Patents by Inventor Michael J. Damore

Michael J. Damore 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: 7334660
    Abstract: A rack bushing seal assembly for a rack and pinion steering assembly that includes a bushing, a bushing liner and a locking material. The bushing defines an annular recess on an outer surface of the bushing. The bushing liner is positioned within the bushing. The locking material is positioned within the annular recess for retaining the rack bushing seal assembly within a rack tube. A rack bushing seal assembly also includes a bushing having a first annular flange with a pressure port formed therein, and a first tube portion with a channel portion formed therein, wherein the pressure port is in fluid communication with the channel portion. The rack bushing seal assembly also includes a bushing liner having a second annular flange and a second tube portion, the bushing liner being positioned within the first tube portion of the bushing. A rack tube is placed in abutting arrangement with the first annular flange of the bushing wherein the channel portion is in fluid communication with the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Damore, Richard A. Stoll
  • Patent number: 6237464
    Abstract: An apparatus (18) includes first and second relatively rotatable valve members (60, 62) and a centering mechanism (120). The valve members (60, 62) are configured to direct hydraulic fluid between the valve members (60, 62) in accordance with their rotational positions. The centering mechanism (120) includes a movable detent member (126), a spring (142), and a cam surface (128). The cam surface (128) is rotatable with one of the valve members (60, 62) so as to cam the detent member (126) against a bias of the spring (142) upon rotation of the valve members (60, 62) from centered positions. The cam surface (128) has a central portion (130) defining a recess (134) in which the detent member (126) rests when the valve members (60, 62) are in the centered positions. The cam surface (128) further has a pair of side portions (132) on opposite sides of the recess (134).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Fraley, Jr., Michael J. Damore