Patents by Inventor Michael L. Imel

Michael L. Imel 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: 9912754
    Abstract: A system and method of regulating data communications between a vehicle electronics system and a computing device includes: communicatively linking a first data port of an isolation device with the vehicle electronics system; communicatively linking a second data port of the isolation device with the computing device; receiving data at the isolation device sent between the computing device and the vehicle electronics system; and permitting the data to pass through the isolation device based on the identity of the computing device, the rate at which the data passes through the isolation device, or the content of the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Corey Wideman, Kevin M. Baltes, Joseph E. Ploucha, Thomas M. Forest, Michael L. Imel
  • Patent number: 9527398
    Abstract: The described method and system provides for dynamic adjustment of the lower charge threshold of an electrically-powered vehicle to allow a vehicle low on battery charge to continue to be operated. The vehicle's telematics unit monitors the charge level via the vehicle bus or other vehicle resources to determine if the vehicle is running low on electric charge. If the telematics unit determines that the charge level is approaching, meets or falls below the lower threshold, the telematics unit communicates the vehicle position to a call center along with vehicle identification data. The call center determines the amount of charge required to reach one or more local charging stations or other points of interests and proposes destination recommendations to the driver. The driver may then select one of the recommendations, and the call center transmits a new lower charge threshold to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: Armando A. Duer, Michael L. Imel
  • Publication number: 20160323386
    Abstract: A system and method of regulating data communications between a vehicle electronics system and a computing device includes: communicatively linking a first data port of an isolation device with the vehicle electronics system; communicatively linking a second data port of the isolation device with the computing device; receiving data at the isolation device sent between the computing device and the vehicle electronics system; and permitting the data to pass through the isolation device based on the identity of the computing device, the rate at which the data passes through the isolation device, or the content of the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Corey WIDEMAN, Kevin M. BALTES, Joseph E. PLOUCHA, Thomas M. FOREST, Michael L. IMEL
  • Publication number: 20120187916
    Abstract: The described method and system provides for dynamic adjustment of the lower charge threshold of an electrically-powered vehicle to allow a fuel-depleted vehicle also low on battery charge to continue to be operated. The vehicle's telematics unit monitors the fuel level and charge level via the vehicle bus or other vehicle resources to determine if the vehicle is running low on fuel and electric charge. If the telematics unit determines that the fuel is depleted and the charge level is approaching, meets or falls below the lower threshold, the telematics unit communicates the vehicle fuel status and vehicle position to a call center along with vehicle identification data. The call center determines the amount of charge required to reach one or more local fueling stations or other points of interests and propose destination recommendations to the driver. The driver may then select one of the recommendations, and the call center transmits a new lower charge threshold to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicants: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Armando A. Duer, Michael L. Imel