Patents by Inventor Hans-Michael Schmitt
Hans-Michael Schmitt 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: 20100315221Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring wear-induced displacement of a brake lining with respect to an associated brake caliper, comprising a gear mechanism for converting the wear-induced displacement into a rotary movement, having a sensor for detecting the rotary movement, wherein a contact-free coupling is provided for transmitting the rotary movement to the sensor. The apparatus is designed in such a way that the sensor generates an analogue or pulse-width-modulated detection signal for determining the wear-induced displacement of the brake lining, wherein the detection signal corresponds to the respective displacement caused by the rotary movement. The invention also related to a corresponding method for measuring the wear-induced displacement of a brake lining with respect to an associated brake caliper.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: PREH GMBHInventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Martin Blaufuss, Bernhard Knuettel
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Patent number: 7808374Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring wear-induced displacement of a brake lining with respect to an associated brake caliper, comprising a gear mechanism for converting the wear-induced displacement into a rotary movement, having a sensor for detecting the rotary movement, wherein a contact-free coupling is provided for transmitting the rotary movement to the sensor. The apparatus is designed in such a way that the sensor generates an analogue or pulse-width-modulated detection signal for determining the wear-induced displacement of the brake lining, wherein the detection signal corresponds to the respective displacement caused by the rotary movement. The invention also related to a corresponding method for measuring the wear-induced displacement of a brake lining with respect to an associated brake caliper.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: PREH GmbHInventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Martin Blaufuss, Bernhard Knuettel
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Patent number: 7716981Abstract: A capacitive rain sensor for a motor vehicle is provided that includes a printed circuit board with sensor structures laminated thereon and with electronic components, wherein the sensor structures and the electronic components are arranged on different sides of the printed circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: PRKH GmbHInventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Martin Blaufuss, Jochen Gans, Thomas Polzer, Maik Rienecker
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Publication number: 20090177362Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring wear-induced displacement of a brake lining with respect to an associated brake caliper, comprising a gear mechanism for converting the wear-induced displacement into a rotary movement, having a sensor for detecting the rotary movement, wherein a contact-free coupling is provided for transmitting the rotary movement to the sensor. The apparatus is designed in such a way that the sensor generates an analogue or pulse-width-modulated detection signal for determining the wear-induced displacement of the brake lining, wherein the detection signal corresponds to the respective displacement caused by the rotary movement. The invention also related to a corresponding method for measuring the wear-induced displacement of a brake lining with respect to an associated brake caliper.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Inventors: Hans-Michael SCHMITT, Martin Blaufuss, Bernhard Knuettel
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Publication number: 20090134985Abstract: Sensor unit (1) for a motor vehicle for detecting ambient conditions, comprising at least two sensor modules, wherein a first sensor module (2) has a rain (6) and/or condensation sensor (7), and a second sensor module (3) has at least a light (13, 14) and/or solar sensor (11, 12).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2009Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: Preh GmbHInventors: Hans-Michael SCHMITT, Wolfgang Kuchler, Martin Jeitner, Harald Schelbert
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Publication number: 20080258743Abstract: A sensor arrangement is provided for attachment to an inside of a windshield in a motor vehicle, including at least a sensor element that determines the relative humidity and a printed circuit board that electrically contacts the sensor element, wherein the sensor element is attached to the printed circuit board in the direction of the windshield, and a compensating film that accommodates the curvature of the window is present at least between the sensor element and the windshield, and the compensating film is an adhesive film.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Thomas Polzer, Andrej Afanasjevas
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Publication number: 20080223127Abstract: A capacitive rain sensor for a motor vehicle is provided that includes a printed circuit board with sensor structures laminated thereon and with electronic components, wherein the sensor structures and the electronic components are arranged on different sides of the printed circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Martin Blaufuss, Jochen Gans, Thomas Polzer, Maik Rienecker
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Patent number: 7416420Abstract: Conductive adhesive bonds are used preferably where the contact bonds are subject to great temperature variations, for example, on a throttle valve controller. In order to increase the mechanical stabilization of the conductive adhesive bonds, the surface of the contacts are machined and provided with structures such as ribbing, prickles, etc. As a result of this structuring, the conductive adhesive interlocks mechanically at these points. This leads to a high contact reliability also at extreme temperature changes.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Oswald Reuss, Annegret Suckfuell, Klaus Hemmert
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Publication number: 20070205348Abstract: A retaining frame for a support element of a sensor in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The retaining frame has a flat underside that can be adhered to a window of a motor vehicle, and having an opening with at least one contact surface for the support element in which opening the support element can be positioned flat on the window and against the contact surface, and has a spring element by which a force can be applied to the support element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2006Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Thomas Polzer, Dirk Erdloff, Rudolf Hartmann, Jochen Gans, Andrejus Afanasjevas
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Patent number: 7146723Abstract: The mechanical connection of contacts through induction soldering is improved. To which end, a plastic dome is produced through preliminary encapsulation by injection molding of at least one contact and subsequent final encapsulation, where the two contact geometries to be joined can, for example, be premated. With an appropriate solder preform, the plug-in connection can be secured through induction soldering by enclosing this dome. The appropriate tool is then placed over the plastic dome, by which the heat generated melts the solder preform and securely joins the two contacts to one another.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Klaus Hemmert, Bernhard Knuettel, Oswald Reuss, Annegret Suckfuell
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Patent number: 6971584Abstract: The regulated heating and air conditioning installations normally enable, when controlled, integration of the main factors affecting the comfort of passengers, in particular preventing the windscreen and the other windows from getting clouded. In order to detect incipient mist formation, condensation and moisture sensors generate detection signals, which initiate steps for preventing mist formation when a threshold value is exceeded. Measures are taken for preventing mist formation based on requirements and in a manner adapted to the changing moisture conditions of the glass panes, for example, by using points of intervention stored in a processor. Steps are therefore taken to prevent mist formation, based on moisture variation gradients of the glass panes.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Preh Werke GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Guenther Oennig, Thomas Polzer, Martin Blaufuss
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Patent number: 6888465Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor unit for detecting the wetting of a window. Signals from the condensation sensor are used to control an air conditioning, heating, and/or ventilation unit. The signals of the rain sensor, on the contrary, are used to control a windshield wiper or washing unit for vehicles. A sensor unit, which comprises two sensors, is placed on the interior of the window. In a preferred variant, both are coupled to a common switchable evaluation unit, so that through mutual evaluation of the two sensors or their signals, both incipient condensation on the interior of a vehicle window and the wetting of the exterior, e.g., by rain, is detected. In an improvement of the invention, both sensors are integrated into a sensor module.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Thomas Polzer, Rudolf Hartmann
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Patent number: 6809530Abstract: As is well known, the influencing variables most important for a sense of comfort are considered during regulation in controlled heating and air conditioning units. Incipient condensation on the windshield or other windows in particular is to be prevented thereby. Sensor modules, inter alia, are employed for this purpose, which have, for example, a capacitative thin-layer sensor. An additional thermopile is provided for determining the window temperature. The present idea eliminates the determination of the window temperature, for which purpose a sensor working capacitatively in the exemplary embodiment is brought directly to the window temperature and a direct thermal coupling of the sensor with the window occurs via a metal plate connected directly to the sensor and a thin adhesive film. The metal plate can thereby form one of the electrodes of the sensor itself or be connected to said electrode in a direct thermal manner. The use of the sensor in the sensor module is a further preferred embodiment.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Guenther Oennig, Thomas Polzer, Martin Blaufuss, Rudolf Hartmann
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Publication number: 20040195343Abstract: The regulated heating and air conditioning installations normally enable, when controlled, integration of the main factors affecting the comfort of passengers, in particular preventing the windscreen and the other windows from getting clouded. In order to detect incipient mist formation, condensation and moisture sensors generate detection signals, which initiate steps for preventing mist formation when a threshold value is exceeded. Measures are taken for preventing mist formation based on requirements and in a manner adapted to the changing moisture conditions of the glass panes, for example, by using points of intervention stored in a processor. Steps are therefore taken to prevent mist formation, based on moisture variation gradients of the glass panes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Guenther Oennig, Thomas Polzer, Martin Blaufuss
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Publication number: 20040003936Abstract: The mechanical connection of contacts through induction soldering is improved. To which end, a plastic dome is produced through preliminary encapsulation by injection molding of at least one contact and subsequent final encapsulation, where the two contact geometries to be joined can, for example, be premated. With an appropriate solder preform, the plug-in connection can be secured through induction soldering by enclosing this dome. The appropriate tool is then placed over the plastic dome, by which the heat generated melts the solder preform and securely joins the two contacts to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Klaus Hemmert, Bernhard Knuettel, Oswald Reuss, Annegret Suckfuell
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Publication number: 20030216080Abstract: Conductive adhesive bonds are used preferably where the contact bonds are subject to great temperature variations, for example, on a throttle valve controller. In order to increase the mechanical stabilization of the conductive adhesive bonds, the surface of the contacts are machined and provided with structures such as ribbing, prickles, etc. As a result of this structuring, the conductive adhesive interlocks mechanically at these points. This leads to a high contact reliability also at extreme temperature changes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Oswald Reuss, Annegret Suckfuell, Klaus Hemmert
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Patent number: 6614241Abstract: A capacitive sensor for detecting surface condensation which includes a carrier (2), a metal layer (3) applied to the carrier (2) to form an interdigital structure, a passivation layer (6) formed over the metal layer (3), and a hydrophilic layer (7) applied over the passivation layer (6), where the hydrophilic layer (7) increases a surface tension of the passivation layer (7).Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Gottfried Berthold, Juergen Bach
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Publication number: 20030086475Abstract: As is well known, the influencing variables most important for a sense of comfort are considered during regulation in controlled heating and air conditioning units. Incipient condensation on the windshield or other windows in particular is to be prevented thereby. Sensor modules, inter alia, are employed for this purpose, which have, for example, a capacitative thin-layer sensor. An additional thermopile is provided for determining the window temperature. The present idea eliminates the determination of the window temperature, for which purpose a sensor working capacitatively in the exemplary embodiment is brought directly to the window temperature and a direct thermal coupling of the sensor with the window occurs via a metal plate connected directly to the sensor and a thin adhesive film. The metal plate can thereby form one of the electrodes of the sensor itself or be connected to said electrode in a direct thermal manner. The use of the sensor in the sensor module is a further preferred embodiment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Guenther Oenning, Thomas Polzer, Martin Blaufuss, Rudolf Hartmann
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Publication number: 20030080871Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor unit for detecting the wetting of a window. Signals from the condensation sensor are used to control an air conditioning, heating, and/or ventilation unit. The signals of the rain sensor, on the contrary, are used to control a windshield wiper or washing unit for vehicles. A sensor unit, which comprises two sensors, is placed on the interior of the window. In a preferred variant, both are coupled to a common switchable evaluation unit, so that through mutual evaluation of the two sensors or their signals, both incipient condensation on the interior of a vehicle window and the wetting of the exterior, e.g., by rain, is detected. In an improvement of the invention, both sensors are integrated into a sensor module.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Thomas Polzer, Rudolf Hartmann
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Publication number: 20010030545Abstract: A capacitive sensor for detecting surface condensation which includes a carrier (2), a metal layer (3) applied to the carrier (2) to form an interdigital structure, a passivation layer (6) formed over the metal layer (3), and a hydrophilic layer (7) applied over the passivation layer (6), where the hydrophilic layer (7) increases a surface tension of the passivation layer (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Gottfried Berthold, Juergen Bach