Patents by Inventor Michael HÖFER

Michael HÖFER 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: 12523465
    Abstract: A method and a device can be used for optically measuring a thread on an end of a metal pipe by at least one measuring head which is fastened to a manipulator. The measuring head is preferably freely positionable in relation to the metal pipe and has at least one optical measuring path for measuring the thread and at least one position detector. The method includes at least the following method steps: A) providing the metal pipe in a measurement position; B) determining the spatial position of a longitudinal axis of the metal pipe by means of the at least one position detector before and/or while the measuring head is positioned in a measurement position; C) aligning the measuring head parallel to the longitudinal axis of the metal pipe before and/or while the measuring head is positioned in the measurement position; and D) carrying out the optical thread measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2026
    Assignee: SMS group GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Höfer, Frank D'Hone, Christian Holländer
  • Publication number: 20240337481
    Abstract: An arrangement (1) and a method for optical measurement of a thread, in particular for measurement of an internal thread (12) on a sleeve or on a sleeve end of a metal pipe (11), are disclosed. The arrangement (1) comprises at least one optical sensor (5), at least one further optical element that can be adjusted relative to the optical sensor (5) and that is arranged on an optical bench (3) at a determined distance from the sensor along an optical axis (7) and is designed for optically scanning the internal thread (12), as well as means for acquiring and/or storing and/or evaluating the measurement data recorded by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Publication date: October 10, 2024
    Applicant: SMS group GmbH
    Inventors: Martin SAUERLAND, Jochen SCHMITZ, Michael HÖFER
  • Publication number: 20240183653
    Abstract: A method and a device can be used for optically measuring a thread on an end of a metal pipe by at least one measuring head which is fastened to a manipulator. The measuring head is preferably freely positionable in relation to the metal pipe and has at least one optical measuring path for measuring the thread and at least one position detector. The method includes at least the following method steps: A) providing the metal pipe in a measurement position; B) determining the spatial position of a longitudinal axis of the metal pipe by means of the at least one position detector before and/or while the measuring head is positioned in a measurement position; C) aligning the measuring head parallel to the longitudinal axis of the metal pipe before and/or while the measuring head is positioned in the measurement position; and D) carrying out the optical thread measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Applicant: SMS group GmbH
    Inventors: Michael HÖFER, Frank D'HONE, Christian HOLLÄNDER