Patents by Inventor Frank P. Lubischer
Frank P. Lubischer 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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Patent number: 11597424Abstract: A control system for a steering wheel includes a steering wheel switchable between a rotational condition and a non-rotational condition. The control system also includes a steering gear operatively coupled to a plurality of road wheels of a vehicle, the steering wheel and the steering gear electrically coupled to each other. The control system further includes a controller in operative communication with the steering wheel and the steering gear, the controller configured to control the steering gear independent of the steering wheel when the vehicle is in an autonomous vehicle driving condition, the steering wheel being in a retracted position during the autonomous vehicle driving condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2019Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Patent number: 11560169Abstract: A steering column system includes a steering column shaft. Also included is a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft. Further included is an energy absorbing mechanism operatively engaged with at least one of the steering column shaft and the steering input device. Yet further included is a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position. Also included is at least one signal indicating whether the steering column shaft is in the retracted position or the driving position, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control of a vehicle is automated and the energy absorbing mechanism is in a non-operational state, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, the energy absorbing mechanism is in an operational state.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Patent number: 11220285Abstract: A rotation control system for a steering system of a vehicle includes a steering shaft. The rotation control system also includes at least one component operatively coupled to the steering shaft, the steering shaft switchable between a rotational condition and a non-rotational condition during operation of the vehicle, the rotational condition occurring during a manual driving mode and the non-rotational condition occurring during an autonomous driving mode. The rotational control system further includes a condition switching device for allowing a user to switch between the rotational condition and the non-rotational condition, the condition switching device comprising at least one of a switch, a button, and a voice prompt.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2020Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Publication number: 20210197892Abstract: A rotational control system for a steering wheel includes a steering wheel, the entire steering wheel switchable between a rotational condition and a non-rotational condition, a steering wheel angle of the entire steering wheel in a straight ahead position in the non-rotational condition. The rotational control system also includes a steering gear operatively coupled to the plurality of road wheels, the steering wheel and the steering gear electrically coupled to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2021Publication date: July 1, 2021Inventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Patent number: 10766518Abstract: A rotation control system for a steering wheel is provided. The rotation control system includes a steering wheel and a steering shaft operatively coupled to the steering wheel. The rotation control system also includes at least one component operatively coupled to the steering shaft configured to switch the steering wheel between a rotational condition and a non-rotational condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Patent number: 10676121Abstract: A selectively autonomous steering column assembly includes a steering column shaft. Also included is a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft. Further included is a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position. Yet further included is at least one signal indicating when the steering column shaft is in the driving position. When steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control is automated, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, direction control via the steering input device is enabled.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe, Joen C. Bodtker, Bryan L. Faist
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Publication number: 20200148249Abstract: A rotation control system for a steering system of a vehicle includes a steering shaft. The rotation control system also includes at least one component operatively coupled to the steering shaft, the steering shaft switchable between a rotational condition and a non-rotational condition during operation of the vehicle, the rotational condition occurring during a manual driving mode and the non-rotational condition occurring during an autonomous driving mode. The rotational control system further includes a condition switching device for allowing a user to switch between the rotational condition and the non-rotational condition, the condition switching device comprising at least one of a switch, a button, and a voice prompt.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Patent number: 10577009Abstract: A selectively autonomous steering column assembly includes a steering column shaft. Also included is a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft. Further included is a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position. Yet further included is at least one signal indicating when the steering column shaft is in the driving position. When steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control is automated, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, direction control via the steering input device is enabled.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe, Joen C. Bodtker, Bryan L. Faist
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Publication number: 20190322306Abstract: A selectively autonomous steering column assembly includes a steering column shaft. Also included is a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft. Further included is a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position. Yet further included is at least one signal indicating when the steering column shaft is in the driving position. When steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control is automated, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, direction control via the steering input device is enabled.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2019Publication date: October 24, 2019Inventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe, Joen C. Bodtker, Bryan L. Faist
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Patent number: 10442441Abstract: An embodiment of a control system includes a sensing element configured to detect a gesture from at least one user in a vehicle including a handwheel, and a gesture control module configured to receive gesture information from the sensing element and control at least one of the handwheel and the vehicle based on the gesture information.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Timothy W. Kaufmann, Frank P. Lubischer, Patrik M. Ryne
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Publication number: 20190248403Abstract: A control system for a steering wheel includes a steering wheel switchable between a rotational condition and a non-rotational condition. The control system also includes a steering gear operatively coupled to a plurality of road wheels of a vehicle, the steering wheel and the steering gear electrically coupled to each other. The control system further includes a controller in operative communication with the steering wheel and the steering gear, the controller configured to control the steering gear independent of the steering wheel when the vehicle is in an autonomous vehicle driving condition, the steering wheel being in a retracted position during the autonomous vehicle driving condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Patent number: 10343706Abstract: A steering column system includes a steering column shaft, a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft, an energy absorbing mechanism operatively engaged with at least one of the steering column shaft and the steering input device, a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position, and at least one signal indicating if the steering column shaft is in the retracted position or the driving position. When the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control of a vehicle is automated, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, the energy absorbing mechanism is operational.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Publication number: 20180273081Abstract: A steering column system includes a steering column shaft. Also included is a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft. Further included is an energy absorbing mechanism operatively engaged with at least one of the steering column shaft and the steering input device. Yet further included is a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position. Also included is at least one signal indicating whether the steering column shaft is in the retracted position or the driving position, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control of a vehicle is automated and the energy absorbing mechanism is in a non-operational state, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, the energy absorbing mechanism is in an operational state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Inventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Patent number: 10029724Abstract: A steering assembly includes a steering wheel having a convenience feature, an environmental detection system, and a controller in communication with an autonomous vehicle. The steering wheel is selectively coupled to a steering shaft and is movable between a deployed position and a retracted position. The environmental detection system is configured to provide a cabin environmental signal. The controller is programmed to move the steering wheel towards the retracted position and operatively decouple the steering wheel from the steering shaft, while the steering wheel is in the deployed position and in response to a request to activate an advanced driver assist system and the cabin environmental signal indicating a clear path of travel of the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Patent number: 9944307Abstract: A steering assembly includes a steering wheel, a steering gear, and a sensor assembly. The steering wheel is connected to a steering column. The steering gear is selectively coupled to the steering wheel. The sensor assembly is disposed proximate the steering column. The steering wheel is decoupled from the steering gear and sensor assembly detects a condition of the driver and a position of the driver in response to a request to activate an autonomous driving assisted steering system.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Publication number: 20180079442Abstract: A rotation control system for a steering wheel is provided. The rotation control system includes a steering wheel and a steering shaft operatively coupled to the steering wheel. The rotation control system also includes at least one component operatively coupled to the steering shaft configured to switch the steering wheel between a rotational condition and a non-rotational condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Patent number: 9919724Abstract: A steering column assembly is provided and includes a steering column shaft and a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a deployed position. A disengagement assembly selectively couples a steering column telescope lead screw to the column adjustment assembly. The disengagement assembly is configured to selectively disengage the telescope lead screw from the column adjustment assembly to facilitate manual movement of the steering column shaft between the retracted position and the deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Frank P. Lubischer, John F. Schulz, James E. Rouleau, Shawn A. Haring
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Patent number: 9845103Abstract: A steering arrangement provided with an autonomous vehicle includes a steering wheel. The steering wheel is selectively coupled to a steering shaft. The steering wheel is selectively switched between a rotatable condition and a non-rotatable condition by an advanced driver assist system. The steering wheel has a steering wheel body defining a receptacle and a convenience assembly that is movable between an open position and a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Patent number: 9828016Abstract: A steering column system includes a steering column shaft, a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft, an air bag operatively arranged with the steering input device, a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position, and a first interlock configured to indicate when the steering column shaft is in the driving position and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position. When the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, the air bag is non-deployable, and when the steering column shaft is in the driving position, the air bag is deployable.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
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Publication number: 20170029018Abstract: An autonomously driven vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an autonomous driver assist system configured to provide directional control of a vehicle during an autonomous vehicle driving condition. The vehicle also includes a steering wheel. The vehicle further includes a plurality of road wheels electrically coupled to the steering wheel and controlled by the autonomous driver assist system in the autonomous vehicle driving condition and controlled by the steering wheel in a non-autonomous vehicle driving condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2015Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe