Patents by Inventor Guenter Fendt

Guenter Fendt 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: 7263460
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for measuring accelerations for a vehicle passenger protection system, whereby a first and second acceleration sensor with a first or second sensitivity direction are fitted in relation to a prespecified main direction of measurement, which form a first or second transverse projection in their projection onto a first or second transverse direction which is aligned vertically to the main direction of measurement, together with suitable evaluation devices for evaluating the processed first and second measuring signals. The first and second transverse projection of the first and second sensitivity directions run parallel to each other, and the first and second main projection of the first and second sensitivity direction run antiparallel to each other. Furthermore, the evaluation of the measured values provided by the sensors is conducted in such a manner that at least a partial error compensation results when the reference value changes in relation to the first and the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Conti Temic Microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Fendt, Helmut Steurer, Helmut Christl, Christian Hollweck
  • Publication number: 20050169725
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device (23, 60, 30, 70) for the fastening of a housing (20) on a carrier plate (10), whereby the fastening device consists of a fastening means (23, 30) and a means (60, 70) for the expanding or spreading-open of the fastening means, the housing, the carrier plate, and the fastening means respectively comprise an opening (21, 13, 27, 34), the means for the spreading-open is introduced into the opening of the fastening means and remains there, and the fastening means grips behind the carrier plate in the opening thereof, and whereby the introducing of the fastening means and of the means for the spreading-open into the opening of the carrier plate occurs from the same side of the carrier plate, and the turning of the means for the spreading-open effectuates the fixing of the housing in radial and axial direction on the carrier plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Applicant: Conti Temic Microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Asmuth, Josef Baerenweiler, Guenter Fendt, Engelbert Woerle
  • Patent number: 6901321
    Abstract: A device which guarantees reliable real-time operation of the restraint system and offers each occupant of the vehicle individually the greatest possible protection includes the fact that data processing units are provided, all having the same design and each being capable of controlling multiple restraint devices and can decide independently of other data processing units whether the restraint devices assigned to it are to be deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Temic Telefunken Microelectronik
    Inventors: Werner Nitschke, Otto Karl, Joachim Bauer, Michael Bischoff, Günter Fendt, Johannes Rinkens, Stefan Schäffer, Richard Baur
  • Patent number: 6870282
    Abstract: Previously in a bus system, voltage signals were transmitted from the central unit to the modules, which could reply thereto by variation of the current input. A disadvantage thereby is the relatively high susceptibility to interference of the current input, which itself already must be kept relatively small due to the energy consumption, as well as the correspondingly high effort and expense for an error-free recognition of the signals transmitted from the modules in the central unit. It is now suggested, that the modules also answer to the central unit by means of voltage signals superposed on the direct supply voltage, whereby for the time duration of the signal transmission by the modules, the central unit provides the direct supply voltage to the bus line over a resistor, so that the voltage signal of the module can be detected in the central unit on the bus line on the side of the resistor facing away from the direct supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignees: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Bischoff, Ruediger Deppe, Guenter Fendt, Thomas Huber, Norbert Mueller, Werner Nitschke, Johannes Rinkens, Peter Schaedler, Stefan Schaeffer, Werner Steiner
  • Patent number: 6836714
    Abstract: A method for having the control unit access the measured data of individual sensors flexibly over time, and includes providing for the control unit to transmit a request message to the sensors, and having each sensor, by comparing the request message with its own address, derive whether and in what time slot, it should transmit its measured data to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Temic Telefunken Microelectric GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Nitschke, Thomas Huber, Peter Schaedler, Michael Bischoff, Ruediger Deppe, Guenter Fendt, Norbert Mueller, Johannes Rinkens, Stefan Schaeffer, Werner Steiner
  • Patent number: 6823020
    Abstract: An arrangement for generating digital signals on first and second bus lines is tolerant of most line faults, and includes modules connected to both lines, an upper switch between a first potential and the first line, a middle switch between the two lines, and a lower switch between the second line and a second potential lower than the first potential. The switches are controlled to generate digital signals as the potential difference between the two lines. If a fault potential (e.g. a short to ground or other potential) arises on one line, then the switches drive the non-faulty line to provide the required signals relative to the fault potential on the faulty line. Closing the middle switch ensures that the two lines are at the same potential for a low signal. This arrangement is for is signaling in various bus systems, e.g. in vehicle occupant protection systems in motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignees: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Fendt, Norbert Mueller, Michael Bischoff, Johannes Rinkens, Stefan Schaeffer, Werner Nitschke, Otto Karl, Joachim Bauer
  • Patent number: 6591754
    Abstract: A pyrotechnical ignition system with integrated ignition circuit for an occupant restraint system for motor vehicles includes electrical components for triggering or communication functions integrated therein, a capacitor arrangement, having a flat non-conductive external surface is used as a substrate or carrier element on which the other components are directly arranged and carried. A conductor structure linking the components can be formed by insertable metal parts that are arranged in the housing and project into the holding chamber in which the capacitor arrangement and the circuit component are arranged, and make contact with contact zones on the upper side of the circuit or the capacitor arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler AG, TRW Airbag System GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Richard Baur, Guenter Fendt, Hermann Kueblbeck, Horst Laucht, Alfons Woehrl
  • Patent number: 6566765
    Abstract: The restraint system is composed of a central control unit, which is connected via a bus line to a plurality of data processing units each of which is intended to drive one or more restraint devices. To keep the restraint system operational if the power supply in the central control unit becomes defective, a changeover to the vehicle battery voltage as the new supply voltage is effected in the central control unit. The central control unit then signals the changeover to the new supply voltage to all the data processing units. All the data processing units thereupon adjust their circuits to the new supply-voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Nitschke, Otto Karl, Joachim Bauer, Michael Bischoff, Günter Fendt, Johannes Rinkens, Stefan Schäffer, Norbert Mueller
  • Patent number: 6563232
    Abstract: A passenger protection system is triggered directly at least when a second stage is reached among at least two different stages of an accident hazard an/or accident force, determined in accordance with sensor signals. Already when a first accident hazard and/or accident force stage is reached, at least an indirect trigger command is sent to individual passenger protection systems, a specified time interval is started, and, in the event of the second accident hazard and/or accident force stage not being reached within the specified time interval, a cancel command is sent to cancel the indirect trigger command. On receipt of such an indirect trigger command the passenger protection systems also start a relevant time interval, and in the event of the cancel command not being received on expiry of the relevant time interval, they automatically activate the triggering of the passenger protection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Temic Telefunken microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Baur, Guenter Fendt, Robert Hussmann, Alfons Woehrl
  • Patent number: 6477457
    Abstract: Information data and energy are transmitted from a central control to control modules through a bus system in an occupant protection system including occupant protection devices such as airbags. In order to avoid overloading the protection system due to an immediate recharging of an energy storage member after that member triggers an occupant protection device, such recharging is suppressed or interrupted, preferably until a reset command signal is received by the respective control module from the central control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignees: Temic Telefunken microelectronic GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Fendt, Norbert Mueller, Micheal Bischoff, Johannes Rinkens, Stefan Schaeffer, Werner Nitschke, Otto Karl, Joachim Bauer
  • Patent number: 6477456
    Abstract: An unintended triggering of a safety device, such as an airbag in an occupant protection system, especially in motor vehicles is prevented by storing already during manufacturing of the module or modules, a blocking information in a memory location of the module or modules. The blocking information is preferably temporarily stored in place of a rated information, which is then overwritten when the module has been installed in the protection system for activating the system. In addition, the module is protected against electromagnetic and/or electrostatic disturbances at the input to the bus system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignees: Temic Telefunken microelectronic GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Bischoff, Johannes Rinkens, Stefan Schaeffer, Guenter Fendt, Werner Nitschke, Otto Karl, Joachim Bauer
  • Patent number: 6456915
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an occupant safety device and a control unit for performing the method. To limit the power supplied to a triggering means from a storage element, the electrical power supplied after operating each triggering means is measured and after a definable power limiting value has been reached the power supplied to the triggering means is interrupted. The known methods based on the voltage at the storage element being the measure of the power supplied prove to be highly prone to error because these depend firstly on the charged state of the storage element and secondly very much on the conductor resistance so that incorrect control action can result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Günter Fendt, Jörg Flerlage, Manfred Herz, Norbert Müller, Wolfgang Peter, Hans Spies, Jani Skedelj
  • Patent number: 6449544
    Abstract: In the restraint system, a central control unit and a plurality of data processing units are coupled to a bus line, each of the data processing units being provided to activate one or more restraint devices. In order to keep the restraint system operational to the extent possible in the event of a short circuit, each data processing unit measures for short circuits on the bus line and starts timing if a short circuit is detected. Each data processing unit has a circuit breaker, with which the bus line can be closed or interrupted. This circuit breaker is opened if the short circuit measured is longer than a preset waiting time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Nitschke, Otto Karl, Joachim Bauer, Michael Bischoff, Günter Fendt, Johannes Rinkens, Stefan Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6449545
    Abstract: A central control unit and a plurality of data processing units are connected to a bus line and are provided to control restraint devices. The central control unit sends query signals or control signals in the form of data telegrams to all or certain individual data processing units and the data processing units send response signals back to the central control unit in response to certain query signals or control signals. To permit a reliable allocation of query signals and control signals to data processing units and reliable acquisition of monitoring data of data processing units and their restraint devices, the query signals or control signals and the response signals are data telegrams, all of which have the same frame structure, having a first region with n control bits, a second region with m information bits and a third region with p check bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Nitschke, Otto Karl, Joachim Bauer, Michael Bischoff, Günter Fendt, Johannes Rinkens, Stefan Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6445568
    Abstract: A housing for an assembly of electronic components mounted on a circuit board is predominantly made of plastic, and includes a plastic housing cover and a housing floor. Metal surfaces are provided in the housing to preferentially condense moisture from the air in the housing upon cooling, to avoid condensation on the circuit board or the electronic components. The metal surfaces may be a metal casing around an electronic component, a metallized layer deposited on an inner surface of the housing, a metal insert in the housing, a metal housing floor, or an additional metal floor plate adjacent to a plastic housing floor. A hydrophobic film enforces condensate droplet formation, and channels and drain holes drain the condensate droplets out of the housing. An encapsulating film is unnecessary on the electronic components, because condensation on these components is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Richard Baur, Guenter Fendt, Alfons Woehrl, Engelbert Woerle
  • Patent number: 6422596
    Abstract: In occupant protection systems having a large number of sensors and control modules for triggering occupant protection devices, the amount of wiring is significantly increased if they are to be communicatively connected to a central unit. For this reason, bus systems have already been suggested for the control modules for triggering occupant protection devices. In order to further reduce in the wiring, sensors are at least partially integrated into a bus system with additional control modules that are allocated to these sensors. Within the context of a diagnosis process of interrogation and response, which triggers a function test of the control modules for triggering the occupant protection devices, an actual sensor value is sent to the bus system from the control modules of the sensors as a diagnosis response. This response is processed by the central unit and/or the other control modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignees: Temic Telefunken microelectronic GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Fendt, Michael Bischoff, Johannes Rinkens, Stefan Schaeffer, Peter Steiner, Werner Nitschke, Otto Karl, Joachim Bauer
  • Patent number: 6419262
    Abstract: Conventional airbag apparatuses have a very large volume for offering the greatest possible protection for the passenger, and therefore block the driver's view of the traffic situation and preclude further steering actions. Additionally, the passenger is endangered if he is in an atypical sitting position. Multi-stage airbag systems permit an adaptation of the degree of deployment to the size and/or position of the passenger, but are very complicated and slow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Günter Fendt, Hermann Küblbeck, Peter Steiner, Helmut Steurer, Armin Vogl
  • Patent number: 6366465
    Abstract: In order to secure a circuit board or the like in a housing, the board is provided with a through-hole, and the housing is provided with a mounting stud that protrudes into the housing from an outer wall thereof. A securing pin simultaneously passes through the through-hole of the board and into a hollow space or bore of the mounting stud. The securing pin is preferably conically tapered so that it exerts a wedging and spreading force radially outwardly against the inner surface of the hollow bore of the securing stud, and directly or indirectly against the inner surface of the through-hole of the board. Thereby, the board is securely fastened to the stud, and the pin is secured in the stud, by the wedging effect. An end portion of the stud may also be received in the through-hole of the board, and the pin may be integrally formed as a protrusion of a lid for the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Richard Baur, Guenter Fendt, Alfons Woehrl, Engelbert Woerle
  • Publication number: 20010052730
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for triggering passenger protection systems in at least two different stages of an accident hazard and/or accident force, determined in accordance with sensor signals, with the passenger protection system being triggered directly at least when the second stage is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Richard Baur, Guenter Fendt, Robert Hussmann, Alfons Woehrl
  • Patent number: 6312013
    Abstract: In a method of operating a passive safety system, such as an airbag supplemental restraint system in a motor vehicle, the trigger threshold value for triggering the deployment of the airbag or the like is updated or changed over time as the vehicle deteriorates with age or operation. As a result of material fatigue, rust and the like, the vehicle chassis becomes less stiff with increased age and/or increased operation. Consequently, the crash behavior of a deteriorated vehicle differs from that of a new vehicle of the same type. Namely, the deceleration during a crash will be less abrupt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Richard Baur, Guenter Fendt, Helmut Steurer