公开(公告)号：US10682934B2

公开(公告)日：2020-06-16

申请号：US16130221

申请日：2018-09-13

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Onkar Akolkar ,  Daniel W. Booth ,  Paul W. Alexander

IPC: B60N2/54 ,  B60N2/70 ,  B60N2/68

Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting an occupant of a vehicle includes a cushion and a suspension. The cushion has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is configured to engage the occupant. The second surface is disposed opposite the first surface. The suspension includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a third surface. The third surface engages the second surface of the cushion. The second portion includes a fourth surface. The fourth surface defines a first depression. The first depression opens toward the cushion. The first depression is configured to receive a portion of the cushion when the occupant exerts a load on the cushion.

公开(公告)号：US20200167951A1

公开(公告)日：2020-05-28

申请号：US16201618

申请日：2018-11-27

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Debbie E. Nachtegall ,  Nathan P. Makarewicz ,  Paul W. Alexander

IPC: G06T7/73

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing operator-state detection including tracking position of an operator-facing camera are described. Systems and methods include receiving a first image captured by an operator-facing camera, detecting a first position of the operator-facing camera with respect to the calibration object, ascertaining the first position with respect to at least one fiducial marker within a passenger compartment of a vehicle, capturing, via controller, a second image using the operator-facing camera, determining the second image is captured by the operator-facing camera from a second position with respect to the at least one fiducial marker, and analyzing, based on determining the second image is captured by the operator-facing camera from the second position, the second image to identify facial features of the operator. The receiving, detecting, ascertaining, determining, and analyzing are performed via a controller. The first image includes a calibration object disposed at a predetermined location.

公开(公告)号：US10556556B2

公开(公告)日：2020-02-11

申请号：US15854237

申请日：2017-12-26

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Paul W. Alexander ,  Nancy L. Johnson

IPC: B60R13/02 ,  B44C5/04

Abstract: Presented are deployable structures having multi-stable-state characteristics using skeletal architectures mounted onto textile backings, methods for making/using such structures, and vehicle components having bistable characteristics provided by polymeric exoskeletons printed onto textile substrates. A multi-stable-state deployable structure includes an elastic substrate fabricated from a (knitted) textile sheet, and an articulating (polymeric) framework mounted on the knitted textile sheet. The articulating framework and textile sheet structurally cooperate to transition from a first stable state, in which the deployable structure maintains a substantially planar shape, to a second stable state, in which the deployable structure maintains a first multidimensional topography, and from the second state to a third stable state, in which the deployable structure maintains a second multidimensional topography distinct from the first multidimensional topography. The articulating framework may include an elongated spine sandwiched between first and second sets of ribs, and a frame circumscribing the spine and ribs.

公开(公告)号：US10518080B2

公开(公告)日：2019-12-31

申请号：US15854249

申请日：2017-12-26

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Paul W. Alexander ,  Olivia Stoneman

IPC: A61N1/04 ,  A61N1/36 ,  D02G3/44 ,  D04B1/14 ,  D04B1/22

Abstract: A motion sickness mitigation device includes a textile material having a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, and a first raised portion extending from the first surface and configured for contacting a skin of a user. The textile material defines a first pocket and a second pocket therein between the first surface and the second surface, and the second pocket is spaced apart from the first pocket. The device further includes a controller disposed within the first pocket and configured for transmitting an electrical signal. The device also includes a first electrical excitation pad disposed within the second pocket, covered by the first raised portion, and disposed in electrical communication with the controller. The first electrical excitation pad is configured for receiving the electrical signal and electrically stimulating the skin of the user through the textile material to thereby mitigate motion sickness.

公开(公告)号：US10364909B2

公开(公告)日：2019-07-30

申请号：US15680990

申请日：2017-08-18

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC ,  Dynalloy, Inc.

Inventor： Richard J. Skurkis ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Anthony L. Smith ,  James H. Brown ,  Tyler P. Ownby ,  Xiujie Gao

IPC: F16K31/00 ,  F16K31/46 ,  F16K31/02 ,  F03G7/06 ,  G05D23/08 ,  F16K99/00

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a resilient substrate translatable between a first flattened position and a second extended position, and an actuator attached to the resilient substrate. The actuator is configured for translating the resilient substrate from the first flattened position to the second extended position. The actuator is formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a change in temperature of the shape memory alloy. A fluid flow control system includes a rotor shield and the fluid flow control device attached to the rotor shield.

公开(公告)号：US10364593B2

公开(公告)日：2019-07-30

申请号：US14711180

申请日：2015-05-13

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC ,  DYNALLOY, INC.

Inventor： Paul W. Alexander ,  Richard J. Skurkis ,  James Holbrook Brown ,  Aragorn Zolno ,  Tyler P. Ownby ,  Paulo M. Mendonca

IPC: E05B47/00 ,  E05B85/10 ,  E05B85/20 ,  E05B81/04 ,  E05B81/16 ,  E05B85/18 ,  E05B81/74

Abstract: A closure release device includes a housing fixedly attached to a closure and an actuating lever rotatably disposed on an axis of rotation on the housing. A crank lever is rotatably disposed on the axis of rotation. A coupling member is to selectively couple the actuating lever to the crank lever for rotation together. A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator is to selectively cause the coupling member to selectively couple the actuating lever to the crank lever. The SMA actuator is electrically actuated. The crank lever is to connect to a latch to selectively release or engage the latch in response to a coupling state of the actuating lever with the crank lever and an actuation state of the actuating lever.

公开(公告)号：US10308101B2

公开(公告)日：2019-06-04

申请号：US15728072

申请日：2017-10-09

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Wonhee M. Kim ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Julien P. Mourou

IPC: B60P7/02 ,  B60J7/12 ,  B60J7/185

Abstract: A tonneau cover for a cargo bed of a truck includes a rail system, and a panel secured to the rail system. At least a portion of the rail system or the panel is a layer jamming member having a layer jamming material operable to exhibit a first stiffness in response to a first confining pressure and a second stiffness in response to a second confining pressure. The layer jamming member may include all or a portion of the panel to provide specific regions of the cover, and/or may include portions of the rail system.

公开(公告)号：US20190105973A1

公开(公告)日：2019-04-11

申请号：US15728072

申请日：2017-10-09

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Wonhee M. Kim ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Julien P. Mourou

IPC: B60J7/12 ,  B60J7/185

Abstract: A tonneau cover for a cargo bed of a truck includes a rail system, and a panel secured to the rail system. At least a portion of the rail system or the panel is a layer jamming member having a layer jamming material operable to exhibit a first stiffness in response to a first confining pressure and a second stiffness in response to a second confining pressure. The layer jamming member may include all or a portion of the panel to provide specific regions of the cover, and/or may include portions of the rail system.

公开(公告)号：US10161167B2

公开(公告)日：2018-12-25

申请号：US14686070

申请日：2015-04-14

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC ,  Dynalloy, Inc.

Inventor： Paul W. Alexander ,  Roger Herbert Culver ,  Robert Dallos, Jr. ,  Aragorn Zolno ,  James Holbrook Brown

IPC: E05C3/06 ,  E05B83/28 ,  E05C19/02 ,  E05C5/00 ,  E05C1/12

Abstract: A lockable latching device includes a body defining a cavity and having a central longitudinal axis, and a plunger disposed within the cavity. The plunger has a first end and a second end and is translatable along the axis between an open position and a closed position. The device includes an annular rotator disposed along the axis and configured for rotating the plunger about the axis. The device also includes an annular latch abutting the rotator that is transitionable between an unlocked state and a locked state. The device includes a first element operably connected to the latch and formed from a first shape memory alloy and a second element operably connected to the latch and formed from a second shape memory alloy.

公开(公告)号：US10040432B2

公开(公告)日：2018-08-07

申请号：US15414417

申请日：2017-01-24

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Louise E. Stauffer ,  Spencer W. Chamberlain ,  Joseph Neighbors ,  Mary E. Decaluwe ,  Jim K. Rainbolt ,  Janet S. Goings ,  William J. Ochalek ,  Joseph F. Szczerba ,  Roy Mathieu ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Dorel Sala ,  David R. Fischer ,  Joseph M. Bilderbeck ,  Ann K. Duffy ,  Sandra N. Thomson

IPC: B60S1/64 ,  H04W4/70 ,  A47L7/00 ,  B08B1/00 ,  B60N3/04 ,  B60Q9/00 ,  G01C21/34 ,  G07C5/00 ,  H04W4/00 ,  H04L29/08

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatically maintaining cleanliness of an vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, at least one sensor signal from a sensor that monitors for particulates within an interior of a vehicle; determining, by the processor, a level of uncleanliness of the vehicle based on the sensor signal; and selectively generating, by the processor, at least one of a control signal to a cleaning element of the vehicle and a notification message based on the determining to achieve the level of cleanliness.