Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Wenzel

Kenneth J. Wenzel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9527395
    Abstract: An access arrangement for a power system of an electrified vehicle includes a housing body, at least one electrical conductor, a passageway, and a closure. The electrical conductor passes through the housing body. The passageway extends inwardly from an opening on the housing body and intersects a portion of the electrical conductor within the housing body. The closure is positioned proximate to the opening. The closure is adjustable between a plurality of different configurations. The closure is adjustable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The closure closes the passageway while in the closed configuration. The opening is at least partially exposed when the closure is in the open configuration. The closure is biased to return to the closed configuration from the open configuration. The passageway and closure are configured to cooperatively facilitate access for testing the electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Raymond D Price, Kenneth J Wenzel, Michael J Petkus
  • Publication number: 20150314698
    Abstract: An access arrangement for a power system of an electrified vehicle includes a housing body, at least one electrical conductor, a passageway, and a closure. The electrical conductor passes through the housing body. The passageway extends inwardly from an opening on the housing body and intersects a portion of the electrical conductor within the housing body. The closure is positioned proximate to the opening. The closure is adjustable between a plurality of different configurations. The closure is adjustable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The closure closes the passageway while in the closed configuration. The opening is at least partially exposed when the closure is in the open configuration. The closure is biased to return to the closed configuration from the open configuration. The passageway and closure are configured to cooperatively facilitate access for testing the electrical conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: Raymond D. Price, Kenneth J. Wenzel, Michael J. Petkus
  • Patent number: 5511412
    Abstract: A method of diagnosing an idle speed control system for an internal combustion engine in an automotive vehicle includes the steps of determining whether a plurality of conditions are met for the idle speed control system, ending the method if the predetermined conditions are not met for the idle speed control system, determining whether a difference between an engine speed and a target idle speed is greater than a predetermined threshold value if the predetermined conditions are met for the idle speed control system, and concluding that the idle speed control system is functioning properly if the difference is not greater than the predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Campbell, III, Kenneth J. Wenzel
  • Patent number: 5463898
    Abstract: A method for detecting a mis-built engine due to camshaft and crankshaft misalignment and the skipping of a timing belt, timing chain, or timing gear mechanism by measuring an angular position of a camshaft imparted from a camshaft sensor to obtain an electrical signal representation thereof, measuring an angular position of a crankshaft imparted from a crankshaft sensor to obtain an electrical signal representation thereof, calculating an angular difference between the angular positions of the camshaft and crankshaft, comparing the angular difference between the angular positions of the camshaft and crankshaft, and an initial build reference value, determining if a timing mechanism malfunction has occurred, storing a fault code in memory if misalignment between the camshaft and crankshaft exists for subsequent retrieval by a service operator, and illuminating a malfunction indicator light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Richard S. Blander, Kenneth J. Wenzel, Venu G. Piska
  • Patent number: 5440486
    Abstract: A method and firmware motor control and fault operation system for positioning motors of a Heater-Ventilation-Air Conditioner Unit in response to request of chosen comfort levels in the interior of a motor vehicle. The positioning being accomplished by moving the shafts of the motors in a direction and for a period of time determined from mathematical computations. The system controls motor shaft movement of motors arranged to operate as hybrid closed and open loop motor control systems and all motor shaft movement performed with respect to purely time period measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Rudzewicz, Michael A. Dahl, Thomas G. Dunn, Kenneth J. Wenzel, Ronald A. Muckley
  • Patent number: 5369342
    Abstract: A method and firmware motor calibration system for measuring average system voltage of operating electric motors and time of movement between physical stops of mechanical structures coupled to the output shafts of the electric motors. The system calibrates motors arranged to operate as hybrid closed and open loop motor control systems. Data concerning position of the shafts is determined for the closed loop motor control systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Rudzewicz, Michael A. Dahl, Thomas G. Dunn, Kenneth J. Wenzel, Ronald A. Muckley