Patents by Inventor Christian Pichonnat
Christian Pichonnat 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: 20240025469Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising a support unit by which a positioning unit is adjustably held, and an adjustment device which is designed to adjust the positioning unit relative to the support unit. Associated with the steering column is a control unit which is designed to receive a signal, to evaluate the signal in terms of a predefined release condition, and to produce a release state of the steering column when the signal meets the release condition, and to produce a locked state of the steering column when the signal does not meet the release condition. Adjustment of the positioning unit is thus enabled exclusively in the release state.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2021Publication date: January 25, 2024Applicants: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AGInventors: Christian PICHONNAT, Andreas WILLI
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Patent number: 11591003Abstract: A steering column has a housing. A steering spindle jacket is disposed within the housing. An outer steering spindle is disposed within the steering spindle jacket and has a spline hub. An inner spindle is disposed within the outer steering spindle and includes a spline shaft configured to permit axial movement and prevent rotation of the outer steering spindle when the spline hub and the spline shaft are engaged. In a non-stowed state the spline shaft and the spline hub are engaged and in a stowed state the spline shaft and the spline hub are free of engagement. A pin is disposed in the housing engages the spline hub portion in the stowed state and prevents rotation of the outer steering spindle and is free of engagement in the non-stowed state.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Marvin Miller, Bryce Welch, Christian Pichonnat
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Publication number: 20220135111Abstract: A steering column may have a steering spindle jacket that is disposed within a support assembly. An outer steering spindle may include a spline hub portion and may be disposed within the steering spindle jacket. An inner steering spindle may be disposed within the outer steering spindle and may include a spline shaft portion configured to permit axial movement and prevent rotation of the outer steering spindle when the spline hub portion and the spline shaft portion are engaged. In a deployed state the spline shaft and the spline hub portions may be engaged, and in a stowed state the spline shaft and the spline hub portions may be free of engagement. A base disposed in the support assembly engages the spline hub portion in the stowed state to prevent rotation of the outer steering spindle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2020Publication date: May 5, 2022Applicants: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AGInventors: Alexander WeselĂ˝, Bryce Welch, Christian Pichonnat
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Patent number: 11318981Abstract: A steering column may have a steering spindle jacket that is disposed within a support assembly. An outer steering spindle may include a spline hub portion and may be disposed within the steering spindle jacket. An inner steering spindle may be disposed within the outer steering spindle and may include a spline shaft portion configured to permit axial movement and prevent rotation of the outer steering spindle when the spline hub portion and the spline shaft portion are engaged. In a deployed state the spline shaft and the spline hub portions may be engaged, and in a stowed state the spline shaft and the spline hub portions may be free of engagement. A base disposed in the support assembly engages the spline hub portion in the stowed state to prevent rotation of the outer steering spindle.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Alexander WeselĂ˝, Bryce Welch, Christian Pichonnat
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Publication number: 20220105976Abstract: A steering column has a housing. A steering spindle jacket is disposed within the housing. An outer steering spindle is disposed within the steering spindle jacket and has a spline hub. An inner spindle is disposed within the outer steering spindle and includes a spline shaft configured to permit axial movement and prevent rotation of the outer steering spindle when the spline hub and the spline shaft are engaged. In a non-stowed state the spline shaft and the spline hub are engaged and in a stowed state the spline shaft and the spline hub are free of engagement. A pin is disposed in the housing engages the spline hub portion in the stowed state and prevents rotation of the outer steering spindle and is free of engagement in the non-stowed state.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2020Publication date: April 7, 2022Applicants: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AGInventors: Marvin Miller, Bryce Welch, Christian Pichonnat
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Publication number: 20210291890Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a supporting unit (6) which can be connected to the chassis of the motor vehicle (6) and an actuating unit, which is mounted on the supporting unit and which supports a steering shaft (2) for rotation, wherein the position of the actuating unit can be adjusted in relation to the supporting unit, wherein the steering column (1) has a position detection device for determining the position of the actuating unit relative to the supporting unit (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2019Publication date: September 23, 2021Applicants: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AGInventors: Daniel KREUTZ, Sedat SEN, Andreas WILLI, Christian PICHONNAT, Thomas GEISELBERGER, Justin YOHO
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Patent number: 11091187Abstract: One steering column assembly includes a jacket, a bearing, and a steering spindle rotatably supported by the bearing and at least partially extending inside the jacket. The spindle includes a hollow outer tube and a hollow inner tube. The outer tube has lengthening and attachment sections, and the attachment section has transition and connection portions. The lengthening section adjoins the attachment section at an end of the transition portion, and the transition portion is between the lengthening section and the connection portion. The lengthening section has first and second portions, with the second portion being between the first and transition portions, and the outer tube terminates at an end of the connection portion. The inner tube is press-fit into the outer tube, and an end of the inner tube is adjacent the transition portion end. The inner tube does not extend into either the attachment section or the first portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Justin Yoho, Thomas Geiselberger, Christian Pichonnat
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Patent number: 10967900Abstract: A compound energy absorption system for a steering column may include different first and second energy absorption mechanisms. The first energy absorption mechanism may involve a slide that deforms a deformation strip in a crash event. The second energy absorption mechanism may involve an energy absorbing strap and a carrier, with the energy absorbing strap being configured to bend and/or tear in a crash event. The energy absorbing strap, the carrier, the deformation strip, and the slide may be packaged compactly in series along an inner jacket tube of the steering column such that the carrier and the deformation strip move relative to the slide and a portion of the energy absorbing strap in a crash event. A pyrotechnic switch, a solenoid, or the like may selectively couple or decouple the second energy absorption mechanism depending on the severity or anticipated severity of a crash event.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignees: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AGInventors: Christian Pichonnat, Kevin Templin, Bryce Welch, Justin Yoho
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Publication number: 20200398885Abstract: A compound energy absorption system for a steering column may include different first and second energy absorption mechanisms. The first energy absorption mechanism may involve a slide that deforms a deformation strip in a crash event. The second energy absorption mechanism may involve an energy absorbing strap and a carrier, with the energy absorbing strap being configured to bend and/or tear in a crash event. The energy absorbing strap, the carrier, the deformation strip, and the slide may be packaged compactly in series along an inner jacket tube of the steering column such that the carrier and the deformation strip move relative to the slide and a portion of the energy absorbing strap in a crash event. A pyrotechnic switch, a solenoid, or the like may selectively couple or decouple the second energy absorption mechanism depending on the severity or anticipated severity of a crash event.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2019Publication date: December 24, 2020Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AGInventors: Christian Pichonnat, Kevin Templin, Bryce Welch, Justin Yoho
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Publication number: 20200114947Abstract: One steering column assembly includes a jacket, a bearing, and a steering spindle rotatably supported by the bearing and at least partially extending inside the jacket. The spindle includes a hollow outer tube and a hollow inner tube. The outer tube has lengthening and attachment sections, and the attachment section has transition and connection portions. The lengthening section adjoins the attachment section at an end of the transition portion, and the transition portion is between the lengthening section and the connection portion. The lengthening section has first and second portions, with the second portion being between the first and transition portions, and the outer tube terminates at an end of the connection portion. The inner tube is press-fit into the outer tube, and an end of the inner tube is adjacent the transition portion end. The inner tube does not extend into either the attachment section or the first portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Justin Yoho, Thomas Geiselberger, Christian Pichonnat
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Patent number: 10532761Abstract: One steering column assembly includes a jacket, a bearing, and a steering spindle rotatably supported by the bearing and at least partially extending inside the jacket. The spindle includes a hollow outer tube and a hollow inner tube. The outer tube has lengthening and attachment sections, and the attachment section has transition and connection portions. The lengthening section adjoins the attachment section at an end of the transition portion, and the transition portion is between the lengthening section and the connection portion. The lengthening section has first and second portions, with the second portion being between the first and transition portions, and the outer tube terminates at an end of the connection portion. The inner tube is press-fit into the outer tube, and an end of the inner tube is adjacent the transition portion end. The inner tube does not extend into either the attachment section or the first portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Justin Yoho, Thomas Geiselberger, Christian Pichonnat
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Patent number: 10464591Abstract: One steering column assembly for use with a vehicle includes a jacket, a steering shaft rotatably supported by the jacket, and a retractor for moving the steering shaft from an extended position to a stowed position. The retractor does not interfere with rotation of the steering shaft when the steering shaft is at the extended position, and the retractor includes explosive material and a detonation device. The detonation device is in communication with the explosive material for detonating the explosive material when an impact event is sensed or predicted, and detonation of the explosive material results in the steering shaft moving from the extended position to the stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventor: Christian Pichonnat
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Patent number: 10458462Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a box rocker, a column jacket and a first section of tape. The box rocker has a rocker body including a box rocker inner surface that defines a box rocker bore. The box rocker is configured to be fixed relative to the motor vehicle in an assembled position. The column jacket is configured to be slidably received into the box rocker bore. The column jacket has a column jacket outer diameter including an outer surface that opposes the box rocker inner surface. The first section of tape is disposed between the box rocker inner surface and the column jacket outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignees: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AGInventors: Stephen McBride, Bryce Welch, Christian Pichonnat
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Publication number: 20190185044Abstract: One steering column assembly for use with a vehicle includes a jacket, a steering shaft rotatably supported by the jacket, and a retractor for moving the steering shaft from an extended position to a stowed position. The retractor does not interfere with rotation of the steering shaft when the steering shaft is at the extended position, and the retractor includes explosive material and a detonation device. The detonation device is in communication with the explosive material for detonating the explosive material when an impact event is sensed or predicted, and detonation of the explosive material results in the steering shaft moving from the extended position to the stowed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Inventor: Christian Pichonnat
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Publication number: 20190168796Abstract: One steering column assembly includes a jacket, a bearing, and a steering spindle rotatably supported by the bearing and at least partially extending inside the jacket. The spindle includes a hollow outer tube and a hollow inner tube. The outer tube has lengthening and attachment sections, and the attachment section has transition and connection portions. The lengthening section adjoins the attachment section at an end of the transition portion, and the transition portion is between the lengthening section and the connection portion. The lengthening section has first and second portions, with the second portion being between the first and transition portions, and the outer tube terminates at an end of the connection portion. The inner tube is press-fit into the outer tube, and an end of the inner tube is adjacent the transition portion end. The inner tube does not extend into either the attachment section or the first portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2017Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: Justin Yoho, Thomas Geiselberger, Christian Pichonnat
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Publication number: 20190055981Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a box rocker, a column jacket and a first section of tape. The box rocker has a rocker body including a box rocker inner surface that defines a box rocker bore. The box rocker is configured to be fixed relative to the motor vehicle in an assembled position. The column jacket is configured to be slidably received into the box rocker bore. The column jacket has a column jacket outer diameter including an outer surface that opposes the box rocker inner surface. The first section of tape is disposed between the box rocker inner surface and the column jacket outer surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2017Publication date: February 21, 2019Inventors: Stephen McBride, Bryce Welch, Christian Pichonnat
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Patent number: 10197159Abstract: A clevis assembly for use in a gear shift assembly of a vehicle, wherein the clevis assembly comprises a clevis bracket having a first end and a second end, the clevis bracket configured to be linked to a gear shift lever at the first end thereof. The clevis assembly further comprises at least one additional member configured to be coupled to the second end of the clevis bracket, wherein the at least one additional member comprises one or more contact surfaces configured to interact with one or more components of the gear shift assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Marvin Miller, Christian Pichonnat
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Publication number: 20170089459Abstract: A clevis assembly for use in a gear shift assembly of a vehicle, wherein the clevis assembly comprises a clevis bracket having a first end and a second end, the clevis bracket configured to be linked to a gear shift lever at the first end thereof. The clevis assembly further comprises at least one additional member configured to be coupled to the second end of the clevis bracket, wherein the at least one additional member comprises one or more contact surfaces configured to interact with one or more components of the gear shift assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2015Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Marvin Miller, Christian Pichonnat