Patents by Inventor Michael Schafer

Michael Schafer 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: 20250159257
    Abstract: A method for decoding a predetermined block of a picture using intra-prediction by reading, for each of predetermined intra-prediction blocks, from a data stream, a mode index identifying a matrix-based intra-prediction mode is disclosed. Samples of each predetermined intra-prediction block are predicted by computing a matrix-vector product between an input vector derived from reference samples and a prediction matrix associated with the identified matrix-based intra-prediction mode (k) and associating components of an output vector obtained by the matrix-vector product onto sample positions of the predetermined block. Further predetermined intra-predicted blocks of the picture are predicted to obtain a prediction signal. A transformation flag is decoded from the data stream using context adaptive binary arithmetic coding, and a prediction residual is decoded and re-transformed using a reverse transformation based on the transformation flag to obtain a prediction residual signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2025
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Inventors: Jonathan PFAFF, Björn STALLENBERGER, Michael SCHAFER, Philipp MERKLE, Tobias HINZ, Philipp HELLE, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND, Benjamin BROSS, Martin WINKEN, Mischa SIEKMANN
  • Patent number: 12244864
    Abstract: A method for decoding a predetermined block of a picture using intra-prediction by reading, for each of predetermined intra-prediction blocks, from a data stream, a mode index identifying a matrix-based intra-prediction mode is disclosed. Samples of each predetermined intra-prediction block are predicted by computing a matrix-vector product between an input vector derived from reference samples and a prediction matrix associated with the identified matrix-based intra-prediction mode (k)—and associating components of an output vector obtained by the matrix-vector product onto sample positions of the predetermined block. Further predetermined intra-predicted blocks of the picture are predicted to obtain a prediction signal. A transformation flag is decoded from the data stream using context adaptive binary arithmetic coding, and a prediction residual is decoded and re-transformed using a reverse transformation based on the transformation flag to obtain a prediction residual signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2024
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Björn Stallenberger, Michael Schafer, Philipp Merkle, Tobias Hinz, Philipp Helle, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe, Thomas Wiegand, Benjamin Bross, Martin Winken, Mischa Siekmann
  • Publication number: 20240298033
    Abstract: A method for decoding a predetermined block of a picture using intra-prediction by reading, for each of predetermined intra-prediction blocks, from a data stream, a mode index identifying a matrix-based intra-prediction mode is disclosed. Samples of each predetermined intra-prediction block are predicted by computing a matrix-vector product between an input vector derived from reference samples and a prediction matrix associated with the identified matrix-based intra-prediction mode (k)-and associating components of an output vector obtained by the matrix-vector product onto sample positions of the predetermined block. Further predetermined intra-predicted blocks of the picture are predicted to obtain a prediction signal. A transformation flag is decoded from the data stream using context adaptive binary arithmetic coding, and a prediction residual is decoded and re-transformed using a reverse transformation based on the transformation flag to obtain a prediction residual signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Jonathan PFAFF, Björn STALLENBERGER, Michael SCHAFER, Philipp MERKLE, Tobias HINZ, Philipp HELLE, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND, Benjamin BROSS, Martin WINKEN, Mischa SIEKMANN
  • Patent number: 12022120
    Abstract: A method, computer program, and apparatus for decoding a predetermined block of a picture using intra-prediction by reading, for each of predetermined intra-prediction blocks, from a data stream, a mode index identifying a matrix-based intra-prediction mode. Samples of each predetermined intra-prediction block are predicted by computing a matrix-vector product between an input vector derived from reference samples and a prediction matrix associated with the identified matrix-based intra-prediction mode (k) and associating components of an output vector obtained by the matrix-vector product onto sample positions of the predetermined block. Further predetermined intra-predicted blocks of the picture are predicted to obtain a prediction signal. A transformation flag is decoded from the data stream using context adaptive binary arithmetic coding, and a prediction residual is decoded and re-transformed using a reverse transformation based on the transformation flag to obtain a prediction residual signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Björn Stallenberger, Michael Schafer, Philipp Merkle, Tobias Hinz, Philipp Helle, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe, Thomas Wiegand, Benjamin Bross, Martin Winken, Mischa Siekmann
  • Patent number: 11092132
    Abstract: A method and mould system for manufacturing at least a root section of a wind turbine blade is described. The method and system utilise a mould inlay which is arranged on top of a mould surface of a mould part so as to change the radius of curvature of the mould part and thereby also the diameter of a root section manufactured via the mould part and mould inlay. Further, blades manufactured via the method and mould system are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: LM WP PATENT HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Peter Quiring, Michael Schafer
  • Patent number: 10684126
    Abstract: A measuring assembly and method for layer thickness measurement of a layer applied to a substrate by means of a vapor deposition method includes a measuring head which is provided with at least one vibration plate, an extraction line which can be coupled in a gas-conducting or vapor-conducting manner with a first end having a vacuum chamber for the vapor deposition method and which can be coupled in a gas-conducting or vapor-conducting manner with an opposite second end having the measuring head, wherein the extraction line includes at least one heating section or at least one cooling section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: NICE SOLAR ENERGY GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Gang, Michael Pisch, Michael Schafer, Jens Schuster, Ralf Sorgenfrei, Georg Voorwinden
  • Publication number: 20170241776
    Abstract: A measuring assembly and method for layer thickness measurement of a layer applied to a substrate by means of a vapor deposition method includes a measuring head which is provided with at least one vibration plate, an extraction line which can be coupled in a gas-conducting or vapor-conducting manner with a first end having a vacuum chamber for the vapor deposition method and which can be coupled in a gas-conducting or vapor-conducting manner with an opposite second end having the measuring head, wherein the extraction line includes at least one heating section or at least one cooling section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Manz CIGS Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Gang, Michael Pisch, Michael Schafer, Jens Schuster, Ralf Sorgenfrei, Georg Voorwinden
  • Publication number: 20160356263
    Abstract: A bulkhead assembly for a wind turbine blade is described, where the bulkhead is substantially formed from a flexible sheet material. In one aspect, the flexible sheet material can be attached to the larger assembly using a releasable connection, e.g. a zipped connection, to allow for relatively easy installation and removal, e.g. for repair or other service operations. At least a portion of the sheet material may be transparent, to allow for easy inspection of the interior of the wind turbine blade. In one aspect, the bulkhead assembly is arranged to couple to, or is formed integrally with, the root flange of a wind turbine blade. The use of such a flexible material to form the blade root end bulkhead allows for ease of handling and manufacturability over prior art systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Michael SCHAFER, Lars Andersen FUGLSANG
  • Patent number: 8852487
    Abstract: A method for injection molding a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide and a boron-containing nucleating agent is provided. By selectively controlling certain aspects of the polyarylene sulfide and nucleating agent, as well as the particular manner in which they are combined, the crystallization properties of the resulting thermoplastic composition can be significantly improved. This allows the “cooling time” during a molding cycle to be substantially reduced while still achieving the same degree of crystallization. The cooling time can be represented by the “normalized cooling ratio”, which is determined by dividing the total cooling time by the average thickness of the molded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Ke Feng, Peter Radden, Michael Schafer
  • Patent number: 8663308
    Abstract: The medical devices, such as stent grafts, described herein preferably include a tubular remodelable graft material attached to a support frame formed at least in part from a metallic bioabsorbable material. The remodelable graft material preferably includes an extracellular matrix material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS). The support frame attached to the graft is preferably a bioabsorbable magnesium alloy. The devices may be implanted within a peripheral vascular body vessel from a percutaneous delivery catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Michael Schafer, Andrew W. Conder, Robert W. Harrell, Marck Wassmann, Gert P. Andersen
  • Publication number: 20100262221
    Abstract: The medical devices, such as stent grafts, described herein preferably include a tubular remodelable graft material attached to a support frame formed at least in part from a metallic bioabsorbable material. The remodelable graft material preferably includes an extracellular matrix material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS). The support frame attached to the graft is preferably a bioabsorbable magnesium alloy. The devices may be implanted within a peripheral vascular body vessel from a percutaneous delivery catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Cook Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Schafer, Andrew W. Conder, Robert W. Harrell, Marck Wassmann, Gert P. Andersen
  • Publication number: 20090199623
    Abstract: A method is proposed for characterizing a totality of particles (318). The method can be used in particular for charactering microparticular or nanoparticular aerosols. The method comprises the following steps: a) in a classification step, a class of the totality is selected, wherein the particles (318) of the selected class have a prespecified mobility dm; b) in a counting step, a number N of the particles (318) of the selected class is determined; c) in a charge determination step, a charge Q of the particles (318) of the selected class is determined; and d) in an evaluation step, at least one morphological parameter is determined from the charge Q, the number N and the mobility dm, wherein the morphological parameter comprises at least one item of information about an agglomerate state of the particles (318).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicants: BASF SE, University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Michael Mertler, Bernd Sachweh, Markus Linsenbuhler, Michael Schafer, David Y.H. Pui, Heinz Fissan, Jing Wang, Weon Gyu Shin
  • Publication number: 20090020070
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for evaporating solid materials, for instance, selenium for coating a substrate. The solid material is brought into a first crucible via a feeding source. In this crucible the material melts at a temperature which is preferably slightly higher than its melting point. The molten material flows via a transporting device, for instance, a pipe into a second crucible, where the material evaporates at a temperature higher than its boiling point and is transported to a substrate. In order to stop the evaporation within a very short time preferably within only one to two minutes, a cooling device for cooling the material beyond its melting point is arranged at the transporting device. With this cooling device the material in the transporting device can be cooled down beyond its melting point in a very short time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Schafer, Bernd Meyer
  • Publication number: 20080279448
    Abstract: A method for automated determination of an individual three-dimensional shape of particles includes: a) dosing, alignment, and automated delivery of the particles; b) observation of the aligned particles and image acquisition, and c) evaluation of the images. A device for automated determination of the individual three-dimensional shape of particles includes: a) a mechanism for dosing, alignment, and automated delivery of the particles; b) at least two cameras for observation of the aligned particles, and c) a mechanism for evaluation of the images. The device can be used for automated determination of individual three-dimensional shape of particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Michael Schafer, Jurgen Ettmuller, Stefan Ziegler, Klaus Reindel
  • Publication number: 20080044166
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a vaporizer apparatus with automatic feeding of a wire into a crucible. All of the parts of this vaporizer apparatus are mounted on only one carrier plate, such that a rapid mounting or dismounting, for example in clean rooms, is possible without particles being generated. In addition, a helical heating element is encompassed by a protective tube such that this helical heating element does not come into contact with the material to be vaporized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS GmbH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Ulrich Englert, Guido Hattendorf, Michael Schafer
  • Publication number: 20080019887
    Abstract: A three-dimensional flow cell for aligning non-isometric particles in a liquid sample in two axes, a method of aligning non-isometric particles in a liquid sample, a reflectance sensor which has the three-dimensional flow cell according to the invention, a method of measuring the reflectance of a liquid sample containing non-isometric particles and the use of the reflectance sensor according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: BASF COATINGS AG
    Inventors: Jurgen Lohmann, Beate Wagner, Jurgen Ettmuller, Michael Schafer, Jan Berg, Andreas Daiss
  • Publication number: 20070277994
    Abstract: A conductor for windings cooled by liquid, especially for transformer windings, has an insulating covering which surrounds the entire conductor (1). At least one layer (2) of the covering completely surrounds the conductor (1). An external layer (3) provided with at least two layers (2, 3) of the covering comprises openings (4), holes (5) or frays (6) through which a coolant flowing around the conductor is placed in a turbulent state and better heat exchange is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Schafer
  • Publication number: 20070068080
    Abstract: A pivoted sliding door combination, including at least one pivot joined along a first vertical edge of a pivoted door; at least one slide joining the pivoted door to a sliding door; and a structural frame of a machine safety guard device joined to the at least one pivot; the machine safety guard device further including a left side wall, a right side wall and a back wall interconnected with the structural frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Alexander Vigdorovich, Michael Schafer
  • Publication number: 20070058171
    Abstract: The invention relates to reflectance sensors built up from an optical unit, a sample analysis unit and a system control unit, and to a method of measuring the reflectance of a sample in the form of a liquid pigment preparation, and to the use of a reflectance sensor according to the invention for the measurement of the reflectance of liquid pigment preparations in various process stages during the production, further processing and use of the liquid pigment preparations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Applicant: BASF Coatings Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Berg, Jurgen Lohmann, Michael Schafer, Jurgen Ettmuller
  • Publication number: 20060266144
    Abstract: A twin clutch transmission for a motor vehicle has two input shafts, two clutches, and driving shafts. The first input shaft can be actively connected to the first clutch, and the second input shaft can be actively connected to the second clutch. The first driving shaft is situated underneath the input shafts and the second driving shaft is situated above the input shafts, or vice versa. The input and driving shafts have intermeshing gear wheels, with fixed gears and loose wheels or idler gears. Each driving shaft has a gear wheel for transferring torque to the axle drive. A further shaft implements the reverse gear RG. A highly versatile and compact transmission is obtained by providing a third driving shaft that has a drive gear wheel for transferring torque to the axle drive, and the drive gear wheels of the driving shafts engage with an axle drive gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Schafer, Wolfgang Schreiber, Fritz Blumenstein