Patents Represented by Attorney Ralph E. Smith

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  • Method for manufacturing an ultrasonic array transducer
    Patent number: 6757948
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic probe and method for making the same is provided which has an advantageous construction and method of assembly. The ultrasonic probe has a segmented ultrasonic transducer having a plurality of individual independent transducers, a plurality of piezoelectric transducers connected to a first end of a respective individual independent transducer; and a plurality of electrical connections electrically communicating each the piezoelectric transducer with a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Andrei A Ptchelintsev, Roman Gr. Maev
  • Steering column with rotary tilt mechanism and method of installation
    Patent number: 6758494
    Abstract: An articulated, tiltable steering column and method for installing the same is provided. The steering column includes a locking mechanism for retaining upper and lower column members in selected positions of adjustment. The locking mechanism includes a rod received by and slidable along a longitudinal axis within a sleeve. A collar is journalled around the sleeve and includes diametrically opposed bores for receiving the shaft. A biasing member is secured on a first end to a mounting portion extending from the sleeve and is secured on a second end by the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Sean A Bannon, William A Jolley, Benjamin S Basa, Jr.
  • Method to improve engine synchronization performance
    Patent number: 6745118
    Abstract: A method for determining the angular position of an internal combustion engine throughout an engine cycle, the method includes the steps of providing a crankshaft having a plurality of teeth, the crankshaft completing two revolutions per engine cycle. A camshaft is provided having a plurality of teeth, the camshaft completing one revolution per engine cycle. An engine controller is provided. A sample size of the engine cycle is set in each of two concurrent engine cycles. The teeth of the plurality of teeth are counted on the camshaft found in the sample sizes. The crank position is then determined according to the teeth appearing in the sample sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Dino Bortolin
  • Microprocessor-controlled DC to DC converter with fault protection
    Patent number: 6741436
    Abstract: A DC/DC converter features a programmable controller in a feedback control loop thereof. The programmable controller enables easy changes to operating parameters by reprogramming the controller's application software. Additionally, the converter features a hardware-implemented fault protection circuit which shuts down the converter's switching transistor upon controller failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen K Gilbert, Qlingchuan Li, David L Simpson, Jr.
  • Analytical tire model for vehicle durability and ride comfort analysis
    Patent number: 6741957
    Abstract: A method of modeling a tire is provided. The tire model is used in simulating vehicle response to a simulated ground profile. The tire has an undeformed envelope that defines the outer circumference when no forces are exerted on the tire. The method includes the steps of mathematically characterizing the tire undeformed envelope and a simulated ground profile. Integrating the characterized simulated ground profile and the characterized tire undeformed envelope with respect to the horizontal direction such that a tire deformed area is determined. Calculating the magnitude of the resultant force vector from the deformed area. Determining the direction of the resultant force vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Jun S Sui, John A Hirshey, II
  • Vehicle navigation system with off-board server
    Patent number: 6741931
    Abstract: A vehicle navigation system communicates with a remote navigation server to download turn-by-turn command information via a mobile phone communication channel. After the mobile phone is disconnected from the remote server, an on-board transceiver module generates turn-by-turn command information to the vehicle operator in voice and/or visual form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: James K Kohut, John R Robb, Mahmoud A Al-Nsour, Michael B Merrick
  • Interactive process during engine idle stop mode
    Patent number: 6730000
    Abstract: A process for regulating stopping of an engine during a typical traffic idling event in order to reduce fuel consumption. There is an interactive process between the engine and the transmission involving shutting down the engine when the driver has braked to a stop and restarting upon release of brake pressure. The transmission input elements are clamped during the engine shut down to minimize transient torque disturbance and the vehicle is restarted when motion is detected. The process involves pressurizing of first gear friction elements during the stop period using an auxiliary pump so that the transmission will be ready to transmit torque on restart. Restart surge is avoided by transmitting a limited amount of torque in a controlled manner during a restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Maurice Leising, Hussein Dourra
  • Full off-set two-piece fiber reinforced composite wheel using spoke or web area box sections
    Patent number: 6726292
    Abstract: A two piece fiber reinforced composite wheel includes a molded inner rim portion defining an outboard engagement surface and a molded outer rim portion defining an inboard engagement surface. The inner and outer rim portions are conformed so as to interlock together and are adhesively bonded. The inner and outer rim portions engage forming a plurality of spoke sections having substantially box shaped cross sections. The spoke sections are further connected with fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Del C Schroeder, John G Argeropoulos, Jeremy A Panasiewicz, David J Hunter, David G Speth, Suresh Nagesh
  • Capless fuel refilling system
    Patent number: 6722407
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two-piece capless fuel-filling device and method of attaching the same to a vehicle. The capless fuel-filling device includes two primary components, an exterior housing member and an interior housing member. The exterior housing member is first placed within an opening formed in a vehicle body panel and attached thereto. Next, the interior housing member is attached to the exterior housing member or the interior side of the body panel. Either the internal housing member or the external housing member includes a valve for enabling and restricting insertion of a refueling nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Henry
  • Anti-buffeting vehicle mirror assembly
    Patent number: 6712413
    Abstract: A mirror assembly is provided for use on an external surface of a vehicle having a mirrored surface disposed in an external shell and a mirror flag operably connected to the external shell for attachment to an external surface of a vehicle. The mirror flag includes at least one spoiler disposed between the external shell and the mirror flag for directing air flow caused by forward movement of the vehicle. Specifically, the at least one spoiler serves to direct the air flow away from the mirror assembly as well as away from the vehicle surface to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle and reduce wind noise produced by the air flow contacting the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Randall B Flowerday
  • Ethanol content rationality for a flexible fueled vehicle
    Patent number: 6714856
    Abstract: A method for checking the accuracy of an oxygen sensor based determination of the alcohol content of the fuel of a flexible fueled vehicle. Following the addition of fuel to the flexible fueled vehicle two alcohol concentration possibilities are calculated. The two alcohol concentration possibilities are then used to calculate thresholds for the determining if the oxygen sensor based determination falls within the thresholds. If the oxygen sensor based determination does not fall within the thresholds then action is taken to counteract an inaccurate determination of alcohol concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Shean P Huff, John M Prevost
  • Zipper assembly with integrated electrical contacts
    Patent number: 6712420
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle having a body with a removable soft top and a separate rear window with an electrically-operable component. The rear window being selectively attachable to and removable from the top. A separable fastener assembly such as a zipper is provided with the top and the rear window so that the electrically-operated component is electrically connected with a vehicle power supply upon attachment of the rear window to the soft top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Kargilis, John W. Pohill, Frank M. Lopick, E. Mackey King
  • Method for scheduling a project to design and manufacture a multi-component assembly
    Patent number: 6714827
    Abstract: A method for scheduling to design and manufacture a multi-component assembly includes identifying a project completion date, determining a tooling lead time for each of the plurality of components, determining a design completion date for each of the plurality of subassemblies, the design completion date being a function of the project completion date and the tooling lead times for each of the plurality of components, determining a design lead time for each of the plurality of components, and determining a design start date for each of the plurality of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy K Brown, Jack E Thompson, N. Ray Hedding, Michael A Tonietto, James W Strausbaugh, Roger P Lundberg, Lawrence J Achram, William M Russo, Robert J Dupuis
  • Bar actuator for retractable headrest
    Patent number: 6709051
    Abstract: A motor vehicle seat frame assembly for moving a headrest between an extended position and a retracted position as the frame assembly pivots. The frame assembly comprises a seatback frame operatively engaged with the headrest, and a bar having first and second ends. The seatback frame is pivotable from a use position about a first pivot that is fixed with respect to the vehicle. The first end of the bar is pivotably connected to a second pivot that is fixed with respect to the vehicle, and the second end of the bar is attached to the headrest such that the headrest moves from the extended position toward the retracted position as the seatback frame is pivoted from the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: John E Schambre, Marcus G Washington, Jack Soullier, Liliana Neag, Louis D DeLellis
  • Automobile body
    Patent number: D489648
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff C Gale, Robert B McMahan, Norman Kleiner, Gary D Guichard, Ralph V Gilles
  • Vehicle grille/front end segment
    Patent number: D489665
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Irina Zavatski, Freeman J Thomas, John G Opfer, Norman Kleiner, Mark D Hall, Joseph S Dehner, Timothy W Anness, Ralph V Gilles
  • Automobile body
    Patent number: D490023
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Howell, Darrel L Morley, Joseph S Dehner
  • Automobile body
    Patent number: D490024
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Irina Zavatski, Freeman J Thomas, John G Opfer, Norman Kleiner, Mark D Hall, Joseph S Dehner, Timothy W Anness, Ralph V Gilles
  • Vehicle grille/front end segment
    Patent number: D490353
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff C Gale, Robert B McMahan, Norman Kleiner, Gary D Guichard, Ralph V Gilles
  • Vehicle
    Patent number: D491109
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Walters