Patents by Inventor Thomas Dziegielewski
Thomas Dziegielewski 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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Publication number: 20050151362Abstract: A damping pad for use with a steering column bracket includes a body having a plurality of ribs formed thereon. A plurality of retention posts extend from the body and have a hollow central shaft and a plurality of wings extending radially outwardly therefrom. The wings extend outwardly in a spiral and have a reduced cross section from the hollow central shaft out to an extremity of the wings.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2004Publication date: July 14, 2005Inventors: Mirjana Jurik, Jeffrey Ottenhoff, Thomas Dziegielewski
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Patent number: 6494488Abstract: A steering column mounting bracket is provided with break-away capsules integrally formed therewith from the same material as the mounting bracket allowing the capsules to have a more consistent break-away load and reduce noise within the cabin of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Mirjana Jurik, Jeff Szyskowski, Thomas Dziegielewski, John M Stoiber
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Patent number: 6439607Abstract: A vehicle steering mechanism can be supported for controlled collapse in crash situations, by constructing the support mechanism as a rigid assembly having a metal die casting as a principal component. The rigid die casting transmits a shock force from the vehicle steering wheel to shearable fasteners that connect the die casting to a mounting structure on the vehicle. Undesired resilience or spring in the steering shaft support mechanism is eliminated, such that the system has a desired predictability in frontal crash situations.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Applied Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mirjana Jurik, Peter Escobedo, Jr., Thomas Dziegielewski, Scott D Laney, John M Stoiber
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Patent number: 6415680Abstract: The present invention provides a way in which the coefficient of friction between the steering column and the instrument panel may be lessened when an isolator pad is used. The reduction in friction is accomplished by impregnating the isolator pad with a lubricant.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Mirjana Jurik, Rodney L Eaton, Thomas Dziegielewski, Scott D Laney, Kurt E Hofmeister
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Patent number: 6394494Abstract: A steering column mounting bracket is provided with break-away bars integrally formed therewith to allow for a consistent break-away force and reduce noise in the cabin of an automobile. The break-away bars will allow for axial compression of the steering shaft during an accident involving a collision of an automobile.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Mirjana Jurik, Jeff Szyskowski, Thomas Dziegielewski, John M Stoiber
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Patent number: 6371519Abstract: A vehicle steering mechanism can be supported for controlled collapse in crash situations, by constructing the steering shaft support housing as a rigid assembly having a metal die casting and tubular steel shroud as the principal components. The rigid die casting transmits a shock force from the vehicle steering wheel to shearable fasteners that connect the die casting to a mounting structure on the vehicle. Undesired resilience or spring in the steering shaft support mechanism is eliminated, such that the system has a desired predictability in frontal crash situations. The shaft housing deflection is effectively snubbed by a friction ring encircling a lower portion of the tubular steel shroud.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Mirjana Jurik, Rodney L. Eaton, Thomas Dziegielewski
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Patent number: 6364357Abstract: A telescoping steering column is provided with a simple means to allow ease of movement of a telescoping steering shaft through a plurality of positions. This is accomplished by placing a biasing component on an exterior of a movable portion of the steering column to bias the movement of that portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChyrsler CorporationInventors: Mirjana Jurik, Thomas Dziegielewski, Scott D Laney, John M Stoiber, Kurt E Hofmeister
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Patent number: 5797685Abstract: A device for rotatably supporting a gear shift tube within a tubular steering column of an automotive vehicle. The device comprises a support of integral, one-piece construction made of an elastomeric, resinous plastic material disposed within a cup rigidly secured in the lower end of the steering column. The support comprises an open-ended bearing sleeve co-axial with the cup having an end portion extending through an opening in the bottom wall of the cup. The sleeve has angularly spaced abutments inside the cup abutting the inner surface of the bottom wall of the cup around the opening. The sleeve also has angularly spaced tangs outside the cup extending radially outwardly and abutting the outer surface of the bottom wall of the cup around the opening. The abutments and the tangs cooperate in locking the bearing sleeve axially within the cup. The bearing sleeve is preferably made of urethane reinforced with glass fibers.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Mirjana Jurik, Thomas Dziegielewski, John Perri, Thomas Grzybowski
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Patent number: 5755461Abstract: An energy-absorbing device for a steering column of an automotive vehicle comprising energy-absorbing straps on opposite sides of the steering column. The straps are made of relatively stiff, bendable, flexible strip material. Each strap has a laterally inner leg and a laterally outer leg secured to the inner leg by one or more rivets. The legs of each strap extend lengthwise of the steering column and have corresponding ends laterally connected together by a curved loop portion. The inner leg of each strap is rigidly connected to the steering column. The outer leg of each strap is rigidly connected to the instrument panel. The rivets are adapted to shear in a frontal impact to allow the inner leg of each strap to move with the steering column as it collapses, with the loop portion of each strap resisting such collapse to gradually absorb energy and prevent excessive reaction forces of the steering column against the driver.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1997Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Michael F. Halacka, Mirjana Jurik, Thomas Dziegielewski, John Perri, Thomas Grzybowski
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Patent number: 5728004Abstract: A universal joint for a tilt steering column of a vehicle includes an intermediate cup pivotally coupled to an end of a driven shaft, and a bell yoke receiving the intermediate cup within a cavity of the bell yoke. A pin extends from the bell yoke into an aperture of the intermediate cup. A layered bushing is compressed between an end of the pin and the aperture of the intermediate cup. The layered bushing is comprised of a mesh main body having a radially inner sliding layer and a radially outer gripping layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventor: Thomas Dziegielewski
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Patent number: 5704254Abstract: A steering column support having a bracket on the steering column secured to vehicle support structure by fasteners at the rear edge of the bracket. Isolator pads at the front edge of the bracket are clamped under pressure between the bracket and the support structure The isolator pads dampen vibration of the steering column and also prevent undesirable tilting or rocking of the steering column when the vehicle is in motion.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1995Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: David E. Thomas, Thomas S. Kaliszewski, Rodney L. Eaton, Thomas Dziegielewski
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Patent number: 5609423Abstract: A lower bearing assembly for supporting a steering shaft within a tubular jacket of an automotive steering column. The steering shaft is of double-D configuration having two diametrically opposite, arcuate side walls and two diametrically opposite parallel flats. A cup is fitted within the jacket having a hole in the bottom wall through which the steering shaft extends. A bearing within the cup supports the steering shaft for rotation. A wedge is sleeved on the steering shaft and has a tapered nose wedged between the bearing and the steering shaft. The wedge has an inner double-D configuration matching that of the steering shaft. A compression coil spring encircles the wedge and bears on a flange on the wedge to hold the nose of the wedge wedged tightly between the bearing and the steering shaft. A retaining ring is sleeved on the steering shaft and holds the spring under compression. The inner edge of the retaining ring has the same double-D configuration as the steering shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1996Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Mirjana Jurik, Thomas Dziegielewski, Thomas Grzybowski