Patents by Inventor Bernd Winkelhake

Bernd Winkelhake 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).

  • Patent number: 11052799
    Abstract: A lumbar support (100) for a seat (200) defining a back plane (E) comprises a support device (10) having an upper end (O) including an upper angle of inclination (?) with the back plane (E) and a lower end (U) including a lower angle of inclination (?) with the back plane (E) and forming an crown of the curvature (S) located in an adjustable position between the upper end (O) and the lower end (U). The lumbar support (100) further comprises at least one angle adjuster (20, 25) connected to the upper end (O) or the lower end (U) and adapted to vary the upper angle of inclination (?) or the lower angle of inclination (?) in order to adjust the position of the crown of the curvature (S), and an actuator (30, 35) for adjusting the angle adjuster (20, 25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: component engineering services GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Winkelhake, Daniel Arnke
  • Patent number: 10851766
    Abstract: Actuator (100) for an adjustable component, in particular of a motor vehicle, comprising a wire (10) made of a shape memory alloy having a first end portion (11) and a second end portion (12) and extending in an axial direction (A) over a variable length (L); an actuating element (20) movable in the axial direction (A) between a first position (I) and a second position (II); a floating support (30) by which the wire (10) is movably supported in the axial direction (A); a fixed support (33) by which the wire (10) is fixedly disposed in the axial direction (A); at least one abutment (40, 45) connected to the floating support (30) or the fixed support (33) and provided with a through-opening (41, 46) for the wire (10) and a support surface (42, 47) adapted to transmit a force in the radial direction (R); and having at least one elastically deformable connecting element (60, 65) which has a receiving opening (61, 66) for the wire (10), which has a variable diameter (DA1, DA2) and in which the wire (10) is clamped
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: component engineering services GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Winkelhake
  • Publication number: 20200079260
    Abstract: A lumbar support (100) for a seat (200) defining a back plane (E) comprises a support device (10) having an upper end (O) including an upper angle of inclination (?) with the back plane (E) and a lower end (U) including a lower angle of inclination (?) with the back plane (E) and forming an crown of the curvature (S) located in an adjustable position between the upper end (O) and the lower end (U). The lumbar support (100) further comprises at least one angle adjuster (20, 25) connected to the upper end (O) or the lower end (U) and adapted to vary the upper angle of inclination (?) or the lower angle of inclination (?) in order to adjust the position of the crown of the curvature (S), and an actuator (30, 35) for adjusting the angle adjuster (20, 25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Bernd Winkelhake, Daniel Arnke
  • Publication number: 20200003190
    Abstract: Actuator (100) for an adjustable component, in particular of a motor vehicle, comprising a wire (10) made of a shape memory alloy having a first end portion (11) and a second end portion (12) and extending in an axial direction (A) over a variable length (L); an actuating element (20) movable in the axial direction (A) between a first position (I) and a second position (II); a floating support (30) by which the wire (10) is movably supported in the axial direction (A); a fixed support (33) by which the wire (10) is fixedly disposed in the axial direction (A); at least one abutment (40, 45) connected to the floating support (30) or the fixed support (33) and provided with a through-opening (41, 46) for the wire (10) and a support surface (42, 47) adapted to transmit a force in the radial direction (R); and having at least one elastically deformable connecting element (60, 65) which has a receiving opening (61, 66) for the wire (10), which has a variable diameter (DA1, DA2) and in which the wire (10) is clamped
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventor: Bernd Winkelhake
  • Patent number: 10207605
    Abstract: The invention relates to a latching fitting (10), in particular for a seat of a motor vehicle. The latching fitting (10) comprises a base plate (20), a cover plate (30), at least one blocking arm (40, 140) and an actuating plate (50). The cover plate (30) is rotatable relative to the base plate (20) and has an internal toothing (31). The blocking arm (40, 140) is arranged on the base plate (20) and is pivotable between an unlocked position, in which rotation of the cover plate (30) relative to the base plate (20) is possible, and a locked position, in which rotation of the cover plate (30) relative to the base plate (20) is blocked. The actuating plate (50) is rotatable relative to the base plate (20) and shifts the blocking arm (40, 140) between the unlocked position and the locked position. The internal toothing (31) has first blocking teeth (34) which have a vertex (35) and which are formed asymmetrically with respect to a radial axis (A) which runs through the vertex (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: component engineering services GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Winkelhake
  • Publication number: 20160304001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a latching fitting (10), in particular for a seat of a motor vehicle. The latching fitting (10) comprises a base plate (20), a cover plate (30), at least one blocking arm (40, 140) and an actuating plate (50). The cover plate (30) is rotatable relative to the base plate (20) and has an internal toothing (31). The blocking arm (40, 140) is arranged on the base plate (20) and is pivotable between an unlocked position, in which rotation of the cover plate (30) relative to the base plate (20) is possible, and a locked position, in which rotation of the cover plate (30) relative to the base plate (20) is blocked. The actuating plate (50) is rotatable relative to the base plate (20) and shifts the blocking arm (40, 140) between the unlocked position and the locked position. The internal toothing (31) has first blocking teeth (34) which have a vertex (35) and which are formed asymmetrically with respect to a radial axis (A) which runs through the vertex (35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Bernd Winkelhake
  • Publication number: 20140306504
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seal (100) having a tilt adjustment device, more particularly as a component of a rear row of seats of a motor vehicle, comprising a backrest and a seat part (12A), which is movably arranged about a horizontal pivot axis (Y1) for setting the seat tilt independent of the backrest by means of a seat tilt adjustment device, wherein the pivot axis (Y1) runs between a moving cushion part (12A-1) and a fixed cushion part (12A-2). It is provided that the tilt adjustment device has an upper support plate (40) and a lower support plate (30), wherein the moving cushion part (12A-1) rests on the upper support plate (40), wherein an actuator (50), arranged between the support plates (30, 40), can effect a movement of the upper support plate (40) relative to the lower support plate (30), whereby the moving cushion part (12A-1) can be moved from an essentially flat un-raised position into a tilted raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Boy, Bernd Winkelhake, Lars Dänekas
  • Patent number: 8096616
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat cushion coupled between a pair of risers and a seat back pivotally coupled thereto. A pair of front cushion support links and a pair of rear cushion support links are coupled between the seat cushion and the risers for pivotally supporting and guiding the seat cushion. A fold flat mechanism includes a transfer link operatively coupled between the rear cushion support link and the seat back for transferring pivotal movement of the seat back through the transfer link to each of the front and rear seat cushion support links to automatically move the seat assembly between a seating position wherein the seat back is in an upright position and the seat cushion is spaced above the floor, and a stowed position wherein the seat back is pivoted to a fold flat position and the seat cushion is lying flat against the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Seating Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Kevin J. Ventura, Bernd Winkelhake, Omar D. Tame, Peter Paul Zeimis, III
  • Publication number: 20110193388
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat cushion coupled between a pair of risers and a seat back pivotally coupled thereto. A pair of front cushion support links and a pair of rear cushion support links are coupled between the seat cushion and the risers for pivotally supporting and guiding the seat cushion. A fold flat mechanism includes a transfer link operatively coupled between the rear cushion support link and the seat back for transferring pivotal movement of the seat back through the transfer link to each of the front and rear seat cushion support links to automatically move the seat assembly between a seating position wherein the seat back is in an upright position and the seat cushion is spaced above the floor, and a stowed position wherein the seat back is pivoted to a fold flat position and the seat cushion is lying flat against the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin J. Ventura, Bernd Winkelhake, Omar D. Tame, Peter Paul Zeimis, III
  • Patent number: 7731288
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle seat (2) comprising a seat part (6) which may be moved by means of a seat part mechanism (20) from an operating position into a non-operating position, a backrest (4) which may be swiveled by means of a backrest mechanism (8) about a swivel pin (10) in the direction of the seat part (6), and a coupling element (44) for coupling the movement of the backrest (4) to the movement of the seat part (6), the coupling element (44) cooperating with the backrest mechanism (8) and the seat part mechanism (20) such that the coupling element (44) exerts a tensile force on the seat part mechanism (20), in order to move the seat part (6) from the operating position into the non-operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Seating Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Kevin J. Ventura, Bernd Winkelhake
  • Patent number: 7654615
    Abstract: A seat assembly (10) for supporting an occupant above a floor in a vehicle includes a seat cushion (12) coupled to a pair of spaced apart risers (20, 22) extending between forward (24) and rearward (26) ends and a seat back (16) pivotally coupled thereto. A rocker mechanism (58) selectively angularly adjusts the seat cushion (12) relative to the floor. A first pivot (70) pivotally connects the rearward ends (26) of the risers (20, 22) to the floor. A sector gear (92) is pivotally coupled to the riser adjacent the forward end and includes a mounting pin (94) offset from the pivotal connection. A rocker link (96) extends from a first end pivotally coupled to the floor and a second end pivotally coupled to the mounting pin (94) for guiding the forward ends (24) of the risers (20, 22) during pivotal movement about the first pivot (70). A pawl (102) is pivotally coupled to the rocker link (96) for selectively engaging the sector gear (92) to maintain the angular position of the seat assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Seating Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Kevin J. Ventura, Bernd Winkelhake
  • Publication number: 20090079247
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle seat (2) comprising a seat part (6) which may be moved by means of a seat part mechanism (20) from an operating position into a non-operating position, a backrest (4) which may be swiveled by means of a backrest mechanism (8) about a swivel pin (10) in the direction of the seat part (6), and a coupling element (44) for coupling the movement of the backrest (4) to the movement of the seat part (6), the coupling element (44) cooperating with the backrest mechanism (8) and the seat part mechanism (20) such that the coupling element (44) exerts a tensile force on the seat part mechanism (20), in order to move the seat part (6) from the operating position into the non-operating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Kevin J. Ventura, Bernd Winkelhake
  • Publication number: 20080224519
    Abstract: A seat assembly (10) for supporting an occupant above a floor in a vehicle includes a seat cushion (12) coupled to a pair of spaced apart risers (20, 22) extending between forward (24) and rearward (26) ends and a seat back (16) pivotally coupled thereto. A rocker mechanism (58) selectively angularly adjusts the seat cushion (12) relative to the floor. A first pivot (70) pivotally connects the rearward ends (26) of the risers (20, 22) to the floor. A sector gear (92) is pivotally coupled to the riser adjacent the forward end and includes a mounting pin (94) offset from the pivotal connection. A rocker link (96) extends from a first end pivotally coupled to the floor and a second end pivotally coupled to the mounting pin (94) for guiding the forward ends (24) of the risers (20, 22) during pivotal movement about the first pivot (70). A pawl (102) is pivotally coupled to the rocker link (96) for selectively engaging the sector gear (92) to maintain the angular position of the seat assembly (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin J. Ventura, Bernd Winkelhake
  • Patent number: 6629710
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an interlocking device and in more particular to an interlocking device with a rotary latch that receives a latching bolt. In operation, the rotary latch can swing out of a release position into a locked position, by means of the bolt engaging a coupling jaw of the rotary latch. When the rotary latch is in a locked position, a safety element in an arresting position prevents rotary latch from swinging into its release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gavriel Shafry, Bernd Winkelhake, Christian Fenner, Juergen Seigel, Klaus Schindler
  • Patent number: 5915778
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a vehicle seat with a floor track assembly which makes it possible to change the number and/or the seating arrangement in a passenger compartment by displacing the seats on the floor tracks. It is proposed that a situation be achieved via a combination of a defined track profile and an arrestment mechanism whereby the displacement of the seats on the tracks can be smoothly carried out with large tolerances in a manner which is insensitive to dirt and whereby complete freedom from play and rattling of the seat assembly is nevertheless ensured in the arrested state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Gebr. Isringhausen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Winkelhake, Manfred Granzow
  • Patent number: 5676424
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle with a scissor-like pivoting system and device for the adjustment of the inclination and/or height of the surface of the seat includes the feature that the device for the adjustment of the inclination and/or height must be space-saving and is not permitted to influence the pivoting system. Scissor-type sets of arms are proposed for the pivoting system whose upper arm-components are angularly adjustable and capable of being fixed relative to the remaining lower components of the same arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Gebr. Isringhausen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bernd Winkelhake
  • Patent number: D961430
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignees: QIAGEN GMBH, HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Maximilian Focke, Bernd Winkelhake, Hitoshi Miyata
  • Patent number: D961431
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignees: QIAGEN GMBH, HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Maximilian Focke, Bernd Winkelhake, Hitoshi Miyata