Patents by Inventor Miroslaw Zaloga
Miroslaw Zaloga 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: 10578213Abstract: A steering assembly for a vehicle includes a steering gear including a steering gear housing enclosing a steering rack, the steering rack coupled to a tie rod at a joint, at least one boot assembly configured to enclose the joint between the steering rack and the tie rod. The at least one boot assembly includes a first boot proximate to the joint and a second boot disposed outward of the first boot. The first and second boots define a void therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2017Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Travis S. Larson, George E. Doerr, Miroslaw Zaloga, John T. Zuzelski, David Juarez
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Publication number: 20190170251Abstract: A steering assembly for a vehicle includes a steering gear including a steering gear housing enclosing a steering rack, the steering rack coupled to a tie rod at a joint, at least one boot assembly configured to enclose the joint between the steering rack and the tie rod. The at least one boot assembly includes a first boot proximate to the joint and a second boot disposed outward of the first boot. The first and second boots define a void therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2017Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: Travis S. Larson, George E. Doerr, Miroslaw Zaloga, John T. Zuzelski, David Juarez
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Publication number: 20170321839Abstract: A fluid connector for connecting fluid conduit to a component in the presence of an electrolyte solution includes a connector body and sacrificial anode. The connector body defines an internal recess. The sacrificial anode can be press-fitted into the internal recess and circumscribed by the connector body. The sacrificial anode, which is constructed of a material that is configured to be consumed over a life of the component to prevent or delay corrosion of the connector body due to contact with the electrolyte solution, may be constructed of aluminum, magnesium, zinc, or other active metals. A fluid system for use in the presence of the electrolyte solution includes the component, fluid conduit, a pump, and the fluid connector. A vehicle includes the fluid system and a vehicle body. The component may be a steering gear assembly in some embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: George E. Doerr, Miroslaw Zaloga
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Patent number: 9290198Abstract: A joint assembly having a shaft with a retention notch, a joint coupling, a spring clip and a full insertion clip. The joint coupling including a body having a bore, with the bore receiving the shaft, and the body including a secondary fastener hole extending normal to the bore. The spring clip including a fixed end secured to the main body, a flexible middle portion, and a finger at an opposed end, the finger engaging the shaft as the shaft slides into the bore and extending into the retention notch when the shaft is in a fully inserted position. The full insertion clip having a first end secure to the main body, a flexible portion and an opposed second end having a fastener alignment hole, the fastener alignment hole aligning with the secondary fastener hole when not flexed and misaligning with the secondary fastener hole when flexed.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke, Miroslaw Zaloga
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Patent number: 9156494Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a sector shaft defining a bore therein and rotatable about a central longitudinal axis. The steering system also includes a lash adjuster translatable within the bore along the central longitudinal axis. In addition, the steering system includes an end cap cover abutting the lash adjuster and spaced apart from the sector shaft to define a first cavity between the end cap cover and the sector shaft, and a housing abutting the end cap cover and spaced apart from the sector shaft to define a second cavity between the housing and the sector shaft. The steering system also includes a seal surrounding and abutting the sector shaft, wherein the seal separates the first cavity from the second cavity.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, Marco E. Rodriguez, Christopher J. Mielke
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Patent number: 9086097Abstract: A yoke for receiving a shaft includes a collar. The collar defines a shaft slot, into which the shaft may be inserted. A first pinch tab extends from the collar and has a first folded end, which is folded toward the shaft slot. A second pinch tab extends from the collar and has a second folded end, which is folded away from the shaft slot.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christopher J. Mielke, Miroslaw Zaloga, Peter J. Judis, Monica M. Ligerakis
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Publication number: 20150108746Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a sector shaft defining a bore therein and rotatable about a central longitudinal axis. The steering system also includes a lash adjuster translatable within the bore along the central longitudinal axis. In addition, the steering system includes an end cap cover abutting the lash adjuster and spaced apart from the sector shaft to define a first cavity between the end cap cover and the sector shaft, and a housing abutting the end cap cover and spaced apart from the sector shaft to define a second cavity between the housing and the sector shaft. The steering system also includes a seal surrounding and abutting the sector shaft, wherein the seal separates the first cavity from the second cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, Marco E. Rodriguez, Christopher J. Mielke
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Patent number: 8844954Abstract: A steering system includes a wheel rotatable between on-center and off-center positions, and a shaft having teeth. The shaft defines a cavity and is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the teeth. The system includes a nut having cogs defining grooves therebetween, wherein each tooth is matable with a groove. The system includes a lash adjuster translatable within the cavity, and a retainer contacting the adjuster and shaft, and configured for positioning the shaft along the axis as the wheel rotates. A center one of the gear teeth meshes with one of the grooves to define a first gap having a first thickness therebetween when the wheel is in the on-center position. An outer one of the gear teeth meshes with an outer groove to define a second gap having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness when the wheel is in the off-center position.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Marco E. Rodriguez, Miroslaw Zaloga, Christopher J. Mielke
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Publication number: 20140140761Abstract: A yoke for receiving a shaft includes a collar. The collar defines a shaft slot, into which the shaft may be inserted. A first pinch tab extends from the collar and has a first folded end, which is folded toward the shaft slot. A second pinch tab extends from the collar and has a second folded end, which is folded away from the shaft slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Christopher J. Mielke, Miroslaw Zaloga, Peter J. Judis, Monica M. Ligerakis
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Publication number: 20140116173Abstract: A steering system includes a wheel rotatable between on-center and off-center positions, and a shaft having teeth. The shaft defines a cavity and is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the teeth. The system includes a nut having cogs defining grooves therebetween, wherein each tooth is matable with a groove. The system includes a lash adjuster translatable within the cavity, and a retainer contacting the adjuster and shaft, and configured for positioning the shaft along the axis as the wheel rotates. A center one of the gear teeth meshes with one of the grooves to define a first gap having a first thickness therebetween when the wheel is in the on-center position. An outer one of the gear teeth meshes with an outer groove to define a second gap having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness when the wheel is in the off-center position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Marco E. Rodriquez, Miroslaw Zaloga, Christopher J. Mielke
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Publication number: 20130336712Abstract: A joint assembly having a shaft with a retention notch, a joint coupling, a spring clip and a full insertion clip. The joint coupling including a body having a bore, with the bore receiving the shaft, and the body including a secondary fastener hole extending normal to the bore. The spring clip including a fixed end secured to the main body, a flexible middle portion, and a finger at an opposed end, the finger engaging the shaft as the shaft slides into the bore and extending into the retention notch when the shaft is in a fully inserted position. The full insertion clip having a first end secure to the main body, a flexible portion and an opposed second end having a fastener alignment hole, the fastener alignment hole aligning with the secondary fastener hole when not flexed and misaligning with the secondary fastener hole when flexed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke, Miroslaw Zaloga
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Patent number: 8567554Abstract: A power steering system for transferring torque to a sector gear includes a first ball screw and a first ball nut circumscribing the first ball screw. The first ball nut is in torque-transfer communication with the first ball screw through a plurality of ball bearings and is meshed or engaged with the sector gear for torque transfer therewith. An electric motor is configured to selectively supply torque to the sector gear through the first ball nut.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke, Scott R. Kloess, Mauro Pacheco Escobedo
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Patent number: 8517422Abstract: A steering wheel alignment system for a vehicle having a steering wheel and steering unit that includes a first shaft operatively connected to the steering unit, a second shaft operatively connected to the steering wheel, and a coupling disposed between the first and second shafts to couple the shafts so that rotation of the steering wheel operates the steering unit to steer the vehicle. The coupling includes: a bolt, one of the shafts is hollow to telescope over the other shaft, and each shaft has a radial extending hole therethrough for receiving the bolt to attach the first and second shafts together. The radial extending hole through one of the shafts is elongated in the radial direction so that when the bolt extends through the holes of the first and second shafts the elongation of the hole defines a range of radial adjusting movement of the shafts relative one another until tightening of the bolt clamps the first and second shafts together against further relative rotation.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke
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Patent number: 8511928Abstract: An internal tube is inserted into an external tube to align first bolt holes provided through opposed walls of the external tube with second bolt holes provided through opposed walls of the internal tube. A bolt is inserted through the first bolt holes and through the second bolt holes to connect the tubes together when the bolt holes are aligned. An error-proofing clip is mounted in the internal tube and has a tongue extending from the end thereof to reach into the external tube and block the insertion of the bolt through the first bolt holes of the external tube until the insertion of the internal tube has proceeded fully to bring the first bolt holes of the external tube and the second bolt holes of the internal tube into alignment with one another, thereby preventing a premature installation of the bolt through only the first bolt holes.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke, Miroslaw Zaloga
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Patent number: 8464617Abstract: A hold and drive tool and method of operation for fastening parts together with a stud and nut. The tool may comprise a tool body including a drive member therein, with the drive member rotationally driven by a power source; a nut drive member engaging the drive member and including a nut engaging portion received on the nut and rotating the nut relative to the stud; a hold member including a hold shaft connected to a hold bit, with the hold bit located in the nut drive member and received on a hold feature on the stud to prevent the stud from rotating relative to the hold member; and a clutch secured to the tool body and the hold shaft, with the clutch selectively allowing for and preventing rotation of the hold shaft relative to the tool body.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, Jonathan L. Dent
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Publication number: 20130032430Abstract: A parallelogram steering system transfers torque to a relay rod in response to steering commands. The steering system includes an input member configured to receive the steering commands. A pitman arm and an idler arm are both movably connected to the relay rod. An idler shaft is operatively connected to the idler arm for common rotation therewith. The steering system also includes at least one electric motor, which is configured to selectively supply assist torque to the idler shaft in response to the steering commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, George E. Doerr, Scott R. Kloess, Christopher J. Mielke, Mauro Pacheco Escobedo
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Publication number: 20130026750Abstract: An internal tube is inserted into an external tube to align first bolt holes provided through opposed walls of the external tube with second bolt holes provided through opposed walls of the internal tube. A bolt is inserted through the first bolt holes and through the second bolt holes to connect the tubes together when the bolt holes are aligned. An error-proofing clip is mounted in the internal tube and has a tongue extending from the end thereof to reach into the external tube and block the insertion of the bolt through the first bolt holes of the external tube until the insertion of the internal tube has proceeded fully to bring the first bolt holes of the external tube and the second bolt holes of the internal tube into alignment with one another, thereby preventing a premature installation of the bolt through only the first bolt holes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke, Miroslaw Zaloga
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Patent number: 8360197Abstract: A power steering system includes an input shaft operatively connected to an input member, and a sector gear operatively connected to a pitman arm. A first ball screw is formed on the input shaft. A first ball nut circumscribes the first ball screw and is in torque-transfer communication therewith through a plurality of ball bearings. A first rack is rigidly attached to the first ball nut, and is meshed with the sector gear for torque transfer therewith. A second ball screw is not substantially coaxial with the first ball screw. A second ball nut circumscribes the second ball screw and is in torque-transfer communication with the second ball screw through the ball bearings. A second rack is meshed with the sector gear for torque transfer therewith. An electric motor is configured to selectively supply torque to the sector gear through the second ball screw.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mauro Pacheco Escobedo, Miroslaw Zaloga, Christopher J. Mielke, George E. Doerr, Scott R. Kloess
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Publication number: 20120326424Abstract: A steering wheel alignment system for a vehicle having a steering wheel and steering unit that includes a first shaft operatively connected to the steering unit, a second shaft operatively connected to the steering wheel, and a coupling disposed between the first and second shafts to couple the shafts so that rotation of the steering wheel operates the steering unit to steer the vehicle. The coupling includes: a bolt, one of the shafts is hollow to telescope over the other shaft, and each shaft has a radial extending hole therethrough for receiving the bolt to attach the first and second shafts together. The radial extending hole through one of the shafts is elongated in the radial direction so that when the bolt extends through the holes of the first and second shafts the elongation of the hole defines a range of radial adjusting movement of the shafts relative one another until tightening of the bolt clamps the first and second shafts together against further relative rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke
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Publication number: 20120241243Abstract: A power steering system for transferring torque to a sector gear includes a first ball screw and a first ball nut circumscribing the first ball screw. The first ball nut is in torque-transfer communication with the first ball screw through a plurality of ball bearings and is meshed or engaged with the sector gear for torque transfer therewith. An electric motor is configured to selectively supply torque to the sector gear through the first ball nut.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke, Scott R. Kloess, Mauro Pacheco Escobedo