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).

  • Publication number: 20100315221
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: PREH GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Martin Blaufuss, Bernhard Knuettel
  • Patent number: 7808374
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: PREH GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Martin Blaufuss, Bernhard Knuettel
  • Patent number: 7716981
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: PRKH GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Martin Blaufuss, Jochen Gans, Thomas Polzer, Maik Rienecker
  • Publication number: 20090177362
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Hans-Michael SCHMITT, Martin Blaufuss, Bernhard Knuettel
  • Publication number: 20090134985
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Preh GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Michael SCHMITT, Wolfgang Kuchler, Martin Jeitner, Harald Schelbert
  • Publication number: 20080258743
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Thomas Polzer, Andrej Afanasjevas
  • Publication number: 20080223127
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Martin Blaufuss, Jochen Gans, Thomas Polzer, Maik Rienecker
  • Patent number: 7416420
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Oswald Reuss, Annegret Suckfuell, Klaus Hemmert
  • Publication number: 20070205348
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Thomas Polzer, Dirk Erdloff, Rudolf Hartmann, Jochen Gans, Andrejus Afanasjevas
  • Patent number: 7146723
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Klaus Hemmert, Bernhard Knuettel, Oswald Reuss, Annegret Suckfuell
  • Patent number: 6971584
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Preh Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Guenther Oennig, Thomas Polzer, Martin Blaufuss
  • Patent number: 6888465
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Thomas Polzer, Rudolf Hartmann
  • Patent number: 6809530
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Guenther Oennig, Thomas Polzer, Martin Blaufuss, Rudolf Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20040195343
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Guenther Oennig, Thomas Polzer, Martin Blaufuss
  • Publication number: 20040003936
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Klaus Hemmert, Bernhard Knuettel, Oswald Reuss, Annegret Suckfuell
  • Publication number: 20030216080
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Oswald Reuss, Annegret Suckfuell, Klaus Hemmert
  • Patent number: 6614241
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Gottfried Berthold, Juergen Bach
  • Publication number: 20030086475
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Guenther Oenning, Thomas Polzer, Martin Blaufuss, Rudolf Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20030080871
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Thomas Polzer, Rudolf Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20010030545
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Gottfried Berthold, Juergen Bach