Patents by Inventor Barry C. Worrell
Barry C. Worrell 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).
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Publication number: 20090273165Abstract: A cover for a driver's side airbag module is provided, the cover having a central body portion with an opening disposed therein, the central body portion having a predetermined tear seam for defining a pair of deployable doors, the predetermined tear seam extending through the opening. The cover also includes a horn switch assembly inserted into the opening; and a tether secured to the horn switch assembly, the tether retaining the horn switch assembly with the cover after deployment of the pair of deployable doors along the predetermined tear seam, wherein the horn switch assembly is dislodged from the opening when the pair of deployable doors deploy along the predetermined tear seam.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Francis Joseph Holmes, Harold W. Morgan, David G. Greensien, Dan J. Lestingi, Mark T. Winters
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Patent number: 7510209Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting an airbag module to a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a backing plate for mounting the airbag module to the vehicle, the backing plate comprising: a plurality of elongated mounting members each being drawn from the material of the backing plate wherein the plurality of elongated mounting members are integrally formed with the backing plate and each of the plurality of elongated mounting members has a portion comprising a periphery formed from the material of the backing plate and an opening extending into the elongated mounting member, the opening defining the periphery of the plurality of elongated mounting members.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John D. Salmon, III, Michael Noland, Dale E. Collins, Charles D. Griever, Jr., Barry C. Worrell, Richard S. Plummer
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Patent number: 7490852Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a steering wheel arrangement for motor vehicles having a steering wheel, an airbag module held at the steering wheel and movable in the direction of the axis of the steering wheel, and an electrical contact system arranged between the steering wheel and the airbag module for the actuation of an electrical functional unit, in particular of a vehicle horn by a relative movement between the steering wheel and the air-bag module taking place in the direction of the steering wheel axis, where-in the contact system includes elongate extended electrical conductors which are attached to mutually confronting sides of the steering wheel and of the airbag module or only to the steering wheel or to the airbag module and extend in such a way that conductors spaced apart in the direction of the steering wheel axis cross at least one contact position.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Marotzke, Karsten Pietsch, Barry C. Worrell
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Publication number: 20090000420Abstract: A steering wheel assembly, comprising: an insert comprising an armature, a rim portion and at least one spoke connecting the armature to the rim portion; a rim assembly comprising a first rim portion and a second rim portion, the first rim portion and the second rim portion each being configured to be disposed around a periphery of the rim portion of the insert and the first rim portion and the second rim portion are configured to be secured to each other about the rim portion of the insert, the first rim portion and the second rim portion each being separately formed from a polymeric material prior to the securement of the rim assembly to the rim portion of the insert; and a decorative cover disposed about an exterior surface of the rim assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, James J. Simpson, Philip W. Hopf, Frank G. Meyer
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Patent number: 7422236Abstract: A method an apparatus for providing a horn switch assembly for securing an inflatable cushion to a steering wheel armature, the horn switch assembly comprising: a backing plate defining a receiving area, the receiving area being configured to receive at least a portion of the inflatable cushion, the receiving area being defined by a peripheral wall of the backing plate; a plurality of mounting members depending outwardly and away from the peripheral wall, the plurality of mounting members providing a mounting surface, wherein the mounting surface of the plurality of mounting members is configured to receive a mounting mechanism therein, wherein each of the plurality of mounting members further comprises a contact point secured thereto; a plurality of isolation mechanisms each being configured to be secured to the steering wheel armature, wherein at least one of the plurality of isolation mechanisms comprises a guide pin and a locking pin for guiding and movably securing one of the mounting mechanisms theretoType: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Barry C. Worrell
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Publication number: 20080105077Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering wheel, comprising: forming a rim portion separately with a decorative outer coating via a first forming process; forming a hub separately from the rim portion via a second forming process, the hub having at least a pair of spoke portions; and securing the rim portion to the pair of spoke portions, wherein the decorative outer coating is applied to the rim portion prior to the rim portion being secured to the pair of spoke portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: Christopher P. LaBoskey, Barry C. Worrell, Kurt F. O'Connor
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Patent number: 7348508Abstract: A set of horn switch assemblies are mounted on a base plate of a vehicle steering wheel and linked by two continuous electrical conductors that are electrically bridged to activate a horn. Each switch assembly includes an insulator base affixed to the base plate and a deflectable metal blade disposed atop the insulator base substantially parallel to the base plate. The metal blade is anchored to the insulator base at one end and deflectable toward the base plate at the other end. One electrical conductor is secured to the insulator base below and in contact with the anchored end of the metal blade, while the other electrical conductor is secured to the insulator base below and out of contact with the deflectable end of the metal blade. A driver air bag assembly deflects the metal blades to electrically bridge the two electrical conductors for activating the horn.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Barry C. Worrell
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Patent number: 7159897Abstract: An apparatus for providing an isolated ground of a horn activation circuit of a steering wheel assembly comprising an airbag module, the apparatus comprising: an insulator for receiving and engaging a wire, wherein the wire and the insulator are configured to engage at least one securement member of the steering wheel assembly, wherein the airbag module is movably secured to the insulator for movement between a first position and a second position wherein the horn circuit is completed as the airbag module moves from the first position to the second position; and a wire harness electrically communicating with the wire and at least one contact portion of the airbag module, the at least one contact portion making contact with the wire as the airbag module moves from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Gopal P. Marath, James J. Simpson, Scott R. Albers
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Patent number: 7019261Abstract: A heated steering wheel with a preformed heating member, having an inner rim portion; a cushion layer disposed about the inner rim portion; and a preformed heating element disposed about the cushion layer; wherein the cushion layer is applied using a molding process and the preformed heating element and the inner rim portion are inserted in a mold used for the molding process prior to the application of said cushion layer therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Duane D. Williams, Ronald H. Haag
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Patent number: 6976703Abstract: A gear system for coupling a steering wheel to a steering wheel shaft, comprising: a first gear rotatable about a first axis and connected to the steering wheel, wherein rotation of the steering wheel causes rotation of the first gear; a second gear engaged to the first gear and configured to rotate about another axis when the steering wheel is rotated, wherein the another axis is displaced from the first axis; and a housing disposed about the gear system, wherein the housing remains in a stationary position during rotation of the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Francis J. Holmes, Barry C. Worrell, Joseph M. Johnson, George Frank Richards
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Patent number: 6893044Abstract: In an automotive steering wheel-airbag module assembly a gear system is coupled to a steering wheel and to a steering shaft or column for transferring torque applied to the steering wheel directly to the steering shaft or column. An airbag module is positioned within the diameter of the steering wheel, wherein the airbag module remains in a stationary position during rotation of the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Francis J. Holmes, Barry C. Worrell, Joseph M. Johnson, George Frank Richards
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Publication number: 20040155020Abstract: A heated steering wheel with a preformed heating member, having an inner rim portion; a cushion layer disposed about the inner rim portion; and a preformed heating element disposed about the cushion layer; wherein the cushion layer is applied using a molding process and the preformed heating element and the inner rim portion are inserted in a mold used for the molding process prior to the application of said cushion layer therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Duane D. Williams, Ronald H. Haag
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Patent number: 6588821Abstract: A multipurpose console for use in a vehicle having a support structure having an internal compartment, a latching mechanism being fixedly secured to a lower surface of the support structure and providing a method for releasably engaging a mounting member of the vehicle. The internal compartment has a lid pivotally secured to an upper portion of the support structure and moves between a first position and a second position. The lid covers the internal compartment when the lid is in the first position and the lid has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is pivotally secured to the lower portion for movement between the first position and the second position. The upper portion and the lower portion define a surface area for changing a child's diaper when the upper portion is in the second position. The internal compartment provides a plurality of storage areas for products necessary to facilitate the changing of the child's diaper.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Shawn T. Nichols, Sherry N. Phillips, Anton S. Wojcik, Nicole M. Mahmood, Frank X. Kreiling
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Patent number: 6571154Abstract: A method for engaging a plurality of control systems in a vehicle, enabling a main menu of a main control program; providing a means for scrolling through a plurality of selections of the main menu; providing an audible text messages for each of the plurality of selections, the audible text messages are activated as an individual scrolls through the plurality of selections; and providing a selector switch for selecting one of the plurality of selections. The means for scrolling through the plurality of selections is located on an upper surface of a spoke of a steering wheel and the selector switch is located on a lower surface of the spoke. The method also includes providing a visual representation of the main menu.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Kevin S. Buchanan
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Publication number: 20030067147Abstract: In an automotive steering wheel-airbag module assembly a gear system is coupled to a steering wheel and to a steering shaft or column for transferring torque applied to the steering wheel directly to the steering shaft or column. An airbag module is positioned within the diameter of the steering wheel, wherein the airbag module remains in a stationary position during rotation of the steering wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventors: Francis J. Holmes, Barry C. Worrell, Joseph M. Johnson, George Frank Richards
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Patent number: 6497443Abstract: A multipurpose console for use in a vehicle, the console has an upper portion and a lower portion. A pair of mounting flanges are fixedly secured to the lower portion, the mounting flanges each having a plurality of openings to allow a mounting member of a vehicle seat to pass therethrough. The multipurpose console is releasably secured to the vehicle through the securement of a removable seat having a locking mechanism passing through one of the plurality of openings and the pair of mounting flanges. The console includes many features that can be sold as part of the console or be added on at a later time. The console fits between the two middle row seats and extends up between the two front row seats. The unit can be mounted into the vehicle by placing the side flange holes over the seat floor attachment then adding the seats which snap into the floor inside these two holes on the center side of both middle row seat.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Kenneth A. Gassman, Joshua A. Williams
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Publication number: 20020175531Abstract: A multipurpose console for use in a vehicle, the console has an upper portion and a lower portion. A pair of mounting flanges are fixedly secured to the lower portion, the mounting flanges each having a plurality of openings to allow a mounting member of a vehicle seat to pass therethrough. The multipurpose console is releasably secured to the vehicle through the securement of a removable seat having a locking mechanism passing through one of the plurality of openings and the pair of mounting flanges. The console includes many features that can be sold as part of the console or be added on at a later time. The console fits between the two middle row seats and extends up between the two front row seats. The unit can be mounted into the vehicle by placing the side flange holes over the seat floor attachment then adding the seats which snap into the floor inside these two holes on the center side of both middle row seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2001Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Kenneth A. Gassman, Joshua A. Williams
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Publication number: 20020140246Abstract: A multipurpose console for use in a vehicle having a support structure having an internal compartment, a latching mechanism being fixedly secured to a lower surface of the support structure and providing a means for releasably engaging a mounting member of the vehicle. The internal compartment has a lid pivotally secured to an upper portion of the support structure and moves between a first position and a second position. The lid covers the internal compartment when the lid is in the first position and the lid has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is pivotally secured to the lower portion for movement between the first position and the second position. The upper portion and the lower portion define a surface area for changing a child's diaper when the upper portion is in the second position. The internal compartment provides a plurality of storage areas for products necessary to facilitate the changing of the child's diaper.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Shawn T. Nichols, Sherry N. Phillips, Anton S. Wojcik
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Publication number: 20020116094Abstract: A method for engaging a plurality of control systems in a vehicle, enabling a main menu of a main control program; providing a means for scrolling through a plurality of selections of the main menu; providing an audible text messages for each of the plurality of selections, the audible text messages are activated as an individual scrolls through the plurality of selections; and providing a selector switch for selecting one of the plurality of selections. The means for scrolling through the plurality of selections is located on an upper surface of a spoke of a steering wheel and the selector switch is located on a lower surface of the spoke. The method also includes providing a visual representation of the main menu.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Kevin S. Buchanan
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Patent number: 5398568Abstract: A motor vehicle steering wheel having a structural frame including a metal hub, a metal rim, a hollow, thin-walled metal tube having opposite distal ends rigidly connected to the rim, and a thick-walled metal sleeve disposed around a center portion of the metal tube. The metal sleeve and the center portion of the metal tube are squeezed concurrently such that each defines an oval shape in cross section in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the metal tube and the metal tube is mechanically interlocked with the metal sleeve. The metal sleeve is resistance welded to the metal hub whereby the metal tube on opposite sides of the metal sleeve defines a pair of low mass, hollow spokes of the structural frame and the sleeve defines a pair of spoke bases whereat the spokes are rigidly connected to the hub.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1993Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Barry C. Worrell, Paul M. Landis, Larry E. Flora