Patents by Inventor Eckhard Blank

Eckhard Blank 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: 7083479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a weld-on fastener for an electrical contact with a weld nut (1) which, on its topside has an electric contact face (9) and, on its bottom side, has an annular axial projection (6) which surrounds a cavity (4) of a pre-determinable depth (T), and with a screw (3) screwed into the weld nut (1), which screw (3) also has an electric contact face (9), a spacer ring (2) being clamped between the contact faces (9). The spacer ring (2) preferably has a thickness (D) which is approximately equal to the depth (T) of the cavity (4). When the spacer ring (2) is clamped in, the screw (3) ends approximately flush with the end of the internal thread (12) of the weld nut (1). This combination is distinctive in that it has only a low overall height, no metal scabs reach the thread (12) during welding-on, the contact faces (9) are protected during assembly and the welded connection can absorb high torques even when welding onto thin work pieces (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Manfred Muller, Eckhard Blank, Roland Kurz
  • Publication number: 20040149481
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a weld-on fastener for an electrical contact with a weld nut (1) which, on its topside has an electric contact face (9) and, on its bottom side, has an annular axial projection (6) which surrounds a cavity (4) of a pre-determinable depth (T), and with a screw (3) screwed into the weld nut (1), which screw (3) also has an electric contact face (9), a spacer ring (2) being clamped between the contact faces (9). The spacer ring (2) preferably has a thickness (D) which is approximately equal to the depth (T) of the cavity (4). When the spacer ring (2) is clamped in, the screw (3) ends approximately flush with the end of the internal thread (12) of the weld nut (1). This combination is distinctive in that it has only a low overall height, no metal scabs reach the thread (12) during welding-on, the contact faces (9) are protected during assembly and the welded connection can absorb high torques even when welding onto thin work pieces (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Manfred Muller, Eckhard Blank, Roland Kurz
  • Patent number: 6433278
    Abstract: An attachment device for the fastening or connecting of electrical conductors to a unit in a higher position. The attachment device has a sleeve-shaped contact piece (1) and a cap (9) connected thereto. The contact piece (1) is connected by positive material locking to the unit in a higher position with the connecting region (2). The contact piece (1) at least near the attachment face (6) has an external contour that corresponds to a polygon in cross-section. The cap (9) at least partially closes the orifice (4) in the vicinity of the connecting region (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Emhart LLC
    Inventors: Eckhard Blank, Schrötter Klaus-Dieter, Reimar Saltenberger, Joachim Schneider