Patents by Inventor George Konstantakopoulos
George Konstantakopoulos 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).
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Publication number: 20130147222Abstract: A storage compartment integrated into a pillar of a vehicle that may be enclosed by a movable door accessible from an exterior of the vehicle. The door may support at least one audio speaker such that if the door is closed, the audio speaker may act as an interior audio speaker, and if the door is opened, the audio speaker may act as an exterior audio speaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Inventors: Paresh Rana, George A. Konstantakopoulos, Brett Ladetto
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Patent number: 8167179Abstract: A roof-rack assembly for a vehicle includes a roof having a first support member extending along a length thereof. A second support member is spaced apart from the first support member and extends along a length of the roof. At least one cross-member extends between and is attached to the first support member and the second support member and is movable between a use position and a stowed position relative to the roof. The at least one cross-member extends away from a surface of the roof in the use position and is received generally within the roof in the stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventors: Richmond P. Thomas, Brett Ladetto, Jacek Dubiel, Daniel T. Griffin, Carl Mather, David E. Dawkins, Paresh Rana, George Konstantakopoulos
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Patent number: 7891643Abstract: A gas compression spring is mounted with an exterior element configured to allow a user to adjust the extension of the spring by rotating or sliding the exterior element. The user can line up an internal mechanism which is configured to limit the extension of the gas spring, and therefore stop the extension of the gas spring at a predetermined height. Additionally, an override mechanism is included where a user requires full extension of the gas spring. For example, the user can override the internal mechanism by applying a force in the direction of the extension, which disengages the mechanism allowing full extension. When the spring is compressed again, the mechanism resets and opens to the predetermined height. The gas spring can be utilized in a vehicle liftgate system, allowing the liftgate to open at one or more heights based upon the internal mechanism settings of the gas spring.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventors: Paresh Rana, Aaron Schnepp, Louis A. Rhodes, George Konstantakopoulos, Robert S. Smyczynski
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Publication number: 20090065988Abstract: A gas compression spring is mounted with an exterior element configured to allow a user to adjust the extension of the spring by rotating or sliding the exterior element. The user can line up an internal mechanism which is configured to limit the extension of the gas spring, and therefore stop the extension of the gas spring at a predetermined height. Additionally, an override mechanism is included where a user requires full extension of the gas spring. For example, the user can override the internal mechanism by applying a force in the direction of the extension, which disengages the mechanism allowing full extension. When the spring is compressed again, the mechanism resets and opens to the predetermined height. The gas spring can be utilized in a vehicle liftgate system, allowing the liftgate to open at one or more heights based upon the internal mechanism settings of the gas spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: Paresh Rana, Aaron Schnepp, Louis A. Rhodes, George Konstantakopoulos, Robert S. Smyczynski
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Publication number: 20080264988Abstract: A roof-rack assembly for a vehicle includes a roof having a first support member extending along a length thereof. A second support member is spaced apart from the first support member and extends along a length of the roof. At least one cross-member extends between and is attached to the first support member and the second support member and is movable between a use position and a stowed position relative to the roof. The at least one cross-member extends away from a surface of the roof in the use position and is received generally within the roof in the stowed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Richmond P. Thomas, Brett Ladetto, Jacek Dubiel, Daniel T. Griffin, Carl Mather, David E. Dawkins, Paresh Rana, George Konstantakopoulos
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Patent number: 7300385Abstract: A control method for coupling a first engine to a second engine in a vehicle includes determining a current position of a throttle body that regulates power output from the first and second engines. Determining a set speed for the first and second engines that corresponds to a desired power output from the first and second engines. Determining a compensation position for the throttle body and moving the throttle body to the compensation position. Actuating a clutch to a closed position such that the first engine is coupled to the second engine. Determining whether the first engine and the second engine are in phase. Actuating the clutch to slip if the first engine is not in phase with the second engine and actuating the clutch to the closed position when the first engine and the second engine are in phase.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Chrysler LLCInventors: Jeffrey P Cherry, George Konstantakopoulos, Steven A Barnhart, Donald L Carriere
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Patent number: 7232156Abstract: A frame for a gaseous fueled vehicle is provided. The frame includes a floor pan, a tunnel positioned centrally and longitudinally in the floor pan extending a full length of the frame, and a tank integrated into the tunnel, where the tank is circular in cross-section and has a variable diameter. The tunnel may also integrate two or more tanks.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Isaac E Rife, Timothy Edmunds, Donald D Anderson, George Konstantakopoulos
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Publication number: 20060214415Abstract: A frame for a gaseous fueled vehicle is provided. The frame includes a floor pan, a tunnel positioned centrally and longitudinally in the floor pan extending a full length of the frame, and a tank integrated into the tunnel, where the tank is circular in cross-section and has a variable diameter. The tunnel may also integrate two or more tanks.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2006Publication date: September 28, 2006Inventors: Isaac Rife, Timothy Edmunds, Donald Anderson, George Konstantakopoulos
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Publication number: 20060065503Abstract: A control method for coupling a first engine to a second engine in a vehicle includes determining a current position of a throttle body that regulates power output from the first and second engines. Determining a set speed for the first and second engines that corresponds to a desired power output from the first and second engines. Determining a compensation position for the throttle body and moving the throttle body to the compensation position. Actuating a clutch to a closed position such that the first engine is coupled to the second engine. Determining whether the first engine and the second engine are in phase. Actuating the clutch to slip if the first engine is not in phase with the second engine and actuating the clutch to the closed position when the first engine and the second engine are in phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2004Publication date: March 30, 2006Inventors: Jeffrey Cherry, George Konstantakopoulos, Steven Barnhart, Donald Carriere
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Patent number: 7017339Abstract: An exhaust system for a dual crankshaft engine system having a first engine and a second engine having a common exhaust member open at an end thereof for venting engine exhaust. A first exhaust member is adapted to be coupled to the first engine and coupled to the common exhaust member. The first exhaust member has a first catalytic converter formed thereon. A second exhaust member is adapted to be coupled to the first engine and coupled to the common exhaust member and has a second catalytic converter formed thereon. A third exhaust member is adapted to be coupled to the second engine and coupled to the common exhaust member. A fourth exhaust member is adapted to be coupled to the second exhaust engine and coupled to the common exhaust member. A third catalytic converter is provided in the exhaust member.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: George Konstantakopoulos, Donald D Anderson
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Publication number: 20050198947Abstract: An exhaust system for a dual crankshaft engine system having a first engine and a second engine having a common exhaust member open at an end thereof for venting engine exhaust. A first exhaust member is adapted to be coupled to the first engine and coupled to the common exhaust member. The first exhaust member has a first catalytic converter formed thereon. A second exhaust member is adapted to be coupled to the first engine and coupled to the common exhaust member and has a second catalytic converter formed thereon. A third exhaust member is adapted to be coupled to the second engine and coupled to the common exhaust member. A fourth exhaust member is adapted to be coupled to the second exhaust engine and coupled to the common exhaust member. A third catalytic converter is provided in the exhaust member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2004Publication date: September 15, 2005Inventors: George Konstantakopoulos, Donald Anderson
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Publication number: 20050161934Abstract: A frame for a gaseous fueled vehicle, said frame comprising: a floor pan, a tunnel positioned centrally and longitudinally in said floor pan extending the full length of said frame, and a tank integrated into said tunnel. The tunnel may also integrate two or more tanks.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2003Publication date: July 28, 2005Inventors: Isaac Rife, Timothy Edmunds, Donald Anderson, George Konstantakopoulos
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Patent number: 6814686Abstract: A dual engine crankshaft coupling arrangement is provided. The coupling arrangement includes a starter clutch portion for frictionally engaging a crankshaft of a primary engine with a crankshaft of a secondary engine for starting the second engine. A phase clutch is also provided for engaging the first and second crankshafts in an angular specific relative orientation for proper timing relationships coupling of the engine crankshafts.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Donald L Carriere, Thomas L Kizer, Jeffrey P Cherry, George Konstantakopoulos
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Publication number: 20040138026Abstract: A dual engine crankshaft coupling arrangement is provided. The coupling arrangement includes a starter clutch portion for frictionally engaging a crankshaft of a primary engine with a crankshaft of a secondary engine for starting the second engine. A phase clutch is also provided for engaging the first and second crankshafts in an angular specific relative orientation for proper timing relationships coupling of the engine crankshafts.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Donald L. Carriere, Thomas L. Kizer, Jeffrey P. Cherry, George Konstantakopoulos
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Publication number: 20030223919Abstract: A supplemental energy generating system is integrated with an exhaust system of a combustion engine. The system includes a thermoelectric generator (TEG) having a housing enclosing a metal catalytic substrate positioned in an exhaust passage of the exhaust system. A coolant channel is disposed with the housing having an input and output connected to an externally located cooling system, and at least one thermoelectric generator element is disposed within the housing between the coolant channel and the metal catalytic substrate. The thermoelectric generator element is positioned to be in heat exchange relationship with the metal catalytic substrate and the coolant channel, and generates harvestable electric power as a function of the heat exchange process.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Sehoon Kwak, Christopher A. Willner, George Konstantakopoulos
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Patent number: 6308799Abstract: A space efficient, structurally rigid, integrated muffler and bumper assembly is provided. The muffler and bumper assembly comprises an extruded skeleton, an energy absorbing bumper, and a bumper fascia. The extruded skeleton is formed such that internal cavities or passage flow chambers exist. In turn, the walls of the flow chambers maintain a plurality of holes, allowing for passage of exhaust gases between chambers. The extruded skeleton also has an inlet and outlet for exhaust gas flow. Arms having tabs on the ends thereof extend from the top and bottom of the extruded skeleton such that the energy absorbing bumper, which maintains recesses in the top and bottom portions, snap-fits with the extruded skeleton. The extruded skeleton/bumper assembly is welded or otherwise mechanically fastened to the vehicle frame rails. The bumper fascia is introduced over the extruded skeleton/bumper assembly generally masking the assembly with the overall vehicle design.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventor: George A Konstantakopoulos