Patents by Inventor Christoph Gmelin

Christoph Gmelin 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).

  • Publication number: 20110179858
    Abstract: A sensor system for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium which flows in a main flow direction, e.g., an intake air mass flowing through a flow pipe, includes at least one sensor situated in the fluid medium and at least one grating which is situated transversely to the main flow direction and which has at least one bar. On at least one surface over which the fluid medium flows, the bar has at least one shearing element which is designed to generate a region in the flow having a turbulent flow downstream from the shearing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Torsten Mais, Erhard Renninger, Christoph Gmelin, Oliver Hennig
  • Patent number: 7980125
    Abstract: A sensor system for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium flowing in a main flow direction has at least one sensor situated in the fluid medium, for determining the parameter of the fluid medium, and at least one grating situated transversely to the main flow direction and having at least one crosstie, the crosstie having a crosstie depth directed essentially in the main flow direction. The crosstie has at least one recess, the crosstie depth being reduced in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erhard Renninger, Uwe Konzelmann, Christoph Gmelin
  • Patent number: 7980126
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a hot-film air-mass sensor, which can be used especially for measuring air mass flows in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine. The hot-film air-mass sensor has a sensor chip having a sensor frame and a sensor diaphragm having at least one heating element and at least two temperature sensors, a chip carrier for holding the sensor chip and at least one additional heating element. The sensor chip is able to be heated up using the at least one additional heating element. Immediately after shutting down the internal combustion engine, the at least one heating element of the sensor diaphragm is switched off, or is switched to a lower heating power. Furthermore, the at least one additional heating element is switched on for a specified postheating phase. The provided method is particularly suitable for avoiding oil contamination of the hot-film air-mass sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Opitz, Uwe Konzelmann, Christoph Gmelin, Araceli Pison
  • Patent number: 7966877
    Abstract: To determine air mass flows, especially for controlling internal combustion engines, a hot-film air-mass sensor is provided, which may be used especially for sensing air mass flows in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine. The hot-film air-mass sensor has a sensor chip having a sensor frame and a sensor diaphragm having at least one heating element and at least two temperature sensors. Furthermore, the hot-film air-mass sensor has a chip carrier for mounting the sensor chip, as well as at least one additional heating element. The sensor chip is able to be heated up using the at least one additional heating element, which is inserted into the chip carrier. Compared to the usual devices, the hot-film air-mass sensor has a lower susceptibility to contamination, especially by oil films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erhard Renninger, Gerhard Hueftle, Joerg Brueckner, Bernhard Opitz, Bernd Kuenzl, Uwe Konzelmann, Ulrich Wagner, Henning Marberg, Christoph Gmelin, Matthias Illian
  • Publication number: 20110036157
    Abstract: A hot-film air-mass meter for measuring an air-mass flow which flows in the main direction of the flow, which can be used, in particular, in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine. The hot-film air-mass meter comprises a sensor chip having a measuring surface. The air-mass flow flows essentially parallel over one surface of the sensor chip. A flow separating element is mounted upstream from the measuring surface with respect to the main flow direction. The at least one flow separating element is designed in such a way that the air-mass flow is separated from the measuring surface of the sensor chip in at least one separation zone prior to reaching the measuring surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Bernhard Opitz, Hans Hecht, Ulrich Wagner, Christoph Gmelin, Klaus Reymann
  • Publication number: 20110000289
    Abstract: A plug-in sensor is provided which is suitable for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium flowing in a main flow direction, especially of an intake air mass of an internal combustion engine flowing through a flow pipe. The plug-in sensor has a plug part that is able to be mounted in the flowing fluid medium, in a specified alignment to the main flow direction. In the plug part, at least one flow channel is provided having at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, in the at least one flow channel at least one sensor is accommodated for determining the at least one parameter. The plug part has a profile at which at least one local pressure minimum sets in the flowing fluid medium. The at least one outlet opening is situated at the side of the plug part, in the region of the at least one pressure minimum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Uwe Konzelmann, Christoph Gmelin
  • Publication number: 20100300187
    Abstract: A sensor system for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium flowing in a main flow direction has at least one sensor situated in the fluid medium, for determining the parameter of the fluid medium, and at least one grating situated transversely to the main flow direction and having at least one crosstie, the crosstie having a crosstie depth directed essentially in the main flow direction. The crosstie has at least one recess, the crosstie depth being reduced in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Erhard Renninger, Uwe Konzelmann, Christoph Gmelin
  • Publication number: 20100294029
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining at least one parameter of a medium flowing in a main flow direction, in particular of an intake air mass of an internal combustion engine, is proposed. The apparatus has a plug-in part that is introducible into the flowing medium with a predetermined alignment with respect to the main flow direction, having at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening as well as at least one main channel connecting the two openings. Also provided is at least one measurement channel that branches off from the main channel, having at least one sensor element, received in the measurement channel, for determining the at least one parameter. At least one directing surface, which diverts the flow of the medium from the measurement channel, is provided before a branching point of the measurement channel from the main channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Christoph Gmelin, Richard Joschko
  • Publication number: 20100064799
    Abstract: A plug-in sensor for determining an aspirated air mass of an internal combustion engine flowing through a flow pipe has a plug part, which is able to be introduced into the streaming medium with a specified orientation to the main flow direction. Provided in this plug part is at least one flow channel having at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening. Accommodated in the at least one flow channel is at least one sensor for determining the at least one parameter. The plug part has a rounded inflow side, which points counter to the main flow direction. The plug part at least partially has an airfoil profile, which is designed such that an asymmetrical flow profile of the fluid medium comes about when the plug part is introduced into the streaming fluid medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Torsten Mais, Uwe Konzelmann, Christoph Gmelin
  • Patent number: 7661304
    Abstract: A method and a sensor for detecting a component, in particular H2, in a gaseous fluid containing multiple components. A measuring chamber, which accommodates a heatable measuring element, is implemented in a sensor. The measuring chamber is heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Konzelmann, Ulrich Wagner, Christoph Gmelin, Martin Baumann
  • Publication number: 20090211355
    Abstract: To determine air mass flows, especially for controlling internal combustion engines, a hot-film air-mass sensor is provided, which may be used especially for sensing air mass flows in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine. The hot-film air-mass sensor has a sensor chip having a sensor frame and a sensor diaphragm having at least one heating element and at least two temperature sensors. Furthermore, the hot-film air-mass sensor has a chip carrier for mounting the sensor chip, as well as at least one additional heating element. The sensor chip is able to be heated up using the at least one additional heating element, which is inserted into the chip carrier. Compared to the usual devices, the hot-film air-mass sensor has a lower susceptibility to contamination, especially by oil films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Erhard Renninger, Gerhard Hueftle, Joerg Brueckner, Bernhard Opitz, Bernd Kuenzl, Uwe Konzelmann, Ulrich Wagner, Henning Marberg, Christoph Gmelin, Matthias Illian
  • Publication number: 20090205417
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a hot-film air-mass sensor, which can be used especially for measuring air mass flows in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine. The hot-film air-mass sensor has a sensor chip having a sensor frame and a sensor diaphragm having at least one heating element and at least two temperature sensors, a chip carrier for holding the sensor chip and at least one additional heating element. The sensor chip is able to be heated up using the at least one additional heating element. Immediately after shutting down the internal combustion engine, the at least one heating element of the sensor diaphragm is switched off, or is switched to a lower heating power. Furthermore, the at least one additional heating element is switched on for a specified postheating phase. The provided method is particularly suitable for avoiding oil contamination of the hot-film air-mass sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Bernhard Opitz, Uwe Konzelmann, Christoph Gmelin, Araceli Pison
  • Patent number: 7544225
    Abstract: A device for filtering a gas flowing through a line, particularly for filtering the air flow in an intake line of an internal combustion engine, including a filter element which is insertable in a line section and surrounds a longitudinally extending interior cavity in the manner of a cover. In order to equalize the flow of gas, a choke element is furnished with at least one breakthrough in the interior cavity and divides the inner cavity into two sub-sections that are connected to one another via the at least one breakthrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Reymann, Uwe Konzelmann, Christoph Gmelin
  • Patent number: 7467541
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting a component of a gaseous fluid containing multiple components. The sensor includes a housing, which delimits a measuring chamber and which accommodates a measuring chip having a heatable diaphragm. The housing has at least one opening which allows convective heat transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Konzelmann, Ulrich Wagner, Christoph Gmelin, Martin Baumann
  • Publication number: 20080283014
    Abstract: A flow guide element is provided for guiding a flow of a fluid medium which is particularly suitable for use in an intake tract of an internal combustion engine. The flow guide element includes a flow tube having an elbow for diverting the flow. In the region of the elbow there is situated, in this case, at least one flow baffle having at least one deflector. The deflector is penetrated by an opening, going right through the flow baffle, in at least one area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Uwe Konzelmann, Christoph Gmelin
  • Patent number: 7401509
    Abstract: In a device for determining at least one parameter of a medium flowing in a main direction of flow in a line, which device has a part that can be inserted into the line with a predeterminable orientation in relation to the main direction of flow in such a manner that a partial stream of the medium flowing in the line passes into an entry region of a channel structure formed in the part, a measuring channel, provided with a measuring element for determining the at least one parameter, branching off from the entry region and the entry region having a separation zone which is separated from the measuring channel and has at least one separation aperture, which separation aperture opens into the line at a side wall of the part, which side wall extends substantially parallel to the main direction of flow, the part advantageously has at least one wind shield which is disposed downstream of the at least one separation aperture in the direction of the main direction of flow and which projects from the side wall provid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Konzelmann, Christoph Gmelin
  • Patent number: 7380470
    Abstract: Measuring volume flows or mass flows in the intake system of motor vehicle internal combustion engines plays an important role in reducing harmful emissions. Therefore, an ultrasonic flow meter for measuring a flow velocity of a fluid flowing in an essentially laminar flow in the main flow direction is described. The ultrasonic flow meter has at least two ultrasonic transducers, the ultrasonic transducers being able to emit and/or receive ultrasonic waves at an angle ? to the main flow direction which is different from 90°. Furthermore, the ultrasonic flow meter has at least one turbulator situated upstream from at least one ultrasonic transducer in the main flow direction of the fluid, which generates longitudinal eddies in at least one zone adjacent to the at least one ultrasonic transducer, in particular in a protrusion in a wall of a flow pipe and thus improves the flow of the fluid in this zone in the flow pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Konzelmann, Tobias Lang, Christoph Gmelin
  • Patent number: 7360392
    Abstract: A fluid sensor may be used for detecting fluid media, in particular hydrogen. The fluid sensor includes a sensor chip having a chip surface, which has a measuring surface and a body surface. Printed conductors of a central sensor circuit having at least one heating element and at least one temperature sensor are provided on the measuring surface. Furthermore, the fluid sensor has one additional fracture detection element and one fracture detection circuit situated on the sensor chip. The fracture detection circuit is designed for detecting fractures and/or cracks in and/or on the sensor chip, in particular in the area of a boundary between the measuring surface and body surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Konzelmann, Ulrich Wagner, Christoph Gmelin, Martin Baumann
  • Patent number: 7360414
    Abstract: Devices for determining at least one parameter of a medium flowing in a conduit, in particular for determining the air-mass flow in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine, including a conduit member and sensor device having a bypass section are already known. To prevent flow detachment at the side walls of the bypass section, it is proposed that a flow guide wall running substantially parallel to the side wall provided with the separation opening of the bypass section be arranged in the conduit member behind the separation opening, as viewed in the main flow direction; the length dimension b of the flow guide wall, as viewed in the main flow direction, being equal to or greater than the distance a of the separation opening from the rear wall; and the distance c of the flow guide wall from the center axis of the conduit member being greater than or equal to the distance d of the side wall provided with the separation opening of the bypass section from the center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Konzelmann, Henning Marberg, Christoph Gmelin
  • Publication number: 20070289356
    Abstract: A fluid sensor may be used for detecting fluid media, in particular hydrogen. The fluid sensor includes a sensor chip having a chip surface, which has a measuring surface and a body surface. Printed conductors of a central sensor circuit having at least one heating element and at least one temperature sensor are provided on the measuring surface. Furthermore, the fluid sensor has one additional fracture detection element and one fracture detection circuit situated on the sensor chip. The fracture detection circuit is designed for detecting fractures and/or cracks in and/or on the sensor chip, in particular in the area of a boundary between the measuring surface and body surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Uwe Konzelmann, Ulrich Wagner, Christoph Gmelin, Martin Baumann