Patents Assigned to Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen
  • Patent number: 10183599
    Abstract: A device to adjust a contour of a vehicle seat with contour adjustment, may include at least one air cushion connected to a pump via a supply line, a first valve for opening and closing the supply line, and a control and evaluation unit to determine an air volume being supplied to the at least one air cushion via an operating time of the pump and to correlate the air volume being supplied to the at least one air cushion with a contour of the vehicle seat. A related method for adjusting a contour of a vehicle seat with contour adjustment equipped with such a device, may include determining an air volume being supplied to the at least one air cushion via the operating time of the pump, and the air volume being supplied to the at least one air cushion is correlated with a contour of the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Alfmeier Präzision AG Baugruppen Und Systemlösungen
    Inventors: Erich Dörfler, Karl-Heinrich Preis
  • Patent number: 9261092
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pump comprising a housing (2), comprising at least one pump chamber (15), comprising an inlet valve (30) that has a valve element (30a) which controls an inlet opening (30c), comprising an outlet valve (33) that has a valve element (33a) which controls an outlet opening (33c), comprising a pressure relief valve (43) that has a valve element (43a) which controls a pressure relief opening (43c) and on which a spring element (48) acts in the closing direction (31), and comprising a spring chamber (49) that receives the spring element. A stop element (51) which can be accessed from the housing outer face and which can be adjusted in the closing direction (31) is arranged in the spring chamber (49), the spring element (48) end that faces away from the closing direction resting against the stop element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Alfmeier Präzision AG Baugruppen und Systemlösungen
    Inventors: Erich Dörfler, Ronny Gehlmann
  • Patent number: 9212759
    Abstract: A valve has a housing that has a first media opening and encloses a pressure space, and a valve element actuated by at least one wire-shaped SMA element arranged in a pressure space that in a first position closes the media opening and in a second position closes the first media opening that opens the valve element. The valve housing is formed by a housing shell open on one side and a circuit board closing it with which the SMA element is electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Alfmeier Präzision AG Baugruppen und Systemlösungen
    Inventors: Markus Köpfer, Markus Gebhardt
  • Publication number: 20140234132
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pump comprising a housing (2), comprising at least one pump chamber (15), comprising in inlet valve (30) that has a valve element (30a) which controls an inlet opening (30c), comprising an outlet valve (33) that has a valve element (33a) which controls an outlet opening (33c), comprising a pressure relief valve (43) that has a valve element (43a) which controls a pressure relief opening (43c) and on which a spring element (48) acts in the closing direction (31), and comprising a spring chamber (49), that receives the spring element (48) end that faces away from the closing direction resting against the stop element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: ALFMEIER PRAZISION AG BAUGRUPPEN UND SYSTEMLOSUNGEN
    Inventors: Erich Dörfler, Ronny Gehlmann
  • Publication number: 20140161654
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pump comprising a housing (2), comprising at least one pump chamber (15), comprising an inlet valve (30) that has a valve element (30a) which controls an inlet opening (30c), comprising an outlet valve (33) that has a valve element (33a) which controls an outlet opening (33c), comprising a pressure relief valve (43) that has a valve element (43a) which controls a pressure relief opening (43c) and on which a spring element (48) acts in the closing direction (31), and comprising a spring chamber (49) that receives the spring element. A stop element (51) which can be accessed from the housing outer face and which can be adjusted in the closing direction (31) is arranged in the spring chamber (49), the spring element (48) end that faces away from the closing direction resting against the stop element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Alfmeier Präzision AG Baugruppen Und Systemlösungen
    Inventors: Erich Dörfler, Ronny Gehlmann
  • Publication number: 20140093406
    Abstract: The invention refers to a housing (1) with a housing axis (8) and two housing parts (2, 3) mane of plastic, and with a joint extending between them transversally to the housing axis, in which case the housing parts (2, 3) are braced against one another with the help of at least one connecting element (7) made of plastic firmly bonded to the housing parts (2, 3), with a force (F) acting along the housing axis (3) of the housing (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Erich Dörfler, Helmut Auernhammer
  • Patent number: 8678218
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a fuel tank for a vehicle equipped with a valve housing and a ventilation opening that has a ventilation valve placed on an upper opening of the tank and which projects into the tank interior. Additionally, the wall of the valve housing is interspersed with at least one wall opening, and a float has been arranged in the valve housing that can be moved from a resting to a closing position and has a sealing element on its upper end. The float is in a lower place in the valve housing when it is in its resting position and the sealing element releases the ventilation opening. The float, when in a closing position, closes the ventilation opening with its sealing element as soon as the closing level is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Alfmeier Präzision AG Baugruppen und Systemlösungen
    Inventors: Richard Roscher, Jurgen Theissler
  • Patent number: 8550107
    Abstract: A ventilation device includes a ventilation opening closable by a float in a valve housing interior, an inflow opening in an upper portion, at least one outflow opening in a lower portion that can be closed by a sealing element of a shut-off valve. A storage container is connected through a conduit to the valve housing interior so that fuel can flow from the housing interior into the storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Richard Roscher, Jürgen Theissler
  • Publication number: 20130126007
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a fuel tank for a vehicle equipped with a valve housing and a ventilation opening that has a ventilation valve placed on an upper opening of the tank and which projects into the tank interior. Additionally, the wall of the valve housing is interspersed with at least one wall opening, and a float has been arranged in the valve housing that can be moved from a resting to a closing position and has a sealing element on its upper end. The float is in a lower place in the valve housing when it is in its resting position and the sealing element releases the ventilation opening. The float, when in a closing position, closes the ventilation opening with its sealing element as soon as the closing level is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosunge
    Inventor: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosunge
  • Patent number: 8127543
    Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assembly is provided that includes an SMA component. The SMA component is used to impart motion in an output shaft. Also provided is a return force component that provides a variable, tailored return force to the SMA component. Additionally, a variety of protective mechanisms are disclosed and utilized to prevent damage to the internal workings and components within the SMA actuator assembly as well as provide protection and safety for external workings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Peter E. Von Behrens, Dylan M. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 8087434
    Abstract: The invention refers to a filler neck for the fuel tank of a vehicle that encompasses a refueling channel (2), a first opening (3) and below it, arranged in a transversal wall (11), a second opening (7) that can be closed by a closing device. In a longitudinal section (27) of the refueling tank (2) that extends between the transversal wall (11) and the first opening (3), ends a drainage channel (10) via a drainage opening (12). In addition, a closing element (15) has been arranged in the longitudinal section (27), movable between a position that closes the drainage opening (12) and one position that releases it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Markus Stephan, André Brandis, Katrin Buchholz
  • Publication number: 20110315240
    Abstract: The invention refers to a ventilation valve for the fuel tank of a motor vehicle with a housing (2) that has a ventilation opening (28), a movably arranged float (5) in the housing in the direction of its middle longitudinal axis (16) and a float-held sealing element (29), which—seen in the top view towards the middle of the middle longitudinal axis (16) of the housing (2)—is fixed on the float (5) outside of the ventilation opening (28,28a) on the arranged fixing spot (35), in which case the ventilation opening (28,28a) has a non-circular opening contour and, extending away from the fixing spot (35), a terminal section (39) whose clear width (36) increases with increasing distance from the fixing spot (35), in which case the clear width (36) is measured transversally to an imaginary middle plane (37) that cuts the fixing point (35) in the center and contains the middle longitudinal axis (19) of the float (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Matthias Müller, Jürgen Theissler
  • Publication number: 20110301879
    Abstract: A pressure sensor (10) comprises a pressure transducer (12) that generates an electric pressure signal (28) in correlation with an absorbed pressure (p) and a processing unit (23) that generates an electric output signal (S) by means of a mapping rule (35) from the pressure signal (28). A valve assembly (2) contains a pressure sensor (10) that records a pressure (p) in its interior space (11) and emits it as a pressure signal (S). In a method for operating a pressure sensor (10), a pressure transducer (12) generates an electric pressure signal (28) in correlation with an absorbed pressure (p), and a processing unit (23) generates an electric output signal (S) by means of a mapping rule (35) from the pressure signal (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Manfred Herbst, Markus Schwarz, Markus Stephan, Jean-Francois Tirlet
  • Patent number: 8001991
    Abstract: A vent valve for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle includes a housing, a cage in the housing, a movable float, and a sealing arrangement with an at least three-stage reopening operation. The sealing arrangement includes multiple movable supports defining openings of varying cross-sectional area sequentially operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision Ag Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Jürgen Theissler, Richard Roscher
  • Patent number: 7862119
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a back rest having a frame (2) and a lordosis support (6), with the following additional configuration: The lordosis support (6) comprises a pressure plate (9) that is essentially bend resistant in at least the transverse direction of the seat or the Y-direction, forms a supporting surface in the lordosis region of the back rest and is arranged between two side frame parts (3) of the frame (2); there is at least one holding element (5a, 5b) that extends between the side frame parts (3) with a length-variable adjustment section (21), which runs in the Y-direction and connects to the pressure plate (9), and is affixed there at fixing points (30) arranged opposite each other; in an inoperative position, the pressure plate (9) is arranged with a horizontal clearance (11) or a clearance in the X-direction behind the fixing points (30); there is a driving device with which the length of the adjustment section can be shortened as the horizontal clearance is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision Ag Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Rolf Schäfer, Torsten Aeugle, Andrew Massara, Jürgen Hofmockel, Wolfram-H. Hofschulte, Urban Knöpfle, Michael Wöhrle
  • Patent number: 7789113
    Abstract: The device includes a protective mechanism for preventing introduction of a gasoline-type nozzle into an inlet passageway of a fuel tank of a Diesel motor vehicle, the inlet passageway defining a central axis, the protective mechanism comprising two arms mounted at least partially within the inlet passageway, the arms being pivotable around a pivot axis substantially parallel to the central axis. A connector is mounted at least partially within the inlet passageway, the connector being movable in a plane transverse to the central axis, movement of the connector outwardly from an idle position relative to the central axis causing the arms to pivot from an idle position toward a free-flow position. The connector is configured so that insertion of a gasoline-type nozzle into the inlet passageway will not move the arms to the free-flow position, whereas insertion of a Diesel-type nozzle into the inlet passageway will move the arms to the free-flow position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen & Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Markus Stephan, André Brandis
  • Patent number: 7614417
    Abstract: The device includes an air release valve for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, the air release valve comprising a housing defining at least one inlet opening therein, a central axis and a wall disposed proximate the inlet opening, the wall defining at least two outlet openings therein, the two outlet openings being sized differently; a sealing seat disposed about the two outlet openings; a float disposed in the housing moveable along the central axis, the float defining a center aligned with the central axis; and a flexible membrane attached proximate the center and extending freely therefrom to seal the two outlet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Dieter Simon, Dirk Batrz, Josip Marti{hacek over (s)}
  • Patent number: 7600818
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device for the headrest of a vehicle seat, comprising two fixtures which are spaced apart in the transversal direction (Y) of the seat and guide two rods (6, 7) that support the headrest so as to be able to adjust the height thereof. Said fastening device encompasses a fixture comprising a first guiding sleeve (23) that receives and slidingly directs a support rod (7), and a support (24) which is guided on the frame (2) of the vehicle seat so as to be movable in the transversal direction (Y) of the seat, and on which guiding sleeve (23) is mounted so as to be pivotable about a first swivel pin (27) extending in the longitudinal direction of the seat (X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision Ag Baugruppen und Systemlosung
    Inventors: Ulrich Ebbeskotte, Dieter Kraft
  • Publication number: 20090246978
    Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest system for a vehicle seat, said headrest system comprising a headrest (1) supported by at least one holding rod (3), a guide component (5), which can be arrested in the backrest (11) of the vehicle seat and serves for receiving a holding rod (3), a first electric connector disposed on the free end (10) of the holding rod (3) and a second electric connector, which cooperates with the first electric connector and can be arrested in the backrest (11), the joining direction (42) of the two electric connectors running approximately coaxially to the central longitudinal axis (19) of the free end (10) of the holding rod (3), and each of said two electric connectors comprising at least two contact elements designed in a rotationally symmetrical manner in relation to the central longitudinal axis (19) or the joining direction (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventor: Jurgen Hofmockel
  • Patent number: 7484528
    Abstract: A valve is provided with a valve housing encompassing a pressure chamber and possessing at least two valve ports which open into the pressure chamber, whereby, in the pressure chamber at least one axially slidable valve stem exists, which controls at least one of the valve ports and which the at least one valve stem is movable between a closed position and an open position. The valve further encompasses at least one wire or band shaped SMA element, the element having an SMA, as well as possessing a resetting element for the movement of the valve stems into the closure direction. The valve seat carries on its first end a port closing closure disk, whereby its second end is axially guided within the pressure chamber on a base plate which the plate extends itself transversely to the valve stems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Wolfgang Beyerlein, Markus Köpfer