Patents by Inventor Manfred Ruffer

Manfred Ruffer 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: 20100164277
    Abstract: A brake booster for a motor vehicle brake system of the brake-by-wire type, which can be activated both by means of a brake pedal and as a function of a driver's request, as well as independently of the driver's wish by means of an electronic control unit, wherein the coupling of the brake pedal, or of a force transmitting part which is permanently connected to the brake pedal, to an input member of the brake booster is embodied in such a way that the brake pedal or the force transmitting part can carry out a limited relative movement with respect to the input member. In order to minimize the friction which occurs between the force transmitting part and the input member when the brake booster is activated, the force transmitting part, and/or the input member of the brake booster are/is provided in the region of the relative movement of the two parts with respect to one another with means which reduce friction which occurs during the relative movement of the parts with respect to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Holger Von Hayn, Jürgen Schonlau, Manfred Rüffer, Thomas Sellinger, Lazar Milisic
  • Publication number: 20100133897
    Abstract: In order to increase the operational safety of a device which is used in a brake system of the “brake-by-wire” type and has the purpose of activating and deactivating a pedal travel simulator, an articulated connection which permits an all around pivoting movement of a piston rod is provided between a piston and the piston rod which activates the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Holger Von Hayn, Jürgen Schonlau, Manfred Rüffer, Thomas Sellinger, Lazar Milisic
  • Publication number: 20100045096
    Abstract: A motor and pump assembly for providing pressure to a brake actuating device of a motor vehicle brake system is described herein. The assembly comprises an electric motor and a double diaphragm pump. The pump includes a pump housing, two opposed working diaphragms, and crank drives each being coupled between the electric motor and a respective diaphragm for moving the diaphragm. A working chamber is defined between the pump housing and a working chamber cover. Each working chamber including an inlet channel, an inlet valve associated with the inlet channel, an outlet channel, and an outlet valve associated with the outlet channel, wherein the outlet channels are defined in the covers of the working chamber and in the pump housing to direct air displaced from the working chambers into an inside space of the pump housing. An air outlet unit is provided for exhausting the air from the inside space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Jürgen Schonlau, Manfred Rüffer, Wolfgang Ritter, Karlheinz Seitz, Stefan Drumm, Jose Gonzalez, Michael Jürging, Daniela Gude, Oliver Volkering
  • Publication number: 20100005796
    Abstract: A method for creating low pressure in a brake activation device of a motor vehicle brake system, comprising a pneumatic brake force booster the interior of which is divided into at least one low-pressure chamber and one working chamber, a brake master cylinder and a pneumatic motor pump unit for creating the low pressure in the low-pressure chamber, which motor pump unit comprises a low-pressure pump and a motor driving the low-pressure pump, a low-pressure level in the low-pressure chamber or a pressure difference between the low-pressure chamber and the working chamber being detected by a sensor and the motor pump unit being activated by an electronic control unit if the pressure falls below a first predefined, lower low-pressure level Pe in the low-pressure chamber and being deactivated if a second predetermined, upper low-pressure level Pa is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Jürgen Schonlau, Manfred Rüffer, Horst Krämer, Michael Jürging
  • Publication number: 20090210124
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes an electrohydraulic brake system with driving dynamics control, a master brake cylinder (1) operable by means of a brake pedal (43), at least one pressure fluid supply device (94, 95) which can be actuated by an electronic control unit and the pressure of which can be applied to wheel brakes (75, 76, 77, 78) of the vehicle which are connectable to the master brake cylinder (1), on the other hand, by way of at least one hydraulic connection (73, 74) that is closable by means of a separating valve (80, 81), each one inlet valve (82, 83, 84, 85) and one outlet valve (86, 87, 88, 89) connected upstream of the wheel brakes (75, 76, 77, 78), as well as with a device for detecting brake application which comprises a magnet (35) as a signal transmitter and a sensor element (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Jürgen Schonlau, Manfred Rüffer, Dieter Merkel, Oliver Kugland, Torsten Queisser, Thomas Voigtmann
  • Publication number: 20080217122
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brake actuation unit for actuating a ‘brake-by-wire’ type brake system for a motor vehicle comprising a brake booster operable both by means of a brake pedal mounted on a shaft and by means of an electronic control unit depending on the driver's request, with means being provided to decouple a force-transmitting connection between the brake pedal and the brake booster in the ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode, means to detect a deceleration request of the driver, as well as a pedal travel simulator which interacts with the brake pedal and is formed of a simulator spring, which is arranged in terms of effect between a force-transmitting part connected to the brake pedal and a simulator housing, which is mounted on the shaft by means of two bearings. It is arranged according to the invention that the simulator housing (22) includes a cylindrical area (26) for the accommodation of the two bearings (27, 28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Holger Von Hayn, Jurgen Schonlau, Manfred Ruffer, Thomas Sellinger, Torsten Queisser, Lazar Milisic
  • Publication number: 20080196983
    Abstract: Disclosed is a brake actuating unit for actuating a motor vehicle brake system of the ‘brake-by-wire’ type. The system includes a brake booster which is operable in response to the driver's wish both by a brake pedal and by an electronic control unit. A device is provided to decouple a force-transmitting connection between the brake pedal and the brake booster in the ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode. A master brake cylinder connected downstream of the brake booster, a device to detect a deceleration request of the driver, and a pedal travel simulator which interacts with the brake pedal and due to which a resetting force acting on the brake pedal can be simulated in the ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode independently of an actuation of the brake booster, and which can be enabled in the ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode when the force-transmitting connection between the brake pedal and the brake booster is decoupled and can be disabled outside the ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Holger Von Hayn, Jurgen Schonlau, Manfred Ruffer, Wolfgang Ritter, Holger Kranlich, Jose Gonzalez, Thomas Sellinger, Milan Klimes, Torsten Queisser, Michael Haber
  • Publication number: 20080150351
    Abstract: A device for supplying pressure to an actuation unit of a vehicle brake system, in particular to a vehicle brake system of the ‘brake-by-wire’ type, comprising a pneumatic motor-and-pump assembly with a pump and a motor driving the pump, wherein the motor-and-pump assembly is controlled by an electronic control unit depending on a pressure level or pressure difference in a pneumatic brake booster of the actuation unit, with the pressure level in a chamber or a difference in pressure between two chambers of the brake booster being detected by means of a sensor. In order to maintain the availability of the service brake function as high as possible and to obtain a maximum possible redundancy, the control unit, used to control the motor-and-pump assembly comprises a logic module and a power module, which are arranged separately of each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Manfred Ruffer, Georg Fachinger, Holger Wahl, Albrich von Albrichsfeld, Uwe Karl
  • Publication number: 20080017425
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for operating a brake actuation unit of a motor vehicle brake system of the ‘brake-by-wire’ type. The brake system has a brake booster, a master brake cylinder, and a pedal travel which interacts with the brake pedal and due to a resetting force acting on the brake pedal can be simulated in the ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode independently of an actuation of the brake booster, and which can be enabled in the ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode when the force-transmitting connection between the brake pedal and the brake booster is decoupled and can be disabled outside the ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Christian Albrichsfeld, Gunther Buschmann, Manfred Ruffer, Lothar Kienle
  • Publication number: 20070240421
    Abstract: The brake actuation device of a motor vehicle brake system includes a pneumatic brake booster 1, the interior of which is subdivided into at least one vacuum chamber and one working chamber, a master brake cylinder 2 and a pneumatic motor-and-pump assembly 3 for providing the vacuum in the vacuum chamber, which has a vacuum pump 6 and a motor 7 driving the vacuum pump 6. A vacuum level in the vacuum chamber or a difference in pressure between the vacuum chamber and the working chamber is sensed using a sensor 9, and the motor-and-pump assembly 3 is enabled by an electronic control unit 12 when the vacuum falls below a first defined bottom vacuum level Pe in the vacuum chamber and is disabled when a second defined top vacuum level Pa is reached. The rotational speed np of the motor-and-pump assembly 3 is controlled depending on driving conditions of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: Jurgen Schonlau, Manfred Ruffer, Jose Gonzales
  • Publication number: 20070182403
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for monitoring the position and movement of a brake pedal, including a master cylinder 1; 102 with an integrated position generator for monitoring the position of a piston 2; 105 within a housing 6; 103 for use in a controlled brake system for motor vehicles, in particular with driving dynamics control, and the position generator includes a magnet 35; 150 as a signal transmitter which transmits a magnetic field in the direction of a sensor element 36; 151 being stationary on the housing 6; 103, and is connectable to an electronic control unit. To monitor a push rod piston even during a driving dynamics control operation, it is disclosed that the magnet 35; 150 is arranged between two pistons 2, 3; 105, 106 and is displaceable in relation to at least one of the pistons 2, 3; 105, 106.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Holger von Hayn, Jurgen Schonlau, Manfred Ruffer, Wolfgang Ritter, Milian Klimes, Torsten Queisser, Heinrich Kreh, Thomas Voigtmann
  • Patent number: 7152406
    Abstract: The invention relates to a master cylinder with a pressure chamber formed in a housing of the master cylinder and a reservoir bore for accommodating a pressure fluid reservoir, a valve with a closing element being provided which due to a pressure difference prevailing between the pressure chamber and the pressure fluid reservoir can be moved into an opening position or a closing position, the valve in its opening position allowing a pressure fluid flow from the pressure fluid reservoir into the pressure chamber and throttling or preventing, in its closing position, a pressure fluid flow from the pressure chamber into the pressure fluid reservoir. Means are provided which maintain the closing body in its opening position when it is acted upon by a closing pressure difference during vacuum filling of the brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Holger von Hayn, Jürgen Schonlau, Manfred Rüffer, Wolfgang Ritter, Milan Klimes, Torsten Queisser, Ralf Jakobi, Michael Vogt, Dieter Merkel, Bernhard Hammes, Hans-Jörg Feigel, Jose Gonzalez, Stephan Krebs, Oliver Kugland, Thomas Sellinger, Guido Schell
  • Publication number: 20060283244
    Abstract: Disclosed is a measuring device (1) for determining one or more characteristics of a fluid or the level of this fluid in a reservoir (8). In particular, the device is utilized in the brake fluid reservoir of a motor vehicle brake system that may be electronically controlled. The device includes an integrated measuring electronic system (2), a sensor device (4), an electric supply line (18, 26), and an electric connecting line (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Inventors: Jurgen Schonlau, Manfred Ruffer, Jose Gonzalez, Thomas Voigtmann
  • Publication number: 20060163941
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake-by-wire actuator for actuating the brake system of a motor vehicle, comprising a simulator which can be acted upon by a brake pedal, with a signal of an actuation sensor being sent to an electronic control unit which controls a pressure source in response to the signal of the actuation sensor, and wherein an output of the pressure source is connected to a distributor device for the brake force and actuates individual wheel brakes of the vehicle, also comprising means for enabling actuation of the brakes by muscular power within a fallback mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Holger Von Hayn, Jurgen Schonlau, Manfred Ruffer, Wolfgang Ritter, Milan Klimes, Torsten Queisser, Alfred Eckert, Christian Von Albrichsfeld
  • Patent number: 7032497
    Abstract: Vacuum brake booster for motor vehicles comprising a booster housing whose interior is subdivided by a movable wall into a vacuum chamber and a working chamber, a control valve that controls a pressure difference acting upon the movable wall and is accommodated in a control housing that carries the movable wall, said control valve being composed of two concentrically arranged sealing seats and an elastically deformable valve member, wherein the control housing includes a cavity through which a cross member extends and delimits the axial movability of a valve piston relative to the control housing, and the cross member includes at least one projection made of an elastic material in the area where the cross member rests against the booster housing. At least one projection made of an elastic material is provided in the area of points of abutment between the control housing and the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Stephan Krebs, Wilfried Wagner, Hans-Jörg Feigel, Holger von Hayn, Jürgen Schonlau, Manfred Rüffer, Wolfgang Ritter, Milan Klimes, Torsten Queisser
  • Publication number: 20050269180
    Abstract: The invention relates to a master cylinder, in particular for a hydraulic brake system, with at least one pressure chamber formed in a housing of the master cylinder and at least one reservoir bore for accommodating a pressure fluid reservoir, a valve with a closing element being provided which due to a pressure difference prevailing between the pressure chamber and the pressure fluid reservoir can be moved into an opening position or a closing position, the valve in its opening position allowing a pressure fluid flow from the pressure fluid reservoir into the pressure chamber and throttling or preventing, in its closing position, a pressure fluid flow in the opposite direction to the pressure fluid flow from the pressure chamber into the pressure fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Inventors: Holger Von Hayn, Jurgen Schonlau, Manfred Ruffer, Wolfgang Ritter, Milan Klimes, Torsten Queisser, Ralf Jakobi, Michael Vogt, Dieter Merkel, Bernhard Hammes, Hans-Jorg Feigel, Jose Gonzalez, Stephan Krebs, Oliver Kugland, Thomas Sellinger, Guido Schell
  • Publication number: 20050232789
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor/pump unit, especially for slip-controlled motor vehicle brake systems, including an accommodating member for hydraulically active components, an internal gear pump arranged in a bore of the accommodating member and comprising pump components such as a pinion/internal gear combination arranged between two housing parts, wherein the pump components form a pre-assembled unit, and including a motor for driving the internal gear pump. An object of the invention is to devise a motor/pump unit, which allows a space-saving and low-cost integration of an internal gear pump in an accommodating member. This object is achieved in that the housing parts can be arranged preliminarily by at least one securing element in such a fashion that the final alignment of the housing parts relative to each other takes place when the unit is inserted into the accommodating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Inventors: Axel Hinz, Manfred Ruffer, Gunther Vogel, Michael Miltenberger, Petra Fischbach-Borazio
  • Patent number: 6942304
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronically controllable brake actuating system for automotive vehicles, including an unpressurized pressure fluid supply reservoir, a pressure source actuatable by an electronic control unit, the pressure of which can be applied to wheel brakes of the vehicle, further including a device for detecting the driver's wish for deceleration as well as valve assemblies inserted upstream of the wheel brakes and connecting the wheel brakes alternatively to the pressure source or the pressure fluid supply reservoir. In order to increase the operational or functional reliability of a system of this type, the present invention discloses the provision of means for detecting gases or air disposed in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., oHG
    Inventors: Ronald Bayer, Bernhard Schmittner, Christian Albrich Von Albrichsfeld, Ulrich Neumann, Andreas Klein, Johann Jungbecker, Robert Mutschler, Stefan Fritz, Manfred Rüffer
  • Publication number: 20050184585
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronically controllable brake actuating system for automotive vehicles, including an unpressurized pressure fluid supply reservoir, a pressure source actuatable by an electronic control unit, the pressure of which can be applied to wheel brakes of the vehicle, further including a device for detecting the driver's wish for deceleration as well as valve assemblies inserted upstream of the wheel brakes and connecting the wheel brakes alternatively to the pressure source or the pressure fluid supply reservoir. In order to increase the operational or functional reliability of a system of this type, the present invention discloses the provision of means for detecting gases or air disposed in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Ronald Bayer, Bernhard Schmittner, Christian Albrichsfeld, Ulrich Neumann, Andreas Klein, Johann Jungbecker, Robert Mutschler, Stefan Fritz, Manfred Ruffer
  • Publication number: 20050039596
    Abstract: Vacuum brake booster for motor vehicles comprising a booster housing 7 whose interior is subdivided by a movable wall 4 into a vacuum chamber 30 and a working chamber 20, a control valve 1 that controls a pressure difference acting upon the movable wall 4 and is accommodated in a control housing 2 that carries the movable wall 4, said control valve being composed of two concentrically arranged sealing seats 9, 10 and an elastically deformable valve member 11, wherein the control housing 2 includes a cavity 40 through which a cross member 60 extends and delimits the axial movability of a valve piston 16 relative to the control housing 2, and the cross member 60 includes at least one projection 62, 80 made of an elastic material in the area where the cross member 60 rests against the booster housing 7. The core of the invention is that at least one projection 66, 84, 85, 88, 90 made of an elastic material is provided in the area of points of abutment between the control housing 2 and the cross member 60.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Inventors: Stephan Krebs, Wilfried Wagner, Hans-Jorg Feigel, Holger von Hayn, Jurgen Schonlau, Manfred Ruffer, Wolfgang Ritter, Milan Klimes, Torsten Queisser