Patents Assigned to Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.
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Patent number: 11845316Abstract: A pivot joint for connection between first and second suspension members in a vehicle suspension permits adjustment of wheel alignment characteristics without removal or disassembly of the pivot joint. Wheel alignment adjustment may be accomplished with mutual rotation of engaged components of the pivot joint, wherein engaged guide structures of the pivot joint component convert the mutual rotation to translational movement of one pivot joint component relative to the other pivot joint component. The translational movement may be oriented to selectively adjust wheel alignment characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: NORTHSTAR MANUFACTURING CO., INC.Inventors: Shawn Miller, Kurt Vinje, James Ryshavy
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Patent number: 11499589Abstract: An apparatus is described for interconnecting a steering knuckle and lower suspension arm. The apparatus includes a ball joint assembly having a height adjustment feature and a non-concentric ball and shaft that together allow for increased range of camber adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2021Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Shawn Christopher Miller, Spenser Ryan Shimek, Jeffrey Michael Goranson
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Patent number: 11254176Abstract: An apparatus is described for interconnecting a steering knuckle and lower suspension arm. The apparatus includes a ball joint assembly having a lateral adjustment feature that allows for increased range of adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2021Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: James R. Ryshavy, Kurt P. Vinje, Shawn Christopher Miller
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Publication number: 20210372463Abstract: An apparatus is described for interconnecting a steering knuckle and lower suspension arm. The apparatus includes a ball joint assembly having a height adjustment feature and a non-concentric ball and shaft that together allow for increased range of camber adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Applicant: Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Shawn Christopher Miller, Spenser Ryan Shimek, Jeffrey Michael Goranson
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Patent number: 11131337Abstract: An apparatus is described for interconnecting a steering knuckle and lower suspension arm. The apparatus includes a ball joint assembly having a height adjustment feature and a non-concentric ball and shaft that together allow for increased range of camber adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2017Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Shawn Christopher Miller, Spenser Ryan Shimek, Jeffrey Michael Goranson
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Patent number: 10994580Abstract: An apparatus is described for interconnecting a steering knuckle and lower suspension arm. The apparatus includes a ball joint assembly having a lateral adjustment feature that allows for increased range of adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: James R. Ryshavy, Kurt P. Vinje, Spenser R. Shimek, Shawn Christopher Miller
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Patent number: 9233589Abstract: An apparatus is described for increasing a range of adjustment of a suspension system. The apparatus includes a cam bolt having an internal cam feature and external cam feature that together allow for increased range of adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: Shawn Christopher Miller
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Patent number: 6382645Abstract: An adjustment offset conical mount for use in combination with motor vehicles equipped with conically shaped strut mount towers formed in the chassis of the vehicle. The offset mount is rotatably and adjustably received within the tower and the arcuate position of the offset mount relocates the strut and its associated wheel assembly to a correct position within the vehicle and particularly within vehicular chassis. Camber and caster parameters are correctable, with camber ranges from at least +1.5° and −0.75° being achieved, while caster correction is available between +−1.12°.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Stephen M. Gravelle, Bruce L. Currey
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Patent number: 6293724Abstract: An adjustable ball joint assembly to be secured between the wheel and the apex of an upper control arm member of a motor vehicle suspension system to provide for camber/caster adjustment of motor vehicles with altered suspensions, typically lowered suspensions. The adjustable ball joint includes a ball joint retainer body including a locking plate and with an eccentrically positioned ball socket (opening) formed in the bottom surface of the plate. A stub shaft, fast on the top surface of the locking plate, extends upwardly, with an arcuately configured annular groove formed around its periphery. A tapered boss is positioned adjacent the top surface of the locking plate and configured to be received within the ball joint port of the control arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Spears, James R. Ryshavy
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Patent number: 6257601Abstract: An adjustable strut mounting plate for correcting at least one alignment parameter of a motor vehicle wheel assembly, with the adjustable strut mounting plate comprising an annular body adapted for secure attachment to the original strut mounting plate of the motor vehicle. The adjustable strut mounting plate includes a plurality of elongated ribbed adjustment bores through which bolts pass to secure the original strut mounting plate to the adjustable mounting plate. In addition, right hand and left hand tower mounting bores are provided in the adjustable strut mounting plate to accommodate attachment of the combined adjustable strut plate with the original strut plate to the vehicle tower.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Spears, James R. Ryshavy
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Patent number: 6131883Abstract: A pry tool for facilitating disassembly of suspension components in a vehicle wheel suspension assembly which includes a vehicular telescopic strut member secured to a steering knuckle. The tool comprises a handle member along with a fulcrum tower, with the combination being arranged to substantially enclose the strut, and through forces created by the pry tool, and against the coil spring, the tool enables and facilitates removal of the steering knuckle from the body of the strut. The pry tool includes an elongated handle with a handle yoke at one end for enclosing or enveloping the strut, and with a fulcrum yoke at the opposed end for contacting the upper end of the steering knuckle. Axial removal forces are applied between the coil spring and the steering knuckle, thereby freeing the strut component from the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Spears, James R. Ryshavy