Patents by Inventor Eric B. Hoyer
Eric B. Hoyer 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: 12485751Abstract: Methods and systems for providing driving assistance in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining, by a processor, curvature data associated with a roadway ahead of the vehicle; determining, by the processor, velocity data based on the curvature data, steering data of the vehicle, and set speed data associated with a semi-autonomous control system of the vehicle; and generating, by the processor, control commands to the semi-autonomous control system to control the vehicle to a speed other than a set speed of the set speed data based on the velocity data.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2023Date of Patent: December 2, 2025Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ryan Aaron Gellner, Tyler P. Morris, Brian K. Saylor, Eric B. Hoyer
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Patent number: 12365211Abstract: A system configured to raise and lower a chassis of a vehicle. The system includes a damper with a first end connected to the chassis and a second end that is opposite to the first end. An actuation assembly includes a rotatable arm and a motor configured to rotate the rotatable arm, the rotatable arm is connected to both the second end of the damper and a control arm of the vehicle. Rotation of the rotatable arm by the motor moves the damper between a raised position to raise the chassis and a lowered position to lower the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2023Date of Patent: July 22, 2025Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: George Floarea, David Akl, Eric B. Hoyer
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Patent number: 12319107Abstract: A vehicle ride height adjustment system includes a vehicle chassis. A wheel is connected to the vehicle chassis by a suspension system. A shock absorber and spring assembly are connected to the vehicle chassis and the shock absorber and spring assembly are connected to the suspension system by a height adjustment mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2023Date of Patent: June 3, 2025Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Eric B. Hoyer, George Floarea
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Publication number: 20250135882Abstract: Methods and systems for providing driving assistance in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining, by a processor, curvature data associated with a roadway ahead of the vehicle; determining, by the processor, velocity data based on the curvature data, steering data of the vehicle, and set speed data associated with a semi-autonomous control system of the vehicle; and generating, by the processor, control commands to the semi-autonomous control system to control the vehicle to a speed other than a set speed of the set speed data based on the velocity data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2023Publication date: May 1, 2025Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ryan Aaron Gellner, Tyler P. Morris, Brian K. Saylor, Eric B. Hoyer
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Publication number: 20240408928Abstract: A vehicle ride height adjustment system includes a vehicle chassis. A wheel is connected to the vehicle chassis by a suspension system. A shock absorber and spring assembly are connected to the vehicle chassis and the shock absorber and spring assembly are connected to the suspension system by a height adjustment mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2023Publication date: December 12, 2024Inventors: Eric B. Hoyer, George Floarea
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Publication number: 20240317006Abstract: A system configured to raise and lower a chassis of a vehicle. The system includes a damper with a first end connected to the chassis and a second end that is opposite to the first end. An actuation assembly includes a rotatable arm and a motor configured to rotate the rotatable arm, the rotatable arm is connected to both the second end of the damper and a control arm of the vehicle. Rotation of the rotatable arm by the motor moves the damper between a raised position to raise the chassis and a lowered position to lower the chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2023Publication date: September 26, 2024Inventors: George FLOAREA, David AKL, Eric B. HOYER
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Publication number: 20240181826Abstract: An air suspension system for a vehicle including an air compressor, a bladder, and an air line. The bladder defines a reservoir configured to store air compressed by the air compressor. The bladder is configured to be seated within a structural member of a frame of the vehicle. The bladder includes a flexible layer covered by an abrasion resistant layer configured to protect the flexible layer from contact with the structural member of the vehicle. An air line fitting is connected to the bladder and in fluid communication with the reservoir. The air line fitting is configured to cooperate with an air line configured to carry air to and from the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2022Publication date: June 6, 2024Inventors: Robert Patrick MARBLE, Gheorghe NICA, Eric B. HOYER
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Patent number: 11059337Abstract: An alignment assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first bushing with a slot, the first bushing being configured to be positioned and secured to an end of a first link of a wishbone suspension assembly, and an insert that fits within the slot, the insert having a locating hole that positions a bolt within the slot for nominal caster and camber angles.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2018Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Eric B. Hoyer, Jack Marchel
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Patent number: 10988176Abstract: An exemplary system for aligning a relative position between two components includes a locating member and an alignment insert member configured to couple with the locating member. The alignment insert member includes a radially-extending tab. The radially-extending tab has a plurality of identifying markers to identify a radial position of the locating member. The locating member is rotatable within the alignment insert member to adjust a radial position of the locating member.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Eric B. Hoyer, Jacek Marchel, Patrick Paquin
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Publication number: 20200361532Abstract: An exemplary system for aligning a relative position between two components includes a locating member and an alignment insert member configured to couple with the locating member. The alignment insert member includes a radially-extending tab. The radially-extending tab has a plurality of identifying markers to identify a radial position of the locating member. The locating member is rotatable within the alignment insert member to adjust a radial position of the locating member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2019Publication date: November 19, 2020Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Eric B. Hoyer, Jacek Marchel, Patrick Paquin
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Publication number: 20200130449Abstract: An alignment assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first bushing with a slot, the first bushing being configured to be positioned and secured to an end of a first link of a wishbone suspension assembly, and an insert that fits within the slot, the insert having a locating hole that positions a bolt within the slot for nominal caster and camber angles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2018Publication date: April 30, 2020Inventors: Eric B. Hoyer, Jack Marchel
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Publication number: 20190375446Abstract: An exemplary method for controlling a vehicle includes the steps of providing a vehicle steering system including a steering wheel, providing a control system in electronic communication with the vehicle steering system, the control system including a controller, determining a rotational position change, generating a control signal indicating the rotational position change, and adjusting a position of the steering wheel from a first position to a second position based on the control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2018Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: John T. Zuzelski, Scott R. Kloess, Eric B. Hoyer
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Publication number: 20150314805Abstract: A coupling assembly and a method of decoupling a first member and a second member are disclosed. The assembly includes a first member defining a hole along a central axis and having a hole inner wall extending along the hole and circumscribing the central axis. The assembly also includes a second member defining an aperture that aligns with the hole along the central axis and has an aperture inner wall extending along the aperture and circumscribing the central axis. The assembly further includes a sleeve disposed in the hole and the aperture. The sleeve defines a slit to allow the sleeve to flex. The assembly also includes a pin at least partially disposed inside the sleeve to flex the sleeve outwardly into engagement with the hole inner wall and the aperture inner wall to couple together the first and second members.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2014Publication date: November 5, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Eric B. Hoyer, William A. Philippin
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Publication number: 20120207536Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a shaft having ball at an end of the shaft. A component, such as an idler arm, a tie rod, a central link, or other steering or suspension component, has a socket with an open end for receiving the ball. An end cap is mounted in the open end of the component to close the open end and thereby capture the ball within the socket for swiveling movement. An anti-corrosion coating coats the end cap to seal the end cap to the component and prevent corrosion between the end cap and the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Bryan D. Wilson, Eric B. Hoyer
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Patent number: 7914023Abstract: A steering mechanism includes a relay rod and an idler arm operatively attached to a first end thereof. A pitman arm includes a stud and is operatively attached to a second end of the relay rod. A bushing is configured to allow displacement of the pitman arm relative to the relay rod. The bushing includes an outer can, an inner metal member, and a bushing disposed therebetween. The inner metal member has a tapered receptacle configured to mate with a tapered portion of the stud. The resilient member may include voids, which may be oriented generally perpendicular to a turning direction and may be tapered from the base to the opening. The inner metal member may have a generally-cylindrical portion and substantially-opposing outer flats interrupting the same. The outer flats are spaced by a distance smaller than the cylinder diameter and may be substantially parallel to the turning direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, Christopher J. Mielke, George E. Doerr, Christopher N. Bither, Marco E. Rodriguez, Eric B. Hoyer
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Publication number: 20100230921Abstract: A steering mechanism includes a relay rod and an idler arm operatively attached to a first end thereof. A pitman arm includes a stud and is operatively attached to a second end of the relay rod. A bushing is configured to allow displacement of the pitman arm relative to the relay rod. The bushing includes an outer can, an inner metal member, and a bushing disposed therebetween. The inner metal member has a tapered receptacle configured to mate with a tapered portion of the stud. The resilient member may include voids, which may be oriented generally perpendicular to a turning direction and may be tapered from the base to the opening. The inner metal member may have a generally-cylindrical portion and substantially-opposing outer flats interrupting the same. The outer flats are spaced by a distance smaller than the cylinder diameter and may be substantially parallel to the turning direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, Christopher J. Mielke, George E. Doerr, Christopher N. Bither, Marco E. Rodriguez, Eric B. Hoyer