Patents by Inventor Frank Drews

Frank Drews 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: 9802483
    Abstract: A driver of a vehicle applies an actuation force to an accelerator device such as an accelerator pedal or a twist-grip throttle of the vehicle to deflect the accelerator device to an actual deflection angle (?act), which is detected. A restoring force acts on the accelerator device opposite the actuation force. An electronic controller determines a nominal deflection angle (?nom) to which the accelerator device shall be deflected, based on inputs such as an actual speed of the subject vehicle, a relative speed of the subject vehicle relative to a leading vehicle driving ahead of the subject vehicle, an actual distance of the subject vehicle to the leading vehicle, and a nominal distance at which the subject vehicle shall follow the leading vehicle. The restoring force on the accelerator device is modulated as a function of the difference between the actual deflection angle (?act) and the nominal deflection angle (?nom).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Drews, Carmelo Leone
  • Publication number: 20160096431
    Abstract: A driver of a vehicle applies an actuation force to an accelerator device such as an accelerator pedal or a twist-grip throttle of the vehicle to deflect the accelerator device to an actual deflection angle (?act), which is detected. A restoring force acts on the accelerator device opposite the actuation force. An electronic controller determines a nominal deflection angle (?nom) to which the accelerator device shall be deflected, based on inputs such as an actual speed of the subject vehicle, a relative speed of the subject vehicle relative to a leading vehicle driving ahead of the subject vehicle, an actual distance of the subject vehicle to the leading vehicle, and a nominal distance at which the subject vehicle shall follow the leading vehicle. The restoring force on the accelerator device is modulated as a function of the difference between the actual deflection angle (?act) and the nominal deflection angle (?nom).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Frank DREWS, Carmelo LEONE
  • Patent number: 9182774
    Abstract: A method for operating an accelerator pedal unit for motor vehicles, wherein a change in position of the pedal plate, which is brought about by a corresponding activation force, with respect to the starting position of said pedal plate counter to a restoring force of a pedal restoring spring brings about an increase in the driving force of the drive motor of the motor vehicle, and when the activation force diminishes the restoring force of the pedal restoring spring moves the pedal plate back in the direction of its starting position, wherein an electromechanical actuator which can be actuated externally is arranged in such a way that an additional restoring force acting on the pedal plate can be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Drews, Peter Habel, Carmelo Leone
  • Patent number: 8914210
    Abstract: A device for generating an additional reset force on the gas pedal for motor vehicles, wherein a position change of the gas pedal relative to the initial position thereof, induced by a corresponding actuating force, against a reset force leads to an increase in the motive power of the engine and, when there is a decrease in the actuating force, a reset force moves the gas pedal back in the direction of the initial position thereof, and wherein an actuator is provided, which applies an additional reset force that acts in the reset direction of the gas pedal, and wherein the motor vehicle has a unit for determining the shifting point of a manually shifted transmission. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for operating the device according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignees: Continental Engineering Services GmbH, Conti Temic Microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Gregor Schmitt, Frank Drews, Andreas Zell, Thorsten Gerbig
  • Publication number: 20130186229
    Abstract: A method for operating an accelerator pedal unit for motor vehicles, wherein a change in position of the pedal plate, which is brought about by a corresponding activation force, with respect to the starting position of said pedal plate counter to a restoring force of a pedal restoring spring brings about an increase in the driving force of the drive motor of the motor vehicle, and when the activation force diminishes the restoring force of the pedal restoring spring moves the pedal plate back in the direction of its starting position, wherein an electromechanical actuator which can be actuated externally is arranged in such a way that an additional restoring force acting on the pedal plate can be set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: CONTI TEMIC MICROELECTRONIC GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Drews, Peter Habel, Carmelo Leone
  • Publication number: 20120279347
    Abstract: A device for generating an additional reset force on the gas pedal for motor vehicles, wherein a position change of the gas pedal relative to the initial position thereof, induced by a corresponding actuating force, against a reset force leads to an increase in the motive power of the engine and, when there is a decrease in the actuating force, a reset force moves the gas pedal back in the direction of the initial position thereof, and wherein an actuator is provided, which applies an additional reset force that acts in the reset direction of the gas pedal, and wherein the motor vehicle has a unit for determining the shifting point of a manually shifted transmission. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for operating the device according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicants: CONTINENTAL ENGINEERING SERVICES GMBH, CONTI TEMIC MICROELECTRONIC GMBH
    Inventors: Gregor Schmitt, Frank Drews, Andreas Zell, Thorsten Gerbig
  • Publication number: 20120167708
    Abstract: A device and method for generating an additional restoring force at the gas pedal for motor vehicles, wherein a change in position of the gas pedal relative to its initial position, brought about by a corresponding activation force counter to a restoring force, leads to an increase in the driving force of the drive engine, and when the activation force diminishes a restoring force returns the gas pedal in the direction of its initial position. An actuator element is provided which applies an additional restoring force which acts in the restoring direction of the gas pedal. For energy efficiency, the invention provides that the magnitude of the additional restoring force (F) acting on the gas pedal is configured such that the gas pedal assumes a position which moves the operating point of the drive engine into a region with a relatively high efficiency level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Conti Temic Microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Brandt, Frank Drews, Tobias Düser, Jens Schröter, Christian Zingel, Alexander Schwarz, Sascha Ott, Andreas Zell, Carmelo Leone
  • Publication number: 20120096976
    Abstract: A pedal system that has a force resetting device essentially including a pedal lever with a pedal return spring that can bring the pedal lever into the neutral position (PN), an electric motor that can be swiveled about a pivot (M) and can, in the energized state, apply a resetting force (F) to the pedal lever in the direction of the neutral position (PN) of the pedal lever, a motor return spring for resetting the electric motor in the direction of the neutral position (MN) of the electric motor, and a control unit for controlling the electric motor. The electric motor includes a rotor and a stator which is arranged on the shaft of the electric motor, between the rotor and the drive disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: CONTI TEMIC MICROELECTRONIC GMBH
    Inventors: Carmelo Leone, Frank Drews, Jürgen Bäumler, Thomas Brandt
  • Publication number: 20120079912
    Abstract: A method for regulating motor vehicle speed by a pedal system having a force resetting device, including a pedal lever with a pedal return spring which can move the pedal lever to its zero position, an electric motor pivotable about a center of rotation which, when energized, can apply a resetting force to the pedal lever in the zero position direction, a motor return spring resets the electric motor in the zero position direction of the electric motor, and a control unit for controlling the electric motor. When the electric motor is de-energized, the pedal return spring, the motor return spring and a hysteresis element generate a passive pedal characteristic curve (PPCC). The PPCC can be changed by energizing the electric motor, and is variable additively at maximum with the available torque of the electric motor and substractively in the region of the spring constant of the motor return spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: CONTI TEMIC MICROELECTRONIC GMBH
    Inventors: Carmelo Leone, Frank Drews, Jürgen Bäumler, Thomas Brandt
  • Patent number: 7774060
    Abstract: A basic life support system (BLSS) includes a processing element and an output element, such as a display screen or an audio output element, for providing an individual with real-time instructions on providing emergency medical care to a patient until paramedics or other healthcare professionals arrive to take over care for the patient. The instructions may be provided as graphics, including animations, as text, audibly, or as a combination of visible and audible elements. The BLSS may be configured for providing emergency medical care to individuals who have suffered from ventricular fibrillation. Accordingly, the BLSS may also include a defibrillation apparatus, an air or oxygen supply, a respiratory interface, one or more sensors, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignees: University of Utah Research Foundation, Axon Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Westenskow, Joseph A. Orr, Noah Syroid, Daniel Snell, James Agutter, Frank Drews, Srinath Lingutla, Santosh Balakrishnan, Kai Kuck, Lara Brewer
  • Patent number: 7693697
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for the monitoring, diagnosis and evaluation of the state of a dynamic drug display system is disclosed. This invention provides for the rapid cognitive grasp of the overall state of drug combination effects with respect to a dynamic system. The system provides for displayed objects, which change in real-time to show the changes of the functions of the system. In particular, this invention is directed to the processing and display of drug data for the use of doctors in the process of monitoring or administering drugs to patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Dwayne Westenskow, James Agutter, Noah Syroid, David Strayer, Robert Albert, Frank Drews
  • Patent number: 7654966
    Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and device for the monitoring, diagnosis and evaluation of the state of a dynamic pulmonary system is disclosed. This method and system provides the processing means for receiving sensed and/or simulated data, converting such data into a displayable object format and displaying such objects in a manner such that the interrelationships between the respective variables can be correlated and identified by a user. This invention provides for the rapid cognitive grasp of the overall state of a pulmonary critical function with respect to a dynamic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Dwayne Westinskow, James Agutter, Noah Syroid, David Strayer, Robert Albert, S. Blake Wachter, Frank Drews
  • Patent number: 7413546
    Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and device for the monitoring, diagnosis and evaluation of the state of a dynamic system is disclosed. This method and system provides the processing means for receiving sensed and/or simulated data, converting such data into a displayable object format and displaying such objects in a manner such that the interrelationships between the respective variables can be correlated and identified by a user. This invention provides for the rapid cognitive grasp of the overall state of a critical function with respect to a dynamic system. The system provides for displayed objects, which change in real-time to show the changes of the functions of the system. It is a highly flexible system which works with a wide variety of applications, including biological systems, environmental systems, engineering systems, economic systems, mechanical systems, chemical systems and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Univeristy of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: James Agutter, Noah Syroid, Julio C. Bermudez, Yinqi Zhang, Michael E. Holmes, Frank Drews, David Lee Strayer, Robert William Albert, Dwayne R. Westenskow
  • Publication number: 20080033661
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for the monitoring, diagnosis and evaluation of the state of a dynamic system is disclosed. This method and system provides the processing means for receiving sensed and/or simulated data, converting such data into a displayable object format and displaying such objects in a manner such that the interrelationships between the respective variables can be correlated and identified by a user. This invention provides for the rapid cognitive grasp of the overall state of a critical function with respect to a dynamic system. The system provides for displayed objects, which change in real-time to show the changes of the functions of the system. It is a highly flexible system which works with a wide variety of applications, including biological systems, environmental systems, engineering systems, economic systems, mechanical systems, chemical systems and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Noah Syroid, Dwayne Westenskow, Julio Bermudez, James Agutter, David Strayer, Robert Albert, Michael Holmes, Frank Drews, Haunke Prenzel
  • Publication number: 20060111749
    Abstract: A basic life support system (BLSS) includes a processing element and an output element, such as a display screen or an audio output element, for providing an individual with real-time instructions on providing emergency medical care to a patient until paramedics or other healthcare professionals arrive to take over care for the patient. The instructions may be provided as graphics, including animations, as text, audibly, or as a combination of visible and audible elements. The BLSS may be configured for providing emergency medical care to individuals who have suffered from ventricular fibrillation. Accordingly, the BLSS may also include a defibrillation apparatus, an air or oxygen supply, a respiratory interface, one or more sensors, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Dwayne Westenskow, Joseph Orr, Noah Syroid, Daniel Snell, James Agutter, Frank Drews, Srinath Lingutta, Santosh Balakrishnan, Kai Kuck, Lara Brewer
  • Publication number: 20050010117
    Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and device for the monitoring, diagnosis and evaluation of the state of a dynamic system is disclosed. This method and system provides the processing means for receiving sensed and/or simulated data, converting such data into a displayable object format and displaying such objects in a manner such that the interrelationships between the respective variables can be correlated and identified by a user. This invention provides for the rapid cognitive grasp of the overall state of a critical function with respect to a dynamic system. The system provides for displayed objects, which change in real-time to show the changes of the functions of the system. It is a highly flexible system which works with a wide variety of applications, including biological systems, environmental systems, engineering systems, economic systems, mechanical systems, chemical systems and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Inventors: James Agutter, Noah Syroid, Julio Bermudez, Yinqi Zhang, Michael Holmes, Frank Drews, David Strayer, Robert Albert, Dwayne Westenskow
  • Publication number: 20030227472
    Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and device for the monitoring, diagnosis and evaluation of the state of a dynamic pulmonary system is disclosed. This method and system provides the processing means for receiving sensed and/or simulated data, converting such data into a displayable object format and displaying such objects in a manner such that the interrelationships between the respective variables can be correlated and identified by a user. This invention provides for the rapid cognitive grasp of the overall state of a pulmonary critical function with respect to a dynamic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: University of Utah
    Inventors: Dwayne Westinskow, James Agutter, Noah Syroid, David Strayer, Robert Albert, S. Blake Wachter, Frank Drews
  • Publication number: 20030156143
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for the monitoring, diagnosis and evaluation of the state of a dynamic drug display system is disclosed. This invention provides for the rapid cognitive grasp of the overall state of drug combination effects with respect to a dynamic system. The system provides for displayed objects, which change in real-time to show the changes of the functions of the system. In particular, this invention is directed to the processing and display of drug data for the use of doctors in the process of monitoring or administering drugs to patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: University of Utah
    Inventors: Dwayne Westenskow, James Agutter, Noah Syroid, David Strayer, Robert Albert, Frank Drews