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).

  • Patent number: 11846349
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Vermeersch, Christopher F. Watz
  • Patent number: 11473676
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher F. Watz, Michael C. Vermeersch, Jason L. Myers
  • Publication number: 20220003311
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher F. Watz, Michael C. Vermeersch, Jason L. Myers
  • Patent number: 11118673
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Vermeersch, Christopher F. Watz, Jason L. Myers
  • Publication number: 20200318732
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Michael C. Vermeersch, Christopher F. Watz
  • Patent number: 10676064
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
  • Publication number: 20190359170
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
  • Patent number: 10434984
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
  • Patent number: 10344507
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
  • Patent number: 9809155
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher F. Watz, Todd M. King, James E. Rouleau
  • Publication number: 20170282854
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
  • Publication number: 20170113712
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher F. Watz, Todd M. King, James E. Rouleau
  • Publication number: 20170066405
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
  • Publication number: 20160375924
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Joen C. Bodtker, Todd M. King, Frank P. Lubischer, Richard P. Nash, Melvin L. Tinnin, Christopher F. Watz