Patents by Inventor Paul M. Sutenbach

Paul M. Sutenbach 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: 12103456
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight aiming device is provided that includes, a device housing having an input drive gear, a screw chamber, an output screw having a screw shaft, a screw first end that is rotationally coupled at least indirectly with the input drive gear, and a screw second end. The device further including an indicator nut having a base with a nut indicator mark, a first leg and second leg extending from a base bottom portion, and an expandable threaded opening extending between a first threaded wall of the first leg and a second threaded wall of the second leg, the threaded walls selectively engageable with a threaded portion of the screw shaft, wherein the threaded opening is expandable to disengage the first threaded wall and the second threaded wall from the threaded portion to allow longitudinal movement of the indicator nut within the device housing without rotating the output screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Scott T. Fladhammer, Michael B. Grimm, Peter F. Schwichtenberg, Paul M. Sutenbach
  • Publication number: 20230048664
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight aiming device is provided that includes, a device housing having an input drive gear, a screw chamber, an output screw having a screw shaft, a screw first end that is rotationally coupled at least indirectly with the input drive gear, and a screw second end. The device further including an indicator nut having a base with a nut indicator mark, a first leg and second leg extending from a base bottom portion, and an expandable threaded opening extending between a first threaded wall of the first leg and a second threaded wall of the second leg, the threaded walls selectively engageable with a threaded portion of the screw shaft, wherein the threaded opening is expandable to disengage the first threaded wall and the second threaded wall from the threaded portion to allow longitudinal movement of the indicator nut withing the device housing without rotating the output screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: Asyst Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Scott T. Fladhammer, Michael B. Grimm, Peter F. Schwichtenberg, Paul M. Sutenbach
  • Patent number: 10625601
    Abstract: An improper fuel nozzle insertion-inhibiting assembly is configured to prevent an improper fuel-dispensing device from dispensing fuel into a fuel fill line of a vehicle. The assembly may include a cover including an open cavity defined by a circumferential wall and a front face wall, and a main body defining an internal chamber. At least one barrier door may be pivotally secured to the main body. The barrier door(s) is configured to close a nozzle-receiving channel that extends through the internal chamber. The barrier door(s) may include an integral pivot axle that is pivotally secured to an axle bearing within the main body. The barrier door(s) is configured to be pivoted open by inward urging of a proper or compatible fuel nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Sperando, Paul M. Sutenbach
  • Publication number: 20170297426
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of forming a cover of a fuel intake system of a vehicle. The method may include providing a mold that defines a cover-forming cavity having a main body portion and a grounding strap portion connected to the main body portion, inputting a forming material into the cover-forming cavity to a specified level, allowing the forming material within the cover-forming cavity to cool and harden, separating the mold to expose the cover having an integrally molded and formed grounding strap, and removing the formed cover having the integrally molded and formed grounding strap from the separated mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen M. SPERANDO, Paul M. SUTENBACH, Edward S. KRAMER, Alexander M. KERSTEIN
  • Patent number: 9662972
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle-receiving assembly may include a main housing having an inlet configured to receive a fuel nozzle, a drain opening formed through a portion of the main housing, and a drain cover configured to be moved between a plugged position in which the drain opening is closed, and an unplugged position in which the drain opening is opened. The drain cover is configured to be in the plugged position when the fuel nozzle is inserted into the inlet so that any leaked fuel passes into the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Franco A. Cisternino, Paul M. Sutenbach, Stephen M. Sperando
  • Patent number: 9522594
    Abstract: A mis-fuel inhibitor (MFI) assembly is configured to prevent an improper fuel nozzle from dispensing fuel into a fuel tank. The assembly may include a main body having an MFI nozzle passage formed therethrough. The main body is configured to allow a proper fuel nozzle to pass through the MFI nozzle passage, and prevent the improper fuel nozzle from passing therethrough. The assembly may also include at least one securing member configured to connect to the main body within a fuel fill line. The securing member(s) is configured to securely retain the main body within the fuel fill line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Kim, Miguel Sanchez, Paul M. Sutenbach, Stephen Sperando
  • Publication number: 20160039280
    Abstract: A mis-fuel inhibitor (MFI) assembly is configured to prevent an improper fuel nozzle from dispensing fuel into a fuel tank. The assembly may include a main body having an MFI nozzle passage formed therethrough. The main body is configured to allow a proper fuel nozzle to pass through the MFI nozzle passage, and prevent the improper fuel nozzle from passing therethrough. The assembly may also include at least one securing member configured to connect to the main body within a fuel fill line. The securing member(s) is configured to securely retain the main body within the fuel fill line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Edward KIM, Miguel SANCHEZ, Paul M. SUTENBACH, Stephen SPERANDO
  • Publication number: 20160009173
    Abstract: An improper fuel nozzle insertion-inhibiting assembly is configured to prevent an improper fuel-dispensing device from dispensing fuel into a fuel fill line of a vehicle. The assembly may include a cover including an open cavity defined by a circumferential wall and a front face wall, and a main body defining an internal chamber. At least one barrier door may be pivotally secured to the main body. The barrier door(s) is configured to close a nozzle-receiving channel that extends through the internal chamber. The barrier door(s) may include an integral pivot axle that is pivotally secured to an axle bearing within the main body. The barrier door(s) is configured to be pivoted open by inward urging of a proper or compatible fuel nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Stephen M. SPERANDO, Paul M. SUTENBACH
  • Publication number: 20160001653
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle-receiving assembly may include a main housing having an inlet configured to receive a fuel nozzle, a drain opening formed through a portion of the main housing, and a drain cover configured to be moved between a plugged position in which the drain opening is closed, and an unplugged position in which the drain opening is opened. The drain cover is configured to be in the plugged position when the fuel nozzle is inserted into the inlet so that any leaked fuel passes into the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Franco A. CISTERNINO, Paul M. SUTENBACH, Stephen M. SPERANDO
  • Publication number: 20150096983
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle-receiving assembly is configured to be operatively connected to a fuel fill line of a fuel intake system of a vehicle. The assembly may include a main outer body, a pressure relief member, and a seal member. The pressure relief member may be secured to and within the main outer body and may include at least one valve operatively connected to at least one relief passage. The valve(s) is configured to open to allow fluid pressure to be released through the at least one relief passage when the fluid pressure exceeds a pressure threshold. The seal member may be secured to the pressure relief member and may define a central opening configured to receive a fuel nozzle. The seal member is configured to sealingly engage an outer shaft of the fuel nozzle to prevent fuel from back-flowing out of the fuel fill line and air from passing into the fuel fill line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Melissa Moy, Stephen Sperando, Paul M. Sutenbach
  • Patent number: 8910678
    Abstract: A fuel intake assembly may include a main tube (24, 56, 98, 122) defining a fuel channel (25, 57, 99) at least one flapper (30, 94, 126, 166) pivotally secured within the main tube (24, 56, 98, 122), and a selective nozzle inhibitor (160) proximate the at least one flapper (30, 94, 126, 166). The least one flapper closes the fuel channel (25, 57, 99) in a closed position. The selective nozzle inhibitor (160) allows a first nozzle having a first diameter to move the at least one flapper into an open position. The selective nozzle inhibitor (160) allows a second nozzle having a second diameter to move the at least one-flapper into the open position, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. The selective nozzle inhibitor (160) prevents a third nozzle having a third diameter to open the at least one flapper, wherein the third diameter is less than the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Franco A. Cisternino, Michael J. Hall, Joseph L. Rodawold, Paul M. Sutenbach
  • Patent number: 8726950
    Abstract: A mis-fuel inhibitor in an inlet neck assembly of a vehicle fuel system discriminates between nozzle diameters, allowing entrance of nozzle diameters at or greater than a predetermined minimum diameter while inhibiting entrance of nozzles having diameters less than the predetermined minimum diameter. An actuator responsive to nozzle diameters opens and closes shutters blocking nozzle entrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Miller, Franco A. Cisternino, Paul M. Sutenbach
  • Patent number: 8720721
    Abstract: A capless refueling system is provided which utilizes snap-in attachment of a multi-stage valve assembly within a fuel pipe. The valve assembly includes a lower body portion and a cover independent from the lower body portion. The lower body portion and the cover are configured to be lockingly adjoined to one another. The cover is adapted to be adjoined to the fuel pipe. The system is sealed at a position above the primary shutoff valve thereby eliminating the need for a spring pin support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Dutzi, Bryan M. Miller, William A. Purdy, Stephen M. Sperando, Paul M. Sutenbach, Franco A. Cisternino
  • Publication number: 20120217240
    Abstract: A capless refueling system is provided which utilizes snap-in attachment of a multi-stage valve assembly within a fuel pipe. The valve assembly includes a lower body portion and a cover independent from the lower body portion. The lower body portion and the cover are configured to be lockingly adjoined to one another. The cover is adapted to be adjoined to the fuel pipe. The system is sealed at a position above the primary shutoff valve thereby eliminating the need for a spring pin support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Robert K. Dutzi, Bryan M. Miller, William A. Purdy, Stephen M. Sperando, Paul M. Sutenbach, Franco A. Cisternino
  • Publication number: 20110132906
    Abstract: A mis-fuel inhibitor in an inlet neck assembly of a vehicle fuel system discriminates between nozzle diameters, allowing entrance of nozzle diameters at or greater than a predetermined minimum diameter while inhibiting entrance of nozzles having diameters less than the predetermined minimum diameter. An actuator responsive to nozzle diameters opens and closes shutters blocking nozzle entrance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Miller, Franco A. Cisternino, Paul M. Sutenbach
  • Publication number: 20100132838
    Abstract: A fuel intake assembly may include a main tube (24, 56, 98, 122) defining a fuel channel (25, 57, 99) at least one flapper (30, 94, 126, 166) pivotally secured within the main tube (24, 56, 98, 122), and a selective nozzle inhibitor (160) proximate the at least one flapper (30, 94, 126, 166). The least one flapper closes the fuel channel (25, 57, 99) in a closed position. The selective nozzle inhibitor (160) allows a first nozzle having a first diameter to move the at least one flapper into an open position. The selective nozzle inhibitor (160) allows a second nozzle having a second diameter to move the at least one-flapper into the open position, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. The selective nozzle inhibitor (160) prevents a third nozzle having a third diameter to open the at least one flapper, wherein the third diameter is less than the first diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Franco A. Cisternino, Michael J. Hall, Joseph L. Rodawold, Paul M. Sutenbach
  • Publication number: 20080087354
    Abstract: A capless refueling assembly is provided that includes a retaining base and first and second doors. The retaining base has a fuel nozzle opening formed therethrough. The first door is pivotally secured to the retaining base, such that the first door covers a first portion of the fuel nozzle opening in a closed position. The second door is also pivotally secured to the retaining base, such that the second door covers a second portion of the fuel nozzle opening in the closed position. The first and second doors oppose one another and are configured to close the fuel nozzle opening in said closed position. The first and second doors are configured to pivot away from one another to open the fuel nozzle opening when a fuel nozzle is urged into the first and second doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Franco A. Cisternino, Kenneth R. Levey, Stephen M. Sperando, Paul M. Sutenbach
  • Patent number: 4607976
    Abstract: A ball socket assembly is constructed of a plastic molded housing and a locking member. The plastic molded housing has a ball socket integrally formed on its bottom wall in the form of a base member having a spherical-shaped internal wall segment which faces an opening in the housing and having a pair of resilient arm members integrally formed with the base segment. The resilient arm members extend generally parallel to and equidistant from the axis drawn through the center of the spherical-shaped wall segment. Each of the resilient arm members have a curved internal face which matches the curvature of the spherical-shaped wall segment. A locking member can be selectively installed to prevent outward flexing of the resilient arm members after a spherical ball-headed screw has been installed into the ball socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Peek, Paul M. Sutenbach
  • Patent number: 4600344
    Abstract: A one-piece plastic wing-nut fastener is constructed to push onto a threaded stud and be held in threaded engagement therewith through the use of a pair of opposing arcuate thin wall sections which are formed with internal threads and which flex radially outward whenever the fastener is pushed onto a threaded stud to provide a ratcheting action therebetween. The thin wall sections are supported on a base member by a U-shaped support having a head section and a pair of leg portions. The pair of leg portions are integrally formed with the base portion and extend between the base portion and head portion in a parallel relationship with the thin wall sections. The pair of thin wall sections are integrally formed between the base and the head portion with its axis in alignment with an enlarged aperture in the base portion and an enlarged central opening in the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Sutenbach, Brian R. Peek, Richard F. Daubert