Patents by Inventor Martin Witte

Martin Witte 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: 20110160966
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security system (10) comprising an inner door handle (20) of a door (31) for a vehicle (30). The door (31) can be brought into a locked state and an unlocked state by means of a locking system (32). The security system further comprises an actuator (40) which triggers an actuation process (90) for opening a lock (33) of the locking system (32) when activated (42), and an identification element (50) that detects an approach around a zone (41) of the actuator (40) or a contact with the actuator (40) when the identification (51) has been positive. The locking system (32) has an unblocked mode in which the locking system (32) is in the unlocked state in which the actuator (40) is effectively connected (35, 35?, 35?) to the lock (33). A control unit (60) is in data communication (70, 70?) with the locking system (32) and the identification element (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: HUF HULSBECK & FURST GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Martin Witte
  • Publication number: 20110082589
    Abstract: A control device for a motor vehicle, wherein the control device serves to monitor user access. The system has a piezo sensor which is arranged for pressure or touch detection by a user and connected to a pressure loaded area. A charging circuit is provided, which charges the piezo sensor until a previously specified voltage parameter is reached. A recording and analysis system transforms the voltage that is applied to the piezo sensor into digital parameters and records a series of transformed voltage parameters. A control system is connected to the piezo sensor with an activatable input, and activates the analysis system. A microcontroller is arranged in the control system, and a signal to the activatable input triggers an interrupt in the microcontroller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Martin Witte, Andreas Peschl
  • Publication number: 20100134307
    Abstract: Two sensors (20, 30) which cooperate with one another are used in the interior of an activator (10) in order to trigger functions in a vehicle, said sensors (20, 30) being a proximity sensor (20) with a capacitive electrode (21) and a pressure sensor (30) with a pressure measuring element (31). The intention is that the pressure measuring element (31) will be acted on when pressure is applied manually (44) to an application point (43) on the outside of the actuator (10). It is proposed that in order to improve the method of functioning that the electrode (21) of the proximity sensor (20) be provided with a breakthrough (22) and that the pressure transmission between the application point (43) on the actuator (10) and the pressure measuring element (31) be lead through the breakthrough (22) in the electrode (21). The space between the application point (43) and the pressure measuring element (31) is spanned by a pressure transmitting means (50) which passes through the breakthrough (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Martin Witte, Dirk Mueller, Andreas Peschl
  • Publication number: 20100064587
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator (10) for closing and/or opening a mobile part, especially a door, a tailgate or the like. Said actuator comprises a support (20), an actuating element (30), an electronic unit (50) and a detector system (60), the actuating element (30) being arranged on the support (20), the detector system (60) being arranged in the region of the actuating element (30) and at least a locking or unlocking action being triggerable directly or indirectly on the detector system (60). The electronic unit (50) interacts with the detector system (60) and the electronic unit (50) controls a locking system (40) for locking or unlocking. The invention is characterized in that a receiving unit (70) is integrated into the support (20) and/or into a handle shell (32) in a material fit, at least a part of the electronic unit (50) being permanently accommodated in the receiving unit (70).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: HUF HULSBECK & FURST GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Martin Witte, Mario Christensen, Erkan Korultay
  • Patent number: 7654147
    Abstract: A method for detecting the application of an operator's body part to an operating point of a locking device for a motor vehicle is performed by first detecting the proximity of the operator's body part to the operating point via a proximity sensor. A change in the pressure exerted on the operating point by the operator's body part is detected using a mechanical sensor which is arranged on the operating point. An output signal, which indicates the application of the operator's body part, is generated by an evaluation circuit as a function of the sensor output signals from the proximity sensor and the mechanical sensor. When the evaluation circuit detects the beginning of the application of the operator's body part on the basis of the sensor output signal from the mechanical sensor, a sensor output signal value which is output at approximately the same time by the proximity sensor is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & C. KG
    Inventors: Martin Witte, Helmut Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20090133510
    Abstract: A method for detecting the application of an operator's body part to an operating point of a locking device for a motor vehicle is performed by first detecting the proximity of the operator's body part to the operating point via a proximity sensor. A change in the pressure exerted on the operating point by the operator's body part is detected using a mechanical sensor which is arranged on the operating point. An output signal, which indicates the application of the operator's body part, is generated by an evaluation circuit as a function of the sensor output signals from the proximity sensor and the mechanical sensor. When the evaluation circuit detects the beginning of the application of the operator's body part on the basis of the sensor output signal from the mechanical sensor, a sensor output signal value which is output at approximately the same time by the proximity sensor is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GUMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Martin Witte, Helmut Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20090105975
    Abstract: A method of measuring a capacitance, wherein a voltage across the capacitance is supplied to an input of an evaluation circuit that is designed so that it can detect input voltages with a predetermined degree of precision so long as these voltages are in a measurement interval, includes charging the capacitance to a predetermined starting voltage which exceeds a multiple of an upper limit of the measurement interval. The capacitance across a predetermined resistance is discharged for a predetermined time period. The voltage across the capacitance reaches a final voltage value which is dependent upon the amount of the capacitance. The resistance and the time interval are so chosen that the final voltage value lies in the measurement interval. The final voltage value is detected by the evaluation circuit and the capacitance is determined from the final voltage value. A circuit arrangement for measurement of a capacitance of a capacitor is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Franz-Josef Weber, Martin Witte
  • Patent number: 7446645
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for operating electrical or electromechanical devices (10) in a vehicle, whereby a sensor (40) is used, operating on proximity or contact. According to the invention, the device can distinguish whether operation of the sensor (40) is actually carried out by a human hand, or by erroneous objects, whereby, in an initial adjustment phase, the device records at least one set of data for each signal and stores the same in a memory, which occur at at least some defined timepoints during the signal time course of the corresponding sensor (40). A set of operationally-typical valid data and/or a set of error-typical invalid data is thus obtained. During the subsequent operational phase for the device, an actual data set of analogue signals for the corresponding sensor (40) is recorded during the time course at the same defined timepoints as for the adjustment phase. Said actual data set is compared by a controller with at least one of the stored data sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Steegmann, Martin Witte
  • Publication number: 20080163556
    Abstract: A door for an automotive vehicle provides a tailored space to receive a door window if the window is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Martin Witte
  • Publication number: 20080021619
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for actuating an electric or electromechanical closing device (10) on a door (12) and/or a lid of a vehicle, said device comprising a sensor that reacts to an approach or contact. The aim of the invention is to provide a device that can clearly differentiate between the triggering of the sensor by a real human hand or by an erroneous object. To achieve this, a two-part auxiliary sensor (50), which consists of a permanent magnet (52) and a Hall element (51), is positioned in addition to the primary sensor (40) in the contact area of a handle (20). One part of the auxiliary sensor (50), e.g. the Hall clement (51), is situated on the displaceable handle (20) and the other part, namely the permanent magnet (52), on the fixed carrier (11). During a displacement (23) of the Hall clement (51) in relation to the permanent magnet (52), a signal is generated both in the auxiliary sensor (50) and the primary sensor (40), said signals being evaluated in common.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2005
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Bearnd Steegmann, Martin Witte, Mirko Schindler, Helmut Klein
  • Publication number: 20070247275
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for operating electrical or electromechanical devices (10) in a vehicle, whereby a sensor (40) is used, operating on proximity or contact. According to the invention, the device can distinguish whether operation of the sensor (40) is actually carried out by a human hand, or by erroneous objects, whereby, in an initial adjustment phase, the device records at least one set of data for each signal and stores the same in a memory, which occur at least some defined timepoints during the signal time course of the corresponding sensor (40). A set of operationally-typical valid data and/or a set of error-typical invalid data is thus obtained. During the subsequent operational phase for the device, an actual data set of analogue signals for the corresponding sensor (40) is recorded during the time course at the same defined timepoints as for the adjustment phase. Said actual data set is compared by a controller with at least one of the stored data sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: Bernd Steegmann, Martin Witte
  • Patent number: 7205777
    Abstract: A capacitive proximity switch for detecting the change in the capacitance relative to a setpoint capacitance by the approach or retreat of an object in the sensitive area of a proximity switch, especially for use in the door handle of a motor vehicle, provides reliable error detection and error suppression at a fundamentally high sensitivity of the capacitive proximity switch by utilizing an evaluation unit that evaluates a measured value of the change in capacitance over time and depending on the time behavior of the measured value activates changes the operating threshold from a first threshold (which can be caused by a false object coming into or out of the sensitive area of the proximity switch) to a higher second threshold which can be reached only at a relatively greater change in capacitance caused by a target object coming into or out of the sensitive area of the proximity switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignees: i f m electronic GmbH, Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Joerg Schulz, Gerhard Heilig, Heidrun Richter, Bernd Steegmann, Martin Witte, Gianni Uselli
  • Patent number: 7158044
    Abstract: A handle on doors, hoods, or the like especially for vehicles, with a stationary handle part, which can be mounted in a recess in the outer skin of the door, with a gripping element, which acts as a movable handle part and is supported on the stationary handle part, with an electrode of an electrical field-generating capacitor, located in the area of the stationary handle part, and with an electronic circuit for generating and monitoring this electrical field. The electronic circuit responds to the approach of a human hand to the gripping element and, if the response is positive, initiates defined functions in the motor vehicle. The electrode of the capacitor is integrated into a supplemental housing, and the supplemental housing is selectively locatable on the surface of the stationary handle part by the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Mönig, Martin Witte
  • Patent number: 7039564
    Abstract: When the automatic controls of a number of small automata are synthesized to form large automata, the latter are often difficult to manipulate and for the most part cannot be represented graphically. In order to maintain the applicability of incremental verification techniques, the larger automata are reduced, in accordance with the invention. This is done by modeling the automata in a discrete event system DES and by eliminating from the DES all redundant state transitions, disallowed states, and unimportant selfloops. The novel method is most prominently applicable in control programs and distributed control system controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robi Malik, Martin Witte
  • Publication number: 20050249499
    Abstract: For the special conditions of optical metro ring networks with entirely passive nodes, the invention proposes an optical splitting device in front of the optical transceivers, which has an asymmetrical splitting ratio. The excess attenuation caused by the beam splitting for the two paths can be adapted to the asymmetrical fiber link attenuation of the respective paths the device is connected to.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Inventors: Heinz-Georg Krimmel, Harald Schmuck, Martin Witte, Bernhard Deppisch, Thomas Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20050219043
    Abstract: Locking system for a vehicle, in which a locking/unlocking function can be initiated by the activation of at least one capacitate sensor located on an external handle of the vehicle entry, wherein the sensor includes at least a second control surface not accessible to the user or accessible only with difficulty, via which the impact of environmental influences on the sensor by can be distinguished from the activation of the sensor by the user through detection of control surface selective signal changes at the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventors: Rainer Pollmann, Peter Brandl, Manfred Rohlfing, Martin Witte
  • Patent number: 6919856
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ferrite antenna, comprising at least one winding (4), which is arranged around a core (2) consisting of ferrite material. A second core (3), consisting of ferrite material and running coaxially to the first core (2), is allocated to the first core (2), which carries the winding (4) and is rigidly fixed in the coil carrier (1). Said second core, which can be displaced in an axial direction in the same coil carrier (1), is positioned in such a way that the opposing front faces of the two cores are placed at a predetermined distance from one another. Said distance can be altered by displacing the second core (3) in an axial direction in order to tune the antenna. After tuning, the second core (3) can be fixed in or on the coil carrier (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignees: Neosid Pemetzrieder GmbH & Co. KG, Hufhülsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eugenlusz Swoboda, Martin Witte
  • Publication number: 20050068712
    Abstract: A capacitive proximity switch for detecting the change in the capacitance relative to a setpoint capacitance by the approach or retreat of an object in the sensitive area of a proximity switch, especially for use in the door handle of a motor vehicle, provides reliable error detection and error suppression at a fundamentally high sensitivity of the capacitive proximity switch by utilizing an evaluation unit that evaluates a measured value of the change in capacitance over time and depending on the time behavior of the measured value activates changes the operating threshold from a first threshold (which can be caused by a false object coming into or out of the sensitive area of the proximity switch) to a higher second threshold which can be reached only at a relatively greater change in capacitance caused by a target object coming into or out of the sensitive area of the proximity switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicants: i f m Electronic gmbh, Huf Huelsbeck and Fuerst GmbH and Co., KG
    Inventors: Joerg Schulz, Gerhard Heilig, Heidrun Richter, Bernd Steegmann, Martin Witte, Gianni Uselli
  • Publication number: 20050029868
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handle comprising a stationary handle part (10, 20) located in a recess in the outer surface of the door (40) and a movable handle part serving as actuating element (30) that is mounted therein. In order to improve operating comfort, an electrode of a capacitor is arranged in the area of the handle part, said electrode generating an electrical field. An electronic device monitors the electrical field. When the hand of a human being approaches the actuating element (30), the electronic device is actuated and carries out a given function in the motor vehicle, e.g. it unlocks the door-lock. In order to ensure universal application of said handle, the electrode of the capacitor is integrated into an additional housing (16), which is arranged, if necessary, on the surface of the handle parts (10). By mounting or removing said additional housing (16), the handle can be converted into a luxury configuration with surveillance or a standard configuration without surveillance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Inventors: Stefan Monig, Martin Witte
  • Publication number: 20040150577
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ferrite antenna, comprising at least one winding (4), which is arranged around a core (2) consisting of ferrite material. A second core (3), consisting of ferrite material and running coaxially to the first core (2), is allocated to the first core (2), which carries the winding (4) and is rigidly fixed in the coil carrier (1). Said second core, which can be displaced in an axial direction in the same coil carrier (1), is positioned in such a way that the opposing front faces of the two cores are placed at a predetermined distance from one another. Said distance can be altered by displacing the second core (3) in an axial direction in order to tune the antenna After tuning, the second core (3) can be fixed in or on the coil carrier (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Eugenlusz Swoboda, Martin Witte