Patents by Inventor Kevin D. Gerzseny

Kevin D. Gerzseny 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).

  • Patent number: 7988195
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a column jacket having a jacket portion and a compression bracket attached thereto. The compression bracket includes a planar wall spaced from the column portion and a sidewall extending between the planar wall and the jacket portion. The sidewall defines a telescope slot extending along a longitudinal axis. A shaft extends through the telescope slot of the sidewall. A roller is supported on and rotatable about the shaft, and in rolling engagement with the planar wall. The roller positions the shaft within the telescope slot to prevent sliding frictional engagement between the shaft and the sidewall. The rolling coefficient of friction between the roller and the planar wall is less than the sliding coefficient of friction between the shaft and the sidewall to reduce a frictional load produced during longitudinal collapse of the steering column assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin D. Gerzseny, Michael D. Douponce, Stephen J. Reider, Rick B. Dolloff, Richard K. Riefe
  • Patent number: 7703804
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a column jacket adjustable along a longitudinal axis and collapsible along the longitudinal axis in response to a collision event. A compression bracket is mounted to the column jacket and defines a telescope slot having an adjustment portion and a continuation portion. A shaft extends through the telescope slot with the column jacket and the compression bracket moveable relative to the shaft during adjustment and collapse of the steering column assembly. A stop is detachably coupled to the compression bracket and partially covers the telescope slot to prevent movement of the shaft into the continuation portion during adjustment. The stop detaches during collapse to permit the shaft into the continuation portion. A lever rotates with the shaft and includes a tab for engaging the stop when the lever is in an unlocked position to prevent detachment of the stop during adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Cymbal, Kevin D. Gerzseny, Michael D. Douponce, Stephen J. Reider
  • Publication number: 20090174177
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a column jacket having a jacket portion and a compression bracket attached thereto. The compression bracket includes a planar wall spaced from the column portion and a sidewall extending between the planar wall and the jacket portion. The sidewall defines a telescope slot extending along a longitudinal axis. A shaft extends through the telescope slot of the sidewall. A roller is supported on and rotatable about the shaft, and in rolling engagement with the planar wall. The roller positions the shaft within the telescope slot to prevent sliding frictional engagement between the shaft and the sidewall. The rolling coefficient of friction between the roller and the planar wall is less than the sliding coefficient of friction between the shaft and the sidewall to reduce a frictional load produced during longitudinal collapse of the steering column assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Gerzseny, Michael D. Douponce, Stephen J. Reider, Rick B. Dolloff, Richard K. Riefe
  • Publication number: 20090167009
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a column jacket adjustable along a longitudinal axis and collapsible along the longitudinal axis in response to a collision event. A compression bracket is mounted to the column jacket and defines a telescope slot having an adjustment portion and a continuation portion. A shaft extends through the telescope slot with the column jacket and the compression bracket moveable relative to the shaft during adjustment and collapse of the steering column assembly. A stop is detachably coupled to the compression bracket and partially covers the telescope slot to prevent movement of the shaft into the continuation portion during adjustment. The stop detaches during collapse to permit the shaft into the continuation portion. A lever rotates with the shaft and includes a tab for engaging the stop when the lever is in an unlocked position to prevent detachment of the stop during adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: William D. Cymbal, Kevin D. Gerzseny, Michael D. Douponce, Stephen J. Reider