Patents by Inventor Thomas Schramm
Thomas Schramm 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: 11988542Abstract: A filling level monitoring device for monitoring a filling level of a fluid in a container includes exciter(s), sensor(s), a signal source connected to the exciter(s), a processor, at least one spatial orientation and acceleration sensor, and a filling level indicator. The device uses the signal source and the exciter(s) to couple vibrational loads having multiple frequency components into the container. Sensors measure vibrations in the container after the exciters transmit the vibrational loads into the container. The processor performs spectral analysis of the input signal and of vibration signals from the sensors, comparing these respective spectral functions to extract resonance frequencies of the container, which are based on the spatial orientation of the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2022Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignees: Airbus (S.A.S.), Airbus Operations GmbH, Carthage CollegeInventors: Thomas Meyerhoff, Helge Geisler, Lionel Zoghaib, Gerrit Schramm, Kevin Crosby
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Publication number: 20220057223Abstract: A method for operating an autonomous driving vehicle waiting to pick-up a passenger at a pick-up location includes: determining a waiting time which the vehicle is required to wait for the passenger; determining a first and second route from an actual location of the vehicle to a parking spot and from there to the pick-up location; estimating parking cost based on the determined first and second routes and the waiting time; determining a third route from the actual location of the vehicle to the pick-up location by selecting a sequence of street segments from a plurality of pre-selected street segments such that a segment driving cost is minimized; estimating a driving cost for the third route based on the segment driving cost; comparing the estimated parking cost and the estimated driving cost; operating the vehicle to maneuver along the first and second routes when the estimated parking cost is lower than the estimated driving cost; and operating the vehicle to maneuver along the third route when the estimaType: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2020Publication date: February 24, 2022Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Thomas Schramm
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Patent number: 10086831Abstract: A method for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle combination with a towing vehicle and a trailer is described. A width of the motor vehicle combination is determined and a traffic lane is detected. A space required by the motor vehicle combination when travelling is predicted. A nominal track for the towing vehicle is calculated such that the motor vehicle combination remains inside the traffic lane. A computer software product, a lane departure warning system and a towing vehicle are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Dennis Wasiek, Justus Illium, Thomas Schramm, Torsten Kanning, Carsten Neitzke
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Publication number: 20170080928Abstract: A method for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle combination with a towing vehicle and a trailer is described. A width of the motor vehicle combination is determined and a traffic lane is detected. A space required by the motor vehicle combination when travelling is predicted. A nominal track for the towing vehicle is calculated such that the motor vehicle combination remains inside the traffic lane. A computer software product, a lane departure warning system and a towing vehicle are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Dennis WASIEK, Justus ILLIUM, Thomas SCHRAMM, Torsten KANNING, Carsten NEITZKE
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Publication number: 20170032200Abstract: A method for calculating a response time is described. The response time is required in order to direct the attention of a vehicle's driver at the traffic on the road. The driver is monitored by sensors and a state of attentiveness of the driver is ascertained. The state of attentiveness is used to calculate a value, to which an anticipated response time is assigned. Further a method for operating a motor vehicle, a computer program product and a correspondingly equipped motor vehicle are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2015Publication date: February 2, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Gerald SCHMIDT, Thomas SCHRAMM
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Patent number: 9558414Abstract: A method for calculating a response time is described. The response time is required in order to direct the attention of a vehicle's driver at the traffic on the road. The driver is monitored by sensors and a state of attentiveness of the driver is ascertained. The state of attentiveness is used to calculate a value, to which an anticipated response time is assigned. Further a method for operating a motor vehicle, a computer program product and a correspondingly equipped motor vehicle are described.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Gerald Schmidt, Thomas Schramm
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Patent number: 9308898Abstract: A hand brake device for a vehicle includes an electric actuator for activating a brake and an operating element that can be moved between a brake position and release position. A control unit triggers the actuator according to the position of the operating element. A locking device for locking the operating element in the brake position is controlled by the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2014Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas Schramm, Winfried Palaschinski, Axel Luenenbuerger, Klaus Duckwitz, Andreas Holl
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Publication number: 20150060217Abstract: A hand brake device for a vehicle includes an electric actuator for activating a brake and an operating element that can be moved between a brake position and release position. A control unit triggers the actuator according to the position of the operating element. A locking device for locking the operating element in the brake position is controlled by the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Thomas Schramm, Winfried Palaschinski, Axel Luenenbuerger, Klaus Duckwitz, Andreas Holl
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Publication number: 20150054933Abstract: A display instrument for a vehicle is arranged on a dashboard in combination with a camera configured to be directed at least temporarily to an occupant of the vehicle. The display instrument is able to be switched from a display state for one or several operating parameters of the vehicle into a reproducing state for images delivered from the camera.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Dennis Wasiek, Torsten Kanning, Carsten Neitzke, Justus Illium, Thomas Schramm
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Patent number: 8717197Abstract: A method is provided for assessing the attentiveness of the driver of motor vehicle traveling in a lane including, but not limited to detecting the position of the motor vehicle on the lane transverse to the direction of travel, determining the extent of fluctuations of the position, and assessing the attentiveness as insufficient if within an observation period at least one first significant period is detected in which the extent of fluctuations of the position falls below a first low limiting value and a second significant period is detected in which the extent of the fluctuations exceeds a second high limiting value.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ralf Rathmacher, Thomas Schramm, Oliver Schepp
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Patent number: 8652326Abstract: A device for the electrodeionization of an aqueous electrolyte solution, comprises an electrodeionization module (1), an ultrafiltration module (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203) and a connection piece (3, 10) which connects the electrodeionization module (1) and the ultrafiltration module (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203) such as to be able to guide a diluate produced from the electrolyte solution during operation of the device in the electrodeionization module (1) from the electrodeionization module (1) to the ultrafiltration module (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203); wherein the connection piece (3, 10) is devoid of an adjustable pressure-maintaining valve. Via the pressure drop occurring in the ultrafiltration modules (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203), these devices build up a counter pressure behind the electrodeionization module (1) which is sufficient to ensure the packing density of the ion exchanger in the electrodeionization module (1).Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Christ Water Technology AGInventors: Jurgen Johann, Thomas Menzel, Monique Bissen, Thomas Schramm, Christian Brand
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Publication number: 20130328699Abstract: A method for displaying a recommended cornering speed in a vehicle is provided. The method includes specifying a driving profile which is characterized by a number of parameters and ascertaining a recommended cornering speed for a bend to be maneuvered depending upon the geometry of the bend and depending upon the specified driving profile. The method includes outputting the recommended cornering speed to the driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas SCHRAMM, Gerald SCHMIDT
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Publication number: 20130066547Abstract: A method is provided for determining at least one travelling route of a vehicle. The method includes, but is not limited to a predetermining of at least two criteria for a travelling route of the vehicle from a starting point to a target point takes place. The at least two criteria in this case are selected from the group consisting of a travelling duration, a travelling distance and an energy consumption. In addition, a defining of a weighting factor for each of the at least two predetermined criteria takes place. Furthermore, a determining of at least one travelling route from the starting point to the target point from a quantity of possible travelling routes based on the at least two predetermined criteria and as a function of the defined weighting factors of the at least two predetermined criteria takes place.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas SCHRAMM, Ralf RATHMACHER
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Publication number: 20130020260Abstract: A device for the electrodeionisation of an aqueous electrolyte solution, comprising an electrodeionisation module (1), an ultrafiltration module (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203) and a connection piece (3, 10) which connects the electrodeionisation module (1) and the ultrafiltration module (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203) such as to be able to guide a diluate produced from said electrolyte solution during operation of said device in said electrodeionisation module (1) from said electrodeionisation module (1) to said ultrafiltration module (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203); wherein said connection piece (3, 10) comprises no adjustable pressure-maintaining valve. By means of the pressure drop occurring in the ultrafiltration modules (21, 22, 1201, 1202, 1203) these devices build up a counter pressure behind the electrodeionisation module (1) which is sufficient to ensure the packing density of the ion exchanger in the electrodeionisation module (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: Christ Water Technology AGInventors: Jürgen Johann, Thomas Menzel, Monique Bissen, Thomas Schramm, Christian Brand
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Publication number: 20120215415Abstract: A method is provided for operating a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle, the driver assistance system implemented to regulate a speed of the motor vehicle and the method including, but not limited to determine at least one parameter characterizing an acceleration behavior of a driver of the motor vehicle and including at least one driver-specific acceleration value. In addition, a target value of the speed of the motor vehicle is set. The speed is regulated to the set target value in at least one first phase and one second phase, in the first phase, after beginning the regulation to the set target value, the speed of the motor vehicle adapted based on the at least one driver-specific acceleration value.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Thomas SCHRAMM
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Publication number: 20120101712Abstract: The attentiveness of the driver of motor vehicle traveling in a lane provided with boundaries on both sides is assessed by measuring the distance of the vehicle from one of the boundaries, determining the objective lateral freedom of movement of the vehicle in the lane, specifying a desired range of the distance of the vehicle from one boundary by means of the objective lateral freedom of movement, and adapting a parameter representative of the assessed attentiveness of the driver when the distance of the vehicle from one boundary leaves the desired range.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas Schramm, Ralf Rathmacher, Michael Schiebahn
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Publication number: 20120098678Abstract: A method is provided for assessing the attentiveness of the driver of motor vehicle traveling in a lane including, but not limited to detecting the position of the motor vehicle on the lane transverse to the direction of travel, determining the extent of fluctuations of the position, and assessing the attentiveness as insufficient if within an observation period at least one first significant period is detected in which the extent of fluctuations of the position falls below a first low limiting value and a second significant period is detected in which the extent of the fluctuations exceeds a second high limiting value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ralf RATHMACHER, Thomas SCHRAMM, Oliver SCHEPP
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Publication number: 20120101689Abstract: A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle. The method includes, but is not limited to determining whether at least one control is activated by a driver of the motor vehicle while driving the motor vehicle. The at least one control is here part of an onboard system, selected from the group comprised of an information and entertainment system, an air conditioner, a mirror adjuster, a seat adjuster, a navigation system, a first driver assistance system and/or a telephone system. In addition, at least one parameter of a second driver assistance system of the motor vehicle is adjusted if the at least one control is activated by the driver of the motor vehicle while driving the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Thomas SCHRAMM
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Publication number: 20120096980Abstract: A steering wheel is provided for a vehicle with a middle section. The middle section exhibits a front side facing the driver and a rear side facing away from the driver. An input device with at least one scroll wheel is arranged in the region of the middle section. At least one first region of the scroll wheel on the front side of the middle section and a second region of the scroll wheel on the rear side of the middle section are exposed for activation purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas Schramm, Ralf Rathmacher, Michael Schiebahn
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Publication number: 20110251734Abstract: A method is provided for the adaption of a driving behavior of a vehicle with a change of driver. For this, driver-specific driving parameters, which characterize a driving style of a driver, of several vehicle drivers are stored as virtual driver profiles in the vehicle or in a drivers' control center. In addition, various methods are stored driver-specifically in the vehicle or in a drivers' control center, which respectively modify a reaction of the vehicle to driving parameters of a driver to the effect that a manner of driving, taking into account the limits of the vehicle, is ensured in traffic. During the driving of the vehicle, a first of the methods is then used and a comparison of stored virtual driver profiles with actually detected driver-specific driving parameters is carried out.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Oliver SCHEPP, Ali KHANAFER, Ingobert LASSRICH, Oliver WAGNER, Ralf RATHMACHER, Thomas SCHRAMM