and wireless power quality. In addition to this, a foreign object check is performed prior to the scheduled charge. These checks are performed immediately after the customer sets up the delayed session as well as at specified intervals after that. If a power quality issue is detected, the customer will be alerted so they can remedy the situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Ryan M. ASHBY, Brandon R. JONES, Andrew J. NAMOU
  • Patent number: 10065518
    Abstract: An off-board charging device disposed to electrically charge an electric energy storage system via an electrical charging system on-board a vehicle is described. This includes an electric machine electrically connected to the electric energy storage system and is disposed to supply propulsion effort to the vehicle. A method for controlling the off-board charging device includes determining severity of a drive cycle that occurs prior to a charging event for the electric energy storage system. A charging profile is determined based upon the severity of the drive cycle. A controller commands operation of the off-board charging device based upon the charging profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Russell K. Steele, Peter Kung Chiang, Brandon R. Jones