Patents Represented by Attorney Ralph E. Smith

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  • Hill hold method and system
    Patent number: 7762926
    Abstract: A hill-hold method and system for a vehicle with manual transmission provides automated brake release timing when the vehicle's clutch is still disengaged to minimize or even prevent backward coasting of such a vehicle on a non-zero grade or hill by delaying full release of the brakes when the vehicle operator is in the transition of releasing the brake pedal and moving to the accelerator pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Gregory E. Peterson
  • Third row seat for truck cabin
    Patent number: 7762621
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin and a bed. A first row seat and a second row seat are provided in the cabin, and a dividing wall separates the cabin and the bed. A third-row seat is mounted to the dividing wall, and the dividing wall is pivotable to deploy the third-row seat from a stowed position in the cabin to a deployed position in the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLP
    Inventor: Bernardo M. Duller
  • Interior folding armrest for automotive vehicle door
    Patent number: 7758102
    Abstract: An interior armrest for a sliding door assembly of a motor vehicle having a hollow housing that is pivotally movable about a pivot axis between a horizontal position for use as an armrest and a vertical position for storage is disclosed. The housing includes an actuator for automatically moving the armrest to the vertical position from the horizontal position as the sliding door moves between the closed and the open position. The armrest is disposed within a recess of the sliding door assembly when in the vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Quigley, Robert Smyczynski, Irina Zavatski
  • Transmission pump drive
    Patent number: 7753822
    Abstract: A pump drive for a vehicle transmission pump. A transmission input torque member is operable to carry prime mover torque. A source of pump torque includes a pump input torque member circumscribing the transmission input torque member to apply torque to the transmission pump. An overrunning clutch is interposed between the pump input torque member and the transmission input torque member to carry the prime mover torque from the transmission input torque member to the pump torque output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignees: Chrysler Group LLC, GM Global Technology Operations, Daimler AG, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lars Weinschenker, Zhenxing Fu, Robert Inderka
  • System for controlling display and operation of simultaneous transmissions of at least two media
    Patent number: 7757258
    Abstract: A system for controlling display and operation of simultaneous transmissions of at least two media includes an entertainment unit capable of transmitting at least two media simultaneously. A wireless interface device is used to select a first and second media from the at least two media. A display device in electrical communication with the entertainment unit receives and displays a video portion associated with each of the first and second selected media. At least two wireless receivers are provided for receiving an audio portion associated with each of the first and second media. The wireless interface device is further provided for independently controlling operation of each of the first and second media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Stephen L Muench-Casanova, David J Jaworski, Michael S. Patterson
  • Water shield for vehicle door
    Patent number: 7753435
    Abstract: A water shield for a door of a vehicle includes a main body with at least one sealing portion for sealing to the door. The water shield also includes at least one rib coupled to the main body for increasing stiffness of the water shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Fadi Hanna
  • Pen-based 3D drawing system with 3D mirror symmetric curve drawing
    Patent number: 7750911
    Abstract: A pen-based system allows users, such as artists, graphic designers and illustrators, and the like, to create accurate curve models by sketching. A tool set implemented in software that runs on a computer system combines paper sketch metaphors and a minimalist gesture set. This tool set provides an environment where the artists can focus on the creative task at hand rather than the details of operating software. A pen-based drawing method and system allows users to create and edit three dimensional (“3D”) objects by sketching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Seok-Hyung Bae
  • Integrated overhead side airbag module
    Patent number: 7744120
    Abstract: An overhead trim system for a motor vehicle has a mounting bracket coupled to an overhead area of the motor vehicle and an integrally formed trim member. The integrally formed trim member is configured to extend along a selected length of a perimeter of the overhead area and defines a hinge. The integrally formed trim member is coupled to the mounting bracket to define a cavity configured for receipt of an airbag module. The hinge in a first position is capable of retaining the airbag module within the cavity and in a second position is capable of enabling the airbag module to expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: John C Rust, Joseph G Lemmon, Michael A Warnez, Shawn R Williams, Babak R Famili, Robert P Kuhr
  • Controlling state of charge of a vehicle battery
    Patent number: 7746026
    Abstract: A method of controlling a state of charge of a battery in a vehicle includes receiving a request to enter an enhanced charging mode. A target for the state of charge is increased from a normal operating target to at least one enhanced mode target. The state of charge may be controlled to the at least one enhanced mode target during a drive charging cycle and during a park charging cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignees: Chrysler Group LLC, Daimler AG
    Inventors: Christopher Richard Koziara, Daniel Navarro Rios, Bernd Spier, Kenneth Joseph Wenzel
  • Vehicle door with selective full open positions
    Patent number: 7739836
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for establishing at least two open access door positions relative to an opening of a compartment. The apparatus includes a position defining member having at least one engagement element, and a stop member. The position defining member is adapted to be coupled to the compartment. A housing member is adapted to be coupled to the access door for movement therewith, and has an opening for translatable receipt of the position defining member. The housing member further includes an engagement element operable to engage the at least one engagement element of the position defining member to establish a first open access door position. The stop member contacting the housing member establishes a second open access door position approximately perpendicular to the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: John V Keane, Ronald Frank
  • Vehicle cooled instrument panel compartment
    Patent number: 7726143
    Abstract: A glove box assembly for a vehicle is provided and includes a storage bin, a dedicated climate controlled bin, and an air flow manifold. The air flow manifold is arranged to receive cooled air from a vehicle heating ventilation and air conditioning unit and direct the flow of cooled air into the climate controlled bin for cooling the climate controlled bin independent of the storage bin. The air flow manifold is further arranged to draw cooled air from the heating ventilation and air conditioning unit upstream of a blend door when air conditioning is operating so as to provide cooled air to the climate controlled bin independent of a vehicle cabin temperature setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Calin Marginean, Richard Kukucka, Jeffrey I. Godshall, John Jezuit, Robert Dubiel, Leon J. Ozark, Jr., Ryan C. Nagode
  • A/C condenser damage protection device
    Patent number: 7726428
    Abstract: A device protects at least a portion of an A/C condenser of an automotive vehicle against damage from stones and other road debris. The device includes a guard having a plurality of spaced apart louvers for intercepting and deflecting the stones and other road debris but permitting air to pass through the guard between the louvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Jerome E Kowalski
  • Floating parking brake gap hider
    Patent number: 7722102
    Abstract: A console housing has a top wall formed with an opening that receives an upwardly extending handle of a parking brake. A gap hider includes a close out insert for closing the gap between the opening and the handle. The close out insert is supported on the top wall for limited floating movement so that it will not interfere with the operation of the parking brake handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Alison Hansen, Gary J Nivelt, Kenneth E Zalewski, Mark A Kelly
  • Systems and methods for intelligent charging and intelligent conditioning of a high voltage battery
    Patent number: 7714541
    Abstract: The technology described herein provides a stand-alone intelligent battery charger and intelligent conditioner for use with a high-voltage battery, such as those used in hybrid automotive vehicles. Additionally, in various exemplary embodiments, this technology provides a system and method for validating the capacity of a high voltage battery. Other comparable uses are also contemplated herein, as will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignees: Chrysler Group LLC, Daimler AG
    Inventors: Euthemios Nicholas Stamos, Tobias Glossmann, Christopher Richard Koziara
  • Stowable storage compartment for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 7708329
    Abstract: A stowable storage compartment for a motor vehicle having a frame and a flexible container portion attached to the frame, and a lid mounted on the frame, wherein the lid includes a receptacle for holding the flexible container portion when the storage compartment is stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Bernardo M. Duller
  • Method and apparatus for oil leak testing
    Patent number: 7707870
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to test for oil leaks in an engine component after being machined. The method and apparatus include a wash station that washes the engine component after being machined, and a buffer that heats the engine component to a first temperature. An oil leak test station tests the engine component at about the first temperature for oil leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Anthony T. Bustamante
  • Vehicle cargo floor organizer
    Patent number: 7708327
    Abstract: The technology described herein provides a slidable, retractable, and foldable cargo floor organizer with a rotatable and extensible retention net frame and associated cargo retention net for the rear cargo floor area of a vehicle. The system additionally provides an interior cargo tray having multiple partitions. The system includes a cargo retention net frame disposed about the interior cargo tray, wherein the cargo retention net frame is extensible, and a cargo retention net, the cargo retention net being disposed about the retention net frame, and wherein the cargo retention net is extensible and extends as the cargo retention net frame extends. The system provides for the secure containment of cargo in the rear cargo floor area of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Stephen T. Lim, Brett Ladetto, Aaron Schnepp, Louis A. Rhodes, Paresh Rana
  • Force redistributing system for a vehicle in the event of a rear impact
    Patent number: 7699346
    Abstract: A force redistributing system operably attached to a vehicle. The system includes a first cross-car member, a first side load distributor and a second side load distributor. The first and second side load distributors are parallel to and spaced apart from each other and are attached at respective first ends to opposing ends of the first cross-car member. The system includes a second cross-car member having opposing ends, which are attached to second ends of the first and second side load distributors. The system establishes cross vehicle loading of force from a rear impact wherein the force from the rear impact on the vehicle is transferred along an upper path and a lower path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J Wehner, Ted Thelen, Dave Skilton, Thomas Cowing, Apurva N Kapadia
  • Automobile body
    Patent number: D615905
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Peter Arnell
  • Automobile body
    Patent number: D619931
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Peter Arnell