Patents by Inventor Walter C. Chapman

Walter C. Chapman 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: 4998049
    Abstract: An improved control for a motorized deck lid pulldown mechanism in which the pulldown sequence is selectively reversible to return the deck lid to its fully opened position if the operator of the vehicle elects to abort the pulldown sequence. Initial actuation of a momentary contact switch by the operator of the vehicle initiates the pulldown sequence, and a second actuation of the switch during the panel closing portion of the pulldown sequence independently reverses the motor to abort the pulldown and return the panel to its fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Walter C. Chapman
  • Patent number: 4851742
    Abstract: An integrated panel control in which both the release and pulldown mechanisms are controlled by a single operator activated switch. Initial operator activation of the switch when the panel is closed energizes the release mechanism through a latch switch which indicates that the latch bolt and striker are mechanically coupled. Initial operator activation of the switch when the panel is open activates the motor of the pulldown mechanism through the latch switch in initiate a pulldown of the panel. A second activation of the switch during the pulldown aborts the pulldown sequence by reversing the pulldown motor, freeing a spring or other device to re-open the panel. A second activation of the switch after the latch bolt and striker are mechanically coupled energizes the release mechanism through the latch switch to uncouple the latch bolt from the striker, freeing a spring or other device to open the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Walter C. Chapman
  • Patent number: 4823059
    Abstract: A control for a motorized deck lid pull down mechanism which does not require the use of mechanically activated limit switches for detecting deck lid positions or the presence of closing or sealing obstructions. Detection of specified pull down conditions as well as the presence of deck lid obstructions is achieved by monitoring the magnitude of motor current in relation to various predefined motor current thresholds. Engagement of the deck lid with obstructions during the pull down sequence will cause the motor current to exceed the closing and sealing thresholds, terminating or reversing the respective function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Compeau, Lloyd W. Rogers, Ronald J. Pyszel, Walter C. Chapman
  • Patent number: 4665820
    Abstract: In the print band timing system described herein, the bipolar pulse generated in a sensor by the passage of a print band timing mark is applied to a discriminating circuit which compares the pulse signal with a voltage level substantially equal to the nominal d.c. level of the sensor signal. Hystereis is provided in one direction only so that the nominal zero crossing is precisely determined in a time position relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Centronics Data Computer Corp.
    Inventor: Walter C. Chapman