Patents by Inventor Rick J. Ferrara

Rick J. Ferrara 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: 9004580
    Abstract: A support structure is configured for locating an instrument panel within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The support structure includes a support bracket and an end bracket. The support bracket is attached to a body panel of the vehicle. The support bracket includes a lateral biasing guide. The end bracket is attached to an end of the instrument panel. The end bracket has a first side. The first side abuts the lateral biasing guide of the support bracket such that the lateral biasing guide biases the instrument panel in a lateral direction until the end bracket abuts the lateral datum surface of the first body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Rudy M. Vican, Michael R Kaphengst, Rick J. Ferrara, Denis L. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20140217780
    Abstract: A support structure is configured for locating an instrument panel within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The support structure includes a support bracket and an end bracket. The support bracket is attached to a body panel of the vehicle. The support bracket includes a lateral biasing guide. The end bracket is attached to an end of the instrument panel. The end bracket has a first side. The first side abuts the lateral biasing guide of the support bracket such that the lateral biasing guide biases the instrument panel in a lateral direction until the end bracket abuts the lateral datum surface of the first body panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Rudy M. Vican, Michael R. Kaphengst, Rick J. Ferrara, Denis L. Arnold
  • Patent number: 6009569
    Abstract: A new and improved toilet seat handle including a housing attached to the lower side of a toilet seat having a handle member slidably received therein. The handle member may be retracted and locked within the housing or quickly ejected therefrom using a spring mechanism in communication with a side mounted lever allowing the handle member to be concealably stored when not in use. The handle member has a pair of elongated parallel slots for receiving the housing mounting screws allowing the handle member to slide relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Rick J. Ferrara