Patents Assigned to Conductix-Wampfler GmbH
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Patent number: 12162365Abstract: A current collector has a sliding contact for making electrical contact with a conductor profile of a conductor line, and an antenna for insertion into a longitudinal slot, which runs in a longitudinal direction of the conductor line. The sliding contact and the antenna can be moved jointly towards the conductor profile in a feed direction by a feed device of the current collector. The antenna is movably mounted on the current collector. Also provided are a conductor line and a conductor line system.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2019Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventors: Niklas Endler, Bernd Maier, Nicholas Winter
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Patent number: 12087992Abstract: A communications system for communication between a vehicle guided along a predetermined movement path and a stationary station using a slotted waveguide which extends parallel to the movement path and into which an antenna connected to a transmitting and receiving unit of the stationary station and a vehicle antenna project. On the stationary station and on the vehicle, either at least two separate transmitting and receiving units are provided for each respective transmission channel and are provided with a respective antenna connection, or at least one transmitting and receiving unit is provided for at least two transmission channels and is provided with two respective antenna connections. The antenna connections of the transmitting and receiving units are connected to a common antenna via a coupler. The signals of all transmission channels are emitted and received via the common antenna.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventors: Nicholas Winter, Michael Eckle, Bernd Maier
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Patent number: 12036745Abstract: A method for manufacturing a current collector head for a current collector consisting of an electrically conductive contact shoe and an electrically insulating contact shoe holder includes the following steps: inserting a section of the contact shoe into an outwardly open cavity in the contact shoe holder dimensioned to match this section; clamping the contact shoe in the cavity of the contact shoe holder by acting on the contact shoe holder with at least an external force directed onto the inserted section of the contact shoe; heating the contact shoe to a temperature sufficient to form a bonded connection with the contact shoe holder; and cooling the current collector head formed from the contact shoe and the contact shoe holder.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2022Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventor: Max Gerwig
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Patent number: 12027744Abstract: A communication system for communication between at least one vehicle guided along a predefined movement path and a stationary station using a slotted waveguide which extends parallel to the movement path of the vehicle and into which at least one antenna connected to a transceiver unit of the stationary station and at least one antenna of the vehicle project. The antenna of the vehicle is moved in the longitudinal direction of the slotted waveguide with movement of the vehicle. The slotted waveguide includes at least two sections separated from one another by a respective gap. At least one antenna projecting into the respective section is provided for each section of the slotted waveguide. Two neighboring antennas projecting into different sections of the slotted waveguide are coupled via a coupling device both to a common transceiver unit of the stationary station and to one another.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventor: Nicholas Winter
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Patent number: 11981545Abstract: A cable guide apparatus has an oscillating link rotatable about an axis and a cable guide for the line cable. The line cable is fed from and into a reservoir based on the distance between the reservoir and the feed device and is guided by the cable guide. A simplified automatic connection of a line cable to a feed device is achieved and provides protective guidance and storage of the line cable by a cable guide apparatus in which the oscillating link can be moved linearly relative to the oscillation axis. A power supply system includes this cable guide apparatus. The related method comprises: a) retracting a connecting element, which is arranged on the line cable, into the cable guide apparatus and before, at the same time or afterwards b) moving the oscillating link from an extended to a retracted position relative to the oscillation axis in a linear manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2018Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventors: Bernd Maier, Dietmar Lang, Martin Nöltner, Frank Kreiter
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Patent number: 11897526Abstract: In a communications system for communication between a vehicle guided along a predefined movement path and a stationary station using a slotted waveguide which extends parallel to the movement path of the vehicle and into which at least one antenna connected to a transceiver unit of the stationary station and at least one antenna of the vehicle project, wherein the antenna of the vehicle is moved in the longitudinal direction of the slotted waveguide with a movement of the vehicle, a switching device is arranged between the antenna of the vehicle and a transceiver unit of the vehicle, by means of which the antenna can be selectively connected to the transceiver unit of the vehicle either directly or via at least one interconnected attenuation element. The switching device can be actuated by the control device of the vehicle according to the power of a received signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2019Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventor: Nicholas Winter
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Patent number: 11652386Abstract: A device and method for detection of wear of a sliding contact which may be displaced along a brushgear, includes a sensor and a measurement indicator designed for detection by the sensor. The sensor and the measurement indicator approach or move away from each other by a shortening of the sliding contact caused by wear, and a brushgear system. The problem of enabling simple, reliable detection of the practically complete wear of the sliding contact is addressed by the sensor being designed for contactless and/or contacting detection of the measurement indicator, and by means of a brushgear system having a device of this kind, and also a method of this kind in which the sensor detects the measurement indicator becoming closer to the sensor contactlessly and/or contactingly and, when a threshold value for a predetermined wear of the sliding contact is exceeded, issues a warning signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventors: Niklas Endler, Moritz Hagin, Nicholas Winter
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Patent number: 11631956Abstract: A fastening device for fastening a conductor line to at least one mounting element. The fastening device has at least one holding element connectable to the conductor line. The holding element fastens the conductor line to the mounting element such that movement perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conductor line is not possible. A conductor line system has a conductor line, which is fastened by a first fastening device to a first mounting element and by a second fastening device spaced apart therefrom to a second mounting element. The first fastening device is connected to the conductor line and to the first mounting element in such a way that movement in the longitudinal direction is not possible. The second fastening device is connected to the conductor line and/or to the mounting line in such a way that movement in the longitudinal direction is possible.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2018Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventors: Moritz Hagin, Dietmar Lang
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Patent number: 11472675Abstract: A connecting arrangement by which an electric load, which can be displaced in at least one direction of travel in relation to a feeder device, is supplied, by a cable, with electrical energy and/or data. The feeder device has at least one connection member for connecting to a corresponding connecting element of a cable carried by the electric load. An energy-supply system supplies the electric load. A simplified automatic connection of the cable to the feeder device by a connecting arrangement has a manipulator for connecting the connecting element to the connection member. A related energy-supply system has such a connecting arrangement and a related method has the following steps: a) positioning the connecting element in relation to the feeder device, b) using a manipulator to grip the connecting element and/or the cable, and c) using the manipulator to connect the connecting element to the connection member.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2018Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventors: Bernd Maier, Frank Kreiter, Martin Nöltner, Dietmar Lang
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Publication number: 20220314808Abstract: A current collector for electrically supplying an electrical load which is movable along a conductor line. The current collector has a fastening element and at least one sliding contact with an elongate sliding contact surface, which extends in a longitudinal direction, for sliding contact with an electrically conducting line profile, which extends in the longitudinal direction, of the conductor line. The sliding contact is articulated on the fastening element at spaced apart fastening regions, so as to be movable in a feeding plane extending parallel to the longitudinal direction by means of two articulated lever arrangements. A resetting device acting on the articulated lever arrangements and on the fastening element is provided which, when the sliding contact is deflected from an inoperative position, in which the sliding contact surface preferably extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, moves the sliding contact back into the inoperative position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2020Publication date: October 6, 2022Applicant: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventors: Moritz HAGIN, Matthias WENK
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Patent number: 11441630Abstract: A stop buffer for absorbing kinetic energy in a collision between two objects, includes a first spring body made of an elastic material. The first spring body is connected to a carrier body, and includes at least one electrical sensor, which has a triggering element that can be mechanically actuated. The sensor outputs a signal when the triggering element is actuated. The sensor is arranged relative to the carrier body in such a way that the triggering element is actuated by a detachment of the first spring body from the carrier body, or an actuation mechanism is provided, by which the triggering element of the sensor is actuated by a force acting on the carrier body in a collision when the force exceeds a predefined magnitude that indicates a failure of the first spring body because of wear or, if the first spring body is intact, indicates excessive collision energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventors: Niklas Endler, Bernd Maier, Nicholas Winter
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Publication number: 20220274346Abstract: A method for manufacturing a current collector head for a current collector consisting of an electrically conductive contact shoe and an electrically insulating contact shoe holder includes the following steps: inserting a section of the contact shoe into an outwardly open cavity in the contact shoe holder dimensioned to match this section; clamping the contact shoe in the cavity of the contact shoe holder by acting on the contact shoe holder with at least an external force directed onto the inserted section of the contact shoe; heating the contact shoe to a temperature sufficient to form a bonded connection with the contact shoe holder; and cooling the current collector head formed from the contact shoe and the contact shoe holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Applicant: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventor: Max GERWIG
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Patent number: 11390495Abstract: A line cable comprises one or more conductors for transmitting electrical power and/or data and an elongate supporting element. A related power supply system for supplying electrical power and/or data to a movable electrical load via cables comprises at least one feed device and a connecting element, which can be connected to the feed device, of a line cable of the load. The line cable can be output or retrieved from a reservoir, which is carried along by the load, in accordance with a distance between the reservoir and the feed device. A connecting element for connection to a connection of a feed device for electrical power and/or data is arranged at one end of the line cable. The supporting element can be connected to the connecting element in a force-fitting and/or interlocking manner for the purpose of transmitting longitudinal tensile forces.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2018Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventors: Dietmar Lang, Martin Nöltner, Bernd Maier, Frank Kreiter
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Publication number: 20220209384Abstract: A communication system for communication between at least one vehicle guided along a predefined movement path and a stationary station using a slotted waveguide which extends parallel to the movement path of the vehicle and into which at least one antenna connected to a transceiver unit of the stationary station and at least one antenna of the vehicle project. The antenna of the vehicle is moved in the longitudinal direction of the slotted waveguide with movement of the vehicle. The slotted waveguide includes at least two sections separated from one another by a respective gap. At least one antenna projecting into the respective section is provided for each section of the slotted waveguide. Two neighboring antennas projecting into different sections of the slotted waveguide are coupled via a coupling device both to a common transceiver unit of the stationary station and to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2019Publication date: June 30, 2022Applicant: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventor: Nicholas WINTER
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Publication number: 20220209388Abstract: In a communications system for communication between a vehicle guided along a predetermined movement path and a stationary station using a slotted waveguide which extends parallel to the movement path and into which an antenna connected to a transmitting and receiving unit of the stationary station and a vehicle antenna project. The vehicle antenna is moved in the longitudinal direction of the slotted waveguide with a movement of the vehicle. On the stationary station and on the vehicle, either at least two separate transmitting and receiving units are provided for each respective transmission channel and are provided with a respective antenna connection, or at least one transmitting and receiving unit is provided for at least two transmission channels and is provided with two respective antenna connections. The antenna connections of the transmitting and receiving units are connected to a common antenna via a coupler. The signals of all transmission channels are emitted and received via the common antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2019Publication date: June 30, 2022Applicant: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventors: Nicholas WINTER, Michael ECKLE, Bernd MAIER
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Publication number: 20220131325Abstract: A current collector supplies power to an electrical load movable along a conductor line and includes a movable holder for a contact element whose range of movement is restricted by two mechanical stops, and which is acted upon by a spring arrangement exerting a force in the direction of a first end of its range of movement to force the contact element against a power rail. A damping device is provided, which dampens movement of the holder caused by the spring arrangement in the direction of the first end of its range of movement, when the holder is situated within a predetermined first section of its range of movement, which is restricted on one side by the first end and does not include the entire range of movement. The damping device can be designed as a flow damper or a friction damper or as at least one spring element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2021Publication date: April 28, 2022Applicant: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventor: Dieter SEIDEL
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Publication number: 20220105971Abstract: In a communications system for communication between a vehicle guided along a predefined movement path and a stationary station using a slotted waveguide which extends parallel to the movement path of the vehicle and into which at least one antenna connected to a transceiver unit of the stationary station and at least one antenna of the vehicle project, wherein the antenna of the vehicle is moved in the longitudinal direction of the slotted waveguide with a movement of the vehicle, a switching device is arranged between the antenna of the vehicle and a transceiver unit of the vehicle, by means of which the antenna can be selectively connected to the transceiver unit of the vehicle either directly or via at least one interconnected attenuation element. The switching device can be actuated by the control device of the vehicle according to the power of a received signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2019Publication date: April 7, 2022Applicant: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventor: Nicholas WINTER
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Publication number: 20210394619Abstract: A current collector has a sliding contact for making electrical contact with a conductor profile of a conductor line and an antenna for insertion into a longitudinal slot, running in a longitudinal direction of the conductor line. The sliding contact and the antenna can be moved jointly towards the conductor profile in a feed direction by a feed device of the current collector. A conductor line has a conductor profile running in a longitudinal direction, having an elongate cavity and a longitudinal slot adjoining the cavity and running in the longitudinal direction. The conductor profile has at least one sliding contact groove for the sliding contact of the current collector. The antenna is mounted on the current collector so as to be moveable with respect to the sliding contact in the feed direction, and the conductor profile has at least one spacer slide surface running in the longitudinal direction, for a spacer slide of the current collector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2019Publication date: December 23, 2021Applicant: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventors: Niklas Endler, Bernd Maier, Nicholas Winter
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Patent number: 11189999Abstract: A feed device for supplying electrical power and/or data to an electrical load, which is movable in at least one travel direction relative to the feed device, via cables. An electrical line cable carried along by the electrical load can be connected or is connected to the feed device, and to a power supply system for supplying the movable electrical load. The line cable can be output or retrieved from a reservoir, which is carried along by the load, in accordance with a distance between the reservoir and the feed device. The feed device has at least one connection part, which is rotatable about at least one pivot axis, for the line cable. This feed device, as well as a power supply system having such a feed device, provides protective guidance and storage of the line cable, reducing the risk of kinking or excessive bending of the line cable when moving the electrical load.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2018Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: CONDUCTIX-WAMPFLER GMBHInventors: Bernd Maier, Frank Kreiter, Martin Nöltner, Dietmar Lang
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Publication number: 20210336398Abstract: A busbar for a conductor line for supplying electrical power to an electrical load which can be moved along the conductor line. To reduce the wear on the busbar and the sliding body that slides along the conductor line by decreasing the friction between these two components, a busbar, on which the surface of the side of the busbar intended to make contact with a sliding body of a current collector has at least one groove-shaped depression, which, at least in certain sections, runs at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the busbar, with the longitudinal direction defined by the intended direction of movement of the sliding body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2021Publication date: October 28, 2021Applicant: Conductix-Wampfler GmbHInventor: Dieter SEIDEL