Patents by Inventor Christoph Eppler

Christoph Eppler 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: 11913564
    Abstract: A valve housing (1) has first and third openings (1.1, 1.3), and first and second actuating elements (6.1, 6.2) that are movable along a longitudinal axis of the housing (1). A return element (5) is between the actuating elements (6.1, 6.2), and exerts a force to keep the actuating elements (6.1, 6.2) in a rest position to close or open the first and third openings (1.1. 1.3). First and second wires (4.1, 4.2) are formed from a shape memory alloy. The first wire (4.1) is on the first actuating element (6.1) and the second wire (4.2) is on the second actuating element (6.2). An electric current to the first or second wire (4.1, 4.2) contracts the respective wire (4.1, 4.2) and moves the corresponding actuating element (6.1, 6.2) into an activated position against the force exerted by the return element (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: A Kayser Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Kenny Pagel, Christoph Eppler, Benjamin John, Heiko Freter
  • Publication number: 20230125583
    Abstract: A valve housing (1) has first and third openings (1.1, 1.3), and first and second actuating elements (6.1, 6.2) that are movable along a longitudinal axis of the housing (1). A return element (5) is between the actuating elements (6.1, 6.2), and exerts a force to keep the actuating elements (6.1, 6.2) in a rest position to close or open the first and third openings (1.1. 1.3). First and second wires (4.1, 4.2) are formed from a shape memory alloy. The first wire (4.1) is on the first actuating element (6.1) and the second wire (4.2) is on the second actuating element (6.2). An electric current to the first or second wire (4.1, 4.2) contracts the respective wire (4.1, 4.2) and moves the corresponding actuating element (6.1, 6.2) into an activated position against the force exerted by the return element (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Kenny Pagel, Christoph Eppler, Benjamin John, Heiko Freter