Patents by Inventor Ratko Menjak
Ratko Menjak 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: 8033574Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly having a variable energy absorption curve is disclosed. The assembly includes a column jacket and an energy absorption device defining a deformation channel. A strap, interconnecting the column jacket and the energy absorption device, is disposed within the channel and moves along a deformation path in response to collapse of the column jacket. A pin is moveable into the deformation channel by a pyrotechnic device to alter the deformation path. Accordingly, the energy absorption device absorbs energy at a first rate when the pin is not disposed in the deformation channel, and absorbs energy at a second higher rate when the pin is disposed in the deformation channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Inventors: Damir Menjak, Ratko Menjak
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Patent number: 8011265Abstract: A power actuator assembly includes a torque transmission device, a motor mounted to the torque transmission device extending along a motor axis, and a screw coupled to the torque transmission device and extending along a screw axis. An adjustment mechanism interconnects the screw and the torque transmission device and permits selective rotational adjustment between the adjustment mechanism and the torque transmission device to rotate the motor relative to the torque transmission device. A connecting device releasably interconnects the adjustment mechanism to the torque transmission device to permit repeated re-positioning of the motor relative to the torque transmission device.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Brian J. Magnus, Steven M. Thomas, Thomas A. Barrett, Mohammad S. Islam, Karen A. Boswell, David K. Siniff, Michael A. Tomasino, James E. Rouleau, Steven J. Schultz
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Patent number: 7661711Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly is provided that includes a column jacket and a bracket for attaching the assembly to a vehicle. A plate is coupled to the column jacket, and defines a opening therethrough and a slot extending along a longitudinal axis from the opening. A pyrotechnic device interconnects the bracket to a pin, and transversely moves the pin relative to the plate into the opening in response to a collision event. The pin deforms the slot as a result of longitudinal movement of the plate relative to the pin for absorbing energy imparted to the vehicle during the collision event, thereby reducing the likelihood of injuring a driver of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Brian J. Magnus, Karen A. Boswell
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Publication number: 20090199667Abstract: A power actuator assembly includes a torque transmission device, a motor mounted to the torque transmission device extending along a motor axis, and a screw coupled to the torque transmission device and extending along a screw axis. An adjustment mechanism interconnects the screw and the torque transmission device and permits selective rotational adjustment between the adjustment mechanism and the torque transmission device to rotate the motor relative to the torque transmission device. A connecting device releasably interconnects the adjustment mechanism to the torque transmission device to permit repeated re-positioning of the motor relative to the torque transmission device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Brian J. Magnus, Steven M. Thomas, Thomas A. Barrett, Mohammad S. Islam, Karen A. Boswell, David K. Siniff, Michael A. Tomasino, James E. Rouleau, Steven J. Schultz
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Publication number: 20090090210Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a column jacket longitudinally collapsible along a longitudinal axis. A release module is releasably coupled to the column jacket and attaches the column jacket to the vehicle at a connection point laterally offset from a first position along the longitudinal axis. An energy absorption system includes a strap attached to the column jacket at an attachment point latterly offset from a second position along the longitudinal axis and a deformation device disposed on the release module. The deformation device is laterally offset from a third position along the longitudinal axis disposed between the first position and the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Damir Menjak, Ratko Menjak
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Patent number: 7510213Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle. The steering column assembly includes a steering column operable to adjustably support a steering wheel in the vehicle. The steering column is moveable along a path for collapsing movement relative to a vehicle in response to an impact situation. The steering column assembly also includes an energy absorber for dissipating energy associated with the collapsing movement of the steering column along the path. The energy absorber includes an anvil fixedly disposed relative to one of the steering column and the path. The energy absorber also includes a strap drawable over the anvil and substantially fixedly disposed relative to the other of the steering column and the path. The steering column assembly also includes a second strap fixedly disposed relative to one of the steering column and the path for dissipating energy associated with the collapsing movement of the steering column along the path.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Marvin V. Manwaring, Richard K. Riefe, Ravi Ravindra, Timothy W. Kaufmann, Ratko Menjak, Albert C. Huber
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Patent number: 7455321Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly preferably has a collapsible steering shaft that extends rotatably along a centerline and a collapsible column that houses and co-extends with the shaft. The column preferably has inner and outer jackets that retract axially to collapse the column. An energy absorbing device has a member engaged between the inner and outer jackets and controls the collapse of the column generally via a high load stage and a low load stage of operation. The member is preferably elongated axially having a distal end that is looped over and spaced radially outward from the remainder of the member. The distal end is attached disengagably to the outer jacket via a pin received in a hole in the distal end and a fuse engaged operably to the pin and attached to the outer jacket.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Karen A. Boswell, Sainan Feng, James P. Kelly, Brian J. Magnus, Wayne M. Steverson
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Patent number: 7383750Abstract: A gear arrangement includes a first section having a first plurality of teeth and at least a portion of the first section is made of a compliant material. There is also a second section having a second plurality of teeth. The second section is made of a stiff material. The first section is arranged axially adjacent to the second section and each of the first plurality of teeth has a tooth flank that changes axially across the tooth flank. A method for manufacturing a gear arrangement includes fabricating a first gear, which includes a first plurality of teeth, and a bearing from a compliant material. The method also includes mounting a second gear, which includes a second plurality of teeth, to the bearing, aligning the first plurality of teeth with the second plurality of teeth, and coupling the first gear with the second gear.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Michael J. Augustine, David E. King, Neil T. Beyersdorf, Michael R. Pyrett, Thomas J. Bucholz, Charles W. Calvin, James P. Kelly, George S. Frahm
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Patent number: 7380828Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing the steering column assembly. The steering column assembly includes a steering column member having an aperture extending along an axis. The steering column assembly also includes a steering shaft rotatably disposed at least partially in the aperture. The steering shaft includes a steering wheel engaging end axially spaced from the aperture. The steering column assembly also includes a supporting member for supporting a vehicle accessory. The supporting member is cantilevered from the steering column member and cooperates with the steering column member to define a groove substantially surrounding the steering wheel engaging end.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Timothy W. Kaufmann, Stephen V. Gillman, Brian J. Magnus, Michael J. Cole, Damir Menjak
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Publication number: 20080111363Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly having a variable energy absorption curve is disclosed. The assembly includes a column jacket and an energy absorption device defining a deformation channel. A strap, interconnecting the column jacket and the energy absorption device, is disposed within the channel and moves along a deformation path in response to collapse of the column jacket. A pin is moveable into the deformation channel by a pyrotechnic device to alter the deformation path. Accordingly, the energy absorption device absorbs energy at a first rate when the pin is not disposed in the deformation channel, and absorbs energy at a second higher rate when the pin is disposed in the deformation channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Damir Menjak, Ratko Menjak
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Publication number: 20080100050Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly is provided that includes a column jacket and a bracket for attaching the assembly to a vehicle. A plate is coupled to the column jacket, and defines a opening therethrough and a slot extending along a longitudinal axis from the opening. A pyrotechnic device interconnects the bracket to a pin, and transversely moves the pin relative to the plate into the opening in response to a collision event. The pin deforms the slot as a result of longitudinal movement of the plate relative to the pin for absorbing energy imparted to the vehicle during the collision event, thereby reducing the likelihood of injuring a driver of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Brian J. Magnus, Karen A. Boswell
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Patent number: 7322898Abstract: A steering system includes a differential transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft, a rotary input device attached to the input shaft, a movable steering effector in operable communication with the output shaft, an angular-to-linear converter which converts a rotative motion of the output shaft to a linear motion that acts to move the steering effector. The motion of the steering effector enables path alteration of a vehicle. The steering system also includes an electromotive actuator in operable communication with the differential transmission. An activated electromotive actuator provides an active alteration of a speed change between a speed of the input shaft and a speed of the output shaft and a deactivated electromotive actuator provides a default speed change between the speed of the input shaft and the speed of the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Augustine, Ratko Menjak
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Patent number: 7306535Abstract: A vehicle steering device may include a rotatable input shaft, a motor in communication with an input augmentation shaft, the input augmentation shaft and the input shaft sharing a longitudinal axis, and the motor further having a stator stationary with respect to rotation of the input shaft. The vehicle steering device may further include a differential mechanism for providing variable ratio steering to the steering device. The differential mechanism may be a harmonic drive differential or a planetary gearing system. In one embodiment, an external wave generator may be used within the harmonic drive differential gearing mechanism. The vehicle steering device may include a sensorless synchronous machine.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Steven J. Collier-Hallman, Karen A. Boswell, Damir Menjak
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Publication number: 20070228716Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly preferably has a collapsible steering shaft that extends rotatably along a centerline and a collapsible column that houses and co-extends with the shaft. The column preferably has inner and outer jackets that retract axially to collapse the column. An energy absorbing device has an elongated strap having a substantially linear first segment engaged to the inner jacket and a substantially linear second segment engaged to the outer jacket. The first and second segments preferably project in a common axial direction from a bend segment of the strap having a pre-defined radius. At least a portion of the strap is in a preferably converging recess that extends axially with the column. The recess is preferably defined by the outer jacket and is configured to accept the bend segment. During column collapse and thus plastic deformation of the strap, the radius of the bend segment preferably decreases as the bend segment generally scrolls along the length of the strap.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2007Publication date: October 4, 2007Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Brian J. Magnus, Karen A. Boswell
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Publication number: 20070194563Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly preferably has a collapsible steering shaft that extends rotatably along a centerline and a collapsible column that houses and co-extends with the shaft. The column preferably has inner and outer jackets that retract axially to collapse the column. An energy absorbing device has a member engaged between the inner and outer jackets and controls the collapse of the column generally via a high load stage and a low load stage of operation. The member is preferably elongated axially having a distal end that is looped over and spaced radially outward from the remainder of the member. The distal end is attached disengagably to the outer jacket via a pin received in a hole in the distal end and a fuse engaged operably to the pin and attached to the outer jacket.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2007Publication date: August 23, 2007Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Karen A. Boswell, Sainan Feng, James P. Kelly, Brian J. Magnus, Wayne M. Steverson
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Publication number: 20060273569Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle. The steering column assembly includes a steering column operable to adjustably support a steering wheel in the vehicle. The steering column is moveable along a path for collapsing movement relative to a vehicle in response to an impact situation. The steering column assembly also includes an energy absorber for dissipating energy associated with the collapsing movement of the steering column along the path. The energy absorber includes an anvil fixedly disposed relative to one of the steering column and the path. The energy absorber also includes a strap drawable over the anvil and substantially fixedly disposed relative to the other of the steering column and the path. The steering column assembly also includes a second strap fixedly disposed relative to one of the steering column and the path for dissipating energy associated with the collapsing movement of the steering column along the path.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2006Publication date: December 7, 2006Inventors: Marvin Manwaring, Richard Riefe, Ravi Ravindra, Timothy Kaufmann, Ratko Menjak, Albert Huber
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Publication number: 20060213320Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle steering device, comprising, a pancake harmonic drive with an external wave generator surrounding a flex spline that is in mesh with both a tooth matched spline and a dynamic spline, a rotatable input shaft in operable communication with the harmonic drive, a rotatable output shaft in operable communication with the harmonic drive, and a motor in operable communication with the wave generator, and the gear ratio of the input shaft to the output shaft is altered by rotation of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2006Publication date: September 28, 2006Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Karen Boswell, Brian Magnus, Michael Augustine
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Publication number: 20060202462Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing the steering column assembly. The steering column assembly includes a steering column member having an aperture extending along an axis. The steering column assembly also includes a steering shaft rotatably disposed at least partially in the aperture. The steering shaft includes a steering wheel engaging end axially spaced from the aperture. The steering column assembly also includes a supporting member for supporting a vehicle accessory. The supporting member is cantilevered from the steering column member and cooperates with the steering column member to define a groove substantially surrounding the steering wheel engaging end.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2005Publication date: September 14, 2006Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Timothy Kaufmann, Stephen Gillman, Brian Magnus, Michael Cole, Damir Menjak
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Publication number: 20060052201Abstract: Disclosed herein is a steering system including: a differential transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft; a rotary input device attached to the input shaft; a movable steering effector in operable communication with the output shaft; an angular-to-linear converter which converts a rotative motion of the output shaft to a linear motion that acts to move the steering effector, wherein the motion of the steering effector enables path alteration of a vehicle; and, an electromotive actuator, in operable communication with the differential transmission, wherein an activated electromotive actuator provides an active alteration of a speed change between a speed of the input shaft and a speed of the output shaft and a deactivated electromotive actuator provides a default speed change between the speed of the input shaft and the speed of the output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2005Publication date: March 9, 2006Inventors: Michael Augustine, Ratko Menjak
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Patent number: 6997076Abstract: The gear mechanism for minimizing backlash may include a convoluted spring positioned between an external spline of a gear or shaft and an internal spline of a gear. The gear mechanism may include a cam and cam follower arrangement upon two adjacent gears positioned on the same shaft. Two stacked gears may include a U-shaped backlash eliminating element passing through both gears. The gear mechanism may include rollers which may be conically shaped.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Damir Menjak