Patents by Inventor Karl Kiefer

Karl Kiefer 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: 11230315
    Abstract: Various implementations include a steering wheel assembly. The assembly includes a hub, a steering grip, and a hinging mechanism. The hub is configured to be rotatably coupled to a steering column such that the hub is rotatable about a central axis of the steering column. The steering grip has one or more spokes. The hinging mechanism couples the one or more spokes to the hub such that the steering grip is rotatable relative to the hub about a rotational axis from a first position to a second position. The rotational axis is perpendicular to the central axis of the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Kastelic, Karl Kiefer, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak
  • Publication number: 20210229732
    Abstract: Various implementations include a steering wheel assembly. The assembly includes a hub, a steering grip, and a hinging mechanism. The hub is configured to be rotatably coupled to a steering column such that the hub is rotatable about a central axis of the steering column. The steering grip has one or more spokes. The hinging mechanism couples the one or more spokes to the hub such that the steering grip is rotatable relative to the hub about a rotational axis from a first position to a second position. The rotational axis is perpendicular to the central axis of the steering column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Kurt Kastelic, Karl Kiefer, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak
  • Publication number: 20070249959
    Abstract: An electromagnetic personnel interdiction control (EPIC) non-destructive stun type weapon system and method utilizes beamed RF energy (Lorentz Force) to disrupt the normal mechanical transduction process and/or the chemical engine by which sound, position and other sensory input are converted to messages by nerve cells and processed by the brain to produce complete disorientation, confusion, and temporary incapacitation sufficient to temporarily and remotely render a human powerless to resist arrest or subjugation. Removal of the RF electromagnetic energy will leave the nerve cells and surrounding tissues with no damage and the second order effects of severe motion sickness and the psychological effects of “helplessness” remains until the body chemistry returns to normal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: Karl Kiefer, Kevin Champaigne, Gulnara Ajupova
  • Patent number: 4391330
    Abstract: A submergible pump is suspended from a suspension head and lowered into an underwater well. The pump is lowered through the bore of a spool at the wellhead, and the suspension head is supported on a shoulder in the spool. A contact region of the bore has a first set of contacts engageable with corresponding contacts of a second set on the suspension head. Well fluid and other contaminants are flushed from the contact region by a cleaning fluid dispensed from passages in the suspension head. A dielectric fluid is then similarly dispensed to the contact region. Locking lugs lock the suspension head in the spool, and seals exclude well fluid from the contact region. The cleaning fluid and the dielectric fluid may be supplied from a remote source, such as a vehicle employed in lowering the pump and suspension head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Kiefer
  • Patent number: 4331203
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for transporting submergible pumping equipment between an underwater well and the water surface and for installing the equipment in and withdrawing the equipment from the well. The apparatus includes a container in the form of an elongate casing in which the equipment is suspended and which is raised and lowered between the wellhead and the surface to transport the equipment therebetween, the casing being connected to wellhead apparatus for installation and withdrawal of the equipment in the well. The casing is divided by a series of blowout preventers into an upper and a lower chamber. In use, the equipment is transported in the lower chamber and a diffractant solution is circulated through the lower chamber while the upper chamber is maintained at a high liquid pressure to provide a barrier inhibiting leakage of contaminants from within the lower chamber to the outer environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Kiefer
  • Patent number: 4304452
    Abstract: A submergible pump is suspended from a suspension head and lowered into an underwater well. The pump is lowered through the bore of a spool at the wellhead, and the suspension head is supported on a shoulder in the spool. A contact region of the bore has a first set of contacts engageable with corresponding contacts of a second set on the suspension head. Well fluid and other contaminants are flushed from the contact region by a cleaning fluid dispensed from passages in the suspension head. A dielectric fluid is then similarly dispensed to the contact region. Locking lugs lock the suspension head in the spool, and seals exclude well fluid from the contact region. The cleaning fluid and the dielectric fluid may be supplied from a remote source, such as a vehicle employed in lowering the pump and suspension head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Kiefer