Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Toren

Thomas J. Toren 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).

  • Closed center steering system
    Patent number: 7484588
    Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) includes a hydraulic power steering gear (130) for turning the steerable wheels (15) of a vehicle. The steering gear (130) includes a closed center valve (150). An electric motor (18) is operatively connected with the steering wheel (12). When activated, the motor (18) resists rotation of the steering wheel (12) to provide steering feel to the vehicle driver and to modulate force applied to the steering wheel (12) upon initial opening of the closed center valve (150).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: William A. Szabela, Thomas J. Toren