Patents by Inventor Claus Schmidt

Claus Schmidt 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: 7874170
    Abstract: A method and a control unit (4) for controlling a supply of power to an electrical circuit comprising a switch (3). An output voltage of a first power source (5), which is connected to the circuit, is measured and compared to a predefined threshold voltage. If the measured voltage is smaller than the threshold value it is determined that the switch (3) is in a closed state, and if the voltage is larger than the threshold value it is determined that the switch (3) is in an open state. The supply of power is controlled in accordance with the open/closed state of the switch (3). Preferably, the electrical circuit is connected to a second power source (9) when the switch (3) is in a closed state. Power is conserved while it is ensured that sufficient power is available when needed. The invention is very suitable for supplying power to a lamp (1) positioned inside a refrigeration compartment (2), especially when the system is battery powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Mads Andersen, Claus Schmidt, Ole Bachmann, Rune Thomsen
  • Publication number: 20100231155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a controller unit adapted to be releaseably attached to a corresponding terminal arranged on an exterior surface portion of a motor-driven compressor. The controller unit according to the present invention comprises an electrically isolating carrier member having one or more electrically conductive paths arranged thereon for transporting electrical power signals, the carrier member further having at least one thermally conductive path arranged thereon for transporting heat to a heat sensitive element of the controller unit in order to determine the temperature of the motor of the compressor. The present invention further relates to a method for carrying out the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Schmidt, Dirk Homuth
  • Patent number: 7777438
    Abstract: Motor start circuit for an induction motor-with a main winding and an auxiliary winding having two end connections supplied with current via current supply connections, and with a start circuit device serving the purpose of stopping the current flow through the auxiliary winding after the start of the motor, and being connected via a conductor to a control device connected between the current supply connections, and with a preset timer device interacting with the start circuit device to stop the current flow through the auxiliary winding, as soon as a predetermined period after the start of the current flow has lapsed. With the purpose of optimizing the motor start circuit, a voltage presetting device, with which a predetermined voltage value can be set, the start circuit device being disconnected if this value is exceeded, and a period duration presetting device, are connected to or integrated in the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Schmidt, Hans Peter Kristensen
  • Patent number: 7777992
    Abstract: Motor start circuit for an induction motor, particularly a single-phase AC induction motor, with a main winding (4) and an auxiliary winding (5), which are supplied with current, particularly alternating current, via current supply connections (24, 25), and with a start switching device (15) serving the purpose of interrupting the current flow through the auxiliary winding (5) after the start of the motor, the start switching device (15) being connected to a control device (20) via a connector (18), the control device (20) being connected between the current supply connections (24, 25), and with a winding protection switch (28), which is normally closed and which opens on the occurrence of a fault. The invention is characterized in that the control device (20) is connected to the winding protection switch (28) via at least one further connector (22, 17), preferably via at least one further connector (22, 17) and the auxiliary winding (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Schmidt, Hans Peter Kristensen
  • Patent number: 7630180
    Abstract: The invention concerns a motor starter circuit for an induction motor, particularly a single-phase AC induction motor, with a main winding (4) and an auxiliary winding (5) supplied with current, particularly AC, via current supply connections (24, 25), and with a starter switch arrangement (15), which serves the purpose of interrupting the current flow through the auxiliary winding (5) after the start of the motor, the starter switch arrangement (15) interacting with a measuring arrangement serving the purpose of measuring the voltage across the auxiliary winding (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Schmidt, Hans Peter Kristensen
  • Publication number: 20080225447
    Abstract: Motor start circuit for an induction motor, particularly a single-phase AC induction motor, with a main winding (4) and an auxiliary winding (5), which are supplied with current, particularly alternating current, via current supply connections (24, 25), and with a start switching device (15) serving the purpose of interrupting the current flow through the auxiliary winding (5) after the start of the motor, the start switching device (15) being connected to a control device (20) via a connector (18), the control device (20) being connected between the current supply connections (24, 25), and with a winding protection switch (28), which is normally closed and which opens on the occurrence of a fault. The invention is characterised in that the control device (20) is connected to the winding protection switch (28) via at least one further connector (22, 17), preferably via at least one further connector (22, 17) and the auxiliary winding (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: DANFOSS COMPRESSORS GMBH
    Inventors: Claus Schmidt, Hans Peter Kristensen
  • Publication number: 20080018293
    Abstract: Motor start circuit for an induction motor, particularly a single phase AC induction motor, with a main winding (4) and an auxiliary winding (5) having two end connections (6, 7) supplied with current, mainly AC, via current supply connections (34, 35), and with a start circuit device (15) serving the purpose of stopping the current flow through the auxiliary winding (5) after the start of the motor, and being connected via a conductor (18) to a control device (20) connected between the current supply connections (34, 35), and with a preset timer device interacting with the start circuit device (15) to stop the current flow through the auxiliary winding (5), as soon as a predetermined period after the start of the current flow has lapsed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Schmidt, Hans Peter Kristensen
  • Publication number: 20070253133
    Abstract: The invention concerns a motor starter circuit for an induction motor, particularly a single-phase AC induction motor, with a main winding (4) and an auxiliary winding (5) supplied with current, particularly AC, via current supply connections (24, 25), and with a starter switch arrangement (15), which serves the purpose of interrupting the current flow through the auxiliary winding (5) after the start of the motor, the starter switch arrangement (15) interacting with a measuring arrangement serving the purpose of measuring the voltage across the auxiliary winding (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Schmidt, Hans Peter Kristensen
  • Publication number: 20070068183
    Abstract: A method and a control unit (4) for controlling a supply of power to an electrical circuit comprising a switch (3). An output voltage of a first power source (5), which is connected to the circuit, is measured and compared to a predefined threshold voltage. If the measured voltage is smaller than the threshold value it is determined that the switch (3) is in a closed state, and if the voltage is larger than the threshold value it is determined that the switch (3) is in an open state. The supply of power is controlled in accordance with the open/closed state of the switch (3). Preferably, the electrical circuit is connected to a second power source (9) when the switch (3) is in a closed state. Power is conserved while it is ensured that sufficient power is available when needed. The invention is very suitable for supplying power to a lamp (1) positioned inside a refrigeration compartment (2), especially when the system is battery powered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Mads Andersen, Claus Schmidt, Ole Bachmann, Rune Thomsen
  • Patent number: 7039513
    Abstract: The invention relates to the idea of not initially multiplying the output signal (a) of an acceleration sensor (19) with regard to a weighted sum (?g) with a correction factor (kw) but to alter a test signal (t) by using a weighting means (16) in such a manner that an already weighted output signal (ag) can be generated so that during a test operation, the safing algorithm of an evaluating device can be directly fallen back upon, whereby this can be advantageously tested with regard to its ability to operate. The invention is particularly suited for occupant protection systems of a modern motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Hermann, Gerhard Mader, Claus Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20060047392
    Abstract: The invention relates to the idea of not initially multiplying the output signal (a) of an acceleration sensor (19) with regard to a weighted sum (?g) with a correction factor (kw) but to alter a test signal (t) by using a weighting means (16) in such a manner that an already weighted output signal (ag) can be generated so that during a test operation, the safing algorithm of an evaluating device can be directly fallen back upon, whereby this can be advantageously tested with regard to its ability to operate. The invention is particularly suited for occupant protection systems of a modern motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Inventors: Stefan Hermann, Gerhard Mader, Claus Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6892121
    Abstract: In a data communication system, data is transmitted from a control device to a communication interface and from there via a communication bus to additional communication interfaces of trigger devices. The communication interface on the control device side has inputs, to which signals from said control device and a disarming switch can be assigned. The disarming switch can be circumvented by a bypass switch which is controlled by the control device. The state of the signal at the inputs of the communication interface on the control device side is transmitted to coresponding outputs of the communication interfaces of the triggger devices. A trigger device has a safety unit which is used to test at least one trigger unit, when the state of the signal of the outputs authorizes such a test and the trigger voltage source is not yet charged wth the full trigger voltage. In said state, the safety unit also blocks triggering as soon as the trigger voltage has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Claus Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6859706
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control circuit for at least one passenger protection system (6-8) in a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of sensors for detecting a respective parameter of the motor vehicle, and an evaluation unit connected to the sensors at the input side and adapted to produce, in accordance with the measured parameters, a release signal (Enable1) activating the passenger protection device in the case of an accident. The control circuit further comprises a check unit (10) connected to the sensors at the input side and adapted to check the mutual plausibility of the parameters measured by the sensors and to output a first disable signal (Error) for the passenger protection device in the case of an incorrect plausibility check.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Claus Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20030225461
    Abstract: In a data communication system, data is transmitted from a control device (2) to a communication interface (6) and from there via a communication bus (8) to additional communication interfaces (12) of trigger devices (9, 10). The communication interface (6) on the control device side has inputs, to which signals from said control device (2) and a disarming switch (26) can be assigned. The disarming switch can be circumvented by a bypass switch (34) which is controlled by the control device. The state of the signal at the inputs of the communication interface on the control device side (6) is transmitted to corresponding outputs of the communication interfaces (12) of the trigger devices. A trigger device has a safety unit which is used to test at least one trigger unit, when the state of the signal of the outputs authorises such a test and the trigger voltage source is not yet charged with the full trigger voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Claus Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6513832
    Abstract: A control system for vehicle occupant protection device in a motor vehicle has a sensor device with an X-Y acceleration sensor and a further analog sensor. The acceleration signal of the analog sensor which is rotated in its sensitivity axis by preferably 45° with respect to one of the sensitivity axes of the X-Y acceleration sensor is used here as a safing signal for checking the acceleration signals supplied by the X-Y acceleration sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Mader, Claus Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6467803
    Abstract: A device for triggering an airbag device that is accommodated in a steering wheel is described. The device has a firing cap for an airbag device that is accommodated in a steering wheel and is fired by a light pulse that is supplied via an optical waveguide. A coupling device, which decouples the optical waveguide from the rotation of the steering wheel but ensures that the light pulse is transmitted into the firing cap from the optical waveguide and also ensures that the airbag is inflated by a gas generator, is provided between the optical waveguide and the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellshaft
    Inventors: Josef Dirmeyer, Claus Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20020096870
    Abstract: A device for triggering an airbag device that is accommodated in a steering wheel is described. The device has a firing cap for an airbag device that is accommodated in a steering wheel and is fired by a light pulse that is supplied via an optical waveguide. A coupling device, which decouples the optical waveguide from the rotation of the steering wheel but ensures that the light pulse is transmitted into the firing cap from the optical waveguide and also ensures that the airbag is inflated by a gas generator, is provided between the optical waveguide and the airbag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Josef Dirmeyer, Claus Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6365987
    Abstract: A passenger protection device of an automobile is triggered when a testable acceleration switch supplies a switch signal and an electrically controlled switching device is actuated by a control circuit depending on a collision. Actuation of the switching device is prevented on a triggering circuit side by a blocking device so that the passenger protection device is not triggered as a result of faulty control switching during testing of the acceleration switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ludwig Riederer, Claus Schmidt, Marten Swart
  • Publication number: 20010005102
    Abstract: A passenger protection device of an automobile is triggered when a testable acceleration switch supplies a switch signal and an electrically controlled switching device is actuated by a control circuit depending on a collision. Actuation of the switching device is prevented on a triggering circuit side by a blocking device so that the passenger protection device is not triggered as a result of faulty control switching during testing of the acceleration switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Ludwig Riederer, Claus Schmidt, Marten Swart
  • Patent number: 6082873
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting accessory 10 for fluorescent amps, comprising two lampholders 16 constructed separately from one another and mutually spaced for holding the corresponding connecting ends of the fluorescent lamp 14. In this case, the lampholders 16 are each arranged in a holder receptacle 18. Moreover, the holder receptacles 18 each have an integrated device for the strain relief of electric connecting lines 22 leading to a ballast or coming therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fuer elektrische Gluehlampen mbH
    Inventor: Claus Schmidt