Patents by Inventor Harald Schmauss
Harald Schmauss 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: 20240093376Abstract: A method of forming a protective coating on an interconnect for an electrochemical device stack includes providing a powder on the interconnect and laser sintering the powder.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Adam BYRD, Zigui LU, Guoliang XIAO, Tad ARMSTRONG, Harald HERCHEN, Travis SCHMAUSS, Keji PAN
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Patent number: 11731523Abstract: Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a vehicle-side charging apparatus comprising: an AC voltage connection; a rectifier connected to the AC voltage connection; a first DC/DC converter and a second DC/DC converter; and a DC voltage connection. Each DC/DC converter includes a intermediate circuit capacitor and a switch unit. The rectifier is connected to the DC voltage connection via the DC/DC converters. There is a switch connecting the DC/DC converters in a switchable manner. In a first switching state the respective intermediate circuit capacitors and the respective switch units of the DC/DC converters are connected in parallel with one another and in a second switching state in series with one another. There is a third DC/DC converter connecting the rectifier to the DC voltage connection.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2019Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBHInventors: Franz Pfeilschifter, Martin Götzenberger, Harald Schmauss
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Publication number: 20220041075Abstract: Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a vehicle-side charging apparatus comprising: an AC voltage connection; a rectifier connected to the AC voltage connection; a first DC/DC converter and a second DC/DC converter; and a DC voltage connection. Each DC/DC converter includes a intermediate circuit capacitor and a switch unit. The rectifier is connected to the DC voltage connection via the DC/DC converters. There is a switch connecting the DC/DC converters in a switchable manner. In a first switching state the respective intermediate circuit capacitors and the respective switch units of the DC/DC converters are connected in parallel with one another and in a second switching state in series with one another. There is a third DC/DC converter connecting the rectifier to the DC voltage connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2019Publication date: February 10, 2022Applicant: Vitesco Technologies GmbHInventors: Franz Pfeilschifter, Martin Götzenberger, Harald Schmauss
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Patent number: 9739823Abstract: A diagnostic circuit detects an interruption in a connection between a circuit arrangement having at least one first controllable switching element, which forms a load path between a first and a second load terminal, and a load connectable thereto. The load is connectable by the switching element to a supply voltage source with a first terminal for a high supply potential and a second terminal for a lower supply potential. At least one further controllable switching element forms a load path between a first and a second load terminal, the load path of which is connected in parallel to the load path of the first switching element. A control unit controls the control inputs of the first and of the further switching element, whereby the control unit is configured for the control of the first and of the further switching element in accordance with a time-adjustable operating sequence.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventor: Harald Schmauss
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Patent number: 9709016Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine has an ignition coil disposed as a transformer, a spark plug connected to the secondary winding of the ignition coil, an actuatable switching element connected in series with the primary winding of the ignition coil, and a control unit connected to the primary winding and to the control input of the switching element. After charging the ignition coil, building up an ignition spark through non-conductive switching of the switching element, and after renewed conductive switching of the switching element for operating the ignition coil in transformer operation, the supply voltage of the control unit is detected and if a pre-determined value, representing the presence of a surface gap, is exceeded, the switching element is once more switched non-conductive.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Achim Reuther, Harald Schmauss, Sven-Michael Eisen, Martin Goetzenberger
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Patent number: 9658268Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing a circuit arrangement for a short circuit and/or a line interruption. The circuit arrangement has at least two load circuits which are connected in parallel. A current measuring device for providing a current signal, which represents the current in the common supply line, is connected in a common supply line to the at least two parallel-connected load circuits. A voltage measuring device detect a node point voltage of each load circuit in the two switching states of the respective switching element. An evaluation device receives the current signal and the node point voltages, converts the current signal into at least one logic current value and the node point voltages into logic voltage values, and infers the type and location of the fault on the basis of prespecified combinations of the at least one logic current value and the logic voltage values.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2013Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventor: Harald Schmauss
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Patent number: 9435857Abstract: An integrated circuit has a controllable switching element, the load path of which is arranged between an output of the integrated circuit and a supply potential. A test unit is connected to the connections of the switching element in order to carry out tests. A control unit is connected to the test unit via at least one control line. The sequence of tests is carried out dependent on signals on the control line(s). A memory is connected to the control unit the content and the type of which determines the time of the tests. The memory is connected to an input of the integrated circuit in order to enter the content.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2012Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Harald Schmauss, Sergiu Muresan, Gunther Wolfarth, Marco Well, Johann Falter, Franz Laberer, Cristian Theil
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Patent number: 9419523Abstract: A method identifies a short-line fault or line interruption in a circuit configuration having a series circuit of inductive load and controllable switching element. The series circuit is connected between high and low potentials of a supply voltage source. A connecting point between load and switching element is connected through at least one zener element to the high or low potential of the voltage source or the control connection of the switching element so that upon interruption of current flow through the load due to switching off the switching element, magnetic energy stored in the load can be reduced by a zener element becoming conductive. After switching off the switching element, the voltage at the connecting point is ascertained and a voltage pulse duration is compared with a first prescribed duration. If the duration is shorter than the first prescribed duration, a line interruption or a short is inferred.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Gunther Wolfarth, Harald Schmauss
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Publication number: 20160084899Abstract: A diagnostic circuit detects an interruption in a connection between a circuit arrangement having at least one first controllable switching element, which forms a load path between a first and a second load terminal, and a load connectable thereto. The load is connectable by the switching element to a supply voltage source with a first terminal for a high supply potential and a second terminal for a lower supply potential. At least one further controllable switching element forms a load path between a first and a second load terminal, the load path of which is connected in parallel to the load path of the first switching element. A control unit controls the control inputs of the first and of the further switching element, whereby the control unit is configured for the control of the first and of the further switching element in accordance with a time-adjustable operating sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventor: HARALD SCHMAUSS
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Publication number: 20150137828Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing a circuit arrangement for a short circuit and/or a line interruption. The circuit arrangement has at least two load circuits which are connected in parallel. A current measuring device for providing a current signal, which represents the current in the common supply line, is connected in a common supply line to the at least two parallel-connected load circuits. A voltage measuring device detect a node point voltage of each load circuit in the two switching states of the respective switching element. An evaluation device receives the current signal and the node point voltages, converts the current signal into at least one logic current value and the node point voltages into logic voltage values, and infers the type and location of the fault on the basis of prespecified combinations of the at least one logic current value and the logic voltage values.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventor: Harald Schmauss
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Publication number: 20150102790Abstract: A method identifies a short-line fault or line interruption in a circuit configuration having a series circuit of inductive load and controllable switching element. The series circuit is connected between high and low potentials of a supply voltage source. A connecting point between load and switching element is connected through at least one zener element to the high or low potential of the voltage source or the control connection of the switching element so that upon interruption of current flow through the load due to switching off the switching element, magnetic energy stored in the load can be reduced by a zener element becoming conductive. After switching off the switching element, the voltage at the connecting point is ascertained and a voltage pulse duration is compared with a first prescribed duration. If the duration is shorter than the first prescribed duration, a line interruption or a short is inferred.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: GUNTHER WOLFARTH, HARALD SCHMAUSS
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Publication number: 20150008838Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine has an ignition coil disposed as a transformer, a spark plug connected to the secondary winding of the ignition coil, an actuatable switching element connected in series with the primary winding of the ignition coil, and a control unit connected to the primary winding and to the control input of the switching element. After charging the ignition coil, building up an ignition spark through non-conductive switching of the switching element, and after renewed conductive switching of the switching element for operating the ignition coil in transformer operation, the supply voltage of the control unit is detected and if a pre-determined value, representing the presence of a surface gap, is exceeded, the switching element is once more switched non-conductive.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2012Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventors: Achim Reuther, Harald Schmauss, Sven-Michael Eisen, Martin Goetzenberger
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Publication number: 20140327450Abstract: A device and a method test the connection of a load connected to a connection point. The connection point is formed between a first switching element, which is connected between a high supply voltage potential and the connection point, and a second switching element, which is connected between the connection point and a low supply voltage potential. When the two switching elements are switched off, a potential is built up at the connection point by at least one voltage or current source connected to the connection point. A potential analyzing circuit is provided and checks whether the potential lies in a defined potential range. If this is the case, it is concluded that a line between the connection point and the load has been interrupted.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2012Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventors: Harald Schmauss, Sergiu Muresan, Gunther Wolfarth, Marco Well, Johann Falter, Franz Laberer, Christian Theil
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Publication number: 20140320160Abstract: An integrated circuit has a controllable switching element, the load path of which is arranged between an output of the integrated circuit and a supply potential. A test unit is connected to the connections of the switching element in order to carry out tests. A control unit is connected to the test unit via at least one control line. The sequence of tests is carried out dependent on signals on the control line(s). A memory is connected to the control unit the content and the type of which determines the time of the tests. The memory is connected to an input of the integrated circuit in order to enter the content.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Continental Automotive GMBHInventors: Harald Schmauss, Sergiu Muresan, Gunther Wolfarth, Marco Well, Johann Falter, Franz Laberer, Cristian Theil
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Publication number: 20130291833Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, said device having an ignition coil designed as a transformer, an igniter plug connected to the ignition coil secondary winding, a controllable switching element connected in series to the ignition coil primary winding and a control unit connected to the ignition coil primary winding and the control input of the switching element, wherein the control unit provides a supply voltage for the ignition coil and a control signal for the switching element depending upon the flows through the ignition coil primary and secondary winding and the voltage between the connection point of the ignition coil primary winding to the switching element and the negative terminal of the supply voltage, to provide an adjustable alternating current for the igniter plug, to provide a targeted supply of power distributed over the ignition time interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Sven-Michael Eisen, Stephan Bolz, Harald Schmauß, Achim Reuther, Martin Götzenberger
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Publication number: 20130263835Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil designed as a transformer, the secondary winding thereof being designed to connect to a spark plug, an actuatable switch element connected in series with the primary winding of the ignition coil, and a controller connected to the primary winding of the ignition coil and the control input of the switching element. The controller has a voltage converter which provides a supply voltage for the ignition coil at the output thereof and which can be connected to a motor vehicle electrical system voltage, a controllable changeover switch for applying the supply voltage at either positive or negative polarity to the series circuit of the primary winding of the ignition coil and the switching element, depending on a control signal, and a control circuit which generates the control signal based on a phase of the ignition process.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Sven-Michael Eisen, Stephan Bolz, Harald Schmauss, Achim Reuther, Martin Götzenberger
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Publication number: 20120312285Abstract: A method is provided for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, which ignition device includes an ignition coil configured as a transformer, a spark plug connected to the secondary winding of the ignition coil, an actuable switching element connected in series to the primary winding of the ignition coil, and a control unit connected to the control input of the switching element, wherein the control unit provides an adjustable supply voltage for the ignition coil and an actuating signal for the switching element as a function of the currents through the primary and the secondary windings of the ignition coil and the voltage between the connecting point of the primary winding of the ignition coil to the switching element and the negative terminal of the supply voltage, as a result of which firstly operation of the spark plug by way of alternating current is possible and secondly regulation of said current is possible, which leads to more reliable ignition with a lower wear of the sparkType: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Stephan Bolz, Sven Eisen, Martin Götzenberger, Achim Reuther, Harald Schmauss
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Publication number: 20100059023Abstract: A circuit arrangement for operating at least one inductive load, for example a solenoid of a fuel injection valve, is configured to feed back electrical energy into a storage capacitor in a freewheeling phase after driving the load. In order to avoid an unwanted voltage increase on the capacitor, the circuit arrangement includes a DC/DC converter with the output-side storage capacitor to provide an operating voltage for the load. A drivable circuit arrangement optionally connects the load to the capacitor, and a freewheeling diode arrangement feeds back electrical energy into the capacitor after the circuit arrangement has been switched off. A protection circuit, which is connected in parallel with the capacitor, provides a current path for limiting the charging voltage on the capacitor in the event of an excessively high voltage on the capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventors: Harald Schmauss, Walter Schrod
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Publication number: 20080231245Abstract: A current source contains a first switching element which is provided with a control input and is embodied and arranged in such a way that an output flow on an output side of a current source can be adjusted according to a control signal at the control input. The current source also contains a reference resistance that is electrically coupled to a first switching element in such a way that a potential difference above the reference resistance represents the output flow. The adjustment signal of a regulator unit depends on the voltage difference above the reference resistance, is the control signal of the first switching element, and contains a time function element which limits a first value of the output flow to a maximum duration and then reduces the value of the output flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2006Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: VDO AUTOMOTIVE AGInventors: Harald Schmauss, Walter Schrod