Patents by Inventor Olaf Müller

Olaf Müller 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: 7461863
    Abstract: A safety steering column which is adjustable in its axial direction whereby pyrotechnically driven steering column retraction is provided for a positioning of a safety steering column in its axial direction, to move it away from the driver in case of an accident. Furthermore, a safety system incorporating such a safety steering column and a motor vehicle so equipped that can distinguish between different drivers regarding weight, size and belted condition; the system providing alternative safety measures depending on the driver's needs for protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Presta AG
    Inventor: Olaf Müller
  • Publication number: 20080127431
    Abstract: An aqueous dispersion which comprises a) a flame retardant of the general formula (I) wherein R1 represents hydrogen, C1-4-alkyl, —CH2Cl, —CH2Br, —CH2O—C1-4-alkyl or phenyl, R2 represents hydrogen, C1-4-alkyl, —CH2Cl, —CH2Br or —CH2O—C1-4-alkyl, or R1 and R2 together with the ring carbon atoms bound to them, represent cyclohexylidene, cyclohexenylidene or 3,4-dibromocyclohexylidene, R3 and R5 independently represent hydrogen or C1-4-alkyl, R4 represents hydrogen or methyl, and X represents oxygen or sulfur, and b) an acrylate copolymer which substantially consists of 50 to 80 mol % of monoalkenyl aromatics and 20 to 50 mol % of acrylates. The inventive aqueous dispersions have an average molar mass Mv between 1000 and 50 000 g/mol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Andreas Harz, Olaf Mueller
  • Patent number: 7314234
    Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle with adjustment which can be triggered in the case of an accident to move at least a steering wheel end region of the steering column away from a passenger wherein the adjustment include load absorbing to absorb a movement of at least the steering wheel end region of the steering column away from a passenger. An alternative, a steering column for a motor vehicle with adjustment which can be triggered in the case of an accident to move at least a steering wheel end region of the steering column away from a passenger wherein the adjustment is designed for at least two operation modes and wherein a control is provided to record passenger's parameters by detector and to trigger an operation mode of the adjustment in dependence on the passenger's parameters. An adjustment method for a steering column of a motor vehicle wherein in the case of an accident at least a steering wheel end region of the steering column is moved away from a passenger by means of adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Presta AG
    Inventor: Olaf Müller
  • Publication number: 20070105717
    Abstract: Aqueous colorant compositions comprise at least one wax copolymer A, one colorant B, one film-forming wetting agent C and other additives standard for the preparation of aqueous colorant preparations which can be used for the dyeing of seed. The colorant compositions combine in themselves the properties of wax dispersions, polymer dispersions and colorant preparations. This means that they form a waxy film surface, have good adhesion, bring about a good distribution of active agent and colorant on the surface of the seed and display improved flow properties without a negative effect on the germination of the seed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Inventors: Franz-Leo Heinrichs, Armin Gramsamer, Olaf Mueller
  • Patent number: 7207236
    Abstract: A safety device is provided for a motor vehicle with a steering column arrangement having length and height adjustment. The length adjustment contains a slot guidance, which runs linearly in the longitudinal direction of the steering column arrangement, and an engagement mechanism cooperates therewith. The height adjustment contains a swiveling mechanism used for the length adjustment. Moreover, the length adjustment is carried out by the slot guidance and an engagement mechanism guided therein. The height adjustment is carried out by swiveling a steering column arrangement by means of a swiveling mechanism that engages with the engagement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Presta AG
    Inventor: Olaf Müller
  • Patent number: 7120363
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for free-space optical communication. The method comprises the steps of receiving a receive optical beam through a narrow field of view, determining a receive power level, shifting an alignment, maximizing the receive power, and transmitting a transmit optical beam along the alignment, wherein the narrow field of view is less than a divergence of the transmit optical beam. The narrow field of view can be a narrow region of a multi-region field of view. The apparatus comprises an optical beam transmitter configured to generate a narrow diverging transmit beam, a narrow field of view optical receiver, wherein the field of view is less than the divergence of the transmit beam, and a controller configured to determine a power level of a receive beam and to determine adjustments to a direction of transmission maximizing receive power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: LightPointe Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Andreu-von Euw, Brian W. Neff, Cathal Oscolai, Olaf Müller
  • Patent number: 7080855
    Abstract: A safety steering column which is adjustable in its axial direction whereby pyrotechnically driven steering column retraction is provided for a positioning of a safety steering column in its axial direction, to move it away from the driver in case of an accident. Furthermore, a safety system incorporating such a safety steering column and a motor vehicle so equipped that can distinguish between different drivers regarding weight, size and belted condition; the system providing alternative safety measures depending on the driver's needs for protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Presta AG
    Inventor: Olaf Müller
  • Patent number: 7048305
    Abstract: A safety steering mechanism for a steering column, with a steering-column comfort adjustment having linear positioning devices, and provided with safety devices designed such that, in an accident situation, at least an end area of the steering column can be moved away from a driver's position. The linear positioning devices include load absorption devices and/or withdrawal devices regarding the movement of at least the end area of the steering column away from a driver's position. An operating method for a safety steering mechanism for a steering column that can be adjusted by a comfort adjustment in accordance with the requirements and/or wishes of a driver by means of linear positioning devices and of which at least an end area of the steering column can be moved away from a driver's position in an accident situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Presta AG
    Inventor: Olaf Müller
  • Patent number: 6962367
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle wherein a load absorption for an impact of the knees relative to the steering column is provided arranged in case of an accident to be adjusted toward the driver's knees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Presta AG
    Inventor: Olaf Müller
  • Publication number: 20050187323
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for colouring fertilisers, characterised in that a pigment-preparation containing 5-60 wt.-% of at least one pigment, 40-95 wt.-% of a paraffin oil and/or vegetable oil, 0 10 wt.-% of a dispersing agent or dispersing agent mixture and 0-5 wt.-% usual additives is produced, each of the percentages being in relation to the total weight of the pigment preparation; the pigment-preparation is optionally diluted with paraffin oil and/or vegetable oil and the pigment preparation or the diluted pigment-preparation is applied to the fertiliser which is to be coloured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Andreas Harz, Olaf Mueller
  • Patent number: 6923086
    Abstract: A safety device is provided for a motor vehicle with a steering column arrangement having length and height adjustment. The length adjustment contains a slot guidance, which runs linearly in the longitudinal direction of the steering column arrangement, and an engagement mechanism cooperates therewith. The height adjustment contains a swiveling mechanism used for the length adjustment. Moreover, the length adjustment is carried out by the slot guidance and an engagement mechanism guided therein. The height adjustment is carried out by swiveling a steering column arrangement by means of a swiveling mechanism that engages with the engagement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG
    Inventor: Olaf Müller
  • Patent number: 6857655
    Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag apparatus, with an airbag module and at least one covering device, behind which, in a closing position, an airbag expanding by gas inflation is accommodated and which, to release the expansion of the airbag, can be moved out of the closing position into an open position by means of a mechanism, the mechanism containing a first mechanism component, which is coupled firmly to the airbag module, and a second mechanism component, which is coupled firmly to the covering device, and the airbag module forming, together with the first mechanism component, a unit ready for installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Olaf Müller, Jörn Kessler
  • Patent number: 6739619
    Abstract: This invention relates to an air bag system for accommodation behind a vehicle covering. The air bag system contains an air bag, which advances in a main inflating direction when the air bag system is triggered, and a gas generator for supplying the air bag with pressure gas during triggering of the air bag system. The gas generator and the air bag are connected by a gas distributing duct which extends at least partially at an angle with respect to the main inflating direction of the air bag. In this case, the gas distributing duct is formed of air bag material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a manufacturing process and a triggering process for such an air bag system as well as to a motor vehicle having such an air bag system, of which at least the air bag is arranged on a sliding roof frame part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Olaf Mueller
  • Patent number: 6733033
    Abstract: An airbag device includes an airbag module that is located behind a multipart dashboard. An opening device opens the multipart dashboard in a manner similar to that of the mouth of a fish. An operating method for an airbag device with an airbag module located behind a multipart dashboard includes opening the dashboard in a manner similar to that of the mouth of a fish before, during, or after the triggering of the airbag device. According to another embodiment, a dashboard includes at least one fabric flap or foil flap which is integrated into the dashboard on at least one side by using detachable retaining devices in order to close an opening in the dashboard. The airbag module is positioned behind the opening in such a way that an airbag opens the retaining devices when it is triggered and emerges through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Olaf Müller
  • Patent number: 6685216
    Abstract: An airbag device includes an airbag module and at least one airbag cover which is connected to a piston via pulling devices. The piston can be subjected to pyrotechnical action in order to produce a linear movement of the piston. When the piston is caused to move, the airbag cover moves from a closed position, in which the airbag cover blocks an exit path of the airbag out of the airbag module, into an open position, in which the airbag cover clears the exit path of the airbag out of the airbag module. The piston is forcibly guided to perform a helical movement so that the piston, when caused to move, performs a rotational movement during its linear movement, thus winding up the pulling devices. A method for operating an airbag device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Olaf Müller
  • Patent number: 6679519
    Abstract: An airbag device includes a gas generator and an airbag to be accommodated behind at least one cover that can be displaced from a closed position, in which it is integrated into the vehicle's paneling, into an open position, in which it is disposed behind the paneling, when the airbag device is activated by driving devices. In the open position, the cover does not substantially project beyond the vehicle's paneling in the direction toward a passenger. The driving devices include at least one rolling piston that can be rolled in a guide chamber along a rolling path from a starting position into an end position when being subjected to compressed gas. The rolling piston thus causes the cover to move from the closed position to the open position. A method for operating an airbag device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Olaf Müller
  • Publication number: 20030146609
    Abstract: This invention relates to an air bag system for accommodation behind a vehicle covering. The air bag system contains an air bag, which advances in a main inflating direction when the air bag system is triggered, and a gas generator for supplying the air bag with pressure gas during triggering of the air bag system. The gas generator and the air bag are connected by a gas distributing duct which extends at least partially at an angle with respect to the main inflating direction of the air bag. In this case, the gas distributing duct is formed of air bag material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a manufacturing process and a triggering process for such an air bag system as well as to a motor vehicle having such an air bag system, of which at least the air bag is arranged on a sliding roof frame part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Olaf Mueller
  • Patent number: 6581959
    Abstract: An airbag arrangement has an airbag flap which is arranged in a closed position in an airbag outlet opening in a vehicle interior paneling, and which, as a consequence of triggering of the airbag arrangement, can be moved with respect to a vehicle occupant out of the airing outlet opening into an open position behind the vehicle interior paneling by driving devices. The airbag flap is held in its closed position in the airbag outlet opening in a form-fitting manner by engagement devices and locking devices. The engagement devices are assigned only to one side of the airbag flap and the airbag outlet opening, and as a consequence of triggering of the airbag arrangement the locking devices can be released by the driving devices. A vehicle interior paneling and an operating method for an airbag arrangement are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Olaf Müller
  • Patent number: 6568706
    Abstract: This invention relates to an air bag system for accommodation behind a vehicle covering. The air bag system contains an air bag, which advances in a main inflating direction when the air bag system is triggered, and a gas generator for supplying the air bag with pressure gas during triggering of the air bag system. The gas generator and the air bag are connected by a gas distributing duct which extends at least partially at an angle with respect to the main inflating direction of the air bag. In this case, the gas distributing duct is formed of air bag material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a manufacturing process and a triggering process for such an air bag system as well as to a motor vehicle having such an air bag system, of which at least the air bag is arranged on a sliding roof frame part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Olaf Mueller
  • Patent number: 6527295
    Abstract: An airbag system includes at least one cover configuration movable from a closed position to an open position. An airbag is disposed behind the at least one cover configuration when the at least one cover configuration is in the closed position. The airbag is configured to expand when being filled with gas. A control device includes a gas generating configuration and a mechanical configuration. The gas generating configuration and the mechanical configuration operate as a drive configuration for moving the at least one cover configuration from the closed position to the open position for allowing the airbag to expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Olaf Müller