Patents by Inventor Helmut Haag
Helmut Haag 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: 7616011Abstract: A switched capacitance detection circuit is responsive to changes in the fringing capacitance of a capacitive proximity sensor having at least one capacitive sensor element. In cases where the sensor has a single sensor element, the switching frequency of the detection circuit is controlled to maintain measurement accuracy in the presence of sensor moisture while minimizing power consumption and electromagnetic radiation. In cases where the sensor has multiple sensor elements, the capacitance values for each sensor element are differenced, absolute-valued and summed to form an output in which common-mode effects due to sensor moisture, temperature and sensor aging are canceled out.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Seyed R. Zarabadi, Ronald Helmut Haag
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Publication number: 20080246495Abstract: A switched capacitance detection circuit is responsive to changes in the fringing capacitance of a capacitive proximity sensor having at least one capacitive sensor element. In cases where the sensor has a single sensor element, the switching frequency of the detection circuit is controlled to maintain measurement accuracy in the presence of sensor moisture while minimizing power consumption and electromagnetic radiation. In cases where the sensor has multiple sensor elements, the capacitance values for each sensor element are differenced, absolute-valued and summed to form an output in which common-mode effects due to sensor moisture, temperature and sensor aging are canceled out.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Seyed R. Zarabadi, Ronald Helmut Haag
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Patent number: 7151350Abstract: A non-contact detection system and method for detecting obstructions in relation to a powered door on a vehicle such that contact with the door may be prevented. The detection system includes an object detection sensor located on the powered door for sensing an object within an adjustable sensing zone. A door position sensor senses position of the door relative to at least one of an open and closed door position. A controller adjusts the sensing zone of the object detection sensor as a function of the sensed door position.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Jeremy M Husic, John Pasiecznik, Jr.
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Patent number: 6815642Abstract: A method of making a heated steering wheel comprises depositing an electrically conductive layer on at least a portion of a steering wheel substrate to produce thereon a heating element for receiving an electrical current and providing a source of heat. Also disclosed is a heating element for a steering wheel and a heated steering wheel assembly formed using this method.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Mansour Ashtiani
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Patent number: 6777958Abstract: A method for detecting a change in capacitance of a capacitive sensing element having a nominal capacitance value is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes coupling the sensing element to a first oscillator, the first oscillator generating a first frequency dependent upon the capacitance value of the sensing element. The first frequency is compared to a reference frequency generated by a second oscillator. The change in capacitance from the nominal capacitance value is detected if the first frequency differs from said reference frequency by a determined frequency value.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc., Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, John Pasiecznik, Jr.
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Patent number: 6750624Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection system utilizing ultra sensitive capacitive techniques. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a sensing element disposed in proximity to a moveable panel and a proximity detection circuit in communication with the sensing element. The proximity detection circuit generates a differential output signal reflective of whether a foreign object is in proximity to the sensing element. In addition, a central control module is in communication with the sensing element. The central control module determines whether the differential output signal is reflective of a foreign object in proximity to the sensing element. If the central control module determines that the differential output signal is reflective of a foreign object in proximity to the sensing element, and the moveable panel is moving toward a closed position, then the central control module generates a control output signal to stop the moveable panel from moving toward the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Brian Deplae, Jeremy M. Husic, John Pasiecznik, Jr.
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Patent number: 6723933Abstract: A flexible, capacitive strip for use in a non-contact obstacle detection system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the strip includes an elongated body for flexible mounting to a panel along a bottom surface of the elongated body. A first elongated planar conductor is contained within an upper section of the elongated body, and a longitudinal cavity is formed through a central portion of the elongated body, the longitudinal cavity being disposed between the planar conductor and the bottom surface. The first elongated planar conductor forms a first electrode of a sensing capacitor and the longitudinal cavity defines a portion of a dielectric material of the sensing capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Brian Deplae, Jeremy M. Husic, John Pasiecznik, Jr.
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Patent number: 6700393Abstract: A capacitive sensor assembly is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly includes a capacitive strip having an elongated body for flexible mounting to a panel along a bottom surface of the elongated body. A first elongated planar conductor is contained within an upper section of the elongated body, while a longitudinal cavity is formed through a central portion of the elongated body. The longitudinal cavity is disposed between the planar conductor and the bottom surface. A capacitance detector module is inserted within the longitudinal cavity, the capacitance detector module including a capacitance detector circuit therein that is coupled to the first elongated planar conductor.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Brian Deplae, Jeremy M. Husic, John Pasiecznik, Jr.
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Publication number: 20030111453Abstract: Provided for herein is a method of making a heated steering wheel, comprising depositing an electrically conductive layer on at least a portion of a steering wheel substrate to produce thereon a heating element for receiving an electrical current and providing a source of heat. Also disclosed is a heating element for a steering wheel and a heated steering wheel assembly formed using this method.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Mansour Ashtiani
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Publication number: 20030081369Abstract: A flexible, capacitive strip for use in a non-contact obstacle detection system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the strip includes an elongated body for flexible mounting to a panel along a bottom surface of the elongated body. A first elongated planar conductor is contained within an upper section of the elongated body, and a longitudinal cavity is formed through a central portion of the elongated body, the longitudinal cavity being disposed between the planar conductor and the bottom surface. The first elongated planar conductor forms a first electrode of a sensing capacitor and the longitudinal cavity defines a portion of a dielectric material of the sensing capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Brian Deplae, Jeremy M. Husic, John Pasiecznik
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Publication number: 20030071640Abstract: A capacitive sensor assembly is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly includes a capacitive strip having an elongated body for flexible mounting to a panel along a bottom surface of the elongated body. A first elongated planar conductor is contained within an upper section of the elongated body, while a longitudinal cavity is formed through a central portion of the elongated body. The longitudinal cavity is disposed between the planar conductor and the bottom surface. A capacitance detector module is inserted within the longitudinal cavity, the capacitance detector module including a capacitance detector circuit therein that is coupled to the first elongated planar conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Brian Deplae, Jeremy M. Husic, John Pasiecznik
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Publication number: 20030071639Abstract: A method for detecting a change in capacitance of a capacitive sensing element having a nominal capacitance value is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes coupling the sensing element to a first oscillator, the first oscillator generating a first frequency dependent upon the capacitance value of the sensing element. The first frequency is compared to a reference frequency generated by a second oscillator. The change in capacitance from the nominal capacitance value is detected if the first frequency differs from said reference frequency by a determined frequency value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, John Pasiecznik
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Publication number: 20030071727Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection system utilizing ultra sensitive capacitive techniques. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a sensing element disposed in proximity to a moveable panel and a proximity detection circuit in communication with the sensing element. The proximity detection circuit generates a differential output signal reflective of whether a foreign object is in proximity to the sensing element. In addition, a central control module is in communication with the sensing element. The central control module determines whether the differential output signal is reflective of a foreign object in proximity to the sensing element. If the central control module determines that the differential output signal is reflective of a foreign object in proximity to the sensing element, and the moveable panel is moving toward a closed position, then the central control module generates a control output signal to stop the moveable panel from moving toward the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Brian Deplae, Jeremy M. Husic, John Pasiecznik
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Patent number: 6539670Abstract: A manual release mechanism of a power actuated sliding door used typically for van applications, includes a bullet assembly interconnected between the ends of a pull member, or cable, of a powered pulley system. The bullet assembly engages and disengages within a passage of a hinge roller assembly which rides within a track of the vehicle. When disengaged, the door is free to slide without causing movement of the bullet assembly or powered pulley system. When engaged, the hinge roller assembly supports a pin which projects into the passage when in a rest position. If the bullet assembly is in the passage, the pin also projects into a groove of the bullet assembly, thereby, locking the bullet assembly within the passage and causing the hinge rolling assembly, which is pivotally connected to the door to move via operation of the powered pulley system.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Lloyd Walker Rogers, Jr., Ronald James Wilde, Thomas Ralph Osborn
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Patent number: 6512202Abstract: A preformed heating element for use in a steering wheel including a heating element, embedded into a rubber or polyurethane material and preformed with manufacturing methods such as vacuum forming, resin impregnating, injection molding, and pultrusion progressive die.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Mansour Ashtiani
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Patent number: 6510036Abstract: A horn activation system, which activates a switch for driving a horn, the horn activation system includes a discriminating device that discriminates between the forces being applied to the switch. The discrimination device connects the switch to a power supply for activating the horn when the force being applied to the switch is applied for a time period greater than a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hafiz S Khafagy, Ronald Helmut Haag
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Publication number: 20030005635Abstract: A manual release mechanism of a power actuated sliding door used typically for van applications, includes a bullet assembly interconnected between the ends of a pull member, or cable, of a powered pulley system. The bullet assembly engages and disengages within a passage of a hinge roller assembly which rides within a track of the vehicle. When disengaged, the door is free to slide without causing movement of the bullet assembly or powered pulley system. When engaged, the hinge roller assembly supports a pin which projects into the passage when in a rest position. If the bullet assembly is in the passage, the pin also projects into a groove of the bullet assembly, thereby, locking the bullet assembly within the passage and causing the hinge rolling assembly, which is pivotally connected to the door to move via operation of the powered pulley system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Lloyd Walker Rogers, Ronald James Wilde, Thomas Ralph Osborn
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Publication number: 20010030182Abstract: A preformed heating element for use in a steering wheel including a heating element, embedded into a rubber or polyurethane material and preformed with manufacturing methods such as vacuum forming, resin impregnating, injection molding, and pultrusion progressive die.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Mansour Ashtiani
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Patent number: 6301414Abstract: A communications cable network, in a duct or tube system used primarily for other purposes, wherein the communications cables are mounted on the walls of the duct or tube system. The communications cable (3), is made of a core (7-10) and a sheath (11). The core (7-10) of the communications cable (3) is extremely flexible and the sheath (11) is sufficiently rigid that cable sag is less than 20 mm for a 2000-mm distance between fastenings. The sheath (11) is removed from the core (7-10) in the area of the shafts (2) of the duct or pipe system (1).Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: AlcatelInventors: Wolfgang Liese, Alexander Weiss, Helmut Haag, Bernd Menze
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Patent number: 6236309Abstract: A horn switch assembly (26) is mounted on inner surface (28) of airbag cover (16). Horn switch assembly (26) includes a sensor (30) coupled to cover (16), and a load and rate sensing device (32) arranged to interact with sensor (30) and with a vehicle horn. Deflection of outer surface (18) of airbag cover (16) applies a force to sensor (30). Deflection of outer surface (18) of airbag cover (16) may be caused by an operator action of pressing on airbag cover (16). In which case, the increase in the magnitude of the force on sensor (30) will be rapid, and load and rate sensing device (32) will cause the vehicle horn to sound. Alternatively, deflection of outer surface (18) of airbag cover (16) may be caused by shrinkage of airbag cover (16) due to an ambient temperature drop. In which case, the increase in the magnitude of the force on sensor (30) will be slow, and load and rate sensing device (32) will not cause the horn to sound.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Hafiz S Khafagy