Patents by Inventor John W. Spetz

John W. Spetz 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).

  • Publication number: 20080092683
    Abstract: A venturi passage for a steering gear assembly is provided that includes a rack bushing having an outer surface. A rack bushing main fluid channel extends circumferentially about the outer surface of the rack bushing. A steering gear housing is disposed at a distal end from the rack bushing. A rack tube sealingly engages the outer surface of the rack bushing. A portion of the rack tube overlaps the rack bushing main fluid channel of the rack bushing. The rack tube includes a first aperture extending through a wall of the rack tube and is in fluid communication with the rack bushing main fluid channel. A first fitting extends radially outward from the rack tube and is in fluid communication with the rack bushing main fluid channel through the first aperture. The rack bushing main channel maintains fluid communication between the first fitting and the rack bushing extended fluid channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: John W. Spetz, Phillip A. Bishop
  • Patent number: 7331590
    Abstract: This invention relates to a commercial vehicle suspension assembly that includes an axle, a rack and pinion steering assembly, and a pivot mount assembly for connecting the rack and pinion steering assembly to the axle of the vehicle. The pivot mount assembly controls a pivoting motion of the axle relative to the rack and pinion steering assembly. The pivot mount assembly comprises a clamp portion and a mounting portion. The clamp portion is configured to support the rack of the rack and pinion steering assembly. The mounting portion is configured to attach the rack and pinion steering assembly to the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: John W. Spetz, Phillip A. Bishop