Patents by Inventor Heinrich Lang

Heinrich Lang 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: 7574287
    Abstract: The invention is a system for transmitting signals in a vehicle, comprising a sensor that generates sensor signals, an information display device that receives the sensor signals and a transmission conduit through which the sensor signals are transmitted. The transmission conduit comprises transmission line that may be dedicated for purposes other than transmitting the sensor signals, modulator, demodulator and control device. When the sensor is actuated, the control device acts to detect the presence of current in the transmission line and if present, actuates the modulator thus, modulating the sensor signals prior to their transmission via the transmission line. Simultaneously, the control device actuates the demodulator for demodulating the modulated sensor signals prior to their transmission to the information display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Stephan Plomp
  • Patent number: 7497580
    Abstract: A bearing apparatus for pivotally moving a carrying arm relative to an anchorage is provided. The carrying arm may carry a mirror for a vehicle, the anchorage mountable to the vehicle. The bearing apparatus has a bushing located between the carrying arm and the anchorage in which a pivot bearing apparatus is moveably disposed. In one embodiment the pivot bearing apparatus has a control component and a come-along part relationally disposed about a shaft and movably connected to the control component. When the shaft is rotated, the come-along part moves along the shaft to rotate the control component. In turn, the control component transfers its rotation to pivot the carrying arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Albrecht Popp
  • Publication number: 20090040637
    Abstract: A bearing apparatus for pivotally moving a carrying arm relative to an anchorage is provided. The carrying arm may carry a mirror for a vehicle, the anchorage mountable to the vehicle. The bearing apparatus has a bushing located between the carrying arm and the anchorage in which a pivot bearing apparatus is moveably disposed. In one embodiment the pivot bearing apparatus has a control component and a come-along part relationally disposed about a shaft and movably connected to the control component. When the shaft is rotated, the come-along part moves along the shaft to rotate the control component. In turn, the control component transfers its rotation to pivot the carrying arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Albrecht Popp
  • Patent number: 7445734
    Abstract: A fillable rearview mirror assembly and method of molding a carrier for the assembly are provided. The mirror assembly has a hollow carrier that can be at least partially filled with a material having a density different than that of the carrier. A mirror can be attached to the carrier and the carrier attached to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Lang Makra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Albrecht Popp
  • Publication number: 20080210027
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor-driven pivoting device for a support plate that can cooperate with a positioning motor and be pivoted kinematically in relation to a holder, which is fixed to the object. In order to receive a mirror, the plate is provided with a fixed hollow spherical area on its rear side, which is directed away from the mirror, for stable mounting with a compact inbuilt part-turn actuator, mounted with the ability to pivot between two rigidly interconnected spherical surfaces along the generated surfaces thereof. The outer of the two interlocking spherical surfaces of the dual shell holder is embodied in the form of an assembly cap. Its inner surface is fitted out as a carrier for a device with a motor and a set of gears engaging with the gearing that moves radially to engage with the inner area of the device carrier along a generatrix of the inner generated surface of the hollow area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Wilhelm Wolf, Josef Boegelein, Wolfgang Seiboth, Heinrich Lang
  • Patent number: 7370984
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly has a holding component and clamping parts to clamp the mirror assembly to the holding component. Alternative embodiments of the holding component and clamping parts are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 7357522
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for attachment to a holding tube carried by a vehicle. The assembly includes a housing framing configured to encase a portion of the holding tube and to attach with a mirror element. A clamping bracket is also configured to encase a portion of the holding tube and to attach with the housing frame. A projection formed with one of the housing framing and the clamping bracket is positioned to extend into the holding tube when encased by the clamping bracket and housing framing. Connectors are engaged with the housing framing, clamping bracket and the extension locking them in position relative to each other and the holding tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Emmanuel Courbon, Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 7355629
    Abstract: A camera assembly for a commercial vehicle with a cargo compartment, which comprises a camera, and a movement apparatus, wherein the movement apparatus displaces the camera, at least partially outward, from the interior of the cargo container, in such a manner, that the camera, by an energized movement apparatus can survey a definite field of view in the rearward area of the commercial vehicle. The movement of the camera may be through an opening in the rear closure of the cargo container. In this way, it becomes possible, even with a downward, closed, rear to observe the area lying behind the commercial vehicle by means of the camera during the backing up of the commercial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Jaap-Jan Snel, J{dot over (o)}rg Scholler, Michael Witzke
  • Publication number: 20080073477
    Abstract: A first linkage component including a ball socket having a concave profiling and a second linkage component including a projection having a convex profiling received in the concave profiling of the ball socket. A sliding plate carried between the ball socket and projection having a convex profiling conforming to the concave profiling of the ball socket and a concave profiling conforming to the convex profiling of the projection. The convex profilings of the projection and sliding plate have a larger radius of curvature than the concave profilings of the sliding plate and the ball socket. A connecting rod connects the first linkage component, the second linkage component, and the sliding plate together. Wherein the larger radius of curvature of the convex profiling of the sliding plate and projection causes the projection and sliding plate to be further received in the ball socket after abrasive wear to prevent play between components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 7342484
    Abstract: An exterior mirror sensor system for commercial vehicles comprising an exterior mirror, a sensor for monitoring an exterior mirror zone, and an indicator for indicating objects detected in the exterior mirror zone. The sensor may be a distance sensor, a motion sensor or a heat sensor. The system may further comprise a control unit connected to the sensor and indicator for controlling the indicator. The system may further comprise a camera for recording objects in the exterior mirror zone. The control unit may actuate the indicator upon the detection of an object by the sensor. The indicator may comprise an audible indicator. The system may further comprise a data input unit for recording data detected by the sensor wherein the data input unit is connected to the control unit and receives the data detected by the sensor from the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Michael Witzke, Jörg Scholler
  • Publication number: 20070197810
    Abstract: Copper(I) formate complexes of the formula LnCu(HCOO).x HCOOH, where x is from 0 to 10, n is 1, 2, 3 or 4 and the n ligands L, independently of one another, are each one of the following ligands: a phosphane of the formula R1R2R3P; a phosphite of the formula (R1O)(R2O)(R3O)P; an isocyanide of the formula R1—NC; an alkene of the formula R1R2C?CR3R4; or an alkyne of the formula R1C?CR2; where R1, R2, R3 and R4, independently of one another, are hydrogen, a linear or branched, optionally partly or completely fluorinated alkyl, aminoalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, phosphinoalkyl or aryl radical of one to 20 carbon atoms; with the exception of triphenylphosphinocopper(I) formate and 1,1,1-tris(diphenyl-phosphinomethyl)ethanecopper(I) formate; are decomposed for depositing metallic copper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lars Wittenbecher, Heinrich Lang, Yingzhong Shen
  • Patent number: 7230207
    Abstract: A heatable external rearview mirror including a mirror housing for attachment to the vehicle and a mirror pane with a reflecting surface carried in the housing. A heating element is located adjacent the mirror pane for heating the pane to remove precipitation. A thermochromic heating indicator is provided in heat conducting contact with at least one of the heating element and the mirror pane that reacts to temperature changes for detecting heating of the mirror pane by the heating element and providing a visual indication of the operation of the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America LLC
    Inventors: Michael Witzke, Jorg Scholler, Heinrich Lang
  • Patent number: 7222978
    Abstract: A mirror support plate for use with vehicles, which can be attached to a holder by way of a chucking and sliding connection. The support plate is provided with two ridges which protrude from its back and include at least one projection which extends towards the other ridge in such manner that the border region of the holder can be inserted between the back of the holder and the projections. The mirror support plate includes a first elastic element and second elastic element, which function as upper and lower elements. The elastic elements are designed so that as the holder is inserted, it elastically deforms the lower one of the first and second elastic elements towards the back of the mirror support plate allowing outer edges of the holder to move into frictional contact with the projections and the back of the support plate and its upper end into interlocking contact with the upper of the first and second elastic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Markus Meier, Richard Reimchen
  • Patent number: 7198378
    Abstract: A support arm for a vehicle mirror having at least one mirror head with a mirror pane which includes an upper holding arm (1) made of plastic with an anchoring element (2) for mounting on a vehicle, and a lower holding arm (3) made of plastic with an anchoring element (4) at the bottom for mounting on a vehicle. A one-piece base (6) includes a metal tube (5) whose top or, as the case may be, bottom end is securely connected with the upper and lower holding arm, respectively. The base can also be built in the form of a base plate. In this case, the base has a removable positioning wedge (7) that can be removed from the base to change the angle of at least one mirror pane and/or mirror head carried by the base. The positioning wedge is attached to provide an exterior driver-side rear view mirror, and is removed to provide a passenger-side rear view mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Jurgen Pfanz, Markus Meier, Rudolf Mayer
  • Publication number: 20070053087
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for attachment to a holding tube carried by a vehicle. The assembly includes a housing framing configured to encase a portion of the holding tube and to attach with a mirror element. A clamping bracket is also configured to encase a portion of the holding tube and to attach with the housing frame. A projection formed with one of the housing framing and the clamping bracket is positioned to extend into the holding tube when encased by the clamping bracket and housing framing. Connectors are engaged with the housing framing, clamping bracket and the extension locking them in position relative to each other and the holding tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Emmanuel Courbon, Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 7142098
    Abstract: A means of wireless data transmission between a tractor and a trailer using a data transfer system having a first communication unit that is installed on the front of the trailer and a second communication unit that is installed on the rear of the tractor cab. Both communication units on a coupled tractor-trailer are located facing each other across a hitching space between the tractor and trailer to define a communication gap over which data is wirelessly transmitted. A notification device is carried by the tractor and operatively connected to the second communication unit. At least one data collector is carried by the trailer and operatively connected to the first communication unit. Accordingly, the driver is provided with information through the notification device from the data collector by way of the first and second communication unit, which wirelessly transmit the data between the tractor and trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Jorg Scholler, Michael Witzke
  • Patent number: 7113340
    Abstract: A modular outside mirror assembly for a commercial vehicle incorporates an upper body anchorage, with an upper pivot linkage, a lower body anchorage with a lower pivot linkage, a first mirror and a holding arm, onto which the first mirror is fastened. The holding arm is disposed in the upper and lower pivot linkage of the upper and lower body anchorage such that the holding arm is rotatable about an axis relative to the body anchorages. Due to modular construction, a multiplicity of different mirror variants are available. In another aspect a servomotor is attached to the holding arm to pivot the holding arm against or away from a side of the vehicle about a defined turning axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Albrecht Popp
  • Patent number: 7079017
    Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle is provided. The warning system has a sensor for detecting an obstruction near the vehicle, a control apparatus to produce a signal in response to the detected obstruction, and an alert device configured to direct a driver's attention to the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Michael Witzke, Jaap-Jan Snel
  • Patent number: 7048395
    Abstract: A detent joint interconnecting first and second hinge pieces of vehicle mirrors. The detent joint includes an axis of rotation around which the hinge pieces are pivoted. A spring urged detent element carried by one of the hinge pieces for movement along a plane transverse to the axis of rotation and is movable in a direction of engagement. The detent element includes a surface with at least two protruding teeth. The hinge also includes a counter surface with complementary cuts formed therein which act with the teeth of the detent element to provide that at least two teeth of the detent element engage with the complementarily cuts in the counter surface to provide a detent position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Georg Hecht, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: D554038
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Markus Meier, Jurgen Pfanz