Patents by Inventor Konrad Feyerabend

Konrad Feyerabend 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: 20250196561
    Abstract: For a vehicle with a front axle (1) and at least two suspended rear axles (2, 3), a level relative to the roadway can be adjusted by t controlling pressurized suspension elements (7, 8) arranged on the rear axles (2, 3), where the rear axles (2, 3) are each driven electrically by an electric motor (10) controlled by at least one control unit (11). A separate transmission (13) with a shifting element that operates with interlock is associated with each rear axle (2, 3), and at least one control device (15) is associated with the rear axles (2, 3). The control device is designed to detect the occurrence of a shifting process at one of the rear axles (2, 3), and as a function of the occurrence of the shifting process, to reduce the pressure of the pressurized suspension elements (7, 8) of the rear axle (2, 3) being shifted and to increase the pressure of the pressurized suspension elements (7, 8) of the other rear axle (2, 3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2024
    Publication date: June 19, 2025
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Spühler, Eike Helm, Konrad Feyerabend, Johann Lucas
  • Publication number: 20240403806
    Abstract: A method for detecting moving bodies or cargo parts inside a cargo space, including storing 3D data describing each measuring point of any bodies or cargo parts in the cargo space as a first data set and carrying out a further, subsequent three-dimensional measurement and storing the 3D data describing the corresponding measuring points of the bodies or cargo parts in the cargo space as further data sets. A third or fourth step is performed. The third step includes comparing 3D data of individual, spatially corresponding measuring points of the first and the further measurement(s) with each and, if changes in the 3D data are detected, carrying out the fourth step and further steps. The fourth step includes checking the first and the further data set(s) by an algorithm to determine whether subsets of the 3D data contained therein characterize a three-dimensional body or a cargo part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Konrad FEYERABEND, Sebastian KUEHNE, Gafur ZYMERI
  • Publication number: 20240319377
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a loading area, in which the interior of the loading area is three-dimensionally measured by at least one distance-measuring, depth-aware sensor, including storing as a first data set 3D data describing each measurement point of three-dimensional surfaces bordering the loading area, and 3D data describing each measurement point of any objects or load parts located in the loading area. The method further includes assigning a time stamp to the first data set and carrying out at least one further subsequent three-dimensional measurement by the sensor, wherein corresponding 3D data describing measurement points is stored as an associated second data set and also assigned a time stamp. The 3D data of the first data set is compared with spatially corresponding measurement points or point sets of the second data set by an algorithm in a computing or analysis unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Konrad FEYERABEND, Sebastian KUEHNE, Gafur ZYMERI
  • Publication number: 20240320978
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a loading space, including measuring at least one surface bounding the loading space in three dimensions using one or more distance-measuring sensors and capturing actual distances of measurement points or sets of measurement points as measured values. The method further includes processing and classifying, by an algorithm programmed in a computing or analysis unit, 3D data associated with the measured values and comparing the 3D data with preset threshold values or patterns for an expected occurrence. The method further includes providing a signal when there is a preset deviation between actual and expected measured values. The one or more sensors capture, in a region of measurement points or sets of measurement points that represent expected distances from a three-dimensional door surface bounding the loading space, actual distances of measurement points. A “door open” or “door closed” state is recognized, and a corresponding signal is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Konrad FEYERABEND, Sebastian KUEHNE, Gafur ZYMERI
  • Publication number: 20240217300
    Abstract: Sensor device for determining the spatial position of the coachwork or body of a vehicle wherein inclinations or existing distances in each case relative to one another of the body or coachwork and axles or chassis and/or road surface are measurable via the sensor device and the signals from the sensor device corresponding to the determined inclinations or distances are transmittable to an electronic control device of a level-regulating system and are processable there in a regulating algorithm, wherein the sensor device has a combination of at least one distance-measuring sensor and an inclination sensor, and also an electronic evaluation unit, wherein the sensor signals from both sensors are processable by the electronic evaluation unit and are transmittable to the electronic control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Inventors: Konrad Feyerabend, Stefan Filter, Oliver Kortmann, Johann Lucas, Oliver Topic
  • Publication number: 20240111042
    Abstract: A device is for determining the body height of a vehicle by contactless measurement of the distance between body or frame of the vehicle and a vehicle part connected to the chassis. The device includes a transmitter and a receiver, which emit a high-frequency signal directed toward the vehicle part and receive and process the reflected signal. The reflected signal is evaluated via an algorithm stored in a control unit assigned to the device and the distance, which can be calculated from the signal, of the vehicle part to the transmitter and receiver is determined. The transmitter is assigned to a damper or stop buffer arranged on the body or frame and emits a high-frequency signal onto a stop surface, which is provided for the damper or stop buffer and is arranged on the chassis, and the receiver receives the signal reflected from the stop surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Konrad Feyerabend, Oliver Topic, Frank Van Son, Julian Weitkamp
  • Publication number: 20220274560
    Abstract: A method is for activating a vehicle function, wherein a controller for activating the vehicle function checks an access authorization of the mobile device and activates the vehicle function only if the authorization is acceptable. The method includes: a) the controller sending a request to the mobile device demanding transmission of the authorization for a vehicle function, b) the mobile device receiving the request from the controller and sending the authorization to the controller, c) the controller checking the authorization and activates the vehicle function if the authorization is acceptable, d) the mobile device sending the authorization only if the device was previously actuated for the purpose of authorization and thus was authorized to send the authorization, e) and the controller activating the vehicle function only if a signal of a sensor device actuatable by the user has previously been received by the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Konrad Feyerabend, Philip Meyer-Rössler, Florian Rehm
  • Patent number: 11320007
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring the functions of a friction clutch which is arranged in a vehicle between a drive motor and a compressor of a compressed air supply system and which can be disengaged and engaged pneumatically. In a delivery mode of the compressor, at least one operating parameter is detected by sensor and evaluated in an electronic control unit. When a slipping condition of the friction clutch is identified, a value for a cut-off pressure of the compressor stored in the electronic control unit is reduced. When a slipping condition has been identified, the delivery mode of the compressor is ended by disengagement of the friction clutch, and a warning signal and/or warning information is outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: ZF CV SYSTEMS HANNOVER GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Brinkmann, Dirk Hillbring, Konrad Feyerabend, Volker Gniesmer, Ralf Stoffels
  • Publication number: 20210381560
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring the functions of a friction clutch which is arranged in a vehicle between a drive motor and a compressor of a compressed air supply system and which can be disengaged and engaged pneumatically. In a delivery mode of the compressor, at least one operating parameter is detected by sensor and evaluated in an electronic control unit. When a slipping condition of the friction clutch is identified, a value for a cut-off pressure of the compressor stored in the electronic control unit is reduced. When a slipping condition has been identified, the delivery mode of the compressor is ended by disengagement of the friction clutch, and a warning signal and/or warning information is outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Stefan BRINKMANN, Dirk HILLBRING, Konrad FEYERABEND, Volker GNIESMER, Ralf STOFFELS
  • Patent number: 10611354
    Abstract: A method for operating a pneumatic system of a vehicle is disclosed. The pneumatic system comprises an electronically and/or pneumatically controlled compressor which supplies compressed air during a normal mode and which is switched off or idles when not supplying compressed air. In the method, an ambient temperature (T_Umg) around the pneumatic system is continuously sensed and compared with a predefined target temperature (T_Ziel), a freezing risk is detected when the ambient temperature (T_Umg) reaches or drops below the target temperature (T_Ziel), and when a freezing risk has been detected, a cold mode is activated in which the compressor delivers compressed air also outside delivery phases of the normal mode, and additional compressed air is supplied to pneumatic system components that risk freezing. An additional ON time (ED_zus) of the compressor in the cold mode is variably controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Brinkmann, Konrad Feyerabend, Bernd Strilka
  • Patent number: 9833736
    Abstract: In a method and a device for compressed air preparation in motor vehicles, ambient air is drawn in and compressed by a compressor (2), dried in a downstream air dryer (4, 4?) and delivered to compressed air consumers (storage tanks 14, 16). The air dryer (4, 4?) is regenerated with system air stored in a regeneration reservoir (30, 30?), passed via the air dryer (4, 4?) and vented via an associated vent valve (22). In predetermined operating states, a switch is made between a delivery phase and a regeneration phase via an electrically controlled governor (36, 36?). The delivery phase of the compressor takes place at least when compressed air consumption is high, and the regeneration phase takes place in the stationary mode at the idling speed of the drive motor, to keep the delivery phases short and to have sufficient time available for regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Brinkmann, Konrad Feyerabend
  • Publication number: 20170203742
    Abstract: A method for operating a pneumatic system of a vehicle is disclosed. The pneumatic system comprises an electronically and/or pneumatically controlled compressor which supplies compressed air during a normal mode and which is switched off or idles when not supplying compressed air. In the method, an ambient temperature (T_Umg) around the pneumatic system is continuously sensed and compared with a predefined target temperature (T_Ziel), a freezing risk is detected when the ambient temperature (T_Umg) reaches or drops below the target temperature (T_Ziel), and when a freezing risk has been detected, a cold mode is activated in which the compressor delivers compressed air also outside delivery phases of the normal mode, and additional compressed air is supplied to pneumatic system components that risk freezing. An additional ON time (ED_zus) of the compressor in the cold mode is variably controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2015
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan BRINKMANN, Konrad FEYERABEND, Bernd STRILKA
  • Patent number: 9347581
    Abstract: For a vehicle, a compressed air control device controls operating states of a compressor and an air drying device, and includes a compressor control outlet pneumatically connectable to a control inlet of the compressor, a system pressure inlet pneumatically connectable to a system pressure line that conducts a system pressure produced by the compressor, a ventilation control outlet pneumatically connectable to a control inlet of the air drying device and configured to pneumatically switch an operating state of the air drying device, a pneumatically operable ventilation control valve controllable by the system pressure to pneumatically couple the system pressure inlet to the ventilation control outlet to switch the operating state of the air drying device, and an electrically operable supply control valve configured to pneumatically couple the system pressure inlet to the compressor control outlet independently of the system pressure to switch the operating state of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Diekmeyer, Konrad Feyerabend
  • Publication number: 20150224438
    Abstract: In a method and a device for compressed air preparation in motor vehicles, ambient air is drawn in and compressed by a compressor (2), dried in a downstream air dryer (4, 4?) and delivered to compressed air consumers (storage tanks 14, 16). The air dryer (4, 4?) is regenerated with system air stored in a regeneration reservoir (30, 30?), passed via the air dryer (4, 4?) and vented via an associated vent valve (22). In predetermined operating states, a switch is made between a delivery phase and a regeneration phase via an electrically controlled governor (36, 36?). The delivery phase of the compressor takes place at least when compressed air consumption is high, and the regeneration phase takes place in the stationary mode at the idling speed of the drive motor, to keep the delivery phases short and to have sufficient time available for regeneration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Stefan Brinkmann, Konrad Feyerabend
  • Publication number: 20150204323
    Abstract: A compressor cylinder head with a cylinder head housing (6) and at least one pressure valve (18) has an associated pressure valve channel (17) in the cylinder head housing (6). The pressure valve channel (17) connects a compression chamber (8) arranged below the compressor cylinder head to a pressure chamber (16) inside the compressor cylinder head. Further, the compressor cylinder head has one or more channel portions with a first coolant channel system (24) inside the cylinder head housing (6), which can be filled with a coolant that flows around the pressure chamber (16). Via a casting method, the cylinder head housing (6) is produced integrally with the first coolant channel system (24) arranged therein, and further coolant channels (34) are arranged on either side of the at least one pressure valve channel (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Faouzi Bouzidi, Achim Bruns, Konrad Feyerabend, Andreas Pretsch
  • Patent number: 9010189
    Abstract: A device for acquiring and processing sensor measured values and/or for controlling actuators has a base housing, sensors and/or actuators attached to the base housing, a cover that can be connected to the base housing to cover the sensors and/or actuators, and a circuit board with control electronics. To mount the circuit board easily and effect secure contact of the sensors therewith, the circuit board is securely connected to the inner side of the cover using press-fit connectors, the circuit board has electrically active first contact faces on its side remote from the cover, the sensors and/or actuators have electrically active second contact faces on their sides facing the cover, and the second contact faces of the sensors and/or actuators are connected to the first contact faces via electrically conductive contact springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Bolik, Konrad Feyerabend, Yves Hansen, Joachim Heider, Joachim Hein, Rodmar Ruter
  • Publication number: 20140034009
    Abstract: A control device for an air supply system of a vehicle, which has a transmission device and an internal combustion engine for driving the vehicle in load phases, is configured to receive measured pressure signals and to output control signals to initiate and terminate delivery phases of a compressor that is or can be connected to the internal combustion engine. The control device picks up state signals relating to a current state of the internal combustion engine and/or the transmission device and initiates a delivery phase as a function of the state signals in load phases of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Brinkmann, Konrad Feyerabend
  • Publication number: 20140022717
    Abstract: A device for acquiring and processing sensor measured values and/or for controlling actuators has a base housing, sensors and/or actuators attached to the base housing, a cover that can be connected to the base housing to cover the sensors and/or actuators, and a circuit board with control electronics. To mount the circuit board easily and effect secure contact of the sensors therewith, the circuit board is securely connected to the inner side of the cover using press-fit connectors, the circuit board has electrically active first contact faces on its side remote from the cover, the sensors and/or actuators have electrically active second contact faces on their sides facing the cover, and the second contact faces of the sensors and/or actuators are connected to the first contact faces via electrically conductive contact springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Bolik, Konrad Feyerabend, Yves Hansen, Joachim Heider, Joachim Hein, Rodmar Ruter
  • Publication number: 20130304329
    Abstract: A method for operating a compressed air brake system in a motor vehicle equipped with a brake control device includes regulating the generation of compressed air and/or the supply of compressed air into a storage container and, in particular, the regeneration of an air conditioning system, using a compressor controller, and carrying out calculations for the compressor control in the brake control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Konrad Feyerabend, Otmar Struwe
  • Publication number: 20130304343
    Abstract: A method and brake control device, with closed-loop braking intervention control functionality, for operating a vehicle compressed-air brake system includes directly processing data representing at least one pressure measurement of the compressed air, such as the pressure in the brake circuit(s) and/or the system pressure. Brake system leaks can be detected even when the vehicle is operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Konrad Feyerabend, Otmar Struwe