Patents by Inventor Ernst Gorenflo

Ernst Gorenflo 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: 10888046
    Abstract: A method for operating an autonomous mobile lawn mower robot having a cutting tool for mowing a lawn, wherein a cutting height of the cutting tool is adjustable, includes the steps of: receiving a prediction of an environmental condition describing parameter, and automatically adjusting the cutting height of the cutting tool as a function of the received prediction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ernst Gorenflo, Peter Ritzer
  • Patent number: 10730156
    Abstract: A start device is for a chainsaw having a combustion engine. The start device includes an electric motor with a control device, which initiates operation of the electric motor and starts up the combustion engine. The chainsaw has a brake device for bringing the tool to a standstill, wherein the brake device can be operated via an actuation lever. For this purpose, the actuation lever can be moved from a first position (A) into at least one further position (B). The control device is connected to a signal transmitter, which is actuated, and emits a signal to the control device, when the actuation lever is moved from the first position (A) into the further position (B), wherein the signal forms a start signal for initiating operation of the electric motor and for starting up the combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ernst Gorenflo
  • Publication number: 20180352730
    Abstract: A method for operating an autonomous mobile lawn mower robot having a cutting tool for mowing a lawn, wherein a cutting height of the cutting tool is adjustable, includes the steps of: receiving a prediction of an environmental condition describing parameter, and automatically adjusting the cutting height of the cutting tool as a function of the received prediction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Ernst GORENFLO, Peter RITZER
  • Publication number: 20180215002
    Abstract: A start device is for a chainsaw having a combustion engine. The start device includes an electric motor with a control device, which initiates operation of the electric motor and starts up the combustion engine. The chainsaw has a brake device for bringing the tool to a standstill, wherein the brake device can be operated via an actuation lever. For this purpose, the actuation lever can be moved from a first position (A) into at least one further position (B). The control device is connected to a signal transmitter, which is actuated, and emits a signal to the control device, when the actuation lever is moved from the first position (A) into the further position (B), wherein the signal forms a start signal for initiating operation of the electric motor and for starting up the combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Ernst Gorenflo
  • Patent number: 9873193
    Abstract: A handheld work apparatus has a combustion engine which drives a tool of the work apparatus via a centrifugal clutch. The centrifugal clutch couples in an engagement rotational speed range (nK) which extends between a lower engagement rotational speed (nu) and an upper engagement rotational speed (no). The engine has a fuel supply device, an ignition device, a control device and a device for detecting the rotational speed (n) of the engine. A method for operating the handheld work apparatus makes provision for the rotational speed profile of the combustion engine to be monitored in the engagement rotational speed range (nK) and for the power (P) output for driving the tool to be increased from an operating power (P1) to an increased power (P2, P3) when the rotational speed profile corresponds with a predetermined rotational speed profile over a predetermined period of time (?t).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ernst Gorenflo, Klaus-Martin Uhl, Georg Maier
  • Patent number: 9140204
    Abstract: A portable, handheld work apparatus such as a chain saw has a handle (5, 7) to guide the work apparatus (1) and has an air-cooled, mixture-lubricated combustion engine (10) arranged in a casing as a drive for a work tool (3). The cylinder (11) has a combustion chamber (13) formed therein to which an air/fuel mixture is supplied. The air/fuel mixture is ignited by a spark plug (23) which projects into the combustion chamber (13). An ignition control (30) triggers a spark in dependence on the angular position of the crankshaft (15). A temperature sensor (35, 45, 55) is provided to control the cylinder temperature. The temperature signal of the temperature sensor (35, 45, 55) is connected to a power control (40). When a predetermined temperature is exceeded, the power control (40) changes the operating parameters of the combustion engine (10) in such a manner that the power of the combustion engine (10) is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ernst Gorenflo, Eberhard Schieber, Heinrich Leufen, Michael Harrer, Claus Naegele, Andreas Neubauer
  • Patent number: 9068545
    Abstract: In a method for providing in a hand-held power tool electric energy for an engine control unit before start of an internal combustion engine of the power tool that is to be started by a rope starter, a voltage source is provided that generates electric energy electro-dynamically or photovoltaically before starting the internal combustion engine. The thus generated electric energy is stored in a rechargeable energy storage device arranged within the power tool. The electric energy stored in the energy storage device is supplied to the engine control unit upon first rope starter pull for start of the internal combustion engine. The device for performing the method has an electro-dynamic or photovoltaic voltage source and an energy storage device electrically conductingly connected to the voltage source, wherein the energy storage device has an output that is electrically conductingly connected to the engine control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ernst Gorenflo, Heinrich Leufen, Eberhard Schieber, Roland Schierling
  • Publication number: 20150174751
    Abstract: A handheld work apparatus has a combustion engine which drives a tool of the work apparatus via a centrifugal clutch. The centrifugal clutch couples in an engagement rotational speed range (nK) which extends between a lower engagement rotational speed (nu) and an upper engagement rotational speed (no). The engine has a fuel supply device, an ignition device, a control device and a device for detecting the rotational speed (n) of the engine. A method for operating the handheld work apparatus makes provision for the rotational speed profile of the combustion engine to be monitored in the engagement rotational speed range (nK) and for the power (P) output for driving the tool to be increased from an operating power (P1) to an increased power (P2, P3) when the rotational speed profile corresponds with a predetermined rotational speed profile over a predetermined period of time (?t).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Ernst Gorenflo, Klaus-Martin Uhl, Georg Maier
  • Patent number: 8661951
    Abstract: A hand-guided power tool has a drive motor and a drive element connected to and driven by the drive motor. A working tool is connected to the drive element and driven by the drive element. A braking device is correlated with the drive element, wherein the braking device in a first state, in which the braking device is applied, blocks the drive element and in a second state, in which the braking device is released, releases the drive element so that the drive elements can rotate freely. The braking device has a brake lever and a sensor that detects the first and second states of the braking device. A control unit is provided, wherein an output signal of the sensor as a state signal of the first state or the second state is supplied to the control unit. The control unit, based on the state signal, controls devices of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ernst Gorenflo
  • Publication number: 20110146611
    Abstract: In a method for providing in a hand-held power tool electric energy for an engine control unit before start of an internal combustion engine of the power tool that is to be started by a rope starter, a voltage source is provided that generates electric energy electro-dynamically or photovoltaically before starting the internal combustion engine. The thus generated electric energy is stored in a rechargeable energy storage device arranged within the power tool. The electric energy stored in the energy storage device is supplied to the engine control unit upon first rope starter pull for start of the internal combustion engine. The device for performing the method has an electro-dynamic or photovoltaic voltage source and an energy storage device electrically conductingly connected to the voltage source, wherein the energy storage device has an output that is electrically conductingly connected to the engine control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Andreas Stihl AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Ernst Gorenflo, Heinrich Leufen, Eberhard Schieber, Roland Schierling
  • Publication number: 20110107985
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable, handheld work apparatus such as a chain saw having a handle (5, 7) to guide the work apparatus (1) and having an air-cooled, mixture lubricated combustion engine (10) arranged in a casing as a drive for a work tool (3). The cylinder (11) has a combustion chamber (13) formed therein to which an air/fuel mixture is supplied. The air/fuel mixture is ignited by a spark plug (23) which projects into the combustion chamber (13). An ignition control (30) triggers a spark in dependence on the angular position of the crankshaft (15). A temperature sensor (34, 45, 55) is provided to control the cylinder temperature. The temperature signal of the temperature sensor (34, 45, 55) is connected to a power control (40). When a predetermined temperature is exceeded, the power control (40) changes the operating parameters of the combustion engine (10) in such a manner that the power of the combustion engine (10) is changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Ernst Gorenflo, Eberhard Schieber, Heinrich Leufen, Michael Harrer, Claus Naegele, Andreas Neubauer
  • Patent number: 7770553
    Abstract: In order to provide a handheld work machine that does not require expensive start circuitry for the critical start-up phase of the combustion engine, and in which nevertheless the required constant supply voltage for the engine is present in order to achieve optimum starting behavior, a handheld work machine is provided with at least one combustion engine which in operation requires a supply voltage, and with a voltage generator that supplies a generator voltage that depends on the rotary speed of the combustion engine, which generator voltage is used to generate the supply voltage, wherein the handheld work machine is electrically connected to an additional voltage source that prior to starting the combustion engine provides the required supply voltage that at this point in time is not yet present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: DOLMAR GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Gorenflo, Carsten Ziegs
  • Patent number: 7721845
    Abstract: In order to provide an exhaust muffler for an internal combustion engine, especially a portable implement, comprising a catalyst which is arranged in a housing which has at least one inlet opening and one outlet opening for exhaust gas flowing out from the internal combustion engine into the environment, in which the temperature of the exhaust gas in the area of the outlet into the environment is reduced substantially and/or a sufficiently long path length is made available so that flame development can be avoided especially in the outlet area of the exhaust muffler, it is proposed that the outlet opening has at least one means through which exhaust gas flows, which is arranged partially outside the housing and has an outlet facing the environment, whereby the flow path of the exhaust gas in the direction of the environment is lengthened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Dolmar GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Gorenflo
  • Publication number: 20090193669
    Abstract: A hand-guided power tool has a drive motor and a drive element connected to and driven by the drive motor. A working tool is connected to the drive element and driven by the drive element. A braking device is correlated with the drive element, wherein the braking device in a first state, in which the braking device is applied, blocks the drive element and in a second state, in which the braking device is released, releases the drive element so that the drive elements can rotate freely. The braking device has a brake lever and a sensor that detects the first and second states of the braking device. A control unit is provided, wherein an output signal of the sensor as a state signal of the first state or the second state is supplied to the control unit. The control unit, based on the state signal, controls devices of the power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ernst Gorenflo
  • Publication number: 20080314338
    Abstract: In order to provide a handheld work machine that does not require expensive start circuitry for the critical start-up phase of the combustion engine, and in which nevertheless the required constant supply voltage for the engine is present in order to achieve optimum starting behaviour, a handheld work machine is provided with at least one combustion engine which in operation requires a supply voltage, and with a voltage generator that supplies a generator voltage that depends on the rotary speed of the combustion engine, which generator voltage is used to generate the supply voltage, wherein the handheld work machine is electrically connected to an additional voltage source that prior to starting the combustion engine provides the required supply voltage that at this point in time is not yet present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Ernst Gorenflo, Carsten Ziegs
  • Publication number: 20080135331
    Abstract: In order to provide an exhaust muffler for an internal combustion engine, especially a portable implement, comprising a catalyst which is arranged in a housing which has at least one inlet opening and one outlet opening for exhaust gas flowing out from the internal combustion engine into the environment, in which the temperature of the exhaust gas in the area of the outlet into the environment is reduced substantially and/or a sufficiently long path length is made available so that flame development can be avoided especially in the outlet area of the exhaust muffler, it is proposed that the outlet opening has at least one means through which exhaust gas flows, which is arranged partially outside the housing and has an outlet facing the environment, whereby the flow path of the exhaust gas in the direction of the environment is lengthened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: DOLMAR GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Gorenflo
  • Publication number: 20070246583
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device arrangement including a generator and a spray device in the region of a cutting tool whereby liquid is sprayed for binding cutting residue blown up during the cutting process. The cutting device also includes a liquid supply device whereby the liquid can be supplied to the spray device. An electric pump is provided as part of the spray device whereby the liquid can be sprayed under pressure, wherein the electric pump is electrically connected to the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: DOLMAR GMBH
    Inventor: Ernst Gorenflo
  • Patent number: 7219433
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a handheld implement, in particular a portable chainsaw (100), with a handle housing part (12) that contains at least one carrying handle (10), and with at least one motor housing part (16) that carries a drive unit (14) and is connected to the handle housing part (12) by means of an antivibration system that consists of at least one vibration-reducing element (18). The invention proposes an antivibration system of this type, in which the above-mentioned problems are solved due to the fact that an exchange of the vibration-reducing elements can be eliminated, wherein the antivibration system is still able to fulfill the individual requirements of the operator and the machine. This is achieved due to the fact that the at least one vibration-reducing element (18) is realized such that it can be adjusted with the aid of a tool or without requiring a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Dolmar GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Gorenflo, Olaf Kruse
  • Publication number: 20050150719
    Abstract: In order to provide an exhaust muffler (100) for an internal combustion engine (11), especially a portable implement, comprising a catalyst (10) which is arranged in a housing (12) which has at least one inlet opening (13) and one outlet opening (14) for exhaust gas flowing out from the internal combustion engine (11) into the environment (15), in which the temperature of the exhaust gas in the area of the outlet into the environment is reduced substantially and/or a sufficiently long path length is made available so that flame development can be avoided especially in the outlet area of the exhaust muffler, it is proposed that the outlet opening (14) has at least one means (16) through which exhaust gas flows, which is arranged partially outside the housing (12) and has an outlet (18) facing the environment (15), whereby the flow path of the exhaust gas in the direction of the environment (15) is lengthened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventor: Ernst Gorenflo
  • Publication number: 20040016133
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a handheld implement, in particular a portable chainsaw (100), with a handle housing part (12) that contains at least one carrying handle (10), and with at least one motor housing part (16) that carries a drive unit (14) and is connected to the handle housing part (12) by means of an antivibration system that consists of at least one vibration-reducing reducing element (18). The invention proposes an antivibration system of this type, in which the above-mentioned problems are solved due to the fact that an exchange of the vibration-reducing elements can be eliminated, wherein the antivibration system is still able to fulfill the individual requirements of the operator and the machine. This is achieved due to the fact that the at least one vibration-reducing element (18) is realized such that it can be adjusted with the aid of a tool or without requiring a tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: DOLMAR GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Gorenflo, Olaf Kruse