Patents by Inventor Donald A. Buzzard

Donald A. Buzzard 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).

  • Publication number: 20180029630
    Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly includes a locking assembly having a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member has a first member first surface that defines a first recess and a second recess and has a first member second surface disposed opposite the first member first surface. The second member is disposed opposite the first member. The second member has a second member first surface that faces towards the first member first surface. The second member first surface defines a third recess and a fourth recess and has a second member second surface disposed opposite the second member first surface. The third member is disposed between the first member and the second member. The third member is movable relative to the first member and the second member between a lock position and an unlock position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Ravi Ravindra, Joen C. Bodtker, Michael P. Anspaugh, Donald A. Buzzard, Justin D. Mills
  • Patent number: 9868458
    Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly includes a locking assembly having a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member has a first member first surface that defines a first recess and a second recess and has a first member second surface disposed opposite the first member first surface. The second member is disposed opposite the first member. The second member has a second member first surface that faces towards the first member first surface. The second member first surface defines a third recess and a fourth recess and has a second member second surface disposed opposite the second member first surface. The third member is disposed between the first member and the second member. The third member is movable relative to the first member and the second member between a lock position and an unlock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ravi Ravindra, Joen C. Bodtker, Michael P. Anspaugh, Donald A. Buzzard, Justin D. Mills
  • Patent number: 9862412
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a steering column assembly is provided. The assembly includes a tubular jacket having a first end and a second end, a steering shaft at least partially disposed within the tubular jacket, and an elastic vibration damper disposed between the steering shaft and the tubular jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh
  • Patent number: 9862404
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a plunger assembly received within an opening defined by a mounting bracket. The plunger assembly includes a sleeve, a plunger, and a biasing member. The sleeve disposed within the opening. The plunger slidably disposed within the sleeve. The biasing member that engages the plunger to bias the plunger towards a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: James C. Russell, Michael P. Anspaugh, Melvin L. Tinnin, Donald A. Buzzard, Malgorzata R. Szeliga
  • Publication number: 20170369091
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a first shaft assembly, a second shaft assembly, and a locking assembly. The first shaft assembly has a first shaft. The second shaft assembly has a second shaft that is at least partially received within the first shaft. The locking assembly is disposed about at least one of the first shaft and the second shaft and is arranged to inhibit rotation of at least one of the first shaft and the second shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Richard P. Nash, Donald A. Buzzard
  • Patent number: 9849905
    Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly includes a support bracket, a jacket assembly, and a locking assembly. The support bracket is configured to connect to a vehicle. The jacket assembly is connected to the support bracket. The locking assembly is connected to and disposed between the support bracket and an adjustment lever. The locking assembly includes an inner cam connected to the support bracket and an outer cam rotatably connected to the inner cam and connected to the adjustment lever. The adjustment lever and the outer cam are movable between an unlock position and a lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Robert W. Dubay, Donald A. Buzzard, Jason L. Myers, Roger A. Bourbina, Randy W. Jones
  • Patent number: 9845105
    Abstract: An adjustment mounting bracket assembly for a steering column includes a mounting bracket mountable to a steering column mating element, the mounting bracket having a bracket aperture configured to receive a clamp bolt therethrough, the mounting bracket also having an arcuate slot. The bracket assembly also includes a spacer having a spacer aperture configured to receive the clamp bolt therethrough to align the spacer with the mounting bracket, the spacer having a first engaging feature disposed within the arcuate slot of the mounting bracket and a second engaging feature engageable with a recess of the steering column, disposal of the first engaging feature within the arcuate slot and disposal of the second engaging feature within the recess restricting the degree of freedom of the mounting bracket relative to the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Melvin L. Tinnin, Robert W. Dubay, Donald A. Buzzard, Matthew J. T. Vincent, Michael P. Anspaugh
  • Publication number: 20170349203
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an energy absorption assembly, an adjustment lever, and a rocker member. The energy absorption assembly has an energy absorption strap and a cam member. The adjustment lever is operatively connected to at least one of the upper jacket assembly and the lower jacket assembly. The rocker member has a rocker member body that extends between a first end connected to the adjustment lever and a second end configured to engage the cam member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Donald A. Buzzard, James C. Russell, Randy W. Jones
  • Publication number: 20170341677
    Abstract: A steering column assembly for an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle includes a first steering shaft operatively coupleable to a steering wheel, the first steering shaft and the steering wheel rotationally coupled to each other. Also included is a second steering shaft operatively coupled to the first steering shaft, the first and second steering shafts manually telescopingly movable relative to each other between an extended position and a retracted position, the first steering shaft disengaged from the second steering shaft in the retracted position and the first steering shaft engaged with the first steering shaft in the extended position, the retracted position rotationally decoupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Richard P. Nash, John F. Schulz
  • Publication number: 20170320513
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an energy absorption assembly. The energy absorption assembly includes an energy absorption strap, a bracket, a pin, and a cam member. The energy absorption strap includes a plurality of engagement members. The bracket is disposed on at least one of a lower jacket assembly and an upper jacket assembly. The bracket has a first wall disposed opposite a second wall. The pin extends through the first wall and the second wall to couple the cam member to the bracket. The cam member has a plurality of complementary engagement members configured to engage the plurality of engagement members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Robert W. Dubay, Zach P. Schultz, Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Randy W. Jones, Roger A. Bourbina, Matthew T. Vincent
  • Publication number: 20170267273
    Abstract: An adjustment lever deceleration assembly for a steering column includes an adjustment lever moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. Also included is a clamp bolt operatively coupled to the adjustment lever. Further included is an adjustment lever decelerator operatively coupled to the clamp bolt, the adjustment lever having a base portion and at least one lobe extending from the base portion, the at least one lobe connected to the base portion by a hinge portion. Yet further included is a stationary component engageable with the at least one lobe upon rotation of the clamp bolt toward the unlocked position of the adjustment lever to decelerate the adjustment lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Randy W. Jones, Robert W. Dubay, Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Damian Z. Gosztyla
  • Patent number: 9764757
    Abstract: A position lock for a steering column assembly is provided. The position lock includes an outer cam. Also included is an inner cam defining a slotted aperture to receive a rake bolt operatively coupled to the outer cam, the slotted aperture facilitating shuttling movement of the rake bolt therein. Further included is a tooth lock operatively coupled to the inner cam, the tooth lock rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position. Yet further included is a pin extending through the inner cam and operatively coupled to the outer cam, and rotation of the outer cam facilitates movement of the tooth lock out of engagement with the rake lock tooth wall when rotating between the locked position and the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Melvin L. Tinnin
  • Publication number: 20170259841
    Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly includes a support bracket, a jacket assembly, and a locking assembly. The support bracket is configured to connect to a vehicle. The jacket assembly is connected to the support bracket. The locking assembly is connected to and disposed between the support bracket and an adjustment lever. The locking assembly includes an inner cam connected to the support bracket and an outer cam rotatably connected to the inner cam and connected to the adjustment lever. The adjustment lever and the outer cam are movable between an unlock position and a lock position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Robert W. Dubay, Donald A. Buzzard, Jason L. Myers, Roger A. Bourbina, Randy W. Jones
  • Patent number: 9758188
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly connected to a support bracket and a locking assembly. The locking assembly has a first cam member, a second cam member, and a lever. The first cam member is connected to the support bracket and has a first locking pattern. The second cam member has a second cam member body that extends between a second cam member body first end and a second cam member body second end. The second cam member body second end defines a second locking pattern configured to selectively engage the first locking pattern. The lever is disposed about the second cam member body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Ravi Ravindra
  • Publication number: 20170232996
    Abstract: An adjustment mounting bracket assembly for a steering column includes a mounting bracket mountable to a steering column mating element, the mounting bracket having a bracket aperture configured to receive a clamp bolt therethrough, the mounting bracket also having an arcuate slot. The bracket assembly also includes a spacer having a spacer aperture configured to receive the clamp bolt therethrough to align the spacer with the mounting bracket, the spacer having a first engaging feature disposed within the arcuate slot of the mounting bracket and a second engaging feature engageable with a recess of the steering column, disposal of the first engaging feature within the arcuate slot and disposal of the second engaging feature within the recess restricting the degree of freedom of the mounting bracket relative to the steering column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Melvin L. Tinnin, Robert W. Dubay, Donald A. Buzzard, Matthew J. T. Vincent, Michael P. Anspaugh
  • Patent number: 9669862
    Abstract: A portion of a steering column assembly includes an energy absorption assembly. The energy absorption assembly includes an energy absorption strap and a breakaway member. The energy absorption strap has a first strap portion coupled to an upper jacket assembly and a second strap portion coupled to a lower jacket assembly. The breakaway member has a first breakaway member, a second breakaway member, and a frangible area. The first breakaway member defines a first opening that receives the first strap portion. The second breakaway member defines a second opening that receives the second strap portion. The frangible area joins the first breakaway member to the second breakaway member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert W. Dubay, Matthew T. Vincent, Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Randy W. Jones, Roger A. Bourbina, Robert D. Bueche
  • Publication number: 20170066467
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a plunger assembly received within an opening defined by a mounting bracket. The plunger assembly includes a sleeve, a plunger, and a biasing member. The sleeve disposed within the opening. The plunger slidably disposed within the sleeve. The biasing member that engages the plunger to bias the plunger towards a deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: James C. Russell, Michael P. Anspaugh, Melvin L. Tinnin, Donald A. Buzzard, Malgorzata R. Szeliga
  • Patent number: 9501082
    Abstract: A dampener assembly for a lever is provided. The dampener assembly includes a travel limiter that defines a surface for co-acting with the dampener. The lever is configured to move from a locked position to an unlocked position to unlock a component for adjustable movement. The dampener assembly includes also a roller bumper and cam assembly that is configured to cause the surface of the travel limiter to contact the roller bumper in the unlocked position. In an exemplary embodiment, the component is a rake-telescope steering column or an adjustment assembly therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Donald A. Buzzard
  • Patent number: 9428210
    Abstract: A position lock for a steering column comprises a rake lock bracket, a tooth lock and a driver. The rake lock bracket is fixed to the vehicle has a rake lock tooth wall that bounds a control slot and that defines a plurality of rake lock teeth. The tooth lock is coupled to the steering column for movement in a raking direction and supported for rotation about a tooth lock rotation axis. The driver, supported for translation with the tooth lock and for rotation about a driver rotation axis, is configured for contacting an actuation feature of the tooth lock so as to cause the tooth lock to rotate with the driver as the driver rotates within the active range of rotation of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Melvin L. Tinnin, John Schulz, Donald A. Buzzard
  • Publication number: 20160244015
    Abstract: An energy absorbing system includes a subject structure, an energy absorbing strap associated with the subject structure, and a retaining device to selectively retain the energy absorbing strap during an energy addition event. The retaining device surrounds both an upper and lower portion of the energy absorbing strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Robert W. Dubay, Michael P. Anspaugh, Melvin L. Tinnin, Roger A. Bourbina, Donald A. Buzzard