Patents by Inventor Dale E. Estes

Dale E. Estes 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).

  • Guidance and limiting unit subassembly for a steering column assembly
    Patent number: 11661096
    Abstract: A device for assembling a column tube in an adjustable steering column assembly, comprising a spacer portion adapted to provide rotational damping; provide damping during adjustment of the steering column assembly (e.g., telescope adjustment); and assist in centering the column tube when in an unlocked position and assist in resisting lash. The device may further comprise a stop bracket portion adapted to limit rotational travel of the column tube when in an unlocked position; and retain the column tube longitudinally within the steering column assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Lewis Strong, Victor Corona Martinez, Jun Yamada, Dale E. Estes
  • GUIDANCE AND LIMITING UNIT SUBASSEMBLY FOR A STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20210309280
    Abstract: A device for assembling a column tube in an adjustable steering column assembly, comprising a spacer portion adapted to provide rotational damping; provide damping during adjustment of the steering column assembly (e.g., telescope adjustment); and assist in centering the column tube when in an unlocked position and assist in resisting lash. The device may further comprise a stop bracket portion adapted to limit rotational travel of the column tube when in an unlocked position; and retain the column tube longitudinally within the steering column assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Scott Lewis Strong, Victor Corona Martinez, Jun Yamada, Dale E. Estes
  • Guidance and limiting unit subassembly for a steering column assembly
    Patent number: 11040737
    Abstract: A device for assembling a column tube (30) in an adjustable steering column assembly (20), comprising a spacer portion (70) adapted to provide rotational damping; provide damping during adjustment of the steering column assembly (e.g., telescope adjustment); and assist in centering the column tube when in an unlocked position and assist in resisting lash, The device further comprises a stop bracket portion (50) adapted to limit rotational travel of the column tube when in an unlocked position; and retain the column tube longitudinally within the steering column assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Lewis Strong, Victor Corona Martinez, Jun Yamada, Dale E. Estes
  • GUIDANCE AND LIMITING UNIT SUBASSEMBLY FOR A STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20200331514
    Abstract: A device for assembling a column tube (30) in an adjustable steering column assembly (20), comprising a spacer portion (70) adapted to provide rotational damping; provide damping during adjustment of the steering column assembly (e.g., telescope adjustment); and assist in centering the column tube when in an unlocked position and assist in resisting lash, The device further comprises a stop bracket portion (50) adapted to limit rotational travel of the column tube when in an unlocked position; and retain the column tube longitudinally within the steering column assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Scott Lewis Strong, Victor Corona Martinez, Jun Yamada, Dale E. Estes