Patents Represented by Attorney Ralph E. Smith

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  • Integrated car top carrier
    Patent number: 7699372
    Abstract: A cargo carrier integrated a vehicle roof such that the cargo carrier is deployable from a stowed position within the vehicle roof to a deployed position that extends from the vehicle roof. The cargo carrier includes a bottom panel disposed within a recess formed in the vehicle roof, and a pair of side panels disposed within and hingedly connected to the bottom panel. The side panels are actuatable between the stowed position and the developed position. A front panel and a top panel are hingedly connected to each other and attached to the bottom panel. To deploy the cargo carrier, a deployment system is connected to the side panels for actuating the side panels between the stowed position and the deployed position. Actuation of the side panels raises the top panel and the front panel to the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: John R. Adams, E. Mackey King, Paul G. Lester, Alan Townsend
  • Pen-based 3D drawing system with geometric-constraint based 3D cross curve drawing
    Patent number: 7701457
    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: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Seok-Hyung Bae
  • Four point seat restraint system
    Patent number: 7699402
    Abstract: A restraint system is disclosed for securing a passenger to a seat in a motor vehicle. The restraint system is composed of a restraint belt removably attached to a vehicle seat having a plurality of vertical straps and an attachment mechanism for connecting said straps across the passenger's chest. Each of the vertical straps has a first end removably attached to a lap belt and a second end removably attached to a latch located behind the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Louis D DeLellis, John E Schambre, Michael O Forker
  • Thermistor-based fuel sensor
    Patent number: 7698939
    Abstract: A system for sensing a fuel level includes sensors that sense the fuel level and a voltage source that applies a constant voltage to the sensors for a predetermined time. The system includes a control module that measures outputs of the sensors at a beginning and at an end of the predetermined time. The control module determines a number of the sensors that are submersed in fuel or air based on the outputs and calculates the fuel level based on the number of the sensors that are submersed in fuel or air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Lavern M. Bremmer, Michael R. Teets, Trevor L. Enge, Greg Schoenberg
  • Vehicle engine-mount
    Patent number: 7694771
    Abstract: An engine mounting device for a motor vehicle having a casing attached to the engine, a flexible annular cylinder disposed inside the casing with a longitudinal axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body, a shaft attached to the vehicle body and disposed within the annulus of the flexible cylinder, whereby the casing and the flexible annular can move along the shaft in response to a frontal impact on the vehicle, and a retainer mounted on the shaft and arranged to prevent movement of the casing along the shaft below a predetermined threshold force on the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: John R. Boughton, David W. Skilton, Cynthia L. Compton, Alan McGowan, Richard T Onesti, Muhammad Younus, Aiman Albsharat
  • Pen-based 3D drawing system with 3D orthographic plane or orthographic ruled surface drawing
    Patent number: 7696998
    Abstract: A pen-based system allow users, such as artists, graphic designers sand 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: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Seok-Hyung Bae
  • System and methodology for zero-gap welding
    Patent number: 7693696
    Abstract: A method for welding includes providing a pair of substrates with no gap between them. The welding process uses lasers that are moveable through a locus of points relative to the substrates and each other to weld the substrate together. The moveable lasers assist in controlling a formation of a weld keyhole that assists in expelling gases that develop during the welding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Mariana G. Forrest, Lu Feng
  • Camshaft position sensing for dual overhead cam variable valve timing engines
    Patent number: 7681541
    Abstract: A position sensing system uses two sensing elements to sense the rotary position of target wheels mounted on two camshafts. The two sensing elements are mounted in a common sensor housing and preferably the two sensor elements share power and ground wires, and each sensor element has its own signal wire. The wires preferably are contained within a common conduit that extends from the housing to a location outside of the rocker cover. The end of the conduit may support one-half of an electrical connector that terminates the wires from the sensors. Mounting the two sensing elements in a common housing simplifies mounting the sensors on the engine, and reduces the number of wires required to power and derive signals from the two sensors. The target wheels are mounted directly on the camshafts and are positioned along the axis of the camshaft, spaced from the camshaft ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Boggess, Mark R. Arcori, David W. Fiddes
  • Airbag deployment disabling system
    Patent number: 7681912
    Abstract: A system for inhibiting deployment of an airbag includes a rollover sensor and a circuit that are enclosed in an enclosure. The enclosure is mounted on a surface that is at a predetermined potential. The circuit detects presence of the predetermined potential when the enclosure is mounted on the surface. The circuit detects absence of the predetermined potential when the enclosure is dismounted from the surface. The circuit inhibits deployment of the airbag when absence of the predetermined potential is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Lee M. Dziekan, James E. Van Hout
  • Fixed speed operation in a hybrid transmission including sport and economy modes
    Patent number: 7678005
    Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid transmission includes controlling the transmission according to a drive mode, which includes a continuously variable speed ratio, and according to automatic and manual fixed speed relationships modes, which include a plurality of fixed speed relationships including mechanics gear ratios and virtual gear relationships. The method also includes receiving a driver request for transmission operation in one of an Economy or a Sport mode, and operating the transmission in the requested Economy or Sport modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignees: Chrysler Group LLC, GM Global Technology Operations, Daimler AG, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Christopher A. Tuckfield
  • Energy storage system with ultracapacitor and switched battery
    Patent number: 7667438
    Abstract: An energy storage system for a vehicle includes an ultracapacitor that is electrically coupled in parallel with a battery through a diode connected in series with the battery. The ultracapacitor delivers the energy required for all high current surges that occur during engine start, acceleration, and regeneration. The battery is used only to assist with longer duration, high energy loads, such as accessory loads when an engine of the vehicle is not running. In other words, the battery conducts only during longer and less-frequent pulses and, therefore, does not have to withstand high-power pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignees: Chrysler Group LLC, University of Toledo
    Inventors: Cyrus N Ashtiani, Thomas A Stuart
  • Adjustable aerodynamic splitter
    Patent number: 7661753
    Abstract: An adjustable aerodynamic splitter for a motor vehicle having a rearward flexible segment for attachment to the vehicle body and a forward more rigid segment, wherein the forward segment's leading edge is arranged for selectively attaching thereto an extension strip of a desired width, and at least one pair of adjustable length linkages attaching the splitter to the vehicle body near the leading edge, spaced symmetrically about the vehicle centerline, and arranged to raise or lower the leading edge in response to adjustment of the linkages' length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Michael Shinedling, Ray Ayala, Matt Bejnarowicz
  • Vehicular battery charging method
    Patent number: 7659690
    Abstract: A method for charging a battery pack for an electric vehicle charges at a preselected maximum charging current until the battery pack voltage reaches a reference voltage level. The battery pack is then charged while maintaining the reference voltage until the charging current decreases to a first reference current level. Charging continues at the first reference current level until a time rate of change of the battery pack voltage reaches a first reference time rate of change. The battery pack voltage is determined and whenever the battery pack voltage is less than a decision voltage reference level, the battery pack is further charged at a second reference current level until the time rate of change of the battery pack voltage reaches a second reference value. A manually initiated pack recovery charge routine is also provided to address new battery pack installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Giovanni Bolgiani, Lawrence J. Oswald, David H. Swan
  • Seat striker mechanism
    Patent number: 7658430
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle having a floor and a structural pillar is provided, the seat assembly including a seat bottom frame attached to the floor and a seat back frame pivotally attached to the seat bottom frame. The seat back frame is capable of pivoting between a stowed position where the seat back frame is generally parallel to the seat bottom frame and an upright position where the seat back frame is generally perpendicular to the seat bottom frame. A striker mechanism is positioned on the seat back frame and is capable of assuming a normal position arranged to engage a latch located in the structural pillar of the vehicle when the seat assembly is in an upright position, and a refracted position where the striker mechanism is retracted towards the seat back frame as the seat assembly Is pivoted from the upright position to the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Mary K. Zielinski, Paul H. Shea, Michael L. Rogers
  • Inboard buckle attachment for a four-way seat
    Patent number: 7658443
    Abstract: The inboard buckle for a four-way seat is attached to the seat through a variable buckle guide. Attaching the inboard buckle to the seat allows the buckle to move with the seat and obviates the need for a long buckle which introduces undesirable slack into the seat belt system during a crash event. Since the buckle moves with the seat, it remains in a location that is convenient for the occupant and provides the maximum occupant protection. The variable buckle guide is attached to the upper rail supporting the seat, and in a crash event, the variable buckle guide transfers the occupant load on the belt to the upper rail, avoiding distortion of the seat or the height adjusting levers supporting the seat, and thus precludes slack in the belt caused by such distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Gopal Musale
  • Hybrid vehicle with integral generator for auxiliary loads
    Patent number: 7658249
    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: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Arthur J Buglione, Del C Schroeder, Edmund Tworkowski
  • Arrangement for determining an initial internal battery temperature
    Patent number: 7660694
    Abstract: A method and arrangement is provided for estimating an initial value for an internal battery temperature of a vehicle using a four zone process that determines which of a predetermined set of time zones correlates with a measured period of time for an engine of the vehicle being in an engine-off condition. Once the time zone is determined, an initial estimated value of the internal temperature of the battery is determined as a function of a set of parameters correlated with the determined time zone. The set of time zones include a holding time zone, a model based estimation time zone which is greater in time than the holding time zone, a first self-adjustment zone which is greater in time than the model based estimation time zone, and a second self-adjustment time zone which is greater in time than the first self-adjustment time zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Zhijian J. Wu, Michel Trumbo, Yijun Tu, Min Han
  • Engine event-based correction of engine speed fluctuations
    Patent number: 7658178
    Abstract: Ignition timing for a combustion engine may be controlled by determining the roughness of current engine operation, comparing the determined roughness with a control roughness to determine if the determined roughness is within a threshold limit of the control roughness, and changing the ignition timing in a subsequent fuel delivery event as a function of the difference between the determined roughness and the control roughness. Preferably, the ignition timing is changed at least when the determined roughness is not within the threshold limit, although other factors may be taken into account when changing the ignition timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth P. DeGroot, Jeffrey P. Wuttke, Gerald Lee Kennie, Dennis W. Fett
  • Automatic transmission with improved shift quality
    Patent number: 7658691
    Abstract: A modification to the manual valve of an automatic transmission is provided which improves the shift quality of the automatic transmission when the transmission is shifted from a drive gear to either Park or Neutral. More particularly, the invention provides a control orifice which regulates the release of hydraulic fluid from one or more clutch circuits such that pressure to one or more clutches is gradually released. The gradual release of pressure form the one or more clutches provides an improved shift quality. In alternate embodiments, the present invention provides a further modification to an automatic transmission which allows the control orifice to be circumvented in situations where a rapid swap of pressure from on clutch control solenoid to another is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Valentin Botosan, Gary J. Binienda, Mark R. Champine
  • Vehicle rear bumper
    Patent number: D611395
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Scott Krugger, Mark T. Allen, Ralph V. Gilles, Timothy W. Anness