Patents by Inventor Tracy L. Zehnder

Tracy L. Zehnder 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).

  • Adaptive release capsule for steering column
    Patent number: 7178834
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting a steering wheel in a vehicle during normal vehicle handling and is breakable in response to an impact situation. The apparatus includes a member attachable to a vehicle and a steering column connected to the member for sliding movement. The apparatus also includes a capsule for connecting the member and the steering column to one another to prevent the sliding movement during normal vehicle handling. The capsule maintains the member and the steering column relative to one another, overcoming forces urging movement between the member and the steering column relative to one another, up to a first predetermined level of force. When the forces reach the first predetermined level, such as in an impact situation, the capsule breaks and releases the member and the steering column relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoyu Li, John F. Schulz, Tracy L. Zehnder, Richard K. Riefe, David M. Byers