Patents by Inventor Michael Loeffler

Michael Loeffler 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: 11932061
    Abstract: An electronic wheel unit for arrangement on a vehicle wheel of a vehicle, having at least one sensor for detecting at least one wheel operational parameter, a control device, which is designed to generate wheel operational data on the basis of the at least one wheel operational parameter, a radio device for transmitting radio data signals containing the wheel operational data, a power supply device for supplying electrical power to the wheel unit which has an energy-harvesting device for converting mechanical energy captured on a rotation of the vehicle wheel into electrical energy and an electric battery, wherein the electronic wheel unit furthermore has a switchover device for switching over between the energy-harvesting device, and the electric battery for the electrical power supply to the wheel unit, and the switchover device has an actuable switch and an actuating device for actuating the switch, wherein the at least one wheel operational parameter comprises an acceleration parameter, and the actuating
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Löffler
  • Publication number: 20230399672
    Abstract: The present invention in various aspects and embodiments provides engineered bacterial strains having a modified genome that provides advantages in maintenance and biosynthetic processes when cultured at large scale. The present invention further provides methods for large-scale fermentation using the bacterial strains. In various embodiments, the strain engineering yields a reduction in cellular responses to micro-environmental stimuli imposed in large scale bioreactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Martin ZIEGLER, Ralf TAKORS, Joana SIEMEN, Michael LÖFFLER, Christine Nicole S. SANTOS, Ajikumar Parayil KUMARAN
  • Publication number: 20230264671
    Abstract: Receptacles for a pressure-change damper and for a throttle are provided, at an offset to each other and at an offset to a receptacle for a hydraulic pump, in opposite sides of a hydraulic block for a hydraulic assembly of a traction control system of a hydraulic vehicle braking system, whereby a greater volume of the pressure-change damper and thus better damping are possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas Zander, Michael Loeffler
  • Publication number: 20230242086
    Abstract: A hydraulic unit with open-loop and closed-loop control of brake pressure in a brake circuit of an electronically slip-controllable braking system of a motor vehicle includes a pump housing, a motor for driving a brake pressure generator, and an electronic control device for controlling the motor in line with demand. The motor and the control device are disposed on opposite sides of the pump housing, and a shaft bore extending all the way through is formed therebetween, in which shaft bore a motor shaft which can be rotationally driven is disposed. A sealing apparatus seals the shaft bore with respect to an interior of the electronic control device. A sealing apparatus which comprises an insertion seal is disposed on the pump housing in a seal socket and a mechanical preloading force is applied by a preloading apparatus. A method of assembling the hydraulic unit is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Dariusz Suarez-Seminario, Thomas Zander, Jennifer Keck, Thomas Kimpel, Peter Pochert, Ingmar Joas, Michael Loeffler, Bert Niggebruegge, Benjamin Heyne, Thilo Stephan, Michael Schlitzkus
  • Patent number: 11646619
    Abstract: An electronically commutated machine, in particular an electronically commutated electric motor is disclosed. To detect an angle of rotation completed by a rotor shaft of the machine or a rotational speed, this rotor shaft is equipped with a signal generator of a sensor device. This latter component has a magnet element, which is fastened on the rotor shaft by way of a holding element. A clamping body is included, which is arranged on the rotor shaft with force fit and onto which the holding element is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Loeffler, Michael Schlitzkus, Thomas Zander
  • Publication number: 20230079930
    Abstract: An electronic wheel unit for arrangement on a vehicle wheel of a vehicle, having at least one sensor for detecting at least one wheel operational parameter, a control device, which is designed to generate wheel operational data on the basis of the at least one wheel operational parameter, a radio device for transmitting radio data signals containing the wheel operational data, a power supply device for supplying electrical power to the wheel unit which has an energy-harvesting device for converting mechanical energy captured on a rotation of the vehicle wheel into electrical energy and an electric battery, wherein the electronic wheel unit furthermore has a switchover device for switching over between the energy-harvesting device, and the electric battery for the electrical power supply to the wheel unit, and the switchover device has an actuable switch and an actuating device for actuating the switch, wherein the at least one wheel operational parameter comprises an acceleration parameter, and the actuating
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Löffler
  • Publication number: 20230065157
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying electronic wheel units (12-1 to 12-6b) arranged on vehicle wheels (W1-W6b) of a vehicle (1), by means of which method those electronic wheel units (12-3a, 12-3b; 12-4a, 12-4b; 12-5a, 12-5b; 12-6a, 12-6b) which are arranged on vehicle wheels (W3a, W3b; W4a, W4b; W5a, W5b; W6a, W6b) connected to one another for conjoint rotation are identified, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring a respective cumulative number (Ni) of revolutions of each of the vehicle wheels (W1-W6b) using the electronic wheel units (12-1 to 12-6b); comparing with one another the cumulative numbers (Ni) of revolutions of the vehicle wheels (W1-W6b), identifying those electronic wheel units (12-3a, 12-3b; 12-4a, 12-4b; 12-5a, 12-5b, 12-6a, 12-6b) for which the cumulative numbers (Ni) of revolutions at least approximately coincide as being arranged connected to one another for conjoint rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Löffler
  • Patent number: 11565678
    Abstract: A cuboid hydraulic block of a slip control system of a hydraulic vehicle brake system has a lateral face, an opposite lateral face, at least two long sides, a short side, and an opposite short side. All receptacles for solenoid valves of the slip control system are disposed in the lateral face of the hydraulic block. Receptacles for hydraulic accumulators of the slip control system and connecting bores for a master brake cylinder are disposed in the opposite lateral face of the hydraulic block. Receptacles for hydraulic pumps of the slip control system are disposed in the long sides of the hydraulic block. An electric motor for driving the hydraulic pumps is disposed on the short side of the hydraulic block. Connecting bores for wheel brakes are disposed in the opposite short side of the hydraulic block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Zander, Michael Loeffler
  • Patent number: 11548332
    Abstract: A control device is provided for a wheel-monitoring system of a vehicle which is equipped with vehicle wheels. At least one of the vehicle wheels is equipped with an electronic wheel unit, arranged thereon, for detecting at least one wheel operating parameter of the respective vehicle wheel for transmitting wheel operating data to the control device. The control device makes available an abnormality message in the event of an abnormality which is determined on the basis of the transmitted wheel operating data. The control device also takes into account position data relating to a current position of the vehicle for the determination of the abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Fischer, Michael Loeffler
  • Patent number: 11400904
    Abstract: A pressure medium assembly, in particular for providing and regulating a pressure in a brake circuit of a slip-controllable brake system of a motor vehicle, includes a housing block and an electronic controller. The housing block includes a pump configured to be actuated by a drive motor and a valve, which are actuated by the controller. The controller is secured to an outer face of the housing block and has a device flange that is paired with a housing flange formed on the housing block. The flanges fix the housing block and the controller together. The housing flange protrudes radially outwards relative to a housing block peripheral side facing the housing flange such that the entire upper face of the housing block is available for a controller housing. This configuration additionally allows the use of a printed circuit board which is free of open recesses on the peripheral side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Zander, Michael Loeffler
  • Patent number: 11358419
    Abstract: A method for detecting wheel units mounted at wheels of a vehicle and for detecting wheel mounting positions belonging to each of the wheel units is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: positioning a mobile communication device at a predetermined start position with respect to the vehicle, moving the mobile communication device from the start position along a path around the vehicle, receiving RF signals from the wheel units and measuring the RF signal strengths thereof by the mobile communication device when moving along the path around the vehicle, performing an analysis of variations of the measured RF signal strengths of the received RF signals depending on the position of the mobile communication device along the path, identifying the wheel units and identifying the wheel mounting positions based on a result of the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Kretschmann, Parthiv Dharamshi, Michael Löffler, Jean-Philippe Boisset
  • Patent number: 11325433
    Abstract: A method for reconfiguring a device for monitoring a tire, incorporating a pressure sensor and a communication module. The device may receive and store configuration data intrinsic to the tire. Based on pressure measurements and the configuration data, the device generates and stores advanced data relating to use of the tire over time. Following reception of new configuration data, the method includes: detecting a tire change based on the previously stored configuration data and the newly received configuration data, if a tire change is detected: erasing the advanced data from the memory means of the device, if not, retaining the advanced data in the memory of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignees: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE, CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Davy Ribreau, Jean-Philippe Boisset, Michael Löffler
  • Patent number: 11230146
    Abstract: A method for determining a tread depth of a tread of a tire during operation of a vehicle comprising the tire, a controller for a vehicle for determining a tread depth of a tread of a tire of the vehicle, and a system for a vehicle, comprising such a controller and at least one electronic wheel unit, wherein there is provision to determine the tread depth based on a determined instantaneous dynamic wheel radius of a wheel, comprising the tire, of the vehicle and a determined instantaneous dynamic inside radius of the tire are disclosed. To improve the accuracy of determination of the tread depth a correction variable predetermined for the type of tire is taken into consideration, which correction variable characterizes the relationship between a change in the tread depth, and a change resulting therefrom in the difference between the dynamic wheel radius and the dynamic inside radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventors: Alexander Kuerzl, Matthias Kretschmann, Michael Löffler
  • Patent number: 11186038
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a build plate for physically adhering or holding a three-dimensional (3D) object to a build surface and methods for mechanically anchoring the 3D object to the build surface using printing or building materials. In one embodiment, a build plate comprises a plurality of anchor holes spaced throughout a top surface of the first build plate, in which an individual anchor hole comprises a top hole portion and a bottom chamfer hole portion that is larger in size than the top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Loeffler, Brandon Rosenthal
  • Publication number: 20210328468
    Abstract: An electronically commutated machine, in particular an electronically commutated electric motor is disclosed. To detect an angle of rotation completed by a rotor shaft of the machine or a rotational speed, this rotor shaft is equipped with a signal generator of a sensor device. This latter component has a magnet element, which is fastened on the rotor shaft by way of a holding element. A clamping body is included, which is arranged on the rotor shaft with force fit and onto which the holding element is pressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Loeffler, Michael Schlitzkus, Thomas Zander
  • Publication number: 20210268851
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for detecting a faulty arrangement of a sensor module in a sensor module holder in a tire of a vehicle equipped with a tire monitoring system. The detection of a faulty arrangement of a sensor module may be performed by ascertaining on the basis of a comparison of the operating parameters determined by the sensor modules of the tire monitoring system that there is for this sensor module a discrepancy, dependent on a speed of the vehicle, between the operating parameter and an operating parameter to be expected for this sensor module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Parthiv Dharamshi, Matthias Kretschmann, Shichao You, Michael Löffler
  • Publication number: 20210268849
    Abstract: A method for detecting wheel units mounted at wheels of a vehicle and for detecting wheel mounting positions belonging to each of the wheel units is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: positioning a mobile communication device at a predetermined start position with respect to the vehicle moving the mobile communication device from the start position along a path around the vehicle receiving RF signals from the wheel units and measuring the RF signal strengths thereof by the mobile communication device when moving along the path around the vehicle performing an analysis of variations of the measured RF signal strengths of the received RF signals depending on the position of the mobile communication device along the path identifying the wheel units and identifying the wheel mounting positions based on a result of the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Matthias Kretschmann, Parthiv Dharamshi, Michael Löffler, Jean-Philippe Boisset
  • Patent number: 11065923
    Abstract: A wheel unit for a system for transmitting data from the wheel unit to a receiver of a vehicle. The wheel unit is configured for mounting to a wheel of the vehicle, and the wheel unit includes the following: a memory for storing wheel type data related to the type of the wheel at which the wheel unit is mounted; a processor for processing the wheel type data stored in the memory; a transmitter for RF-transmitting data telegrams to a vehicle-mounted receiver. The processor determines an RF power value based on the stored wheel type data, and the transmitter transmits the data telegrams with an RF power based on the determined RF power value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Loeffler, Sylvain Godet, Stephane Dufour
  • Publication number: 20210206211
    Abstract: A method for reconfiguring a device for monitoring a tire, incorporating a pressure sensor and a communication module. The device may receive and store configuration data intrinsic to the tire. Based on pressure measurements and the configuration data, the device generates and stores advanced data relating to use of the tire over time. Following reception of new configuration data, the method includes: detecting a tire change based on the previously stored configuration data and the newly received configuration data, if a tire change is detected: erasing the advanced data from the memory means of the device, if not, retaining the advanced data in the memory of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2019
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Davy Ribreau, Jean-Philippe Boisset, Michael Löffler
  • Patent number: D1016288
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: KARL STORZ SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael Koch, Kurt Eva, Swen Löffler, Robin Kielack