Patents by Inventor Franz A. Bierbrauer

Franz A. Bierbrauer 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).

  • Drive circuit for an actuator and method for driving an actuator
    Publication number: 20080165467
    Abstract: 1. Drive circuit for an actuator and method for driving an actuator. 2.1. The invention relates to a drive circuit for an actuator, said drive circuit having a control unit with means for generating drive signals. 2.2. The invention provides at least one energy store and a charging unit, the charging unit having means for charging the at least one energy store using the drive signals. 2.3. Use for actuators in the automotive sector, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Franz A. Bierbrauer, Christian Goetze, Roland Klein, Gerd Truckenbrodt, Hubert Keller, Manfred Schlierf
  • Fan assembly with a fan locking device for an automotive fluid friction fan clutch
    Patent number: 6200106
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fan for an internal combustion engine. The fan has a locking device for a fluid friction clutch in the form of a pivoting hook that may be mounted subsequently at a fixed location using a holding device and may be triggered using an electromagnet. The electromagnet may be accommodated in the circuit of an ignition lock such that when the engine is started, the fan wheel is prevented from rotating unintentionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignees: Behr GmbH & Co., Magenta GmbH Systemlieferant Fuer Elektromagnetische Baugruppen, Bayerishce Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Martin, Franz A. Bierbrauer, Rudolf Wichtl, Wolfgang Kuttler
  • Fluid friction clutch
    Patent number: 5937983
    Abstract: A fluid friction clutch has a supply chamber separated from a working chamber by a connecting orifice between the supply chamber and the working chamber. The clutch has a pivotable valve lever with a permanent magnet. A circuit applies a selectively positive or negative current to an electromagnetic coil for generating a selectively alternative magnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnet to control the movement of the valve lever, and, thereby open and close the connecting orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Magenta GmbH Systemlieferant fuer Elektromagnetische Baugruppen
    Inventors: Hans Martin, Franz A. Bierbrauer