Patents by Inventor Lothar Westerweck

Lothar Westerweck 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: 10145710
    Abstract: A motor may be configured to drive a drive shaft and an engagement member supported on the drive shaft. A detectable feature comprising a rotary member may be supported on the drive shaft such that movement of the drive shaft by the motor changes a state of the detectable feature. At least one sensor may be arranged to detect the state of the detectable feature. Circuitry may be configured to provide a signal in response to a change in the state of the detectable feature detected by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV, Jacques L. Favreau, Lothar Westerweck
  • Publication number: 20140158873
    Abstract: A motor may be configured to drive a drive shaft and an engagement member supported on the drive shaft. A detectable feature comprising a rotary member may be supported on the drive shaft such that movement of the drive shaft by the motor changes a state of the detectable feature. At least one sensor may be arranged to detect the state of the detectable feature. Circuitry may be configured to provide a signal in response to a change in the state of the detectable feature detected by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Ian B. HANSON, Paul F. BENTE,, IV, Jacques L. Favreau, Lothar Westerweck
  • Patent number: 8711097
    Abstract: An optical navigation device that can sense the movement of an object, such as a user's finger, so that the movement can control a feature of a consumer digital device such as a cursor on a display screen. The device includes a substrate to which an LED, reflector, and image sensor are attached. Light from the LED is directed by the elliptical reflector toward and through a window that is transparent to the light from the LED and then is reflected off of the user's finger back through the window, through a lens, and onto the image sensor. The reflector is positioned to direct light toward the window at an oblique angle, in the range of 65 to 70 degrees from an angle normal to the window. Further, the reflector is curved to gather light across a large solid angle in the vicinity of the LED. The curved shape of the reflector may be a portion of an ellipsoid and the LED may be located at one of the foci of the ellipsoid, with the window located at the other foci of the ellipsoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation
    Inventors: Lothar Westerweck, Stephen C. Arnold, John D. Griffith, Heidi L. Hall, Srinivas T. Rao
  • Patent number: 8674288
    Abstract: A motor may be configured to drive a drive shaft and an engagement member supported on the drive shaft. A detectable feature comprising a rotary member may be supported on the drive shaft such that movement of the drive shaft by the motor changes a state of the detectable feature. At least one sensor may be arranged to detect the state of the detectable feature. Circuitry may be configured to provide a signal in response to a change in the state of the detectable feature detected by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV, Jacques L. Favreau, Lothar Westerweck
  • Patent number: 8564715
    Abstract: An optical module includes a first optics group, a second optics group, and an image sensor, wherein the first optics group and second optics group are configured to provide an image having a focus and a magnification to the image sensor. In some embodiments of the present invention, a first optics assembly includes a first optics group coupled to a threaded portion of a first lead screw so that rotation of the first lead screw results in translation of the first optics group along an axis of the first lead screw, a first actuator for rotating the first lead screw; and a first sensing target configured to permit detection of rotation of the first lead screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Lothar Westerweck, Wolfram Grziwa, Russel L. Moore
  • Patent number: 8083421
    Abstract: A miniature camera module comprising: a module frame comprising a surface with a conduit passing through the surface, thereby allowing light to pass through the surface via the conduit; a first blade coupled to the module frame and configured to rotate about a first axis between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first blade does not eclipse the conduit at all when in the open position and the first blade at least partially eclipses the conduit when in the closed position; a first solenoid coupled to the module frame; and a first pin coupled to the first solenoid, wherein an actuation of the first solenoid causes the first pin to rotate the first blade from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the module includes additional blades, solenoids and pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventor: Lothar Westerweck
  • Publication number: 20110292526
    Abstract: An optical module includes a first optics group, a second optics group, and an image sensor, wherein the first optics group and second optics group are configured to provide an image having a focus and a magnification to the image sensor. In some embodiments of the present invention, a first optics assembly includes a first optics group coupled to a threaded portion of a first lead screw so that rotation of the first lead screw results in translation of the first optics group along an axis of the first lead screw, a first actuator for rotating the first lead screw; and a first sensing target configured to permit detection of rotation of the first lead screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: FLEXTRONICS AP, LLC
    Inventors: Lothar Westerweck, Wolfram Grziwa, Russel L. Moore
  • Publication number: 20110233393
    Abstract: A motor may be configured to drive a drive shaft and an engagement member supported on the drive shaft. A detectable feature comprising a rotary member may be supported on the drive shaft such that movement of the drive shaft by the motor changes a state of the detectable feature. At least one sensor may be arranged to detect the state of the detectable feature. Circuitry may be configured to provide a signal in response to a change in the state of the detectable feature detected by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Ian B. HANSON, Paul F. Bente, IV, Jacques L. Favreau, Lothar Westerweck
  • Publication number: 20110228154
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of manufacturing ultra-compact camera modules, adjusting them, post production, to precise focal point settings, and sealing the precisely aligned assembly to maintain the focal point. Also, the invention specifically relates to ultra-compact camera module apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: FLEXTRONICS AP, LLC
    Inventors: Lothar Westerweck, Albert Chua, Abhijit Limaye
  • Patent number: 8018528
    Abstract: An optical module includes a first optics group, a second optics group, and an image sensor, wherein the first optics group and second optics group are configured to provide an image having a focus and a magnification to the image sensor. In some embodiments of the present invention, a first optics assembly includes a first optics group coupled to a threaded portion of a first lead screw so that rotation of the first lead screw results in translation of the first optics group along an axis of the first lead screw, a first actuator for rotating the first lead screw; and a first sensing target configured to permit detection of rotation of the first lead screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Lothar Westerweck, Wolfram Grziwa, Russel L. Moore
  • Publication number: 20110122060
    Abstract: An optical navigation device that can sense the movement of an object, such as a user's finger, so that the movement can control a feature of a consumer digital device such as a cursor on a display screen. The device includes a substrate to which an LED, reflector, and image sensor are attached. Light from the LED is directed by the elliptical reflector toward and through a window that is transparent to the light from the LED and then is reflected off of the user's finger back through the window, through a lens, and onto the image sensor. The reflector is positioned to direct light toward the window at an oblique angle, in the range of 65 to 70 degrees from an angle normal to the window. Further, the reflector is curved to gather light across a large solid angle in the vicinity of the LED. The curved shape of the reflector may be a portion of an ellipsoid and the LED may be located at one of the foci of the ellipsoid, with the window located at the other foci of the ellipsoid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Lothar Westerweck, Stephen C. Arnold, John D. Griffith, Heidi L. Hall, Srinivas T. Rao
  • Publication number: 20110052183
    Abstract: A miniature camera module comprising: a module frame comprising a surface with a conduit passing through the surface, thereby allowing light to pass through the surface via the conduit; a first blade coupled to the module frame and configured to rotate about a first axis between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first blade does not eclipse the conduit at all when in the open position and the first blade at least partially eclipses the conduit when in the closed position; a first solenoid coupled to the module frame; and a first pin coupled to the first solenoid, wherein an actuation of the first solenoid causes the first pin to rotate the first blade from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the module includes additional blades, solenoids and pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: FLEXTRONICS AP, LLC
    Inventor: Lothar Westerweck
  • Publication number: 20100325883
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of manufacturing ultra-compact camera modules, adjusting them, post production, to precise focal point settings, and sealing the precisely aligned assembly to maintain the focal point. Also, the invention specifically relates to ultra-compact camera module apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: FLEXTRONICS AP, LLC
    Inventors: Lothar Westerweck, Albert Chua, Abhijit Limaye
  • Patent number: 7825985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of manufacturing ultra-compact camera modules, adjusting them, post production, to precise focal point settings, and sealing the precisely aligned assembly to maintain the focal point. Also, the invention specifically relates to ultra-compact camera module apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Lothar Westerweck, Albert Chua, Abhijit Limaye
  • Patent number: 7806606
    Abstract: The present invention is a miniature camera module for use in miniature camera applications. It is an object of the present invention to provide the miniature camera module with solenoid controlled blades in order to alter the amount and quality of light passing through a conduit disposed on the surface of the module. In some embodiments of the present invention, the blade comprises a shutter to completely block light. In other embodiments, the blade comprises an aperture, a neutral-density filter, a monochromatic filter, and the like. In some embodiments of the present invention, the miniature camera module is positioned within a more elaborate miniature camera chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventor: Lothar Westerweck
  • Patent number: 7798730
    Abstract: The present invention is a miniature camera shutter module for use in miniature camera applications. It is an object of the present invention to provide the miniature camera shutter module with solenoid controlled blades in order to alter the amount and quality of light passing through a conduit disposed on the surface of the module. In some embodiments of the present invention, the blade comprises a shutter to completely block light. In other embodiments, the blade comprises an aperture, a neutral-density filter, a monochromatic filter, and the like. In some embodiments of the present invention, the miniature camera shutter module is positioned within a more elaborate miniature camera chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventor: Lothar Westerweck
  • Patent number: 7623301
    Abstract: Systems for positioning a functional element, such as an optical lens, include a housing, a primary guide pin coupled to the housing, a functional group that includes the functional element, and a vibrational actuator assembly. The functional group is movably coupled with the primary guide pin and includes a first friction surface and a second friction surface. The first and second friction surfaces are oriented relative to one another at one of an obtuse angle and a straight angle. The vibrational actuator assembly is substantially registered relative to the housing and includes a first drive element and a second drive element. The first drive element is configured to interact with the first friction surface and the second drive element is configured to interact with the second friction surface. The vibrational actuator assembly operates to translate the functional group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Flextronics, AP LLC
    Inventors: Lothar Westerweck, Wolfram Grziwa
  • Patent number: 7590505
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods of position sensing that use a sensing target with a pattern of features thereupon, and to positioning modules and systems that position functional elements using such position sensing systems. A position sensing system includes an encoding module and a processing module. The encoding module has an active encoding region through which the sensing target is configured to move. Further, the encoding module is configured to generate a signal based on a portion of the sensing target within the active encoding region. The active encoding region has a dimension greater than the average critical dimension of the pattern of features. The processing module is configured to convert the signal generated into a position data based on an input range condition and an initial position condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Wolfram Grziwa, Lothar Westerweck, Klaus Raschke
  • Patent number: 7580209
    Abstract: Systems for positioning a functional element, such as an optical lens, include a housing, a primary guide pin coupled to the housing, a functional group that includes the functional element, and a vibrational actuator assembly. The functional group is movably coupled with the primary guide pin and includes a first friction surface and a second friction surface. The first and second friction surfaces are oriented relative to one another at one of an obtuse angle and a straight angle. The vibrational actuator assembly is substantially registered relative to the housing and includes a first drive element and a second drive element. The first drive element is configured to interact with the first friction surface and the second drive element is configured to interact with the second friction surface. The vibrational actuator assembly operates to translate the functional group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Lothar Westerweck, Wolfram Grziwa
  • Patent number: 7573011
    Abstract: An optical module includes a first optics group, a second optics group, and an image sensor, wherein the first optics group and second optics group are configured to provide an image having a focus and a magnification to the image sensor. In some embodiments of the present invention, a first optics assembly includes a first optics group coupled to a threaded portion of a first lead screw so that translation of the first lead screw results in translation of the first optics group along an axis of the first lead screw, a first actuator for rotating the first lead screw; and a first sensing target configured to permit detection of rotation of the first lead screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Lothar Westerweck, Wolfram Grziwa, Klaus Raschke, Alexander Raschke, John Toor