Patents by Inventor Gerald Giboureau

Gerald Giboureau 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).

  • Pyrotechnically-controlled energy storage device for vehicle steering columns
    Patent number: 7188867
    Abstract: An adjustable-force energy absorbing device includes first and second support members connected for sliding movement in a direction parallel with the steering shaft axis of a vehicle, the first support member being secured to the vehicle chassis, and the second support member being connected with the outer tube of the steering mechanism. Upon impact, the second support member is displaced from its normal first position spaced from one end of the first support member toward a second position adjacent the first support member one end. This displacement is resisted by at least one U-shaped energy absorbing element, the number and/or degree of operability of the energy absorbing elements being controlled by at least one impact-responsive pyrotechnic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Nacam France SA
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Gatti, Gérald Giboureau
  • Pyrotechincally-controlled energy storage device for vehicle steering columns
    Publication number: 20040232685
    Abstract: An adjustable-force energy absorbing device includes first and second support members connected for sliding movement in a direction parallel with the steering shaft axis of a vehicle, the first support member being secured to the vehicle chassis, and the second support member being connected with the outer tube of the steering mechanism. Upon impact, the second support member is displaced from its normal first position spaced from one end of the first support member toward a second position adjacent the first support member one end. This displacement is resisted by at least one U-shaped energy absorbing element, the number and/or degree of operability of the energy absorbing elements being controlled by at least one impact-responsive pyrotechnic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Gatti, Gerald Giboureau