Patents by Inventor Bernd Gerdes

Bernd Gerdes 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: 10661754
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inside door handle system for a door of a vehicle, wherein the door is transferable into a locking state and into an unlocked state by a closing system, comprising an actuation element for the actuation of the closing system and at least one support connectable with the door at which the actuation element is assembled, and further comprising at least a sensor element which with an approaching of an object in its recognition area transmits a recognition signal, wherein a release mode for the closing system is intended with which the closing system is in the unlocked state with which the actuation of the actuation element successively effects an opening function of the door wherein a control unit can be brought into data communication with the closing system and the sensor element, wherein in dependence on an existing recognition signal and of a vehicle related release signal the control unit transfers the closing system into the release mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Gerdes, Coen Dieker
  • Patent number: 10147252
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for data acquisition and measurement acquisition for a door handle (2) of a vehicle (1), said device comprising: at least one communications device (11), in particular an NFC device (11) for NFC data exchange with an external communications terminal (3); and at least one sensor device (12) for measuring (20) a change in capacitance. According to the invention, just one voltage device (14) is provided for common adjustment of the voltages of the at least one communications device (11) and the at least one sensor device (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Mirko Schindler, Bernd Gerdes, Sebastian Raulin
  • Patent number: 9829346
    Abstract: An operating device for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of proximity sensors for detecting contactless actuation. The operating device extends in a first plane and the sensors are disposed in that plane, separated from one another and oriented with their detection regions in the same spatial direction. A control and evaluation device is coupled to the sensors for detection of signals from each of the sensors. The sensors are covered with at least one electrically insulating plastic cover and, thus, separated from the detection region. At least one electrically conductive separating device is disposed between the sensors and oriented toward the side facing the detection regions, and directly adjacent to the plastic cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mirko Schindler, Peter Van Gastel, Bernd Gerdes
  • Publication number: 20170243423
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for data acquisition and measurement acquisition for a door handle (2) of a vehicle (1), said device comprising: at least one communications device (11), in particular an NFC device (11) for NFC data exchange with an external communications terminal (3); and at least one sensor device (12) for measuring (20) a change in capacitance. According to the invention, just one voltage device (14) is provided for common adjustment of the voltages of the at least one communications device (11) and the at least one sensor device (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Mirko SCHINDLER, Bernd GERDES, Sebastian RAULIN
  • Publication number: 20170158170
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inside door handle system for a door of a vehicle, wherein the door is transferable into a locking state and into an unlocked state by a closing system, comprising an actuation element for the actuation of the closing system and at least one support connectable with the door at which the actuation element is assembled, and further comprising at least a sensor element which with an approaching of an object in its recognition area transmits a recognition signal, wherein a release mode for the closing system is intended with which the closing system is in the unlocked state with which the actuation of the actuation element successively effects an opening function of the door wherein a control unit can be brought into data communication with the closing system and the sensor element, wherein in dependence on an existing recognition signal and of a vehicle related release signal the control unit transfers the closing system into the release mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Applicant: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Bernd GERDES, Coen DIEKER
  • Patent number: 9605939
    Abstract: A sensor array for detecting the approach and movement gestures of a user at a motor vehicle includes a capacitive sensor array and at least one control device that is coupled to the sensor array and detects a change in the capacitance of the sensor array. The sensor array includes at least two sensor electrode arrays which are arranged at spatially offset positions on the motor vehicle. The sensor electrodes are configured as elongate electrode arrays and are arranged with the same spatial orientation. The control and evaluation device is designed for cyclical activation and evaluation of the sensor electrodes with changeable, electrode-specific, different cycle rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter van Gastel, Bernd Gerdes
  • Patent number: 9573565
    Abstract: A method for detecting a function actuation on a motor vehicle with a sensor device includes monitoring the signals of a proximity sensor as to a first signal reply S1. The signals of the proximity sensor are monitored for a time period Ts wherein the method is interrupted when the signal reply changes by more than a value St within the period of time Ts. The signal device is actuated after time Ts has expired in order to signal to the user that the actuation of time has expired. The signals of the proximity sensor are monitored for time Te wherein the method is continued when the signal of the proximity sensor changes by more than a predetermined value Se within the period of time Te. Otherwise, the method is interrupted. If the method is continued, the actuation of the function of the motor vehicle is detected and the function trigger is signaled to a control device in the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mirko Schindler, Peter Van Gastel, Bernd Gerdes
  • Publication number: 20160221497
    Abstract: An assembly for actuating a vehicle function includes a cover element which is at least in part designed as a vehicle emblem, a light distribution device disposed beneath the cover element and a light source that is disposed beneath the light distribution device. The light source and the light distribution device are adapted for backlighting the cover element. A printed circuit board with a proximity sensor is disposed beneath the light distribution device. The proximity sensor is designed and configured for detecting proximity to the cover element. A control and evaluation circuit is coupled to the light source and the proximity sensor in order to switch on the light source as a function of proximity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mirko Schindler, Peter Van Gastel, Bernd Gerdes
  • Publication number: 20160216135
    Abstract: An operating device for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of proximity sensors for detecting contactless actuation. The operating device extends in a first plane and the sensors are disposed in that plane, separated from one another and oriented with their detection regions in the same spatial direction. A control and evaluation device is coupled to the sensors for detection of signals from each of the sensors. The sensors are covered with at least one electrically insulating plastic cover and, thus, separated from the detection region. At least one electrically conductive separating device is disposed between the sensors and oriented toward the side facing the detection regions, and directly adjacent to the plastic cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mirko Schindler, Peter Van Gastel, Bernd Gerdes
  • Publication number: 20160137165
    Abstract: A method for detecting a function actuation on a motor vehicle with a sensor device includes monitoring the signals of a proximity sensor as to a first signal reply S1. The signals of the proximity sensor are monitored for a time period Ts wherein the method is interrupted when the signal reply changes by more than a value St within the period of time Ts. The signal device is actuated after time Ts has expired in order to signal to the user that the actuation of time has expired. The signals of the proximity sensor are monitored for time Te wherein the method is continued when the signal of the proximity sensor changes by more than a predetermined value Se within the period of time Te. Otherwise, the method is interrupted. If the method is continued, the actuation of the function of the motor vehicle is detected and the function trigger is signaled to a control device in the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mirko Schindler, Peter Van Gastel, Bernd Gerdes
  • Publication number: 20150367816
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device (2) for a motor vehicle (1). The sensor device has a light source (10) and a detection device (20), said detection device being formed using an array of optical pixels. The light source (10) and the detection device (20) are coupled to a control and evaluation device (30) which activates the light source (10) to emit light pulses and the detection device to carry out the detection process. The control and evaluation device (30), the detection device (20) and the light source (10) together act as a time-of-flight camera (ToF camera), allowing spatial range data to be detected. The control and evaluation device (30) is designed to operate the light source and the detection device in at least two modes, i.e. an initialization mode and a measuring mode. The control and evaluation device (30) activates the detection device in the initialization, mode and interrogates all the pixels at least once to obtain signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Mirko Schindler, Bernd Gerdes
  • Publication number: 20150355707
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device (2) for a motor vehicle (1). The sensor device has a light source (10) and a detection device (20), said detection device is formed using an array of optical pixels. The light source (10) and the detection device (20) are coupled to a control and evaluation device (30) which activates the light source (10) to emit light pulses and activates the detection device to carry out the detection process. The control and evaluation device (30), the detection device (20) and the light source (10) interact as a time-of-flight camera (ToF camera), allowing spatial range data to be detected. The control and evaluation device (30) has multiple activation schemes for different groups of pixels of the detection device (20), a first activation scheme (idle mode) activating and evaluating a portion of pixels as a first pixel group and a second activation scheme (active scheme) activating and evaluating a larger portion of pixels as a second pixel group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Mirko Schindler, Bernd Gerdes, Bernd Ette
  • Patent number: 9162685
    Abstract: A method for operating a function in a motor vehicle employs a sensor arrangement with at least two spaced sensors for detecting operations caused by a user. Signals of a first sensor are monitored until a first characteristic signal answer is detected. A user-carried identification device is queried to verify authorization to access the requested function. Signals of a second sensor are monitored to determine an operation caused by approaching the second sensor. Signals from the first and second sensors are monitored for a predetermined time period t1. If the signals indicate a continued operation of the two sensors during t1, an expiration of t1 is signaled to the user. Signals of the first sensor are monitored for a predetermined time period t2. If the signal of the first sensor indicates a cancellation of the operation within t2, the function of the motor vehicle is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mirko Schindler, Peter Van Gastel, Bernd Gerdes
  • Publication number: 20150012176
    Abstract: A method for operating a function in a motor vehicle employs a sensor arrangement with at least two spaced sensors for detecting operations caused by a user. Signals of a first sensor are monitored until a first characteristic signal answer is detected. A user-carried identification device is queried to verify authorization to access the requested function. Signals of a second sensor are monitored to determine an operation caused by approaching the second sensor. Signals from the first and second sensors are monitored for a predetermined time period t1. If the signals indicate a continued operation of the two sensors during t1, an expiration of t1 is signaled to the user. Signals of the first sensor are monitored for a predetermined time period t2. If the signal of the first sensor indicates a cancellation of the operation within t2, the function of the motor vehicle is triggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: HUF HULSBECK & FURST GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Mirko Schindler, Peter Van Gastel, Bernd Gerdes
  • Publication number: 20140285217
    Abstract: A sensor array for detecting the approach and movement gestures of a user at a motor vehicle includes a capacitive sensor array and at least one control device that is coupled to the sensor array and detects a change in the capacitance of the sensor array. The sensor array includes at least two sensor electrode arrays which are arranged at spatially offset positions on the motor vehicle. The sensor electrodes are configured as elongate electrode arrays and are arranged with the same spatial orientation. The control and evaluation device is designed for cyclical activation and evaluation of the sensor electrodes with changeable, electrode-specific, different cycle rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: HUF HULSBECK & FURST GMBH & CO.
    Inventors: Peter Van Gastel, Bernd Gerdes
  • Publication number: 20110289730
    Abstract: The invention relates to a door handle arrangement for a motor vehicle having a handle component that has a handle (1) and at least one fastener section (3, 4) connected to the handle. The fastener section can be coupled to a fastener receptacle arranged in a door of the motor vehicle. A first conducive coil, the winding of which surrounds a hub (16) arranged in the handle component, is arranged in the handle component, wherein the hub extends at least partially in the listener section (3, 4) of the handle component. In the region of the fastener receptacle on the vehicle side, a second conductive coil is designed such that the hub arranged in the handle component (16) extends through the second coil upon coupling of the fastener section to the fastener receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Bernd Gerdes, Bernd Reifenberg, Witold Joschko, Klaus-Dieter Kulik, Stephan Riefers
  • Publication number: 20110254291
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exterior door handle, particularly for vehicles, and to a method for the production thereof. The exterior handle comprises a movable handle in the form of an at least regionally hollow housing, in which electronic components (31) can be accommodated. Furthermore, a printed circuit board (30) is provided, which is used to accommodate at least some of the electronic components (31). Furthermore, a Hall element (20), which is to be arranged in a predefined location in the handle, is provided in the handle. According to the invention, the printed circuit board (30) is constructed in a rigid and flat manner and a separate holder (10) is provided. Said holder (10) carries the Hall element (20) and holds it in the predefined position thereof in the interior of the handle. The position is spaced from the printed circuit board (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Rhein, Bernd Gerdes, Simone Van Thiel, Wolfgang Lipinski, Jörg Weidner, Michael Geber, Uwe Freyholdt
  • Patent number: 7126453
    Abstract: A keyless actuating system has a switchable electrical device, a coded transponder adapted to be carried by a user, and a vehicle-mounted interrogating unit adapted when enabled to remotely coact with the transponder for switching the device when the transponder holds a predetermined code. A first capacitor element is carried on the vehicle, and a second capacitor element is carried on the user. A control circuit determines the capacitance between the first and second elements when the user is near the vehicle for enabling the interrogating unit only when the capacitance between the first and second elements passes a predetermined threshold. Normally the second capacitor element is actually the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Helmut Sandau, Bernd Gerdes
  • Publication number: 20020125994
    Abstract: A keyless actuating system has a switchable electrical device, a coded transponder adapted to be carried by a user, and a vehicle-mounted interrogating unit adapted when enabled to remotely coact with the transponder for switching the device when the transponder holds a predetermined code. A first capacitor element is carried on the vehicle, and a second capacitor element is carried on the user. A control circuit determines the capacitance between the first and second elements when the user is near the vehicle for enabling the interrogating unit only when the capacitance between the first and second elements passes a predetermined threshold. Normally the second capacitor element is actually the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Helmut Sandau, Bernd Gerdes