Patents by Inventor Larry A. Filipczak

Larry A. Filipczak 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: 11938792
    Abstract: A door molding for a door of a vehicle includes a main body securable to a door panel, and a bulb portion extending from the main body. The bulb portion includes a first bulb portion extending from the main body to a bulb peak. The first bulb portion is configured to contact a door glass of the door. A second bulb portion extends from the bulb peak to the main body. The second bulb portion includes a first contact area configured to contact a first location of the door panel, a second contact area configured to contact a second location of the door panel, and a hinge portion connecting the first contact area to the second contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Larry Filipczak, Shayne Jerome Bigelow, Scott Yaroch
  • Publication number: 20230415554
    Abstract: A door molding for a door of a vehicle includes a main body securable to a door panel, and a bulb portion extending from the main body. The bulb portion includes a first bulb portion extending from the main body to a bulb peak. The first bulb portion is configured to contact a door glass of the door. A second bulb portion extends from the bulb peak to the main body. The second bulb portion includes a first contact area configured to contact a first location of the door panel, a second contact area configured to contact a second location of the door panel, and a hinge portion connecting the first contact area to the second contact area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Larry Filipczak, Shayne Jerome Bigelow, Scott Yaroch
  • Publication number: 20190061503
    Abstract: An outer belt molding can be used in a vehicle and includes a molding body having a first body end and a second body end opposite the first body end. The outer belt molding also includes an anti-glass-rattle bumper disposed at the second body end of the molding body. Further, the outer belt molding includes a window sealing arm coupled to the molding body and a body sealing arm coupled to the window sealing arm and extending toward the molding body. The outer belt molding further includes a connecting arm coupled to the molding body and a securing arm coupled to the connecting arm. The securing arm is parallel to the molding body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Cooper Standard Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Filipczak, Robert Conner, Brian W. Geib
  • Patent number: 9969339
    Abstract: A trim element for a device includes a substrate formed from a material. The material has a first coefficient of static friction and a first coefficient of kinetic friction with respect to the device. The trim element includes a cured film disposed on the substrate and formed from a coating composition. The cured film has a second coefficient of static friction that is greater than the first coefficient of static friction and a second coefficient of kinetic friction that is greater than the first coefficient of kinetic friction. A device includes a body and the trim element attached to the body. In one embodiment, the device includes a component attached to the body and pivotable between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Larry A. Filipczak, Ninetta M. Vieceli
  • Patent number: 9809097
    Abstract: Disclosed are vehicle seal retainers, methods for making and methods for using vehicle seal retainers, and motor vehicles with pillar seal retainers. Disclosed, for example, is a seal retainer carrier for mounting a seal structure between the outer applique and body structure of a motor vehicle. The seal structure includes a flexible body with two seal lips. The outer applique has a tab and a flange. The seal retainer carrier includes a base attached to the vehicle's body structure. A first interface flange projects from the base and attaches to the outer applique's flange. A second interface flange projects from the base and includes a protruding rib attached to a second seal lip. This rib fits into a recessed groove of the seal structure such that the seal mounts between the outer applique and body structure with a hook of a first seal lip seated against the outer applique's tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Metcalf, Larry A. Filipczak
  • Publication number: 20160280153
    Abstract: A trim element for a device includes a substrate formed from a material. The material has a first coefficient of static friction and a first coefficient of kinetic friction with respect to the device. The trim element includes a cured film disposed on the substrate and formed from a coating composition. The cured film has a second coefficient of static friction that is greater than the first coefficient of static friction and a second coefficient of kinetic friction that is greater than the first coefficient of kinetic friction. A device includes a body and the trim element attached to the body. In one embodiment, the device includes a component attached to the body and pivotable between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Larry A. Filipczak, Ninetta M. Vieceli
  • Publication number: 20160116093
    Abstract: A hose end fitting apparatus for coupling a PTFE core hose to a rigid fluid carrying tube. The fluid fitting includes a connector including a one piece body having a first and carrying threads for connection to an A-N connector mounted on one end of a PTFE hose. A second end of the body is engageable with a rigid tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventor: Larry Filipczak
  • Patent number: 9114764
    Abstract: An attachment assembly includes a molding, a support member, and a clip. The molding assembly includes a molding body and a molding protrusion extending from the molding body. The support member includes a support body and defines a support opening that extends into the support body. The clip includes a first clip arm and a second clip arm coupled to the first clip arm. The first clip arm is disposed in the support opening. The second clip arm is spaced apart from the support body so as to define a clip channel configured to receive the molding protrusion. The clip is configured to couple the molding assembly to the support member when the clip channel receives the molding protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric W. Muskovac, Paul V. Viscomi, Larry A. Filipczak, John K. Itoney, Robert D. Conner
  • Publication number: 20150130184
    Abstract: A barbed hose end fitting apparatus for a PTFE core hose sealing couples a PTFE core hose to a fluid component. The fitting apparatus includes a fitting carrying a first barb for sealing insertion of one end of a PTFE hose forced over the first barb. An opposite end of the fitting includes threads to couple the fitting to another fluid component. A gripping surface formed of hex flats can be disposed intermediate between the ends of the body to facilitate coupling and uncoupling of the fitting to another component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: TECHAFX, INC.
    Inventor: Larry A. Filipczak
  • Publication number: 20140373475
    Abstract: An attachment assembly includes a molding, a support member, and a clip. The molding assembly includes a molding body and a molding protrusion extending from the molding body. The support member includes a support body and defines a support opening that extends into the support body. The clip includes a first clip arm and a second clip arm coupled to the first clip arm. The first clip arm is disposed in the support opening. The second clip arm is spaced apart from the support body so as to define a clip channel configured to receive the molding protrusion. The clip is configured to couple the molding assembly to the support member when the clip channel receives the molding protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Eric W. Muskovac, Paul V. Viscomi, Larry A. Filipczak, John K. Itoney, Robert D. Conner
  • Patent number: 8898958
    Abstract: A sealing system for a vehicle includes a first and second seal. The first seal is attached to a first edge of a first flange of the vehicle. The first seal presents a first outer contact surface that extends in generally parallel relationship to the first edge. The second seal is attached to a second edge of a second flange of the vehicle. The second seal presents a second outer contact surface that extends in generally parallel relationship to the second edge. The first outer contact surface and the second outer contact surface are in sealing contact relationship with the movable pane of glass when the movable pane of glass is in a closed position. The first outer contact surface and the second outer contact surface are not in sealing contact relationship with the movable pane of glass when the movable pane of glass is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Larry A. Filipczak, Stephen D. Rusnak, Robert Conner, John K. Itoney, Michael J. Wesner
  • Publication number: 20140196379
    Abstract: A sealing system for a vehicle includes a first and second seal. The first seal is attached to a first edge of a first flange of the vehicle. The first seal presents a first outer contact surface that extends in generally parallel relationship to the first edge. The second seal is attached to a second edge of a second flange of the vehicle. The second seal presents a second outer contact surface that extends in generally parallel relationship to the second edge. The first outer contact surface and the second outer contact surface are in sealing contact relationship with the movable pane of glass when the movable pane of glass is in a closed position. The first outer contact surface and the second outer contact surface are not in sealing contact relationship with the movable pane of glass when the movable pane of glass is in an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Larry A. Filipczak, Stephen D. Rusnak, Robert Conner, John K. Itoney, Michael J. Wesner
  • Patent number: 8507075
    Abstract: A methodology for adhesively attaching a barrier sheet to a motor vehicle inside door panel. A plurality of adhesive beds are disposed on the attachment face of a barrier sheet, whereby pressure applied to the barrier sheet causes the adhesive beads to wet-out with respect to the door inside panel and mergingly wet-out with respect to each other so as to thereby form an adhesive band. Visual inspection of the continuity of the merged wet-out through the barrier sheet provides installer feedback regarding installation integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Larry A. Filipczak, Brian R. Rusch
  • Patent number: 7784851
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a passive water management system for vehicle doors. One or more water management troughs are formed into the inner door panel of the vehicle door at least partially encircling one or more holes or opening through the inner door panel. Strips of adhesive material are provided proximate to and extending along each side of the water management trough. A water deflector sheet of water shedding material is secured to the inner door panel by the adhesive strips, such that the strips, water management trough and deflector sheet form a conduit for routing water to drain holes draining into the door cavity thereby preventing water incursion through the inner door panel openings from reaching the vehicle interior. A method of managing water seeping into a vehicle door is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Filipczak, Brian R. Rusch, Luigi R. Magnanti
  • Publication number: 20090191379
    Abstract: A methodology for adhesively attaching a barrier sheet to a motor vehicle inside door panel. A plurality of adhesive beds are disposed on the attachment face of a barrier sheet, whereby pressure applied to the barrier sheet causes the adhesive beads to wet-out with respect to the door inside panel and mergingly wet-out with respect to each other so as to thereby form an adhesive band. Visual inspection of the continuity of the merged wet-out through the barrier sheet provides installer feedback regarding installation integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Larry A. Filipczak, Brian R. Rusch
  • Publication number: 20080284202
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a passive water management system for vehicle doors. One or more water management troughs are formed into the inner door panel of the vehicle door at least partially encircling one or more holes or opening through the inner door panel. Strips of adhesive material are provided proximate to and extending along each side of the water management trough. A water deflector sheet of water shedding material is secured to the inner door panel by the adhesive strips, such that the strips, water management trough and deflector sheet form a conduit for routing water to drain holes draining into the door cavity thereby preventing water incursion through the inner door panel openings from reaching the vehicle interior. A method of managing water seeping into a vehicle door is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Larry A. Filipczak, Brian R. Rusch, Luigi R. Magnanti
  • Publication number: 20050072053
    Abstract: A seal and molding assembly includes a first seal portion attached to a mounting surface of a first flanged connection point on an automobile door to retain the first seal portion on the automobile door. The first seal portion has a first projection and a hook flange extending therefrom. The assembly includes a second seal portion attached to a second flanged connection point on the automobile door and having a second projection extending therefrom. The hook flange and the second projection engage to retain the first and second seal portions on the automobile door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: Larry Filipczak, Harry Renshaw, Michelle Koneval