Patents Assigned to Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
  • Reservoir assembly having interchangeable fuel suction unit and fuel pump assembly for vehicles
    Patent number: 7191767
    Abstract: A reservoir assembly 10 is provided for a fuel tank of a vehicle. The reservoir assembly 10 is constructed and arranged to receive an electric fuel pump assembly 44 or a fuel suction unit 23 in a reservoir 12 thereof. The fuel suction unit 23 and the electric fuel pump assembly 44 are configured so as to be interchangeably received in the reservoir 12. This interchangeability advantageously saves design time and, from a supplier's point of view, provides more flexibility since two separate configurations are no longer required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Jochen Schmitt
  • Fluid quality sensor
    Publication number: 20070056365
    Abstract: A fluid quality sensor includes a first electrode (24) that has a fluid passageway (22) that is adapted to be placed in line with at least one fluid conduit (30). A second electrode (40) is supported within the fluid passageway (22) and electrically isolated from the first electrode (24). The first electrode (24) and the second electrode (40) operate as a capacitor for making fluid quality determinations. A disclosed example includes a temperature sensor (50) thermally coupled with a mounting member (42) that supports the second electrode (40) within the first electrode 24. A disclosed example includes a multiple piece first electrode that allows for at least a portion of the second electrode (40) to be exposed and accessible near one end of at least one piece of the first electrode during a selected portion of an example assembly process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Stahlmann
  • Common rail injector with active needle closing device
    Patent number: 7188788
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes a needle valve having a metering land that corresponds with the metering edge to define a metering gap. The metering gap produces a pressure drop utilized to tailor needle valve opening and closing response times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Ulrich Augustin
  • Auto-calibration algorithm with hysteresis correction
    Publication number: 20070038401
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a magnetoelastic force sensor includes the steps of mating a force transducer with a magnetometer, applying a force to the force transducer at each of a plurality of defined calibration points, recording output signals indicative of a magnetic field generated at each of the defined calibration points communicated to each of the at least two channels, and determining a correction factor for each of the at least two channels based on the recorded output signals for each of the defined calibration points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: David Cripe
  • Real time clock
    Publication number: 20070035353
    Abstract: A real time clock assembly includes paired crystal oscillators that experience changes in frequency responsive to temperature. The differences in frequency changes between the paired crystal oscillators are utilized to determine a temperature utilized to compensate for those shifts in frequency. The predictability of frequency responsive to temperature variations by the paired crystal oscillators is utilized for the determination of temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip Chapin, John Costello, Tejas Desai, Brian Farrell, Douglas King, Thomas Schaffer
  • Demagnetization-field enhancing magnetometer
    Publication number: 20070034021
    Abstract: A magnetometer for a force sensor assembly includes first inner and outer coils that are spaced axially apart from second inner and outer coils. Between the inner and outer coils is a plurality of magnetic strips. These magnetic strips are disposed at axially distinct portions within the inner and outer coils to detect magnetic field asymmetry. A drive circuit is connected to the inner coils and the outer coils generate an alternating magnetic field. The magnetometer of this invention creates an artificially enhanced demagnetization field reducing hysteresis within the sensor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: David Cripe
  • Illuminated pointer
    Publication number: 20070035960
    Abstract: A gauge assembly includes a pointer that provides one appearance in a non-illuminated condition and different appearance an illuminated pointer for low light conditions. The pointer is selectively illuminated to provide enhanced viewing in low light conditions. The pointer assembly includes a film that provides for desired appearances in daylight conditions and also defines a desired multi-colored pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Vyacheslav Birman, Ronald Struck, Kevin Dyer, Kenichi Takato
  • Torque sensor magnetometer
    Publication number: 20070034004
    Abstract: The magnetometer assembly according to this invention includes a first coil assembly and a second coil assembly for detecting separate magnetic fields along an axial portion of a torque transducer. The first and second coil assemblies are driven by independently adjustable circuits. Each of the circuits are independently adjustable to adjust the gain that is distributed to each of the first and second coils. This provides for an adjustment and precise alignment of a magnetic field generated by the first coil and the second coil assembly such that external magnetic fields can be cancelled providing increased accuracy and reduced hysteresis effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: David Cripe
  • Contactless hall-effect angular position sensor
    Publication number: 20070029996
    Abstract: An example angular position sensor assembly includes a sector member that rotates within a ring including a permanent magnet disposed centrally within the ring and a Hall-effect sensor adjacent the permanent magnet on an opposite side of the permanent magnet from the sector member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Spellman
  • Minimum battery voltage detection and measurement
    Publication number: 20070029968
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a battery energy management system includes discharging a detector circuit to a minimum battery voltage, measuring an elapsed time that the minimum battery voltage is detected, resetting a timer circuit, and sampling the minimum battery voltage and the elapsed time of the minimum battery voltage in response to a predefined prompt. The discharge of the detector circuit, the measurement of the minimum battery voltage, the elapsed time of the minimum battery voltage, and the reset of the timer circuit are performed in response to an input voltage being less than the voltage stored within the detector circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: John Costello, Scott Lucy, Thomas Schaffer
  • System and method for identifying source of RF transmission
    Patent number: 7173520
    Abstract: To eliminate any mis-learning of a sensor code in a factory environment due to adjacent vehicles, a vehicle ID is sent to a sensor transmitter by an initiation signal. When the sensor transmitter transmits its sensor identification signal to the vehicle control in a “learn” mode, the vehicle ID received in the initiation signal is carried with a combined signal. The vehicle control receives the combined signal, and if the received vehicle identification code in the signal matches an expected vehicle identification code, then the control learns the sensor identification. If the expected vehicle identification code does not match the received vehicle identification code, then the control may ignore the particular sensor identification code. This invention thus eliminates any tendency to have an adjacent vehicle inadvertently “teach” its sensor IDs to the control associated with the adjacent vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Tejas B. Desai, Gerald L. Ostrander
  • Method of securing tire pressure monitoring device to wheel
    Publication number: 20070022806
    Abstract: A method of securing a tire pressure-monitoring device to a vehicle wheel includes the steps of welding a bracket within a tire wheel well. The bracket assembly includes a weld surface that corresponds to a surface on the wheel rim. The weld surface includes a common curvature that matches the surface of the wheel and also includes a material compatible with welding to the wheel rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Karthikeyan Narayanaswamy
  • Method of securing tire pressure monitoring device to wheel
    Patent number: 7168305
    Abstract: A method of securing a tire pressure-monitoring device to a vehicle wheel includes the steps of welding a bracket within a tire wheel well. The bracket assembly includes a weld surface that corresponds to a surface on the wheel rim. The weld surface includes a common curvature that matches the surface of the wheel and also includes a material compatible with welding to the wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Karthikeyan R. Narayanaswamy
  • Fuel sensor
    Patent number: 7170303
    Abstract: A sensor (20) includes a single capacitor (30) that operates in two different modes to obtain capacitance and conductance information when a mixture flows between the electrodes (32, 34) of the capacitor. Two different oscillators (180, 182) are selectively used to obtain the conductance and capacitance information. In a disclosed embodiment, a capacitor includes an outer electrode (32) that is received around an inner electrode (34) such that there is spacing between the electrodes through which the mixture flows. The mixture acts as a dielectric of the capacitor allowing the conductance and capacitance measurements to be made. A glass member (36) seals off the spacing between the electrodes and provides physical support to position the inner electrode to keep the electrodes electrically isolated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Vanzullen, Gerard Mouaici, Francois-Xavier Bernard, Isabelle McKenzie
  • Bi-directional friction clutch assembly for electric motors to prevent backdrive
    Patent number: 7163097
    Abstract: A clutch assembly 100 is provided for a motor having an armature shaft and a worm shaft having a worm constructed and arranged to engage a gear. The clutch assembly includes a clutch housing 112 including a race surface 132; a cam 117 coupled to the worm shaft; follower structure 122 operatively associated with the cam; a clutch plate 114, and a clutch coupler 118 associated with the clutch plate, the cam, and the follower structure. The coupler is coupled to the armature shaft for rotation therewith, such that rotation of the coupler rotates the clutch plate, the cam and follower structure, and thus the worm shaft. During a back drive condition of the motor, when torque is transmitted to the worm shaft and thus to the cam, the cam is constructed and arranged to causes the follower structure 122 to contact and exert pressure on the race surface 132 thereby preventing rotation of the worm shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Luis E. Acosta
  • Punch tool for angled orifice
    Patent number: 7162907
    Abstract: A punch tool for punching orifice that has wall surfaces extending at an angle relative to a generally planar surface of a workpiece. The punch tool of the preferred embodiments is provided with configurations that, at the very least, increase the life of the tool, reduce damages to the workpiece during punching in the formation of the angled orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: J. Michael Joseph, Sam Gruber
  • Fuel injector including a compound angle orifice disc
    Patent number: 7163159
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes a metering orifice disc. The metering orifice disc includes a peripheral portion, a central portion, and an orifice. The peripheral portion is with respect to a longitudinal axis and extends parallel to a base plane. The peripheral portion bounds the central portion. The central portion includes a facet that extends parallel to a plane that is oblique with respect to the base plane. The orifice penetrates the facet and extends along an orifice axis that is oblique with respect to the plane. As such, the orientation of the orifice with respect to the longitudinal axis is defined by a combination of (1) a first relationship of the plane with respect to the base plane, and (2) a second relationship of the orifice axis with respect to the plane. A method of forming a multi-facetted dimple for the metering orifice disc is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: J. Michael Joseph
  • Peak load detection determination for deploying load limiting restraint devices
    Publication number: 20070007066
    Abstract: A method of operating a load limiting restraint system including the steps of receiving an acceleration value and also receiving a signal indicative of an occupant size. The signal received of occupant size is combined with the acceleration value to predict a load on the occupant and the restraint system. If the predicted load exceeds a predicted load value then the load limiting device is actuated to gradually reduce and selectively release the seatbelt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Mertz
  • Laser machining system for forming multiple machining spots by a single laser
    Patent number: 7161113
    Abstract: A laser machining system is provided that includes a work-piece and at least one light source that produces a laser light along a first axis. The laser light defines a first portion of laser light and a second portion of laser light radially inward relative to the first portion. An optical element reflects the first portion of laser light at an angle relative to the first axis so that the second portion of laser light passes through the optical element along the first axis. A first optical assembly collimates the first portion of laser light into a first cross-sectional area on the work-piece at a sufficient power density to machine the work-piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: John James Horsting
  • Asymmetrical punch
    Patent number: 7159436
    Abstract: An asymmetrical tool is provided to form an asymmetric orifice for an orifice disc. The asymmetric orifice is initially formed with a wall portion extending generally perpendicular to first and second generally parallel surfaces of the orifice disc. The wall of the orifice is deformed by the tool into an inlet portion contiguous to the first surface and a transition portion spaced from the first surface. The transition portion of the wall extends substantially perpendicular to the first and second generally planar surfaces. The inlet portion of the wall extends at a first oblique angle with respect to the first surface, and the first oblique angle varying with respect to the longitudinal axis. A method of forming the orifice with the tool is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: J. Michael Joseph