Patents by Inventor Michael Steffen

Michael Steffen 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: 7753621
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vibrating plate for ground compaction, said plate comprising a remote control device for controlling at least one forward or rear journey by the excitation of an oscillation device. The remote control device comprises an emitter unit, which can be displaced independently of the remaining vibrating plate and which can be detachably fixed to a draw bar. In a remote control mode, the emitter unit is held by the user and displaced independently of the vibration plate. In a draw bar mode, the emitter unit is placed on one end of the draw bar, so that the user can guide the vibrating plate by the pulling and pushing of robust control handles on the emitter unit. The latter can have at least one control handle, which can be used not only to input control commands for controlling the oscillation device, but can also be held by the user to manually guide the vibrating plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Wacker Neuson SE
    Inventor: Michael Steffen
  • Publication number: 20100048066
    Abstract: A method for electrically connecting conductive thread (40) at any number of termination locations of a textile material (5) with an termination element preferably formed in a circuit board with the following steps being provided: placing the circuit board in a respectively formed recess of a support plate of a tool with the termination locations (122) of the circuit board (12) facing upwardly; arranging the material (5) on the circuit board (12) such that in the area of the termination locations of the circuit board (12) a termination location of the material (5) which is to be connected is being placed. Fixedly mounting, preferably by clamping the material adjacent to and on a side of the termination locations of the circuit board, preferably stretching the material (5) in longitudinal direction wherein the direction of the extension of the conductive threads. Fixedly clamping the material in an area opposite to the first clamping area and adjacent to the desired termination location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Steffen Bertsch, Michael Grimm
  • Publication number: 20100042941
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable mediums for managing a subset of user contacts on a telecommunications device are provided. In one embodiment, a software application executed by a processor of a telecommunications device identifies a subset of contacts selected at least in part by a user of the telecommunications device. The subset of contacts includes a portion of the user's contacts accessible by the telecommunications device. The software application executed by the processor of the telecommunications device then causes display of a graphical identifier associated with each contact of the subset of contacts in an arrangement on a display of the telecommunications device about an axis positioned external to the display of the telecommunications device. Aspects of systems, methods, and computer-readable mediums for further arranging the graphical identifiers are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Steffen Vance, Jasdeep Singh Chugh, Alejandro J. Amano-Palacios, Joseph L. Ungari, Jared Benson, Christian Robertson, Shilpa R. Shah, Gabriel J. White
  • Publication number: 20100036968
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable mediums for managing at least one subset of user contacts on a telecommunications device are provided. In one embodiment, a software application executed by a processor of a telecommunications device identifies a first subset of contacts selected at least in part by a user of the telecommunications device and a second subset of contacts. Each of the first and second subsets of contacts includes a portion of the user's contacts accessible by the telecommunications device. The software application executed by the processor of the telecommunications device then causes display of a graphical identifier associated with each contact of the first subset of contacts in a first arrangement on a display of the telecommunications device about a first axis positioned external to the display of the telecommunications device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Steffen Vance, Jasdeep Singh Chugh, Jared T. Benson, Christian Robertson, Shilpa R. Shah, Gabriel J. White
  • Publication number: 20100037144
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable mediums for managing a subset of user contacts on a telecommunications device are provided. In one embodiment, a software application executed by a processor of a telecommunications device identifies a subset of contacts selected at least in part by a user of the telecommunications device. The subset of contacts includes a portion of the user's contacts accessible by the telecommunications device. The software application executed by the processor of the telecommunications device then causes display of a first portion of graphical identifiers associated with a first portion of the subset of contacts along a first path on a display of the telecommunications device about an axis positioned external to the display of the telecommunications device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Steffen Vance, Jasdeep Singh Chugh, Jared T. Benson, Christian Robertson, Shilpa R. Shah, Gabriel J. White, Charles Goran, Valerie Lynn Goulart, Feridoon Malekzadeh, Alejandro J. Amano-Palacios
  • Publication number: 20090306826
    Abstract: A vibrating plate system comprises at least two vibrating plates are mechanically coupled to one another via a coupling device and a controlling transmitter for outputting control data to the vibrating plates. Each of the vibrating plates comprises a receiving device for receiving the control data, a drive mechanism for propelling the vibration plate forwardly and rearwardly, and a position determining device for determining the position of the relevant vibrating plate within the group. A rule memory is also provided in which control rules are stored. One control rule defines a correlation between a control measure for controlling the traveling mechanism according to the position of the vibrating plate and an item of control information given by the control data. In each vibrating plate, a single control device selects a suitable control rule according to the position of the vibrating plate and to the control measure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: WACKER CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AG
    Inventors: Michael Steffen, Oliver Kolmar, Thorsten Funk, Thomas Lachenmaier
  • Patent number: 7498932
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine in a working device comprises an oil reservoir near a crankcase to hold oil. An oil measurement device is used to recognize the existence of oil in the oil reservoir and to produce a corresponding signal that is evaluated in an evaluation device to produce an oil level reading. The oil level reading is preferred to be produced only during the starting of the internal combustion engine or within a specific time period after starting the internal combustion engine. When the internal combustion engine has reached its operating RPM, no further oil level monitoring is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Wacker Construction Equipment AG
    Inventor: Michael Steffen
  • Patent number: 7498691
    Abstract: The invention relates to a frequency converter for an immersion vibrator, comprising a mobile converter housing, and a converter circuit disposed in said converter housing and adapted to convert an electrical supply voltage to a special voltage. The converter is further provided with a feed line that is mechanically linked with the converter housing and electrically connected to the converter circuit. At the end of said feed line facing away from the converter housing a plug part is disposed. The converter circuit feeds a connector with the special voltage, a plug part of the immersion vibrator being insertable into said connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Wacker Construction Equipment AG
    Inventor: Michael Steffen
  • Publication number: 20080314608
    Abstract: A boring and/or percussion hammer comprises an electrodynamic linear drive and a pneumatically damped percussion mechanism which is provided with a drive piston driven by the linear drive during the reciprocating movement thereof, an impact piston and a pneumatic spring arranged between the drive and impact pistons. An air-supply device comprises a pumping element, which is linearly forth and back movable for generating airflow. The pumping element is connected to the drive piston in such a way that the movement thereof is transmitted to said pumping element, thereby the cooling air is transported by an air channel for cooling heat generated elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: WACKER CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Berger, Wolfgang Schmid, Michael Steffen, Otto W. Stenzel
  • Publication number: 20080316853
    Abstract: A system for routing telephone calls from a calling party instrument to a called party instrument and involving at least one internet protocol network includes: (a) a first internet protocol interface apparatus effecting a first communicative coupling between the calling party instrument and the at least one internet protocol network; (b) a second internet protocol interface apparatus effecting routing telephone calls according to routing criteria to establish a second communicative coupling between the at least one internet protocol network and the called party instrument; and (c) a call routing system apparatus coupled with the second internet protocol interface apparatus and storing information relating to a geographical or geospatial relationship of calling party instruments and called party instruments. The second internet protocol interface apparatus and the call routing system apparatus cooperate to establish the routing criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Steffen
  • Publication number: 20080247824
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vibrating plate for ground compaction, said plate comprising a remote control device for controlling at least one forward or rear journey by the excitation of an oscillation device. The remote control device comprises an emitter unit, which can be displaced independently of the remaining vibrating plate and which can be detachably fixed to a draw bar. In a remote control mode, the emitter unit is held by the user and displaced independently of the vibration plate. In a draw bar mode, the emitter unit is placed on one end of the draw bar, so that the user can guide the vibrating plate by the pulling and pushing of robust control handles on the emitter unit. The latter can have at least one control handle, which can be used not only to input control commands for controlling the oscillation device, but can also be held by the user to manually guide the vibrating plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: WACKER CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AG
    Inventor: Michael Steffen
  • Patent number: 7432725
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides several systems. In general, it provides E-field sensor systems that utilize at least one electrode 100 adapted for creating an E-field in an area 210 within a detection volume where fluid presence 400 or presence of a solid body 300 is to be detected. The electrical field sensor is configured to generate a detected signal responsive to a change in capacitance of the electric field, and is communicatively coupled to the electrode 100. In addition, a processor 275 is configured to determine a quantitative measure of a fluid or solid body within the detection volume in accordance with a capacitive relationship with the detection volume. Described are examples of the system for fluid presence detection, fluid level measurement and measurement of proximity to a solid object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
  • Patent number: 7385315
    Abstract: The invention relates to a frequency converter for an immersion vibrator, comprising a mobile converter housing, and a converter circuit disposed in said converter housing and adapted to convert an electrical supply voltage to a special voltage. The converter is further provided with a feed line that is mechanically linked with the converter housing and electrically connected to the converter circuit. At the end of said feed line facing away from the converter housing a plug part is disposed. The converter circuit feeds a connector with the special voltage, a plug part of the immersion vibrator being insertable into said connector. A method of operating the immersion vibrator is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Wacker Construction Equipment AG
    Inventor: Michael Steffen
  • Publication number: 20070216424
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides several systems. In general, it provides E-field sensor systems that utilize at least one electrode 100 adapted for creating an E-field in an area 210 within a detection volume where fluid presence 400 or presence of a solid body 300 is to be detected. The electrical field sensor is configured to generate a detected signal responsive to a change in capacitance of the electric field, and is communicatively coupled to the electrode 100. In addition, a processor 275 is configured to determine a quantitative measure of a fluid or solid body within the detection volume in accordance with a capacitive relationship with the detection volume. Described are examples of the system for fluid presence detection, fluid level measurement and measurement of proximity to a solid object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Philip Sieh, Bradley Stewart, Michael Steffen
  • Patent number: 7135219
    Abstract: In a composite pane having a film laminate which adhesively connects two rigid panes to one another to form a pane assembly and comprises at least one colored adhesive film and at least one uncolored adhesive film which can be fused on during production of the pane assembly, according to the invention, at least one intermediate layer is provided between the two differently colored fused-on adhesive films and results in a uniform flattening of the mutually facing surfaces of the two adhesive films while being fused on. This results in the finished product being homogeneously colored when being looked through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Volkmar Offermann, Walter Goerenz, Ludwig Linden, Michael Steffens, Heinz Schilde
  • Publication number: 20060158038
    Abstract: The invention relates to a frequency converter for an immersion vibrator, comprising a mobile converter housing, and a converter circuit disposed in said converter housing and adapted to convert an electrical supply voltage to a special voltage. The converter is further provided with a feed line that is mechanically linked with the converter housing and electrically connected to the converter circuit. At the end of said feed line facing away from the converter housing a plug part is disposed. The converter circuit feeds a connector with the special voltage, a plug part of the immersion vibrator being insertable into said connector. A method of operating the immersion vibrator is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Steffen
  • Patent number: 7044413
    Abstract: A frequency converter device is integrated inside a cable roller, in such a manner that at least one socket is supplied at special frequency. The socket does not rotate when the cable is wound or unwound on the drum. Furthermore, optimal cooling is created and the frequency converter device is made of at least one frequency converter enabling a special frequency to be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Wacker Construction Equipment AG
    Inventor: Michael Steffen
  • Patent number: 7040287
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel metering device comprising a fuel chamber, a fuel inlet which can be opened and closed and leads to the fuel chamber, and at least one fuel outlet leading from the fuel chamber to a suction channel of an internal combustion engine. Part of a wall of the fuel chamber consists of a first element which can be moved according to a pressure difference between a pressure in the fuel chamber and an ambient air pressure, the element being coupled to a closing element for opening and closing the fuel inlet. The said fuel metering device enables a quantity of fuel, which is supplied to the suction channel for a pre-defined operating position of the internal combustion engine, to be automatically regulated according to the ambient air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Wacker Construction Equipment AG
    Inventor: Michael Steffen
  • Patent number: 7025183
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic spring percussion mechanism comprising a driving piston moving back and forth in a housing of the percussion mechanism and a percussion piston, wherein a pneumatic spring is configured between the driving piston and the percussion piston. The movement of the driving piston can be transmitted to a percussion piston by means of said pneumatic spring. The driving piston can be driven by an electric linear motor and is connected to an aromatic of the linear motor, forming a single piece therewith. This arrangement makes it possible to eliminate the use of a conventional rotary motor and a crank mechanism to drive the driving piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Wacker Construction Equipment AG
    Inventors: Michael Steffen, Rudolf Berger, Wolfgang Schmid
  • Patent number: 6997648
    Abstract: In order to control automatic working devices, especially soil compacting devices, a remote control device is provided which comprises a transmitter unit which can be actuated by a user and which is used to transmit control signals in the form of electromagnetic radiation and a receiver unit which is arranged on the working device and which outputs the received control signals in the form of electric control commands to the control unit of a working device. During operation of the working device, the transmitter unit can be connected to an external power source, which is arranged on the working device, via a cable for the supply of power thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Wacker Construction Equipment AG
    Inventor: Michael Steffen