Patents by Inventor Christian Berning

Christian Berning 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: 10323516
    Abstract: In a system (3) for the tracking of milling material (26), comprising a milling machine (1) for milling a section (28) of a ground pavement (29) in a milling operation, a truck (14) for loading and transporting away the milling material (26) removed during milling of the section (28) of the ground pavement (29), a deposition site (24) for depositing the milling material (26) transported away by the truck (14), a first detection device (18) for detecting data signals relating to the milling material (26), it is specified for the following features to be achieved: that a second detection device (20) detects position data of the deposition site of the milling material (26), wherein the first and the second detection device (18, 20) transmit the data signals (60) relating to the milling material (26) and the position data of the deposition site (24) to a documentation device (22) which links the position data with the data signals relating to the milling material (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Christoph Menzenbach, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 10323365
    Abstract: In a self-propelled construction machine, specifically, a road milling machine, a surface miner or a recycler, for milling a ground surface, comprising a machine frame with a longitudinal axis, comprising a chassis with wheels or tracked ground-engaging units which support the machine frame, comprising a controller for the travelling and milling operation, comprising a height-adjustable working drum, comprising a slewable transport conveyor arranged in front of or behind the working drum as seen in the direction of travel of the milling machine with a discharge end from which worked-off milling material is dischargeable onto a point of impingement on a loading surface of a means of transport, wherein the transport conveyor is slewable about, as a minimum, a first slewing axis extending essentially orthogonal to the machine frame laterally under a slewing angle, wherein the controller comprises a control system which controls, as a minimum, the slewing angle of the transport conveyor automatically in the trave
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Andreas Vogt, Cyrus Barimani
  • Publication number: 20190177924
    Abstract: The invention relates to a planning system and method for operating one or more road milling machines. In that context, material properties of a road are captured and are geographically associated with one or more roads or road segments. Based on the material properties, an expected milling output of a road milling machine is ascertained, in the context of carrying out milling tasks on the road, or an expected wear on the milling tools. An optimized sequence of milling tasks to be carried out is created on the basis of those data. Accordingly, the invention may enable optimized deployment of the one or more road milling machines and of resources necessary for carrying out the road milling tasks. Aspects of the planning system may be remotely implemented for centralized application with respect to each of the road milling machines, or locally implemented for individual road milling machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Sebastian Hofrath, Cyrus Barimani
  • Publication number: 20190153682
    Abstract: A self-propelled milling machine includes a controller which continuously locates an alterable position of a loading surface and of a slewable transport conveyor relative to a machine frame, or the position of the loading surface relative to the transport conveyor, and automatically controls one or more of the slewing angle, the elevation angle and the conveying speed of the transport conveyor, wherein discharged milling material impinges on pre-calculated points of impingement within the loading surface. The controller determines correction factors for the control parameter(s) as a function of a transverse inclination about the longitudinal central axis of the loading surface, a position angle between the longitudinal central axis of the loading surface and the longitudinal central axis of the transport conveyor or that of the machine frame, and/or the position of the pre-calculated point of impingement relative to an end of the loading surface lying on the longitudinal central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Cyrus Barimani, Christian Berning, Tobias Krista, Bernd Walterscheid
  • Patent number: 10273642
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine, in particular a road milling machine, which possesses an undercarriage which has front and rear—in the working direction—wheels or travelling gears, a machine frame which is borne by the undercarriage, and a working means. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling a self-propelled construction machine, in particular a road milling machine. The invention is based on the detection of objects O situated in the ground at a time at which the objects O can be readily detected. The construction machine according to the invention possesses a means for generating predictive object signals which are characteristic of the position of objects which lie in a portion of the ground which lies in the working direction A in front of the working region of the working means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Martin Lenz, Cyrus Barimani
  • Publication number: 20190119868
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled ground milling machine, in particular a road milling machine or road recycler, having a machine frame supported by running gears and a working roller arranged on the machine frame in a roller housing, a hold-down device which is height-adjustable with respect to the traffic surface being arranged upstream of the working roller in the working direction. The invention further relates to a method for working on a traffic surface using a self-propelled ground milling machine. The ground milling machine comprises a detection unit which is formed in such a way that a physical variable characteristic of an undesirable state of the operating process is determined, in which state fragments are broken off from the traffic surface during work on the traffic surface using the working roller, apply a compressive force to the hold-down device and can press the hold-down device into a raised position with respect to the traffic surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Philip Verhaelen, Cyrus Barimani
  • Publication number: 20190093293
    Abstract: In an automotive milling machine, comprising a machine frame, comprising a controller for the travelling and milling operation, comprising a working drum, comprising a transport conveyor for discharging the milled material milled off by the working drum onto a loading surface of a transport vehicle comprising a rear wall, where the transport conveyor is slewable, relative to the machine frame, about a first axis extending essentially horizontally under an elevation angle, and sideways about a second axis extending orthogonally to the first axis under a slewing angle, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: a detection device is arranged on the bottom side of the transport conveyor, where said detection device is used to initiate an activation signal in case of the transport conveyor approaching an object, in particular, the rear wall of the loading surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Cyrus Barimani, Philip Verhaelen
  • Patent number: 10196784
    Abstract: In an automotive milling machine, comprising a machine frame, comprising a controller for the travelling and milling operation, comprising a working drum, comprising a transport conveyor, where the transport conveyor is slewable, relative to the machine frame, about a first axis extending essentially horizontally under an elevation angle, and sideways about a second axis extending orthogonally to the first axis under a slewing angle, where the transport conveyor discharges the milled material onto a loading surface of a transport vehicle at a specified conveying speed, and where the controller continuously controls positioning of the milled material automatically via, as a minimum, the slewing angle of the transport conveyor, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: the controller specifies and monitors limit values for a maximum permissible slewing angle range for slewing the transport conveyor variable in accordance with the current operating situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Sebastian Winkels, Harald Kroell, Tobias Krista
  • Patent number: 10180322
    Abstract: A civil engineering machine has a machine control unit configured to determine data which defines the position and/or orientation of a reference point on the civil engineering machine in relation to a reference system independent of the position and orientation of the civil engineering machine. A geometrical shape to be produced on the ground is preset in either a machine control unit or a field rover control unit. The field rover is used to determine a position of at least one identifiable point of the preset geometrical shape in the independent reference system. Curve data defining a desired curve in the independent reference system, corresponding to the preset shape, is determined at least partially on the basis of the position of the at least one identifiable point of the preset geometrical shape in the independent reference system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Fritz, Cyrus Barimani, Christian Berning
  • Patent number: 10167721
    Abstract: The invention relates to a milling machine having a replaceable milling drum, different types of milling drums being capable of being associated with the milling machine; and having a control unit for controlling the milling machine, machine parameters of the milling machine being settable by way of the control unit. Provision is made that the milling machine has associated with it at least one means that is designed to detect at least one characteristic feature of the milling drum; that the at least one means is connected to the control unit; and that the control unit is designed to specify for at least one machine parameter, indirectly or directly from the characteristic feature, a value to be set, and/or a setting range. The invention further relates to a corresponding milling drum and to a corresponding method. The milling machine, milling drum, and method allow the selection of machine parameters for operation of the milling machine to be simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Thomas Lehnert, Philip Verhaelen
  • Patent number: 10156046
    Abstract: The invention relates to a planning system and method for operating one or more road milling machines. In that context, material properties of a road are captured and are geographically associated with one or more roads or road segments. Based on the material properties, an expected milling output of a road milling machine is ascertained, in the context of carrying out milling tasks on the road, or an expected wear on the milling tools. An optimized sequence of milling tasks to be carried out is created on the basis of those data. Accordingly, the invention may enable optimized deployment of the one or more road milling machines and of resources necessary for carrying out the road milling tasks. Aspects of the planning system may be remotely implemented for centralized application with respect to each of the road milling machines, or locally implemented for individual road milling machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Sebastian Hofrath, Cyrus Barimani
  • Publication number: 20180340300
    Abstract: An earth working machine (10) encompasses a machine body (13) having a machine frame (12) and a drive configuration (46), rotationally drivable relative to the machine frame (12) around a drive axis (A) that defines an axial direction, that extends along the drive rotation axis (A) from an introduction longitudinal end (46a) at which the drive configuration (46) is embodied for introduction of a drive torque to a functional longitudinal end (46b) located axially oppositely from the introduction longitudinal end (46a), and to which configuration a working apparatus (32) embodied for earth working is releasably connected in torque-transferring fashion, in an operating position, for rotation together around the drive axis (A), such that when the connection is released, the working apparatus (32) is removable from the operating position in an axial direction relative to the drive configuration (46) for deinstallation from the drive configuration (46) and, for installation on the drive configuration (46), is conve
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Karsten Buhr, Markus Frankemölle, Thomas Lehnert, Andreas Salz, Hardy Wilhelmi
  • Publication number: 20180340301
    Abstract: An earth working machine encompasses a machine body having a machine frame and a drive configuration rotationally drivable relative to the machine frame around a drive axis (A). It further encompasses a working apparatus (32) for earth working to which the drive configuration is releasably connected in drive torque-transferring fashion for rotation together, the drive configuration projecting from an axial end axially into the working apparatus (32) and the working apparatus (32) being retained on the drive configuration, against axial displacement relative to the drive configuration, by an accessible central bolt arrangement having a bolt axis collinear with the drive axis (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Karsten Buhr, Markus Frankemölle, Thomas Lehnert, Andreas Salz, Hardy Wilhelmi
  • Publication number: 20180340299
    Abstract: An earth working machine (10) encompasses a machine body (13) having a machine frame (12) and a drive configuration (46), rotationally drivable relative to the machine frame (12) around a drive axis (A), to which configuration a working apparatus (32) embodied for earth working is releasably connected in torque-transferring fashion, in an operating position operational for earth working, for rotation together around the drive axis (A), such that when the connection is released, the working apparatus (32) is removable from the operating position in an axial direction relative to the drive configuration (46) for deinstallation from the drive configuration (46) and, for installation on the drive configuration, is conveyable into the operating position in an axial direction relative to the drive configuration (46).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Karsten Buhr, Markus Frankemölle, Thomas Lehnert, Andreas Salz, Hardy Wilhelmi
  • Publication number: 20180340303
    Abstract: A self-propelled construction machine includes a machine frame and an operating drum arranged in a drum housing which is open downwards and is closed on both sides by an edge protector which is adjustable in height. A control assembly determines a reference value for the height of the ground surface relative to the machine frame on which the edge protector rests in a floating position, the height of the edge protector relative to the machine frame and the lowering speed of the edge protector. Furthermore, the control assembly is configured such that the height of the edge protector relative to the machine frame is determined at the point in time at which the lowering speed of the edge protector is less than a specified limit value. Preferred embodiments of the machine furthermore detect the edge protector sinking into the ground, and/or prevent the edge protector from digging into the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Andreas Vogt, Hanjo Held, Christian Berning, Cyrus Barimani
  • Publication number: 20180313044
    Abstract: In a self-propelled construction machine, in particular cold milling machine, recycler or surface miner, for working ground surfaces, comprising a milling drum supported at a machine frame and a conveying device arranged at the machine frame which accepts the milled-off material from the milling drum during the working operation and, on a continuously revolving first transport belt, unloads it, in conveying direction, onto a point of discharge at a discharge end along a parabolic trajectory, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: as a minimum, the last section of the conveying device as seen in conveying direction comprises no less than one continuously revolving cover belt arranged above the transport belt, said cover belt extending essentially parallel to the transport belt and resting against the milled-off material on the transport belt at least in a partial section of the length of the transport belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Cyrus Barimani, Martin Hömig
  • Patent number: 10113275
    Abstract: A self-propelled ground milling machine includes a working roller, a hold-down device which is height-adjustable with respect to the traffic surface being arranged upstream of the working roller in the working direction, and a detection unit which determines a physical variable characteristic of an undesirable state of the operating process, wherein fragments are broken off from the traffic surface, apply compressive force to the hold-down device and can press the hold-down device into a raised position with respect to the traffic surface. A device for height-adjusting the hold-down device responds by applying a contact pressure, directed counter to the compressive force applied by the fragments, to the hold-down device. By applying sufficient contact pressure, the hold-down device can be effectively prevented from rising from the traffic surface, such that during the milling process it is at least made more difficult for fragments to break off undesirably from the traffic surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Philip Verhaelen, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 10100470
    Abstract: In an automotive milling machine, comprising a machine frame, comprising a controller for the travelling and milling operation, comprising a working drum, comprising a transport conveyor for discharging the milled material milled off by the working drum onto a loading surface of a transport vehicle comprising a rear wall, where the transport conveyor is slewable, relative to the machine frame, about a first axis extending essentially horizontally under an elevation angle, and sideways about a second axis extending orthogonally to the first axis under a slewing angle, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: a detection device is arranged on the bottom side of the transport conveyor, where said detection device is used to initiate an activation signal in case of the transport conveyor approaching an object, in particular, the rear wall of the loading surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Cyrus Barimani, Philip Verhaelen
  • Patent number: 10100471
    Abstract: In an automotive construction machine, with a machine frame (4) with preferably vertically arranged lateral outer walls (5), a milling drum (6) mounted in the machine frame (4) for working a ground surface or traffic surface (8), and with an operator's platform (10), it is provided that the operator's platform (10) is moveable on the machine frame (4) transversely to the direction of travel, and is moveable outwards beyond the lateral outer walls (5) of the machine frame (4), that the machine frame (4) is provided with a guide (18) for the operator's platform (10) acting transversely to the direction of travel, and that the guide (18) projects laterally either not at all or just slightly beyond the outer walls (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Thomas Kramer, Dieter Simons, Günter Hähn
  • Publication number: 20180282954
    Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the milling depth of a road milling machine, the machine being operative to mill a ground surface with a milling roller lowered to a milling depth to create a milling track, the machine including at least one side plate located to at least one side of the milling roller to engage an untreated ground surface, and the machine including a stripping plate operative to be lowered onto the milling track generated by the milling roller. The method includes measuring the milling depth of the milling track, the measuring including detecting a measurement value of a ground engaging sensor engaging the milling track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Dieter Simons