Patents by Inventor Josef Schmidt

Josef Schmidt 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: 12593118
    Abstract: A receiver for a system for transmitting light, includes a camera having an image sensor, a light-sensitive area of the image sensor including a plurality of lines of light-sensitive elements, the image sensor being configured such that the light-sensitive area of the image sensor is scanned line by line or column by column, and an attachment element disposed such that light impinging on the light-sensitive area of the image sensor first passes through the attachment element. The attachment element includes strip-shaped, contoured regions and strip-shaped, planar regions. The contoured regions and the planar regions are disposed alternately in a transverse direction. The contoured regions have a constant cross section in an advance direction extending perpendicular to the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2026
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Degen, Josef Schmidt, Zhidong Hua, Thomas Schäfer, Philipp Lehmann
  • Patent number: 12557433
    Abstract: An energy production system with energy store and method for operating an energy production system, solar cells, particularly a module including solar cells, being connected to an inverter, especially at its DC-side terminal, the inverter being connected at its terminal on the alternating-voltage side to a power consumer and/or an AC system, a DC/DC converter being connected, especially with its first DC-side terminal, in parallel to the solar cells, particularly to the module including solar cells, the DC/DC converter being connected to an energy store, particularly which is connected to the second DC-side terminal of the DC/DC converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2026
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Sebastian Schiffmann, Josef Schmidt, Matthias Hauck, Christian Lampert, Daniel Tritschler, Thomas Zöller
  • Patent number: 12509300
    Abstract: In a method for operating a technical plant, which includes a work area for producing ready-to-ship products from delivered goods and a plurality of load carriers, each including a control, a drive connected to the control, and a communication interface, for transporting goods and for transporting products, goods are delivered to the technical plant, delivered goods are transported into the work area by the load carriers, products are produced in the work area from the goods transported into the work area, produced products are transported out of the work area by the load carriers, and products transported out of the work area are shipped out from the technical plant. A technical plant, which includes a work area for producing ready-to-ship products made from delivered goods, is operable using the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2025
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Josef Schmidt, Frank Schönung, Patrick Weis, Michael Angst, Alexander Fuchs, Tanja Walz
  • Patent number: 12362781
    Abstract: In a system and method for operating a system, a drive is connectable to a supply-voltage source, especially an AC-voltage source, with the aid of an apparatus, in particular a control unit, via electric lines installed in the system, and information is transmittable between the control unit and the drive, using the lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Belz, Benjamin Moos, Josef Schmidt
  • Patent number: 12330708
    Abstract: A mobile transport system includes a drive unit having a first drive wheel rotatable about a first drive axis and a second drive wheel rotatable about a second drive axis, the drive axes extending in a transverse direction. The drive unit includes a swivel and a drive frame. The drive frame is pivotable about a steering axis relative to the swivel. The drive unit includes a marking carrier that is disposed in a stationary manner relative to the drive frame, and on which optically detectable markings are applied. The drive unit includes a camera for detecting the markings and is disposed in a stationary manner relative to the swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Degen, Josef Schmidt, Alexander Junginger, Gero Bockelmann, Andreas Tuskan, Jan-Patrick Ködderitzsch, Frank Erb
  • Patent number: 12286334
    Abstract: A mobile transport system includes a vehicle frame, first and second pairs of support wheels, first and second drive wheels, and a swing frame. A drive unit including a drive frame is disposed on the swing frame. The first drive wheel is rotatably supported on a first swing arm, and the second drive wheel is rotatably supported on a second swing arm. The first and second swing arms are coupled to each other by a coupling unit, such that a pivot motion of the first swing arm about a first swing axis in a first pivot direction brings about a pivot motion of the second swing arm about a second swing axis in a second pivot direction oriented opposite to the first pivot direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Josef Schmidt, Andreas Tuskan
  • Patent number: 12275307
    Abstract: A mobile transport system includes a vehicle frame, first and second pairs of support wheels, first and second drive wheels, and a swing frame pivotable about an swing axis relative to the vehicle frame. The first support wheels are disposed on the vehicle frame, and the second support wheels are disposed on the swing frame. A drive unit including a drive frame is disposed on the swing frame. The first drive wheel is rotatably supported on a first swing arm pivotable about a first swing axis relative to the drive frame, and the second drive wheel is rotatably supported on a second swing arm pivotable about a second swing axis relative to the drive frame. The drive frame is pivotable about a steering axis relative to the swing frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Josef Schmidt, Andreas Tuskan, Jan-Patrick Ködderitzsch, Gero Bockelmann
  • Patent number: 12263902
    Abstract: A mobile transport system for transporting objects, e.g., in a technical facility, includes a first drive module and a second drive module, which are offset relative to each other in a longitudinal direction, and a load-holding unit, which is supported on the drive modules. Each of the drive modules includes a module frame, a first caster, which is mounted for rotation about a first axis of rotation, a second caster, which is mounted for rotation about a second axis of rotation, a third caster, which is mounted for rotation about a third axis of rotation, a fourth caster, which is mounted for rotation about a fourth axis of rotation, and a drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Josef Schmidt, Andreas Tuskan
  • Patent number: 12224418
    Abstract: An energy store includes a storage module having a fan. The fan is arranged as a radial fan, and channels extend through the storage module, e.g., axially, open into a spatial region which is delimited by a cover part of the energy store connected to the storage module and the storage module. The cover part has a recess extending through the cover part, e.g., axially, which is covered by the fan, e.g., by the suction region of the fan, e.g., on the side of the cover part facing away from the storage module, and the energy store has a deflection hood, e.g., for deflecting the conveyed air flow in the axial direction, on the side of the cover part facing away from the storage module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Josef Schmidt, Firat Altan, Matthias Hauck, Thomas Zöller
  • Publication number: 20240367542
    Abstract: In a method for operating a battery, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Applicant: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Josef SCHMIDT, Matthias HAUCK, Jens SCHÄFER, Thomas ZÖLLER, Manuel BAENA
  • Patent number: 12103795
    Abstract: A system for transporting goods, includes a transport container for holding goods, a driverless transport vehicle for transporting the transport container, and a transfer station, on which the transport container is positionable. The transport container includes a locking device, which is lockable to a first locking unit of the driverless transport vehicle, and to a second locking unit of the transfer station. In a method for transporting goods: the locking device of the transport container is locked to the first locking unit; the transport container is transported by the driverless transport vehicle to the transfer station; the locking device of the transport container is unlocked from the first locking unit; and the locking device of the transport container is locked to the second locking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Maximilian Winter, Friedrich Lagier, Frank Schönung, Josef Schmidt
  • Patent number: 12091068
    Abstract: In a system and method for operating a system having a rail, a stationary unit, rail-guided mobile parts, and a slotted hollow waveguide, either a first one of the mobile parts or the stationary unit functions as a transmitter, and a second one of the mobile parts functions as a receiver. The transmitter is configured for the simultaneous transmission of an electromagnetic signal and an acoustic signal, e.g., at a first instant. The receiver, which is set apart from the transmitter, is configured to detect the arrival of the electromagnetic signal at a second instant and to detect the arrival of the acoustic signal at a third instant. The second mobile part has an evaluation unit which is configured to determine the distance between the transmitter and the receiver based on the acquired second and third instants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Zhidong Hua, Jonas Felix Bürgel, Michael Lindenfelser, Andreas Wanjek, Thomas Schäfer, Josef Schmidt
  • Patent number: 12081854
    Abstract: A receiver for a light transmission system includes a camera having an image sensor, and a light-sensitive area of the image sensor includes a plurality of rows of light-sensitive elements. The image sensor is configured such that the light-sensitive area of the image sensor is scanned row by row or column by column. An attachment element is arranged such that light incident on the light-sensitive area of the image sensor passes through the attachment element beforehand. The attachment element has at least one lenticular region and at least one planar region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Zhidong Hua, Patrick Rech, Thomas Schäfer, Josef Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20240278861
    Abstract: A mobile transport system for transporting objects, e.g., in a technical facility, includes a first drive module and a second drive module, which are offset relative to each other in a longitudinal direction, and a load-holding unit, which is supported on the drive modules. Each of the drive modules includes a module frame, a first caster, which is mounted for rotation about a first axis of rotation, a second caster, which is mounted for rotation about a second axis of rotation, a third caster, which is mounted for rotation about a third axis of rotation, a fourth caster, which is mounted for rotation about a fourth axis of rotation, and a drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Applicant: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Josef SCHMIDT, Andreas TUSKAN
  • Patent number: 11988531
    Abstract: A system includes an optical waveguide, provided as a component of a first part, and at least one sensor system, provided as a component of a second part. The second part is movable relative to the first part, and the optical waveguide radiates light laterally on the side. The sensor system detects the light intensity of the laterally emitted light emitted by the optical waveguide. A grating is provided between the sensor system and the optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Zhidong Hua, Josef Schmidt, Thomas Schäfer, Andreas Wanjek
  • Patent number: 11964570
    Abstract: In a method for operating an electric vehicle, including an electrical drive device for driving the vehicle, a control device for controlling the driving of the vehicle, a first energy storage device for supplying the control device with a first DC voltage, a second energy storage device for supplying the drive device with a second DC voltage, and an energy supply unit providing an output DC voltage, the first energy storage device is connected to the energy supply unit via a converter device, the second energy storage device is connected to the energy supply unit, the converter device converts the output DC voltage into the first DC voltage, a first power flow from the first energy storage device to the second energy storage device is prevented and a second power flow from the second energy storage device to the first energy storage device is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jens Schäfer, Jan Becker, Gero Bockelmann, Matthias Hauck, Christian Schumann, Josef Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11888517
    Abstract: In a method for a data transmission between first and second modules, and a system having mobile parts for performing the method: the time bases of the first and second modules are synchronized; transmitters of the first module emit a light signal pulse individually one after the other and/or in numbered order in a respective time range; the particular receiver of the second module at which the strongest receive signal occurs is determined, the particular time range and/or the number of the particular time range being determined in which the strongest receive signal occurs; the determined time range and/or the determined number is/are transmitted from the second module to the first module; and the transmitter of the first module associated with the determined time range and/or to the determined number is determined and used for the subsequent data transmission from the first module to the second module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Wanjek, Steffen Storck, Zhidong Hua, Thomas Schäfer, Josef Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11845642
    Abstract: In a method for operating a system, and a system, the system includes a mobile part drivable on a driving surface, and a load carrier. The mobile part includes a radar sensor connected to a control of the mobile part. The frequency spectrum of an intermediate frequency signal is determined, and, using pattern recognition, the frequency spectrum is compared with stored pattern samples, and the result of the comparison is conveyed to the control. The control actuates actuators such as a drive and/or steering unit of the mobile part as a function of the result of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO.KG
    Inventors: Serdal Ayhan, Andreas Wanjek, Zhidong Hua, Thomas Schäfer, Josef Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11789462
    Abstract: A system includes vehicles, a central control unit, and a stationary transceiver module connected to the central control unit via a bidirectional communications channel. Each has a transceiver module for bidirectional communication with the stationary transceiver module and/or a vehicle. The transceiver module has a controllable light source and a light sensor. The central control unit transmits driving orders to the vehicles via the stationary transceiver module. A first vehicle that is located within the spatial transmission area of the stationary transceiver module forwards a driving order to a second vehicle that is located outside the spatial transmission area of the stationary transceiver module, and the second vehicle transmits data via the first vehicle and the stationary transceiver module to the central control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Josef Schmidt, Zhidong Hua, Thomas Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20230294935
    Abstract: A system for transporting goods, includes a transport container for holding goods, a driverless transport vehicle for transporting the transport container, and a transfer station, on which the transport container is positionable. The transport container includes a locking device, which is lockable to a first locking unit of the driverless transport vehicle, and to a second locking unit of the transfer station. In a method for transporting goods: the locking device of the transport container is locked to the first locking unit; the transport container is transported by the driverless transport vehicle to the transfer station; the locking device of the transport container is unlocked from the first locking unit; and the locking device of the transport container is locked to the second locking unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Maximilian WINTER, Friedrich LAGIER, Frank SCHÖNUNG, Josef SCHMIDT