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).
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Patent number: 10145710Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 13, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.Inventors: Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV, Jacques L. Favreau, Lothar Westerweck
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Publication number: 20140158873Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.Inventors: Ian B. HANSON, Paul F. BENTE,, IV, Jacques L. Favreau, Lothar Westerweck
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Patent number: 8711097Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 22, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: DigitalOptics CorporationInventors: Lothar Westerweck, Stephen C. Arnold, John D. Griffith, Heidi L. Hall, Srinivas T. Rao
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Patent number: 8674288Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.Inventors: Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV, Jacques L. Favreau, Lothar Westerweck
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Patent number: 8564715Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventors: Lothar Westerweck, Wolfram Grziwa, Russel L. Moore
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Patent number: 8083421Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLCInventor: Lothar Westerweck
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Publication number: 20110292526Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: FLEXTRONICS AP, LLCInventors: Lothar Westerweck, Wolfram Grziwa, Russel L. Moore
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Publication number: 20110233393Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Inventors: Ian B. HANSON, Paul F. Bente, IV, Jacques L. Favreau, Lothar Westerweck
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Publication number: 20110228154Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: FLEXTRONICS AP, LLCInventors: Lothar Westerweck, Albert Chua, Abhijit Limaye
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Patent number: 8018528Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLCInventors: Lothar Westerweck, Wolfram Grziwa, Russel L. Moore
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Publication number: 20110122060Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Lothar Westerweck, Stephen C. Arnold, John D. Griffith, Heidi L. Hall, Srinivas T. Rao
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Publication number: 20110052183Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: FLEXTRONICS AP, LLCInventor: Lothar Westerweck
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Publication number: 20100325883Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: FLEXTRONICS AP, LLCInventors: Lothar Westerweck, Albert Chua, Abhijit Limaye
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Patent number: 7825985Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLCInventors: Lothar Westerweck, Albert Chua, Abhijit Limaye
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Patent number: 7806606Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLCInventor: Lothar Westerweck
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Patent number: 7798730Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLCInventor: Lothar Westerweck
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Patent number: 7623301Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Flextronics, AP LLCInventors: Lothar Westerweck, Wolfram Grziwa
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Patent number: 7590505Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLCInventors: Wolfram Grziwa, Lothar Westerweck, Klaus Raschke
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Patent number: 7580209Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLCInventors: Lothar Westerweck, Wolfram Grziwa
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Patent number: 7573011Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLCInventors: Lothar Westerweck, Wolfram Grziwa, Klaus Raschke, Alexander Raschke, John Toor