Patents by Inventor Michael Holz

Michael Holz 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: 11332012
    Abstract: A device for controlling an interior lighting system of a vehicle to produce ambient lighting and/or reading lighting involves the interior lighting system having an array of a plurality of light sources. The device includes a control unit, by means of which the light sources of the array can be individually controlled in order to produce the ambient lighting and/or the reading lighting, and an input unit that can be connected to the control unit. The input unit has a touch-sensitive screen for inputting a current set of control information for the control unit. The control unit controls the light sources on the basis of the current set of control information. Furthermore, the input unit, on the basis of the current set of control information, displays associated ambient lighting and/or reading lighting for an illuminable region in the vehicle interior on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP AG
    Inventors: Daniel Betz, Daniel Fuhrmann, Michael Holz, Juergen Ketterer, Daniel Steffen Setz
  • Publication number: 20220048487
    Abstract: A device regulates a pneumatic brake pressure of a vehicle and includes an inlet opening configured to be connected to a pressure accumulator, at least one outlet opening configured to be connected to a brake device to activate same, and at least two actuator elements arranged between the inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening and configured to influence a brake pressure between the inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening. In addition, a control device, a system, a brake system, a method and a computer program product are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Marcus FISCHER, Michael HOLZ, Marc-Oliver HERDEN, Jörg-Johannes WACH
  • Patent number: 10843676
    Abstract: A compressed-air brake assembly for a rail vehicle includes at least one brake cylinder for producing a pressing force for a friction brake, wherein at least one control valve forms a corresponding brake-cylinder pressure in accordance with a pressure in a main air line conducted to the at least one brake cylinder via a line arranged therebetween. The at least one control valve interacts with at least one compressed-air sensor. A reserve-air tank can be controlled by the at least one control valve and stores the reserve air for the at least one brake cylinder. At least one compressed-air sensor arranged on the at least one control valve is connected to an energy source and a data memory having an interface for reading out data, wherein the data in the data memory contain information about a pressure level in the at least one brake cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FÜR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Heller, Thomas Anton, Jorg-Johannes Wach, Michael Holz, Matthias Cordes
  • Patent number: 10703265
    Abstract: A lighting device for illuminating the vehicle interior of a motor vehicle is provided. The motor vehicle includes a plurality of light sources for illuminating the vehicle interior and a control device that can be used to actuate the plurality of light sources independently of one another. The motor vehicle further has an operator control device connected to the control device and includes segments and operator control elements that can be used to actuate the light sources independently of one another by a user. A display unit displays at least a partial image of the vehicle interior that can be illuminated or is illuminated by the controllable light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Daniel Fuhrmann, Daniela Knapp, Michael Holz, Florian Staib, Timo Gramlich, Thomas Kälberer
  • Publication number: 20200114817
    Abstract: A lighting device for illuminating the vehicle interior of a motor vehicle is provided. The motor vehicle includes a plurality of light sources for illuminating the vehicle interior and a control device that can be used to actuate the plurality of light sources independently of one another. The motor vehicle further has an operator control device connected to the control device and includes segments and operator control elements that can be used to actuate the light sources independently of one another by a user. A display unit displays at least a partial image of the vehicle interior that can be illuminated or is illuminated by the controllable light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel FUHRMANN, Daniela KNAPP, Michael HOLZ, Florian STAIB, Timo GRAMLICH, Thomas KÄLBERER
  • Patent number: 10576884
    Abstract: A device for interior illumination for a vehicle includes an array formed by multiple light sources, with which an ambient illumination and a reading illumination can be generated inside the vehicle, an additional lamp unit with which exclusively an ambient illumination can be generated inside the vehicle, and a control unit for controlling the light sources and the additional lamp unit in three modes. The control unit is designed and configured in such a way that in the first mode the light sources are controlled in such a way that exclusively a reading illumination is generated inside the vehicle; in the second mode the light sources and the additional lamp unit are controlled in such a way that exclusively an ambient illumination is generated inside the vehicle; and in the third mode the control unit simultaneously activates the first and second modes for simultaneously generating an ambient illumination and a reading illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Daniel Betz, Daniel Fuhrmann, Michael Holz, Juergen Ketterer, Daniel Steffen Setz
  • Publication number: 20190135172
    Abstract: A device for interior illumination for a vehicle includes an array formed by multiple light sources, with which an ambient illumination and a reading illumination can be generated inside the vehicle, an additional lamp unit with which exclusively an ambient illumination can be generated inside the vehicle, and a control unit for controlling the light sources and the additional lamp unit in three modes. The control unit is designed and configured in such a way that in the first mode the light sources are controlled in such a way that exclusively a reading illumination is generated inside the vehicle; in the second mode the light sources and the additional lamp unit are controlled in such a way that exclusively an ambient illumination is generated inside the vehicle; and in the third mode the control unit simultaneously activates the first and second modes for simultaneously generating an ambient illumination and a reading illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Daniel BETZ, Daniel FUHRMANN, Michael HOLZ, Juergen KETTERER, Daniel Steffen SETZ
  • Publication number: 20190118653
    Abstract: A device for controlling an interior lighting system of a vehicle to produce ambient lighting and/or reading lighting involves the interior lighting system having an array of a plurality of light sources. The device includes a control unit, by means of which the light sources of the array can be individually controlled in order to produce the ambient lighting and/or the reading lighting, and an input unit that can be connected to the control unit. The input unit has a touch-sensitive screen for inputting a current set of control information for the control unit. The control unit controls the light sources on the basis of the current set of control information. Furthermore, the input unit, on the basis of the current set of control information, displays associated ambient lighting and/or reading lighting for an illuminable region in the vehicle interior on the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Daniel BETZ, Daniel FUHRMANN, Michael HOLZ, Juergen KETTERER, Daniel Steffen SETZ
  • Publication number: 20170240157
    Abstract: A compressed-air brake assembly for a rail vehicle includes at least one brake cylinder for producing a pressing force for a friction brake, wherein at least one control valve forms a corresponding brake-cylinder pressure in accordance with a pressure in a main air line conducted to the at least one brake cylinder via a line arranged therebetween. The at least one control valve interacts with at least one compressed-air sensor. A reserve-air tank can be controlled by the at least one control valve and stores the reserve air for the at least one brake cylinder. At least one compressed-air sensor arranged on the at least one control valve is connected to an energy source and a data memory having an interface for reading out data, wherein the data in the data memory contain information about a pressure level in the at least one brake cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FÜR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin HELLER, Thomas ANTON, Jorg-Johannes WACH, Michael HOLZ, Matthias CORDES
  • Publication number: 20070164031
    Abstract: A fuel cap operable to close an opening of a fuel tank. The fuel cap includes an outer shell having a protrusion and a shell locking member. The fuel cap includes a detection mechanism for sensing a level of fuel within the tank. The fuel cap further includes an assembly component engageable with the outer shell to support the detection mechanism on the outer shell. The assembly component defines a groove operable to receive the protrusion. Additionally, the assembly component includes a component locking member. The outer shell and the assembly component are engageable with one another by a relative axial movement followed by a relative rotational movement about an axis. Once engaged, the outer shell and the assembly component are fixed against disengagement by engagement of the shell locking member and the component locking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael Holz
  • Patent number: 7151439
    Abstract: A device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle has a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, a display unit for displaying collected image data, and a control unit for controlling the device. The control unit is configured in such a way that the display is switched off after a predefined time period t has expired. This device ensures very safe operation for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Joerg Moisel, Michael Holz
  • Patent number: 7097333
    Abstract: The invention concerns a headlight (1) for a motor vehicle. This includes a light source (2) for visible light and a source (3) for infrared radiation and a lens (6) through which the visible light and the infrared radiation can be emitted out of the headlight (1). In accordance with the invention there is additionally provided a bi-metallic element (4) in the area between the source (3) for the infrared radiation and the lens (6) in such a manner that during operation of the light source (2) the path of the infrared radiation from the source (3) to the lens (6) is open, and in the non-operating condition of the light source (2) the path is interrupted. The invention provides a headlight (1) for motor vehicles which is very safe for eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Michael Holz
  • Patent number: 7065432
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, having a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, having an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, having a display unit for displaying collected image data, and having a control unit for controlling the device. Furthermore, a sensing unit for a recommended maximum velocity vmax is provided and is connected to the control unit. A velocity sensor which is connected to the control unit is provided in such a way that the control unit causes the display to be switched off when the vehicle velocity v exceeds the maximum velocity vmax. The display is preferably switched on when the vehicle velocity v drops below the maximum velocity vmax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Joerg Moisel, Michael Holz
  • Patent number: 7015944
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for improving visibility in a vehicle, especially in darkness, bad weather and fog, including one or more laser headlights radiating laser light of a wavelength outside the visible spectrum into a predetermined solid angle area ahead of the vehicle, a camera which is sensitive outside the visible spectrum and used for taking images of current traffic scenes, as well as an optical display system in the vehicle for reproducing the captured images in the visible spectrum. According to the present invention, provision is made for at least two different types of laser headlights which each illuminate different parts of the solid angle area to be observed to produce an angle-dependent radiation pattern of the laser light in a simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Michael Holz, Edgar Weidel
  • Patent number: 6994458
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for operation of a vehicle headlight as well as a vehicle headlight (1) with a housing and a light source (3) provided within the housing. In accordance with the invention the housing of the vehicle headlight (1) is designed to be pressure-tight and the headlight (1) is associated with a controller (7), which controls the headlight (1) depending upon the pressure within the housing. The controller (7) brings about that the headlight, depending upon the pressure within the housing, is switched off, is adapted in its light intensity and/or is changed in its emission characteristic. Thereby a headlight is produced characterized by being safe for the eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Michael Holz, Joerg Moisel, Manfred Rode
  • Publication number: 20060011173
    Abstract: A tank assembly and a closure device for a tank assembly. The tank assembly may comprise a tank housing defining an interior and an exterior and an opening between the interior and the exterior, a liquid being containable in the interior, vapor being produceable from the liquid, a flow path being defined between the interior and the exterior, a closure housing connectable to the tank housing to selectively close the opening, and adsorption media supported by at least one of the tank housing and the closure housing, vapor being routed along the flow path from the interior of the tank assembly, through the adsorption media and to the exterior of the tank assembly. In some aspects, the adsorption media is supported by the closure housing. In some other aspects, the tank housing includes a receptacle portion having a receptacle interior, the receptacle portion defining the flow path, and the adsorption media is supportable in the receptacle interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Inventors: Jeffrey Davis, Michael Holz, Robert Tharp, Austin Savio Braganza
  • Patent number: 6877879
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for improving the view in vehicles, in particular at night, poor weather and fog, in which laser light is emitted at a wavelength outside the visible spectrum in a predetermined angular range, which is being observed with a camera, of which the images are provided to the vehicle operator. The laser light is emitted essentially continuously only when the headlights of the vehicle are in operation and/or when the vehicle is in motion. In this manner the vision of other traffic participants is ensured in a particularly simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Michael Holz, Edgar Weidel
  • Publication number: 20050072921
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, having a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, having an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, having a display unit for displaying collected image data and having a control unit for controlling the device. Here, the control unit is embodied in such a way that the display is switched off or on as a function of the collected image data. The camera is preferably selected such that it is also sensitive in the range of visible light. The display is preferably switched off or on as a function of the brightness values and/or the contrast values of the collected image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: Joerg Moisel, Michael Holz
  • Publication number: 20050075760
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, having a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, having an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, having a display unit for displaying collected image data, and having a control unit for controlling the device. Furthermore, a sensing unit for a recommended maximum velocity vmax is provided and is connected to the control unit. A velocity sensor which is connected to the control unit is provided in such a way that the control unit causes the display to be switched off when the vehicle velocity v exceeds the maximum velocity vmax. The display is preferably switched on when the vehicle velocity v drops below the maximum velocity vmax.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: Joerg Moisel, Michael Holz
  • Publication number: 20050073582
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, having a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, having an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, having a display unit for displaying collected image data, and having a control unit for controlling the device. An image evaluation unit is also provided, which is connected to the camera and the control unit and which evaluates the collected image data with respect to the recommended velocity Vricht and makes it available to a vehicle driver as a velocity recommendation. In addition the recommended maximum velocity Vmax is optionally evaluated from the image data. A velocity sensor is provided, which is connected to the control unit in such a way that the control unit causes the display to be switched off when the vehicle velocity V exceeds the maximum velocity Vmax.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: Joerg Moisel, Michael Holz