Patents by Inventor Robert L. Vitale

Robert L. Vitale 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).

  • Vehicle wheel system
    Patent number: 7398846
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: 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
  • Chassis with energy-absorption zones
    Patent number: 6905138
    Abstract: A chassis having systems responsive to nonmechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface includes regions optimized for energy absorption from an impact to the chassis periphery. A structural frame defines open spaces within which chassis systems are positioned. Material configured to absorb energy from an impact to the chassis periphery is located between the chassis periphery and the open spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Adrian B. Chernoff, Mohsen D. Shabana, Robert L. Vitale
  • Chassis with energy-absorption zones
    Publication number: 20030168844
    Abstract: A chassis having systems responsive to nonmechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface includes regions optimized for energy absorption from an impact to the chassis periphery. A structural frame defines open spaces within which chassis systems are positioned. Material configured to absorb energy from an impact to the chassis periphery is located between the chassis periphery and the open spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Adrian B. Chernoff, Mohsen D. Shabana, Robert L. Vitale