Patents by Inventor Frank Bartl

Frank Bartl 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: 9788086
    Abstract: A measurement system comprises a measurement unit, a transmitter, an autarkic power unit and a control unit. The measurement unit measures a quantity repeatedly and the transmitter connects the measurement system to a network and transmits data to the network based on the measurements of the measurement unit. Further, the autarkic power unit supplies electrical energy to the measurement unit, the transmitter and the control unit. Additionally, the control unit controls the measurement of the quantity and the transmission of data dynamically based on a currently available amount of energy provided by the power unit. Further, the control unit stops measurements by the measurement unit and keeps the transmitter connected to the network, if the currently available amount of energy is below a predefined energy limit indicating that the currently available amount of energy is too low for taking measurements and for keeping connected to the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Gerard McGoogan, Frank Bartl, Joseph Erskine, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Patent number: 9664234
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly comprising a power generating subassembly integrated into a bearing. The power generating subassembly utilizes the relative motion between a bearing inner ring and a bearing outer ring of the bearing to generate electrical power. A sealing system is attached to one of the bearings. The power generating subassembly includes an electrical generator in operational engagement with a magnetically polarized material. The electrical generator is attached to the non-sealing carrying bearing. The magnetically polarized material is integrated into a supported member, which is a unitary section of the seal that extends axially from an end surface of the bearing rings. The relative motion between the rings engages the electrical generator and the magnetically polarized material causing a generator core of the electrical generator to create an electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Frank Bartl, Joseph Erskine, Sebastian Ziegler, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Patent number: 9343646
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly (100) comprises a bearing subassembly (120) retained by a bearing housing (110). During operation, friction and other factors increase a temperature of the bearing assembly (100). The housing (110) can optionally include a bearing cooling passage system comprising at least one liquid cooling passage (134) formed internally therein. The liquid cooling passage (134) would be routed proximate the bearing subassembly (120) to remove heat therefrom. A thermal energy transfer media (204) is inserted into a thermal transfer conduit (180), wherein the thermal transfer conduit (180) passes across a heated section of the housing (110). The transfer media (204) conveys the thermal energy to a Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) located in a thermoelectric generator housing (250) attached to the bearing housing (110). The Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) utilizes a temperature difference between the transfer media (204) and the ambient air to generated electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Frank Bartl, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Patent number: 9343645
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly (100) comprises a bearing subassembly (120) retained by a bearing housing (110). During operation, friction and other factors increase a temperature of the bearing assembly (100). The housing (110) includes a bearing cooling passage system comprising a coolant supply port (130), a liquid cooling passage (134), and a coolant return port (138). The liquid cooling passage (134) is routed proximate the bearing subassembly (120) to remove heat therefrom. A thermo-generator cavity (180) is formed into the housing (110) between the coolant supply port (130) and the coolant return port (138). A Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) is inserted into the cavity (180), orienting a cold carrier side (220, 222) towards the supply port (130) and a hot carrier side (240) towards the return port (138). The Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) utilizes a temperature difference between the supply port (130) and the return port (138) to generated electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Frank Bartl, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Patent number: 9281462
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly (100) comprises a bearing subassembly (120) retained by a bearing housing (110). During operation, friction and other factors increase a temperature of the bearing assembly (100). The housing (110) can optionally include a bearing cooling passage system comprising at least one liquid cooling passage (134) formed internally therein. The liquid cooling passage (134) would be routed proximate the bearing subassembly (120) to remove heat therefrom. A thermo-generator cavity (180) extends inward from an exterior surface of the housing (110), terminating at a cavity end wall (182). The cavity (180) is formed at a location identified having a higher temperature. A Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) is inserted within the cavity (180) and thermally coupled to the end wall (182). The Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) utilizes a temperature difference between the end wall (182) and the ambient air to generated electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Frank Bartl, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Publication number: 20150372626
    Abstract: An arrangement for voltage adjustment for an energy harvester comprises: a first input terminal and a second input terminal adapted to receive a AC voltage therebetween, the AC voltage having an input magnitude, the AC voltage being supplied at an inductance; a switch module connected between the first input terminal and the second input terminal for controllably connecting the first input terminal with the second input terminal; and a controller adapted to receive an input signal indicative of the input magnitude of the voltage, and to control the switch module to operate selectively in a first mode or a second mode depending on the input magnitude, in order to adjust the voltage to have an output magnitude in a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Frank BARTL, Andreas Clemens VAN DER HAM
  • Publication number: 20150358695
    Abstract: A measurement system comprises a measurement unit, a transmitter, an autarkic power unit and a control unit. The measurement unit measures a quantity repeatedly and the transmitter connects the measurement system to a network and transmits data to the network based on the measurements of the measurement unit. Further, the autarkic power unit supplies electrical energy to the measurement unit, the transmitter and the control unit. Additionally, the control unit controls the measurement of the quantity and the transmission of data dynamically based on a currently available amount of energy provided by the power unit. Further, the control unit stops measurements by the measurement unit and keeps the transmitter connected to the network, if the currently available amount of energy is below a predefined energy limit indicating that the currently available amount of energy is too low for taking measurements and for keeping connected to the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Gerard MCGOOGAN, Frank BARTL, Joseph ERSKINE, Andreas Clemens VAN DER HAM
  • Publication number: 20150345563
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly comprising a power generating subassembly integrated into a bearing. The power generating subassembly utilizes the relative motion between a bearing inner ring and a bearing outer ring of the bearing to generate electrical power. A seal lip comprises a seal lip inner ring lip engaging segment which slideably engages with an inner ring sealing lip surface of the offset bearing. A magnetically polarized material is supported by a magnetically polarized material-supporting segment of the bearing assembly seal lip. Engagement between the inner ring lip engaging segment and the lip surface retains radial registration between the magnetically polarized material and a generator core. During operation, relative motion between the magnetically polarized material and a generator core caused by rotation of the bearing rings generates an electrical output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Frank BARTL, Joseph ERSKINE, Andreas Clemens VAN DER HAM, Sebastian ZIEGLER
  • Publication number: 20150267755
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly comprising a power generating subassembly integrated into a bearing. The power generating subassembly utilizes the relative motion between a bearing inner ring and a bearing outer ring of the bearing to generate electrical power. A sealing system is attached to one of the bearings. The power generating subassembly includes an electrical generator in operational engagement with a magnetically polarized material. The electrical generator is attached to the non-sealing carrying bearing. The magnetically polarized material can be attached directly to the sealing system or carried by a magnetically polarized material mount ring. The relative motion between the rings engages the electrical generator and the magnetically polarized material causing a generator core of the electrical generator to create an electrical current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Frank Bartl, Joseph Erskine, Sebastian Ziegler, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Patent number: 9109460
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly providing a bearing retained by a bearing housing. The bearing housing includes a bearing cooling passage system having at least one integrated liquid cooling passage integrated within the bearing housing. A turbine receiving bore is formed through the bearing housing, penetrating the integrated liquid cooling segment. A turbine assembly is inserted into the turbine receiving bore, positioning a turbine blade subassembly of the turbine assembly within the integrated liquid cooling passage, wherein fluid flowing within the integrated liquid cooling passage causes the blade subassembly to rotate. The rotation of the blade subassembly rotates an electric power generator to create electric power. The turbine assembly can include an electro-magnetic subassembly mounting plate, wherein the turbine subassembly is located on an interior surface of the mounting plate and at least a portion of the power generating portion located on an exterior portion of the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Frank Bartl, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Patent number: 9103226
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly (100) comprising a bearing (120) retained by a bearing housing (110). The bearing housing (110) includes a bearing cooling passage system comprising at least one integrated liquid cooling passage (130) is integrated within the bearing housing (110). A turbine receiving bore (160) is formed through the bearing housing (110), penetrating the integrated liquid cooling segment (130). A turbine assembly (200) is inserted into the turbine receiving bore (160), positioning a turbine blade subassembly (230) of the turbine assembly (200) within the integrated liquid cooling passage (130), wherein fluid flowing within the integrated liquid cooling passage (130) causes the blade subassembly (230) to rotate. The rotation of the blade subassembly (230) rotates an electric power generator (collectively 222, 224, 226, 240, 242, 244, 246) to create electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham, Frank Bartl
  • Patent number: 9097135
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly comprising a bearing retained by a bearing housing is provided. The bearing housing includes a bearing cooling passage system comprising at least one integrated liquid cooling passage is integrated within the bearing housing. A turbine assembly is inserted within the integrated liquid cooling passage, wherein fluid flowing within the integrated liquid cooling passage causes a turbine blade subassembly within the turbine assembly to rotate. The rotation of the turbine blade subassembly rotates an electrical power generator to create electrical power. The turbine assembly can be integrated into any existing bearing assembly comprising a bearing cooling passage system. It is preferred to seat the turbine assembly within a cooling system port of the bearing cooling passage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham, Frank Bartl
  • Publication number: 20150176655
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly comprising a power generating subassembly integrated into a bearing. The power generating subassembly utilizes the relative motion between a bearing inner ring and a bearing outer ring of the bearing to generate electrical power. A sealing system is attached to one of the bearings. The power generating subassembly includes an electrical generator in operational engagement with a magnetically polarized material. The electrical generator is attached to the non-sealing carrying bearing. The magnetically polarized material is integrated into a supported member, which is a unitary section of the seal that extends axially from an end surface of the bearing rings. The relative motion between the rings engages the electrical generator and the magnetically polarized material causing a generator core of the electrical generator to create an electrical current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Frank Bartl, Joseph Erskine, Sebastian Ziegler, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Publication number: 20150083179
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly (100) comprises a bearing subassembly (120) retained by a bearing housing (110). During operation, friction and other factors increase a temperature of the bearing assembly (100). The housing (110) can optionally include a bearing cooling passage system comprising at least one liquid cooling passage (134) formed internally therein. The liquid cooling passage (134) would be routed proximate the bearing subassembly (120) to remove heat therefrom. A thermal energy transfer media (204) is inserted into a thermal transfer conduit (180), wherein the thermal transfer conduit (180) passes across a heated section of the housing (110). The transfer media (204) conveys the thermal energy to a Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) located in a thermoelectric generator housing (250) attached to the bearing housing (110). The Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) utilizes a temperature difference between the transfer media (204) and the ambient air to generated electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Frank Bartl, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Publication number: 20140376849
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly (100) comprises a bearing subassembly (120) retained by a bearing housing (110). During operation, friction and other factors increase a temperature of the bearing assembly (100). The housing (110) can optionally include a bearing cooling passage system comprising at least one liquid cooling passage (134) formed internally therein. The liquid cooling passage (134) would be routed proximate the bearing subassembly (120) to remove heat therefrom. A thermo-generator cavity (180) extends inward from an exterior surface of the housing (110), terminating at a cavity end wall (182). The cavity (180) is formed at a location identified having a higher temperature. A Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) is inserted within the cavity (180) and thermally coupled to the end wall (182). The Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) utilizes a temperature difference between the end wall (182) and the ambient air to generated electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Bartl, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Publication number: 20140367970
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly (100) comprising a bearing (120) retained by a bearing housing (110). The bearing housing (110) includes a bearing cooling passage system comprising at least one integrated liquid cooling passage (130) is integrated within the bearing housing (110). A turbine receiving bore (160) is formed through the bearing housing (110), penetrating the integrated liquid cooling segment (130). A turbine assembly (200) is inserted into the turbine receiving bore (160), positioning a turbine blade subassembly (230) of the turbine assembly (200) within the integrated liquid cooling passage (130), wherein fluid flowing within the integrated liquid cooling passage (130) causes the blade subassembly (230) to rotate. The rotation of the blade subassembly (230) rotates an electric power generator (collectively 222, 224, 226, 240, 242, 244, 246) to create electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham, Frank Bartl
  • Publication number: 20140360548
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly provides a bearing subassembly retained by a bearing housing. During operation, friction and other factors increase a temperature of the bearing assembly. The bearing housing can optionally include a bearing cooling passage system comprising at least one liquid cooling passage which would be integrated within the bearing housing. The liquid cooling passage would be routed proximate the bearing subassembly to remove heat therefrom. A Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) is thermally coupled to an exterior surface of the housing at a location identified for collecting heat generated during operation. The Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) utilizes a temperature difference between the housing and the ambient air to generated electric power. The power can be used to operate electrically powered devices, such as condition sensors, communication devices, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Bartl, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Publication number: 20140348638
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly providing a bearing retained by a bearing housing. The bearing housing includes a bearing cooling passage system having at least one integrated liquid cooling passage integrated within the bearing housing. A turbine receiving bore is formed through the bearing housing, penetrating the integrated liquid cooling segment. A turbine assembly is inserted into the turbine receiving bore, positioning a turbine blade subassembly of the turbine assembly within the integrated liquid cooling passage, wherein fluid flowing within the integrated liquid cooling passage causes the blade subassembly to rotate. The rotation of the blade subassembly rotates an electric power generator to create electric power. The turbine assembly can include an electro-magnetic subassembly mounting plate, wherein the turbine subassembly is located on an interior surface of the mounting plate and at least a portion of the power generating portion located on an exterior portion of the mounting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Bartl, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Publication number: 20140348453
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly (100) comprises a bearing subassembly (120) retained by a bearing housing (110). During operation, friction and other factors increase a temperature of the bearing assembly (100). The housing (110) includes a bearing cooling passage system comprising a coolant supply port (130), a liquid cooling passage (134), and a coolant return port (138). The liquid cooling passage (134) is routed proximate the bearing subassembly (120) to remove heat therefrom. A thermo-generator cavity (180) is formed into the housing (110) between the coolant supply port (130) and the coolant return port (138). A Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) is inserted into the cavity (180), orienting a cold carrier side (220, 222) towards the supply port (130) and a hot carrier side (240) towards the return port (138). The Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) utilizes a temperature difference between the supply port (130) and the return port (138) to generated electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Bartl, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Publication number: 20140333070
    Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly comprising a bearing retained by a bearing housing is provided. The bearing housing includes a bearing cooling passage system comprising at least one integrated liquid cooling passage is integrated within the bearing housing. A turbine assembly is inserted within the integrated liquid cooling passage, wherein fluid flowing within the integrated liquid cooling passage causes a turbine blade subassembly within the turbine assembly to rotate. The rotation of the turbine blade subassembly rotates an electrical power generator to create electrical power. The turbine assembly can be integrated into any existing bearing assembly comprising a bearing cooling passage system. It is preferred to seat the turbine assembly within a cooling system port of the bearing cooling passage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham, Frank Bartl