Patents by Inventor Todd M. King

Todd M. King 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: 20240286668
    Abstract: An axially adjustable steering column assembly includes an upper jacket. The assembly also includes a lower jacket, wherein the upper jacket is received within the lower jacket and is telecopingly adjustable therein, the lower jacket having a position sensor operatively coupled thereto. The assembly further includes a column mounting bracket, wherein the lower jacket translates and rotates relative to the column mounting bracket. The assembly yet further includes a geared rack operatively coupled to the column mounting bracket, the geared rack correspondingly rotatable with the lower jacket, wherein the geared rack is in contact with a gear wheel of the position sensor to detect the axial position of the axially adjustable steering column assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Inventors: Jacob A. Caverly, Todd M. King, Randy W. Jones
  • Patent number: 11999408
    Abstract: An axially adjustable steering column assembly includes an upper jacket. The steering column assembly also includes a lower jacket, wherein the upper jacket is received within the lower jacket and is telescopingly adjustable therein, the lower jacket defining a pair of slots extending in an axial direction of the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a column mounting bracket, wherein the lower jacket translates and rotates relative to the column mounting bracket. The steering column assembly yet further includes a pair of bushings positioned within the pair of slots. The steering column assembly also includes a geared rack operatively coupled to one of the pair of bushings, the geared rack correspondingly rotatable with the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a sensor in operative contact with the geared rack to detect the axial position of the axially adjustable steering column assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob Caverly, Todd M. King, Randy W. Jones
  • Patent number: 11952034
    Abstract: A power driven, telescoping steering column having a tubular outer jacket, a tubular inner jacket, and a tubular intermediate jacket arranged for coaxial telescopic movement relative with one another via actuation of an actuator assembly includes, a mounting device operably coupled against relative axial movement with the tubular outer jacket, with the actuator assembly being coupled to the mounting device without being fixedly connected or attached to the tubular outer jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Randy W. Jones, James E. Rouleau, Todd M. King, Robert D. Maida
  • Publication number: 20240017762
    Abstract: An axially adjustable steering column assembly includes an upper jacket. The steering column assembly also includes a lower jacket, wherein the upper jacket is received within the lower jacket and is telescopingly adjustable therein, the lower jacket defining a pair of slots extending in an axial direction of the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a column mounting bracket, wherein the lower jacket translates and rotates relative to the column mounting bracket. The steering column assembly yet further includes a pair of bushings positioned within the pair of slots. The steering column assembly also includes a geared rack operatively coupled to one of the pair of bushings, the geared rack correspondingly rotatable with the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a sensor in operative contact with the geared rack to detect the axial position of the axially adjustable steering column assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Jacob Caverly, Todd M. King, Randy W. Jones
  • Publication number: 20230174139
    Abstract: A power driven, telescoping steering column having a tubular outer jacket, a tubular inner jacket, and a tubular intermediate jacket arranged for coaxial telescopic movement relative with one another via actuation of an actuator assembly includes, a mounting device operably coupled against relative axial movement with the tubular outer jacket, with the actuator assembly being coupled to the mounting device without being fixedly connected or attached to the tubular outer jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Randy W. Jones, James E. Rouleau, Todd M. King, Robert D. Maida
  • Patent number: 10676064
    Abstract: An ignition lock assembly includes a lock housing and an ignition lock actuator assembly. The lock housing has a first portion and a second portion that extends from the first portion along an axis. The ignition lock actuator assembly is received within the second portion. The ignition lock actuator assembly includes an actuator gear and a lock cylinder drive disk. The lock cylinder drive disk is at least partially received within the actuator gear. The lock cylinder drive disk has a drive disk body that extends between a first disk end and a second disk end. The first disk end has an inhibit feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
  • Patent number: 10640139
    Abstract: A telescoping steering column is supported by a vehicle structure, and includes a steering shaft, first, second, and third jackets, and first and second adjustment mechanisms. The steering shaft is adapted to rotate about an axis. The first jacket is adapted to rotatably support the steering shaft. The second jacket is adapted to support the first jacket, and the first jacket is constructed to slide axially with respect to the second jacket. The third jacket is adapted to support the second jacket, and the second jacket is constructed to slide axially with respect to the third jacket. The first adjustment mechanism is supported by the first and second jackets for axial movement of the first jacket with respect to the second jacket. The second adjustment mechanism is supported by the second and third jackets for axial movement of the second jacket with respect to the third jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Derocher, Todd M. King, James E. Rouleau
  • Patent number: 10577010
    Abstract: A telescoping steering column is constructed to be mounted to a vehicle structure. The telescoping steering column includes a plurality of jackets in telescopic relation to one another along a telescopic axis, an electric motor, at least one leadscrew, first and second thread sets, and first and second nuts. The plurality of jackets include a first jacket and a second jacket. The electric motor is rigidly fixed to one of the plurality of jackets. Then at least one leadscrew is rotationally driven by the electric motor. The first and second thread sets are carried by the at least one leadscrew. The first and second nuts are threaded upon the respective first and second thread sets, and attached to the respective first and second jackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Derocher, Todd M. King, James E. Rouleau, Donald A. Buzzard, Melvin L. Tinnin
  • Publication number: 20190359170
    Abstract: An ignition lock assembly includes a lock housing and an ignition lock actuator assembly. The lock housing has a first portion and a second portion that extends from the first portion along an axis. The ignition lock actuator assembly is received within the second portion. The ignition lock actuator assembly includes an actuator gear and a lock cylinder drive disk. The lock cylinder drive disk is at least partially received within the actuator gear. The lock cylinder drive disk has a drive disk body that extends between a first disk end and a second disk end. The first disk end has an inhibit feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
  • Patent number: 10434984
    Abstract: An ignition lock assembly includes a lock housing and an ignition lock actuator assembly. The lock housing has a first portion and a second portion that extends from the first portion along an axis. The ignition lock actuator assembly is received within the second portion. The ignition lock actuator assembly includes an actuator gear and a lock cylinder drive disk. The lock cylinder drive disk is at least partially received within the actuator gear. The lock cylinder drive disk has a drive disk body that extends between a first disk end and a second disk end. The first disk end has an inhibit feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
  • Patent number: 10351159
    Abstract: A driver interface for a vehicle includes a steering column assembly and a structural facial. The steering column assembly includes a column constructed and arranged to move between a retracted state and an extended state, and an attachment projecting outward from the column. The structural facial defines an alcove for receipt of the attachment when the steering column is in the retracted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Joen C. Bodtker, Melvin Lee Tinnin
  • Patent number: 10351160
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes first jacket, a second jacket, and a locking assembly. The first jacket is disposed about a first shaft. The second jacket is at least partially received within the first jacket. The second jacket is disposed about a second shaft that is selectively coupled to the first shaft. The locking assembly includes a shaft sleeve and a sensor assembly. The shaft sleeve is disposed about the first shaft and has a position feature. The sensor assembly is disposed within the second jacket and is operatively connected to a jacket sleeve. The sensor assembly is arranged to detect a position of the position feature relative to the sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard P. Nash, Todd M. King, Edward A. Cana
  • Publication number: 20190210633
    Abstract: A telescoping steering column is constructed to be mounted to a vehicle structure. The telescoping steering column includes a plurality of jackets in telescopic relation to one another along a telescopic axis, an electric motor, at least one leadscrew, first and second thread sets, and first and second nuts. The plurality of jackets include a first jacket and a second jacket. The electric motor is rigidly fixed to one of the plurality of jackets. Then at least one leadscrew is rotationally driven by the electric motor. The first and second thread sets are carried by the at least one leadscrew. The first and second nuts are threaded upon the respective first and second thread sets, and attached to the respective first and second jackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Robert C. Derocher, Todd M. King, James E. Rouleau, Donald A. Buzzard, Melvin L. Tinnin
  • Publication number: 20190210632
    Abstract: A telescoping steering column is supported by a vehicle structure, and includes a steering shaft, first, second, and third jackets, and first and second adjustment mechanisms. The steering shaft is adapted to rotate about an axis. The first jacket is adapted to rotatably support the steering shaft. The second jacket is adapted to support the first jacket, and the first jacket is constructed to slide axially with respect to the second jacket. The third jacket is adapted to support the second jacket, and the second jacket is constructed to slide axially with respect to the third jacket. The first adjustment mechanism is supported by the first and second jackets for axial movement of the first jacket with respect to the second jacket. The second adjustment mechanism is supported by the second and third jackets for axial movement of the second jacket with respect to the third jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Robert C. Derocher, Todd M. King, James E. Rouleau
  • Patent number: 10344507
    Abstract: A keyed cylinder sleeve includes a body and an anti-rotation feature. The body extends between a first end and a second end along an axis. The body has a first face and second face disposed about the first end, an inner bore configured to receive a keyed cylinder, and a holding block extending from the second face towards the second end. The anti-rotation feature is connected to the body and is disposed adjacent to the holding and is disposed proximate the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Christopher F. Watz, Thomas M. Finney
  • Patent number: 10189496
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an upper jacket assembly, a lower jacket assembly, a telescope drive assembly, and a telescope drive lock assembly. The upper jacket assembly is at least partially received within the lower jacket assembly. The telescope drive assembly includes a telescope actuator and an extension member. The telescope drive lock assembly is operatively connected to the extension member. The telescope drive lock assembly is configured to facilitate movement of the upper jacket assembly away from the retracted position while an advanced driver assist system is active and the upper jacket assembly is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Thomas M. Finney, Edward A. Cana
  • Publication number: 20180148084
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes first jacket, a second jacket, and a locking assembly. The first jacket is disposed about a first shaft. The second jacket is at least partially received within the first jacket. The second jacket is disposed about a second shaft that is selectively coupled to the first shaft. The locking assembly includes a shaft sleeve and a sensor assembly. The shaft sleeve is disposed about the first shaft and has a position feature. The sensor assembly is disposed within the second jacket and is operatively connected to a jacket sleeve. The sensor assembly is arranged to detect a position of the position feature relative to the sensor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Richard P. Nash, Todd M. King, Edward A. Cana
  • Publication number: 20180050720
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an upper jacket assembly, a lower jacket assembly, a telescope drive assembly, and a telescope drive lock assembly. The upper jacket assembly is at least partially received within the lower jacket assembly. The telescope drive assembly includes a telescope actuator and an extension member. The telescope drive lock assembly is operatively connected to the extension member. The telescope drive lock assembly is configured to facilitate movement of the upper jacket assembly away from the retracted position while an advanced driver assist system is active and the upper jacket assembly is in the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Thomas M. Finney, Edward A. Cana
  • Patent number: 9862403
    Abstract: A manually retractable steering column assembly includes a retractable portion translatable upon exertion of a manual force applied by a driver, the retractable portion restricted to a first translation range during a standard driving mode and translatable within a second translation range during an autonomous driving mode, the second translation range greater than the first translation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: James E. Rouleau, Todd M. King
  • Patent number: 9840271
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an outer jacket, an inner jacket, a pin, and a bracket. The inner jacket is configured to telescopically slide with respect to the outer jacket along a telescopic axis. The pin is engaged to and projects radially outward from one of the inner and outer jackets. The bracket is pivotally engaged to the other of the inner and outer jackets, and includes first and second surfaces that extend substantially axially and are generally opposed to one-another for selective contact with the pin to limit a pivoting range as a function of telescopic position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: James E. Rouleau, Shawn A. Haring, Michael Srda, Todd M. King