Patents Represented by Attorney Ralph E. Smith

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  • Non-PWM vehicle lamp dimming arrangement
    Patent number: 7482763
    Abstract: This invention provides an arrangement for selectively varying the illumination level of an interior light source in a vehicle. The arrangement includes supplying a current to at least one interior light source to achieve a predetermined level of illumination, and reducing the level of illumination via a shunt arrangement in response to detection of a nighttime condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Russell G Rodriguez, Robert J Randel, Robert G Rudzewicz
  • Air induction system and assembly method for an intake manifold with a single shaft and sensor for activating air control valves
    Patent number: 7448357
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes a single shaft with cam-actuated control valves and one linear solenoid for control of air flow control vales in the air induction system for a V-type engine. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the single shaft and one sensor are utilized to activate all control valves. Additionally, the present invention can also be used in in-line engines. Advantageously, the present invention utilizes one moving shaft and sensor to activate all control valves on both sides of the intake manifold without restricting air flow by locating the shaft in the middle of the manifold—lower housing. Further, the control valves are not attached with screws, thus eliminating a tolerance stack-up at assembly problem. The air induction sub-system can be manufactured with metals or plastic, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Dudek
  • Retainer for a door lock
    Patent number: 7444845
    Abstract: A retainer assembly for resisting detachment of a door lock cylinder from an opening in a door panel includes a retainer clip engaged with the door lock cylinder to prevent the door lock cylinder from being separated from the opening in the door panel, and a keeper for holding the retainer clip engaged with the door lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: John S. Kargilis, Philippe Pontols
  • Venting canister for airbag system
    Patent number: 7445236
    Abstract: An airbag canister vent is attached to or resides within an airbag module of an automobile. The module has a housing, within which resides a gas generator, an airbag, a tether cord, and a housing vent valve configured to close in accordance with the tether length that connects the airbag and the housing vent valve. The tension or any slack in the tether is governed by the discharge distance of the airbag from the canister. The canister vent may be a rotating disk that gradually closes as the airbag moves toward a seat occupant or a movable ball valve with a tether pin that remains open until the bag is discharged far enough from the canister to pull a tether pin from the ball causing the pressurized gas in the canister to forcibly lodge the ball against the vent hole wall thereby forming a seal and closing the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventor: John C Rust
  • Creep resistant magnesium alloy
    Patent number: 7445751
    Abstract: A die castable magnesium based alloy comprising, by weight, between about 3 and 10% aluminum, between about 0.5 and 2.5% calcium, up to about 1.5% silicon, up to about 0.7% zinc, and the remainder being magnesium. The alloy has been found to exhibit more favorable castability and creep resistance than comparative magnesium based alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventor: Randy S. Beals
  • Air bag vent
    Patent number: 7445237
    Abstract: An air bag includes a wall defining an interior in which a gas is received to inflate the air bag, and at least one vent opening through the wall and a vent valve carried by the wall. The vent valve has at least one valve opening, and the vent valve is moveable between a first position where the valve opening is aligned with at least one vent opening and a second position where the valve opening is at least partially misaligned with at least one vent opening to at least partially close the vent opening. The vent valve is in its first position until deployment of the air bag beyond a threshold which moves the vent valve to its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Walter J. Boyle, III, Bijal Patel
  • Clutch fill volume learning strategy for transmission control
    Patent number: 7440833
    Abstract: A transmission control system for a transmission including a first gear engagement element that receives a fluid and engages a first gear. The system includes an electromagnetic actuator that receives a control signal and that selectively interrupts flow of the fluid to the first gear engagement element based on a value of the control signal. The system also includes a control module that generates the control signal and that adjusts the value of the control signal so that the first gear engagement element produces a first torque sufficient to hold the first gear. The control module detects a target volume of the fluid when the first gear engagement element produces the first torque. Also, the control module extrapolates a current fill volume (i.e., the volume at which the first gear engagement element begins to produce torque during a shift) of the first gear engagement element from the target volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventor: Gang Chen
  • On-demand four wheel drive system
    Patent number: 7434646
    Abstract: An on-demand four wheel drive system for a vehicle having a front drive train, a rear drive train, and a transfer case. The system includes a sensor system operable to detect the speed of the front drive train and the speed of the rear drive train. The system also includes a controller operable to cause the transfer case to supply input torque to the front drive train and the rear drive train when the sensor system detects that the speed of the rear drive train exceeds the speed of the front drive train by a predetermined amount. The controller is further operable to cause the transfer case to limit the amount of input torque supplied to the front drive train when the sensor system detects that the speed of the front drive train exceeds the speed of the rear drive train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Mark E Thompson, Frank C Thompson, IV, Michael W Gapski
  • Hybrid vehicle with integral generator for auxiliary loads
    Patent number: 7424925
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to a combined starter/motor/generator which is, in turn, coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The starter/motor/generator is coupled to a high voltage battery pack via an inverter and to a deployable power output panel for serving loads external to the vehicle. Whenever external loads are to be powered, a control unit automatically places the vehicle in PARK, or alternatively activates an electrical parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Arthur J Buglione, Del C Schroeder, Edmund Tworkowski
  • Interactive drill down tool
    Patent number: 7426701
    Abstract: An interactive drill down tool having a first level of information defining the steps necessary to complete an objective. A second level of information defines interrelationships between work positions. A third level of information defines what each work position must accomplish. The first, second, and third levels are organized such that the second level is accessible from the first level and the third level is accessible from the second level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: James W Strausbaugh, Charlene Gasparovich, Karen Strausbaugh, Earl Vogel, Kenneth Mills
  • HVAC control using modulated evaporator outlet temperature
    Patent number: 7424344
    Abstract: A vehicle climate control system operates an evaporator at a minimum temperature adjusted by a temperature offset. The control system determines a desired temperature and a blend potentiometer position that is indicative of the desired temperature. The control system determines a target temperature for the evaporator according to the blend potentiometer position, and calculates the temperature offset according to the target temperature and the blend potentiometer position. A blend door position is controlled according to the blend potentiometer position, the target temperature, the temperature offset, and heater core air temperature in order to optimize the operation of the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignees: Chrysler LLC, Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Raza Mirza, Michael A Zabat, Erik Brom, Gary L. Baker, Christopher P Thomas, David K Ganss
  • Retractable cross rail for vehicle roof rack
    Patent number: 7422130
    Abstract: A vehicular roof rack system has a cross bar that employs a base member, a top member that is retractable to a position within the base member, a spring for biasing the top member away from the base member, and a spring case encompassing the spring to limit spring extension and thus protraction of the top member. The spring case is a two-piece case within which the spring biases against the base member when the top member is in its stowed position to place the top member in its protracted position. The top member and the base member fit together in the retracted position to form an aerodynamic part to permit the cross bar to reduce drag and wind noise when moved through a medium. When protracted, the top member and the bottom member define a gap therebetween so that cargo to be secured can be tied to the top member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventor: Mobeen Shaukat
  • Automobile body
    Patent number: D576524
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Irina Zavatski, David C. McKinnon, Ralph V. Gilles, Mark D. Hall, Jeff C. Gale
  • Vehicle rear bumper
    Patent number: D576529
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Dan M. Zimmermann, Mark T. Allen, Dennis Myles
  • Vehicle headlamp
    Patent number: D577841
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: John G Opfer, Mark Surel, Dennis Myles
  • Automobile body
    Patent number: D578436
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventor: Akino Tsuchiya
  • Vehicle hood
    Patent number: D579832
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: John G Opfer, Mark Surel, Dennis Myles
  • Vehicle side mirror
    Patent number: D579839
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey C Gale, Timothy W Anness
  • Vehicle grille
    Patent number: D580312
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: John G Opfer, Mark Surel, Dennis Myles
  • Vehicle hood
    Patent number: D581326
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: John G Opfer, Timothy W Anness