Patents by Inventor Christopher Bortolon

Christopher Bortolon 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: 10589683
    Abstract: An external side mirror is pivotable relative to a vehicle to which it is attached. The external side mirror includes an outer cover, and a housing bracket within the outer cover. The housing bracket is mounted or attached to the outer cover. A gasket is removably attached to the underside of the housing bracket. The gasket has a plurality of hooks that extend upwardly and attach to the housing bracket. Support ribs extending from the outer cover trap the hooks against the housing bracket. This allows the gasket to pivot along with the external side mirror relative to the vehicle to keep the gasket hidden from view even when the external side mirror is pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: FICOSA NORTH AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Bortolon, Nicholas Irwin
  • Publication number: 20190193635
    Abstract: An external side mirror is pivotable relative to a vehicle to which it is attached. The external side mirror includes an outer cover, and a housing bracket within the outer cover. The housing bracket is mounted or attached to the outer cover. A gasket is removably attached to the underside of the housing bracket. The gasket has a plurality of hooks that extend upwardly and attach to the housing bracket. Support ribs extending from the outer cover trap the hooks against the housing bracket. This allows the gasket to pivot along with the external side mirror relative to the vehicle to keep the gasket hidden from view even when the external side mirror is pivoted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher BORTOLON, Nicholas IRWIN
  • Patent number: 8371188
    Abstract: A transmission control assembly having a housing and a bracket pivotally coupled to the housing for movement along a first path. A yoke is selectively coupled to the bracket for concurrent movement with the bracket along the first path. The yoke is also selectively pivotal about a second pivot axis substantially transverse to the first pivot axis for movement along a second path. A tactile device is supported by the bracket and engageable with the housing. The tactile device moves about the bracket during the movement of the bracket along the first path. A locking mechanism is coupled between the bracket and the yoke. The locking mechanism moves between an unlocked position when the yoke is coupled to the bracket for allowing movement of the tactile device and a locked position engaged with the tactile device when the yoke moves along the second path for preventing movement of the tactile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kongsberg Driveline Systems I, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Bortolon, William McDonald
  • Publication number: 20100083784
    Abstract: A transmission control assembly having a housing and a bracket pivotally coupled to the housing for movement along a first path. A yoke is selectively coupled to the bracket for concurrent movement with the bracket along the first path. The yoke is also selectively pivotal about a second pivot axis substantially transverse to the first pivot axis for movement along a second path. A tactile device is supported by the bracket and engageable with the housing. The tactile device moves about the bracket during the movement of the bracket along the first path. A locking mechanism is coupled between the bracket and the yoke. The locking mechanism moves between an unlocked position when the yoke is coupled to the bracket for allowing movement of the tactile device and a locked position engaged with the tactile device when the yoke moves along the second path for preventing movement of the tactile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: KONGSBERG DRIVELINE SYSTEMS III PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Christopher Bortolon, William McDonald
  • Publication number: 20050166702
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly for controlling step-over between pedal levers (16, 24) is provided. A first pedal lever (16) is supported for rotation about an operational axis. A first adjustment mechanism (20) adjusts the first pedal lever (16) between a first plurality of adjusted positions. A second pedal lever (24) is supported for rotation about a second operational axis. A second adjustment mechanism (32) adjusts the second pedal lever (24) between a second plurality of adjusted positions. First and second drives (40) simultaneously move the pedal levers (16, 24) between the adjusted positions. Linear potentiometers (56), each having a wiper (66) fixed to nut assemblies (44) of the adjustment mechanisms (20, 32), generate control signals that indicate a position of each of the pedal levers (16, 24). A controller (78) is programmed to detect a stall of either of the adjustment mechanisms (20, 32) based on the control signals to prevent step-over between the pedal levers (16, 24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventors: Christopher Rixon, Christopher Bortolon
  • Patent number: 6345550
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly for an automotive vehicle including a plurality of screw members (30, 130, 32, 132 and 42, 142) interconnected by threads for adjusting the position of q pedal pad (20, 120) along the adjustment axis A relative to a pedal arm (14, 114.) A first telescoping element (24, 124) and a second telescoping element (26, 126) which are in sliding engagement with one another along a telescoping axis for interconnecting the pedal pad (20, 120) and the pedal arm (14, 114) for stabilizing the movement of the pedal pad (20, 120) relative to a pedal arm (14, 114) along the adjustment axis A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Anthony Markham, Christopher Bortolon, Christopher Rixon
  • Patent number: 6314831
    Abstract: Various adjustable pedal assemblies (10, 110 and 210) include a pedal support (16, 116 or 216) slidably supported on a guide rod (12) with a pedal lever (18, 118 or 218) mounted on the support (16, 116 or 216) along the guide rod (12). The adjustable pedal assemblies (10, 110 and 210) are characterized by the screw (22) being external to and parallel to the guide rod (12). In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the pedal lever (18 or 118) is pivotally attached to the support (16 or 116) whereas in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the pedal lever (218) and the support (216) are defined by an integral member and the bracket (214) includes a connection (34) for rotatably supporting the bracket (214) on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rixon, Christopher Bortolon
  • Patent number: 6298748
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly is adapted to be mounted on a body structure of a motor vehicle and is operative to control a vehicle system, such as a braking system or engine throttle control system, for example. The assembly includes a carrier, a support structure mounting the carrier for fore and aft movement relative to the vehicle body structure, and a drive assembly for providing the fore and aft movement of the carrier along the support structure. A pedal is operatively connected to the carrier for movement relative to the carrier that is independent of the fore and aft movement of the carrier along the support structure. The assembly is characterized by a generator having an input associated with the pedal and an output adapted to be associated with the vehicle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rixon, Christopher Bortolon
  • Patent number: 6298745
    Abstract: An adjustable control pedal assembly for a motor vehicle. The pedal assembly includes an upper hub structure and a pedal arm extending downwardly from the hub structure and mounting the pedal pad. The hub structure is slidably mounted on a single hollow guide rod extending rearwardly from a transmission housing which in turn is rigidly secured to a pivot arm. The pivot arm is pivotally mounted to a bracket secured to the firewall of the vehicle. A nut is positioned slidably within the hollow guide rod and a screw shaft extends rearwardly from the transmission housing for threaded engagement with the nut. The upper end of the pedal arm extends upwardly through a slot in the bottom of the hub structure and through a slot in the bottom of the guide rod and the nut is positioned on the upper end of the pedal arm within the hub so that linear movement of the nut within the hollow rod as generated by rotation of the screw shaft results in forward and rearward movement of the pedal assembly along the guide rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Comfort Pedals, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rixon, Christopher Bortolon
  • Patent number: 6295890
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly is adapted to be mounted on a body structure of a motor vehicle and is operative to control a vehicle system, such as a braking system or engine throttle control system, for example. The assembly includes a carrier, a support structure mounting the carrier for fore and aft movement relative to the vehicle body structure, and a drive assembly for providing the fore and aft movement of the carrier along the support structure. A pedal is operatively connected to the carrier for movement relative to the carrier that is independent of the fore and aft movement of the carrier along the support structure. The assembly is characterized by a generator having an input associated with the pedal and an output adapted to be associated with the vehicle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rixon, Christopher Bortolon
  • Patent number: 6289763
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly is adapted to be mounted on a body structure of a motor vehicle and is operative to control a vehicle system, such as a braking system or engine throttle control system for example. The assembly includes a carrier, a support structure mounting the carrier for fore and aft movement relative to the vehicle body structure, and a drive assembly for providing the fore and aft movement of the carrier along the support structure. A pedal is operatively connected to the carrier for movement relative to the carrier that is independent of the fore and aft movement of the carrier along the support structure. The assembly is characterized by generator having an input associated with the pedal and an output adapted to be associated with the vehicle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rixon, Christopher Bortolon
  • Publication number: 20010015111
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly is adapted to be mounted on a body structure of a motor vehicle and is operative to control a vehicle system, such as a braking system or engine throttle control system, for example. The assembly includes a carrier, a support structure mounting the carrier for fore and aft movement relative to the vehicle body structure, and a drive assembly for providing the fore and aft movement of the carrier along the support structure. A pedal is operatively connected to the carrier for movement relative to the carrier that is independent of the fore and aft movement of the carrier along the support structure. The assembly is characterized by a generator having an input associated with the pedal and an output adapted to be associated with the vehicle system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rixon, Christopher Bortolon
  • Patent number: 6205883
    Abstract: Two embodiments (10 and 110) of an adjustable pedal assembly are characterized by a first component (34 or 134) surrounding one half of a worm gear (30 or 130) and a first length of the worm (32 or 132) and a second component (36 or 136) surrounding the other one half of the worm gear (30 or 130) and a second length of the worm (32 or 132). A support (12 or 112) includes a pocket holding the first (34 or 134) and second (36 or 136) components in abutting relationship with one another. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the pocket (46) is defined by and within the support (12) and the support (12) includes flexible tabs (48) for snapping the first (34 or 134) and second (36 or 136) components into the pocket (46). In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the pocket (146) is defined by a box-like clamp (146) extending about the first (38 or 138) and second (42 or 142) covers and attached to the support (112) by a fastener (160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher Bortolon
  • Patent number: 6186025
    Abstract: A pedal assembly (10) for use in a vehicle (11) comprising a pedal arm that moves in a normal operating range between a rest position and an applied position under a normal operating load and includes a rebound mechanism for moving the pedal arm to an extended position in response to an applied load greater than the normal operating load. The rebound mechanism rebounds the pedal arm to the normal operating range when the applied load is reduced to the normal operating load. In one embodiment, the break away and rebound pedal assembly (10) includes a first arm (20) having a first end (22) with a first pivotal connection (24) to the vehicle (11) for actuating an automotive system and extending to a second end (26). The assembly (10) also comprises a second arm (30) having third (32) and fourth (34) ends with a pad (36) supported on the fourth end (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Teleflex, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Engelgau, Christopher Bortolon, Rolf Herbert Reidel
  • Patent number: 5964125
    Abstract: An electronic adjustable control pedal assembly for a motor vehicle including a carrier, a guide rod adapted to be secured to the dash panel of the vehicle and mounting the carrier for fore and aft movement along the guide rod, a power drive operative to move the carrier along the guide rod, and a pedal structure including a pedal arm pivotally mounted on the carrier and a potentiometer mounted on the carrier and operative to generate an output electrical signal proportioned to the extent of pivotal movement of the pedal arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rixon, Christopher Bortolon
  • Patent number: 5937707
    Abstract: An electronic adjustable control pedal assembly for a motor vehicle including a carrier, a guide rod adapted to be secured to the dash panel of the vehicle and mounting the carrier for fore and aft movement along the guide rod, a power drive operative to move the carrier along the guide rod, and a pedal structure including a pedal arm pivotally mounted on the carrier and a potentiometer mounted on the carrier and operative to generate an output electrical signal proportioned to the extent of pivotal movement of the pedal arm. The pedal assembly further includes a feedback apparatus for generating a feel in response to pivotal movement of the pedal arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Technology Holding Company II
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rixon, Christopher Bortolon
  • Patent number: 5890399
    Abstract: An adjustable control pedal assembly for a motor vehicle. The pedal assembly includes an upper hub structure and a pedal arm extending downwardly from the hub structure and mounting the pedal pad. The hub structure is slidably mounted on a single hollow guide rod extending rearwardly from a transmission housing which in turn is rigidly secured to a pivot arm. The pivot arm is pivotally mounted to a bracket secured to the firewall of the vehicle. A nut is positioned slidably within the hollow guide rod and a screw shaft extends rearwardly from the transmission housing for threaded engagement with the nut. The upper end of the pedal arm extends upwardly through a slot in the bottom of the hub structure and through a slot in the bottom of the guide rod and the nut is positioned on the upper end of the pedal arm within the hub so that linear movement of the nut within the hollow rod as generated by rotation of the screw shaft results in forward and rearward movement of the pedal assembly along the guide rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Technology Holding Company II
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rixon, Christopher Bortolon
  • Patent number: 5884532
    Abstract: An adjustable control pedal assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes an extensible module positioned on the lower end of the pedal arm of the pedal assembly and carrying the pedal pad. The module includes two screw jacks which may be selectively extended or contracted to vary the distance to the pedal pad from the lower end of the pedal arm and thereby accommodate drivers of various statures. The lower screw jack includes a coarser thread than the upper screw jack so that as the pedal pad is moved away from the lower end of the pedal arm in response to extension of the screw jacks the pedal pad is also pivoted upwardly to further accommodate drivers of small stature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Tecnology Holding Company II
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rixon, Christopher Bortolon
  • Patent number: 5819593
    Abstract: An electronic adjustable control pedal assembly for a motor vehicle including a carrier, a guide rod adapted to be secured to the dash panel of the vehicle and mounting the carrier for fore and aft movement along the guide rod, a power drive operative to move the carrier along the guide rod, and a pedal structure including a pedal arm pivotally mounted on the carrier and a potentiometer mounted on the carrier and operative to generate an output electrical signal proportioned to the extent of pivotal movement of the pedal arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Comcorp Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rixon, Christopher Bortolon
  • Patent number: 5722302
    Abstract: The pedal assembly includes an upper hub structure and a pedal arm extending downwardly from the hub structure and mounting the pedal pad. The hub structure is slidably mounted on a single hollow guide rod extending rearwardly from a transmission housing which in turn is rigidly secured to a pivot arm. The pivot arm is pivotally mounted to a bracket secured to the firewall of the vehicle. A nut is positioned slidably within the hollow guide rod and a screw shaft extends rearwardly from the transmission housing for threaded engagement with the nut. The upper end of the pedal arm extends upwardly through a slot in the bottom of the hub structure and through a slot in the bottom of the guide rod and the nut is positioned on the upper end of the pedal arm within the hub so that linear movement of the nut within the hollow rod as generated by rotation of the screw shaft results in forward and rearward movement of the pedal assembly along the guide rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Teleflex, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rixon, Christopher Bortolon