Patents by Inventor Andreas RUDOLF

Andreas RUDOLF 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).

  • Patent number: 12650038
    Abstract: An actuating apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) for moving covers (102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702), in particular flush covers, for vehicles, wherein the cover (102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702) is reversibly movable, and in particular pivotable, between a closed position and an open position in which the cover is arranged behind an outer skin of the vehicle, wherein the actuating apparatus (100) comprises the following: a kinematics for reversibly moving, in particular pivoting, the cover (102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702) between the open position and the closed position; and a first sensor apparatus (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712) for detecting the open position and/or the closed position of the cover (102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2026
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Rudolf, Fritz Göbel
  • Patent number: 12646669
    Abstract: A module includes a housing having a plug-in region and a switch region; at least one switch, which is connected releasably to the switch region of the housing; and electrical contacts, which are releasably connectable to the at least one switch and extend from the switch region at least partially into the plug-in region. The electrical contacts are configured so as to make electrical contact with an on-board plug for transmitting an electrical signal, wherein the electrical contacts each comprise a first end which, in the installed state, is biased against one of the contacts of the at least one switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joachim Oberst, Zsolt Wilke, Erik Dilje, Andreas Rudolf
  • Patent number: 12643452
    Abstract: An assembly includes a connecting element, a retaining element and a locking and/or blocking element. The locking and/or blocking element includes a land region extending in the insertion direction, including two opposing finger and/or wing elements that are radially projecting from the land region. A base body of the retaining element includes a passage extending in the longitudinal direction of the base body, wherein the land region is receivable with the finger or wing elements projecting from the land region. The passage includes a first guide system formed to guide the finger or wing elements upon insertion of the land region into the passage or into the recess of the base body, and a second guide system which is formed to guide the finger or wing elements when the land region is guided out of the passage or out of the recess of the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Rudolf, Zsolt Wilke
  • Patent number: 12636989
    Abstract: An assembly for providing a fastening possibility for a vehicle component to a body component is configured as a torsion clip and includes a connecting element and a retaining element. The assembly is transferable from a pre-assembly or delivery state into a prefixation state, wherein, in order to transfer the assembly from its pre-assembly or delivery state into its pre-fixation state, a torque is exerted on the retaining element in such a way that the retaining element is twisted relative to the connecting element in order to enable passage of a retaining region of the retaining element through a fastening opening of the body component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Marek Kukuczka, Zsolt Wilke, Andreas Rudolf
  • Patent number: 12606018
    Abstract: A covering device for a vehicle, includes: a cover; a drive element formed to enable a movement of the cover, wherein the drive element brings about a force which acts on the cover. The covering device has a force-limitation apparatus which limits the force brought about by the drive element to a limit force so that the covering device is protected in the event of an overload acting on the covering device and/or a user is protected when using the covering device. An actuator has a drive apparatus with a drive element; an output drive element; and a force-decoupling apparatus. The force-decoupling apparatus is formed so that it at least temporarily does not output a force taken up by the drive element or at least temporarily outputs it in a delayed manner to the output drive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2026
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Zsolt Wilke, Andreas Rudolf, Christian Beck, Matthias Hegwein
  • Patent number: 12573569
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle door switch actuating apparatus (100). The apparatus includes an actuating element (104) having an actuating surface (110), a mechanical switch (112), and a mechanism for transferring a compressive force applied by a user to the actuating surface (110) onto the mechanical switch (112) in order to flip the mechanical switch (112). The mechanism includes: a first component (102) on which the mechanical switch (112) is fixed at least in the switching direction; and a lever (120) pivotally supported about a pivot axis (124) relative to the first component (102) or the first component group and connected to the actuating element (104) via a first bearing on a first side (111) of the actuating surface (110). The actuating element (104) is supported on the first component (102) or the first component group via a second bearing on a second side (113) of the actuating surface (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2026
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Rudolf, Zsolt Wilke
  • Patent number: 12560002
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus (100) for aligning covers (102) for vehicles, in particular covers for flush door handles, wherein the cover (102) is reversibly movable, and in particular pivotable, between a closed position in which the cover (102) covers a door handle recess (106) and an open position in which the cover releases a door handle recess (106), and wherein the apparatus (100) comprises the following: a kinematics (108) configured so as to reversibly move, and in particular pivot, the cover (102) between the closed position and the open position; and a support assembly (200) configured so as to connect the cover (102) to the kinematics (108) in such a way that the cover (102), in its closed position, is arranged flush with an outer skin (104) of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2026
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Zsolt Wilke, Andreas Rudolf, Joachim Oberst
  • Patent number: 12546148
    Abstract: A locking device enables locking a charging, fueling, or service flap on a compartment. The flap is reversibly movable between a closed position and an open position. The locking device includes a flap lock for locking the flap in its closed position. The flap lock has a locking position, in which the flap lock locks the flap, and a release position in which the flap is moveable in relation to the flap lock. A first transfer shaft is connected to the flap lock such that the flap lock is moveable by a movement of the first transfer shaft between the locking position and the release position. A pushing element is connected to the first transfer shaft and configured so as to push the flap out of its closed position away from the charging compartment after the flap lock is transferred into its release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2026
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Matthias Hegwein, Zsolt Wilke, Andreas Rudolf, Roland Och, Thomas Lechner-Watzlik, Matthias Kapaun
  • Patent number: 12540496
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an actuating mechanism for actuating, in particular opening, vehicle doors, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises the following: a housing having a pivot axis; an actuating element, which is transferable from a home position into an actuating position in order to generate an electrical actuation signal and into an emergency release position for manual unlocking of the vehicle door, wherein the actuating element comprises a curved region, which is pivotally connected to the pivot axis, and wherein the curved region is arranged in the home position of the actuating element in the housing and protrudes from the housing in the emergency release position of the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2026
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Zsolt Wilke, Andreas Rudolf
  • Patent number: 12540497
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an actuating mechanism for actuating, in particular unlocking and opening, vehicle doors. The actuating mechanism includes: an actuator (104), in particular with a handle, for opening vehicle doors (102); a kinematics (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) for transmitting a movement of the actuator to a signal transmitter. The kinematics (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) comprises a cam disk (204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704); and an elastic biasing element (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706) biased against the cam disk (204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704). The cam disk (204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) cooperates with the biasing element (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706) in order to define a first force threshold for a first rotation of the cam disk (204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) as well as a second, higher force threshold for a second, downstream rotation of the cam disk (204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2026
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Rudolf, Zsolt Wilke
  • Publication number: 20260022596
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an actuating mechanism for operating a vehicle door, especially for unlocking, opening, or locking it. The mechanism includes an actuator, such as a handle, that allows the door to be opened manually, and a supporting structure. The key feature is that the actuator is mounted so it can pivot relative to the supporting structure around a pivot point. Part of the actuator is designed as a housing shell, and inside this shell is a sensor. The sensor is designed to produce an electrical signal when the actuator is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2025
    Publication date: January 22, 2026
    Inventors: Erik Dilje, Andreas Rudolf
  • Patent number: 12503889
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an actuating mechanism for actuating, in particular opening, vehicle doors, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises the following: an actuating element, which is transfer-able from a home position into an actuating position in order to generate an electrical actuation signal and into a second actuating position for manual actuation of the vehicle doors; a first flat spring, which is connected to the actuating element in such a way that the first flat spring generates haptic and/or acoustic feedback when the actuating element is transferred into the first actuating position and that the first flat spring preferably biases the actuating element into the home position; and a second spring, in particular a second flat spring, which is connected to the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2025
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Zsolt Wilke, Andreas Rudolf
  • Patent number: 12392174
    Abstract: A device for switching and actuating multiple functions of a charging and/or filler-neck compartment system having a charging and/or filler-neck compartment and a cover which is movable relative to the charging and/or filler-neck compartment. The device has a drive element with a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft is operatively connected to the cover such that, when the drive shaft rotates, the cover is movable relative to the charging and/or filler-neck compartment. The device furthermore has a mechanical control or switching mechanism, in particular in the form of or with a gearing mechanism, wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism is designed such that, when the drive shaft rotates, a rotational movement of the drive shaft can be picked off by the mechanical control or switching mechanism for the purposes of manipulating at least one functional component of the charging and/or filler-neck compartment system as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2025
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Roland Och, Matthias Hegwein, Andreas Rudolf
  • Publication number: 20250250828
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an actuating apparatus (1) for a door handle assembly for actuating, e.g., unlocking and opening, a vehicle door. The actuating apparatus (1) includes a handle part (3), which, when the actuating apparatus (1) is used as intended, at least partially or regionally protrudes from the vehicle door or a vehicle body, in particular from the vehicle outer skin. The handle part (3) includes an actuating surface (5) where a transfer mechanism is integrated in the handle part (3) configured to convert a compressive force, in particular one that is manually applied to the actuating surface (5) of the handle part (3), into a movement that is detectable by a sensor apparatus (6). The sensor apparatus (6) is integrated in the handle part (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2025
    Publication date: August 7, 2025
    Inventors: Zsolt Wilke, Andreas Rudolf, Erik Dilje, Fritz Göbel
  • Patent number: 12368011
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a module (100) for generating signals, in particular signals for opening vehicle doors or flaps. The module (100) includes: a one-piece housing (102) having a plug region (106) and a switch region (104); at least one switch, in particular a microswitch (108), which is connected releasably to the switch region (104) of the housing; and electrical contacts (110, 112), which are releasably connectable to the at least one switch and extend from the switch region (104) at least partially into the plug region (106). The electrical contacts are configured in order to produce an electrical contact with an on-board plug for transmitting an electrical signal, wherein the housing (102) is preferably releasably connectable to a vehicle component, preferably an operator element housing, and particularly preferably a door lever housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joachim Oberst, Zsolt Wilke, Erik Dilje, Andreas Rudolf
  • Publication number: 20250207439
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an actuating mechanism (1) for actuating, in particular unlocking and/or opening, a door (2) of a vehicle, in particular an outer vehicle door. The actuating mechanism (1) includes a manually actuatable handle part (3), a carrier element (4), which is in particular fixedly connected to the handle part (3) via an end region of the carrier element (4), and a bearing (5), in particular a pivot bearing, via which the handle part (3) with the carrier element (4) can be pivoted about an axis of rotation defined by the bearing (5), in particular about an at least substantially horizontally extending axis of rotation defined by the bearing (5), relative to a housing structure of the actuating mechanism (1) and/or relative to a body structure (6) of the vehicle, in particular an outer skin structure of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2024
    Publication date: June 26, 2025
    Inventor: Andreas Rudolf
  • Publication number: 20250172023
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for generating signals. The device includes: a signal module with a housing (112) with a switch region (121); at least one switch (120) that is connected to the switch region of the housing; a sealing element (132) to protect the housing from environmental influences. The switch (120) includes an actuator device (122). At least a portion of the actuator device (122) extends through the sealing element (132).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2024
    Publication date: May 29, 2025
    Inventors: Fritz GÖBEL, Andreas RUDOLF
  • Publication number: 20250154803
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an actuating device (1) for actuating at least one operable functional component of a vehicle door. The actuating device (1) has a pivot lever (3) which is pivotably mounted about an axis of rotation (2) and which, starting from an initial position, can be transferred as required into a first actuating position pivoted about the axis of rotation (2) in a first direction of rotation or into a second actuating position pivoted about the axis of rotation (2) in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation, in particular manually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2024
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Inventors: Andreas RUDOLF, Fritz GÖBEL
  • Patent number: 12209441
    Abstract: An actuating apparatus for a flap which is mounted on a component for movement has a first actuating element, fastenable fixedly to the flap so as to rotate with it, and a second actuating element, fastenable to the component, and rotatable about a first rotational axis, the second actuating element has a first end and a second end, the first end configured to interact with a drive, the second end has a first locking or release geometry, the first actuating element has a second locking or release geometry, the second actuating element can be rotated between a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein the first and second locking or release geometry are configured to interact such that, in the first orientation, the first actuating element is locked to the second actuating element and, in the second orientation, the first actuating element is released from the second actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Andreas Rudolf, Roland Och
  • Publication number: 20250020002
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an actuating mechanism (1) for actuating a vehicle door, in particular a vehicle exterior door. The actuating mechanism (1) comprises a manually actuatable handle part (2), which can be transferred between a home position in which the handle part (2) is preferably completely recessed in the vehicle shell and an actuating position in which the handle part (2) at least partially or regionally protrudes out of the vehicle shell such that a gripping region is created between the handle part (2) and an exterior of the vehicle, into which the hand of a user can be at least partially inserted; and. The actuating mechanism (1) includes an actuator (3), which is associated with the handle part (2) and is configured so as to transfer the handle part (2) from its home position into its actuating position and vice versa, as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2024
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Inventors: Zsolt WILKE, Erik DILJE, Fritz GÖBEL, Thomas LECHNER-WATZLIK, Sebastian ÖFFNER, Andreas RUDOLF