Patents by Inventor Alexander Hoffmann

Alexander Hoffmann 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: 20240273669
    Abstract: A method and graphics processing unit (GPU) are provided for applying texture processing to a block of fragments, each of the fragments being associated with a texture coordinate for each of a plurality of dimensions of a texture. A fragment processing unit of the GPU detects that the texture coordinates for the fragments of the block are axis-aligned, and in response to detecting that the texture coordinates for the fragments of the block are axis-aligned, sends a reduced set of texture coordinates to a texture processing unit of the GPU. The texture processing unit: (i) processes the reduced set of texture coordinates to generate texel addresses of texels to be fetched, (ii) fetches texels using the generated texel addresses, (iii) determines a processed value for each of the fragments of the block based on the fetched texels, and (iv) outputs the processed values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Aroun Demeure, William Thomas, Alexander Hoffmann, Arturo Barrabes
  • Publication number: 20240242418
    Abstract: A method and processor for retrieving a block of data items in a processor, each of the data items being associated with a coordinate for each dimension of a stored data array. A data processing unit detects that the coordinates associated with the data items are axis-aligned. A data load unit: (i) determines integer coordinates for each of a set of the coordinates, (ii) performs a uniquification process on the determined integer coordinates to remove duplicated integer coordinates and to determine a subset of the determined integer coordinates, (iii) uses the subset of the determined integer coordinates to generate addresses of data array elements to be fetched from the stored data array, (iv) fetches data array elements from the stored data array using the generated addresses, (v) for each of the data items of the block, determines a data item value using a sub-group of the fetched data array elements, and (vi) outputs the data item values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Inventors: Aroun Demeure, William Thomas, Alexander Hoffmann, Arturo Barrabes
  • Publication number: 20240233064
    Abstract: A method and processor for retrieving a block of data items, each being associated with a coordinate for each of dimensions of a stored data array. A data processing unit detects that the coordinates are axis-aligned. In response to detecting that the coordinates are axis-aligned, the following are sent to a data load unit: only one coordinate for a first dimension for each line of data items aligned in the first dimension within the block, and only one coordinate for a second dimension for each line of data items aligned in the second dimension within the block, the second dimension being orthogonal to the first dimension. The data load unit: (i) processes the coordinates to generate addresses of data array elements to be fetched from the stored data array, (ii) fetches data array elements using the generated addresses, (iii) determines data item values based on the fetched data array elements, and (iv) outputs the data item values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Aroun Demeure, William Thomas, Alexander Hoffmann, Arturo Barrabes
  • Publication number: 20240233240
    Abstract: A method and graphics processing unit (GPU) are provided for applying texture filtering to a block of fragments, each of the fragments being associated with a texture coordinate for each of a plurality of dimensions of a texture. It is detected that the texture coordinates for the fragments of the block are axis-aligned. Two or more integer texel coordinates are determined for each of a set of the texture coordinates. A uniquification process is performed on the determined integer texel coordinates to remove one or more duplicated integer texel coordinates and to thereby determine a subset of the determined integer texel coordinates. The subset of the determined integer texel coordinates is used to generate texel addresses of texels to be fetched. Texels are fetched using the generated texel addresses. For each of the fragments of the block, a filtered value is determined by applying filtering to a sub-group of the fetched texels. The filtered values are output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Aroun Demeure, William Thomas, Alexander Hoffmann, Arturo Barrabes
  • Patent number: 11879429
    Abstract: A steel tower ring segment for a wind turbine tower section, to a wind turbine tower section, to a wind turbine tower and to a wind turbine, and also to methods for producing a steel tower ring segment and a wind turbine tower section. A steel tower ring segment for a wind turbine tower section, comprising a first casing segment with a segment height, a segment length in the segment circumferential direction, a first segment thickness, and a first horizontal joint side, wherein the first casing segment has a first thickening region in a region adjoining the first horizontal joint side, wherein the first thickening region has a first thickening thickness, and the first thickening thickness is larger than the first segment thickness, wherein the first thickening region has a first cutout, wherein the first cutout is arranged spaced apart from the first horizontal joint side, and wherein a first passage opening leads from the first cutout to the first horizontal joint side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Hoffmann, Harro Harms, Rene Mertens, Daniel Haase
  • Publication number: 20230408493
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes experimental and analytical methods for the quantification of Response Specificity of immune sentinel cells such as macrophages or monocytes in response to various immune threats or stimuli. The Response Specificity is used as a gauge for the health of the innate immune cells and for guiding therapeutic interventions. The Response Specificity provides a clinical measure for the health of the innate immune system for healthy persons or patients with infectious diseases, autoimmunity, or cancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Alexander HOFFMANN, Katherine May SHEU
  • Patent number: 11802541
    Abstract: A method for producing a split rotor blade, a method for connecting a split rotor blade, a rotor blade, a rotor blade segment, a rotor, a wind power plant, and a production device for producing rotor blades. A method for producing a split rotor blade, comprising: providing a rotor blade having a spar cap and an extension in the longitudinal direction from a blade root region to a blade tip; making at least one groove in the spar cap, the groove being arranged in a first connection region of the rotor blade, and a portion of the main extension direction of the groove being oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction; splitting the rotor blade, in the first connection region, into a rotor blade section facing the blade root and a rotor blade section facing away from the blade root, a first groove section being arranged in the rotor blade section facing the blade root and a second groove section being arranged in the rotor blade section facing away from the blade root.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Hoffmann, Harro Harms, Albrecht Brenner
  • Patent number: 11655797
    Abstract: A rotor blade for a wind turbine having an aerodynamic profile which extends from a blade root up to a blade tip and has a leading edge and a trailing edge. An adjustable aerodynamic flap, which can be adjusted between a retracted and a deployed position by means of a flap drive, is provided on the rotor blade. The flap drive comprises a passive control system which controls a flap position depending on rotation speed. The passive control system of the flap drive is low-maintenance and does not interfere with the safety concept of a wind turbine. In comparison with a reference rotor blade without a flap, the rotor blade has increased lift at low wind speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20230133759
    Abstract: A steel tower ring segment for a wind turbine tower section, to a wind turbine tower section, to a wind turbine tower and to a wind turbine, and also to methods for producing a steel tower ring segment and a wind turbine tower section. A steel tower ring segment for a wind turbine tower section, comprising a first casing segment with a segment height, a segment length in the segment circumferential direction, a first segment thickness, and a first horizontal joint side, wherein the first casing segment has a first thickening region in a region adjoining the first horizontal joint side, wherein the first thickening region has a first thickening thickness, and the first thickening thickness is larger than the first segment thickness, wherein the first thickening region has a first cutout, wherein the first cutout is arranged spaced apart from the first horizontal joint side, and wherein a first passage opening leads from the first cutout to the first horizontal joint side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Alexander HOFFMANN, Harro HARMS, Rene MERTENS, Daniel HAASE
  • Patent number: 11480148
    Abstract: A rotor blade for a wind turbine, to a rotor for a wind turbine, to a wind turbine, to a method for producing a rotor blade, to a method for connecting a rotor blade to a rotor hub and to a method for repairing a rotor of a wind turbine. The rotor blade has a connection interface, the connection interface having at least one cutout for receiving a tension element for connecting the rotor blade to a further element of a wind turbine, an outer circumferential surface of the cutout being formed of a connection material and having an internal thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Hesse, Alexander Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20220280990
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for producing a tower segment, a tower portion and a tower section for a tower, in particular for a tower of a wind power installation. A tower segment, a tower portion and a tower section for a tower, in particular for a tower of a wind power installation, to a tower, and to a wind power installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Albrecht BRENNER, Bernd BOETTCHER, Alexander HOFFMANN, Harro HARMS
  • Publication number: 20220252040
    Abstract: A wind turbine comprising at least one rotor blade hub and at least one wind turbine rotor blade, wherein the wind turbine rotor blade is at least of a three-part configuration and has a rotor blade root region, a central region and a rotor blade tip region. In addition an end of the rotor blade root region is non-rotatably fixed to the rotor blade hub and a first pitch bearing is provided between a second end of the rotor blade root region and a first end of the central region. In addition there is provided a second pitch bearing between a second end of the central region and a first end of the rotor blade tip region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventor: Alexander HOFFMANN
  • Publication number: 20220228614
    Abstract: A metal corner connector contains at least two connection regions which are arranged on a lateral surface of the metal corner connector. At least one connection region is configured to be mechanically stably connected via welding to a metal pipe extending along a main extension plane of the metal corner connector. The connection region contains at least one protrusion with a groove, which is configured for receiving a welding material. The connection region has an outer surface which is adjacent to the protrusion and is configured as a contact surface for an end face of the metal pipe. A method produces a device having such a metal corner connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Johannes Blisse, Alexander Hoffmann, Peter Dornberger
  • Patent number: 11333239
    Abstract: A method for actuating a hydraulic system of a transmission comprising a variable displacement hydraulic pump and a pilot-controllable system pressure valve, the method including, in order to determine a pump characteristic curve of the hydraulic pump, initially transferring the hydraulic system into a defined operating condition range in which the volumetric output flow, routed via the system pressure valve and applied at the system pressure valve by the hydraulic pump, is greater or less than a hydraulic fluid flow out of the hydraulic system. The method further includes pilot-controlling the system pressure valve to set a defined pressure level of the system pressure. The method additionally includes reducing or increasing the volumetric output flow while monitoring the system pressure, and determining a volumetric output flow corresponding to the hydraulic fluid flow of the hydraulic system with a certain deviation of a current system pressure from the defined system pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Markus Terwart, Rainer Novak, Frank Riever, Alexander Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20220145849
    Abstract: Provided is a wind turbine component for a wind turbine, in particular for a wind turbine tower and/or a rotor blade, to a wind turbine tower, to a rotor blade, to a wind turbine and to a method for producing a wind turbine component. Provided is a wind turbine component for a wind turbine, in particular for a wind turbine tower and/or a rotor blade, comprising a first wall element with a first inner surface and a first outer surface arranged opposite the latter, a corrugated structural element, wherein the structural element is arranged on the first inner surface or on the first outer surface, wherein the first wall element is connected to the structural element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Alexander HOFFMANN, Albrecht BRENNER
  • Publication number: 20220068046
    Abstract: A system and to a method for determining tolerances of components or assemblies includes at least periodically monitoring the components or assemblies of motor vehicles (5.1-5.6) of the same type during a driving operation and, in the process, metrologically gathering condition data (10) characteristic for tolerances at the components or assemblies, transiting the condition data (10) via existing, wireless communication paths to a central computer (1) or a cloud (2), storing the condition data (10) in the central computer (1) or the cloud (2) with a specific identifier for the individual motor vehicle (5.1-5.6), analyzing the stored condition data in a data processing unit (3), computing actual values of the tolerances existing at the detected motor vehicles (5.1-5.6) from the stored condition data, and determining generally valid variables of the component or assembly sizing on the basis of the actual values for the particular vehicle type (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Joachim Straub, Alexander Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 11220994
    Abstract: There is provided a wind turbine rotor blade having a blade outer side, a wall with a laminate, a blade inner side and at least a first and a second rotor blade part. The at least one first and second rotor blade parts are fixed together by means of at least one connecting unit in a separation plane. The connecting unit has at least one cable with a first end with cable fibers which are fixed in or at the laminate of the wall. The connecting unit has at least one projection at the first and second rotor blade parts respectively. The projections are respectively fixedly connected to the wall of rotor blade. The at least one cable is connected at at least one projection. The connecting unit has at least one tensioning element, by means of which the projections on the first and second rotor blade parts can be braced with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Falko Bürkner, Alexander Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20210363975
    Abstract: There is provided a method of detecting lightning strikes in a wind turbine rotor blade. The wind turbine rotor blade has a lightning protection system. A digital camera or an optical-digital heat sensor is provided in the region of a rotor blade root, in a hub of the wind turbine or in or on a tower of the wind turbine in such a way that the digital camera at least partially optically detects a part of the lightning protection system. The part of the lightning protection system is optically detected by the camera to carry out optical temperature detection. An increase in temperature of the part of the lightning protection system is detected based on the optical detection by the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventor: Alexander HOFFMANN
  • Publication number: 20210316526
    Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite blank for a fiber-reinforced composite component, in particular for a fiber-reinforced composite component of a wind turbine, comprising a layered construction with a form core consisting of or comprising a form core material, and a fiber layer adjoining the form core, said fiber layer consisting of or comprising a fiber layer material, and a plurality of reinforcing rods introduced into the form core and consisting of or comprising a reinforcing material, wherein the reinforcing material has a higher stiffness than the form core material. In this arrangement, the plurality of reinforcing rods is introduced into the form core at an angle to a form core plane. Furthermore, at least one reinforcing rod of the plurality of reinforcing rods is introduced into the form core at an angle to a direction orthogonal to the form core plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Alexander HOFFMANN, Sara NGANGA
  • Publication number: 20210270232
    Abstract: Provided is a wind power plant rotor blade, with a rotor blade root area, a rotor blade tip area, a rotor blade leading edge, a rotor blade trailing edge, a rotor blade longitudinal axis, a rotor blade inner section, a rotor blade outer section, as well as a dividing plane between the rotor blade outer section and the rotor blade inner section. The rotor blade can be split along the dividing plane. The rotor blade further has a respective reinforcement area in the rotor blade inner section and the rotor blade outer section, which each are arranged next to the dividing plane. The rotor blade is given a multi-part design by splitting it along the dividing plane. After splitting the rotor blade along the dividing plane, the reinforcement area on the rotor blade inner section can be fastened to the reinforcement area of the rotor blade outer section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander HOFFMANN