Patents by Inventor Andreas Pfeiffer
Andreas Pfeiffer 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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Patent number: 7904228Abstract: A distance-related cruise control system and method for a motor vehicle performs a speed control to a predefined desired speed during free travel of the motor vehicle and performs a distance regulation to a predefined distance to the vehicle traveling ahead during following travel. After deactivation of the distance regulation during following travel, the system performs a speed control, not to the previously defined speed, but rather to the current speed of the motor vehicle at the instant of the deactivation of the distance regulation as the desired speed.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andreas Pfeiffer, Joachim Steinle, Martin Brandstaeter
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Publication number: 20100208980Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting a semiconductor wafer (8) has a plurality of light sensors (2) arranged relative to a light source (1) and wafer inspection platform (4), so that images of different angle views of a surface of the wafer can be received and compared with corresponding images taken of a reference wafer to automatically detect defects based on image comparison. The light sensors (2) may receive superposed images of light (7) reflected directly from the light source (1) off the wafer surface and light (6) indirectly reflected off the wafer surface after first reflecting off a dome (3) with a diffusely reflecting inner surface (5) positioned over the platform (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Alexander Urban, Peter Schaeffler, Andreas Pfeiffer, Holger Schwekendiek
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Patent number: 7627415Abstract: In a device for securing the standstill of a motor vehicle with a distance-related longitudinal dynamic control module, which is contained in at least one electronic control unit and by which the motor vehicle is decelerated down to a standstill while maintaining a defined distance from a target object, at least until reaching the standstill, a nominal brake torque is defined by the longitudinal dynamic control module for a brake control module. At a defined first time after a detected standstill of the motor vehicle, the longitudinal dynamic control module transmits a transfer signal to the brake control module. Thereupon, independently of the predefinition of a nominal brake torque by the longitudinal dynamic control module, the brake control module alone builds up and/or holds a wheel brake torque in the sense of a parking brake function.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Oliver Tschernoster, Carsten Hass, Sonja de Castro Bonfim, Leander Kempenaars, Christian Scheinost, Bartono Adiprasito, Maria-Christina Laiou, Andreas Pfeiffer
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Patent number: 7566103Abstract: A method for controlling a drive system and/or a wheel braking system, a total braking torque consisting of a drive braking torque and/or a wheel braking torque to be applied to the wheels of a motor vehicle is adjusted such that the desired wheel braking torque is reduced by an amount which can be compensated by a (preferably maximally) possible increase of the drive braking torque, when the wheel braking system is particularly loaded and when the vehicle velocity is approximately constant (steady-state) operating mode. However, the increase of the drive braking torque is limited to a predefined amount (preferably achievable in the fired coasting operation) when the wheel braking system is loaded less highly or the vehicle velocity changes (dynamic operating mode).Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Wanner, Andreas Pfeiffer, Emanuel Fuchs, Hubert Schumacher
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Publication number: 20080215224Abstract: In a device for securing the standstill of a motor vehicle with a distance-related longitudinal dynamic control module, which is contained in at least one electronic control unit and by which the motor vehicle is decelerated down to a standstill while maintaining a defined distance from a target object, at least until reaching the standstill, a nominal brake torque is defined by the longitudinal dynamic control module for a brake control module. At a defined first time after a detected standstill of the motor vehicle, the longitudinal dynamic control module transmits a transfer signal to the brake control module. Thereupon, independently of the predefinition of a nominal brake torque by the longitudinal dynamic control module, the brake control module alone builds up and/or holds a wheel brake torque in the sense of a parking brake function.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Oliver TSCHERNOSTER, Carsten Hass, Sonja de Castro Bonfim, Leander Kempenaars, Christian Scheinost, Bartono Adiprasito, Maria-Christina Laiou, Andreas Pfeiffer
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Publication number: 20080162011Abstract: A distance-related cruise control system and method for a motor vehicle performs a speed control to a predefined desired speed during free travel of the motor vehicle and performs a distance regulation to a predefined distance to the vehicle traveling ahead during following travel. After deactivation of the distance regulation during following travel, the system performs a speed control, not to the previously defined speed, but rather to the current speed of the motor vehicle at the instant of the deactivation of the distance regulation as the desired speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2008Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andreas PFEIFFER, Joachim Steinle, Martin Brandstaeter
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Patent number: 7379808Abstract: A system for controlling longitudinal dynamics in motor vehicles by which, starting from an actual vehicle velocity, a new desired vehicle velocity is to be adjusted. A functional module is provided by which a desired wheel torque course is determined for reaching the desired vehicle velocity, the course at least in a main section being proportional to the reciprocal value of the vehicle velocity and which is outputted to potential regulating systems for the conversion of the desired wheel torque course.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andreas Pfeiffer, Peter Wanner
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Publication number: 20080097676Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a drive system and/or a wheel braking system of a vehicle, in which a total braking power to be exerted on the wheels of a motor vehicle is composed of a drive braking power and/or a wheel braking power. The instantaneously set drive braking power is frozen when, starting from a stationary operating mode, the gradient of the required total braking power exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andreas PFEIFFER, Peter Wanner
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Publication number: 20070207895Abstract: A method for controlling a drive system and/or a wheel braking system, a total braking torque consisting of a drive braking torque and/or a wheel braking torque to be applied to the wheels of a motor vehicle is adjusted such that the desired wheel braking torque is reduced by an amount which can be compensated by a (preferably maximally) possible increase of the drive braking torque, when the wheel braking system is particularly loaded and when the vehicle velocity is approximately constant (steady-state) operating mode. However, the increase of the drive braking torque is limited to a predefined amount (preferably achievable in the fired coasting operation) when the wheel braking system is loaded less highly or the vehicle velocity changes (dynamic operating mode).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Emanuel Fuchs, Andreas Pfeiffer, Peter Wanner, Hubert Schumacher
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Publication number: 20070198161Abstract: A system for controlling longitudinal dynamics in motor vehicles by which, starting from an actual vehicle velocity, a new desired vehicle velocity is to be adjusted. A functional module is provided by which a desired wheel torque course is determined for reaching the desired vehicle velocity, the course at least in a main section being proportional to the reciprocal value of the vehicle velocity and which is outputted to potential regulating systems for the conversion of the desired wheel torque course.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2007Publication date: August 23, 2007Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andreas Pfeiffer, Peter Wanner
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Patent number: 6896112Abstract: A clutch-actuating device for a clutch in a motor vehicle power train has an actuator motor driving an actuating member and a transfer mechanism which transmits the movement of the actuating member to a clutch release element that is movable against an opposing force of a clutch spring to displace the clutch from a closed position to an open position. The transfer mechanism has a first movement range in which the movement of the actuating member in the opening direction of the clutch does not displace the clutch from its closed position, and a second movement range in which the movement of the actuating member causes a displacement of the clutch. The transfer mechanism has an interval of loose play, which is used up within the first range.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Reinhard Berger, Thomas Rammhofer, Martin Zimmermann, Holger Stork, Gunter Hirt, Andreas Pfeiffer, Thomas Jager, Martin Brandt, Andreas Deimel
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Publication number: 20040188218Abstract: A clutch-actuating device for a clutch in a motor vehicle power train has an actuator motor driving an actuating member and a transfer mechanism which transmits the movement of the actuating member to a clutch release element that is movable against an opposing force of a clutch spring to displace the clutch from a closed position to an open position. The transfer mechanism has a first movement range in which the movement of the actuating member in the opening direction of the clutch does not displace the clutch from its closed position, and a second movement range in which the movement of the actuating member causes a displacement of the clutch. The transfer mechanism has an interval of loose play, which is used up within the first range.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: LuK Lamellen und KupplungsbauInventors: Reinhard Berger, Thomas Rammhofer, Martin Zimmermann, Holger Stork, Gunter Hirt, Andreas Pfeiffer, Thomas Jager, Martin Brandt, Andreas Deimel
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Patent number: 6223538Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic lining for combustion chambers (8) consisting of several juxtaposed elements (1) that are attached by means of a retention bolt (3) to the inside of a thermally highly stressed metallic support wall (4), whereby at least one insulation body (5) is arranged between the metallic support wall (4) and the ceramic elements (1). It is characterized in that the ceramic elements (1) essentially have the shape of a straight, regular pyramid whose base (2) has n corners, preferably three corners, and faces the combustion chamber (8), and into whose tip the retention bolt (3) is integrated.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AGInventors: Urs Benz, Armin Heger, Marcel König, Axel Kranzmann, Andreas Pfeiffer, Roger Suter, Hugo Wetter
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Patent number: 6145452Abstract: An arrangement for insulating a wall of a metallic combustion chamber is disclosed. A layer of insulating material is applied to the metallic wall and a plurality of ceramic wall panels are applied over the ceramic insulation material. The wall panels are retained by fastening elements that pass through an opening in the wall panels. The opening in the wall panels has a frusto-conical surface and the engagement surface of the fastening element is at least partially spherical to avoid mechanical and thermal stresses.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1998Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.Inventors: Armin Heger, Stefan Reh, Andreas Pfeiffer, Axel Kranzmann
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Patent number: 5957067Abstract: In the case of a ceramic liner for combustion spaces, comprising at least one wall element (3), made of refractory structural ceramic and having at least one through-opening (6), and a fastening element (4), consisting of refractory structural ceramic, per opening (6), the fastening element (4) is resiliently fastened by its foot in a metallic holding device (5) fastened on the metallic supporting wall (1). The head (20) of the fastening element (4) rests in the opening (6) in the wall element (3).The wall element (3) is designed in the form of a box, having a base (25) which runs parallel to the metallic wall (1), having an inside wall (23) which surrounds the opening (6) in an annular manner and is supported directly or indirectly on the metallic supporting wall (1), and having outside walls (24) which extend up to the metallic supporting wall (1) without touching the latter.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.Inventors: Klaus Dobbeling, Armin Heger, Andreas Pfeiffer
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Patent number: 5740365Abstract: For administering and maintaining a greatest variety of communication systems having a greatest variety of configuration levels and function versions, a modularly structured personal service computer can be connected thereto locally or via communication networks. The adaptability to the greatest variety of communication systems is achieved with the assistance of a software concept wherein administration and maintenance instructions that administer and maintain communication systems are generated individually associated to a communication system and under the control of the user surface and are communicated to the respective communication system. The software concept is based on a software structure comprising four program structures that can be modified by removing or adding program modules given the least influencing of the implemented program modules and that substantially enhances the modularity and adaptability of the personal service computer.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1995Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andreas Pfeiffer, Wolfgang Kaufel, Christine Vogt-Wingerath, Frank Renner, Michael Kreutzer, Manfred Weiser
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Patent number: 5624256Abstract: In the case of a ceramic lining for combustion spaces, comprising at least one wall panel (3) of high temperature resistant structural ceramic with at least one through-opening (6) and comprising one fastening element (4) per opening (6), the fastening element (4) being fastened by its foot in a metallic holding device (5) fastened on the metallic supporting wall (1), and the head of the fastening element (4) resting in the opening (6) of the wall panel (3), and there being an insulating layer (2) arranged between the metallic supporting wall (1) and the ceramic wall panel (3), the fastening element (4) consists of high temperature resistant structural ceramic. The wall panel (3) is drawn-in in the direction of the metallic supporting wall (1) in the region of the opening (6) and the fastening element (4) is resiliently linked to a special holding device (5).Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1996Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: ABB Management AGInventors: Andreas Pfeiffer, Hugo Wetter