Patents by Inventor Bruno Alves
Bruno Alves 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: 11912334Abstract: A method for releasing a tilt mechanism for a steering element of a vehicle, wherein the steering element is mounted pivotably around a tilt axis between a steering position and at least one non-steering position, wherein the steering element has at least one releasable locking arrangement, which fixes the steering element in the steering position and the at least one non-steering position. The locking arrangement can adopt at least one locking state in which the release of the locking arrangement is prevented and can adopt at least one release state in which the release of the locking arrangement is enabled. A corresponding steering arrangement and a corresponding vehicle are provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Philipp Kuepper, Martin Faßbender, Bruno Alves, Klemens Degle, Lukas Loehmann
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Publication number: 20230174340Abstract: A device for winding up and unwinding an elongated flexible element having a free end and a spatially fixed end. The elongated flexible element is divided over its length at least into a use portion and a compensation portion, wherein the use portion has the free end and the compensation portion has the spatially fixed end. The device includes a rotatable drum configured on its circumference to wind up and unwind at least the use portion in a first winding plane, wherein the end of the compensation portion is spatially fixed relative to the drum. The elongated flexible element in the transition from the use portion to the compensation portion is fixed at a fastening point to the drum, and when the drum is rotated the compensation portion is coiled up and uncoiled in the form of at least one looped portion in a second winding plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2022Publication date: June 8, 2023Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stephan A. Grymel, Bruno Alves, Thomas Pulheim, Lieven Werner, Werner Jakobs
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METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATICALLY DETECTING DESIGN ELEMENTS IN A TWO-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN DOCUMENT
Publication number: 20230153618Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically detecting a design element in a design document. One method comprises receiving a design document and generating an enhanced design document based on the received design document. The enhanced design document may be generated by augmenting additional information to the design document using machine learning techniques. In response to receiving a user input, one or more design elements in the enhanced design document may be determined, and additional information associated with the determined one or more design elements may be displayed to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2023Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Bruno ALVES, Jae Min LEE -
Methods and systems for automatically detecting design elements in a two-dimensional design document
Patent number: 11586918Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically detecting a design element in a design document. One method comprises receiving a design document and generating an enhanced design document based on the received design document. The enhanced design document may be generated by augmenting additional information to the design document using machine learning techniques. In response to receiving a user input, one or more design elements in the enhanced design document may be determined, and additional information associated with the determined one or more design elements may be displayed to the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Bluebeam, Inc.Inventors: Bruno Alves, Jae Min Lee -
Patent number: 11491726Abstract: A method for the treatment of residual thermoplastic powder from an additive manufacturing process includes, in one step of the process, a powder that includes the residual powder is provided and compressed into granules as raw material for a primary shaping process. A pressing apparatus with two roller elements rotating in opposite directions and having lateral surfaces adjacent to one another in a pressing area is used to compress the powder into the granules. The lateral surfaces each having a plurality of molding elements assigned to one another in pairs such that the powder is compressed into granules in the pressing area. A cam mechanism positioned within one of the roller elements and configured to deflect the plurality of molding elements radially as a function of an angle of rotation of the roller element can be included.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Bruno Alves
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Publication number: 20220290999Abstract: A method of implementing a mobility as a service policy may include associating an identifier with a mobility service policy. The method may include assigning the mobility service policy to at least one mobility service provider of a plurality of mobility service providers. The method may include setting at least one usage restriction for the mobility service policy. The at least one usage restriction may limit operation of the at least one mobility service provider when the policy is activated. The method may include setting a geographical restriction associated with the mobility service policy. The method may include setting a time restriction associated with when the mobility service policy is to be active. The method may include enabling the mobility service policy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Aravind Asam, Alexander Wilhelm, Carina Nicklaw, Frederick Rodolfo, Dongwook Kim, Anand Kulkarni, Bruno Alves, Aaron Bannister, Rakesh Prasad, Chintan Gokani, Santhosh Kumar Doddi, Divya Komadam, Katherine Aurelia
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Patent number: 11352043Abstract: A steering wheel for a transport vehicle comprises a hub and a rim which extends around the hub, wherein the rim is pivotably supported between a steering position and at least one non-steering position about a tilting axis. The steering wheel has at least one releasable locking arrangement having a hub-side hub locking device and a rim-side rim locking device for blocking the pivoting by use of mutual engagement. The hub locking device and the rim locking device are configured to engage with each other with spacing from the tilting axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2021Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Martin Faßbender, Philipp Kuepper, Klemens Degle, Bruno Alves, Thomas Kreuz
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Publication number: 20220169300Abstract: A method for releasing a tilt mechanism for a steering element of a vehicle, wherein the steering element is mounted pivotably around a tilt axis between a steering position and at least one non-steering position, wherein the steering element has at least one releasable locking arrangement, which fixes the steering element in the steering position and the at least one non-steering position. The locking arrangement can adopt at least one locking state in which the release of the locking arrangement is prevented and can adopt at least one release state in which the release of the locking arrangement is enabled. A corresponding steering arrangement and a corresponding vehicle are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2021Publication date: June 2, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Philipp Kuepper, Martin Faßbender, Bruno Alves, Klemens Degle, Lukas Loehmann
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Publication number: 20220073123Abstract: A steering wheel for a transport vehicle comprises a hub and a rim which extends around the hub, wherein the rim is pivotably supported between a steering position and at least one non-steering position about a tilting axis. The steering wheel has at least one releasable locking arrangement having a hub-side hub locking device and a rim-side rim locking device for blocking the pivoting by use of mutual engagement. The hub locking device and the rim locking device are configured to engage with each other with spacing from the tilting axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Martin Faßbender, Philipp Kuepper, Klemens Degle, Bruno Alves, Thomas Kreuz
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Patent number: 11138886Abstract: A system for providing an illuminated path for an object, such as a pedestrian or bicyclist. The system includes a central system unit, a number of vehicles networked with the central system unit and parked in a region. Each of the vehicles includes a detection unit designed to detect an object approaching the parked vehicle and to activate a vehicle light and illuminate a path. Each of the vehicles include a communication unit designed to transmit geo-position data of the parked vehicle. The central system unit is designed, as a result of a route query, to ascertain a route for the object from a starting location to a destination location under the criterion that a maximum number of parked vehicles networked with the central system unit are present along the route so that the best possible path illumination is ensured on the route.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2021Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Tobias Ricke, Sebastian Stauff, Bruno Alves
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Publication number: 20210287544Abstract: A system for providing an illuminated path for an object, such as a pedestrian or bicyclist. The system includes a central system unit, a number of vehicles networked with the central system unit and parked in a region. Each of the vehicles includes a detection unit designed to detect an object approaching the parked vehicle and to activate a vehicle light and illuminate a path. Each of the vehicles include a communication unit designed to transmit geo-position data of the parked vehicle. The central system unit is designed, as a result of a route query, to ascertain a route for the object from a starting location to a destination location under the criterion that a maximum number of parked vehicles networked with the central system unit are present along the route so that the best possible path illumination is ensured on the route.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Tobias Ricke, Sebastian Stauff, Bruno Alves
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Patent number: 11110516Abstract: The present disclosure provides an additive production method of producing an object by metal powder being applied in a production region in layers by an application device. The metal powder is applied to a base member along a construction face and is partially molten by a laser beam and solidified. A continuous conveyor transports the base member with the object in a transport direction away from the construction face. The continuous conveyor further transports the base member with the completed object to a removal region where the object is removed from the continuous conveyor. Support structures are produced on the object and are connected to the base member. The support structures are removed after the removal region has been reached.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Raphael Koch, Bruno Alves
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Patent number: 11059208Abstract: A sprue system for a nozzle-side injection-molding arrangement of an injection-molding machine for introducing a plasticizable and/or plasticized plastics material into an injection-molding tool along a runner, the center axis of which fixes an injection axis, includes a sprue piece which at least partially forms the runner, a tube portion and a flange portion. A fastener assembly for fastening the sprue system to the injection-molding tool and for aligning the sprue piece along the injection axis is included. The sprue piece and the fastener assembly are formed adjustably in relation to one another and the sprue system has an adjuster for setting a distance (A) between the flange portion and the fastener assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bruno Alves, Baha Ber, Christian Heinisch, Lieven Werner, Pascal Schneider
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Patent number: 11046004Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of residual thermoplastic powder from an additive manufacturing process includes a feed apparatus for feeding powder, which includes the residual thermoplastic powder, to a pressing area, and two rotatable roller elements which are drivable in opposite directions. Lateral surfaces of the two rotatable roller elements are adjacent to one another in a pressing area and each laterally have a plurality of molding elements that are assigned to one another in pairs in order to compress powder into granules in the pressing area. Also, a cam mechanism is included and configured to deflect the molding elements of one of the two rotatable roller elements radially depending on the angle of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2020Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Bruno Alves
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Patent number: 10987858Abstract: An additive production assembly and method is provided by the present disclosure. The assembly includes a tank containing radiation-curable liquid and has at least one radiation-penetrable sidewall, a projector that projects at least one beam to the sidewall, and a transportation assembly to transport an object. The beam acts through the sidewall and an area of the liquid close to the sidewall is hardened to form the object. The object is transported along a transporting direction (T) in a sideward direction away from the sidewall, as a result of which liquid flows into a gap between the object and the sidewall.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Bruno Alves
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METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATICALLY DETECTING DESIGN ELEMENTS IN A TWO-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN DOCUMENT
Publication number: 20200387788Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically detecting a design element in a design document. One method comprises receiving a design document and generating an enhanced design document based on the received design document. The enhanced design document may be generated by augmenting additional information to the design document using machine learning techniques. In response to receiving a user input, one or more design elements in the enhanced design document may be determined, and additional information associated with the determined one or more design elements may be displayed to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Bruno ALVES, Jae Min LEE -
Patent number: 10850355Abstract: A severing device for mechanically severing metal-containing 3D objects from a base plate of a 3D printing apparatus is provided. The severing device has at least one first machining unit firmly connectable to the 3D printing apparatus with at least one machining tool which has a working zone which encompasses at least part of an area of the base plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Bruno Alves
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Patent number: 10837099Abstract: The present disclosure provides an impregnation method that includes the steps of providing a workpiece to be impregnated, placing the workpiece in a bath of impregnating agent inside a vessel, and oscillating movement of a vibrating body inside the vessel during an impregnation period. The vibrating body creates oscillating pressure changes inside the bath by acting on the bath. the method further includes removing the workpiece from the bath after the impregnation period.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Bruno Alves
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Patent number: 10792681Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a nozzle for discharging compressed air having a circumferential surface section which extends from a feed end to a discharge end and extends at least partially axially, and an end section produced in one piece, which extends radially inward from the circumferential surface section at the discharge end. In order to allow efficient and targeted compressed air discharge, the present disclosure envisages that a plurality of helical passages extend through the end section, each of which slopes in a tangential direction, at least in some section or sections, and into each of which a first discharge opening for compressed air opens.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Bruno Alves
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Publication number: 20200290278Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of residual thermoplastic powder from an additive manufacturing process includes a feed apparatus for feeding powder, which includes the residual thermoplastic powder, to a pressing area, and two rotatable roller elements which are drivable in opposite directions. Lateral surfaces of the two rotatable roller elements are adjacent to one another in a pressing area and each laterally have a plurality of molding elements that are assigned to one another in pairs in order to compress powder into granules in the pressing area. Also, a cam mechanism is included and configured to deflect the molding elements of one of the two rotatable roller elements radially depending on the angle of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Bruno ALVES