Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Mielke
Christopher J. Mielke 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: 20230287924Abstract: A fastener for attaching a first part and a second part includes a body comprising a first body portion, a second body portion, a flange arranged between the first body portion and the second body portion and extending radially outwardly from the body. A bore extends in an axial direction through the body and including an inner surface with threads. A plurality of splines extend radially outwardly from the second body portion and is configured to prevent rotation when the second body portion is inserted into an opening in the first part. An opening to the bore at the second body portion defines a concentric edge and an inclined plane extending from the concentric edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2022Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Michael C. GAUNT, Christopher J. MIELKE
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Patent number: 10464598Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for damage risk indication of a steering system of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a sensor system and a processing device. The sensor system is configured to detect a velocity of a servo unit of a steering system of the vehicle. The processing device is configured to determine an acceleration value of the servo unit and to compare the acceleration value, velocity values and thresholds of the servo unit with an acceleration value threshold, and to generate a warning signal if the acceleration value of the servo unit exceeds the acceleration value threshold. Thus, a damage risk is determined and the vehicle can be subjected to further damage investigation.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: John T. Zuzelski, Scott R. Kloess, Christopher J. Mielke, Bo Yu, Nicholas V. Katcherian
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Publication number: 20190023313Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for damage risk indication of a steering system of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a sensor system and a processing device. The sensor system is configured to detect a velocity of a servo unit of a steering system of the vehicle. The processing device is configured to determine an acceleration value of the servo unit and to compare the acceleration value, velocity values and thresholds of the servo unit with an acceleration value threshold, and to generate a warning signal if the acceleration value of the servo unit exceeds the acceleration value threshold. Thus, a damage risk is determined and the vehicle can be subjected to further damage investigation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2017Publication date: January 24, 2019Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: John T. Zuzelski, Scott R. Kloess, Christopher J. Mielke, Bo Yu, Nicholas V. Katcherian
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Patent number: 9290198Abstract: A joint assembly having a shaft with a retention notch, a joint coupling, a spring clip and a full insertion clip. The joint coupling including a body having a bore, with the bore receiving the shaft, and the body including a secondary fastener hole extending normal to the bore. The spring clip including a fixed end secured to the main body, a flexible middle portion, and a finger at an opposed end, the finger engaging the shaft as the shaft slides into the bore and extending into the retention notch when the shaft is in a fully inserted position. The full insertion clip having a first end secure to the main body, a flexible portion and an opposed second end having a fastener alignment hole, the fastener alignment hole aligning with the secondary fastener hole when not flexed and misaligning with the secondary fastener hole when flexed.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke, Miroslaw Zaloga
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Patent number: 9156494Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a sector shaft defining a bore therein and rotatable about a central longitudinal axis. The steering system also includes a lash adjuster translatable within the bore along the central longitudinal axis. In addition, the steering system includes an end cap cover abutting the lash adjuster and spaced apart from the sector shaft to define a first cavity between the end cap cover and the sector shaft, and a housing abutting the end cap cover and spaced apart from the sector shaft to define a second cavity between the housing and the sector shaft. The steering system also includes a seal surrounding and abutting the sector shaft, wherein the seal separates the first cavity from the second cavity.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, Marco E. Rodriguez, Christopher J. Mielke
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Patent number: 9086097Abstract: A yoke for receiving a shaft includes a collar. The collar defines a shaft slot, into which the shaft may be inserted. A first pinch tab extends from the collar and has a first folded end, which is folded toward the shaft slot. A second pinch tab extends from the collar and has a second folded end, which is folded away from the shaft slot.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christopher J. Mielke, Miroslaw Zaloga, Peter J. Judis, Monica M. Ligerakis
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Publication number: 20150108746Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a sector shaft defining a bore therein and rotatable about a central longitudinal axis. The steering system also includes a lash adjuster translatable within the bore along the central longitudinal axis. In addition, the steering system includes an end cap cover abutting the lash adjuster and spaced apart from the sector shaft to define a first cavity between the end cap cover and the sector shaft, and a housing abutting the end cap cover and spaced apart from the sector shaft to define a second cavity between the housing and the sector shaft. The steering system also includes a seal surrounding and abutting the sector shaft, wherein the seal separates the first cavity from the second cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, Marco E. Rodriguez, Christopher J. Mielke
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Patent number: 8844954Abstract: A steering system includes a wheel rotatable between on-center and off-center positions, and a shaft having teeth. The shaft defines a cavity and is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the teeth. The system includes a nut having cogs defining grooves therebetween, wherein each tooth is matable with a groove. The system includes a lash adjuster translatable within the cavity, and a retainer contacting the adjuster and shaft, and configured for positioning the shaft along the axis as the wheel rotates. A center one of the gear teeth meshes with one of the grooves to define a first gap having a first thickness therebetween when the wheel is in the on-center position. An outer one of the gear teeth meshes with an outer groove to define a second gap having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness when the wheel is in the off-center position.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Marco E. Rodriguez, Miroslaw Zaloga, Christopher J. Mielke
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Publication number: 20140140761Abstract: A yoke for receiving a shaft includes a collar. The collar defines a shaft slot, into which the shaft may be inserted. A first pinch tab extends from the collar and has a first folded end, which is folded toward the shaft slot. A second pinch tab extends from the collar and has a second folded end, which is folded away from the shaft slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Christopher J. Mielke, Miroslaw Zaloga, Peter J. Judis, Monica M. Ligerakis
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Publication number: 20140116173Abstract: A steering system includes a wheel rotatable between on-center and off-center positions, and a shaft having teeth. The shaft defines a cavity and is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the teeth. The system includes a nut having cogs defining grooves therebetween, wherein each tooth is matable with a groove. The system includes a lash adjuster translatable within the cavity, and a retainer contacting the adjuster and shaft, and configured for positioning the shaft along the axis as the wheel rotates. A center one of the gear teeth meshes with one of the grooves to define a first gap having a first thickness therebetween when the wheel is in the on-center position. An outer one of the gear teeth meshes with an outer groove to define a second gap having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness when the wheel is in the off-center position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Marco E. Rodriquez, Miroslaw Zaloga, Christopher J. Mielke
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Publication number: 20140034410Abstract: An electric power steering system equipped with rack travel end stops which prevent damage in the event of an over-speed condition. An abutment body is attached to each end of the power steering rack in externally concentric relation thereto so as to abut a respective housing abutment of the rack housing in the event of an over-speed condition of an electric power steering system and thereby eliminating tie rod assembly abutment with the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Walter D. Jackson, Christopher J. Mielke, Scott R. Kloess, George E. Doerr, Marco E. Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20130336712Abstract: A joint assembly having a shaft with a retention notch, a joint coupling, a spring clip and a full insertion clip. The joint coupling including a body having a bore, with the bore receiving the shaft, and the body including a secondary fastener hole extending normal to the bore. The spring clip including a fixed end secured to the main body, a flexible middle portion, and a finger at an opposed end, the finger engaging the shaft as the shaft slides into the bore and extending into the retention notch when the shaft is in a fully inserted position. The full insertion clip having a first end secure to the main body, a flexible portion and an opposed second end having a fastener alignment hole, the fastener alignment hole aligning with the secondary fastener hole when not flexed and misaligning with the secondary fastener hole when flexed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke, Miroslaw Zaloga
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Patent number: 8567554Abstract: A power steering system for transferring torque to a sector gear includes a first ball screw and a first ball nut circumscribing the first ball screw. The first ball nut is in torque-transfer communication with the first ball screw through a plurality of ball bearings and is meshed or engaged with the sector gear for torque transfer therewith. An electric motor is configured to selectively supply torque to the sector gear through the first ball nut.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke, Scott R. Kloess, Mauro Pacheco Escobedo
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Patent number: 8517422Abstract: A steering wheel alignment system for a vehicle having a steering wheel and steering unit that includes a first shaft operatively connected to the steering unit, a second shaft operatively connected to the steering wheel, and a coupling disposed between the first and second shafts to couple the shafts so that rotation of the steering wheel operates the steering unit to steer the vehicle. The coupling includes: a bolt, one of the shafts is hollow to telescope over the other shaft, and each shaft has a radial extending hole therethrough for receiving the bolt to attach the first and second shafts together. The radial extending hole through one of the shafts is elongated in the radial direction so that when the bolt extends through the holes of the first and second shafts the elongation of the hole defines a range of radial adjusting movement of the shafts relative one another until tightening of the bolt clamps the first and second shafts together against further relative rotation.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke
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Patent number: 8511928Abstract: An internal tube is inserted into an external tube to align first bolt holes provided through opposed walls of the external tube with second bolt holes provided through opposed walls of the internal tube. A bolt is inserted through the first bolt holes and through the second bolt holes to connect the tubes together when the bolt holes are aligned. An error-proofing clip is mounted in the internal tube and has a tongue extending from the end thereof to reach into the external tube and block the insertion of the bolt through the first bolt holes of the external tube until the insertion of the internal tube has proceeded fully to bring the first bolt holes of the external tube and the second bolt holes of the internal tube into alignment with one another, thereby preventing a premature installation of the bolt through only the first bolt holes.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke, Miroslaw Zaloga
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Publication number: 20130032430Abstract: A parallelogram steering system transfers torque to a relay rod in response to steering commands. The steering system includes an input member configured to receive the steering commands. A pitman arm and an idler arm are both movably connected to the relay rod. An idler shaft is operatively connected to the idler arm for common rotation therewith. The steering system also includes at least one electric motor, which is configured to selectively supply assist torque to the idler shaft in response to the steering commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, George E. Doerr, Scott R. Kloess, Christopher J. Mielke, Mauro Pacheco Escobedo
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Publication number: 20130026750Abstract: An internal tube is inserted into an external tube to align first bolt holes provided through opposed walls of the external tube with second bolt holes provided through opposed walls of the internal tube. A bolt is inserted through the first bolt holes and through the second bolt holes to connect the tubes together when the bolt holes are aligned. An error-proofing clip is mounted in the internal tube and has a tongue extending from the end thereof to reach into the external tube and block the insertion of the bolt through the first bolt holes of the external tube until the insertion of the internal tube has proceeded fully to bring the first bolt holes of the external tube and the second bolt holes of the internal tube into alignment with one another, thereby preventing a premature installation of the bolt through only the first bolt holes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke, Miroslaw Zaloga
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Patent number: 8360197Abstract: A power steering system includes an input shaft operatively connected to an input member, and a sector gear operatively connected to a pitman arm. A first ball screw is formed on the input shaft. A first ball nut circumscribes the first ball screw and is in torque-transfer communication therewith through a plurality of ball bearings. A first rack is rigidly attached to the first ball nut, and is meshed with the sector gear for torque transfer therewith. A second ball screw is not substantially coaxial with the first ball screw. A second ball nut circumscribes the second ball screw and is in torque-transfer communication with the second ball screw through the ball bearings. A second rack is meshed with the sector gear for torque transfer therewith. An electric motor is configured to selectively supply torque to the sector gear through the second ball screw.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mauro Pacheco Escobedo, Miroslaw Zaloga, Christopher J. Mielke, George E. Doerr, Scott R. Kloess
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Publication number: 20120326424Abstract: A steering wheel alignment system for a vehicle having a steering wheel and steering unit that includes a first shaft operatively connected to the steering unit, a second shaft operatively connected to the steering wheel, and a coupling disposed between the first and second shafts to couple the shafts so that rotation of the steering wheel operates the steering unit to steer the vehicle. The coupling includes: a bolt, one of the shafts is hollow to telescope over the other shaft, and each shaft has a radial extending hole therethrough for receiving the bolt to attach the first and second shafts together. The radial extending hole through one of the shafts is elongated in the radial direction so that when the bolt extends through the holes of the first and second shafts the elongation of the hole defines a range of radial adjusting movement of the shafts relative one another until tightening of the bolt clamps the first and second shafts together against further relative rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke
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Publication number: 20120241243Abstract: A power steering system for transferring torque to a sector gear includes a first ball screw and a first ball nut circumscribing the first ball screw. The first ball nut is in torque-transfer communication with the first ball screw through a plurality of ball bearings and is meshed or engaged with the sector gear for torque transfer therewith. An electric motor is configured to selectively supply torque to the sector gear through the first ball nut.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke, Scott R. Kloess, Mauro Pacheco Escobedo