Patents by Inventor Steven Finkbeiner

Steven Finkbeiner 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).

  • Publication number: 20060033320
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus including first and second steering column members disposed for movement relative to one another. The apparatus also includes an anvil associated with one of the first and second steering column members. The anvil is spaced from the other of the first and second steering column members. The apparatus also includes a strap having a mounting end fixedly associated with the other of the first and second steering column members. The strap also includes a free end spaced from the mounting end. The strap is drawable over the anvil in response to movement between the first and second steering column members. The strap also includes a slot extending away from the mounting end to the free end. The slot has a length and a variable width along at least a portion of its length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Publication date: February 16, 2006
    Inventors: Steven Finkbeiner, Yoshio Mori
  • Publication number: 20050183534
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus including a steering column assembly defining a longitudinal axis. The steering column assembly is adjustable along at least one of tilting and telescoping paths of adjustment. The apparatus also includes a locking device associated with the steering column assembly to selectively lock and unlock steering column with respect to the at least one of tilting and telescoping paths of adjustment. The locking device includes a lever arm mounted to the steering column assembly for rotation about a rotation axis. The lever arm includes a cam surface. The locking device also includes a lock member having a cam follower surface engaged with the cam surface to move between locked and unlocked positions in response to rotation of the lever arm. The lock member is spaced from the rotation axis along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Maida, Steven Finkbeiner
  • Publication number: 20050184500
    Abstract: The present invention provides a snap-on lower bracket (14, 14a) and bearing support for supporting a collapsible steering shaft in a vehicle. The invention includes a lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) defining a depression and a bracket (14, 14a) defining a tab that cooperates with the depression. For example, when the lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) and the support bracket (14, 14a) are engaged with respect to one another, the tab engages the depression in a snap-fit relationship. The snap-fit relationship provides sufficient strength to maintain the position of the lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) relative to the vehicle during normal vehicle handling. In the event of an impact situation, the lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) can move in response to the driver impacting the steering wheel and urge the tab out of engagement with the depression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Steven Finkbeiner, Robert Maida
  • Publication number: 20050145056
    Abstract: The invention provides a steering column for a vehicle. The steering column includes a steering column jacket defining a column axis. The steering column jacket is operable to at least partially encircle a steering shaft in a vehicle. The steering column also includes a tilt housing engaged with the steering column jacket for tilting movement about a tilt axis between a plurality of tilt positions. The steering column also includes a locking member supported for linear movement by the tilt housing. The locking member has a tip moveable outwardly with respect to the column axis to a locked position contacting the steering column jacket and inwardly towards the column axis to an unlocked position spaced from the steering column jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Maida, Steven Finkbeiner
  • Publication number: 20020013453
    Abstract: Antibodies, as well as binding fragments and mimetics thereof, that specifically bind to polyglutamine expansion containing proteins, e.g. mutant huntingtin protein, are provided. The subject binding agents, e.g. antibodies, fragments and mimetics thereof, etc., are characterized in that they bind to the target polyglutamine expansion containing protein in a manner that differs from the 1C2 antibody, e.g. in terms of affinity, avidity, and the like. Also provided are methods of screening compounds for polyglutamine expansion protein binding modulation activity, as well as pharmaceutical compositions of such agents. In addition, methods and devices for screening samples for the presence of polyglutamine expansion containing proteins, e.g. mutant huntingtin protein, are provided. Finally, nucleic acids encoding the subject antibodies and methods for their expression, including in therapeutic treatment protocols, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Steven Finkbeiner
  • Patent number: 6291652
    Abstract: Antibodies, as well as binding fragments and mimetics thereof, that specifically bind to polyglutamine expansion containing proteins, e.g. mutant huntingtin protein, are provided. The subject binding agents, e.g. antibodies, fragments and mimetics thereof, etc., are characterized in that they bind to the target polyglutamine expansion containing protein in a manner that differs from the 1C2 antibody, e.g. in terms of affinity, avidity, and the like. Also provided are methods of screening compounds for polyglutamine expansion protein binding modulation activity, as well as pharmaceutical compositions of such agents. In addition, methods and devices for screening samples for the presence of polyglutamine expansion containing proteins, e.g. mutant huntingtin protein, are provided. Finally, nucleic acids encoding the subject antibodies and methods for their expression, including in therapeutic treatment protocols, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Steven Finkbeiner