Patents by Inventor Michael Kiefer

Michael Kiefer 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: 9043104
    Abstract: A method of determining and shifting to an optimal gear in a vehicle prior to entering a curve in a vehicle which comprises an automatic transmission. A curve speed limit is determined for an anticipated curve which is recognized by a navigation device, an anticipated road pattern and dependent on the vehicle and curve or road data, and a sportiness indicator (Ftyp). For each anticipated curve, an actual, optimal gear is determined, based on the determined curve speed limit and the sportiness indicator (FTyp) and, after determining the optimal gear, the method performs a check to determine whether or not the optimal gear deviates from the engaged gear (RGA_DEST). When a deviation is recognized and a driver reaction, which causes a deceleration of the vehicle and/or a reduction of the vehicle speed, is present, a down shift down to the actual, optimal gear occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Kiefer, Franz-Josef Schuler, Uwe Reitemeier, Andreas Maus
  • Publication number: 20150117837
    Abstract: Methods and systems to provide supplemental content to a user who is viewing video or other content. The user's device (through which he will access the video) then provides an identifier of that video to a server or other computing facility. Here, the video identifier is used to identify supplemental content that corresponds to the user's video. The supplemental content is then provided to the user device for the user's consumption. The supplemental content may be structured in such a way that pieces of the supplemental content are accessible at particular points in the video. The piece(s) of the supplemental content available at a particular point in the video will be related to one or more objects that are present at this point. This allows a user to access one or more pieces of supplemental content in a context-specific manner, at a point in the video where the piece(s) of supplemental content are relevant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Sonic IP, Inc.
    Inventors: William Amidei, Francis Chan, Eric Grab, Michael Kiefer, Aaron McDaniel, John Mickus, Ronald Mombourquette, Nikolai Popov, Fredrick Zuill
  • Publication number: 20150117836
    Abstract: Methods and systems to provide supplemental content to a user who is viewing video or other content. The user's device (through which he will access the video) then provides an identifier of that video to a server or other computing facility. Here, the video identifier is used to identify supplemental content that corresponds to the user's video. The supplemental content is then provided to the user device for the user's consumption. The supplemental content may be structured in such a way that pieces of the supplemental content are accessible at particular points in the video. The piece(s) of the supplemental content available at a particular point in the video will be related to one or more objects that are present at this point. This allows a user to access one or more pieces of supplemental content in a context-specific manner, at a point in the video where the piece(s) of supplemental content are relevant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Sonic IP, Inc.
    Inventors: William Amidei, Francis Chan, Eric Grab, Michael Kiefer, Aaron McDaniel, John Mickus, Ronald Mombourquette, Nikolai Popov, Fredrick Zuill
  • Publication number: 20150006724
    Abstract: Methods and systems for the remote certification testing of user video devices. In an embodiment, test logic and any related test input data is sent from a remote source such as an application server to a user video device. The test logic is executed at the user video device, and test results are output. The test results are sent back to the application server. The operation of the application server may be facilitated by a database. In embodiments, such a database stores test logic and test input data, and/or stores tests results for subsequent analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Sonic IP, Inc.
    Inventors: William Amidei, Jason Braness, Eric Grab, Michael Kiefer, Abhishek Shivadas
  • Publication number: 20150002679
    Abstract: Methods and systems for the remote certification testing of user video devices. In an embodiment, test logic and any related test input data is sent from a remote source such as an application server to a user video device. The test logic is executed at the user video device, and test results are output. The test results are sent back to the application server. The operation of the application server may be facilitated by a database. In embodiments, such a database stores test logic and test input data, and/or stores tests results for subsequent analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Sonic IP, Inc.
    Inventors: William Amidei, Jason Braness, Eric Grab, Michael Kiefer, Abhishek Shivadas
  • Publication number: 20150002680
    Abstract: Methods and systems for the remote certification testing of user video devices. In an embodiment, test logic and any related test input data is sent from a remote source such as an application server to a user video device. The test logic is executed at the user video device, and test results are output. The test results are sent back to the application server. The operation of the application server may be facilitated by a database. In embodiments, such a database stores test logic and test input data, and/or stores tests results for subsequent analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Sonic IP, Inc.
    Inventors: William Amidei, Jason Braness, Eric Grab, Michael Kiefer, Abhishek Shivadas
  • Patent number: 8807495
    Abstract: A load-absorbing device introduces load forces such as cable forces or tensioning forces of sheet-shaped structures into supporting structures (10). At least one load-absorbing part (36, 40) can be anchored on the supporting structure (10) via a bearing element (24). The load-absorbing part (36, 40) has a transmission body (36) forming a convexly shaped transmission surface guided on the bearing element (24) on a carrier surface formed from surface parts adapted to the convexity of the transmission surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Stahl GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Kiefer
  • Patent number: 8757187
    Abstract: A load-absorbing device initiates load forces such as cable forces or tensioning forces of sheet-shaped structures into supporting structures (10). At least one bearing element (24, 80) is anchored on supporting structure (10). A tie rod (40) of a load-absorbing part (36, 40) is connected to the bearing element. A connection device (50) for tension members (16; 98) cooperates with the tie bar (40). The connection device (50) has at least one connection wing (66) projecting laterally from the longitudinal axis (A) and forming at least one connection point (69a) offset with respect to the longitudinal axis (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Stahl GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Kiefer
  • Patent number: 8602368
    Abstract: A load-absorbing device for introducing load forces, in particular cable forces in support devices for tent-shaped coverings and the like, has at least one load-absorbing part (9) on a supporting structure (7). The load-absorbing part (9) is provided on a transmission body (17) forming on at least part of its outer surface, a convex transmission surface (21) which transmits the load forces and which is guided on the supporting structure (7) on carrier surface formed from concave surface parts adapted to the convexity of the transmission surface (21). A load-absorbing node is formed allowing a ball joint-like mobility of the load absorbing part (9) relative to the supporting structure (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Stahl GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Kiefer
  • Publication number: 20120310499
    Abstract: A method of determining and shifting to an optimal gear in a vehicle prior to entering a curve in a vehicle which comprises an automatic transmission. A curve speed limit is determined for an anticipated curve which is recognized by a navigation device, an anticipated road pattern and dependent on the vehicle and curve or road data, and a sportiness indicator (Ftyp). For each anticipated curve, an actual, optimal gear is determined, based on the determined curve speed limit and the sportiness indicator (FTyp) and, after determinating the optimal gear, the method performs a check to determine whether or not the optimal gear deviates from the engaged gear (RGA_DEST). When a deviation is recognized and a driver reaction, which causes a deceleration of the vehicle and/or a reduction of the vehicle speed, is present, a down shift down to the actual, optimal gear occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Michael Kiefer, Franz-Josef Schuler, Uwe Reitemeier, Andreas Maus
  • Publication number: 20120091099
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recovery and reuse of reagents are provided herein. In some embodiments, a system for processing substrates may include a process chamber for processing a substrate; a reagent source coupled to the process chamber to provide a reagent to the process chamber; and a reagent recovery system to collect, and at least one of purify or concentrate the reagent recovered from an effluent exhausted from the process chamber. In some embodiments, a method for recovering unreacted reagent may include providing reagent from a reagent source to a process chamber; exposing a substrate disposed in the process chamber to the reagent, forming an effluent; exhausting the effluent from the process chamber; and recovering unreacted reagent from the effluent in a reagent recovery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: MICHAEL KIEFER, ANDREAS NEUBER, DENIS DAVID, DANIEL O. CLARK, PHIL CHANDLER
  • Publication number: 20110222961
    Abstract: A load-absorbing device for introducing load forces, in particular cable forces in support devices for tent-like coverings and the like, with at least one load-absorbing part (9) on a supporting structure (7), is characterized in that the respective load-absorbing part (9) is provided on a transmission body (17) which forms, on at least part of its outer surface, a convex transmission surface (21) which transmits the load forces and which is guided on the supporting structure (7) on a carrier surface which is formed from concave surface parts adapted adapted to the convexity of the transmission surface (21), with the result that a load-absorbing node is formed which allows a ball joint-like mobility of the load-absorbing part (9) relative to the supporting structure (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Kiefer
  • Publication number: 20110222960
    Abstract: A load-absorbing device for initiating load forces such as cable forces or tensioning forces of sheet-like structures into supporting structures (10), with at least one bearing element (24, 80) which is anchored on the respective supporting structure (10) and to which a tie rod (40) of a load-absorbing part (36, 40) is connected, and with a connection device (50) for tension members (16; 98) which cooperates with the tie bar (40), is characterized in that the connection device (50) has at least one connection wing (66) which projects laterally from the longitudinal axis (A) and which forms at least one connection point (69a) offset with respect to the longitudinal axis (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Kiefer
  • Publication number: 20110217113
    Abstract: A load-absorbing device for introducing load forces such as cable forces or tensioning forces of sheet-like structures into supporting structures (10), with at least one load-absorbing part (36, 40) which can be anchored on the supporting structure (10) via a bearing element (24), is characterized in that the respective load-absorbing part (36, 40) has a transmission body (36) which forms a convexly shaped transmission surface which is guided on the bearing element (24) on a carrier surface which is formed from surface parts adapted to the convexity of the transmission surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Kiefer
  • Publication number: 20110180366
    Abstract: A disc component of a clutch assembly includes, but is not limited to, one or more mounting structures. One of the mounting structures opens in a longitudinal direction of the disc component. The mounting structure is configured to receive a pre-mounted fastener on a second disc component of the clutch assembly from the longitudinal direction. The pre-mounted fastener is configured to fasten the disc component to the second component of from a lateral side of the disc component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Servet Yildiz, Michael Kiefer, Axel Geiberger
  • Publication number: 20110174588
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes, but is not limited to a clutch device and a flywheel. The flywheel is joined to the clutch device by fasteners. The fasteners fasten the flywheel to the clutch device in longitudinal axes of the fasteners respectively. The longitudinal axes of the fasteners are lateral to an axis of rotation of the flywheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Servet Yildiz, Michael Kiefer, Axel Geiberger
  • Patent number: 7972244
    Abstract: Described is a method for controlling a transmission for motor vehicles, especially an automatic transmission or an automatic gearbox, where a gear ratio (“1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”) is adjusted according to operating conditions by means of pre-determined shifting programs (“0”, “Eco”, “Normal”, “Sport”, “Mountain II”, “Warm-up”, “Tip”) and corresponding specific shifting values (HS45, RS43) and where in relation to a vehicle's actual operating condition at least one special function (“Curve Recognition KE”, “Rapid Drive Pedal Release FO”, “Spontaneous Delay Vehicle SVF”, “Drive Speed Control FGR”, “Drive Dynamic control ESP”) is activated, which prevents the change from an actual gear ratio to a target gear ratio requested by a shifting program within a pre-determined operating range of a vehicle. In a first version of the method, the operating range, wherein a gear ratio change of the transmission is prevented, is changed in relation to applied specific values that depend on the operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Armin Gierling, Friedemann Jauch, Franz-Josef Schuler, Michael Kiefer
  • Publication number: 20110070811
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatus and method for recycling both polishing slurry and rinse water from CMP processes. The present invention also relates to rheology measurements and agglomeration prevention using centrifugal pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Andreas Neuber, Phil Chandler, Clifford C. Stow, Daniel O. Clark, Michael Kiefer, Jamie Stuart Leighton
  • Publication number: 20110023908
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recovering hydrogen fluoride (HF) are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a system for processing substrates, including a process chamber for processing a substrate; a fluorine generator coupled to the process chamber to provide fluorine (F2) thereto; an abatement system coupled to the process chamber to abate fluorine-containing effluents exhausted from the process chamber and to convert at least a portion of the fluorine-containing effluents into hydrogen fluoride (HF); an HF recovery system configured to at least one of collect, purify, or concentrate the HF converted by the abatement system; and a conduit for providing the recovered hydrogen fluoride (HF) to the fluorine generator or another application in the manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: ANDREAS NEUBER, PHIL CHANDLER, CLIFFORD C. STOW, DANIEL O. CLARK, MICHAEL KIEFER
  • Publication number: 20080305927
    Abstract: Described is a method for controlling a transmission for motor vehicles, especially an automatic transmission or an automatic gearbox, where a gear ratio (“1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”) is adjusted according to operating conditions by means of pre-determined shifting programs (“0”, “Eco”, “Normal”, “Sport”, “Mountain II”, “Warm-up”, “Tip”) and corresponding specific shifting values (HS45, RS43) and where in relation to a vehicle's actual operating condition at least one special function (“Curve Recognition KE”, “Rapid Drive Pedal Release FO”, “Spontaneous Delay Vehicle SVF”, “Drive Speed Control FGR”, “Drive Dynamic control ESP”) is activated, which prevents the change from an actual gear ratio to a target gear ratio requested by a shifting program within a pre-determined operating range of a vehicle. In a first version of the method, the operating range, wherein a gear ratio change of the transmission is prevented, is changed in relation to applied specific values that depend on the operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Armin Gierling, Friedermann Jauch, Franz-Josef Schuler, Michael Kiefer