Patents Assigned to Bayerische Motoren Wërke Aktiengesellschaft
  • Patent number: 8038222
    Abstract: An actively ventilated vehicle seat includes a lower air-impermeable seat cushion or backrest part, an air-permeable intermediate layer made of a spacer fabric and an upholstered cover. The vehicle seat is divided into upholstered areas which are delimited from each other by seams anchored at the air-impermeable seat cushion. Air bridges are provided which extend transversely to the seams for connecting the intermediate layer between the individual upholstered areas. An unobstructed seat ventilating system and a permanently secure attachment of the seams are achieved in a simple manner in terms of production and without affecting the seating comfort in that the air bridges are integrated all around into the air-impermeable seat cushion and the seams are anchored above the air bridges in the air-impermeable material of the upholstered part covering the air bridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rudolf Lein, Christian Pudenz
  • Patent number: 8041474
    Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the energy consumption of a motor vehicle having at least one vehicle electric system, to which at least a first electric consumer is connected. In order to achieve an efficient vehicle electric system, which, in addition, contributes to a reduced energy consumption of a motor vehicle, in a first operating mode of the motor vehicle, the level of the electric load on the vehicle electric system without at least the first consumer is at a first level. In a second operating mode of the motor vehicle, the level of the electric load on the vehicle electric system without at least the first consumer is decreased temporarily to a second level that is lower than the first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Olaf Lemke, Martin Hauschild
  • Patent number: 8038573
    Abstract: A launch control system for a hybrid vehicle is described. The system includes overcharging an electrical energy storage unit of the hybrid vehicle, operating an internal combustion engine at an increased power level, and operating an electric motor at an increased power level with the overcharged electrical energy storage unit. The transmission during the launch is configured to connect the electric motor and the internal combustion engine to a drivetrain of the hybrid vehicle, and to selectively slip friction clutches to store energy and release it for the launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christoph Kozub, Herman Jonsson
  • Publication number: 20110251784
    Abstract: A motor vehicle operating system includes a navigation system for providing road map information, a vehicle monitoring system for providing vehicle information, a display device for displaying road map information and vehicle information, an operating device for detecting an operating action and a control device. The control device is set up and coupled with the navigation system, the vehicle monitoring system, the display device and the operating device such that, in a zoom operating condition, in at least one predefined operating situation or zoom situation, particularly in the case of the adjustment of the zoom factor to a limit value. A switching-over takes place from the zoom operating condition to a monitoring operating condition by way of an additional zoom operating action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lutz Eckstein, Josef Schumann, Martin Zobl, Christian Knoll
  • Patent number: 8035324
    Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission operative to transfer power between an input member and torque machines and an output member includes determining available power, motor torque constraints, and other constraints on torque transfer. Equations are provided, transformed to a second coordinate system and simultaneously solved. An achievable torque operating region is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 8033610
    Abstract: A backrest for a vehicle seat includes a backrest frame, which is surrounded by a cover and has an upper backrest with an adjustable inclination. An additional frame is hinged so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis to a side plate, the cover, or the backrest frame. The pivot axis is arranged in an upper region of the backrest, and the additional frame extends upwards from the pivot axis in the installed position of the backrest. The additional frame can be secured in different angular positions in relation to the backrest frame, and, thus, a variable gap forms between the additional cover of the additional frame and the cover of the backrest frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Graber, Peter Nordberg, Juergen Ringer, Stanislav Jendrol
  • Patent number: 8036804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling speed and/or distance in motor vehicles having distance-related longitudinal control systems, wherein during clear driving, a clear drive acceleration value is set to reach a preset speed, and while following a detected target object, a following acceleration value is set to maintain a preset distance from the target object, and wherein if the target object is lost during a following drive operation, a transition acceleration value is set. According to the invention, the transition acceleration value is set for the duration of a time interval, which is dependent on the speed at the time of the target object loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Maria-Christina Laiou, Alexander Meske, Falk Langer
  • Publication number: 20110241906
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a plurality of electronic detection devices for detecting and making available vehicle-related information items, wherein the vehicle-related information items relate to various areas or components outside or inside the motor vehicle; a display unit for displaying the vehicle-related information items; an operator control device for detecting an operator control action; and a control unit. The control unit is configured and coupled with the detection devices, the display unit and the operator control device such that in a first display operating state, first vehicle-related information items and a first graphics object, which represents the motor vehicle, are displayed. In a second display operating state, second vehicle-related information items and a second graphics object, which represents the motor vehicle, are displayed. The first graphics object, which represents the motor vehicle, is larger than the second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lutz ECKSTEIN, Josef SCHUMANN, Martin ZOBL, Christian KNOLL
  • Publication number: 20110240195
    Abstract: A tire of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, includes a tread for rolling on a driving surface and a plate-shaped sensor element that is mounted on the tread. The plate-shaped sensor element is mounted so as to be oriented essentially perpendicular to the adjacent tread area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Manfred ELLMANN
  • Patent number: 8029925
    Abstract: An electrochemical energy storage cell is provided, in particular an accumulator or a double layer capacitor. In the energy storage cell a core tube, which is open on its two ends, runs through the energy storage cell. Leads may be disposed inside the core tube and gaseous decomposition products, issuing from the energy storage cell, may be vented through the core tube. Furthermore, a cooling of the energy storage cell may take place by way of the core tube. An electronic circuit arranged in the cell monitors parameters of the energy storage cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Froeschl, Marcel Fenkart
  • Patent number: 8031907
    Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring surroundings of a vehicle with at least one camera, an image processing unit, and an image display unit. The image processing unit is operatively configured for reducing noise components in the images, recorded by the camera. The reducing of the noise components is accomplished by image grading, during which an averaging of a number of images occurs. The number of images, processed for the image grading, is variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hahn, Thomas Weidner
  • Publication number: 20110232602
    Abstract: An internal-combustion engine can be operated in a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode at least under certain operating conditions. The combustion mixture present in the combustion chamber reaches auto-ignition conditions and ignites itself. The internal-combustion engine includes a triggering unit for triggering the auto-ignition during the homogeneous charge compression ignition mode before the auto-ignition conditions have been reached. The triggering unit is constructed as a corona ignition system and can be operated for triggering the auto-ignition during the homogeneous charge compression ignition mode, particularly by generating a non-thermal plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Schenk, Michael Guenthner
  • Publication number: 20110238284
    Abstract: A process and a corresponding system are provided for automatically turning off and starting an internal-combustion engine in a motor vehicle via a start-stop device, which automatically turns off the internal-combustion engine if the vehicle is braked to a stop and is held in the stopped position by the operation of the brake pedal, and which, if the internal-combustion engine is automatically turned off and the operated brake pedal is released, automatically starts the internal-combustion engine. If the internal-combustion engine is automatically turned off, an automatic starting of the internal-combustion engine by releasing the brake is prevented if the brake pedal was increasingly depressed beforehand while the internal-combustion engine was turned-off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marcus BOLLIG, Juergen Poggel
  • Publication number: 20110236198
    Abstract: A twin scroll exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal-combustion engine, includes a turbine housing and a first and a second gas inlet port separated from one another by the turbine housing. The inlet ports lead into a first and a second spiral duct, respectively, which extend radially on the outside around an exhaust gas turbine rotatable about an axis. The gas inlet ports are arranged at least in sections parallel to one another in the turbine housing and radially with respect to the axis of rotation in a mutually spaced manner. The first spiral duct, which connects to the first gas inlet port arranged closer to the axis of rotation, extends up to 180° around the exhaust gas turbine. The second spiral duct, which connects to the second gas inlet port farther away from the axis of rotation, extends up to 180° around the remaining circumference of the exhaust gas turbine. As a result, thermal stress to the turbine housing is significantly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas FAHL
  • Publication number: 20110237186
    Abstract: Motor vehicle configuration system, including a motor vehicle, in the interior of which at least one transponder that is capable of wireless near field communication is attached and which has a receiving unit for wireless reception of vehicle configuration data over a wireless communication link independent of the wireless near field communication. A portable device has at least one data memory for storing the memory data and has a transmitting unit for a wireless transmission of data on the basis of the memory data. The portable device is programmed such that, when an approach of the portable device to a transponder is detected on the basis of wireless near field communication, the data are transferred from the portable device to the motor vehicle a wireless communication link between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit for the purpose of providing the motor vehicle with configuration data. The communication link is independent of the wireless near field communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg Preissinger, Tobias Schoellermann, Rainer Steffen
  • Patent number: 8026630
    Abstract: A system and method for supplying voltage to electrical loads in the onboard electrical system of a motor vehicle are provided. The onboard electrical system consists of at least two onboard electrical system regions. The first onboard electrical system region has an electric generator, a vehicle battery, as well as one or more first electrical loads. The second onboard electrical system region has a double-layer capacitor or a so-called supercap and one or more second electrical loads. Between the two onboard electrical system regions, a blocking device is provided, in particular, a semiconductor diode or a power switch, which permits a current flow from the first onboard electrical system region into the second electrical system region and largely prevents a reverse current flow from the second onboard electrical system region into the first onboard electrical system region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Broesse, Dieter Polenov, Hartmut Proebstle, Markus Fuchs, Michael Roesler, Maximilian Schmidl
  • Patent number: 8027774
    Abstract: A method ensures the standstill of a motor vehicle. Before reaching the standstill, an electronic control unit checks whether a predefined inclination threshold is exceeded, whether the velocity has fallen below a predefined travel velocity threshold, and whether there is a negative vehicle acceleration. If all three conditions exist simultaneously, an increased setpoint braking torque is predefined until the motor vehicle reaches the standstill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Maria-Christina Laiou, Falk Langer
  • Publication number: 20110230309
    Abstract: A method is provided for automatic shutdown of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, in particular in a vehicle having an automatic transmission, by way of a stop-start unit which automatically shuts down the internal combustion engine when the vehicle is decelerated to a standstill and kept at a standstill by operation of the brake pedal for a predetermined interval of time. Within the predetermined interval of time, the driver is given an opportunity to prevent the automatic shutdown. According to the invention, an automatic shutdown is prevented when the driver of the vehicle depresses the brake pedal fully within the predetermined interval of time and then releases the brake pedal again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Marc Albrecht
  • Patent number: D646814
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Erik Goplen
  • Patent number: D646815
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Erik Goplen