Patents by Inventor Helmut Sowig

Helmut Sowig 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: 11801752
    Abstract: A motor vehicle control device, comprising an outer housing part, a control unit including a control surface and a printed circuit board which is carried by a circuit board carrier that is at least partly accommodated and floatingly mounted in the outer housing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: BCS AUTOMOTIVE INTERFACE SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Nelson Carvalho, Pawel Borowczyk, Steffen Sornberger, Helmut Sowig, Leandro Conde, Viktor Beliuzhenko
  • Patent number: 11764782
    Abstract: There is described a motor vehicle control device (10) with a control unit (12), which includes a movable control element (14), and an electrode carrier (20) which comprises at least two electrodes (24) associated to the control element (14), which are contacted electrically and together with the control unit (12) form a common capacitor (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: BCS AUTOMOTIVE INTERFACE SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Nelson Carvalho, Pawel Borowczyk, Steffen Sornberger, Helmut Sowig, Viktor Beliuzhenko, Leandro Conde
  • Patent number: 11257404
    Abstract: There is described a motor vehicle control device (10) for an interior space of a motor vehicle, comprising a trim (12) and a printed circuit board (34), wherein the trim (12) comprises a control surface (14) on which at least one switching symbol (16) to be actuated is shown, which can be backlit by a light source, wherein the light source is associated to a light duct (22) which leads to the control surface (14), wherein the light emitted by the light source (44, 60) extends along the light duct (22) and backlights the at least one switching symbol (16) to be actuated. Furthermore, there is described a method for manufacturing a motor vehicle control device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: BCS AUTOMOTIVE INTERFACE SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Nelson Carvalho, Pawel Borowczyk, Steffen Sornberger, Helmut Sowig, Viktor Beliuzhenko, Leandro Conde
  • Patent number: 11196417
    Abstract: There is described a motor vehicle control device (10), with an at least partly electrically conductive control unit (12) which on an actuating surface (14) includes at least one capacitive actuating area (26), and a printed circuit board (20) associated to the control unit (12), which is spaced from the actuating surface (14) and comprises at least one electrode (34). The capacitive actuating area (26) comprises at least one sensor surface (24) provided on the actuating surface (14), which via at least one electrically conductive portion (28) of the control unit (12) and a press connection element (32) is electrically and directly connected with the at least one electrode (34) on the printed circuit board (20). The printed circuit board (20) and the control unit (12) are pressed against each other, wherein the press connection element (32) is mechanically connected with the electrode (34) and/or the electrically conductive portion (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: BCS AUTOMOTIVE INTERFACE SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Nelson Carvalho, Pawel Borowczyk, Steffen Sornberger, Helmut Sowig, Viktor Beliuzhenko, Leandro Conde
  • Patent number: 11192450
    Abstract: There is described a motor vehicle control device (10), comprising an at least partly electrically conductive control unit (16) including a control surface (20) and a printed circuit board (43) associated to the control unit (16), which comprises several electrodes (44). The control unit (16) includes at least one actuating area (30) which is provided on a capacitive actuating element (32) protruding from the control surface (20) to the outside, in particular wherein the at least one actuating area (30) is provided on a side face (34) of the actuating element (32), which is substantially vertical to the control surface (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: BCS AUTOMOTIVE INTERFACE SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Nelson Carvalho, Pawel Borowczyk, Steffen Sornberger, Helmut Sowig, Viktor Beliuzhenko, Leandro Conde
  • Publication number: 20210167777
    Abstract: There is described a motor vehicle control device (10), with an at least partly electrically conductive control unit (12) which on an actuating surface (14) includes at least one capacitive actuating area (26), and a printed circuit board (20) associated to the control unit (12), which is spaced from the actuating surface (14) and comprises at least one electrode (34). The capacitive actuating area (26) comprises at least one sensor surface (24) provided on the actuating surface (14), which via at least one electrically conductive portion (28) of the control unit (12) and a press connection element (32) is electrically and directly connected with the at least one electrode (34) on the printed circuit board (20). The printed circuit board (20) and the control unit (12) are pressed against each other, wherein the press connection element (32) is mechanically connected with the electrode (34) and/or the electrically conductive portion (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: NELSON CARVALHO, PAWEL BOROWCZYK, STEFFEN SORNBERGER, HELMUT SOWIG, VIKTOR BELIUZHENKO, LEANDRO CONDE
  • Publication number: 20210146778
    Abstract: There is described a motor vehicle control device (10), comprising an at least partly electrically conductive control unit (16) including a control surface (20) and a printed circuit board (43) associated to the control unit (16), which comprises several electrodes (44). The control unit (16) includes at least one actuating area (30) which is provided on a capacitive actuating element (32) protruding from the control surface (20) to the outside, in particular wherein the at least one actuating area (30) is provided on a side face (34) of the actuating element (32), which is substantially vertical to the control surface (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: NELSON CARVALHO, PAWEL BOROWCZYK, STEFFEN SORNBERGER, HELMUT SOWIG, VIKTOR BELIUZHENKO, LEANDRO CONDE
  • Publication number: 20210138905
    Abstract: There is described a motor vehicle control device (10) for an interior space of a motor vehicle, comprising a trim (12) and a printed circuit board (34), wherein the trim (12) comprises a control surface (14) on which at least one switching symbol (16) to be actuated is shown, which can be backlit by a light source, wherein the light source is associated to a light duct (22) which leads to the control surface (14), wherein the light emitted by the light source (44, 60) extends along the light duct (22) and backlights the at least one switching symbol (16) to be actuated. Furthermore, there is described a method for manufacturing a motor vehicle control device (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: NELSON CARVALHO, PAWEL BOROWCZYK, STEFFEN SORNBERGER, HELMUT SOWIG, VIKTOR BELIUZHENKO, LEANDRO CONDE
  • Publication number: 20210143818
    Abstract: There is described a motor vehicle control device (10) with a control unit (12), which includes a movable control element (14), and an electrode carrier (20) which comprises at least two electrodes (24) associated to the control element (14), which are contacted electrically and together with the control unit (12) form a common capacitor (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: NELSON CARVALHO, PAWEL BOROWCZYK, STEFFEN SORNBERGER, HELMUT SOWIG, VIKTOR BELIUZHENKO, LEANDRO CONDE
  • Publication number: 20200139816
    Abstract: There is described a motor vehicle control device (10), comprising an outer housing part (12), a control unit (14) including a control surface (16) and a printed circuit board (22) which is carried by a circuit board carrier (28) that is at least partly accommodated and floatingly mounted in the outer housing part (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: NELSON CARVALHO, PAWEL BOROWCZYK, STEFFEN SORNBERGER, HELMUT SOWIG, LEANDRO CONDE, VIKTOR BELIUZHENKO
  • Publication number: 20200108718
    Abstract: A motor vehicle operating device (10) for an interior of a motor vehicle has an operating surface (26) which has a plurality of switching symbols (28) displayed thereon, each of which having a touch sensor (38) associated therewith. The touch sensors (38) are each configured to detect an approach to and/or a touch of the operating surface (26). The motor vehicle operating device (10) further comprises a plurality of pressure sensors (40) which are associated with the switching symbols (28), the number of pressure sensors (40) being smaller than the number of touch sensors (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: NELSON CARVALHO, PAWEL BOROWCZYK, STEFFEN SORNBERGER, HELMUT SOWIG, VIKTOR BELIUZHENKO, LEANDRO CONDE
  • Patent number: 6697128
    Abstract: For optimum videotex data coding, for error-free functioning of so-called descramblers and—not least—for the impression of improved detail resolution on the screen of a television set of displayed pictures, it is known to process the video frequency response by influencing the higher frequency components in the video signal spectrum. According to the invention, adaptation to a video frequency response sought is in each case carried out automatically by means of corresponding shifting of the vision carrier relative to the IF total transmission curve. The respective adaptation for the relevant television channel of the set is effected, in principle, by the addition of a corresponding correction value to the corresponding channel tuning voltage of the tuner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Helmut Sowig, Reinhard Sauter
  • Patent number: 6288503
    Abstract: At the onset of ageing or in the further course of their service life, color picture tubes relatively frequently exhibit a rise in the field strength between the cathode (K) and the Wehnelt electrode (G1) of the respective beam system on account of a blooming effect of the cathodes (K) which is known per se and reduces the spacing between cathode (K) and Wehnelt electrode (G1). The cut-off regulation reacts to an effect of this type in a manner such that the reverse voltage acting between cathode (K) and Wehnelt electrode (G1) is correspondingly reduced in order to be able to drive the same reference cathode current. However, the reaction of the cut-off regulation must be taken into account for the circuit design since this would otherwise result in an unacceptable reduction in the modulation range, which would, in turn, have an adverse effect on the maximum contrast setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Deutsche Thomas-Brandt GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Sowig
  • Patent number: 6204882
    Abstract: Recent circuit concepts inject measurement lines, for cutoff and drive control of the cathode current, into each color channel during the vertical frame blanking period. Owing to the physically dependent exponential beam current characteristic profile as a function of the cathode control voltage VK, the exponent &ggr; of the characteristic profile and the ratio of two cathode components IK1 and IK2 may be used to form control reference values for cutoff and drive control, this process being started in each case from a fixed value of the exponent &ggr; or of the ratio of the two cathode currents IK1 and Ik2. However, it has been found that, if a fixed value is assumed for the exponent &ggr; or for the ratio of the two cathode currents IK1 and IK2, it is not possible to achieve an optimum result for displaying monochrome pictures. Thus, according to the invention, the exponent &ggr; is defined as a function of the color tube 1. The aim in this case is to reduce a &ggr;-dependent DC voltage offset u0f to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Sowig
  • Patent number: 6057883
    Abstract: A circuit for controlling the picture tube in a television receiver. In order to generate a high peak white on the screen of the picture tube, it is desirable to drive the output amplifiers at full output. Because of tolerances, for example in the cutoff calibration, the transparency of the picture tube glass, fluctuations in the input signal etc., driving the video output stages to full output may drive the output stages into saturation and disturbances in the form of so-called smears can occur in the picture. The present invention permits the output stages to be driven to full output as far as the highest peak white without the output amplifiers going into saturation and causing disturbances in the form of smears in the picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Fey, Helmut Sowig
  • Patent number: 5475424
    Abstract: A circuit for automatically adjusting the beam current of a CRT to compensate for long term changes in the characteristics of the CRT upon the occurrence of an operational event of the CRT, and for avoiding producing unwanted lines in dark screen areas during current blanking includes an adjustment circuit for providing a reference control signal. A test line generator provides a test line pulse to the adjustment circuit upon the occurrence of the operational event. The beam current developed by the reference control signal is measured and an adjustment voltage is generated. A comparator receives the adjustment voltage and a reference voltage and provides a control voltage. A switch connects the test line generator and the control voltage to the adjustment circuit a preselected time after the occurrence of the operational event. A memory device stores the control voltage until the next occurrence of the operational event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Sowig, David M. Vizer
  • Patent number: 5347319
    Abstract: A circuit for regulating the color subcarrier amplitude in a video recorder used with a television receiver which employs overscanning of the electron beams for different modes of operation includes a regulating circuit for providing a regulating voltage representative of the amplitude of the color subcarrier. The regulating circuit includes a variable time constant circuit for switching from a short time constant during the overscanning to a long time constant immediately prior to ending the overscanning to change the regulating voltage in response to changes in the time constant. A variable amplifier is responsive to the regulating voltage to regulate the amplification of the color subcarrier in response to changes in the time constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Sowig
  • Patent number: 5173768
    Abstract: A system for adaptively separating luminance and chrominance components of a color television signal includes a chrominance comb filter comprising a delay network with dual delay elements for providing a combed chrominance component, a bandpass filter for providing a bandpassed chrominance component, and a subtraction circuit. The subtraction circuit subtracts either the combed chrominance component or the bandpassed chrominance component from the television signal to produce a separated luminance component as a function of the phase of signals obtained from the delay network. Illustratively, the subtracter subtracts the bandpassed chrominance component from the television signal in the presence of color transitions in the vertical direction, and in the presence of 180.degree. color transitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Sowig, Michael Zahm