Patents by Inventor Albrecht Popp
Albrecht Popp 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: 12194920Abstract: The invention relates to an indirect rear view system for a motor vehicle, having a bearing element for fastening at least one reflection element, wherein the bearing element forms a coupling region for variable-position attachment to a vehicle-attachable adjustment element, wherein the coupling region for contacting a spherical connection region of the adjustment element has a first contact area and a second contact area axially offset with respect thereto wherein an imaginary separation surface extends through the region of transition of a main body of the bearing element into the coupling region of the bearing element, wherein the first contact area is arranged on one side of the imaginary separation surface and the second contact area is arranged on the opposite other side of the imaginary separation surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2022Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp
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Patent number: 11485288Abstract: An adjustment unit for an indirect vision system is indicated, which comprises a first and a second component connected to a support structure of an indirect vision system by as little connecting elements as possible. The interface of the adjustment unit to the support structure is to be able to withstand robust mechanical requirements in a small installation space. Due to the second component including a pressure distribution element which extends transversely to a longitudinal direction of the main connecting member, and due to the fact that pressure is applied to the pressure distribution element by the main connecting element, the forces introduced and centrally acting on the pressure distribution element and thus on the second component are equally distributed in a direction transverse to the main connecting element. Traction with the support structure therefore is no longer performed centrally, but spreaded over a transverse extension of the second component.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2020Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Albrecht Popp, Franziska Geuder
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Publication number: 20220314882Abstract: The invention relates to an indirect rear view system for a motor vehicle, having a bearing element for fastening at least one reflection element, wherein the bearing element forms a coupling region for variable-position attachment to a vehicle-attachable adjustment element, wherein the coupling region for contacting a spherical connection region of the adjustment element has a first contact area and a second contact area axially offset with respect thereto wherein an imaginary separation surface extends through the region of transition of a main body of the bearing element into the coupling region of the bearing element, wherein the first contact area is arranged on one side of the imaginary separation surface and the second contact area is arranged on the opposite other side of the imaginary separation surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp
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Publication number: 20220317413Abstract: The invention relates to an indirect rear viewing system for a motor vehicle having a supporting element for fastening at least one reflective element, wherein the supporting element has a coupling region for a position variable fastening/attachment to an adjusting element, which in turn can be attached to the vehicle, wherein the coupling region contacts a counter contact regions, of the adjusting element, wherein interlocking anti rotation means are present on the supporting element and on the adjusting element, wherein the anti rotation means are forming an index geometry, which, in a first operating state, permits an adjustment of the supporting element relative to the adjusting element about two axes of rotation, which are transverse to one another, and, in at least a second operating state, permits a basic position change of the supporting element relative to the adjusting element about a third axis of rotation which is aligned transversely to the two other axes of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp
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Publication number: 20210107405Abstract: An adjustment unit for an indirect vision system is indicated, which comprises a first and a second component connected to a support structure of an indirect vision system by as little connecting elements as possible. The interface of the adjustment unit to the support structure is to be able to withstand robust mechanical requirements in a small installation space. Due to the second component including a pressure distribution element which extends transversely to a longitudinal direction of the main connecting member, and due to the fact that pressure is applied to the pressure distribution element by the main connecting element, the forces introduced and centrally acting on the pressure distribution element and thus on the second component are equally distributed in a direction transverse to the main connecting element. Traction with the support structure therefore is no longer performed centrally, but spreaded over a transverse extension of the second component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Werner Lang, Albrecht Popp, Franziska Geuder
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Patent number: 10007084Abstract: A visualization system for vehicles includes a mirror glass, three housing elements and a securing element. The first element includes an engagement aperture. The second element includes a first shaft extending in an outward direction. The first shaft has a first undercut opposite a rear side. The third element includes a second shaft that extends in an inward direction towards the housing. The second shaft has a second undercut opposite a rear side. The securing element extends in the inward direction into the engagement aperture and presses against both rear sides of the shafts causing both the first and second undercuts to press against the edge of the engagement aperture from opposite sides and thereby preventing the first and second shafts from moving either inward or outward with respect to the first element. The mirror glass is disposed on the opposite side of the third element from the first element.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Georg Hecht, Albrecht Popp
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Patent number: 9926970Abstract: A swivel joint system for pivotally connecting a mirror to a vehicle includes a first arm, a second arm, a locking pin, a spring element and a centering element. The first arm has first and second bearing shells. The second arm has a first counter bearing shell and a second counter bearing shell. The counter bearing shells are disposed between the first bearing shell and the second bearing shell. A first latching surface of the first counter bearing shell contacts and presses against a second latching surface of the first bearing shell. The locking pin passes through the first bearing shell, the second bearing shell and a hole in the centering element. The second arm swivels relative to the first arm about a joint axis that is oriented co-axially to the locking pin. The spring element pushes the locking pin away from the first counter bearing shell.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Georg Hecht, Albrecht Popp, Markus Pauly
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Patent number: 9610896Abstract: A adjusting device for a vehicular mirror directly transmits any forces exerted on the mirror between a base member and a rotating member when the mirror is not being adjusted. This permits a small electric motor to be used that can withstand only comparatively small forces exerted on the mirror while the mirror is being adjusted. The device includes the motor, a cylindrical base, a rotating member and a driven member. The mirror is adjusted when the motor drives the rotating member, and the rotating member is uncoupled from the base member. When the motor rotates the driven member, the rotating member is forced axially apart from the base member as a decoupling element on the rotating member slides up an inclined portion on the driven member. When the motor is not driving the rotating member, the rotating member is uncoupled from the motor and couples to the base member.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp, Stefan Centmayer
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Publication number: 20170059814Abstract: A visualization system for vehicles includes a mirror glass, three housing elements and a securing element. The first element includes an engagement aperture. The second element includes a first shaft extending in an outward direction. The first shaft has a first undercut opposite a rear side. The third element includes a second shaft that extends in an inward direction towards the housing. The second shaft has a second undercut opposite a rear side. The securing element extends in the inward direction into the engagement aperture and presses against both rear sides of the shafts causing both the first and second undercuts to press against the edge of the engagement aperture from opposite sides and thereby preventing the first and second shafts from moving either inward or outward with respect to the first element. The mirror glass is disposed on the opposite side of the third element from the first element.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Werner Lang, Georg Hecht, Albrecht Popp
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Patent number: 9550456Abstract: A device for adjusting rear view mirrors includes a vehicle-side first element and a movable second element. A reflecting surface is attached to the second element. One of the first or second elements has a concave surface, and the other element has a convex surface. The second element pivots about at least one axis that is fixed with respect to the first element. A joining slot is formed where the convex surface slides over the concave surface. One of the elements has a sealing lip that makes sliding contact with the other element and prevents foreign objects from entering the slot between the convex surface and the concave surface. The sealing lip annularly contacts either the convex surface or the concave surface. Alternatively, the concave surface is formed by a spherical shell, and the sealing lip slides over a second convex surface disposed on the shell opposite the concave surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Sebastian Heger, Willi Felbinger, Albrecht Popp
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Patent number: 9470273Abstract: A clutch device transmits rotational energy between a drive input and a drive output, in particular between an electric actuating unit and an actuating element of an adjustable motor vehicle exterior mirror. The clutch device permits a transmission of a load torque MR from the electric actuating unit to the actuating element in both directions, and in the event of an overload torque greater than a predefined threshold torque MK, automatically permits a relative rotation between the electric actuating unit and the actuating element. Furthermore, the clutch device is designed such that, in the event of a torque direction reversal, no load torque is transmitted over a predetermined free-travel angle (?).Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Albrecht Popp, Elmar Finkenberger
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Publication number: 20160102702Abstract: A swivel joint system for pivotally connecting a mirror to a vehicle includes a first arm, a second arm, a locking pin, a spring element and a centering element. The first arm has first and second bearing shells. The second arm has a first counter bearing shell and a second counter bearing shell. The counter bearing shells are disposed between the first bearing shell and the second bearing shell. A first latching surface of the first counter bearing shell contacts and presses against a second latching surface of the first bearing shell. The locking pin passes through the first bearing shell, the second bearing shell and a hole in the centering element. The second arm swivels relative to the first arm about a joint axis that is oriented co-axially to the locking pin. The spring element pushes the locking pin away from the first counter bearing shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Werner Lang, Georg Hecht, Albrecht Popp, Markus Pauly
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Publication number: 20150251601Abstract: A device for adjusting rear view mirrors includes a vehicle-side first element and a movable second element. A reflecting surface is attached to the second element. One of the first or second elements has a concave surface, and the other element has a convex surface. The second element pivots about at least one axis that is fixed with respect to the first element. A joining slot is formed where the convex surface slides over the concave surface. One of the elements has a sealing lip that makes sliding contact with the other element and prevents foreign objects from entering the slot between the convex surface and the concave surface. The sealing lip annularly contacts either the convex surface or the concave surface. Alternatively, the concave surface is formed by a spherical shell, and the sealing lip slides over a second convex surface disposed on the shell opposite the concave surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Inventors: Werner Lang, Sebastian Heger, Willi Felbinger, Albrecht Popp
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Patent number: 8950968Abstract: A mirror assembly system for use in automotive vehicles is provided. In one embodiment of the presented invention, a first connecting member has the form of a tubular flange member, with a first contact surface and a first groove being provided inside the flange member. A second connecting member is adapted to be introduced with play into the tubular flange member, with the second connecting member comprising a base body. On the base body a first retaining boss for engagement in the first groove and a guide surface arranged behind the retaining boss are provided, with the guide surface being associated to the first contact surface. A clamping device passes through the flange member and, when actuated, presses against a first pressure surface on the base body so that the inclined guide surface presses against the first contact surface, to thus jam the mounting member inside the flange member.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Richard Reimchen, Jochen Denkfelder, Albrecht Popp
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Patent number: 8807511Abstract: A fastening system for add-on parts to vehicles allows the add-on parts to be easily installed and removed. The fastening system includes a connection part that lies against the vehicle and the add-on part, which includes a base. The connection part is designed as a profiled element whose outer surface corresponds to the outer surface of a prism having a cross section of a regular polygon with at least one interior angle deviating from 90°. The base has a trapezoidal groove with opposing surfaces on opposing sides of a base surface that are arranged at an angle from each other. The two opposing surfaces lie flush with wiggle-free engagement against two lateral surfaces of the connection part. A hole extends through the base symmetrically with respect to the groove. A connecting element is inserted through an opening in the base and engages in a receptacle of the connection part.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Christian Rebelein, Achim Schmidt, Werner Lang, Albrecht Popp
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Publication number: 20140211333Abstract: A adjusting device for a vehicular mirror directly transmits any forces exerted on the mirror between a base member and a rotating member when the mirror is not being adjusted. This permits a small electric motor to be used that can withstand only comparatively small forces exerted on the mirror while the mirror is being adjusted. The device includes the motor, a cylindrical base, a rotating member and a driven member. The mirror is adjusted when the motor drives the rotating member, and the rotating member is uncoupled from the base member. When the motor rotates the driven member, the rotating member is forced axially apart from the base member as a decoupling element on the rotating member slides up an inclined portion on the driven member. When the motor is not driving the rotating member, the rotating member is uncoupled from the motor and couples to the base member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp, Stefan Centmayer
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Publication number: 20140131159Abstract: A clutch device transmits rotational energy between a drive input and a drive output, in particular between an electric actuating unit and an actuating element of an adjustable motor vehicle exterior mirror. The clutch device permits a transmission of a load torque MR from the electric actuating unit to the actuating element in both directions, and in the event of an overload torque greater than a predefined threshold torque MK, automatically permits a relative rotation between the electric actuating unit and the actuating element. Furthermore, the clutch device is designed such that, in the event of a torque direction reversal, no load torque is transmitted over a predetermined free-travel angle (?).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2011Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Albrecht Popp, Ermar Finkenberger
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Publication number: 20120307387Abstract: A mirror head releasably fastened to a support structure, whereby the mirror head has at least one recess complementary to the support structure, into which the support structure or a partial segment of support structure is inserted and which is secured by means of a fastening device. Matching surface segments are formed in at least one recess and the corresponding surface segment of the support structure, and the fastening device is formed as an elastic component that pre-stresses ratchet surfaces in the recess and on support structure into interlocking engagement. The support structure ratchet surface may be formed on a separate locking component with a surface that at least partially matches the surface contour of the support structure, where the position of the locking component relative to the support structure can be fixed in its circumferential and axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: Werner Lang, Albrecht Popp, Stefan Centmayer, Ralf Wattenbach
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Publication number: 20120182637Abstract: A system for connecting two components in a vehicle mirror assembly is provided A first connecting member includes a tubular flange member, with a first contact surface and a first groove being provided inside the flange member. A second connecting member includes a mounting member adapted to be introduced with play into the tubular flange member, with the mounting member comprising a base body. On the base body a first retaining boss for engagement in the first groove and a guide surface arranged behind the retaining boss are provided, with the guide surface being associated to the first contact surface and inclined relative to the latter. A clamping means passes through the flange member and, when actuated, presses against a first pressure surface on the base body so that the inclined guide surface presses against the first contact surface, to thus jam the mounting member inside the flange member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventors: Richard REIMCHEN, Jochen DENKFELDER, Albrecht POPP
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Patent number: D636308Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignees: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC, Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Richard Reimchen, Albrecht Popp