Patents by Inventor Craig A. Kollar
Craig A. Kollar 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: 11875611Abstract: According to one or more examples, a system includes an observer vehicle, and a vehicle in a predetermined vicinity of the observer vehicle. The observer vehicle detects an operating condition of the vehicle using one or more perception devices. The observer vehicle determines that the operating condition does not satisfy a predetermined norm. The observer vehicle generates a message indicating the operating condition of the vehicle. The observer vehicle identifies a communication identifier of the vehicle. The observer vehicle sends the message to be received by the vehicle using the communication identifier via a vehicle to everything (V2X) communication module.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Mohammad Naserian, Paul E. Krajewski, Fan Bai, Abby Szafranski, Donald K. Grimm, Craig A. Kollar, Bryan Quintanilla
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Publication number: 20230045241Abstract: According to one or more examples, a system includes an observer vehicle, and a vehicle in a predetermined vicinity of the observer vehicle. The observer vehicle detects an operating condition of the vehicle using one or more perception devices. The observer vehicle determines that the operating condition does not satisfy a predetermined norm. The observer vehicle generates a message indicating the operating condition of the vehicle. The observer vehicle identifies a communication identifier of the vehicle. The observer vehicle sends the message to be received by the vehicle using the communication identifier via a vehicle to everything (V2X) communication module.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2021Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventors: Mohammad Naserian, Paul E. Krajewski, Fan Bai, Abby Szafranski, Donald K. Grimm, Craig A. Kollar, Bryan Quintanilla
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Publication number: 20230034777Abstract: Examples described herein provide a computer-implemented method that includes includes receiving, by a processing device of a vehicle, first road data. The method further includes receiving, by the processing device of the vehicle, second road data from a sensor associated with the vehicle. The method further includes identifying, by the processing device of the vehicle, an object based at least in part on the first road data and the second road data. The method further includes causing, by the processing device of the vehicle, the object to be illuminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2021Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Mohammad Naserian, Bryan Quintanilla, Donald K Grimm, Paul E Krajewski, Fan Bai, Craig A Kollar, Abby Szafranski
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Publication number: 20220356746Abstract: A cinching system includes: a profile configured to determine a first time series of target values for cinching a closure closed; an adjustment module configured to determine an adjustment value based on at least one operating parameter; an adjusting module configured to generate a second time series of target values for cinching of the closure by adjusting at least one of the target values of the first time series based on the adjustment value; and a power control module configured to: apply power to a cinching motor when the closure is partially closed, where the cinching motor is configured to cinch and fully close the closure; and based on a comparison of a measured value of the cinching motor and one of the target values of the second time series, selectively one of: decrease power applied to the cinching motor; and disconnect the cinching motor from power.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2021Publication date: November 10, 2022Inventors: Jeffrey L. KONCHAN, Besi RRUMBULLAKU, David T. PROEFKE, Craig A. KOLLAR
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Patent number: 11056737Abstract: Methods and devices for providing an even distribution of waste heat in a vehicular battery pack, including a battery pack, a cold plate, a coolant reservoir, a support structure between the battery pack and the coolant reservoir, and a conformable thermal interface material for filling the space between cells of the battery pack and the coolant reservoir so as to provide thermal contact between the cells and the coolant reservoir for distributing the waste heat. In addition, methods and devices for providing an even distribution of waste heat and structural support in any heat source to heat sink for applications such as small devices such as computer motors.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Herman K. Phlegm, Craig A. Kollar, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Timothy J. Fuller, Andrew H. Leutheuser
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Publication number: 20200406828Abstract: A vehicle includes a cab with a window and a cargo area with first and second sidewalls proximate the cab. A first accessory member is coupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall and extends about a portion of a periphery of the window. A second accessory member includes a first leg member, a second leg member, and a horizontal member. A first leg member proximal end is coupled to the first sidewall, and a second leg member proximal end is coupled to the second sidewall. The horizontal member couples a first leg member distal end to a second leg member distal end. The second accessory member is pivotable between first, second, and third positions relative to the cargo area.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2019Publication date: December 31, 2020Inventors: Matthew Simonin, Joseph M. Polewarczyk, Craig A. Kollar
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Publication number: 20200258478Abstract: A display assembly includes a first rigid layer, a first adhesive layer disposed adjacent to the first rigid layer, a second rigid layer, a second adhesive layer disposed adjacent to the second rigid layer, a display screen disposed between the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer, the display screen having a first side facing an exterior of the display assembly and a second side facing an interior of the display assembly, and a controller that is in communication with the display screen to generate a pattern on the display screen visible from the exterior of the display assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2019Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Julien P. Mourou, Craig A. Kollar, David G. Meller, Richard Zeldes
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Publication number: 20190097285Abstract: Methods and devices for providing an even distribution of waste heat in a vehicular battery pack, including a battery pack, a cold plate, a coolant reservoir, a support structure between the battery pack and the coolant reservoir, and a conformable thermal interface material for filling the space between cells of the battery pack and the coolant reservoir so as to provide thermal contact between the cells and the coolant reservoir for distributing the waste heat. In addition, methods and devices for providing an even distribution of waste heat and structural support in any heat source to heat sink for applications such as small devices such as computer motors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Herman K. Phlegm, Craig A. Kollar, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Timothy J. Fuller, Andrew H. Leutheuser
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Patent number: 10116018Abstract: Methods and devices for providing an even distribution of waste heat in a vehicular battery pack, including a battery pack, a cold plate, a coolant reservoir, a support structure between the battery pack and the coolant reservoir, and a conformable thermal interface material for filling the space between cells of the battery pack and the coolant reservoir so as to provide thermal contact between the cells and the coolant reservoir for distributing the waste heat. In addition, methods and devices for providing an even distribution of waste heat and structural support in any heat source to heat sink for applications such as small devices such as computer motors.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Herman K. Phlegm, Craig A. Kollar, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Timothy J. Fuller, Andrew H. Leutheuser
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Publication number: 20170200995Abstract: Methods and devices for providing an even distribution of waste heat in a vehicular battery pack, including a battery pack, a cold plate, a coolant reservoir, a support structure between the battery pack and the coolant reservoir, and a conformable thermal interface material for filling the space between cells of the battery pack and the coolant reservoir so as to provide thermal contact between the cells and the coolant reservoir for distributing the waste heat. In addition, methods and devices for providing an even distribution of waste heat and structural support in any heat source to heat sink for applications such as small devices such as computer motors.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2016Publication date: July 13, 2017Inventors: Herman K. Phlegm, Craig A. Kollar, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Timothy J. Fuller, Andrew H. Leutheuser
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Patent number: 9328838Abstract: A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole and a cover covering the plug. The plug assembly also includes a first shape memory alloy (SMA) wire having ends attached to the cover and a middle portion attached to the plug and a second SMA wire having ends attached to the cover and a middle portion attached to the plug. The plug assembly also includes a mechanical hinge attached to the plug and the cover, wherein the first SMA wire is actuated to flip the hinge to position the plug in a closed position to close the drain hole and the second SMA wire is actuated to flip the hinge to position the plug in an open position to open the drain hole.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Craig A. Kollar, Xiujie Gao, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson
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Publication number: 20150192215Abstract: A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole and a cover covering the plug. The plug assembly also includes a first shape memory alloy (SMA) wire having ends attached to the cover and a middle portion attached to the plug and a second SMA wire having ends attached to the cover and a middle portion attached to the plug. The plug assembly also includes a mechanical hinge attached to the plug and the cover, wherein the first SMA wire is actuated to flip the hinge to position the plug in a closed position to close the drain hole and the second SMA wire is actuated to flip the hinge to position the plug in an open position to open the drain hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2015Publication date: July 9, 2015Inventors: Craig A. Kollar, Xiu Jie Gao, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson
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Patent number: 9038983Abstract: A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a high voltage battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole. The plug assembly further includes a return spring coupled to the plug and causing the plug to be biased into the drain hole. The plug assembly also includes at least one shape memory alloy device coupled to the plug and a support structure. The SMA device receives an electrical current that causes the device to contract and move the plug out of the drain hole against the bias of the return spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Craig A. Kollar, Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson, Shawn G. Quinn, Milind S. Gandhi, Scott R. Webb
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Publication number: 20140190568Abstract: A battery pack with a drain plug. The drain plug includes a carrier defining a cavity internal to the carrier, an inlet disposed on a first surface of the carrier and an outlet disposed on a second surface of the carrier where the first surface and the second surface fluidly displaced from one another and coupled to the cavity. A soluble plug may be disposed within the cavity of the carrier; the soluble plug is configured to at least partially dissolve when fluidly coupled with a coolant allowing a portion of the coolant to flow between the inlet and the outlet and out of the battery pack. A first lead and a second lead are configured to signally connect an impedance element that is cooperative with the carrier, to a circuit such that when the continuity of the circuit is interrupted, the circuit provides notification of the activation of the drain plug to the on-board computer systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2013Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Herman K. Phlegm, William J. Wallace, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Andrew C. Brenz, Milind S. Gandhi, Andrew J. Namou, Craig A. Kollar
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Patent number: 8627600Abstract: A pinch-protection mechanism adapted for use with a closure panel and method for use of the same, said mechanism comprising at least one structural component defining an adjustable edge section manipulable between first and second configurations and an active material element coupled to the component, such that the change causes or enables the edge section to be manipulated to one of said first and second configurations, and manipulating the edge section between said first and second configurations eliminates, warns of, or mitigates a pinch condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Xiujie Gao, Craig A. Kollar, Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne, Pablo D. Zavattieri, Nilesh D. Mankame, Paul W. Alexander
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Patent number: 8572895Abstract: A system for protecting an emitter/receiver device, including a cover and an active material actuator operable to selectively cause the cover to move between default protective and open positions, wherein the actuator includes at least one active material element, such as an SMA wire configured to cause the retraction of the cover and present a heating net when activated, and an activation signal source, and preferably further including at least one pulley and/or jack mechanism configured to redirect a displacement force vector, synchronization means, an antagonistic element for biasing the cover towards the protective or open position, and a controller presenting overheating protection through control logic.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Craig A. Kollar, Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
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Patent number: 8574004Abstract: A manual service disconnect device for an electric vehicle that includes an integrated pre-charge function. The manual service disconnect device includes a rotatable body having a non-conductive handle and a conductive shaft, a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, a first wire electrically coupled to the third terminal, a second wire electrically coupled to the second terminal, and a resistor electrically coupled to the first wire and the first terminal. The rotatable body is inserted so that the conductive shaft makes electrical contact between the first terminal and the second terminal so that electrical current can flow between the first wire and the second wire through the resistor and the rotated so that the conductive shaft makes electrical contact between the second terminal and the third terminal so that electrical current flows directly between the first wire and the second wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James E. Tarchinski, Craig A. Kollar, Gregory G. Cesiel
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Patent number: 8442755Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing a motor vehicle side door from coming into contact with an obstacle are provided. One system includes an outside rear view mirror, a camera coupled to the outside rear view mirror, and a controller coupled to the camera. The camera is configured to detect the obstacle and determine the distance between the side door and the obstacle, and the controller is configured to disable the side door if the obstacle is within a threshold distance of the side door. Another system replaces the camera with an ultrasonic sensor to detect the obstacle and determine the distance between the side door and the obstacle. A method includes determining the distance between a plurality of motor vehicle side doors and the obstacle, and automatically disabling each motor vehicle side door that is within a threshold distance of the obstacle.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Craig A. Kollar, Thomas A. Wilson, Nigel G. Jones
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Patent number: 8428828Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling an automated closure panel in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a command module configured to generate a control signal. A motor is configured to actuate the automated closure panel based upon the control signal. A motor sensor is configured to measure an output characteristic of the motor, with the motor sensor having a motor sensor output signal. An adaptive logic module is coupled to the command module and to the motor sensor. The adaptive logic module is configured to provide an output to the command module to thereby adjust the control signal, wherein the adaptive logic module is configured to determine when the automated closure panel is obstructed by an obstacle based upon the motor sensor output signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Doru N. Serban, Craig A. Kollar, Wolfgang Rasel, Hans-Georg Wessollek, Carol A. Johnston, Artur J. Ostrowski, Brad L. Pietryga, Edward M. Sanocki, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120104292Abstract: A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a high voltage battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole. The plug assembly further includes a return spring coupled to the plug and causing the plug to be biased into the drain hole. The plug assembly also includes at least one shape memory alloy device coupled to the plug and a support structure. The SMA device receives an electrical current that causes the device to contract and move the plug out of the drain hole against the bias of the return spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Craig A. Kollar, Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson, Shawn G. Quinn, Milind S. Gandhi, Scott R. Webb