Patents by Inventor Brian V. Castillo

Brian V. Castillo 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: 20240326926
    Abstract: A skid plate for a vehicle includes a first layer, including a first material and a second layer, including a second material, which may be different from the first material. The second layer may be attached or bonded to the first layer and may convert a concentrated load into a distributed load. The second layer may provide thermal insulation for at least one underbody component of the vehicle. For example, the first layer may be metallic, while the second layer may be a rigid foam. The rigid foam may include an expanding adhesive foam. An adhesive may be disposed between the first layer and the second layer, to attach or bond the first layer to the second layer. The second layer may be adjacent to at least one underbody component of the vehicle. The concentrated load may correspond with a contact to the first layer of the skid plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Brian V. Castillo
  • Publication number: 20240262322
    Abstract: A trailering system of a vehicle includes: a trailer hitch configured to receive a ball, the ball configured to be coupled to trailers for towing; a force sensor configured to measure at least one of: a first force on the trailer hitch in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a second force on the trailer hitch in a latitudinal direction of the vehicle; and a third force on the trailer hitch in a vertical direction; and a display module configured to selectively indicate a present condition of a trailer that is coupled to the trailer hitch based on the at least one of the first force, the second force, and the third force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2023
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Inventor: Brian V. CASTILLO
  • Patent number: 12054086
    Abstract: A foldable ramp includes a first ramp element including a first end, a second end, and a first ramp surface extending between the first end and the second end, a second ramp element including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a second ramp surface extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a hinge connecting the second end of the first ramp element and the second end portion of the second ramp element. A first tension element has a first end section connected to the first end and a second end section. A second tension element has a first end segment pivotally connected to the first end portion and a second end segment connected to the second end section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Brian V. Castillo
  • Publication number: 20240017657
    Abstract: A foldable ramp includes a first ramp element including a first end, a second end, and a first ramp surface extending between the first end and the second end, a second ramp element including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a second ramp surface extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a hinge connecting the second end of the first ramp element and the second end portion of the second ramp element. A first tension element has a first end section connected to the first end and a second end section. A second tension element has a first end segment pivotally connected to the first end portion and a second end segment connected to the second end section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2022
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventor: Brian V. Castillo
  • Publication number: 20240010062
    Abstract: An integrated electrified propulsion system for a vehicle includes a single electric machine, a mechanical geartrain, a rechargeable energy storage device, an integrated cooling system, and a power electronics system. The single electric machine, the mechanical geartrain, the integrated cooling system, the rechargeable energy storage device, and the power electronics system are arranged in a single housing. The single electric machine is rotatably coupled to the mechanical geartrain to transfer mechanical power therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joel S. Hooton, Brian V. Castillo, Joseph D. Kliewer, Alan G. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20230367310
    Abstract: A telepresence system for a motor vehicle includes a first telecommunication device arranged on the vehicle for receiving audio and video data from a remote source via a second telecommunication device. The system also includes an audio speaker arranged on the vehicle exterior for reproducing the received audio data and a visual display device facing the vehicle exterior for displaying the video data toward an environment surrounding the vehicle. The system additionally includes a microphone for capturing sound proximate the vehicle and communicating the captured sound to the first telecommunication device. The system further includes a camera for generating an image of the surrounding environment and communicating the generated image to the first telecommunication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Brian V. Castillo
  • Publication number: 20230339533
    Abstract: A steering control including a steering column, a hub fixedly connected to the steering column, and a support member fixedly connected to the hub. The support member has a continuous outer surface including a central point. A steering member is moveably mounted upon the support member and a steering module is mounted in the support member. The steering module converts movement of the steering member relative to the support member into a steering position signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventor: Brian V. Castillo
  • Patent number: 11787249
    Abstract: A receiver hitch for a tow vehicle comprises a tubular receiver located centrally of the receiver hitch having a receiver opening facing outwardly of the tow vehicle. Hitch pin openings are located in opposing side-walls of the tubular receiver having a common axis and configured to receive a hitch pin. A detection device, for detection of the hitch pin, is located about an outer portion of the tubular receiver and includes hitch pin openings that are located in opposing side-walls and have the common axis of the hitch pin openings in the tubular receiver. Electrical contacts at the hitch pin openings in the detection device are in communication with an electrical circuit of the tow vehicle. The hitch pin operates to close the electrical circuit upon insertion into the openings in the detection device and the tubular receiver and contact with the electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian V. Castillo, Sheryl K. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20230311873
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for a vehicle tethered by a hitch to a trailer. The method includes generating sensor data from one or more sensors that are responsive to forces applied to the hitch by a vehicle mechanically coupled to the hitch; receiving sensor data to compute a direction for the guidance of the trailer; monitoring a set of parameters reflecting forces in a lateral and traverse direction derived from data generated by the sensors wherein the set of parameters include at least one parameter of a magnitude of force, and at least one parameter of the direction of force acting upon the hitch; and calculating at least a rate-of-change of the magnitude of force and direction over time to determine a trajectory for the trailer that enables the trailer to follow the lead vehicle without a tractive effort of the lead vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Ray Bolf, Brian V. Castillo, Justin M Wade, Christopher Alexander O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20230278381
    Abstract: A receiver hitch for a tow vehicle comprises a tubular receiver located centrally of the receiver hitch having a receiver opening facing outwardly of the tow vehicle. Hitch pin openings are located in opposing side-walls of the tubular receiver having a common axis and configured to receive a hitch pin. A detection device, for detection of the hitch pin, is located about an outer portion of the tubular receiver and includes hitch pin openings that are located in opposing side-walls and have the common axis of the hitch pin openings in the tubular receiver. Electrical contacts at the hitch pin openings in the detection device are in communication with an electrical circuit of the tow vehicle. The hitch pin operates to close the electrical circuit upon insertion into the openings in the detection device and the tubular receiver and contact with the electrical contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Brian V. Castillo, Sheryl K. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20230264437
    Abstract: A multi-component reinforced part forming device includes a forming member having a first side including a wear surface defining a part-shaped cavity, an opposing second side including a protrusion corresponding to the part-shaped cavity, and a peripheral edge. A frame extends about the peripheral edge. The frame includes a first edge arranged adjacent the wear surface and a second edge spaced from the opposing second side. The frame and the opposing second side define a void. A plurality of reinforcing members is arranged in the void. A first number of the plurality of reinforcing members supports the opposing second side and a second number of the plurality of reinforcing members supports the protrusion. An amount of reinforcing backing material is disposed in the void.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Brian V. Castillo, Joshua Lee Solomon, James W. Wells
  • Patent number: 11383787
    Abstract: Presented are multi-axis pivoting coupler joints for motorized vehicles, methods for making/using such coupler joints, and electric scooters with multi-axis pivoting coupler joints enabling multimodal scooter operation. A pivoting coupler joint includes first and second bearing assemblies each with a respective housing, respective inner and outer races concentric with each other and located in their respective housing, and a respective set of rolling elements rollably interposed between their respective inner and outer races. The first inner race of the first bearing assembly receives therethrough and circumscribes an axle shaft of a vehicle wheel. The second inner race attaches to a wheeled rider deck of the vehicle. The first and second bearing housings are joined together and angularly offset from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bradly LaBaere, Carlos E. Caro Suarez, Brian V. Castillo, Sandra N Thomson
  • Patent number: 11370346
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems are provided for forming an autonomous vehicle of an upper body unit configured to consume space in an upward direction to minimize a horizontal footprint and enable a stacking of vehicle components on top of each other in the upward direction; a lower chassis unit configured to oppose the upper body unit and include a structure for supporting the modular unit with prismatic cross members to configure to a range of module unit widths, the lower chassis unit including: a set of structural rails on either side of the lower chassis unit configured in a rigid frame unit with longitudinal members wherein the structural rails can be attached to another corresponding set of structural rails; a plurality of compartment units including: front-compartment, rear-compartment, and mid-compartment units configured to be attached on either side of the lower chassis unit for the forming of the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian V. Castillo, Wade W. Bryant
  • Patent number: 11299205
    Abstract: A body structure for an automotive vehicle includes an enclosure for a power source, an upper shear structure assembly and a lower shear structure assembly. The enclosure includes a front cross-member, a rear cross-member, a left rocker and a right rocker. The upper and lower shear structure assemblies are disposed across the top and bottom of the enclosure, respectively, and are fastened to respective top and bottom surfaces of the cross-members and rockers. The upper and lower shear structure assemblies may include respective front and rear generally trapezoidal sections configured for attachment to respective front and rear box structures. Each of the shear structure assemblies is effective to dissipate in-plane a portion of an external load imposed upon the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert N. Saje, Brian V. Castillo, Giles D. Bryer, Warren J. Parsons, Michael T. Chaney, Eric A. Mathieson, James A. Rochon
  • Patent number: 11090998
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a platform, a first axle beam attached to a front end of the platform at a first pivot, and a second axle beam attached to a rear end of the platform at a second pivot. The first axle beam is rotatable independently of the platform. The second axle beam is rotatable independently of the platform. The vehicle includes a plurality of first wheels fixed to the first axle beam and configured to move the platform. The vehicle includes a plurality of second wheels fixed to the second axle beam and configured to move the platform. The vehicle includes a link attached to one side of the platform at a third pivot. The link is movable about the third pivot independently of the beams to constrain movement of the platform in response to articulation of the first axle beam and/or the second axle beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Brian V. Castillo
  • Publication number: 20210245809
    Abstract: A body structure for an automotive vehicle includes an enclosure for a power source, an upper shear structure assembly and a lower shear structure assembly. The enclosure includes a front cross-member, a rear cross-member, a left rocker and a right rocker. The upper and lower shear structure assemblies are disposed across the top and bottom of the enclosure, respectively, and are fastened to respective top and bottom surfaces of the cross-members and rockers. The upper and lower shear structure assemblies may include respective front and rear generally trapezoidal sections configured for attachment to respective front and rear box structures. Each of the shear structure assemblies is effective to dissipate in-plane a portion of an external load imposed upon the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert N. Saje, Brian V. Castillo, Giles D. Bryer, Warren J. Parsons, Michael T. Chaney, Eric A. Mathieson, James A. Rochon
  • Patent number: 11009126
    Abstract: A control-linkage assembly for a differential of a vehicle includes a differential housing and a linkage apparatus. The differential housing includes sides spaced from each other relative to a lateral axis. The sides each define a respective hole along the lateral axis. The differential housing includes a front end and a rear end spaced from each other relative to a central axis. The differential housing includes a support at the front end. The linkage apparatus is coupled to the support to control motion of the differential housing. An axle assembly for a vehicle includes an axle housing and the control-linkage assembly coupled to the axle housing. The control-linkage assembly includes the differential housing and the linkage apparatus as discussed above. The differential housing is fixed to the axle housing to form a unit. The linkage apparatus is coupled to the support to control motion of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Rogers, Sean Gaw, Daniel J. Parrino, Brian V. Castillo
  • Patent number: 11001152
    Abstract: Presented are adaptive propulsion assist systems and control logic for manually-powered vehicles, methods for making/using such systems, and intelligent electric scooters with distributed sensing and control-loop feedback for adaptive e-assist operations. A method for regulating a propulsion assist system of a manually-powered vehicle includes a vehicle controller detecting a user contacting the vehicle's handlebar, responsively receiving sensor signals indicative of a user-applied force to the handlebar, and then determining a net user-applied force based on the handlebar force and user-generated forces applied to the scooter deck. The vehicle controller also receives sensor signals indicative of the vehicle's current acceleration, and determines therefrom a pitch angle of the surface on which the vehicle moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Carlos E. Caro Suarez, Brian V. Castillo, Sandra N. Thomson, Bradly LaBaere
  • Publication number: 20210061157
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems are provided for forming an autonomous vehicle of an upper body unit configured to consume space in an upward direction to minimize a horizontal footprint and enable a stacking of vehicle components on top of each other in the upward direction; a lower chassis unit configured to oppose the upper body unit and include a structure for supporting the modular unit with prismatic cross members to configure to a range of module unit widths, the lower chassis unit including: a set of structural rails on either side of the lower chassis unit configured in a rigid frame unit with longitudinal members wherein the structural rails can be attached to another corresponding set of structural rails; a plurality of compartment units including: front-compartment, rear-compartment, and mid-compartment units configured to be attached on either side of the lower chassis unit for the forming of the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian V. Castillo, Wade W. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20200393042
    Abstract: A control-linkage assembly for a differential of a vehicle includes a differential housing and a linkage apparatus. The differential housing includes sides spaced from each other relative to a lateral axis. The sides each define a respective hole along the lateral axis. The differential housing includes a front end and a rear end spaced from each other relative to a central axis. The differential housing includes a support at the front end. The linkage apparatus is coupled to the support to control motion of the differential housing. An axle assembly for a vehicle includes an axle housing and the control-linkage assembly coupled to the axle housing. The control-linkage assembly includes the differential housing and the linkage apparatus as discussed above. The differential housing is fixed to the axle housing to form a unit. The linkage apparatus is coupled to the support to control motion of the unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Rogers, Sean Gaw, Daniel J. Parrino, Brian V. Castillo