Patents by Inventor Andreas Wildgen
Andreas Wildgen 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: 10214097Abstract: A tank ventilation system includes a flushing line, off which a bypass branches and into which the bypass opens out. A sensor is arranged in the flushing line bypass to determine a concentration of hydrocarbons in a fluid in the flushing line. A hydrocarbon tank is coupled via a first connector to a first end of the flushing line and designed for coupling, via a second coupling, to a tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Stephan Heinrich, Andreas Wildgen
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Patent number: 9850804Abstract: A coolant circuit for an internal combustion engine includes: a coolant pump; at least one coolant line; a radiator; and a coolant cavity delimited in the internal combustion engine. The coolant pump, the coolant line, the radiator and the coolant cavity are filled with a coolant. One or more sensors, configured to monitor the coolant concentration, are fixedly and permanently arranged in and/or on the coolant circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Stephan Heinrich, Denny Schädlich, Andreas Wildgen
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Patent number: 9829457Abstract: A sensor element for detecting a parameter of a gas mixture in a gas chamber, having a first electrode and a first diffusion barrier layer arranged to be coupled to said first electrode in a predetermined first region, and arranged such that the gas mixture of the gas chamber only impinges on the first electrode in the first region via the first diffusion barrier layer. In addition, the sensor element has a second electrode arranged such that the gas mixture of the gas chamber impinges on the second electrode in a further first region. The sensor element includes a solid electrolyte designed to be coupled to the first and the second electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Torsten Reitmeier, Andreas Wildgen
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Patent number: 9791405Abstract: A sensor for detecting the oxygen content in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine includes: a sensor element having a measurement electrode; a metal cap that surrounds the sensor element; a heat dissipation element that connects the sensor element and the metal cap; and a bracket for the sensor element. The bracket is in the form of a plastic housing configured to accommodate evaluation electronics for the sensor element.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Johannes Ante, Andreas Wildgen
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Publication number: 20160216222Abstract: A sensor for detecting a gas may include a transport layer for transporting ions, a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from one another by the transport layer, a heating device controlled by a voltage source, and a second voltage source applying a voltage difference across the electrodes. The transport layer may be conductive for the ions starting from a specific temperature. As a result of applying the voltage difference, ions stream from the first electrode through the transport layer to the second electrode if the first and second electrodes are in contact with the gas. The voltage source may provide a voltage potential of zero volts averaged over time or provide the voltage potential of the first electrode at the heating device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: July 28, 2016Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Johannes Ante, Torsten Reitmeier, Andreas Wildgen
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Patent number: 9399967Abstract: A particle sensor arranged in an exhaust duct such that particles from the exhaust-gas flow accumulate on and/or between at least two sensor electrodes when a voltage greater than a limit voltage is applied between the two sensor electrodes and substantially no particles accumulate if the voltage is lower than the limit voltage. During a first time period, a first voltage greater than the limit voltage is applied between the sensor electrodes. During a second time period, a second voltage, lower than the limit voltage, is applied between the sensor electrodes, and/or the particle sensor is heated to a predefined temperature, such that substantially no particles accumulate on and/or between the at least two sensor electrodes. Following the second time period, a third voltage greater than the limit voltage is applied between the sensor electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Johannes Ante, Markus Herrmann, Andreas Ott, Willibald Reitmeier, Denny Schädlich, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Publication number: 20150369116Abstract: A coolant circuit for an internal combustion engine includes: a coolant pump; at least one coolant line; a radiator; and a coolant cavity delimited in the internal combustion engine. The coolant pump, the coolant line, the radiator and the coolant cavity are filled with a coolant. One or more sensors, configured to monitor the coolant concentration, are fixedly and permanently arranged in and/or on the coolant circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2013Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Stephan HEINRICH, Denny SCHÄDLICH, Andreas WILDGEN
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Publication number: 20150300919Abstract: A method for producing a sensor element for a sensor for detection of substances contained in a gas flow includes: providing a ceramic carrier; and producing an open measurement electrode, arranged on the carrier and exposed to the gas flow. The open measurement electrode is produced by: a combined printing technique from a cermet base print for a base layer of a ceramic-platinum cermet, arranged on the carrier, and a platinum upper printing for a cover layer of sintered platinum arranged on the base layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2013Publication date: October 22, 2015Inventors: Johannes ANTE, Markus HERRMANN, Andreas OTT, Willibald Reitmeier, Manfred WEIGL, Andreas WILDGEN
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Patent number: 9151737Abstract: A tank ventilation system having an intake tract, the tank ventilation system including a hydrocarbon reservoir, a sensor, and a valve. The valve and the sensor are arranged in a fluid line that couples the hydrocarbon reservoir to the intake tract. The sensor captures a hydrocarbon concentration of a fluid in the fluid line. A captured value of the hydrocarbon concentration is measured using the sensor. When the open valve, a mass flow of the fluid flowing through the fluid line into the intake tract is captured or determined. An air/fuel ratio of an air/fuel mixture fed to the internal combustion engine is determined. An estimated value of the hydrocarbon concentration in the fluid line is determined according to the mass flow of the fluid and the air/fuel ratio. The sensor is calibrated according to the captured value of the hydrocarbon concentration and the estimated value of the hydrocarbon concentration.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Stephan Heinrich, Andreas Wildgen
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Patent number: 9121862Abstract: A method and a device for measuring the rotational speed of a turbocompressor, in particular a turbocharger of a motor vehicle. A frequency of pressure pulses generated in the medium the blades or by the shaft of the turbocompressor is measured using high-frequency signal portion of a pressure sensor, and the turbocompressor rotational speed is ascertained from the measured pressure pulse frequency. Furthermore, the charge pressure of the turbocompressor can be ascertained from the low-frequency signal of the pressure sensor so that a single sensor is sufficient for both measurements. The pressure sensor can be arranged in the intake system downstream of the compressor, upstream or downstream of an intercooler.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Willibald Reitmeier, Bernd Siewert, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Patent number: 9097151Abstract: A method and device for measuring the soot load in the exhaust gas systems of diesel engines using a sensor which is mounted downstream of a particulate filter and comprises a sensor element, to measure the operability of the particulate filter. According to the method, the soot load of the sensor element is measured resistively or capacitively using electrodes. The measuring voltage of the sensor element is controlled depending on at least one actual operating parameter of the diesel engine.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Johannes Ante, Rudolf Bierl, Stephan Heinrich, Markus Herrmann, Andreas Ott, Willibald Reitmeier, Denny Schädlich, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Publication number: 20150136095Abstract: A sensor for detecting the oxygen content in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine includes: a sensor element having a measurement electrode; a metal cap that surrounds the sensor element; a heat dissipation element that connects the sensor element and the metal cap; and a bracket for the sensor element. The bracket is in the form of a plastic housing configured to accommodate evaluation electronics for the sensor element.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Johannes Ante, Andreas Wildgen
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Patent number: 9027386Abstract: A hydrogen sensor includes a support having a first temperature sensor, a heating element and an evaluation unit. The hydrogen sensor furthermore includes a mass flow reduction apparatus by which a gas mass flow over the first temperature sensor and the heating element is reduced. The evaluation unit determines a hydrogen concentration in a gas or gas mixture based on a first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor. A detection method for hydrogen concentration having the hydrogen sensor and a motor vehicle having a fuel cell drive having the hydrogen sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Philippe Grass, Stephan Heinrich, Thorsten Knittel, Andreas Wildgen
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Patent number: 8935950Abstract: A sensor for the measurement of the hydrocarbon content in a flow of gas in a purge line. The sensor can measure the hydrocarbon content in the flow of gas in the purge line from a hydrocarbon storage device to an internal combustion engine. The sensor has at least one heating element and at least one thermal detector, with the heating element heating the flow of gas while the thermal detector determines the temperature of the flow of gas, which temperature is evaluated as a measurement of the hydrocarbon content in the flow of gas.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Philippe Grass, Stephan Heinrich, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Patent number: 8695573Abstract: During operation of an internal combustion engine system which has at least one sensor for measuring a hydrocarbon content of a gas stream in a line, a temperature is determined at the at least one sensor. If the temperature is greater than a prespecified temperature, the flow of gas through the line is interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Stephan Heinrich, Wolfgang Mai, Paul Rodatz, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Publication number: 20140053642Abstract: A method and a device for measuring the rotational speed of a turbocompressor, in particular a turbocharger of a motor vehicle. A frequency of pressure pulses generated in the medium the blades or by the shaft of the turbocompressor is measured using high-frequency signal portion of a pressure sensor, and the turbocompressor rotational speed is ascertained from the measured pressure pulse frequency. Furthermore, the charge pressure of the turbocompressor can be ascertained from the low-frequency signal of the pressure sensor so that a single sensor is sufficient for both measurements. The pressure sensor can be arranged in the intake system downstream of the compressor, upstream or downstream of an intercooler.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventors: Willibald Reitmeier, Bernd Siewert, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Patent number: 8653838Abstract: A soot sensor for the detection of soot particles in an exhaust gas flow, having interdigitally engaged measurement electrodes applied on a substrate. An electrical resistance between the measurement electrodes is a measure of soot load of the exhaust gas flow. The measurement electrodes are divided into two regions, a first region in which no soot particles can be deposited and a second region where soot particles are deposited from the exhaust gas flow. The first region and the second region are exposed simultaneously to the other conditions prevailing in the exhaust gas flow.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Roland Achhammer, Johannes Ante, Rudolf Bierl, Stephan Heinrich, Markus Herrmann, Wolfgang Lauerer, Andreas Ott, Willibald Reitmeier, Denny Schädlich, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Patent number: 8635900Abstract: A method for performing on-board functional diagnostics on a soot sensor of a vehicle and/or for detecting further components in the soot in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine. The soot sensor is electrically connected to an evaluation circuit with is permanently installed in the motor vehicle. In order to specify a method for performing functional diagnostics on a soot sensor and/or for detecting further components in the soot, with which method it is possible to detect a faulty soot sensor and/or further components in the soot in a cost-effective way, the evaluation circuit measures the temperature coefficient of the soot sensor and detects the defectiveness of the soot sensor and/or the presence of further components in the soot on the basis of the temperature coefficient of the soot sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Johannes Ante, Rudolf Bierl, Markus Herrmann, Andreas Ott, Torsten Reitmeier, Willibald Reitmeier, Denny Schädlich, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Publication number: 20130298640Abstract: A method for operating a soot sensor that has an interdigital electrode structure, to which a measurement voltage is applied. Soot particles from an exhaust gas flow are deposited onto the interdigital electrode structure and the measurement current is evaluated as a measure of the soot load of the soot sensor. The interdigital electrode structure is burned clean at or above a predetermined soot load, which is detected by means of an upper current threshold. The method includes burning the interdigital electrode structure clean by heating up the soot sensor after the upper current threshold has been reached; monitoring the measurement current while the interdigital electrode structure is being burned clean; and stopping the burning clean when the value of the measurement current has reached a lower current threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GmbHInventors: Johannes Ante, Philippe Grass, Markus Herrmann, Willibald Reitmeier, Denny Schädlich, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Patent number: 8573187Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a hydrocarbon concentration of a gas stream in a line includes at least one sensor for measuring a hydrocarbon concentration, the position of said sensor being set off in relation to the line.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Continental Automobile GmbHInventors: Thorsten Knittel, Andreas Wildgen