Patents by Inventor Alexander Galea

Alexander Galea 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).

  • Publication number: 20230347978
    Abstract: A rotary position sensor to determine a position of a rotary system comprising at least three individual position sensors (10, 11, 12) and a gear box (13). A target (9) that is related to the rotary system is scanned by the individual position sensor (10, 11, 12). The first individual position sensor (10) determines a position of the rotary system. The second individual position sensor (11) determines an angle of rotation referring to the rotary system. Wherein the third individual position sensor (12) measures a rotational change referring to the rotary system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Allen Carl Bonnici Micallef, Alexander Galea, Matthew Spiteri
  • Publication number: 20230318074
    Abstract: An electrical conductor for use in a battery of an electrically powered motor vehicle has a busbar enclosed by a first layer. A second layer is placed on the side of the first layer facing away from the electrical conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Alexander Galea, Matthew Spiteri
  • Publication number: 20230287987
    Abstract: A rotary actuator is connected to a device and configured to set the device in a motion. The rotary actuator has a rotary actuation system and a logic. The logic is configured such that when a movement is applied to the device independent of the rotary actuator, the logic activates the rotary actuator to: (i) move the device to at least one functional position or (ii) move the device to a starting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Alexander Galea, Matthew Spiteri
  • Publication number: 20230286486
    Abstract: Device for measuring at least one first force (19) generated within a brake system (20) of a vehicle (9). The brake system (20) comprises at least caliper (16) and at least one brake disc (4). The at least two load pins (12, 13), connecting the caliper (16) and the vehicle (9) are arranged to measure the first force (19). A converting means (21) is arranged to convert a basic force (22) into the first force (19) to be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Alexander Galea, Johannes Gießibl, Julius Beck, Paul Sinclair
  • Patent number: 11708856
    Abstract: A device monitors the operating temperature of at least one set of bearings in a plurality of sets of bearings. The at least one set of bearings is arranged between a shaft and a carrier. The carrier has at least one temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the at least one set of bearings and generates a signal representative of an operating temperature of the at least one set of bearings. The at least one temperature sensor is operatively electrically connected to at least one controller. The controller processes the signal from the temperature sensor, including determining the operating temperature of the respective at least one set of bearings and whether the operating temperature of the respective at least one set of bearings exceeds at least one threshold temperature. The controller memory holds a unique identifier associated with the at least one bearing set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Methode Electronics Malta Ltd.
    Inventor: Alexander Galea
  • Publication number: 20230086820
    Abstract: A force sensing device generates an output signal containing information usable for determining a magnitude and a direction of a force acting on a coupling. The coupling has a hook and a linking element linking the hook to a connection flange. The linking element is linked to the hook and the connection flange by at least two pins. Each pin comprises a torque sensor. The linking element is arranged at an angle with respect to the hook such that independent of the angle of the slope between an imaginary horizontal plane and the longitudinal axis of the connection flange, the linking element does not reach a position, in which the two pins are arranged one above the other in a vertical direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the connection flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Alexander Galea, Johannes Gießibl
  • Patent number: 11560127
    Abstract: Device for a brake travel emulator with at least one integrated sensor, comprising a housing (5), a force sensor (18) both being connected to a middle part of a connection means (4). The force sensor (18) being arranged at a static unit (2), the housing (5) further comprising at least one conical compression spring (6), an axially sliding component (7), a connecting rod (9) comprising a varying diameter geometry, an oscillating means (48) capable of creating an electric field, and a displacement sensor (46), the force sensor (18) further comprising, a micro-controller (50), means for receiving applied force (41) and at least four coils (30, 31, 32, 33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Methode Electronics Malta Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexander Galea, Julius Beck, Allen Carl Bonnici
  • Publication number: 20220226521
    Abstract: A device for sterilizing at least one surface within an interior or at an exterior of a vehicle. The surface is susceptible to exposure to micro-organisms, bacteria, pathogens and/or viruses. The device comprising: at least one UV-C light source mounted in or in the area of the surface of the object, at least one control module for controlling the UV-C light emitted by at least one UV-C light source, and at least one user presence detection module for sensing the presence of a user using the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventor: Alexander Galea
  • Publication number: 20210301868
    Abstract: A device monitors the operating temperature of at least one set of bearings in a plurality of sets of bearings. The at least one set of bearings is arranged between a shaft and a carrier. The carrier has at least one temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the at least one set of bearings and generates a signal representative of an operating temperature of the at least one set of bearings. The at least one temperature sensor is operatively electrically connected to at least one controller. The controller processes the signal from the temperature sensor, including determining the operating temperature of the respective at least one set of bearings and whether the operating temperature of the respective at least one set of bearings exceeds at least one threshold temperature. The controller memory holds a unique identifier associated with the at least one bearing set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventor: Alexander Galea
  • Publication number: 20200377066
    Abstract: Device for a brake travel emulator with at least one integrated sensor, comprising a housing (5), a force sensor (18) both being connected to a middle part of a connection means (4). The force sensor (18) being arranged at a static unit (2), the housing (5) further comprising at least one conical compression spring (6), an axially sliding component (7), a connecting rod (9) comprising a varying diameter geometry, an oscillating means (48) capable of creating an electric field, and a displacement sensor (46), the force sensor (18) further comprising, a micro-controller (50), means for receiving applied force (41) and at least four coils (30, 31, 32, 33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander Galea, Julius Beck, Allen Carl Bonnici
  • Publication number: 20190071770
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing transparent polymer with glass-like properties involves depositing silica glass molecules on a substrate to be coated through a chemical vapor deposition process prior to completing a full curing process. The chemical vapor deposition process is performed within a vacuum or ‘quasi’ vacuum atmosphere, which is held at a temperature below 30° C. Upon completion of the chemical vapor deposition process, curing the coated substrate a second time at a temperature exceeding 150° C. A transparent polymer may be manufactured according to the method described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Alexander Galea, Joseph Elias Khoury
  • Publication number: 20180087953
    Abstract: A fluid level sensor includes a magnetic field generator that generates a magnetic field varying with time. A metallic member is disposed in a region in which the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator is present. The metallic member is movable relative to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator based upon a fluid level to be measured. The metallic member has an effective geometry defining the magnitude of eddy currents induced in the metallic member due to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator. The effective geometry is changed when the metallic member is moved relative to the magnetic field generator. A sensing device detects the eddy currents induced in the metallic member, and a fluid level determination device determines the fluid level based on the eddy currents induced in the metallic member. A method of use of the device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Allen Carl Bonnici, Alexander Galea
  • Patent number: 9048032
    Abstract: An electrical switch device has a contact system and a movable actuator for switching the contact system. The contact system resiliently preloads a sliding contact against a first fixed contact in a first switch position and against a second fixed contact in a second switch position. In case of pressurization, the actuator moves the sliding contact mainly linearly from the first switch position to the second switch position. In the first switch position, the actuator adjoins to a snap-action element having a stable position and actuates the latter from its stable position to an instable position when switching over to the second switch position, wherein the snap-action element returns to the stable position upon completion of pressurization by means of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Methode Electronics Malta Ltd.
    Inventor: Alexander Galea
  • Patent number: 8910536
    Abstract: A locking device for inhibiting the engagement of the reverse gear of a motor vehicle transmission has an inhibitor (2) arranged in a housing (1). The inhibitor (2) prevents the movement of a transmission part (15) of the transmission in a first position and permits the movement of the transmission part (15) in a second position. A sensor (8) for indicating the engaged reverse gear is further provided in the housing (1). The inhibitor (2) is axially movable in the housing (1) and follows the movement of a core part (3), which is likewise movable in the axial direction through a solenoid arrangement (18) provided in the housing (1). The coil (5) of the solenoid arrangement (18) surrounds the core part (3). The solenoid arrangement (18) is arranged in a chamber (9) of the housing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Methode Electronics Malta, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alexander Galea
  • Publication number: 20140060228
    Abstract: A locking device for inhibiting the engagement of the reverse gear of a motor vehicle transmission has an inhibitor (2) arranged in a housing (1). The inhibitor (2) prevents the movement of a transmission part (15) of the transmission in a first position and permits the movement of the transmission part (15) in a second position. A sensor (8) for indicating the engaged reverse gear is further provided in the housing (1). The inhibitor (2) is axially movable in the housing (1) and follows the movement of a core part (3), which is likewise movable in the axial direction through a solenoid arrangement (18) provided in the housing (1). The coil (5) of the solenoid arrangement (18) surrounds the core part (3). The solenoid arrangement (18) is arranged in a chamber (9) of the housing (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: METHODE ELECTRONICS MALTA LTD.
    Inventor: Alexander GALEA
  • Publication number: 20120006149
    Abstract: A pedal assembly for use in a motor vehicle includes a pedal member partially mounted in a housing and configured to rotate about a fulcrum. At least one pressure-exerting spring biases the pedal member to an initial position. The pedal member is pivotable about the fulcrum against a force of the at least one pressure-exerting spring. A spring member is disposed inside the housing. One end of the spring member is fixedly fastened to the housing and an opposite end of the spring member is moveably mounted to the housing. The pedal member has a slide member which when the pedal member is actuated slides on and along one side of the spring member and exerts pressure on the one side of the spring member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: METHODE ELECTRONICS MALTA LTD.
    Inventor: Alexander Galea
  • Publication number: 20090100959
    Abstract: The present invention relates to actuating device for at least one pedal (2) mounted for pivoting about an axis (3) in a pedal box (1) and including a position sensor (10) for detecting the position of pedal (2), said position sensor having an axle (10). Axle (10) of position sensor (9) is directly coupled to axis (3) for joint rotation therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Alexander Galea, Dawn Zammit
  • Publication number: 20090020403
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a switch element (2) is provided with an operating device (3) that acts upon a tilt member (16) so that the tilt member instantly moves the switch element (2) from a neutral position into a tilted (switched) position. The operating device (3) is mounted pivotally on a housing and includes a pressure member (6) biased by a spring (15) toward the tilt member (16). The tilt member (16) is adapted to be tilted from the neutral to the tilted position about a tilting edge (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Scerri, Alexander Galea
  • Patent number: 6914205
    Abstract: An operating switch for a motor vehicle with a housing having an operating opening for accessing an operating element, and a protective device movable relative to the operating opening for temporarily covering the operating element on the operating side. The protective device is formed as a slide member guided in the housing, displaceable at right angles to the access direction of the operating opening, the slide member and the operating element being pivotable together so that the slide member is movable from a first position, in which the operating element is arranged in the operating opening, to a second position in which the operating element is covered within the housing and the operating opening is closed by the slide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Methode Electronics Malta Ltd.
    Inventor: Alexander Galea
  • Publication number: 20040016629
    Abstract: An operating switch (2) for a motor vehicle is provided with a housing (1) and a protective device movable relative to an operating element (7) for temporarily covering the operating element (7) on the operating side The housing (1) has an operating-side operating opening (3) for the operating element (7). The protective device is formed as a slide member (5) guided in the housing (1), displaceable at right angles to the access direction, and closing the operating opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Alexander Galea