Patents by Inventor Alain Carrer

Alain Carrer 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: 6932387
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for adjusting an energy absorbing system of an automobile vehicle steering column mounted in a support assembly which is connected to and attached to the structure of the vehicle by fixing devices each having a respective fixing axis. At least one fixing device includes at least one energy absorbing capsule disposed in the support assembly on a retaining axis and clamped in the support assembly by fastening devices. The fixing axis and the retaining axis coincide. The fastening devices are independent of the fixing devices and include a nut and a rod shoulder in order to allow adjustment to achieve the required clamping of the fastening devices to obtain the required energy absorption. Adjustment of the clamping of the energy absorbing capsule or capsules is therefore independent of the clamping of the devices for fixing the support assembly to the vehicle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: NACAM France SA
    Inventors: André Laisement, Alain Carrer, Jean-Marc Gatti
  • Publication number: 20030155760
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for adjusting an energy absorbing system of an automobile vehicle steering column mounted in a support assembly which is connected to and attached to the structure of the vehicle by fixing devices each having a respective fixing axis. At least one fixing device includes at least one energy absorbing capsule disposed in the support assembly on a retaining axis and clamped in the support assembly by fastening devices. The fixing axis and the retaining axis coincide. The fastening devices are independent of the fixing devices and include a nut and a rod shoulder in order to allow adjustment to achieve the required clamping of the fastening devices to obtain the required energy absorption. Adjustment of the clamping of the energy absorbing capsule or capsules is therefore independent of the clamping of the devices for fixing the support assembly to the vehicle structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Andre Laisement, Alain Carrer, Jean-Marc Gatti
  • Patent number: 6092957
    Abstract: A holding device hold a first member in position relative to a second member on a clamping pin. Two racks respectively one connected to the first and second members and adapted to interengage in a locked position. A return spring separates the racks in an unlocked position. An additional spring co-operates with a bracket. The racks, return spring and additional spring are mounted on the clamping pin. The additional spring bears against the bracket and operates on the mobile rack to assure complete interpenetration of the mobile rack and the fixed rack. The main application of the device is to automobile vehicle steering columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Lemforder Nacam SA
    Inventors: Laurent Fevre, Jean-Christophe Bodin, Alain Carrer