Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Kenneth H. Maclean
  • Patent number: 4993578
    Abstract: For the inlet of a vehicle fuel tank, an improved cap having an outer gripping portion and an inner body portion for threading into tank's inlet. The inner and outer portions are connected by several axially extending, thin posts so that when the outer portion is impacted, axially or laterally, the portions are severed by breakage of the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Keith A. Kerby
  • Patent number: 4986126
    Abstract: An improved electronic oil pressure transducer with a circuit board supporting a power transistor and with a metal heat sink attached to the transducer so that a portion thereof extends through an aperture in the transducer housing and into intimate contact with the power transistor to transfer heat from the transistor to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Acustar, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel F. Lawless
  • Patent number: 4982607
    Abstract: An improved pressure transducer to measure and indicate fluid pressure levels including a housing in which a piston assembly is movable in response to pressure changes, the housing being of a composite material of metal and plastic and having grooves therein, the piston having bosses formed thereon to be engaged within the grooves of the housing to prevent rotation of the piston. The transducer is also designed to facilitate grounding of an electrical contact assembly located within the housing. The external portion of the housing may be formed in a hexagonl shape to facilitate installation and removal of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Acustar, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph T. Betterton, Alfred H. Glover, Thomas S. McKee
  • Patent number: 4982847
    Abstract: A board guide assembly (10) includes a printed wiring board (12) which is maintained at predetermined horizontal and vertical positions by a pair of guide mechanisms (42). The guide mechanism (42) includes a lower guide member (48) having a ramped upper surface to guide the board (12) upwards to the predetermined vertical position and an upper guide member (50) having a downwardly ramped lower surface to guide the board (12) downwardly to the predetermined vertical position between the upper and lower guide members (50, 48) and clamped therebetween. A deformable insert (46) is located between the upper and lower guide members (50, 48) to be inserted within a notch (22, 24) in the board (12). The insert (16) includes tabs (72, 74) extending therefrom on opposite sides and spaced apart along the insert (46) to provide force on the board (12) to position in the predetermined horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Acustar, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred H. Glover, Joseph T. Betterton, Bruce Hepler
  • Patent number: 4973188
    Abstract: A pointer bushing for securing an indicating element to an output shaft of an indicating instrument includes a base for spacing the pointer above the instrument face, a collar for connecting the base to the indicating element, and an S-shaped shaft gripping section for connecting the base to the output shaft. The output shaft connection includes a pair of posts which depend axially from the base, a reversely bent wing which extends from each arm, and a shaft gripping member forming the end of wing, the gripping members being in confronting relation to form a generally cylindrical, axially extending, radially expansible, socket for gripping the shaft whereby to fixedly hold the output shaft against relative rotative as well as axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred H. Glover, Joseph T. Betterton, Bruce Hepler
  • Patent number: 4966299
    Abstract: In association with a fuel tank of a vehicle with an inlet, an improved fuel filler assembly therein with first and second sealing means for isolating the interior of the fuel tank from the atmosphere and a vapor storage canister before a refill of the tank and subsequently from the atmosphere but not the storage canister during a refill operation while preventing passage of liquid to the storage canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Teets, Keith A. Kerby, Michael P. Rafferty, Wayne D. Carver, Robert Shrodes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4951699
    Abstract: A device and system to transport fuel from one interior portion of a fuel tank to another by automatic siphon action, the siphon being initiated by an aspirator which evacuates air and fuel vapor from the siphon by the flow effect of the return fuel through a venturi or reduced diameter portion of the return fuel line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Lipman
  • Patent number: 4951478
    Abstract: In an automobile air conditioning system, an improved orifice type expansion device includes a movable piston which supports an orifice tube so that the piston is moved in response to higher than normal condenser pressure towards a stationary plug member so that the resistance to flow is increased and thus a desirable low evaporator pressure and temperature is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Larry K. McDonald
  • Patent number: 4944629
    Abstract: A quick change tool holder including two basic component assemblies, the first component assembly having a central boss portion and the second component assembly having a recess to receive the boss portion when the two component assemblies are attached together. A channel formed in the boss portion is engaged by a pivotally mounted lock bar member when the component assemblies are attached together. The lock bar is moved out of the channel which permits separation of one component assembly from the other by the action of air pressure against a piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Acustar, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie E. Peveto
  • Patent number: 4944265
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having an engine block and a cylinder head, a pair of axially offset lubricating oil passsages in the block and the head respectively positioned so that there is no direct axial communication therebetween and with a gasket therebetween with openings corresponding to the pair of passages and a restricted communicating structure therebetween for limiting the flow of oil from the block to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Davey
  • Patent number: 4938122
    Abstract: An improved air directing outlet assembly particularly for an automobile air conditioning system including open front ended and rear ended frame and barrel members. The frame surrounds the barrel which is supported thereby for pivotal movements as guided by engagement of several pins in corresponding elongated apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Vale M. Ziemba
  • Patent number: 4925465
    Abstract: A vapor recovery canister comprises a flexible envelope defining a chamber which contains an insulating material impregnated with hydrocarbon adsorbent. Nipples connect the chamber in fluid communication with the exterior of the envelope so that the vapor canister can easily be coupled to the fluid conduits of a vapor recover system. Preferably, the envelope includes a plurality of openings extending through the body of the canister and sealed by sealing grommets to form mounting apertures adapted to receive a snap fit fastener attached to a body panel of a motor vehicle. Preferably, the vapor canister is mounted to the interior surface of the hood panel of the motor vehicle so that engine heat can be utilized to release hydrocarbons stored in the vapor recovery canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Merle E. Liskey
  • Patent number: 4905647
    Abstract: A throttle body defining a passageway and including a throttle valve formed by a pivoting plate is profiled to include a venturi nozzle whose converging wall lies adjacent the path of the plate periphery. The radius, and other characteristics of the converging wall reduces the change of flow rate throughout the low range of throttle travel to reduce sensitivity to throttle actuator position. Furthermore, the venturi nozzle profile is configured in accordance with standard engineering characteristics to avoid pressure differential which restricts air flow rate through the passage and maintains a high maximum flow rate through the throttle passage. Moreover, the profile can be formed by simple mold parts or simple machining apparatus for ease of construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Kizer, Stephen R. Brueckner
  • Patent number: 4905656
    Abstract: A gas flow control valve for engine crankcase emissions includes an enclosure and a hollow valve element which is supported on a rod to permit sliding movements in response to a balance of forces produced by gas pressure and a closing spring located within the hollow control valve element. Vanes straighten gas flow to prevent oscillation and rotation of the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph T. Betterton, Alfred H. Glover, Thomas S. McKee, Chris S. Romanczuk
  • Patent number: 4901686
    Abstract: For use with a liquid cooled engine with a freeze plug opening, a heater assembly with a resistance type heating element supported in the interior of a generally cup-shaped housing with an open end positioned over the freeze plug opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Ian J. C. Scott
  • Patent number: 4886182
    Abstract: For a vehicle with a body opening to a fuel filler inlet tube and a pivotal cover panel normally covering the body opening, a funnel member loosely supported in the inlet tube which is attached to the panel so that the funnel is moved axially in the tube to a more outward position as the panel is pivoted to an open operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Fedelem, Robert B. Hutter
  • Patent number: 4886180
    Abstract: A fuel tank of blow molded plastic which has an elongated bottom needing reinforcement, the reinforcement including an elongated groove or channel molded in the tank bottom and an elongated tubular plastic reinforcement member, both member and channel having complimentary shapes with narrowed mid portions cooperative together to retain the tubular member in the channel thereby forming a composite structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Bonczyk
  • Patent number: 4886032
    Abstract: An injector heating apparatus and method for a vehicle engine having fuel injectors with a solenoid coil in a housing for passing fuel into the engine, including an electrical control unit with a alternate normal engine run mode and an injector heating mode and a temperature sensing switch to signal the electrical control so that the fuel pump and engine starter are deenergized and the injector coils are energized for a timed period so that the injectors can be heated and subsequently the temperature of fuel passed therethrough is increased by heat transfer therefrom during a subsequent start and run mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas W. Asmus
  • Patent number: 4886467
    Abstract: A support device for a tool or fixture which uses pressurized fluid or electricity for power including two base assemblies adapted to be attached together in a manner permitting ready attachment and detachment and with each base having a metallic conduit extending therethrough but insulated therefrom, and with aligned open end portions adapted to engage one another when the bases are attached together thereby providing fluid and electrical power to the tool or fixture through the two base assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Johnnie E. Peveto
  • Patent number: 4886033
    Abstract: A gas flow control valve for engine crankcase emissions includes an enclosure and a hollow valve element which is supported on a rod to permit sliding movements in response to a balance of forces produced by gas pressure and a closing spring located within the hollow control valve element. Vanes straighten gas flow to prevent oscillation and rotation of the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph T. Betterton, Alfred H. Glover, Thomas S. McKee, Chris S. Romanczuk