Patents by Inventor Gerald W. Thomas

Gerald W. Thomas 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).

  • Tilt-telescope steering column
    Patent number: 5363716
    Abstract: A steering column has a first steering column member movable axially relative to a second steering column member. An input shaft is connected with the steering wheel and supported on the first steering column member for pivotable movement relative to the first steering column member. A first lock locks the first steering column member in any one of an infinite number of axial positions relative to the second steering column member. A second lock locks the input shaft in any one of an infinite number of pivot positions relative to the first steering column member. A member to unlock the first and second locks has a first position in which the first lock is unlocked and the second lock is locked. The member has another position in which the second lock means is unlocked and the first lock is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Budzik, Jr., Mark A. Cartwright, Mark A. Hoagland, Samuel G. Johnson, III, Murthy N. Nemani, Gerald K. Oxley, Philip S. Peterson, Gerald W. Thomas, Frederick D. Venable, Daniel L. White