Patents Assigned to Chrysler Corporation
  • Mechanism for aligning a striker with an automotive door latch
    Patent number: 5979952
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle latch system is aligned in a single operation without trial-and-error manipulations of the striker. An alignment mechanism is mounted on the vehicle body to align the striker on the vehicle body with the latch on the vehicle door. The alignment mechanism includes an elongated latch sensor having one end attached to a loosely mounted striker and another end adapted to mate with the door latch when the door is moved to a partially closed position. After the latch sensor has been locked in a proper position for alignment of the striker and latch, the door can be opened to allow the striker to be fastened to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Dering, Joseph G. Contos, Dennis M. Steward
  • Apparatus for selectively mounting a hard top and a soft top to a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 5979969
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively mounting a hard top and a soft top to a motor vehicle includes a retainer member which mounts to an upper surface of a body side panel. The retainer element preferably includes an intermediate portion fixedly attached to the body side panel. An upper side of the intermediate portion is adapted to support the hard top. An outboard flange downwardly extends from the intermediate portion and terminates in an inner curled edge. The inner curled edge is spaced apart from the body side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Hilliard, Louis D. DeLellis, William A. Grabowski
  • Fuel injection pump
    Patent number: 5980224
    Abstract: An improved delivery valve for a plunger type fuel distribution pump characterized by ease of manufacture, lightness, and enhance performance in achieving both a check valve function and a retraction volume function. Specifically, previous machined constructions utilized a conically configured check valve and machined grooves which in the improved design are replaced by a commercially available high-precision, smoothly finished steel bearing ball element and by lightweight, tubular stem design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Jose F. Regueiro
  • Automated manual transmission mode selection controller
    Patent number: 5979257
    Abstract: A powertrain system for a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle includes a heat engine, such as a diesel engine, and an electric machine, which operates as both an electric motor and an alternator, to power the vehicle. The hybrid vehicle also includes a manual-style transmission configured to operate as an automatic transmission from the perspective of the driver. The engine and the electric machine drive an input shaft which in turn drives an output shaft of the transmission. In addition to driving the transmission, the electric machine regulates the speed of the input shaft in order to synchronize the input shaft during either an upshift or downshift of the transmission by either decreasing or increasing the speed of the input shaft. When decreasing the speed of the input shaft, the electric motor functions as an alternator to produce electrical energy which may be stored by a storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Lawrie
  • Flexible circuit board interconnect with strain relief
    Patent number: 5981870
    Abstract: A flexible circuit board interconnect is provided with flex strain relief capabilities. The flexible circuit board interconnect includes a polyamide or polyimide (both are nylons) substrate layer, a ground plane layer and a conductor strip layer. The ground plane layer is provided with scalloped edges along opposite sides thereof. The ground plane provides a shield for preventing radio frequency interference to and from the signals passed through the conductor strips. The ground plane layer and the conductor strips are covered at least partially by a pair of soldermask layers which are provided with scalloped edges. The scalloped edges on the soldermask layers and the ground plane prevent the generation of a crease or fold line on the surface of the flexible circuit board interconnect. Each of the conductor strips are provided with a pair of vias on opposite ends of thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Tina Barcley, Robert A. Isola, Edward T. Pokriefka, Norman J. Roth, Vasil Germanski
  • Method of molding a recyclable multi-layer component from plastics material
    Patent number: 5976295
    Abstract: A method of molding a component such as a headliner or sun visor for the interior of automotive vehicles is molded from different thermoplastic materials from the same family that can be subsequently recycled as a whole without the need of separation into its constituents. The interior component is a multi layer composite of polyester (PET) finishing fabric, a resilient layer of bicomponent polyester fiber padding composed of blend of a low melting point fibers and high melting point fibers, and a relatively stiff core layer of polyester/glass fiber composite of polyester and glass fibers. The different fibers of the core layer are blended into a thin and porous sheet which is cut to size. The cut sheets are consolidated and molded under heat and pressure into a light weight, dense and structurally strong composite. A mold charge comprises the polyester/glass fiber composite layered with the bicomponent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Leoncio C. Ang
  • Stabilized ladle for metal casting
    Patent number: 5972283
    Abstract: A substantially constant resistive force is applied to the drive motor of an automated ladler arm to prevent jerky movement of the arm during a downward or descending portion of its travel from a furnace to a mold. The force may be applied through an air cylinder connected to a pivoting loader arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Anton Podobnik, John Von Styp
  • Control of a multi (flexible) fueled vehicle utilizing wide range oxygen sensor feedback
    Patent number: 5970968
    Abstract: A method for utilizing a wide range oxygen sensor voltage output that is proportional to exhaust gas fuel air mixture to correct for variations in a flexible fueled vehicle's fuel alcohol content is provided for a vehicle not equipped with an alcohol sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Stuart M. Davis
  • Instrument panel having cover with reflection-reduction layer and method of making cover
    Patent number: 5971556
    Abstract: An instrument panel having a light source and a transparent cover in front of the light source. The transparent cover has a first surface at the front side of the cover and a second surface at the back side of the cover, and is formed of a polymeric wall and a polymeric film. The polymeric film has a reflection-reduction layer thereon and is bonded by intermolecular forces to the wall so that the polymeric film is on at least one of the first and second surfaces of the cover and the reflection-reduction layer is sandwiched between the film and the wall. The reflection-reduction layer is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of (a) oxides of magnesium, zinc, or aluminum, or alloys thereof, (b) hydroxides of magnesium, zinc, or aluminum, or alloys thereof, and (c) semi-metals and metals which are non-alkali metals and non-alkaline earth metals, alloys thereof, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Carter, Richard Megregian, Eli Nichols
  • Vehicle spare tire storage system having a reinforced cover
    Patent number: 5971462
    Abstract: A reinforced cover for a vehicle spare tire storage system. A cover for vehicle spare tire storage system is reinforced through a reinforcing structure including a plurality of radial reinforcing members. The members are formed from a blow molded dual layer cover by pressing together the two layers at certain points to form a series of "tack-offs" or cleats which in turn create channels. A peripheral flange extends perpendicular to the cover around the perimeter of the cover for engagement with the floor of the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the reinforcing structure further includes a plurality of arcuate reinforcing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignees: Chrysler Corporation, Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Bell, Medard E. Kaluszka, Jeff D. Stevenson, Peter J. Schwartz
  • Automatic door flusher
    Patent number: 5966801
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic door flusher which uses one floating urethane flushing block, at least two tractor elements for urging the flushing block toward the body and urging the door toward the floating flushing block. The tractor elements can be pneumatic suction cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignees: Chrysler Corporation, Progressive Tool & Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Shing-Kuo Wu, Mark C. Todd, Dean A. Cuddy, Andy Klopocinski
  • Engine cooling system and thermostat with improved bypass control
    Patent number: 5967101
    Abstract: This liquid cooling system for internal combustion engines employs a double acting thermostat to prevent coolant temperature fluctuation over a large range of engine loads and speeds and to selectively block coolant flow through the bypass circuit so that the heater and defrost circuit at engine start up and idle will have optimal flow from the coolant pump through the engine for quick heat and defrost purposes. With increased engine speed for vehicle operation, the pump increases coolant flow and pressure, causing the thermostat to open the bypass circuit in parallel with the heater core circuit. This increases flow capacity of the system and eliminate pump cavitation to enhance pump efficiency and system service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Roth, Larry S. Rogosin
  • Shift actuator for an electro-mechanical automatic transmission
    Patent number: 5966989
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical shift actuator system is provided for a transmission having dual input shafts and with a plurality of drive gears rotatably mounted to each input shaft and having synchronizer mechanisms for engaging each drive gear to one of the input shafts. The shift actuators include an electric motor and a reduction gear assembly for driving a barrel shaped shifter cam having a pair of cam grooves therein. The cam grooves are engaged by shift lugs mounted to a shift rail. The shift rails include shift forks for actuating synchronizers mounted on the input shafts for engaging selected drive gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Richard G. Reed, Jr., Donald L. Carriere
  • Engagement assembly for an automotive starter
    Patent number: 5966984
    Abstract: A starting assembly for an automotive vehicle is connected to the clutch pedal thereof. The pivoting of the clutch pedal (in a clockwise direction in FIG. 1) pulls a clutch connector. The clutch connector pivots a clutch lever (in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1) which, in turn, actuates a translator. The translator transforms and translates the pivoting movement of the clutch lever into a linear movement of a starter pinion gear to engage the starter ring gear. The hyper-pivoting of the clutch pedal forces the closure of a contact switch which provides power for an electric motor (not shown) to rotate the starter pinion gear and, therefore, start the internal combustion engine of the automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas S. Moore, William W. Doolittle, III
  • Swing-away spare tire carrier
    Patent number: 5967389
    Abstract: A swing-away spare tire carrier for a motor vehicle includes a cross tube extending transversely for attachment to underside vehicle structure of the motor vehicle, a single arm support bracket secured solely to the cross tube, the cross tube extending through the arm support bracket, and a carrier arm pivotally attached to the arm support bracket for pivotal movement between a first position adjacent a vehicle body of the motor vehicle and a second position extending substantially laterally from the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Hutter, Alexander N. Nassar
  • Vehicle door glass liftplate assembly with frangible sleeve
    Patent number: 5966872
    Abstract: A liftplate for use in a window mounting assembly includes a first plate member, a second plate member and a third plate member. The first plate member has two spaced apart apertures and is secured to a window regulator. The apertures in the first plate member each have a sleeve molded therein. Each sleeve is attached to the first plate member through a frangible connection which is broken upon insertion of a fastener in an associated one of the apertures of the first plate member. The second plate member has an aperture which receives one of the fasteners. The third plate member has an aperture which receives the other of the fasteners. The second and third plate members are disposed opposite the first plate member and are joined to the first plate member to define a channel for receiving a sheet of window glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Wasek, Kenneth W. Steinback
  • Soft touch cover and method of manufacture
    Patent number: 5968431
    Abstract: A composite finishing cover for a component such as a vehicle instrument panel is provided by extruding a parison of inner and outer layers of different recyclable plastics having different characteristics but which are from the same family of plastics. The parison is injected with low pressure gas when forming dies are being closed thereover so that the plastics will fully conform to the forming surfaces of the die tooling cavity. The closing force of the dies cause the heat softened inner layers of the first plastics material to join at their interface to form a relatively thick core or substrate providing structural support for the relatively thin and flexible outer layer of the cover, also joined at their interface. The outer layer provides a finishing surface that exhibits a soft feel as when the human hand lightly contacts and moves across the surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Leoncio C. Ang, Darlene B. Collins
  • Electronic limit switch system
    Patent number: 5965960
    Abstract: A programmable, electronic switch system in which the upper and lower limits of travel of a moving device can be stored in the memory of a circuit. Once the upper and lower limits of travel have been programmed into the circuit, movement of the device causes a variable voltage to be output to the circuit. The variable voltage is compared against the upper and lower limits to determine if the voltage is within the range between the upper and lower limits or outside of one or either of the upper and lower limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Allan L. Cowan, Mark W. Mierzwa
  • Method and apparatus for attaching composite plastic automobile body to steel automobile frame
    Patent number: 5964490
    Abstract: A molded plastic automobile body is bonded to a steel frame by depositing an adhesive layer between the body and frame in a circular pattern, to facilitate thermal expansion of the body relative to the frame. To prevent the body from peeling away from the frame, anti-peeling bolts further connect the body to the frame. To diffuse over a large area the downward force of the bolt heads on the plastic body, thereby reducing scalloping of the plastic body, spring washers having large surface areas are sandwiched between the bolts and the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Del C. Schroeder, Donald E. Jay, David J. Kowall
  • Vehicle seat
    Patent number: D414948
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C. Slanec, Ernest J. Barry