Patents by Inventor Helge Westerkamp

Helge Westerkamp 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: 20240190199
    Abstract: A valve arrangement of a vehicle's air suspension system has a pressure generator with a two-stage compressor drivable by an electric motor, an air dryer, and a switchover valve. A main line is connected to the pressure generator and branches into at least two first axle lines. Two bellows lines per vehicle axle each branch off from one of the first axle lines and lead via a shutoff valve to an air bellows. The pressure generator has a second connection connected to a delivery line of the pressure generator between two compressor stages of the compressor. A second main line is connected to the second connection. The second main line branches into at least two second axle lines downstream of a shutoff valve. These second axle lines are each connected to one of the branching points of the first axle lines at the axles, each via one shutoff valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Inventor: Helge Westerkamp
  • Patent number: 11787370
    Abstract: A cleaning device for selectively bombarding a surface with a first medium, including an accumulator valve module having a high-pressure accumulator configured to store the first medium at a high-pressure accumulator pressure, an impulse nozzle configured to bombard the surface with the first medium, a changeover valve having a nozzle connector configured to connect to the impulse nozzle and a high-pressure accumulator connector configured to connect to the high-pressure accumulator, wherein the changeover valve is configured to: connect, in a release position, the high-pressure accumulator and the impulse nozzle via the high-pressure accumulator connector and the nozzle connector, interrupt, in a charge position, a flow path from the high-pressure accumulator to the impulse nozzle, and switch between the release position and the charge position. The cleaning device includes a high-pressure accumulator holding valve connecting the high-pressure accumulator to the first medium source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: ZF CV SYSTEMS EUROPE BV
    Inventors: Jan Fiebrandt, Helge Westerkamp
  • Patent number: 11541849
    Abstract: A cleaning device for selectively bombarding a surface with a media sequence, the sequence including at least a first gaseous medium and a second liquid medium, includes a nozzle configured to bombard the surface with the second medium; a cleaning valve with a holding port, a pressure port, a plunger, and a pressure outlet; and a high-pressure accumulator configured to store the first medium. The first medium is loaded with an accumulator pressure. The cleaning device further includes a changeover valve configured to selectively create a connection between a first medium supply line and a holding line connected to the holding port. The pressure outlet is configured to bombard the surface with the first medium in pulse-like fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: ZF CV SYSTEMS EUROPE BV
    Inventors: Jan Fiebrandt, Helge Westerkamp
  • Publication number: 20220332290
    Abstract: A cleaning device for selectively bombarding a surface with a first medium, including an accumulator valve module having a high-pressure accumulator configured to store the first medium at a high-pressure accumulator pressure, an impulse nozzle configured to bombard the surface with the first medium, a changeover valve having a nozzle connector configured to connect to the impulse nozzle and a high-pressure accumulator connector configured to connect to the high-pressure accumulator, wherein the changeover valve is configured to: connect, in a release position, the high-pressure accumulator and the impulse nozzle via the high-pressure accumulator connector and the nozzle connector, interrupt, in a charge position, a flow path from the high-pressure accumulator to the impulse nozzle, and switch between the release position and the charge position. The cleaning device includes a high-pressure accumulator holding valve connecting the high-pressure accumulator to the first medium source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Jan Fiebrandt, Helge Westerkamp
  • Patent number: 11433858
    Abstract: A cleaning device for selectively applying a first medium to a surface includes a high pressure reservoir configured to store the first medium held under a storage pressure, a pulse nozzle configured to apply the first medium under the storage pressure in a pulsed manner to the surface, and a switching valve that includes a nozzle port and a high pressure reservoir port for selectively establishing a first connection between the high pressure reservoir and the pulse nozzle, and a feed port for establishing a second connection between the high pressure reservoir and a first medium source. The high pressure reservoir and the switching valve are structurally integrated in a reservoir valve module. The switching valve comprises a solenoid valve to switch between the first and the second connection when the high pressure reservoir port is under the storage pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: ZF CV SYSTEMS EUROPE BV
    Inventors: Jan Fiebrandt, Helge Westerkamp
  • Publication number: 20210387596
    Abstract: A cleaning device for selectively bombarding a surface with a media sequence, the sequence including at least a first gaseous medium and a second liquid medium, includes a nozzle configured to bombard the surface with the second medium; a cleaning valve with a holding port, a pressure port, a plunger, and a pressure outlet; and a high-pressure accumulator configured to store the first medium. The first medium is loaded with an accumulator pressure. The cleaning device further includes a changeover valve configured to selectively create a connection between a first medium supply line and a holding line connected to the holding port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Jan Fiebrandt, Helge Westerkamp
  • Publication number: 20210323510
    Abstract: A cleaning device for selectively applying a first medium to a surface includes a high pressure reservoir configured to store the first medium held under a storage pressure, a pulse nozzle configured to apply the first medium under the storage pressure in a pulsed manner to the surface, and a switching valve that includes a nozzle port and a high pressure reservoir port for selectively establishing a first connection between the high pressure reservoir and the pulse nozzle, and a feed port for establishing a second connection between the high pressure reservoir and a first medium source. The high pressure reservoir and the switching valve are structurally integrated in a reservoir valve module. The switching valve comprises a solenoid valve to switch between the first and the second connection when the high pressure reservoir port is under the storage pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Jan Fiebrandt, Helge Westerkamp
  • Patent number: 10888890
    Abstract: A cleaning device for selectively bombarding a surface with a media sequence of at least a first medium and a second medium. The cleaning device includes a nozzle configured to bombard the surface with the second medium and a cleaning valve having a holding port, a pressure port, a plunger, and a pressure outlet. The cleaning device further includes a high-pressure accumulator configured to store the first medium, which is loaded with an accumulator pressure, and a changeover valve configured to selectively create a connection between a first medium supply line and a holding line connected to the holding port. The pressure outlet is configured to bombard the surface with the first medium in pulse-like fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: WABCO GMBH
    Inventors: Jan Fiebrandt, Helge Westerkamp
  • Publication number: 20200282416
    Abstract: A cleaning device for selectively bombarding a surface with a media sequence of at least a first medium and a second medium. The cleaning device includes a nozzle configured to bombard the surface with the second medium and a cleaning valve having a holding port, a pressure port, a plunger, and a pressure outlet. The cleaning device further includes a high-pressure accumulator configured to store the first medium, which is loaded with an accumulator pressure, and a changeover valve configured to selectively create a connection between a first medium supply line and a holding line connected to the holding port. The pressure outlet is configured to bombard the surface with the first medium in pulse-like fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Jan Fiebrandt, Helge Westerkamp
  • Patent number: 6726189
    Abstract: A closed level control system includes an air dryer (10) which is mounted in a pressurized air line (4). The compressor output (16) can be connected to the pressurized air supply vessel (12) via the pressurized air line (4). Air from the atmosphere can be transferred via an intake valve (30) into the pressurized air supply vessel (12) via the compressor and the air dryer (10). Furthermore, pressurized air can be discharged into the atmosphere from the pressurized air supply vessel (12) via the air dryer (10) and the intake valve (30). There is a flow in the opposite direction through the air dryer than when filling the pressurized air supply vessel (12) from the atmosphere. In this way, an excellent regeneration of the air dryer (10) is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uwe Folchert, Christoph Behmenburg, Helge Westerkamp, Werner Grabherr, Dierk Hein
  • Patent number: 6685174
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closed level control system for a vehicle. The closed level control system includes a pump which transfers a pressurized medium between a pressurized medium supply vessel (4) and pressurized medium chambers (2a to 2d). The input (8) of the pump (6) is connected to the supply vessel (4) and the output (10) of the pump (6) is connected to the pressurized medium chambers (2a to 2d) when the pressurized medium is to be pumped from the supply vessel (4) into the pressurized medium chambers (2a to 2d). If, in contrast, pressurized air is to be pumped from a pressurized medium chamber (2a to 2d) into the supply vessel (4), then the input (8) of the pump (6) is connected to the pressurized medium chamber and the output (10) of the pump (6) is connected to the supply vessel (4). The above-mentioned connections preferably take place via controllable directional valves (14, 18). The level control system makes it possible that the pump (6) has to always run only in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christof Behmenburg, Helge Westerkamp
  • Publication number: 20020136645
    Abstract: A closed level control system includes an air dryer (10) which is mounted in a pressurized air line (4). The compressor output (16) can be connected to the pressurized air supply vessel (12) via the pressurized air line (4). Air from the atmosphere can be transferred via an intake valve (30) into the pressurized air supply vessel (12) via the compressor and the air dryer (10). Furthermore, pressurized air can be discharged into the atmosphere from the pressurized air supply vessel (12) via the air dryer (10) and the intake valve (30). There is a flow in the opposite direction through the air dryer than when filling the pressurized air supply vessel (12) from the atmosphere. In this way, an excellent regeneration of the air dryer (10) is ensured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Uwe Folchert, Christoph Behmenburg, Helge Westerkamp, Werner Grabherr, Dierk Hein
  • Patent number: 6354617
    Abstract: The invention relates to a level control arrangement for vehicles having air springs (6a) to (6d) and a pneumatically controllable directional valve (26). A residual pressure holding function and an overpressure function are integrated into the directional valve (26). The directional valve (26) is controlled by the air pressure in the air springs (6a) to (6d). The air pressure can be applied via a control line (20) to a control input (24) of the directional valve (26). The air from the air springs (6a) to (6d) is released with the aid of the venting line (28). The venting line (28) is guided separately from the control line (20) through the directional valve (26). In this way, a large air flow can be conducted through the venting line (28) without the static air pressure in the control space (50) of the directional valve (26) being reduced. The venting line is blocked by a stepped piston (44) of the directional valve when no air is to be released from the air springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christoph Behmenburg, Uwe Folchert, Heinz Job, Helge Westerkamp
  • Patent number: 6332623
    Abstract: Level adjustment device for vehicles with air springs 8a through 8d, by which a vehicle body is furnished with suspension on at least one vehicle axle, which includes the following: a source of compressed air 2, which, for the purpose of filling air springs 8a through 8d, can be connected to air springs 8a through 8d via an air dryer 4, the air dryer 4, for the purpose of filling the air springs, is connected on one side to air springs 8a through 8d through a check valve 6 that is open to air springs 8a through 8d, each air spring 8a through 8d, for the purpose of emptying them, can be connected through the air dryer 4 and through a pneumatically controlled first distribution valve 10 to the atmosphere, wherein the pneumatic control input 38 of this distribution valve 10 is then impinged through a second controllable distribution valve 12 with the pressure in air springs 8a through 8d against a restoring force 50 acting on the pneumatic control input 38, the pneumatic control input 38 of the pneumatically co
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christof Behmenburg, Helge Westerkamp
  • Publication number: 20010004443
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closed level control system for a vehicle. The closed level control system includes a pump which transfers a pressurized medium between a pressurized medium supply vessel (4) and pressurized medium chambers (2a to 2d). The input (8) of the pump (6) is connected to the supply vessel (4) and the output (10) of the pump (6) is connected to the pressurized medium chambers (2a to 2d) when the pressurized medium is to be pumped from the supply vessel (4) into the pressurized medium chambers (2a to 2d). If, in contrast, pressurized air is to be pumped from a pressurized medium chamber (2a to 2d) into the supply vessel (4), then the input (8) of the pump (6) is connected to the pressurized medium chamber and the output (10) of the pump (6) is connected to the supply vessel (4). The above-mentioned connections preferably take place via controllable directional valves (14, 18). The level control system makes it possible that the pump (6) has to always run only in one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventors: Christof Behmenburg, Helge Westerkamp
  • Patent number: 6116586
    Abstract: The invention relates to a level control arrangement for a vehicle having air springs (8) via which the chassis of the vehicle is suspended relative to at least one vehicle axle. A pneumatically-controllable directional-control valve (18) is arranged between the compressor (4) and the air dryer (6) and the directional-control valve (18) has two control inputs (20 and 22). In the base state of the level control arrangement, the compressor (4) is connected via the pneumatically-controllable directional-control valve (18) to the air dryer (6). When the control line (26) of the first control input (20) is connected via a controllable directional-control valve (30) to the atmosphere, the pneumatically-controllable directional-control valve 18 transfers into the other switching state and the air spring (8) can be vented via the air dryer (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helge Westerkamp, Uwe Folchert, Heinz Job