Patents Assigned to Chrysler Group LLC
  • Method and apparatus for developing a deceleration-based synchronous shift schedule
    Patent number: 8825320
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes monitoring a desired synchronous transmission shift during deceleration of an output member including a desired operating range state, monitoring an output speed, predicting output deceleration through the desired synchronous transmission shift, determining a penalty cost associated with the desired synchronous transmission shift based upon an input speed profile resulting from the predicted output deceleration and from the desired synchronous transmission shift, and executing the synchronous transmission shift based upon the penalty cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Kee Yong Kim
  • Knee airbag having increased package width
    Patent number: 8814201
    Abstract: A knee airbag assembly is operable to restrain at least one leg of an occupant of a vehicle. The assembly includes an inflator, a housing, and an airbag that moves between a stowed state and a deployed state. The inflator is operable to selectively inflate the airbag to move the airbag from the stowed state to the deployed state. The airbag is housed within the housing in the stowed state, and the airbag extends from the housing in the deployed state. The airbag defines a package width when in the stowed state, and the airbag defines a deployed width when in the deployed state. A ratio of the package width to the deployed width is between approximately 0.8 and 1.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: James Webber
  • Pendulum absorber snubber
    Patent number: 8813605
    Abstract: An apparatus for damping vibrations in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a pendulum-type torsional absorber that uses a hydraulic snubber mechanism to limit travel of the pendulum without causing noise or damage to the absorber, crankshaft or other engine components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Russell J. Wakeman
  • Cylinder head assembly and method of forming the same
    Patent number: 8813710
    Abstract: A cylinder head assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a fluid cavity that contains a fluid. The cylinder head assembly also includes a first member with a first internal surface defining a first part of the fluid cavity. Also, the assembly includes a second member with a second internal surface defining a second part of the fluid cavity. The second member is coupled to the first member. The first and second internal surfaces cooperate to define the fluid cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Thomas, Alan G. Falkowski, Richard H. Sands
  • Pendulum vibration absorber on a crankshaft
    Patent number: 8813604
    Abstract: An apparatus for damping vibrations in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a crankshaft with a lobe. The lobe has a flange with an opening that is coupled to the body of the lobe. A pendulum is pivotally coupled to the flange in a manner to allow the pendulum to follow an epicycloidal path of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Geist, Christopher S. Barron, William F. Resh, Md Imran Hossain, Michael P. Patyi, Stan M. Mashkevich
  • Method for managing lash in a driveline
    Patent number: 8818660
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes a transmission device operative to transfer power between an input member, a torque machine and an output member, the output member coupled to a driveline coupled to a wheel to transfer tractive torque therebetween. A method for controlling the hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring an operator torque request, determining an operating range state of the transmission device, determining a net output torque to the output member based upon the operator torque request, determining a lash state of the driveline, and determining a command for transferring output torque to the output member based upon the operating range state of the transmission device, the net output torque, and the lash state of the driveline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Jason J McConnell, Seamus T McGrath, Robert L. Morris
  • Method of addressing and correcting mismatches between E-shift position and actual transmission gear
    Patent number: 8812207
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and correcting mismatches between an electronic shifter position and a vehicle's actual transmission gear. The method and system implement a correction scheme that may initially set a period for manual correction, if possible, then initiate automatic correction if correction is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Chrysler Group LLC, Kostal of America
    Inventors: Brian L Wagoner, Eugene Karpinsky, Matthew S Martin, Michael F Tefend, Steven R Hoskins
  • Battery tray retaining system
    Patent number: 8808894
    Abstract: A battery tray can include a deck, first and second longitudinal and side walls and a clamping member. The walls can extend from the deck and cooperate with each other to form a container area for receiving one of a first and a second battery, where the first battery has a longer length than the second battery. The second longitudinal and side walls can include respective first and second battery hold down members each having a rib for engaging one of the first and second batteries. The first longitudinal and side walls can include respective first and second ramped members for urging at least the first battery into engagement with the battery hold down members. The first clamping member can be removably coupled to the battery tray relative to one of the first longitudinal or side walls and can engage the first or second battery positioned on the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Scott Munro, Luke D. Griffith, George F. Gauchey, Randy T. Gerken
  • Sampling tube for improved exhaust gas flow to exhaust sensor
    Patent number: 8800264
    Abstract: An exhaust assembly for a vehicle includes an exhaust pipe through which an exhaust gas flows substantially in a first direction. The exhaust pipe includes a central region. The assembly also includes a sensor in fluid communication with the exhaust pipe and an elongated tube extending from a first end toward a second end and disposed at least partially within the exhaust pipe. The first end of the tube receives at least a portion of the sensor. The tube includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The inlet opening generally faces the exhaust gas flowing within the central region in the first direction so that some of the exhaust gas flowing in the central region enters the inlet opening. The tube directs the exhaust gas within the tube toward the sensor, and the exhaust gas within the tube flows out of the tube through the outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Raymond J. Sullivan, Mark E. McKackin, Richard L. Lewis, William L. Laga, Charles S. Payton
  • Rear vehicle seat automatic head rest system
    Patent number: 8801103
    Abstract: An extendible and retractable head rest system for a motor vehicle seat has a head rest coupled to a linkage and an actuator coupled to the linkage. The linkage includes an offset drive link that upon the actuator being actuated to extend the head rest system to an operative position, the linkage moves the head rest up and forward and upon the actuator being actuated to retract the head rest system to an inoperative position, the linkage moves the head rest back and down. In an aspect, the linkage kneels when the head rest reaches an upper position to move the head rest to a forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: D. Scott Bittinger, Vincent Audet, Ravi Hosalli, Johnathan Larner, Travis D. Bechtel, John Taylor
  • Wind-up control link
    Patent number: 8801018
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension may include a leaf spring, a link member and a bumper. The leaf spring may include first and second ends and a body extending between the first and second ends. The first end may be pivotably coupled to a first mounting structure and may be configured to pivot relative to a vehicle chassis. The second end may be pivotably coupled to a second mounting structure and may be configured to pivot relative to the vehicle chassis. The body may engage a third mounting structure configured to secure the body relative to a vehicle axle. The link member may include a first end pivotably coupled to the first mounting structure and a second end pivotably coupled to the third mounting structure. The bumper may extend downward from the link member toward the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Brian A Del Pup, Nicholas Walters, Todd R Kelpin, Murthy Kowsika
  • Dual beam laser welding head
    Patent number: 8803029
    Abstract: A laser welding head capable of producing a plurality of beams that are proficient in providing a unique keyhole. The welding head is movable through a plurality of positions relative to substrates that enables the plurality of beams to engage the substrates in a manner that welds the substrates in a variety of stack-up positions. A welding method using the welding head is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Mariana G. Forrest, Feng Lu, Stefan Heinemann, Torsten Schmidt
  • Oil pump system for an engine
    Patent number: 8801396
    Abstract: An oil pump system can include a housing defining a pocket for an oil pump, a cavity, and a pump outlet passage connecting the pocket to the cavity. Low and high pressure relief passages can be defined by the housing for selectively fluidly coupling the cavity to a pressure relief area. A pressure relief valve positioned in the cavity can comprise first and second ends, first and second internal bores, and a slot in communication with the first internal bore. A biasing member positioned in the second internal bore can biasing the valve to a first position. The valve can translate to a second position aligning the slot with the low pressure relief passage to selectively provide low pressure relief to the oil pump, and can translate to a third position aligning the slot with the high pressure relief passage to selectively provide high pressure relief to the oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Walter W. Sundquist
  • Electric motor assist for transmission electric oil pump
    Patent number: 8795118
    Abstract: A method for assisting a transmission oil pump in a hybrid electric powertrain to generate transmission oil pressure rapidly during vehicle start. An electric motor is initially utilized to provide momentary torque to rotate an oil pump and rapidly generate transmission oil pressure. After initial assistance is provided by the electric motor, an oil pump electric motor powers the oil pump and maintains oil pressure within the hybrid powertrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Laszlo Hideg, Zhenxing Fu, Xiaodong Liu, Dumitru Puiu
  • Hybrid dual configuration transmission
    Patent number: 8795115
    Abstract: A hybrid dual configuration transmission for a vehicle having an electric motor, planetary gear set and a plurality of gear meshes is disclosed herein. The hybrid dual configuration transmission provides for a plurality of electrically variable transmission operating modes and a plurality of fixed gear operating modes. The hybrid dual configuration transmission may be operated utilizing exclusively the electric motor, exclusively an engine, or any combination of the electric motor and engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
  • Door assembly for a vehicle
    Patent number: 8794688
    Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle is provided and may include a door selectively movable relative to the vehicle between an open state and a closed state. A first track may slidably support the door relative to the vehicle between the open state and the closed state and a second track may be spaced apart from the first track, may slidably support the door relative to the vehicle between the open state and the closed state, and may include a first track portion and a second track portion. The first track portion may be operable to slide relative to the second track portion when the door is moved a predetermined distance relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Carl Mather, Todd Teasdale
  • Low mass passenger airbag design
    Patent number: 8783711
    Abstract: An airbag module including a housing, an airbag disposed within the housing, and a chute enclosing the airbag within the housing. The chute includes a seam formed therein that is operable to open during deployment of the airbag, wherein the chute includes a projection that extends toward the housing, and the housing includes a grasping feature that engages with the projection during deployment of the airbag to assist in opening the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: James Webber
  • Steering wheel
    Patent number: D709006
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Klaus Busse, Ryan Nagode, Christopher S Welch, Dan M Zimmerman
  • Steering wheel
    Patent number: D710769
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Winnie Cheung, Stephen J Sowinski, Clifford Wilkins, Robert Walker, Klaus Busse
  • Automobile exterior
    Patent number: D711784
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Vincent J Galante, Mark T Allen