Patents by Inventor James E. Rouleau
James E. Rouleau 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: 11958526Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a telescope drive bracket. The steering column assembly also includes a first jacket operatively coupled to the telescope drive bracket. The steering column assembly further includes a second jacket, wherein the first jacket is telescopingly moveable relative to the second jacket. The steering column yet further includes a collapse limiting feature having a cam portion and a blocking portion, wherein the blocking portion defines a first range of travel of the first jacket in a first position, wherein contact between the telescope drive bracket and the cam portion biases the blocking portion out of a first jacket path to allow a second, greater range of travel for the first jacket.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2023Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Jacob A. Caverly, James E. Rouleau, Randy W. Jones
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Patent number: 11952034Abstract: A power driven, telescoping steering column having a tubular outer jacket, a tubular inner jacket, and a tubular intermediate jacket arranged for coaxial telescopic movement relative with one another via actuation of an actuator assembly includes, a mounting device operably coupled against relative axial movement with the tubular outer jacket, with the actuator assembly being coupled to the mounting device without being fixedly connected or attached to the tubular outer jacket.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Randy W. Jones, James E. Rouleau, Todd M. King, Robert D. Maida
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Patent number: 11904927Abstract: A steering column includes a steering column component. The steering column also includes a driven assembly operatively coupled to the steering column component. The steering column further includes a driving assembly. The steering column yet further includes a connection assembly that includes a connection gear having a first set of teeth operatively connected to the driving assembly, the connection gear having a set of gear clutch teeth. The connection assembly also includes a clutch member operatively connected to the driven assembly, the driven assembly moving along an axis in response to actuation from the driving assembly and causes the provided axially adjustable steering column to be adjusted along the axis, the clutch member having a set of clutch member teeth. The clutch member teeth and the gear clutch teeth are disengaged in an overload state.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: James E. Rouleau, Shawn A. Haring
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Publication number: 20230356767Abstract: An actuator leadscrew assembly is provided. The assembly includes a leadscrew shaft extending longitudinally. The assembly also includes a first bearing pressed over the leadscrew shaft. The assembly further includes a housing pressed over the leadscrew shaft and in abutment with the first bearing. The assembly yet further includes a second bearing pressed over the leadscrew shaft and in abutment with the housing. The assembly also includes a retaining ring disposed over the leadscrew shaft retaining the second bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: Christopher W. Gibbs, James E. Rouleau, Harmony J. Hudnall
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Patent number: 11807290Abstract: A method for controlling an electric machine includes, in response to receiving a command signal, determining a position of a steering column. The method also includes determining a desired direction of the steering column based on the command signal. The method also includes determining a voltage corresponding to motion of the steering column from the position and desired direction. The method also includes applying a pulse width modulated signal to the electric machine based on the position of the steering column, the desired direction of the steering column, and the voltage. The method also includes selectively adjusting the pulse width modulated signal based on a change in the voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: James E. Rouleau, Edward A. Cana
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Patent number: 11718340Abstract: An actuator leadscrew assembly is provided. The assembly includes a leadscrew shaft extending longitudinally. The assembly also includes a first bearing pressed over the leadscrew shaft. The assembly further includes a housing pressed over the leadscrew shaft and in abutment with the first bearing. The assembly yet further includes a second bearing pressed over the leadscrew shaft and in abutment with the housing. The assembly also includes a retaining ring disposed over the leadscrew shaft retaining the second bearing.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Christopher W. Gibbs, James E. Rouleau, Harmony J. Hudnall
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Publication number: 20230242174Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a telescope drive bracket. The steering column assembly also includes a first jacket operatively coupled to the telescope drive bracket. The steering column assembly further includes a second jacket, wherein the first jacket is telescopingly moveable relative to the second jacket. The steering column yet further includes a collapse limiting feature having a cam portion and a blocking portion, wherein the blocking portion defines a first range of travel of the first jacket in a first position, wherein contact between the telescope drive bracket and the cam portion biases the blocking portion out of a first jacket path to allow a second, greater range of travel for the first jacket.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2023Publication date: August 3, 2023Inventors: Jacob A. Caverly, James E. Rouleau, Randy W. Jones
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Publication number: 20230174139Abstract: A power driven, telescoping steering column having a tubular outer jacket, a tubular inner jacket, and a tubular intermediate jacket arranged for coaxial telescopic movement relative with one another via actuation of an actuator assembly includes, a mounting device operably coupled against relative axial movement with the tubular outer jacket, with the actuator assembly being coupled to the mounting device without being fixedly connected or attached to the tubular outer jacket.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2022Publication date: June 8, 2023Inventors: Randy W. Jones, James E. Rouleau, Todd M. King, Robert D. Maida
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Patent number: 11554803Abstract: Embodiments described herein are for an absolute position sensor system integrated into a steering column assembly. The absolute position sensor system comprises: a sector connected to a rake adjustment mechanism of the steering column assembly and operable to be moved thereby; a gear coupled to the sector and operable to be rotated by the movement thereof; a magnet connected to and retained by the gear such that the magnet rotates responsive to the rotation of the gear; and a sensor device positioned below the magnet and connected to a stationary part of the steering column assembly. The sensor device is configured to: detect an angle of rotation of the magnet, where the angle of rotation of the magnet corresponds to a position of the rake adjustment mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2020Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Damian Z. Gosztyla, Robert D. Bueche, James E. Rouleau
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Patent number: 11512674Abstract: A programmable or configurable non-contact solid state switch device and method are provided for emulating a high reliability switch. The switch device senses position information related to a switch and is calibrated using a learning operation to learn position information of mechanical features of the switch and to map the positions of these features. Electrical outputs or functions are assigned to the mapped positions and stored such that the switch device generates the outputs when their corresponding positions are sensed. A switch device is uniquely configured to the mechanical system in which it operates.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventor: James E. Rouleau
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Publication number: 20220212712Abstract: A steering column includes a steering column component. The steering column also includes a driven assembly operatively coupled to the steering column component. The steering column further includes a driving assembly. The steering column yet further includes a connection assembly that includes a connection gear having a first set of teeth operatively connected to the driving assembly, the connection gear having a set of gear clutch teeth. The connection assembly also includes a clutch member operatively connected to the driven assembly, the driven assembly moving along an axis in response to actuation from the driving assembly and causes the provided axially adjustable steering column to be adjusted along the axis, the clutch member having a set of clutch member teeth. The clutch member teeth and the gear clutch teeth are disengaged in an overload state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2022Publication date: July 7, 2022Inventors: James E. Rouleau, Shawn A. Haring
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Publication number: 20220097751Abstract: A rake pivot assembly for a steering column assembly includes a pair of flanges spaced from each other and oriented parallel to each other, each of the flanges defining an elongated opening. The assembly also includes a pair of lower brackets, each of the lower brackets having a portion thereof fitting over one of the pair of flanges. The assembly further includes a pair of alignment bushings, each of the pair of alignment bushings at least partially disposed within one of the elongated openings and positioned between one of the lower brackets and one of the flanges. The assembly yet further includes a pair of lower bracket pins, each of the lower bracket pins extending along a pivot axis of the steering column assembly and through one of the lower brackets and through one of the flanges to couple one of the lower brackets to one of the flanges.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2020Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: James E. Rouleau, Robert D. Maida, Scott A. Stinebring, Jacob A. Caverly
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Patent number: 11267502Abstract: A rake pivot assembly for a steering column assembly includes a pair of flanges spaced from each other and oriented parallel to each other, each of the flanges defining an elongated opening. The assembly also includes a pair of lower brackets, each of the lower brackets having a portion thereof fitting over one of the pair of flanges. The assembly further includes a pair of alignment bushings, each of the pair of alignment bushings at least partially disposed within one of the elongated openings and positioned between one of the lower brackets and one of the flanges. The assembly yet further includes a pair of lower bracket pins, each of the lower bracket pins extending along a pivot axis of the steering column assembly and through one of the lower brackets and through one of the flanges to couple one of the lower brackets to one of the flanges.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: James E. Rouleau, Robert D. Maida, Scott A. Stinebring, Jacob A. Caverly
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Publication number: 20210323596Abstract: Embodiments described herein are for an absolute position sensor system integrated into a steering column assembly. The absolute position sensor system comprises: a sector connected to a rake adjustment mechanism of the steering column assembly and operable to be moved thereby; a gear coupled to the sector and operable to be rotated by the movement thereof; a magnet connected to and retained by the gear such that the magnet rotates responsive to the rotation of the gear; and a sensor device positioned below the magnet and connected to a stationary part of the steering column assembly. The sensor device is configured to: detect an angle of rotation of the magnet, where the angle of rotation of the magnet corresponds to a position of the rake adjustment mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2020Publication date: October 21, 2021Applicant: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Damian Z. Gosztyla, Robert D. Bueche, James E. Rouleau
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Publication number: 20210309281Abstract: Embodiments described herein are for a position sensor system integrated into a steering column assembly of a vehicle. The position sensor includes an elongated target comprising a sloping top surface, a first arcuate lateral surface, a second arcuate lateral surface, and an attachment feature for connecting the elongated target to a moveable part of the steering column assembly. The position sensor also includes a sensor device comprising an attachment feature for connecting the sensor device to a stationary part of the steering column assembly and a sensor situated over the sloping top surface of the elongated target. The sensor is configured to detect a position of the elongated target relative to the sensor, where the position of the elongated target corresponds to a position of a steering column of the steering column assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2020Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventors: James E. Rouleau, Edward A. Cana, Damian Z. Gosztyla, Robert D. Bueche
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Patent number: 11136059Abstract: Embodiments described herein are for a position sensor system integrated into a steering column assembly of a vehicle. The position sensor includes an elongated target comprising a sloping top surface, a first arcuate lateral surface, a second arcuate lateral surface, and an attachment feature for connecting the elongated target to a moveable part of the steering column assembly. The position sensor also includes a sensor device comprising an attachment feature for connecting the sensor device to a stationary part of the steering column assembly and a sensor situated over the sloping top surface of the elongated target. The sensor is configured to detect a position of the elongated target relative to the sensor, where the position of the elongated target corresponds to a position of a steering column of the steering column assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: James E. Rouleau, Edward A. Cana, Damian Z. Gosztyla, Robert D. Bueche
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Publication number: 20210291894Abstract: A method for controlling an electric machine includes, in response to receiving a command signal, determining a position of a steering column. The method also includes determining a desired direction of the steering column based on the command signal. The method also includes determining a voltage corresponding to motion of the steering column from the position and desired direction. The method also includes applying a pulse width modulated signal to the electric machine based on the position of the steering column, the desired direction of the steering column, and the voltage. The method also includes selectively adjusting the pulse width modulated signal based on a change in the voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2020Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: James E. Rouleau, Edward A. Cana
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Publication number: 20210231089Abstract: A programmable or configurable non-contact solid state switch device and method are provided for emulating a high reliability switch. The switch device senses position information related to a switch and is calibrated using a learning operation to learn position information of mechanical features of the switch and to map the positions of these features. Electrical outputs or functions are assigned to the mapped positions and stored such that the switch device generates the outputs when their corresponding positions are sensed. A switch device is uniquely configured to the mechanical system in which it operates.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2020Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventor: James E. ROULEAU
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Publication number: 20210061341Abstract: An actuator leadscrew assembly is provided. The assembly includes a leadscrew shaft extending longitudinally. The assembly also includes a first bearing pressed over the leadscrew shaft. The assembly further includes a housing pressed over the leadscrew shaft and in abutment with the first bearing. The assembly yet further includes a second bearing pressed over the leadscrew shaft and in abutment with the housing. The assembly also includes a retaining ring disposed over the leadscrew shaft retaining the second bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Christopher W. Gibbs, James E. Rouleau, Harmony J. Hudnall
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Patent number: 10906578Abstract: A power actuator assembly for a steering column assembly is provided. The power actuator assembly include an electric motor. Also included is a leadscrew. Further included is a gear arrangement operatively coupled to the electric motor, the gear arrangement driving rotation of the leadscrew. Yet further included is a nut threaded to the leadscrew, rotation of the leadscrew actuating linear motion of the nut relative to the leadscrew, the nut operatively coupled to a moveable portion of the steering column assembly to actuate motion of the moveable portion. Also included is a leadscrew housing, the leadscrew extending axially through the leadscrew housing. Further included is a helical bushing disposed between a radially inner surface of the leadscrew housing and a radially outer surface of the leadscrew.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2017Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: James E. Rouleau, Scott A. Stinebring, Harmony J. Hudnall