Patents Assigned to Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
  • Patent number: 7586933
    Abstract: The invention concerns a network comprising an interconnecting network and several network nodes that are coupled to said interconnecting network and are designed to adapt their local communication time schedule to the communication time schedule of at least one other network mode, prior to being integrated as active network nodes. A network node to be integrated checks the activity of other network nodes and if no activity is identified, sends out positional messages for other network nodes, said message being fixed by predetermination in its communication time schedule. If a network node cannot be integrated as a reference node, it can only be integrated as an active node if it adapts its local communication time schedule to that of the reference node after receiving positional messages and if a check as to whether its own communication time schedule agrees with the communication time schedules of at least some of the active network nodes proves positive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, DaimlerChrysler AG, Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., NXP B.V., DECOMSYS—Dependable Computer Systems, Hardware und Software Entwicklung GmbH
    Inventors: Ing Ralf Belschner, Bernd Hedenetz, Christopher Temple, Anton Schedl, Josef Berwanger, Martin Peller, Thomas Führer, Arnold Millsap, Thomas Forest, Gregor Pokorny, Peter Fuhrmann
  • Patent number: 7536250
    Abstract: A device (1) for determining the position of an internal combustion engine, includes an incremental-type sensor (2) having a rotary part (8) which is connected to the rotary body, and a fixed part (6) which is provided with first elements for detecting the rotation of an increment between the mobile part (8) and the fixed part (6), second elements for detecting the direction of rotation between the mobile part (8) and the fixed part (6), and analysis elements which are connected to the first elements and the second elements and are used to determine the angular position of the rotary body in relation to the reference position. The device also includes engine controlling elements (4) which are connected to the analysis elements (12) of the sensor (2), and the sensor (2) is permanently electrically (34) fed in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignees: Continental Automotive France, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Markus Eisenkölbl, Willem Johan Anton Teulings, Frédéric Galtier
  • Patent number: 7430261
    Abstract: A method and a bit stream decoding unit for bit stream decoding has a bit stream comprising a number of consecutive samples. In order to provide for rapid and, in particular, reliable decoding of the bit stream, a detection window comprising a number of samples is defined and the detection window is positioned at certain positions on the bit stream in order to comprise certain samples with respective sample values. A majority voting is applied to the sample values in the detection window and, in dependence on the result of the majority voting, the bit stream is decoded and respective bit values are generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, DaimlerChrysler AG, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, General Motors Corp., Motorola Inc., Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Forest, Bernd Hedenetz, Mathias Rausch, Christopher Temple, Harald Eisele, Bernd Elend, Jörn Ungermann, Matthias Kühlewein, Ralf Belschner, Peter Lohrmann, Florian Bogenberger, Thomas Wuerz, Arnold Millsap, Patrick Heuts, Robert Hugel, Thomas Führer, Bernd Müller, Florian Hartwich, Manfred Zinke, Josef Berwanger, Christian Ebner, Harald Weiler, Peter Fuhrmann, Anton Schedl, Martin Peller
  • Patent number: 7422818
    Abstract: A sealing structure in a fuel cell and/or an electrolyzer (particularly a solid-oxide fuel cell and/or a solid-oxide electrolyzer) is arranged between neighboring separator plates of a cell stack. The sealing structure is constructed in at least two layers, including at least one insulating layer and at least one sealing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, ElringKlinger AG
    Inventors: Olav Finkenwirth, Bernd Kuhn, Hans-Rainer Zerfass
  • Patent number: 7403167
    Abstract: An antenna configuration is provided for radio reception in motor vehicles, the roof region of which is made predominantly of dielectric materials, and for motor vehicles having roof structures that can be collapsed for open driving operation. The antenna configuration includes a combination of emitters that are integrated into elements of the roof region, with emitters that are disposed in cavities of the interior paneling essentially below the belt line of the vehicle. A ground connection is provided for emitters that are disposed in a roof structure having movable elements by way of at least one resilient contact between movable metal components of the roof structure and the metal car body. Also included is a switching system for alternating operation of the emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignees: Delphi Delco Electronics Europe GmbH, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Wilhelm Probst, Jürgen Sczesny, Detlef Wunnenberg, Laila Bekraoui
  • Publication number: 20080047095
    Abstract: A bearing device comprising: an at least partially hollow structural element having a first wall region provided with an opening and a second wall region, the first and second wall regions being located opposite one another; and a punching bushing provided for bearing at least one separate component, the punching bushing comprising a punching blade being in jam contact with a punched out opening of the second wall region such that the punching bushing connects the first and second wall regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicants: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbH, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Manfred Weiss, Walter Schiffler
  • Publication number: 20080030060
    Abstract: In the case of a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, with a central structure, a seat cushion (219) which is carried by the central structure and has a seat cushion structure (218) and padding (220) at least partially resting on the seat cushion structure (218), and a backrest which can be pivoted relative to the central structure and/or to the seat cushion (219), the vehicle seat being transferable from a use position, in which it can be sat in, into a flat lowered position by pivoting of the backrest and lowering of the seat cushion (219), the padding (220) partially rests on a seat cushion support (241) which can be moved relative to the seat cushion structure (218) in order to transfer the vehicle seat into the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicants: Bayerische Motoren werke AG, Keiper GMBH & Co. kg
    Inventors: Stefan Schwingenschlogel, Markus Petry
  • Patent number: 7117904
    Abstract: A device for measuring the filling level of a fuel tank, in particular for motor vehicles, having two openings for installation of a filling connection and a pump unit, and a film sensor provided with an electric connecting cable which can be connected to a display device through the pump unit. The film sensor is embedded in a protective tube which is provided with inlet openings for the fuel. The protective tube is mounted on the filling connection at the side and can be inserted jointly with it into the respective opening in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventor: Ralf Strasser
  • Publication number: 20060218900
    Abstract: A motor vehicle, which has a cryotank for supplying an internal combustion engine, includes an exhaust gas system including an exhaust gas catalyzer, a device for the combustion of boil-off gas from the cryotank, a gas duct, and a nozzle. The nozzle is configured to introduce the boil-off gas in the manner of an ejector pump into the gas duct which draws at least one of environmental air and scavenging air from a fuel supply system. The gas duct discharges near the exhaust gas catalyzer into the exhaust gas system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventor: Werner Lechner
  • Publication number: 20060213317
    Abstract: A friction gear for a separate accessory of a combustion engine equipped with belt-driven auxiliary units, including a frictional wheel guided by a swivel arm coupled to the engine, to which a protection device is assigned, with the swivel arm and the frictional wheel/protection device provided as a single assembly. The swivel arm provided in the form of a hollow profile includes, on the one hand, a housing which has a single part, flat-cylindrical design and which serves as an essentially closed frictional wheel/protection device with a frictional wheel that can be rotationally mounted between housing end walls and, on the other hand, a coupling location, such that the swivel arm forming a whole with the protective housing and with the coupling location is designed so that it can be assembled over at least one longitudinal partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventor: Heinz Lemberger
  • Patent number: 7111598
    Abstract: Swivel actuator device for lift control of a gas exchange valve in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine comprising a swivel motor having a shaft on which is provided a first operating element having a control path for opening the gas exchange valve, whereby a second operating element having a second control path provided on the first operating element. Due to the arrangement of the swivel actuator device, less electric power is needed at low rotational speeds and processing of the fuel mixture is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Gaubatz, Johannes Meyer, Axel Knaut, Rudolf Seethaler
  • Patent number: 7055233
    Abstract: For assigning a tool to a workpiece conveyed on an assembly line, at least one transmitter is arranged in the area of an assembly line, and a receiver is arranged on the tool. An analyzing unit determines the distance of the tool from each transmitter, based on the transit times of at least one received signal, and an indicating device emits positions information regarding workpieces on the assembly line. An assignment unit assigns a tool or a tool position to a workpiece, based on at least one distance of the tool from the transmitter, and on the workpiece positions. The arrangement of the transmitters and receivers can also be interchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Josef Hofer, Robert Donharl
  • Patent number: 7055475
    Abstract: For a rotary actor device for stroke control of a charge changing valve in the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine with rocking stepper motor for driving a control disk with a cam profile controlling a charge changing valve, wherein the rocking motor is operated accordingly, an interplay of a closing spring of the poppet valve with a biased spring arm, provision is made for the achievement of stable end positions of the control disk, such that it is positioned by means of a separate first and second rotary abutment and is held securely against rotation in the particular starting position by the opening spring acting on a shaft bearing the control disk, while in each case by means of a relatively low powering of the stepper motor or of a ricochet movement brought about by means of corresponding abutments to overcome the starting position, the further supply of power remains substantially reduced by means of a rotor of the rocker motor chosen according to the energy exchange between closing spring an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Johannes Denteler, Johannes Meyer
  • Publication number: 20060114101
    Abstract: A modular vehicle key device system for controlling vehicle access and operation. The device is formed by joining at least two separable modules, a first key device module containing vehicle access and/or operation authorizing elements, such as a keyless entry transmitter and/or an ignition key, and a module for off-vehicle storage of personal adjustment settings and/or other data. With each use of the modular key device, the data in the storage module is transferred to the vehicle to ensure the operator's settings and information are always present. Separating the storage module from the key device module allows others to operate the vehicle while ensuring the operator's personal data cannot be lost. Separation also enables easy transfer of an operator's settings to a like vehicle. Other embodiments allow the operator to allow vehicle operation by others, such as valets, while limiting use of individual vehicle components, such as radios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Schambeck, John Ananny, Dietmar Fuchs, Greg Simon
  • Patent number: 7028575
    Abstract: Monostable shifting mechanism, in which two shifting channels are provided for the shift lever. “Monostable” means that the shifting element or the shift lever has only one stable position. As a function of the actual “operating condition” of the shifting mechanism, certain other operating conditions can be selected by means of the deflection of the shift lever. For this purpose, the shift lever is deflected manually in either one or the other shifting channel and, after the release, automatically returns into the stable starting position from any possible deflected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Ehrmaier, Norbert Woeste, Josef Neuner
  • Publication number: 20060054374
    Abstract: A friction wheel drive for an internal combustion engine's a unit belt drive for a secondary unit includes a control system, a friction wheel that engages frictionally with an outer side of a belt in a wrap-around portion of a drive wheel of the internal combustion engine and that is controlled by the control system to engage or disengage frictionally with a drive wheel of the secondary unit, and a guidance system having an arc section for guiding the movement of the friction wheel with the control system. The arc section is arranged equidistant from the axis of rotation of the drive or driven wheel relative to the driven wheel to the outside of the belt in the wrap-around portion for turning the secondary unit on and off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Wimmer, Heinz Lemberger
  • Publication number: 20060053733
    Abstract: A side member for a vehicle is formed by an extruded profile as well as a closed profile which are both constructed as open profiles with an approximately L-shaped cross-section. On the interior side of the extruded profile, a hollow chamber is situated which is removed in sections along the longitudinal course of the side member in order to achieve a targeted compression behavior (folding) of the side member in the event of an impact of the vehicle. Bushes for receiving the chassis components are inserted in the extruded profile. Like the partial weakening of the hollow chamber, the insertion of bushes takes place before the closing of the side member by connecting the profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Cristian Dragoi, Nils Drecoll
  • Patent number: 7010997
    Abstract: A two-wheeler or motorcycle grip has an electric heating element whose supply line is arranged or wound in a spiral shape in the area of the motorcycle grip. The winding axis of the supply line is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle grip. When the motorcycle grip is rotated, the supply line can deform similarly to a torsion spring in the rotating or circumferential direction, which is connected with only a very slight mechanical stressing of the line element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventor: Stanislav Dzurnak
  • Patent number: 7007647
    Abstract: A rotary actuator device is used to control the stroke of at least two gas exchange valves in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. The device includes first and second actuating mechanisms, first and second rocker motors, and a force transfer element. Each actuating mechanism is provided for at least one of the gas exchange valves of the engine. The first rocker motor has a first shaft on which the first actuating mechanism is disposed, and the second rocker motor has a second shaft on which the second actuating mechanism is disposed. The first and the second rocker motors are arranged in a point-mirrored relationship. The force transfer element is disposed between each actuating mechanism and the at least one gas exchange valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Gaubatz, Johannes Meyer
  • Publication number: 20060042245
    Abstract: An exhaust turbocharger with a housing, a compressor arranged in a compressor space and an exhaust turbine is arranged in a turbine space, whereby an exhaust line from the turbine outlet is connected to a low-pressure side of the compressor space via an exhaust recirculation line which extends through the housing and is designed largely in a spiral form in the housing. The recirculated exhaust gas flow arrangements improve the dynamics by providing higher turbocharger rotational speeds in the partial load range due to the production of a pre-twist by the exhaust recirculation stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Wimmer, Leopold Eistershofen