Patents by Inventor Joachim Spratte

Joachim Spratte 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).

  • Publication number: 20080184577
    Abstract: A measuring device is provided for a motor vehicle, with a bracket (1), with a joint (8), which is connected to the bracket (1) and which has a joint housing (20) and a pivot pin (19) mounted movably in same. A component (2) is provided which is connected to the joint (8) and which is mounted pivotably on the bracket (1) via the joint (8). An angle measuring device (17, 18) is provided, by which the angle (?) of the component (2) in relation to the bracket (1) can be determined. An analyzer (23) is connected to the angle measuring device (17, 18) and has a double differentiator (24), which is connected to the angle measuring device (17, 18) and which is followed downstream by a summer or integrator (26) via the intermediary of a calculating unit (25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Joachim Spratte, Michael Klank, Klaus Warnken, Alfons Noe, Gunter Godert
  • Patent number: 7405557
    Abstract: A ball and socket joint with integrated angle sensor, especially for use as a vehicle level control in the chassis of a motor vehicle. The ball and socket joint has a ball and socket joint housing (1), a ball pivot (2) mounted in the ball and socket joint housing (1), a bipolar field transducer (4) arranged at the joint ball (3) of the ball pivot (2), and at least one magnetic field direction sensor (5), which is arranged at the ball and socket joint housing (1) and interacts with the magnetic field generated by the field transducer (4), wherein only one pole of the bipolar field transducer (4) is arranged on the surface of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignees: ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Sensitec GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Spratte, Uwe Loreit
  • Publication number: 20080124167
    Abstract: A ball pivot (3) of a ball and socket joint for a motor vehicle, with a pivot (2) and with a joint ball (1) connected thereto. A recess (12) with a magnet (13) arranged therein is provided in the ball pivot (13). An intermediate space (17), which is filled with a nonmagnetic material (16) for fixing the magnet (13), is formed between the jacket surface (14) of the magnet (13) and the inner wall (15) of the recess (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Joachim SPRATTE, Michael KLANK
  • Publication number: 20080099967
    Abstract: A device for measuring the spring compression position of a motor vehicle, with a number of axle components (3) and a chassis (2) includes spring elements (1) arranged between the axle components (3) and the chassis (2), as well as with at least one magnet array (7) and at least one magnetic field sensor (8). The magnetic field sensor (8) is displaced in relation to the magnet array (7) in the case of a change in the spring compression position of the motor vehicle. The magnet array (7) or the magnetic field sensor (8) is arranged at a point of the spring element (1) that moves in case of a change in the spring compression position in relation to both the chassis (2) and in relation to the axle component (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSCHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Joachim Spratte, Metin Ersoy
  • Patent number: 7305864
    Abstract: A ball joint for a motor vehicle includes a housing (6) having a cavity (5), and with a ball pivot (1), which has a pin (2) and a joint ball (3) and which, with its joint ball (3), is mounted in the cavity (5) of the housing (6) in a manner that permits it to rotate and pivot. The journal (2) extends through an opening (7) provided in the housing and out therefrom. The inventive ball joint also comprises sealing bellows (11), which are placed between the housing (6) and the journal (2). A multipart measuring arrangement is provided having at least one signal transmitter (17, 18) and at least one sensor (20, 21, 22). The measuring arrangement is placed between the pin-side end of the joint ball (3) and the pin-side end of the sealing bellows (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Gräber, Joachim Spratte
  • Publication number: 20070253763
    Abstract: A ball and socket joint for a motor vehicle, with a housing (4) having a wall (7), a bottom (8) and an opening (9), with a ball pivot (3), which has a joint ball (1) and a pivot (2). The ball pivot is mounted with the joint ball (1) rotatably and pivotably in the housing (4) and the pivot extends out of the housing (4) through the opening (9). An electronic component (14) is arranged in the housing (4). An electrically conductive connection (17) is arranged in the housing (4) and is electrically connected to the component (14). The electrically conductive connection (17) extends out of the housing (4) from the component (14) in the area of the opening (9) or through the opening (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: Joachim Spratte, Metin Ersoy
  • Publication number: 20070059091
    Abstract: A ball and socket joint for a motor vehicle has a ball pivot (3), which has a pin (2) and a joint ball (1). The ball pivot (3) is arranged with its joint ball (1) rotatably and pivotably in a recess (4) provided in a housing (5), and extends from this housing (5) through a pin opening (6), and with a sensor, which is a moisture sensor (12) and is in connection with the recess (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Joachim Spratte, Michael Klank
  • Publication number: 20070051171
    Abstract: A ball joint for a motor vehicle includes a housing (6) having a cavity (5), and with a ball pivot (1), which has a pin (2) and a joint ball (3) and which, with its joint ball (3), is mounted in the cavity (5) of the housing (6) in a manner that permits it to rotate and pivot. The journal (2) extends through an opening (7) provided in the housing and out therefrom. The inventive ball joint also comprises sealing bellows (11), which are placed between the housing (6) and the journal (2). A multipart measuring arrangement is provided having at least one signal transmitter (17, 18) and at least one sensor (20, 21, 22). The measuring arrangement is placed between the pin-side end of the joint ball (3) and the pin-side end of the sealing bellows (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Jurgen Graber, Joachim Spratte
  • Publication number: 20070040355
    Abstract: A ball and socket joint with integrated angle sensor, especially for use as a vehicle level control in the chassis of a motor vehicle. The ball and socket joint has a ball and socket joint housing (1), a ball pivot (2) mounted in the ball and socket joint housing (1), a bipolar field transducer (4) arranged at the joint ball (3) of the ball pivot (2), and at least one magnetic field direction sensor (5), which is arranged at the ball and socket joint housing (1) and interacts with the magnetic field generated by the field transducer (4), wherein only one pole of the bipolar field transducer (4) is arranged on the surface of the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Joachim Spratte, Uwe Loreit
  • Patent number: 7170285
    Abstract: A ball and socket joint (1) is provided with a pivoting angle sensor (9) for detecting the relative angular position of the joint housing (4) and the ball pivot (3). The pivoting angle ? of the joint ball (2) is detected by a measuring means comprising a magnet (8) and a magnetic field sensor (9). The position and the size of the magnet (8) as well as the position and the size of the recess of the joint ball (2) are selected for each type of ball and socket joint from one series such that when the particular nominal pivoting angle ?m of the ball and socket joint (1) is reached, the angle ? of the magnetic field lines (12) passing through the magnetic field sensor (9) approximately equals a constant ?m, which applies to the entire series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Joachim Spratte
  • Patent number: 7171330
    Abstract: A rotation and/or tilt angle detection device for a ball and socket joint is provided wherein at least one magnet (2), especially a permanent magnet, is arranged in the joint ball (1a), wherein a display device (4) displays the magnetic field of the at least one magnet (2) by means of the magnetooptic effect. An image detection deice (10) detects the information displayed by the display device (4). A data processing unit (50) calculates the relative position of the joint ball (1a) and the ball socket (3) of the ball and socket joint on the basis of the information detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Jochen Kruse, Joachim Spratte, Michael Klank, Oliver Hagedorn, Horst Dötsch
  • Patent number: 7159890
    Abstract: A trailer hitch for a motor vehicle includes a towbar (2) having an arm (1) and a ball cup (3) provided with an opening and with a ball pivot (6). The ball pivot (6) has a ball head (4) and a pivot (5) and is mounted with the ball head (4) rotatably and pivotably in the ball cup (3) and passes through an opening (7) and juts out of the ball cup (3). An angle-measuring device having a signal transmitter (17) and two sensors (40, 41) is arranged in the joint unit formed from the ball cup (3) and the ball head (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Scott C. Craig, Joachim Spratte
  • Publication number: 20060228167
    Abstract: A ball pivot (3) of a ball and socket joint for a motor vehicle, with a pivot (2) and with a joint ball (1) connected thereto. A recess (12) with a magnet (13) arranged therein is provided in the ball pivot (13). An intermediate space (17), which is filled with a nonmagnetic material (16) for fixing the magnet (13), is formed between the jacket surface (14) of the magnet (13) and the inner wall (15) of the recess (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Joachim Spratte, Michael Klank
  • Patent number: 7083199
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a chassis part for connection and force transmission between a vehicle chassis of at least one wheel, consisting of fiber-reinforced plastics or plastic composite systems, preferably for a passenger car or utility vehicle. The present invention is characterized in that at least one means for measuring forces acting on the chassis parts is integrated in the plastic portions of the chassis parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Gräber, Jochen Kruse, Joachim Spratte, Stefan Schönhoff
  • Patent number: 7063480
    Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for a motor vehicle, especially for the chassis of the motor vehicle, is provided, wherein the ball-and-socket joint has a ball-and-socket joint housing (4) provided with a joint opening (6) as well as a ball pivot (3). The ball pivot (3) includes a joint ball (1) and a pivot (2). The ball pivot (3) is mounted with its joint ball (1) rotatably and pivotably in the ball-and-socket joint housing (4) and protrudes with its pivot (2) from the ball-and-socket joint housing (4). A separate closing element (10), which closes a mounting opening (9) provided in the ball-and-socket joint housing at least partially, and at which at least one electronic component (11) is arranged, is fastened to the ball-and-socket joint housing (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Metin Ersoy, Joachim Spratte, Armin Müller
  • Patent number: 7045999
    Abstract: A bearing for a control arm of a wheel suspension of a vehicle has at least one sensor (18, 28, 38, 48, 58) arranged in or at the bearing (11, 21, 31, 41). The sensor determines the relative movement of the vehicle parts connected to each other by the bearing (11, 21, 31, 31, 41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Metin Ersoy, Joachim Spratte, Bernd Grannemann
  • Patent number: 7044745
    Abstract: An electronic device has several superposed main printed circuit boards (2, 3, 4), of which one has e.g. the electronic components of a radio, another has the electronic components of a multimedia device and a third has the electronic components of a vehicle navigation device. On the front side of the electronic device, a connection printed circuit board (9) which is oriented crosswise to the main printed circuit boards (2, 3, 4) is provided with plug-in connecting parts (11, 13, 15) which engage on the front side of the main circuit boards (2, 3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg Reinhardt, Joachim Spratte
  • Publication number: 20060078369
    Abstract: A ball and socket joint (1) is provided with a pivoting angle sensor (9) for detecting the relative angular position of the joint housing (4) and the ball pivot (3). The pivoting angle ? of the joint ball (2) is detected by a measuring means comprising a magnet (8) and a magnetic field sensor (9). The position and the size of the magnet (8) as well as the position and the size of the recess of the joint ball (2) are selected for each type of ball and socket joint from one series such that when the particular nominal pivoting angle ?m of the ball and socket joint (1) is reached, the angle ? of the magnetic field lines (12) passing through the magnetic field sensor (9) approximately equals a constant ?m, which applies to the entire series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Publication date: April 13, 2006
    Inventor: Joachim Spratte
  • Publication number: 20060071448
    Abstract: A trailer hitch for a motor vehicle includes a towbar (2) having an arm (1) and a ball cup (3) provided with an opening and with a ball pivot (6). The ball pivot (6) has a ball head (4) and a pivot (5) and is mounted with the ball head (4) rotatably and pivotably in the ball cup (3) and passes through an opening (7) and juts out of the ball cup (3). An angle-measuring device having a signal transmitter (17) and two sensors (40, 41) is arranged in the joint unit formed from the ball cup (3) and the ball head (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventors: Scott Craig, Joachim Spratte
  • Publication number: 20050007225
    Abstract: A rotation and/or tilt angle detection device for a ball and socket joint is provided wherein at least one magnet (2), especially a permanent magnet, is arranged in the joint ball (1a), wherein a display device (4) displays the magnetic field of the at least one magnet (2) by means of the magnetooptic effect. An image detection deice (10) detects the information displayed by the display device (4). A data processing unit (50) calculates the relative position of the joint ball (1a) and the ball socket (3) of the ball and socket joint on the basis of the information detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Inventors: Jochen Kruse, Joachim Spratte, Michael Klank, Oliver Hagedorn, Horst Dotsch