Patents by Inventor Peter P. Butala

Peter P. Butala 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: 8474188
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a weatherstrip assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a carrier having a base and a first and second leg extending from the base to a first and second distal end, respectively. The legs are spaced from each other to define a channel for receiving the motor vehicle. A seal is mounted to the first distal end. At least one securing flange is coupled to the second distal end for fastening the carrier to the motor vehicle. A living hinge is disposed between the securing flange and the second distal end, such that the securing flange is moveable independent of the carrier. The living hinge comprises a first section having a generally recessed configuration and a first thickness, and a second section having a generally planar configuration and a second thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Henniges Automotive Sealing Systems North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Purdy, Brett Stone, Peter P. Butala, IV, Greg Zunich, Brian Nordstrom
  • Publication number: 20120036788
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a weatherstrip assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a carrier having a base and a first and second leg extending from the base to a first and second distal end, respectively. The legs are spaced from each other to define a channel for receiving the motor vehicle. A seal is mounted to the first distal end. At least one securing flange is coupled to the second distal end for fastening the carrier to the motor vehicle. A living hinge is disposed between the securing flange and the second distal end, such that the securing flange is moveable independent of the carrier. The living hinge has a first and second edge opposing each other with a first and second portion defining a first and second thickness, respectively. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness for improving durability of the living hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher E. Purdy, Brett Stone, Peter P. Butala, IV, Greg Zunich, Brian Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 5955711
    Abstract: An electrical switch selectively controls an ignition circuit and accessory circuits of a motor vehicle. The electrical switch includes a segmented rotatable member with radially extending side walls having cam surfaces formed thereon for operably actuating electrically conductive leaf spring members to individually open and close electrical circuits in response to positioning the rotatable member in predefined angular positions. A segmented, asymmetrical rotary actuator and housing assembly permits placement of the switch in close proximity to other system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Butala, Michael J. Pontieri