Edward M Podolan

US Patent:

40043711, Jan 25, 1977

Filed:

May 9, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/575953

Inventors:

Edward G. Podolan - Utica MI
Lawrence A. Surhigh - Warren MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

E05F 1148

US Classification:

49352

Abstract:

An automotive window regulator mechanism including a track having two substantially vertical track-sections and an interconnecting laterally extending section, a perforated plastic tape slidably mounted in the track, an actuator including a clutch and a sprocket for driving the perforated tape along the track, and a bracket arrangement secured to a window pane at the midpoint of the bottom edge thereof and connecting same to an end of the perforated tape for travel therewith up or down adjacent one of the two vertical track-sections.

US Patent:

39604039, Jun 1, 1976

Filed:

Sep 9, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/504040

Inventors:

Richard F. Carella - Mount Clemens MI
Edward G. Podolan - Utica MI
Francis C. Przybysz - Utica MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60J 704

US Classification:

296137B

Abstract:

A retractable roof closure for a vehicle body having a windshield header spaced from a fixed rear roof panel to provide an unobstructed roof opening. The closure panel has its rearward end supported and guided by the cooperation of a guide track extending along each side of the vehicle body beneath the fixed roof panel and guide rollers mounted on the rear end of the closure panel and engaged within the guide track. The forward end of the closure panel is supported by a telescopable extension device on each end of the vehicle body. Each telescopable extension device includes a first member mounted along the fixed roof panel and a second member having its forward end pivotally connected to the forward end of the panel. A third member telescopably connects the first and second members to permit movement of the second member between a forwardly extended position supporting the front end of the closure panel in a closed position and a rearwardly retracted position in which the closure panel is supported and stored beneath the fixed roof panel to open the roof opening. A tape drive assembly includes a tape track mounted on the fixed roof panel and a flexible drive tape movable within the tape track.

US Patent:

40684075, Jan 17, 1978

Filed:

Oct 1, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/728552

Inventors:

Edward G. Podolan - Utica MI
Francis C. Przybysz - Utica MI
Thadius F. Jozefczak - Warren MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

E05D 1510

US Classification:

49215

Abstract:

A swingable and slidable vehicle door assembly opened by an initial laterally outward swinging movement followed by a sliding movement along the exterior side of the vehicle. The vehicle door assembly is supported at three points with a suspension mechanism on the leading edge combined with a lateral guide mechanism to produce the aforementioned lateral movement of the door, followed by sliding movement. A pivotal support member is mounted on the side of the door opening adjacent the door's leading edge and has rollers mounted thereon adapted to engage track means on the door. The pivotal member rotates from an initial closed-door position characterized by substantial fore and aft alignment with the plane of the door to a laterally outward position, thereby moving the leading edge of the door laterally outward from the vehicle body to permit subsequent sliding movement. The rollers are rotatable about vertical axes and one engages a cam plate member to direct the initial swinging movement of the pivotal member and subsequently enters the door track to permit the door to slide along the vehicle body.

US Patent:

42415420, Dec 30, 1980

Filed:

Oct 12, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/950629

Inventors:

Edward G. Podolan - Utica MI
Francis C. Przybysz - Utica MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

E05F 1148

US Classification:

49352

Abstract:

A hard-top type vehicle door window assembly having a tape drive window regulator mechanism with a connector device which is guided on a straight slide pole and permits a change in angularity of the window as it is moved therealong with the window laterally stabilized as it approaches its closed position by cooperation of a stabilizing arrangement between the window and the door's inner panel and also between the connector device and the inner door panel.