Patents by Inventor Bernard J. Emmendorfer

Bernard J. Emmendorfer 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).

  • Transmission shift control mechanism and method of installation
    Patent number: 7913583
    Abstract: A transmission gear selector including a pivotal shift lever with a grip portion and an attachment structure that is operably coupled to an automatic transmission for shifting the transmission. A locking member pivots with the shift lever and is moveably engageable with an engagement surface that defines a park position detent. When the locking member is engaged with the park position detent, the shift lever cannot be moved out of the park position. The mechanical linkage includes a driver-operated member which, when actuated, causes the mechanical linkage assembly to bias the locking member out of engagement with the park position detent. A solenoid disposed within the grip portion is coupled with the mechanical linkage assembly and includes a plunger that can prevent the mechanical linkage from biasing the locking member out of the park position detent. An installation method for a gear selector is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventors: Tamara J. Reppuhn, Jason N. Wright, Bernard J. Emmendorfer, Frank R. Keipert, Richard P. Nash, Michael C. Vermeersch
  • Transmission shift control mechanism and method of installation
    Publication number: 20080000314
    Abstract: A transmission gear selector including a pivotal shift lever with a grip portion and an attachment structure that is operably coupled to an automatic transmission for shifting the transmission. A locking member pivots with the shift lever and is moveably engageable with an engagement surface that defines a park position detent. When the locking member is engaged with the park position detent, the shift lever cannot be moved out of the park position. The mechanical linkage includes a driver-operated member which, when actuated, causes the mechanical linkage assembly to bias the locking member out of engagement with the park position detent. A solenoid disposed within the grip portion is coupled with the mechanical linkage assembly and includes a plunger that can prevent the mechanical linkage from biasing the locking member out of the park position detent. An installation method for a gear selector is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Tamara J. Reppuhn, Jason N. Wright, Bernard J. Emmendorfer, Frank R. Keipert, Richard P. Nash, Michael C. Vermeersch