Patents by Inventor Frank Odenthal

Frank Odenthal 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: 7614317
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rack-and-pinion gear mechanism (1), for example for use in a steering mechanism of a motor vehicle, and to a method for the production of the rack-and-pinion gear mechanism (1). The mechanism comprises a housing (101), in which a pinion shaft (102) is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis (103). The pinion shaft (102) is connected to a rack (110) which is mounted in the housing (101) in such a way as to be longitudinally displaceable. A counter-pressure device (102, 123) compensates for reaction forces between the pinion shaft (102) and the rack (110), having a thrust piece (102) and an adjusting/closing nut (25), between which a spring (123) is supported. The adjusting/closing nut (25) is composed of a material which has a softening/melting point such that the adjusting/closing nut (25) can be softened and/or melted locally while installed in the housing (101) without damaging the housing (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dirk Sickert, Frank Peter Engels, Frank Odenthal
  • Patent number: 7210368
    Abstract: The toothed rack steering gear has an adjusting nut and a housing. An opening with internal thread of the housing is adapted to the adjusting nut and receives the adjusting nut in the assembled state. In the housing at least one recess is provided in direct proximity of the opening. A retainer is provided; it has a ring shaped body and at least one finger. The finger protrudes from this ring shaped body and can engage into the recess. The retainer has a back surface and the adjusting nut has a front surface. In the assembled state both are in contact. A connecting device is provided and secures the connection between the back surface and the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Frank Odenthal, Frank Peter Engels, Dirk Sickert
  • Publication number: 20040244518
    Abstract: The toothed rack steering gear has an adjusting nut and a housing. An opening with internal thread of the housing is adapted to the adjusting nut and receives the adjusting nut in the assembled state. In the housing at least one recess is provided in direct proximity of the opening. A retainer is provided; it has a ring shaped body and at least one finger. The finger protrudes from this ring shaped body and can engage into the recess. The retainer has a back surface and the adjusting nut has a front surface. In the assembled state both are in contact. A connecting device is provided and secures the connection between the back surface and the front surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Odenthal, Frank Peter Engels, Dirk Sickert
  • Publication number: 20030115980
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rack-and-pinion gear mechanism (1), for example for use in a steering mechanism of a motor vehicle, and to a method for the production of the rack-and-pinion gear mechanism (1). The mechanism comprises a housing (101), in which a pinion shaft (102) is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis (103). The pinion shaft (102) is connected to a rack (110) which is mounted in the housing (101) in such a way as to be longitudinally displaceable. A counter-pressure device (102, 123) compensates for reaction forces between the pinion shaft (102) and the rack (110), having a thrust piece (102) and an adjusting/closing nut (25), between which a spring (123) is supported. The adjusting/closing nut (25) is composed of a material which has a softening/melting point such that the adjusting/closing nut (25) can be softened and/or melted locally while installed in the housing (101) without damaging the housing (101).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Dirk Sickert, Frank Peter Engels, Frank Odenthal