Patents by Inventor Gerd Rudolph
Gerd Rudolph 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).
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Publication number: 20130068600Abstract: A switching device has a housing, an actuator, and at least two metal contact elements. At least one contact element is a common contact point and at least one contact element is a switching contact. The contact elements are electrically contactable from the outside of the housing. The switching device has a snap-action switching mechanism actuated when the actuator is pressed. The snap-action switching mechanism has first and second actuator-elements with a tension spring therebetween. The first actuator-element has first and second ends with one switching contact mounted adjacent the first end and a pivot mount at the second end. The second end also forms the common contact point. The second actuator-element has first and second ends with the first end adapted to be actuated via the actuator and the second end being pivot-mounted on the inner edge of the housing opposite to the common contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: METHODE ELECTRONICS MALTA LTD.Inventors: Michael GEPPERT, Gerd RUDOLPH
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Patent number: 7825347Abstract: The invention relates to an electric rotary switch comprising a switching rotary unit (5) arranged in a housing provided with at least one switching contact (13) acting on switching contact paths (2) associated to socket (1). The rotary switching unit (5) is coupled with an actuating element (8) and interacts with a locking sleeve (9), bevel (10), or indentation (11) for determining switching positions. The locking sleeve (9), bevel (10), or indentation (11) are associated, in part with a face oriented towards the socket (1) of the rotary switching unit, and in part with the rotary switching unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Sebastian Schwarz, Gerd Rudolph
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Patent number: 7552946Abstract: A fastening device for a steering column module of a vehicle includes a housing bottom (30) coupled to an essentially tubular fastening flange (20), which module is mounted on the steering column jacket (10) of a steering spindle. The fastening flange (20) has at least one radially movable arresting block (40, 40?), which, in a fastening position of the fastening flange (20), engages in a corresponding radial recess (12, 12?) of the steering column jacket (10).Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Sven Kuerschner, Joerg Schoenleber, Gerd Rudolph, Hans Peter Kunz
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Patent number: 7322115Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column module for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering angle sensor (13) that is inserted into a module housing (1,2). The rotor of the steering angle sensor is assigned to a steering column and co-operates with at least one fixed measuring wheel (37), in which angular modifications of the steering column are registered by electronic measuring sensors (22), operating as the stator and connected to the vehicle electric system by means of a central printed circuit board (6). The measuring sensors (22) are fastened to the printed circuit board (6) and the measuring wheel or wheels (37) is/are mounted in a housing (38) that is fixed to the printed circuit board (6).Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Holger Besier, Gerd Rudolph
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Publication number: 20070051594Abstract: The invention relates to an electric rotary switch comprising a switching rotary unit (5) arranged in a housing provided with at least on switching contact (13) acting on switching contact paths (2) associated to socket (1). Said rotary switching unit (5) is coupled with an actuating element (8) and interacts with means (9, 10, 11) for determining switching positions. Said means (9, 10, 11) are associated, on one hand with a face oriented towards the socket (11) of the rotary switching unit, and with the rotary switching unit, on the other hand.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2004Publication date: March 8, 2007Inventors: Sebastian Schwarz, Gerd Rudolph
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Publication number: 20060061079Abstract: A fastening device for a steering column module of a vehicle includes a housing bottom (30) coupled to an essentially tubular fastening flange (20), which module is mounted on the steering column jacket (10) of a steering spindle. The fastening flange (20) has at least one radially movable arresting block (40, 40?), which, in a fastening position of the fastening flange (20), engages in a corresponding radial recess (12, 12?) of the steering column jacket (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2005Publication date: March 23, 2006Inventors: Sven Kuerschner, Joerg Schoenleber, Gerd Rudolph, Hans Kunz
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Publication number: 20060032062Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column module for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering angle sensor (13) that is inserted into a module housing (1,2). The rotor of the steering angle sensor is assigned to a steering column and co-operates with at least one fixed measuring wheel (37), in which angular modifications of the steering column are registered by electronic measuring sensors (22), operating as the stator and connected to the vehicle electric system by means of a central printed circuit board (6). The measuring sensors (22) are fastened to the printed circuit board (6) and the measuring wheel or wheels (37) is/are mounted in a housing (38) that is fixed to the printed circuit board (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2003Publication date: February 16, 2006Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Holger Besier, Gerd Rudolph
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Patent number: 6979786Abstract: A contact structure for a sliding switch includes a conductive stationary contact disposed on a base and a conductive movable contact for electrically contacting the stationary contact. The movable contact is movable along a path between a non-contact position and a make-contact position with respect to the stationary contact, and at least one of the contacts has a protruding portion that provides an electrical interface for discharge of arcing as the movable contact breaks from the stationary contact. As a result, the invention prevents or substantially reduces degradation in switch performance which might otherwise be caused by debris accumulation associated with arcing.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Neil R Aukland, Thomas J Schoepf, George Albert Drew, Gerd Rudolph
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Publication number: 20050205396Abstract: A contact structure for a sliding switch includes a conductive stationary contact disposed on a base and a conductive movable contact for electrically contacting the stationary contact. The movable contact is movable along a path between a non-contact position and a make-contact position with respect to the stationary contact, and at least one of the contacts has a protruding portion that provides an electrical interface for discharge of arcing as the movable contact breaks from the stationary contact. As a result, the invention prevents or substantially reduces degradation in switch performance which might otherwise be caused by debris accumulation associated with arcing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2004Publication date: September 22, 2005Inventors: Neil Aukland, Thomas Schoepf, George Drew, Gerd Rudolph
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Patent number: 6921872Abstract: A steering column switch of a motor vehicle having a blinker switch and a wiper/washer switch in a common housing wherein the switches share an identical design thereby reducing manufacturing, and handling, and stocking costs.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gerd Rudolph, Holger Besier
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Patent number: 6891115Abstract: A steering column switch having a switch element and a switch lever, wherein the switch lever is designed from first and second modules. Because of the modular design, different grip pieces can be accommodated by the same switch element.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gerd Rudolph, Holger Besier
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Publication number: 20040201274Abstract: A key-operated switch for a motor vehicle, especially for activating and deactivating a passenger airbag. The key-operated switch includes a closing cylinder which is arranged in a housing. The rotor of said cylinder is connected to an actuating element by means of a front-side driving element wherein the actuating element is used to actuate main switching contacts associated with fixed contacts. The actuating element is embodied as a rotary switch element including a contact bridge having a plurality of wipers. The wipers are used as main switching contacts and co-operate with contact strips used as fixed contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2004Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventors: Gerd Rudolph, Rreiner Luley
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Patent number: 6764428Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-withdrawal device for preventing a key from being withdrawn from an ignition starter switch of an automobile, comprising a blocking device which is coupled with a switch contact of a transmission. The spring-loaded blocking pin of said blocking device can be actuated electromagnetically. The blocking device acts on a detent pawl which is fixed on a rotor of the ignition starter switch and which prevents the ignition starter switch from twisting into a position in which the key can be withdrawn; depending on the position of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gerd Rudolph, Thomas Hulbert
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Patent number: 6693246Abstract: A rocker switch for one two-stage actuating stroke, especially in the form of a window control switch for a motor vehicle. The rocker switch includes a rocker button which is mounted in a housing. An actuating plate for acting on switching contacts that are connected to terminal contacts is associated with said rocker button. A switching contact is allocated to the actuating stroke of the first stage in each direction, respectively and a common switching contact is allocated to the actuating stroke of the second stage in each direction, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gerd Rudolph, Holger Besier
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Publication number: 20030136655Abstract: A steering column switch of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one individual switch (6) whose pivotally mounted switch lever (18) actuates connecting contacts (14) by means of a switch element (16 or 17) having at least one switch contact (33 or 59). The switch lever (18) consists of a base (19) cooperating with the switch element (16) and a handle piece (20) inserted in the base (19). Due to the fact that the switch lever (18) is embodied in two parts, the switch mechanical system operates independently from its switching functions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Gerd Rudolph, Holger Besier
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Publication number: 20030132091Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column switch of a vehicle, comprising an inicator touch switch (4) and a wiper/washer touch switch (4) which are situated in a common housing (1), whereby each switch (4,5) is provided with a switch lever (17) which is mounted on a universal joint and impinged upon a rotating and sliding switching member (16), in addition to a carrier (12) having connecting contacts (13) and locking devices (23). Said switch lever (17), the rotating member (15) and a sliding-switch member (16), the carrier (12) and the locking device (23) of each switch (4, 5) are formed in an identical manner (4, 5).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Gerd Rudolph, Holger Besier
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Publication number: 20030115917Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-withdrawal device for preventing a key from being withdrawn from an ignition starter switch of an automobile, comprising a blocking device which is coupled with a switch contact of a transmission. The spring-loaded blocking pin of said blocking device can be actuated electromagnetically. The blocking device acts on a detent pawl which is fixed on a rotor of the ignition starter switch and which prevents the ignition starter switch from twisting into a position in which the key can be withdrawn; depending on the position of the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Gerd Rudolph, Thomas Hulbert
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Patent number: 6548003Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a housing (1) for an electrical connection system between parts that can be rotated with respect to each other, in particular between a steering wheel and a steering column, comprising a stationary housing part (3) and a housing part (4) which can be rotated relative with respect thereto, each of housing parts supporting a connector unit (10) and enclosing a spirally wound flexible electrical conductor (6) connected on its ends with connector units (10). The internal axial boundary surfaces (8) of the housing parts (3, 4) are provided with an insulating material (9). The insulating material (9) is a plastic material exhibiting sound-absorbing properties and is extrusion-coated on the internal axial boundary surfaces (8) of the plastic injection-molded housing parts (3, 4).Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gerd Rudolph, Klaus Stute
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Patent number: 6492744Abstract: An automobile steering column switch includes a support rigidly mounted to the steering column tube of an automobile steering column. The support comprises at least one of a wiper switch, blinker switch, and driving light switch. The support includes a printed circuit board provided with electrical contacts to which the at least one of a wiper switch, blinker switch and driving light switch and an ignition starter switch are coupled. The support is configured in one piece and provided with an accommodation space for the ignition starter switch. The support with the switches can be mounted as a pre-assembled module to the steering column 2.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gerd Rudolph, Joseph E. Khoury
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Patent number: 6410909Abstract: A device for the determination of the degree of relative rotation between two parts or members with respect to each other about a main axis, the device comprising a first detector arrangement, which includes a rotation-imparting element and produces precise information indicating a relative angular position of the two members within the range of 0° and 360°, and comprising a second detector arrangement, which produces approximate information in order to be able to distinguish between full rotations. The second detector arrangement comprises a gear drive (40, 45, 75, 71) driven by the relative rotary motion of the two members and an absolute position sensor (23, 73) for the determination of the position of a measuring element (76) moved by the gear drive (40, 45, 75, 71).Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gerd Rudolph, Klaus Schnell, Markus Leuschner