Patents by Inventor Markus Altmann

Markus Altmann 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: 11843163
    Abstract: An opening completely arranged in a skin panel of a structural portion of the aircraft is formed in the outer skin of the skin panel, and for each of the skin panels with one of the openings, an associated structural element of an electronic arrangement is separately provided. The structural element is designed and detachably fastened by a frame thereof to the outer skin in the corresponding skin panel on the side of the outer skin opposite the outer surface, such that it seals the corresponding opening such that the skin panel has at least the same pressure-tightness and at least the same strength relative to tension, pressure and shear forces which act in the skin panel in the extension direction of the outer skin as the same skin panel without the corresponding opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Schaupmann, Markus Altmann
  • Publication number: 20220216601
    Abstract: An opening completely arranged in a skin panel of a structural portion of the aircraft is formed in the outer skin of the skin panel, and for each of the skin panels with one of the openings, an associated structural element of an electronic arrangement is separately provided. The structural element is designed and detachably fastened by a frame thereof to the outer skin in the corresponding skin panel on the side of the outer skin opposite the outer surface, such that it seals the corresponding opening such that the skin panel has at least the same pressure-tightness and at least the same strength relative to tension, pressure and shear forces which act in the skin panel in the extension direction of the outer skin as the same skin panel without the corresponding opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Christian SCHAUPMANN, Markus ALTMANN
  • Patent number: 11316260
    Abstract: An antenna arrangement for an aircraft for fastening to an outer side of an exterior skin of the aircraft has a body and side wall sections and a connecting section. The body is U-shaped or H-shaped if viewed from a predefined direction and can be flowed through with a low aerodynamic drag by a flow along the predefined direction. The antenna arrangement has one or more antennas in the form of a printed circuit board and of which each is fastened to the body and is fastenable directly to the outer side of the aircraft exterior skin at two first edges of the side wall sections which form two free ends of the U-shape or H-shape on a first side of the connecting section or, for the U-shape, on the connecting section and/or regions of the side wall sections, which regions adjoin the connecting section directly as the predefined direction is parallel to the flow direction during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Schaupmann, Markus Altmann
  • Publication number: 20210242576
    Abstract: An antenna arrangement for an aircraft for fastening to an outer side of an exterior skin of the aircraft has a body and side wall sections and a connecting section. The body is U-shaped or H-shaped if viewed from a predefined direction and can be flowed through with a low aerodynamic drag by a flow along the predefined direction. The antenna arrangement has one or more antennas in the form of a printed circuit board and of which each is fastened to the body and is fastenable directly to the outer side of the aircraft exterior skin at two first edges of the side wall sections which form two free ends of the U-shape or H-shape on a first side of the connecting section or, for the U-shape, on the connecting section and/or regions of the side wall sections, which regions adjoin the connecting section directly as the predefined direction is parallel to the flow direction during flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Christian Schaupmann, Markus Altmann
  • Patent number: 10923805
    Abstract: An aircraft antenna assembly has a support element having a first and a second surface on opposite sides, an antenna element arranged on or in the support element, and a sealing device. The first surface and the sealing device are configured such that the antenna assembly is arranged on an outer skin section of an aircraft such that the first surface faces the outer skin section, the sealing device is situated between the support element and the outer skin section, and a cavity is defined by the sealing device, the outer skin section and the first surface. The support element or the sealing device y has a flow channel having a first and a second opening at opposite ends, the flow channel connecting the cavity and the environment and opening into the cavity at the first opening and opening into the environment at the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventors: Christian Schaupmann, Markus Altmann
  • Patent number: 10860111
    Abstract: A motor vehicle operating unit for a motor vehicle, having a haptic feedback device and an operating surface rotatable about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being substantially parallel to a plane spanned by the operating surface in the initial position of the motor vehicle operating unit, the haptic feedback device being arranged so as to control the operating surface such that the operating surface rotates about the axis of rotation. A method of confirming a switching command by means of a motor vehicle operating unit is furthermore described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: BCS AUTOMOTIVE INTERFACE SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Jens Ostendorf, Markus Altmann
  • Publication number: 20200133396
    Abstract: A motor vehicle operating unit for a motor vehicle, having a haptic feedback device and an operating surface rotatable about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being substantially parallel to a plane spanned by the operating surface in the initial position of the motor vehicle operating unit, the haptic feedback device being arranged so as to control the operating surface such that the operating surface rotates about the axis of rotation. A method of confirming a switching command by means of a motor vehicle operating unit is furthermore described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: JENS OSTENDORF, Markus Altmann
  • Publication number: 20190245264
    Abstract: An aircraft antenna assembly has a support element having a first and a second surface on opposite sides, an antenna element arranged on or in the support element, and a sealing device. The first surface and the sealing device are configured such that the antenna assembly is arranged on an outer skin section of an aircraft such that the first surface faces the outer skin section, the sealing device is situated between the support element and the outer skin section, and a cavity is defined by the sealing device, the outer skin section and the first surface. The support element or the sealing device y has a flow channel having a first and a second opening at opposite ends, the flow channel connecting the cavity and the environment and opening into the cavity at the first opening and opening into the environment at the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Schaupmann, Markus Altmann
  • Publication number: 20190180960
    Abstract: An indexed rotary switch (10), in particular a rotary pushbutton switch in a vehicle, includes a base body (12) and a spring ring (26) which is locked to the base body (12) so as to prevent rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventor: MARKUS ALTMANN
  • Patent number: 10268230
    Abstract: In an actuating assembly (16) for a control element in a vehicle, in particular for a steering column stalk (10), having an actuating element (18) that is adapted to be shifted in an actuating direction (B), and a seat (20) in which the actuating element (18) is supported for being shifted hi the actuating direction (B) between a basic position and at least one actuation position, at least one separate spring element (28) is provided between the seat (20) and the actuating element (18) and presses on the actuating element (18) by a spring force (F) acting substantially transversely to the actuating direction (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS & COMPONENTS GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Peter Schulte
  • Publication number: 20150277480
    Abstract: In an actuating assembly (16) for a control element in a vehicle, in particular for a steering column stalk (10), having an actuating element (18) that is adapted to be shifted in an actuating direction (B), and a seat (20) in which the actuating element (18) is supported for being shifted it the actuating direction (B) between a basic position and at least one actuation position, at least one separate spring element (28) is provided between the seat (20) and the actuating element (18) and presses on the actuating dement (18) by a spring force (F) acting substantially transversely to the actuating direction (B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Peter Schulte
  • Patent number: 8093525
    Abstract: A redundant switch includes a housing, an actuator, and a slide movable in the housing in two opposing directions. The slide is coupled to the actuator by two antagonistic springs. The switch includes a latching track with latching notches. At least two switch units are arranged one beside the other for simultaneous actuation by the slide. A latching cam is movably guided on the slide and is urged towards the latching track by a compression spring. The antagonistic springs force the slide to move into respective positions when the latching cam slides over an apex between the latching notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Altmann
  • Patent number: 7989724
    Abstract: In a switch, particularly a window lifter switch, with a housing, a switching rocker which is mounted in the housing and is associated with electrical contacts, and with a button which is likewise mounted in the housing, the button is acted upon elastically so that it is mounted free from play in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Juergen Schmider, Peter Schulte
  • Patent number: 7638724
    Abstract: A switch module includes a switch housing on which at least one operating button or operating rocker is movably guided. The switch module further includes a printed circuit board which is arranged in the switch housing and on which conductor paths with switching contacts are formed, a switching mat which rests on the conductor paths, and an actuating element which transfers the stroke of the operating button or operating rocker to the switching mat. The switching mat engages around the outer edge of the printed circuit board with a form fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Juergen Schmider
  • Publication number: 20090205940
    Abstract: A redundant switch includes a housing and an actuator movable in the housing in two opposing translational directions. A slide is movable in the housing in the same two opposing directions as the actuator and is coupled to the actuator by two antagonistic springs with clearance in both directions of movement. The switch also includes a latching track with at least two latching notches, which are spaced from each other along the directions of movement. At least two switch units are arranged one beside the other for simultaneous actuation by the slide. A latching cam is movably guided on the slide perpendicular to its directions of translational movement and is urged towards the latching track by a compression spring. One of the latching notches in cooperation with the latching cam defines a rest position of the slide, in which the slide does not actuate the switch units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Markus Altmann
  • Patent number: 7571664
    Abstract: A device (10) for fastening a component to a steering column jacket (20, 20?), comprises a fastening sleeve (12) and an equalizer (14) associated with the fastening sleeve (12). The fastening sleeve (12) has at least one mounting section (18) and convexities (22) adjoining the mounting section (18). The mounting section (18) has a first mounting cross-section to receive the steering column jacket (20; 20?), and the equalizer (14) comprises equalizing jaws (16) laterally movable in the fastening sleeve (12), which are movable between a first position in which they are received in the convexities (22), and a second position in which they lie at least partially in the mounting section (18) and define a second mounting cross-section for the steering column jacket (20; 20?), which is smaller than the first mounting cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Markus Mauch
  • Publication number: 20090114517
    Abstract: In a switch, particularly a window lifter switch, with a housing, a switching rocker which is mounted in the housing and is associated with electrical contacts, and with a button which is likewise mounted in the housing, the button is acted upon elastically so that it is mounted free from play in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Juergen Schmider, Peter Schulte
  • Patent number: 7346436
    Abstract: A modular switch and control system for use in a motor vehicle is provided, that is easily and flexibly adapted to the particular needs and requires no additional wiring for added modules. The modular switch and control system comprises a main switch module and optional satellite modules of different types. The main and satellite modules have separate housings with matching engagement structures permitting each satellite module to be fitted to one side of the main module. Each satellite module is electrically connected with the main module through matching male and female connectors. Each satellite module is provided with electrical coding device accessible through the connectors and permitting each satellite to be provided with a code indicative of the module type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co Kg
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Dieter Bornhorst, Christoph Schostok, Karl-Heinz Wohlfahrt
  • Patent number: 7342188
    Abstract: A rotary light switch for motor vehicles is presented that ensures a feel that is not susceptible to mechanical influences. The rotary light switch has an actuator that can be rotated around an axis and that can be moved in the axial direction, and that is non-rotatably coupled to a rotational position indicator and axially coupled to an axial position indicator. Moreover, it has an electronic evaluation circuit to which the signals from the rotational position indicator and from the axial position indicator are fed and, according to a permanently stored decision matrix, said evaluation circuit uses the signals to derive discrete switching states that are converted into switching signals that serve to actuate the lighting system of the vehicle. The rotational position indicator comprises a potentiometer that generates a negligible resistance to the rotational movement, so that no mechanical influences are caused by the rotational position indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. Kg
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Stefan Seiler, Christoph Schostok, Matthias Rimmele
  • Patent number: 7307232
    Abstract: A rotary switch for installation in the dashboard of a vehicle has a switch housing, an actuation shaft that is arranged rotatably in the switch housing, a knob that is mounted on one end of the actuation shaft, and a ring-shaped faceplate that surrounds the knob and that is detachably fastened to the switch housing. The faceplate is connected to the switch housing by a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism can be released by a relative rotation between the faceplate and the switch housing. The knob can be moved axially in a predetermined rotational position and is coupled non-rotatably to the faceplate by means of this axial movement. In order to detach the faceplate from the switch housing, the knob is moved into the predetermined rotational position and then moved axially and turned at the same time, whereby the faceplate also turns and the latched connection between the faceplate and the switch housing is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Karl-Heinz Wohlfahrt