Patents by Inventor Timothy J Schabel

Timothy J Schabel 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: 8864153
    Abstract: An automotive rear-suspension subassembly includes a rear-suspension frame, a first and second independent suspension, and a steering actuator coupled with each independent suspension through a bellcrank. The frame includes a front cross-member, a first side-rail, and a second side-rail, and defines a first side and a second side. The actuator is disposed on the first side of the frame, and the bellcrank extends across the frame from the first side to the second side. Each independent suspension is respectively configured to support a vehicle wheel, and includes a respective knuckle. Actuation of the steering actuator urges each respective knuckle to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James L. Luttinen, Timothy J. Schabel
  • Publication number: 20140265201
    Abstract: An automotive rear-suspension subassembly includes a rear-suspension frame, a first and second independent suspension, and a steering actuator coupled with each independent suspension through a bellcrank. The frame includes a front cross-member, a first side-rail, and a second side-rail, and defines a first side and a second side. The actuator is disposed on the first side of the frame, and the bellcrank extends across the frame from the first side to the second side. Each independent suspension is respectively configured to support a vehicle wheel, and includes a respective knuckle. Actuation of the steering actuator urges each respective knuckle to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James L. Luttinen, Timothy J. Schabel
  • Patent number: 8814185
    Abstract: A ride steer adjustment device for a vehicle includes an insert sleeve that has an opening configured so that the insert sleeve has an interference fit with a tie rod ball stud when the tie rod ball stud extends through the opening. The insert sleeve has external threads and is configured to be threaded to the knuckle steer arm at the external threads. A distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod is adjustable by turning the insert sleeve relative to the knuckle steer arm at the external threads. Adjusting the distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod changes the angle of the tie rod and thereby the ride steer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James L. Luttinen, Timothy J. Schabel
  • Publication number: 20140091542
    Abstract: A ride steer adjustment device for a vehicle includes an insert sleeve that has an opening configured so that the insert sleeve has an interference fit with a tie rod ball stud when the tie rod ball stud extends through the opening. The insert sleeve has external threads and is configured to be threaded to the knuckle steer arm at the external threads. A distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod is adjustable by turning the insert sleeve relative to the knuckle steer arm at the external threads. Adjusting the distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod changes the angle of the tie rod and thereby the ride steer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James L. Luttinen, Timothy J. Schabel
  • Patent number: 7891684
    Abstract: A decoupled 5-link independent rear suspension system (IRS) for motor vehicles. Three lateral linkages, the toe, camber and spring links, establish the wheel plane orientation and react to vertical and lateral loads, and two longitudinal links, the upper and lower trailing links, react to tractive loads and brake torques. The upper and lower trailing links are longitudinally orientated and disposed outboard of the body rail, thus allowing for improved load reactions of the suspension system, as well as optimization of the body rail configuration and space accommodation for other vehicle components, such as for example fuel, batteries and exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James L. Luttinen, Timothy J Schabel, Michael A. Vieau, II