Randall G Greenwell

US Patent:

6853887, Feb 8, 2005

Filed:

Sep 15, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/662548

Inventors:

Randall G. Greenwell - Troy MI, US

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

G05D001/00
G05D003/00

US Classification:

701 1, 701 23

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling drive-by-wire vehicle operation using redundant wireline and wireless communication links. Outputs received from a driver controlled vehicle feature are interpreted by a functional control module and converted to actuator commands to be transmitted over either the wireline or wireless communication link to an actuator to execute the driver desired maneuver or vehicle function (e. g. , steering, braking, lights, etc. ). A communication controller periodically tests the communication links to determine which are operative. Under normal conditions the commands are transmitted over the wireline communication link. If the wireline communication link fails the commands are automatically switched to the wireless communication link. If both links fail, a failsafe strategy is initiated.

US Patent:

20050274565, Dec 15, 2005

Filed:

Jun 9, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/864671

Inventors:

Randall Greenwell - Troy MI, US
David Cameron - Grosse Pointe Woods MI, US
Sanjeev Naik - Troy MI, US

International Classification:

B62D005/00

US Classification:

180402000

Abstract:

A steer by wire system for a vehicle that employs a steering torque assist to allow the vehicle operator to more easily steer the vehicle in the event of a steer by wire system fault. The steer by wire system includes a sensor that generates a signal indicative of the position of and torque applied to the steering wheel that is received by a controller. From the position signal, the controller controls the steering of the vehicle by a steering motor. A feedback motor provides counter-torque to the rotation of the steering wheel to simulate the turning of the vehicle wheels. If the steer by wire system fails, a clutch engages a mechanical linkage to allow the vehicle operator to control the vehicle steering by the steering wheel. The controller provides a motor drive signal to the feedback motor to provide the torque assist when the mechanical linkage is engaged.

US Patent:

60213825, Feb 1, 2000

Filed:

Feb 12, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/022434

Inventors:

Randall Glenn Greenwell - Ortonville MI
Douglas Robert Drauch - St. Clair Shores MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60T 866

US Classification:

702148

Abstract:

A wheel speed averaging circuit includes a first wheel speed sensor, a second wheel speed sensor, a first analog switch having a first input coupled to the first wheel speed sensor for receiving the first sensor signal, a second analog switch having a second input coupled to the second wheel speed sensor for receiving the second sensor signal, and a microprocessor controller. The microprocessor controller determines a first duration of a first single pulse of the first sensor signal while the first analog switch is enabled and the second analog switch is disabled, selectively enables the second analog switch while disabling the first analog switch after determining the first duration, and determines a second duration of a second single pulse of the second sensor signal while the second analog switch is enabled, so that the first and second single pulses from the first and second sensor signals are alternately measured. The rear average wheel speed signal is provided responsive to the first and second durations.