Patents by Inventor Christopher F. Watz
Christopher F. Watz 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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Patent number: 11846349Abstract: A brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) assembly is provided. The BTSI assembly may include an armature assembly and a flux collector. The armature assembly may include an armature component, a shaft, and a pin. The armature component may include a central through-hole defining a central axis and include a first end defining a first angle surface. The shaft may be disposed within the central through-hole and the pin mounted to the shaft. The flux collector may be mounted to the shaft and includes a second end defining a second angle surface. The armature component and the flux collector may be arranged with one another such that a first plane defined by the first angle surface is substantially parallel to a second plane defined by the second angle surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2019Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Michael C. Vermeersch, Christopher F. Watz
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Patent number: 11473676Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly. The steering column assembly also includes a transmission shift assembly operatively connected to the jacket assembly. The steering column assembly further includes a brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) device comprising an inhibitor pin translatable between an extended position and a retracted position, the inhibitor pin preventing shifting of the transmission shift assembly out of a PARK position when the inhibitor pin is in the extended position. The steering column assembly yet further includes an inhibitor pin monitoring system. The inhibitor pin monitoring system includes a sensor operatively coupled to a stationary portion of the BTSI device, relative to the inhibitor pin. The inhibitor pin monitoring system also includes a magnetic ring operatively fixed coupled to the inhibitor pin, the sensor detecting when the inhibitor pin is in the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Christopher F. Watz, Michael C. Vermeersch, Jason L. Myers
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Publication number: 20220003311Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly. The steering column assembly also includes a transmission shift assembly operatively connected to the jacket assembly. The steering column assembly further includes a brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) device comprising an inhibitor pin translatable between an extended position and a retracted position, the inhibitor pin preventing shifting of the transmission shift assembly out of a PARK position when the inhibitor pin is in the extended position. The steering column assembly yet further includes an inhibitor pin monitoring system. The inhibitor pin monitoring system includes a sensor operatively coupled to a stationary portion of the BTSI device, relative to the inhibitor pin. The inhibitor pin monitoring system also includes a magnetic ring operatively fixed coupled to the inhibitor pin, the sensor detecting when the inhibitor pin is in the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2020Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: Christopher F. Watz, Michael C. Vermeersch, Jason L. Myers
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Patent number: 11118673Abstract: A brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) solenoid includes a solenoid housing having an inner surface defining a lock pin cavity. The solenoid also includes a lock pin positioned within the lock pin cavity, the lock pin moveable between a first position and a second position. The solenoid further includes a bumper protruding into the lock pin cavity and stationary relative to the lock pin, the bumper defining the first position of the lock pin.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2020Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Michael C. Vermeersch, Christopher F. Watz, Jason L. Myers
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Publication number: 20200318732Abstract: A brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) assembly is provided. The BTSI assembly may include an armature assembly and a flux collector. The armature assembly may include an armature component, a shaft, and a pin. The armature component may include a central through-hole defining a central axis and include a first end defining a first angle surface. The shaft may be disposed within the central through-hole and the pin mounted to the shaft. The flux collector may be mounted to the shaft and includes a second end defining a second angle surface. The armature component and the flux collector may be arranged with one another such that a first plane defined by the first angle surface is substantially parallel to a second plane defined by the second angle surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2019Publication date: October 8, 2020Inventors: Michael C. Vermeersch, Christopher F. Watz
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Patent number: 10676064Abstract: An ignition lock assembly includes a lock housing and an ignition lock actuator assembly. The lock housing has a first portion and a second portion that extends from the first portion along an axis. The ignition lock actuator assembly is received within the second portion. The ignition lock actuator assembly includes an actuator gear and a lock cylinder drive disk. The lock cylinder drive disk is at least partially received within the actuator gear. The lock cylinder drive disk has a drive disk body that extends between a first disk end and a second disk end. The first disk end has an inhibit feature.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
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Publication number: 20190359170Abstract: An ignition lock assembly includes a lock housing and an ignition lock actuator assembly. The lock housing has a first portion and a second portion that extends from the first portion along an axis. The ignition lock actuator assembly is received within the second portion. The ignition lock actuator assembly includes an actuator gear and a lock cylinder drive disk. The lock cylinder drive disk is at least partially received within the actuator gear. The lock cylinder drive disk has a drive disk body that extends between a first disk end and a second disk end. The first disk end has an inhibit feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2019Publication date: November 28, 2019Inventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
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Patent number: 10434984Abstract: An ignition lock assembly includes a lock housing and an ignition lock actuator assembly. The lock housing has a first portion and a second portion that extends from the first portion along an axis. The ignition lock actuator assembly is received within the second portion. The ignition lock actuator assembly includes an actuator gear and a lock cylinder drive disk. The lock cylinder drive disk is at least partially received within the actuator gear. The lock cylinder drive disk has a drive disk body that extends between a first disk end and a second disk end. The first disk end has an inhibit feature.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
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Patent number: 10344507Abstract: A keyed cylinder sleeve includes a body and an anti-rotation feature. The body extends between a first end and a second end along an axis. The body has a first face and second face disposed about the first end, an inner bore configured to receive a keyed cylinder, and a holding block extending from the second face towards the second end. The anti-rotation feature is connected to the body and is disposed adjacent to the holding and is disposed proximate the second end.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
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Patent number: 9809155Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column having a longitudinal axis; and a lever. The lever includes a first end and a second end. The second end of the lever is attached to the steering column. A hinge is disposed between the first end and the second end of the lever. The first end of the lever is biased away from the steering column in a first condition and folded at the hinge towards the steering column in a second condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Christopher F. Watz, Todd M. King, James E. Rouleau
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Publication number: 20170282854Abstract: An ignition lock assembly includes a lock housing and an ignition lock actuator assembly. The lock housing has a first portion and a second portion that extends from the first portion along an axis. The ignition lock actuator assembly is received within the second portion. The ignition lock actuator assembly includes an actuator gear and a lock cylinder drive disk. The lock cylinder drive disk is at least partially received within the actuator gear. The lock cylinder drive disk has a drive disk body that extends between a first disk end and a second disk end. The first disk end has an inhibit feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2016Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
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Publication number: 20170113712Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column having a longitudinal axis; and a lever. The lever includes a first end and a second end. The second end of the lever is attached to the steering column. A hinge is disposed between the first end and the second end of the lever. The first end of the lever is biased away from the steering column in a first condition and folded at the hinge towards the steering column in a second condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2015Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Christopher F. Watz, Todd M. King, James E. Rouleau
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Publication number: 20170066405Abstract: A keyed cylinder sleeve includes a body and an anti-rotation feature. The body extends between a first end and a second end along an axis. The body has a first face and second face disposed about the first end, an inner bore configured to receive a keyed cylinder, and a holding block extending from the second face towards the second end. The anti-rotation feature is connected to the body and is disposed adjacent to the holding and is disposed proximate the second end.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2016Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
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Publication number: 20160375924Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle includes a steering wheel hub. Also included is a first portion of the steering wheel hub having an electronic display. Further included is a second portion of the steering wheel hub having a keyboard, the keyboard being in operable communication with the electronic display.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Joen C. Bodtker, Todd M. King, Frank P. Lubischer, Richard P. Nash, Melvin L. Tinnin, Christopher F. Watz