Patents by Inventor Thomas L. Kizer
Thomas L. Kizer 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).
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Patent number: 6814686Abstract: A dual engine crankshaft coupling arrangement is provided. The coupling arrangement includes a starter clutch portion for frictionally engaging a crankshaft of a primary engine with a crankshaft of a secondary engine for starting the second engine. A phase clutch is also provided for engaging the first and second crankshafts in an angular specific relative orientation for proper timing relationships coupling of the engine crankshafts.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Donald L Carriere, Thomas L Kizer, Jeffrey P Cherry, George Konstantakopoulos
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Publication number: 20040138026Abstract: A dual engine crankshaft coupling arrangement is provided. The coupling arrangement includes a starter clutch portion for frictionally engaging a crankshaft of a primary engine with a crankshaft of a secondary engine for starting the second engine. A phase clutch is also provided for engaging the first and second crankshafts in an angular specific relative orientation for proper timing relationships coupling of the engine crankshafts.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Donald L. Carriere, Thomas L. Kizer, Jeffrey P. Cherry, George Konstantakopoulos
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Patent number: 6176556Abstract: A pedal modifier regenerative braking system is provided for an electric or hybrid electric vehicle having regenerative braking system. The pedal modifier regenerative braking system provides a mechanism for superimposing on a traditional vacuum power hydraulic system a reduction in the energy introduced by the vehicle driver into the friction brake system by an amount that is a function of the vehicle braking provided by an electric motor in a regeneration mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventor: Thomas L. Kizer
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Patent number: 5987885Abstract: A combination catalytic converter and heat exchanger unit that controls the temperature of one or more catalytic converters within their efficient conversion operating temperature ranges. The unit includes a plurality of spaced apart tubes through which the exhaust emissions flow through the unit. Each of the plurality of tubes includes a substrate on which is formed a catalyst that reduces or eliminates harmful by-products in the exhaust emissions. A cooling system, such as a fan, forces a cooling fluid, such as air, around the tubes to cool the catalyst to be within its efficient operating temperature range. The tubes have a suitable diameter that allows the center of the tubes to be effectively cooled. The speed of the fan is controlled to variably adjust the temperature of the exhaust emissions in response to various input data, such as the temperature of the exhaust emissions at different locations in the exhaust path, engine speed and load, and the type of catalyst being used.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Kizer, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird
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Patent number: 5983628Abstract: A system for adjusting the temperature of the exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine so that it is at a temperature that maintains one or more catalysts at their effective operating temperature. This has particular application for NOx control from any lean-burn engine. The system includes a heat exchanger that cools the exhaust emissions by forced air from a variable speed fan. The cooled exhaust emissions are directed from the heat exchanger to the catalyst for conversion. The fan speed is controlled to adjust the amount of cooling of the exhaust emissions in response to various input data, such as the temperature of the exhaust emissions at different locations in the exhaust pipe, engine speed, engine load and the catalyst being used. Two or more catalysts can be incorporated at different locations along the exhaust path and have different operating temperatures so as to control the effectiveness of exhaust emissions conversions for increased efficiency and reduced energy consumption.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Thomas L. Kizer
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Patent number: 5797734Abstract: A gear-type pump having an inner rotor and an outer rotor and in which the outer rotor is supported for rotation by a plurality of roller bearings interposed between a support housing and the outer rotor and in which the inner and outer rotors and the support housing are made of the same material and have essentially the same width dimension so that the thermal contraction of the support housing and the thermal contraction of the inner and outer rotors while pumping super-cooled fluid does not adversely affect the end-clearance between the end plates and the inner and outer rotors to an extent where the efficiency of the pump would differ if it were pumping fluid at a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Kizer, Richard G. Reed, Jr.
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Patent number: 5593265Abstract: A stored energy torsional rotary fastener device providing ready releasable attachment of first and second components. A fastener housing, attached to the first component, includes a cylindrical socket having an upper open end and a lower end configured by a pair of base segments defining a cross-slot the parallel edges of which are formed with concentrically disposed arcuate cutouts. The segments have interior helical pitched ramp portions establishing an interrupted thread support. A rotor, including an axial stem terminating in a radial disc axially positioned in the socket, is rotatably biased by a coiled spring interconnecting the rotor and housing. The rotor disc is formed with a depending axial hub having its lower portion journalled in the slot cutouts. The hub upper end includes oppositely extending radial lugs, with each lug underface formed with a helical pitch adapted to mate with an associated ramp portion, enabling axial threaded rotor travel.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1995Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventor: Thomas L. Kizer
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Patent number: 5498085Abstract: A sealing system for a rotating shaft journaled in roller, ball or tapered bearings retained in a carrier includes an outer seal which sealingly engages the carrier and an inner seal which sealingly engages the shaft. In this way, the sealing velocity is substantially lowered for a shaft of a given diameter enhancing the integrity of the seal over a greater range of shaft diameters and speeds.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1994Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Kizer, Lawrence C. Boczar
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Patent number: 5249594Abstract: An in-take fuel supply system for a fuel tank that tilts in service comprising a manifold and a plurality of suction pipes that are pivotally attached to inlet ports of the manifold. Each suction pipe extends outwardly of the manifold and has a float valve at the remote end for closing the suction pipe in the absence of sufficient fuel to prevent ingestion of significant amounts of air and vapor. The suction pipes are biased to a horizontal position by springs that allow a fold down configuration for installing the fuel supply system in a fuel tank through a small installation hole.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1993Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventor: Thomas L. Kizer
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Patent number: 5236000Abstract: An in-take fuel supply system for a fuel tank that tilts in service comprising a manifold and a plurality of suction pipes that are pivotally attached to inlet ports of the manifold. Each suction pipe extends outwardly of the manifold and has a float valve at the remote end for closing the suction pipe in the absence of sufficient fuel to prevent ingestion of significant amounts of air and vapor. The suction pipes are biased to a horizontal position by springs that allow a fold down configuration for installing the fuel supply system in a fuel tank through a small installation hole.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1992Date of Patent: August 17, 1993Inventor: Thomas L. Kizer
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Patent number: 4905647Abstract: A throttle body defining a passageway and including a throttle valve formed by a pivoting plate is profiled to include a venturi nozzle whose converging wall lies adjacent the path of the plate periphery. The radius, and other characteristics of the converging wall reduces the change of flow rate throughout the low range of throttle travel to reduce sensitivity to throttle actuator position. Furthermore, the venturi nozzle profile is configured in accordance with standard engineering characteristics to avoid pressure differential which restricts air flow rate through the passage and maintains a high maximum flow rate through the throttle passage. Moreover, the profile can be formed by simple mold parts or simple machining apparatus for ease of construction.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1988Date of Patent: March 6, 1990Assignee: Chrysler Motors CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Kizer, Stephen R. Brueckner