The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 09, 2007
Filed:
Jun. 15, 2005
Frederick J. Berg, Auburn, MI (US);
Timothy J. Bennett, Kawkawlin, MI (US);
Alan C. Davis, Fenton, MI (US);
Richard K. Riefe, Saginaw, MI (US);
Ronald H. Dybalski, Oak Park, MI (US);
Timothy M. Phillips, Fenton, MI (US);
Frederick J. Berg, Auburn, MI (US);
Timothy J. Bennett, Kawkawlin, MI (US);
Alan C. Davis, Fenton, MI (US);
Richard K. Riefe, Saginaw, MI (US);
Ronald H. Dybalski, Oak Park, MI (US);
Timothy M. Phillips, Fenton, MI (US);
Delphi Technologies, Inc., Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
A steering column assembly () of the type for controlling one or more steerable wheels in a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel () interface secured to the free end of a steering column (). The steering column assembly () includes powered telescope adjust and tilt adjust features which a driver () uses to adjust the position of the steering wheel () for maximum comfort. One or more condition sensors () monitor numerous parameters about the vehicle. When an emergency condition is detected, such as the seat belt warning, a door that is ajar, various engine conditions, or erratic driving activity, a haptic controller () rapidly vibrates the steering wheel () through the telescoping and tilt adjusting motors () as a means of alerting the driver () to the emergency condition. These warnings can be given priority so that a first warning is communicated by steering wheel () vibrations in one direction, and a second warning is communicated by vibrations in both the first direction and a second direction simultaneously. In addition, a third warning can be given emphasis by increasing the power of the vibration to a resonance mode to cause an audible warning.