Patents by Inventor Christopher E. Borroni-Bird
Christopher E. Borroni-Bird 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).
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Patent number: 9085302Abstract: A modular robotic vehicle includes a chassis, driver input devices, an energy storage system (ESS), a power electronics module (PEM), modular electronic assemblies (eModules) connected to the ESS via the PEM, one or more master controllers, and various embedded controllers. Each eModule includes a drive wheel containing a propulsion-braking module, and a housing containing propulsion and braking control assemblies with respective embedded propulsion and brake controllers, and a mounting bracket covering a steering control assembly with embedded steering controllers. The master controller, which is in communication with each eModule and with the driver input devices, communicates with and independently controls each eModule, by-wire, via the embedded controllers to establish a desired operating mode. Modes may include a two-wheel, four-wheel, diamond, and omni-directional steering modes as well as a park mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Robert L. Vitale, Chunhao J. Lee, Robert O. Ambrose, William J. Bluethmann, Lucien Q. Junkin, Jonathan J. Lutz, Raymond Guo, Anthony Joseph Lapp, Justin S. Ridley
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Publication number: 20150083509Abstract: A modular robotic vehicle includes a chassis, driver input devices, an energy storage system (ESS), a power electronics module (PEM), modular electronic assemblies (eModules) connected to the ESS via the PEM, one or more master controllers, and various embedded controllers. Each eModule includes a drive wheel containing a propulsion-braking module, and a housing containing propulsion and braking control assemblies with respective embedded propulsion and brake controllers, and a mounting bracket covering a steering control assembly with embedded steering controllers. The master controller, which is in communication with each eModule and with the driver input devices, communicates with and independently controls each eModule, by-wire, via the embedded controllers to establish a desired operating mode. Modes may include a two-wheel, four-wheel, diamond, and omni-directional steering modes as well as a park mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicants: The U.S.A. As Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Robert L. Vitale, Chunhao J. Lee, Robert O. Ambrose, William J. Bluethmann, Lucien Q. Junkin, Jonathan J. Lutz, Raymond Guo, Anthony Joseph Lapp, Justin S. Ridley
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Patent number: 8727426Abstract: An expandable vehicle system includes a drivable vehicle having a first propulsion system, a first set of wheels, and a first body supported by the first set of wheels. The first body at least substantially encloses and defines a first interior compartment. An extension unit has a second body and at least one wheel supporting the second body. The second body at least partially defines a second interior compartment. The first body is configured with a first attachment interface and the second body is configured with a second attachment interface. The first and second attachment interfaces are cooperatively configured to attach to one another such that the drivable vehicle is mechanically-coupled to the extension unit to form an expanded vehicle drivable by the drivable vehicle and with the first interior compartment contiguous with the second interior compartment.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert L. Vitale, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Roland J. Menassa
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Patent number: 8565977Abstract: An apparatus to turn a vehicle in a low speed zero slip turning maneuver includes a vehicle body and a vehicle chassis including a plurality of wheels, wherein every wheel of the chassis is steerable, and an electric propulsion system. The apparatus also includes a low speed turning maneuver module monitoring a desired low speed zero slip turning maneuver, determining a desired instant center of rotation for the vehicle based upon the desired low speed zero slip turning maneuver, determining a wheel orientation for each of the wheels perpendicular to the desired instant center of rotation, and controlling each of the wheels according to the corresponding determined wheel orientation.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Rajiv K. Gupta, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird
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Patent number: 8540272Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes a vehicle chassis frame. The frame has a first frame portion and a second frame portion operatively connected to the first frame portion. The second frame portion is selectively movable with respect to the first frame portion such that the length of the chassis is selectively variable. The chassis may thus be lengthened to support the addition of an extension unit when additional passenger space or cargo space is desired.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert L. Vitale, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Roland J. Menassa
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Publication number: 20130241236Abstract: An expandable vehicle system includes a drivable vehicle having a first propulsion system, a first set of wheels, and a first body supported by the first set of wheels. The first body at least substantially encloses and defines a first interior compartment. An extension unit has a second body and at least one wheel supporting the second body. The second body at least partially defines a second interior compartment. The first body is configured with a first attachment interface and the second body is configured with a second attachment interface. The first and second attachment interfaces are cooperatively configured to attach to one another such that the drivable vehicle is mechanically-coupled to the extension unit to form an expanded vehicle drivable by the drivable vehicle and with the first interior compartment contiguous with the second interior compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Robert L. Vitale, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Roland J. Menassa
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Patent number: 8336912Abstract: A system for and method of facilitating or enabling a lateral maneuver by a vehicle, including and utilizing a plurality of selectively engaged low friction components, such as rollers, bearings, balls, or high durometer high abrasion resistant low loss modulus rubber treads, and an actuator, such as at least one inflatable bladder, pivotal support strut, or active material element, drivenly coupled to the components.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan L. Browne, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Mark A. Kramarczyk
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Publication number: 20110083921Abstract: A system for and method of facilitating or enabling a lateral maneuver by a vehicle, including and utilizing a plurality of selectively engaged low friction components, such as rollers, bearings, balls, or high durometer high abrasion resistant low loss modulus rubber treads, and an actuator, such as at least one inflatable bladder, pivotal support strut, or active material element, drivenly coupled to the components.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Mark A. Kramarczyk
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Publication number: 20100324782Abstract: An apparatus to turn a vehicle in a low speed zero slip turning maneuver includes a vehicle body and a vehicle chassis including a plurality of wheels, wherein every wheel of the chassis is steerable, and an electric propulsion system. The apparatus also includes a low speed turning maneuver module monitoring a desired low speed zero slip turning maneuver, determining a desired instant center of rotation for the vehicle based upon the desired low speed zero slip turning maneuver, determining a wheel orientation for each of the wheels perpendicular to the desired instant center of rotation, and controlling each of the wheels according to the corresponding determined wheel orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Rajiv K. Gupta, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird
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Patent number: 7750796Abstract: A variably illuminable display is provided for use with a vehicle having a regenerative braking capability with a detectable recharging rate. The display has a variable width, variable color, and variable intensity that are proportionately and continuously variable in response to the detected charging rate. The display is adapted to at least partially circumscribe a circular instrument gauge to thereby form an illuminable halo. A method is also provided for displaying the rate of energy transfer of a regenerative braking system aboard a vehicle, including detecting the recharging rate or rate of energy transfer of the regenerative braking process, communicating the detected recharging rate to a controllable display, and continuously varying at least one of the variable width, variable color, and variable intensity of the controllable display in proportion to the detected rate of energy transfer.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Joseph F. Mercurio
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Patent number: 7597169Abstract: A wheel module is configured for use on a vehicle chassis. A drivable vehicle includes a wheel module operatively connected to a vehicle chassis. The wheel module includes at least one non-rotating structural unit, a rotatable wheel controllably connected to the structural unit, a vehicle attachment interface operatively connected to the non-rotating structural unit including a load-bearing vehicle retention coupling and a control signal receiver. The wheel module further includes chassis components including at least one of a brake system, steering system, motor and suspension system operatively connected to the non-rotating structural unit and to the wheel, and operatively connected to the control signal receiver for controlling the wheel in response to non-mechanical control signals received through the control signal receiver.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Adrian B. Chernoff, Mohsen D. Shabana, Robert Louis Vitale, Bruce Edward Zemke
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Patent number: 7509195Abstract: A driver control input device includes a support post and a steering ring rotatably supported with respect to the support post. A steering transducer is operatively connected between the steering ring and support post to convert mechanical rotation of the steering ring into non-mechanical steering control signals to be sent to a steer-by-wire system. A braking ring and acceleration ring may also be provided for generating non-mechanical braking and acceleration control signals.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Adrian B. Chernoff, James T. Embach, Julien Montousse, Mohsen D. Shabana, Joseph F. Szczerba
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Patent number: 7441615Abstract: A chassis having systems responsive to a nonmechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface includes preassembled modules to enhance ease and simplicity of chassis assembly. The chassis is preferably configured to minimize the possibility of a preassembled module being incorrectly positioned within the chassis. Methods for advantageously employing preassembled modules to assemble vehicle chassis are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Adrian B. Chernoff, Mohsen D. Shabana, Robert Louis Vitale, Tommy E. White
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Patent number: 7398846Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a rotatable wheel having a selectively adjustable steering angle. A steering actuator is operatively connected to the wheel and is configured to selectively adjust the steering angle of the wheel and not any other wheels. The wheel assembly allows independent control of the steering angle of the wheel. The wheel assembly also facilitates modular construction of vehicles by enabling the packaging of mechanical steering components in a preassembled wheel module with simple electrical connections to a vehicle chassis.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: David A. Young, Mohsen D. Shabana, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Adrian B. Chernoff, Robert L. Vitale, Bruce Edward Zemke
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Patent number: 7373315Abstract: Various vehicle body business processes are described which capitalize upon the interchangeability of vehicle bodies on a flat rolling chassis. The ability to interchange vehicle bodies and exchange modular interior components enables substantial freedom and variation in the types of automobile, trucks, heavy equipment, machinery, RV bodies, etc. that can be interchanged on a rolling chassis. Various seating arrangements may be provided as well as enhanced space utilization, and different types of interior and exterior environments, aesthetics and functionality, including sound, lighting, and other technology enhancements may be provided on a body. Methods and structures are described for facilitating the exchange of modular body components, such as via a removable body floor.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Adrian B. Chernoff, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Mohsen D. Shabana, Robert Louis Vitale
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Patent number: 7360816Abstract: A vehicle development process is characterized by enhanced market responsiveness by decoupling the development of the chassis from the development of vehicle bodies. The chassis and bodies are provided with a common, standardized interface system so that a single chassis design or a family of chassis designs may receive any of a variety of different body types thereon. Accordingly, the chassis are designed to enable the bodies to be designed and produced independently. The bodies are designed and manufactured all over the world to meet different consumer desires. Designers are able to redesign vehicle bodies without re-engineering the entire vehicle. The freedom to design, develop and distribute vehicle bodies more quickly with greater design freedom enables the manufacturer to be more responsive to local, regional and global market needs.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Adrian B. Chernoff, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Mohsen D. Shabana, Robert Louis Vitale
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Patent number: 7344200Abstract: A vehicle braking system has two driver-operable input devices. The vehicle braking system is sufficiently configured such that one of the driver-operable input devices is effective in causing resistance to the rotation of at least one wheel only when a predetermined condition exists, and the other driver-operable input device is effective independent of the predetermined condition.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Sanjeev M. Naik, Joseph F. Szczerba
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Publication number: 20070295544Abstract: A variably illuminable display is provided for use with a vehicle having a regenerative braking capability with a detectable recharging rate. The display has a variable width, variable color, and variable intensity that are proportionately and continuously variable in response to the detected charging rate. The display is adapted to at least partially circumscribe a circular instrument gauge to thereby form an illuminable halo. A method is also provided for displaying the rate of energy transfer of a regenerative braking system aboard a vehicle, including detecting the recharging rate or rate of energy transfer of the regenerative braking process, communicating the detected recharging rate to a controllable display, and continuously varying at least one of the variable width, variable color, and variable intensity of the controllable display in proportion to the detected rate of energy transfer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2007Publication date: December 27, 2007Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Joseph F. Mercurio
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Patent number: 7303211Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes a frame defining a cavity, and a tank configured to store compressed hydrogen gas. The tank is at least partially located within the cavity, and is longitudinally oriented with respect to the frame to maximize the fuel-storage capability of the vehicle chassis. In an exemplary embodiment, a floorpan includes a concavity to accommodate at least a portion of the tank, with a corresponding protuberance in the passenger compartment floor surface of the vehicle chassis.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Mohsen D. Shabana
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Patent number: 7301442Abstract: A multi-functional fob provides at least one of the features selected from a programmable lock/unlock button; a voice activated button; an ice-scraper; a credit card strip; and a rechargeable interface. One or a combination of the features may be integrated into a single fob. A fob-retaining device may be provided. Each fob function may be integrated into an electronic device such as a PDA, a cellular phone, a two-way radio, a wristwatch, a voice recorder, an audio player, a video player, or a multi-communication signal fob repeater. Optionally, the fob may have a compass and a timer. Additionally, a multi-functional fob communication system is provided to provide remote communications between a receiver in a fob-activated device and a remote electronic fob device.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Kevin G. Kolpasky, Adrian B. Chernoff, James T. Embach, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird