Patents by Inventor Craig W. Gurtatowski
Craig W. Gurtatowski 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).
-
Publication number: 20220289126Abstract: A bracket assembly for a vehicle includes a bracket body having a glare shield and a circuit. The bracket assembly further includes an electrical device that is electrically connected to the circuit of the bracket body. The circuit comprises a plurality of leads extending along the bracket body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Karly R. Miller, Christopher T. Schaafsma, Craig W. Gurtatowski, Danny C.F. Leitao, Dennis M. Mark, Edward F. Bulgajewski, Scott Bair
-
Patent number: 8522838Abstract: A grommet adapted to secure a fuel fill line to a fuel fill housing includes a body having an opening extending therethrough and a first flange coupled to the body. The first flange includes a plurality of tabs. The body also includes a second flange coupled to the body such that a channel is defined between each of the tabs and the second flange. Each respective mating tab is adapted to be received in each respective channel. The mating flange includes a plurality of slots. Each respective slot is formed between a pair of mating tabs. During installation, each tab is adapted to be inserted through a respective slot formed in the mating flange. The grommet also includes a latching device adapted to limit the radial movement of the grommet with respect to the mating flange. The latching device may be embodied as a detent adapted to be received in a recess formed in the mating flange. The grommet may also include a tactile indicator adapted to indicate when the grommet is in a predetermined radial position.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Craig W. Gurtatowski
-
Patent number: 8382188Abstract: The connection of a vehicle fuel fill system access door to an access door hinge includes exposed guide members on the access door and the hinge to assist an installer in properly positioning and moving the access door relative to the hinge. Spacing structures between the access door and the access door hinge have a variable relationship for accommodating part variations. An audible sound is generated as the door is connected to indicate final positioning of the door on the hinge.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Jacob S. Woodworth, Craig W. Gurtatowski, William A. Purdy
-
Publication number: 20120153661Abstract: The connection of a vehicle fuel fill system access door to an access door hinge includes exposed guide members on the access door and the hinge to assist an installer in properly positioning and moving the access door relative to the hinge. Spacing structures between the access door and the access door hinge have a variable relationship for accommodating part variations. An audible sound is generated as the door is connected to indicate final positioning of the door on the hinge.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Jacob S. Woodworth, Craig W. Gurtatowski, William A. Purdy
-
Patent number: 8162375Abstract: A vehicle refueling assembly includes a housing through which an inlet pipe is accessed and a door assembly that can be opened and closed relative to the housing. The door assembly includes a hinge and a decorative panel. The hinge includes a seal received in a ledge of the housing when the door assembly is closed.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Craig W. Gurtatowski, Joseph L. Rodawold, Jr., Jacob S. Woodworth
-
Publication number: 20100078932Abstract: A grommet adapted to secure a fuel fill line to a fuel fill housing includes a body having an opening extending therethrough and a first flange coupled to the body. The first flange includes a plurality of tabs. The body also includes a second flange coupled to the body such that a channel is defined between each of the tabs and the second flange. Each respective mating tab is adapted to be received in each respective channel. The mating flange includes a plurality of slots. Each respective slot is formed between a pair of mating tabs. During installation, each tab is adapted to be inserted through a respective slot formed in the mating flange. The grommet also includes a latching device adapted to limit the radial movement of the grommet with respect to the mating flange. The latching device may be embodied as a detent adapted to be received in a recess formed in the mating flange. The grommet may also include a tactile indicator adapted to indicate when the grommet is in a predetermined radial position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventor: CRAIG W. GURTATOWSKI
-
Publication number: 20100052335Abstract: An integrated inertia locking mechanism may be incorporated with a door handle assembly and is particularly beneficial in acceleration events, such as a multiple axis crash, by counteracting the forces of inertia caused by such crash. In an exemplary aspect, the integrated inertia locking mechanism will prevent the door latch mechanism, which releases the door, from releasing and the door opening during a multiple axis crash. After the crash, or when the crash force is removed, the integrated inertia locking mechanism will allow the latch mechanism to function normally, thereby permitting the door to be opened and the occupants to exit from the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: JOSEPH L. RODAWOLD, JR., Craig W. Gurtatowski
-
Patent number: 7635151Abstract: An integrated inertia locking mechanism may be incorporated with a door handle assembly and is particularly beneficial in acceleration events, such as a multiple axis crash, by counteracting the forces of inertia caused by such crash. In an exemplary aspect, the integrated inertia locking mechanism will prevent the door latch mechanism, which releases the door, from releasing and the door opening during a multiple axis crash. After the crash, or when the crash force is removed, the integrated inertia locking mechanism will allow the latch mechanism to function normally, thereby permitting the door to be opened and the occupants to exit from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. Rodawold, Jr., Craig W. Gurtatowski
-
Publication number: 20090189410Abstract: A vehicle refueling assembly includes a housing through which an inlet pipe is accessed and a door assembly that can be opened and closed relative to the housing. The door assembly includes a hinge and a decorative panel. The hinge includes a seal received in a ledge of the housing when the door assembly is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventors: CRAIG W. GURTATOWSKI, Joseph L. Rodawold, JR., Jacob S. Woodworth
-
Publication number: 20070284894Abstract: An integrated inertia locking mechanism may be incorporated with a door handle assembly and is particularly beneficial in acceleration events, such as a multiple axis crash, by counteracting the forces of inertia caused by such crash. In an exemplary aspect, the integrated inertia locking mechanism will prevent the door latch mechanism, which releases the door, from releasing and the door opening during a multiple axis crash. After the crash, or when the crash force is removed, the integrated inertia locking mechanism will allow the latch mechanism to function normally, thereby permitting the door to be opened and the occupants to exit from the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2006Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventors: Joseph L. Rodawold, Craig W. Gurtatowski
-
Publication number: 20070273163Abstract: A door handle system may be used in many applications, including the automotive industry and specifically on the inside of an automobile door. Embodiments of the invention include a retainer in the door handle assembly to allow installation in blind areas, where the axle is only visible from the back and the handle only visible from the front. The retainer aligns with a groove in the axle and prevents the axle from backing out of the assembly. Embodiments of the invention ensure a tight fit between the handle and axle preventing the assembly from becoming inoperable if components become loose.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2007Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventors: Craig W. Gurtatowski, Stephen J. Milchuck
-
Patent number: 7201405Abstract: An inertia activated mechanism that may be incorporated with a door handle assembly and counteracts a crash force. When the crash force is applied, a locking tab is in a lock position to prevent a latch mechanism from releasing and opening the vehicle door. When the crash force is removed, the locking tab returns to a normal position, allowing the latch mechanism to function normally. The locking tab is attached to a weight by a cable. The weight moves and causes displacement of the locking tab when the crash force is applied and is restrained by a spring when the crash force is removed.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: John M. Le, Stephen J. Milchuck, Jr., Craig W. Gurtatowski, Paul G. Ledebuhr
-
Patent number: 7159946Abstract: A headrest is supported by a first rod and a second rod, the first rod being equipped with a series of positioning notches on a first side and a retaining notch on a second side. In operation, the two rods are installed into two channels in the seat, one of the channels being equipped with a headrest guide assembly. The headrest guide assembly includes a button that allows the user to selectively engage the series of positioning notches on the first side of the first rod so that the headrest can be positioned as desired. However, the headrest guide assembly will automatically engage the retaining notch on the second side and thus prevent the headrest from being removed from the seat. To remove the headrest, a tool can be inserted into a notch in the button and to insertion of the tool prevents the headrest guide assembly from engaging the retaining notch on the second side and thus the headrest can be removed.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Worlk IncInventors: Craig W. Gurtatowski, Steven R. Andrews, Simon Lorenc