Patents by Inventor Eric M. Ehlert

Eric M. Ehlert 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: 10260539
    Abstract: Two or more vehicle components can be operatively connected with one or more fasteners configured to provide selectively variable dampening characteristics. The fastener can include a dampening unit configured to provide different dampening characteristics based on a torque applied to the fastener. In one or more arrangements, the dampening unit can provide different dampening characteristics based on an amount of compression the dampening unit is under. Target dampening characteristics between two or more components can be determined. A torque can be determined and applied to the fastener based on the target dampening characteristics. The torque can cause the dampening unit of the fastener to compress and provide the target dampening characteristics between the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Zielinski, Allan A. Pett, Eric M. Ehlert
  • Patent number: 9676346
    Abstract: A fastener with an dampener is provided. The dampener is integrated with the fastener thus eliminating the need for an additional dampener installation. The fastener includes a shaft, a head connected to the shaft, and a dampener connected to the head. The dampener includes a piston and a compression chamber that is adapted to reduce vibration and noise when installed between two panels. The dampener is mounted to the underside of the head of a bolt, or to a trim piece. In other embodiments, the dampener is connected to the head of a clip. The dampener is adapted to rest between the head of a bolt and an adjacent panel thereby slightly spacing out the bolt head from the panel, such as sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Zielinski, Allan A. Pett, Eric M. Ehlert
  • Publication number: 20170045110
    Abstract: Two or more vehicle components can be operatively connected with one or more fasteners configured to provide selectively variable dampening characteristics. The fastener can include a dampening unit configured to provide different dampening characteristics based on a torque applied to the fastener. In one or more arrangements, the dampening unit can provide different dampening characteristics based on an amount of compression the dampening unit is under. Target dampening characteristics between two or more components can be determined. A torque can be determined and applied to the fastener based on the target dampening characteristics. The torque can cause the dampening unit of the fastener to compress and provide the target dampening characteristics between the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Eric J. Zielinski, Allan A. Pett, Eric M. Ehlert
  • Publication number: 20160355147
    Abstract: A fastener with an dampener is provided. The dampener is integrated with the fastener thus eliminating the need for an additional dampener installation. The fastener includes a shaft, a head connected to the shaft, and a dampener connected to the head. The dampener includes a piston and a compression chamber that is adapted to reduce vibration and noise when installed between two panels. The dampener is mounted to the underside of the head of a bolt, or to a trim piece. In other embodiments, the dampener is connected to the head of a clip. The dampener is adapted to rest between the head of a bolt and an adjacent panel thereby slightly spacing out the bolt head from the panel, such as sheet metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Eric J. Zielinski, Allan A. Pett, Eric M. Ehlert