Patents by Inventor Terrence J. Christensen

Terrence J. Christensen 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: 11274692
    Abstract: A self-tapping compression limiter for a structure of an automotive vehicle. The limiter includes a body having a first end extending to a second end. The body has a bore formed through the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis. The body has an outer wall having a shoulder radially extending from the outer wall and formed adjacent one of the first and second ends to reduce tolerance to the structure. The outer wall has a threaded portion formed about the longitudinal axis. The threaded portion is matingly cooperable with the structure to provide a positive lock interface between the limiter and the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Karram, Terrence J. Christensen
  • Patent number: 10982708
    Abstract: A limiting spring washer includes a main body portion and a side portion, which may be a frustoconical, extending from the main body portion. The main body portion defines a washer aperture therethrough. The main body portion is thicker than the side portion. A bolt assembly includes a part defining a part aperture therethrough. A limiter is disposed within the part aperture. A bolt is configured to attach the part to an item. In the bolt assembly, the limiting spring washer is disposed in contact with the limiter, the bolt, and the part. The bolt is configured to apply a total load, a first portion of the total load being absorbed by the part, and a second portion of the total load being absorbed by the limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Karram, Terrence J. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20200386257
    Abstract: A self-tapping compression limiter for a structure of an automotive vehicle. The limiter includes a body having a first end extending to a second end. The body has a bore formed through the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis. The body has an outer wall having a shoulder radially extending from the outer wall and formed adjacent one of the first and second ends to reduce tolerance to the structure. The outer wall has a threaded portion formed about the longitudinal axis. The threaded portion is matingly cooperable with the structure to provide a positive lock interface between the limiter and the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Michael A. Karram, Terrence J. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20200271152
    Abstract: A limiting spring washer includes a main body portion and a side portion, which may be a frustoconical, extending from the main body portion. The main body portion defines a washer aperture therethrough. The main body portion is thicker than the side portion. A bolt assembly includes a part defining a part aperture therethrough. A limiter is disposed within the part aperture. A bolt is configured to attach the part to an item. In the bolt assembly, the limiting spring washer is disposed in contact with the limiter, the bolt, and the part. The bolt is configured to apply a total load, a first portion of the total load being absorbed by the part, and a second portion of the total load being absorbed by the limiter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Michael A. Karram, Terrence J. Christensen