Michael F Halacka

US Patent:

52823946, Feb 1, 1994

Filed:

Nov 5, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/971637

Inventors:

Alexander L. Dominique - Rochester Hills MI
Wayne L. Grubaugh - Northville MI
Michael F. Halacka - Bloomfield Hills MI
James P. Badhorn - Troy MI
Robert A. Welchko - St. Clair MI
Kenneth G. Kamm - Temperance MI

Assignee:

Chrysler Corporation - Highland Park MI

International Classification:

B26D 116

US Classification:

74493

Abstract:

A tilt mechanism for a steering column is pivotally attached to vehicle structure including a bracket member attached to vehicle structure, a collar disposed within the bracket member and adapted to receive the steering column, and structure disposed between the bracket member and the collar for selectively positioning the collar relative to the bracket member.

US Patent:

52994708, Apr 5, 1994

Filed:

Dec 21, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/993550

Inventors:

William M. Snell - Grand Blanc MI
David E. Thomas - Rochester Hills MI
Michael F. Halacka - Bloomfield Hills MI

Assignee:

Chrysler Corporation - Highland Park MI

International Classification:

B60K 4104
G05G 508

US Classification:

74850

Abstract:

A column-mounted shift control assembly includes a gate and mounting bracket, a shift lever unit rotatably mounted on the bracket, a shift handle pivotally mounted on the shift lever unit, and resilient means for urging the terminal end of the shift handle toward the bracket. The latter includes a planar gate portion having detents formed on an edge thereof for selective cooperation with the shift handle terminal end to select a desired transmission shift position. An ignition interlock mechanism cooperates with the terminal end of the shift handle to prevent its movement out of the Park detent position unless the ignition switch key is turned on, and further prevents the ignition switch from being turned back to Lock unless the terminal end is in Park position, thus preventing key extraction.

US Patent:

57554617, May 26, 1998

Filed:

Feb 11, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/798590

Inventors:

Michael F. Halacka - Bloomfield Hills MI
Mirjana Jurik - Rochester Hills MI
Thomas Dziegielewski - Rochester Hills MI
John Perri - Auburn Hills MI
Thomas Grzybowski - Fraser MI

Assignee:

Chrysler Corporation - Auburn Hills MI

International Classification:

B62D 119

US Classification:

280777

Abstract:

An energy-absorbing device for a steering column of an automotive vehicle comprising energy-absorbing straps on opposite sides of the steering column. The straps are made of relatively stiff, bendable, flexible strip material. Each strap has a laterally inner leg and a laterally outer leg secured to the inner leg by one or more rivets. The legs of each strap extend lengthwise of the steering column and have corresponding ends laterally connected together by a curved loop portion. The inner leg of each strap is rigidly connected to the steering column. The outer leg of each strap is rigidly connected to the instrument panel. The rivets are adapted to shear in a frontal impact to allow the inner leg of each strap to move with the steering column as it collapses, with the loop portion of each strap resisting such collapse to gradually absorb energy and prevent excessive reaction forces of the steering column against the driver.

US Patent:

41993047, Apr 22, 1980

Filed:

Mar 13, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/885912

Inventors:

Guntis V. Strikis - Belleville MI
Michael F. Halacka - Northville MI
Ronald W. Crain - Plymouth MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

F04B 4900

US Classification:

417310

Abstract:

A positive displacement pump comprising a pump housing, a pump rotor disposed in the housing together with pressure plates on either side of the rotor arranged in a compact assembly, an end plate in the assembly held fast within the pump housing in concentric disposition with respect to the pump rotor, the housing and the innermost pressure plate defining a high pressure cavity within which is disposed a flat Belleville spring which preloads the plates and the rotor thereby pressure sealing the pump elements, a drive shaft sealed by a sealing element located in a lubrication oil cavity which communicates through an internal lube pressure passage with the inlet side of the pump, a fluid reservoir surrounding the pump and the valve assembly, the interior of the reservoir being semi-isolated from the low pressure lubrication oil cavity whereby the volume of metal required to form the housing and the axial dimensions of the pump assembly are reduced to minimum values.