Patents by Inventor Kevin A. O'Connell

Kevin A. O'Connell 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).

  • Patent number: 9435653
    Abstract: A method and system for localizing a vehicle in a digital map includes generating GPS coordinates of the vehicle on the traveled road and retrieving from a database a digital map of a region traveled by the vehicle based on the location of the GPS coordinates. The digital map includes a geographic mapping of a traveled road and registered roadside objects. The registered roadside objects are positionally identified in the digital map by longitudinal and lateral coordinates. Roadside objects in the region traveled are sensed by the vehicle. The sensed roadside objects are identified on the digital map. A vehicle position on the traveled road is determined utilizing coordinates of the sensed roadside objects identified in the digital map. The position of the vehicle is localized in the road as a function of the GPS coordinates and the determined vehicle position utilizing the coordinates of the sensed roadside objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Shuqing Zeng, Jeremy A. Salinger, Bakhtiar B. Litkouhi, Joel Pazhayampallil, Kevin A. O'Dea, James N. Nickolaou, Mark E. Shields
  • Publication number: 20160203374
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for improved target grouping of sensor measurements in an object detection system. The method uses road curvature information to improve grouping accuracy by better predicting a new location of a known target object and matching it to sensor measurements. Additional target attributes are also used for improved grouping accuracy, where the attributes includes range rate, target cross-section and others. Distance compression is also employed for improved grouping accuracy, where range is compressed in a log scale calculation in order to diminish errors in measurement of distant objects. Grid-based techniques include the use of hash tables and a flood fill algorithm for improved computational performance of target object identification, where the number of computations can be reduced by an order of magnitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Shuqing Zeng, KEVIN A. O'DEA, DMITRIY FELDMAN, JAMES N. NICKOLAOU
  • Patent number: 9285485
    Abstract: A method is provided for estimating vehicle velocity for a vehicle using a single-antenna global positioning system (GPS). An absolute speed and a course angle of the vehicle is measured using the single-antenna GPS. The yaw rates of the vehicle are measured independently of the GPS. An integrated yaw rate of the vehicle is calculated as a function of the measured yaw rates over a period of time. A yaw angle is determined as a function of a reference yaw angle and the integrated yaw rate. Aside slip angle is calculated as a function of the estimated yaw angle and the course angle provided by the GPS. The vehicle velocity is determined as a function of the absolute speed and the side slip angle. The vehicle velocity is provided to a vehicle dynamic control application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Kevin A. O'Dea, Jihan Ryu, Flavio Nardi, Hualin Tan
  • Publication number: 20160061627
    Abstract: Systems, processes, and techniques for calibrating an onboard sensor of a vehicle are presented here. The vehicle has a control system that is capable of performing at least some of the tasks related to the calibration procedure. An exemplary methodology collects vehicle status data and obtains navigation map data during operation of the vehicle. A current calibration factor is calculated for the onboard sensor, based on the collected vehicle status data and the obtained navigation map data. More specifically, the vehicle status and navigation map data can be used to determine when the current conditions are suitable for performing calibration. When the current conditions are satisfactory, the calibration factor is calculated. Thereafter, the onboard sensor can be calibrated in response to the current calibration factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: HUALIN TAN, KEVIN A. O'DEA
  • Patent number: 9255988
    Abstract: A method of detecting and tracking objects using multiple radar sensors. Objects relative to a host vehicle are detected from radar data generated by a sensing device. The radar data includes Doppler measurement data. Clusters are formed, by a processor, as a function of the radar data. Each cluster represents a respective object. Each respective object is classified, by the processor, as stationary or non-stationary based on the Doppler measurement data of each object and a vehicle speed of the host vehicle. Target tracking is applied, by the processor, on an object using Doppler measurement data over time in response to the object classified as a non-stationary object; otherwise, updating an occupancy grid in response to classifying the object as a stationary object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Shuqing Zeng, Jeremy A. Salinger, Bakhtiar B. Litkouhi, Kevin A. O'Dea, Joel Pazhayampallil, Mohannad Murad, James N. Nickolaou
  • Publication number: 20150293216
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively reducing or filtering data provided by one or more vehicle mounted sensors before using that data to detect, track and/or estimate a stationary object located along the side of a road, such as a guardrail or barrier. According to one example, the method reduces the amount of data by consolidating, classifying and pre-sorting data points from several forward looking radar sensors before using those data points to determine if a stationary roadside object is present. If the method determines that a stationary roadside object is present, then the reduced or filtered data points can be applied to a data fitting algorithm in order to estimate the size, shape and/or other parameters of the object. In one example, the output of the present method is provided to automated or autonomous driving systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Kevin A. O'DEA, Shuqing ZENG, James N. NICKOLAOU, Bradley HAMNER
  • Publication number: 20150196479
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a series of polyesters that are made by the reaction of a diacid with a pre-formed mono-hydroxy, di-hydroxy and optionally a tri-hydroxy ester of polyols selected from pentaerythritol, dipentearythritol trimethylolpropane and mixtures thereof. When reacted in the sequence shown, that is pre-formation of the mono-ester, di-ester and tri-ester, selection of the proper ratio of one to the other and then and only then reacted with the diacid, do these polyesters remain free of a gel and form cosmetically elegant oil phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin A. O'Lenick, Thomas G. O'Lenick
  • Publication number: 20150198711
    Abstract: A method of detecting and tracking objects using multiple radar sensors. Objects relative to a host vehicle are detected from radar data generated by a sensing device. The radar data includes Doppler measurement data. Clusters are formed, by a processor, as a function of the radar data. Each cluster represents a respective object. Each respective object is classified, by the processor, as stationary or non-stationary based on the Doppler measurement data of each object and a vehicle speed of the host vehicle. Target tracking is applied, by the processor, on an object using Doppler measurement data over time in response to the object classified as a non-stationary object; otherwise, updating an occupancy grid in response to classifying the object as a stationary object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: SHUQING ZENG, JEREMY A. SALINGER, BAKHTIAR B. LITKOUHI, KEVIN A. O'DEA, JOEL PAZHAYAMPALLIL, MOHANNAD MURAD, JAMES N. NICKOLAOU
  • Patent number: 9010094
    Abstract: An engine command override may occur when a diesel particulate filter (DPF) requires regeneration. The need for regeneration may be indicated by regeneration level. The engine may be operated in a normal mode when the DPF regeneration level is below a regeneration level threshold, wherein the engine command is based on the throttle input. Additionally, the engine may be operated in an override mode when the DPF regeneration level is above a regeneration level threshold and the engine is operating in the idle state, wherein the engine command is based on a predetermined throttle regeneration setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. O'Neil, Arick M. Bakken, Andrew P. Bachle, John E. Preble, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150102955
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for measurement association in vehicles. An object proximate a vehicle is identified. Measurements or classifications are obtained via one or more sensors. A first tracking gate is generated that is based at least in part on a characteristic of one of the sensors used to obtain the measurements or classifications. A second tracking gate is generated that is based at least on part on the first tracking gate and a measurement history.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: KEVIN A. O'DEA, SHUQING ZENG, JAMES N. NICKOLAOU, BRADLEY HAMNER
  • Publication number: 20150081211
    Abstract: A method and system for localizing a vehicle in a digital map includes generating GPS coordinates of the vehicle on the traveled road and retrieving from a database a digital map of a region traveled by the vehicle based on the location of the GPS coordinates. The digital map includes a geographic mapping of a traveled road and registered roadside objects. The registered roadside objects are positionally identified in the digital map by longitudinal and lateral coordinates. Roadside objects in the region traveled are sensed by the vehicle. The sensed roadside objects are identified on the digital map. A vehicle position on the traveled road is determined utilizing coordinates of the sensed roadside objects identified in the digital map. The position of the vehicle is localized in the road as a function of the GPS coordinates and the determined vehicle position utilizing the coordinates of the sensed roadside objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Shuqing Zeng, Jeremy A. Salinger, Bakhtiar B. Litkouhi, Joel Pazhayampallil, Kevin A. O'Dea, James N. Nickolaou, Mark E. Shields
  • Patent number: 8890747
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining a lateral velocity and a longitudinal velocity of a vehicle equipped. The vehicle includes only one antenna for a GPS receiver and a magnetic compass. A magnitude of a velocity vector of the vehicle is determined. A course angle with respect to a fixed reference using the single antenna GPS receiver is determined. A yaw angle of the vehicle is measured with respect to the fixed reference using a magnetic compass. A side slip angle is calculated as a function of the course angle and the yaw angle. The lateral velocity and longitudinal velocity is determined as a function of the magnitude of the velocity vector and the side slip angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Flavio Nardi, Nikolai K. Moshchuk, Jihan Ryu, Kevin A. O'Dea
  • Patent number: 8886434
    Abstract: A method of stabilizing a vehicle is provided. The vehicle is travelling at a forward speed and a lateral speed, and comprises a lateral acceleration sensor, a yaw sensor adapted to detect an actual yaw rate of the vehicle around a central axis, a steering mechanism adapted to steer the vehicle by a steered yaw rate, and an electronic stability control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kevin A. O'Dea, Flavio Nardi, Jihan Ryu
  • Publication number: 20140257686
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for making lane determinations as to a roadway on which the vehicle is travelling. A determination is made as to a lane of a roadway in which a vehicle is travelling. An identification is made as to an adjacent lane that is adjacent to the lane in which the vehicle is travelling. An assessment is made as to a drivability of the adjacent lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: DMITRIY FELDMAN, JAMES N. NICKOLAOU, KEVIN A. O'DEA
  • Patent number: 8821852
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to vaccines suitable for administering systemically that comprise live aro mutant bacteria, an adjuvant, an aromatic supplement, or both an adjuvant and an aromatic supplement. The present invention also pertains to the manufacture of such a vaccine and a method of protecting an animal by administration of the vaccine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Intervet Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. O'Connell, Rhonda LaFleur, Huchappa Gowda Jayappa, Terri L. Wasmoen
  • Patent number: 8790660
    Abstract: Vaccine and/or immunogenic compositions that comprise an effective immunizing amount of an antigen from E. canis are described. In addition, methods of immunizing a subject against E. canis by providing the vaccine and/or immunogenic compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: Intervet Inc., Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
    Inventors: Kevin A. O'Connell, Rangappa Narayana Ramachandra, Stephen David Gaunt, Richard E. Corstvet, Terri L. Wasmoen
  • Patent number: 8747822
    Abstract: The present invention has as its objective a series of citrate polyesters that have based upon fatty alcohols reacted with citric acid, and crosslinked by water soluble diols, resulting in polymers with improved water solubility. These polymers are ideally suited to personal care applications due to their unique feel delivered from aqueous solution or emulsions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: SurfaTech Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. O'Lenick, Andrew J. O'Lenick, Anthony J. O'Lenick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8680318
    Abstract: The current invention is drawn to a series of citrate esters having high melting domains and liquid domains at room temperature. This that results in an ability to alter hardness, melt point and skin feel, making outstanding waterproofing and emollient properties when applied to skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Surfatech Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin A. O'Lenick
  • Patent number: 8623342
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a series of polymeric citrate esters that has very unique rheology properties. These materials find applications as additives to formulations in personal care products where there is a desire to have a structured film and flow properties. These compounds by virtue of their unique structure provide outstanding skin feel and outstanding waterproof properties in cosmetic formulations most notable sunscreens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: SurfaTech Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. O'Lenick, Andrew J. O'Lenick, Anthony J. O'Lenick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8617527
    Abstract: The current invention is drawn to a series of citrate esters having alkyl groups and a silicone groups esterified onto citric acid. This results an outstanding skin feel, making outstanding waterproofing and emollient properties when applied to skin. A required critical element of the invention is that both the silicone and the alkyl material be mono functional with regard to hydroxyl functionality. If either group has more than mono functionality, they will react with the citric acid (which has three carboxyl groups) to give undesired polymers. The ability to vary the ratio of alkyl to silicone results an ability to alter skin feel and consequently provide the cosmetic formulator with more latitude in choosing ingredients for incorporation into formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: SurfaTech Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin A. O'Lenick