Patents by Inventor Ralf Gerdes
Ralf Gerdes 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).
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Patent number: 9725203Abstract: A cap-free closable neck end for a filler neck of a tank of a motor vehicle, the cap-free closeable neck including an upper entry space forming an insertion region for a fuel nozzle and being surrounded by a side wall, a lower sealing flap arranged in the upper entry space and closing mechanism arranged above the lower sealing flap. The closing mechanism includes an upper filling opening and an upper cover, which in a closed state at least partially covers the upper filling opening and being embodied in such a manner that the upper cover is displaced by inserting an outlet pipe of a fuel nozzle into the upper entry space for releasing the upper filling opening so as to allow for the insertion of the outlet pipe through the upper filing opening and the lower sealing flap.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: GERDES GMBHInventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Patent number: 9452858Abstract: A cap-free closable neck end for a filler neck of a tank of a motor vehicle may include an upper entry space forming an insertion region for a fuel nozzle and being surrounded by a side wall, a lower sealing flap arranged in the upper entry space and closing mechanism arranged above the lower sealing flap, which includes an upper filling opening and an upper cover, which in a closed state at least partially covers the upper filling opening, and such that the upper cover is displaced by inserting an outlet pipe of a fuel nozzle into the upper entry space for releasing the upper filling opening to allow for the insertion of the outlet pipe through the upper filing opening and the lower sealing flap.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Gerdes GmbHInventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Patent number: 8991629Abstract: The invention relates to a capless filler neck having an upper closure flap 2 and a lower closure flap 3, which are arranged in a pipe section 1. The two closure flaps 2, 3 must be able to seal independently of one another. In known capless filler necks, this has the effect that, when the filler pipe 4 of a fuel nozzle is still partially inserted, the lower closure flap 3 is already closed, whereas the user still has the impression that tank filling can be carried out. As a result, fuel collects between the two closure flaps 2, 3. The invention prevents this in that the lower closure flap 3 is opened or held open by the upper closure flap 2 or by an actuating element even when the filler pipe 4 is no longer in contact with the lower closure flap 2.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Gerdes GmbHInventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Patent number: 8869846Abstract: The invention relates to an in particular capless neck end for a container, in particular a fuel container, with a double-flap closure which is formed by an upper pivoting flap (12) and a lower sealing flap (2). Neck ends of this type are known from WO 2006/084908. These known neck ends require too much installation space and are not optimally protected from the contents of the container being pumped out. This is improved by the invention in that the lower sealing flap is arranged in such a manner that it is arranged at an angle to the transverse section plane arranged at right angles to the neck axis (S) when in the closed state, and either the articulation point or, when in the closed state, the end opposite the articulation point of the lower sealing flap is arranged above the lower end of the first circular segment path. Furthermore, an anti-theft means (25) in the form of a mechanical barrier is provided below the double-flap closure.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Gerdes GmbHInventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Publication number: 20140238983Abstract: A cap-free closable neck end for a filler neck of a tank of a motor vehicle, the cap-free closeable neck including an upper entry space forming an insertion region for a fuel nozzle and being surrounded by a side wall, a lower sealing flap arranged in the upper entry space and closing mechanism arranged above the lower sealing flap. The closing mechanism includes an upper filling opening and an upper cover, which in a closed state at least partially covers the upper filling opening and being embodied in such a manner that the upper cover is displaced by inserting an outlet pipe of a fuel nozzle into the upper entry space for releasing the upper filling opening so as to allow for the insertion of the outlet pipe through the upper filing opening and the lower sealing flap.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: GERDES GMBHInventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Publication number: 20140197185Abstract: A cap-free closable neck end for a filler neck of a tank of a motor vehicle, the cap-free closeable neck including an upper entry space forming an insertion region for a fuel nozzle and being surrounded by a side wall, a lower sealing flap arranged in the upper entry space and closing mechanism arranged above the lower sealing flap. The closing mechanism includes an upper filling opening and an upper cover, which in a closed state at least partially covers the upper filling opening and being embodied in such a manner that the upper cover is displaced by inserting an outlet pipe of a fuel nozzle into the upper entry space for releasing the upper filling opening so as to allow for the insertion of the outlet pipe through the upper filing opening and the lower sealing flap.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: GERDES GMBHInventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Patent number: 8746298Abstract: A cap-free closeable neck end for a filler neck of a tank of a motor vehicle, the cap-free closeable neck including an upper entry space forming an insertion region for a fuel nozzle and being surrounded by a side wall, a lower sealing flap arranged in the upper entry space and a closing mechanism arranged above the lower sealing flap. The closing mechanism includes an upper filling opening and an upper cover, which in a closed state at least partially covers the upper filling opening and being embodied in such a manner that the upper cover is displaced by inserting an outlet pipe of a fuel nozzle into the upper entry space for releasing the upper filling opening so as to allow for the insertion of the outlet pipe through the upper filling opening and the lower sealing flap.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Gerdes GmbHInventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Publication number: 20130228576Abstract: The invention relates to a capless filler neck having an upper closure flap 2 and a lower closure flap 3, which are arranged in a pipe section 1. The two closure flaps 2, 3 must be able to seal independently of one another. In known capless filler necks, this has the effect that, when the filler pipe 4 of a fuel nozzle is still partially inserted, the lower closure flap 3 is already closed, whereas the user still has the impression that tank filling can be carried out. As a result, fuel collects between the two closure flaps 2, 3. The invention prevents this in that the lower closure flap 3 is opened or held open by the upper closure flap 2 or by an actuating element even when the filler pipe 4 is no longer in contact with the lower closure flap 2.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2011Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: GERDES GMBHInventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Patent number: 8478625Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating a gas storage power plant (1) with at least two turbines (3), with at least two compressors (2) and with at least one gas reservoir (4). The compressors (2) are activated for charging the gas reservoir (4) and are at the same time driven by at least one electric motor (7). The turbines (3) are activated for discharging the gas reservoir (4) and at the same time drive at least one generator (12). In order to improve the operating profitability of the gas storage power plant (1), the number of instantaneously activated compressors (2) and/or turbines (3) depends on the current price at the particular time.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Alstom Technology LtdInventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Publication number: 20110108563Abstract: The invention relates to an in particular capless neck end for a container, in particular a fuel container, with a double-flap closure which is formed by an upper pivoting flap (12) and a lower sealing flap (2). Neck ends of this type are known from WO 2006/084908. These known neck ends require too much installation space and are not optimally protected from the contents of the container being pumped out. This is improved by the invention in that the lower sealing flap is arranged in such a manner that it is arranged at an angle to the transverse section plane arranged at right angles to the neck axis (S) when in the closed state, and either the articulation point or, when in the closed state, the end opposite the articulation point of the lower sealing flap is arranged above the lower end of the first circular segment path. Furthermore, an anti-theft means (25) in the form of a mechanical barrier is provided below the double-flap closure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: Gerdes GmbHInventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Publication number: 20080271816Abstract: A cap-free closeable neck end for a filler neck of a tank of a motor vehicle, the cap-free closeable neck including an upper entry space forming an insertion region for a fuel nozzle and being surrounded by a side wall, a lower sealing flap arranged in the upper entry space and a closing mechanism arranged above the lower sealing flap. The closing mechanism includes an upper filling opening and an upper cover, which in a closed state at least partially covers the upper filling opening and being embodied in such a manner that the upper cover is displaced by inserting an outlet pipe of a fuel nozzle into the upper entry space for releasing the upper filling opening so as to allow for the insertion of the outlet pipe through the upper filling opening and the lower sealing flap.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2006Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Patent number: 7073335Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas storage power station (1) having a turbine group (3) and a compressor group (4). The turbine group (3) has at least one turbine (5, 6) and a generator (10). During normal operation of the turbine group (3), the generator (10) emits power directly to a main load (11). The compressor group (4) has at least one compressor (12) and one electric motor (15). The gas storage power station (1) furthermore has a power consumption device (20), which can be activated in order to consume turbine and/or generator power.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.Inventors: Ralf Gerdes, Peter Keller-Sornig, Ilja Tuschy
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Publication number: 20050167432Abstract: The present invention relates to a loss safety device for a tank cap of a vehicle, especially for a fuel tank, with a first end section attached over a first connecting element at the tank cap, with a second end section attached on a vehicle over a second connecting element, and a band section provided between the first and second end sections. The second connecting element is formed by a pin and at least an anchoring extension. The first connecting element is connected with the tank cap rotatably around an axis of rotation R of the tank cap, being formed of an annular eyelet and of an anchor, connected with said band section and annular eyelet, and said annular eyelet features a recess in its inner section, as well as an insertion groove, connecting said recess with the outer side of said annular eyelet, and said anchor may be inserted into said insertion groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2005Publication date: August 4, 2005Inventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Publication number: 20050098562Abstract: A fuel cap includes an interior closure body and means for effectuating a sealing contact between the closure body and the filler neck and maintaining the sealing contact through a degree rotation of the body in a cap removal direction up to at least approximately 20°. The means for effectuating a sealing contact and maintaining the sealing contact may include a gasket surrounding the closure body whose configuration and material formation are such that the seal is maintained. Alternatively, the means for effectuating a sealing contact and maintaining the sealing contact may include a traditional gasket surrounding the closure body and a spring surrounding the closure body, positioned above the gasket and configured to bias the gasket downward.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2004Publication date: May 12, 2005Inventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Patent number: 6877632Abstract: A tank cap with free travel to close a fuel tank of a motor vehicle can be screwed on a filler neck of the fuel tank so that it seals via rotational movement around a rotational axis and features a closure body having a transverse support and a cap body having a transverse support. One of the supports includes a contact surface and a raised outer area that serves as a limit stop. The cap body is pivoted for rotational movement relative to the closure body through a free travel angle ? that is limited by the limit stop.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Gerdes GmbHInventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Patent number: 6792756Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas storage power plant (1) with a gas store (8), a turbogroup (2) and a gas supply line (9) which leads from the gas store (8) to the turbogroup (2). A gas supply control device (12) is arranged in the gas supply line (9). So that a gas flow cam be provided, even in an emergency, the gas supply control device (12) has a main line (14) and a bypass line (19). The main line (14) forms a section of the gas supply line (9). In the main line (14) is arranged a main valve arrangement (15) which shuts off the main line (14) in an emergency. The bypass line (19) bypasses the main valve arrangement (15). In the bypass line (19) is arranged a bypass valve arrangement (20) which opens the bypass line (19) in an emergency.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Alstom Technology LTDInventors: Velimir Bakran, Ralf Gerdes, Peter Keller-Sornig, Bozidar Seketa
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Patent number: 6745569Abstract: A power generation plant with a compressed air energy storage system comprises a means to reduce the pressure of air extracted from a compressed air storage cavern for the use in a combustion turbine. The means to reduce the air pressure comprises at least one expansion turbine and means to control the size of pressure reduction. Furthermore, the expansion turbine is arranged on a rotor shaft that drives a generator. The means for pressure redact, according to the invention, avoid power losses and provide an increased overall efficiency of the power generation plant.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.Inventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Patent number: 6638014Abstract: The invention relates to a valve arrangement (1), in particular for a power plant. A housing (2) contains a shut-off valve (3) for shutting off a fluid flow, a control valve (4) for controlling the fluid flow through a housing outlet (8) and a bypass valve (5) for controlling the fluid flow through a bypass (13). This bypass (13) branches off from the housing (2) between the shut-off valve (3) and the control valve (4).Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: ALSTOM (Switzerland) LtdInventors: Ralf Gerdes, Roger Padfield, Franz Suter
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Publication number: 20030131599Abstract: A power generation plant with a compressed air energy storage system comprises a means to reduce the pressure of air extracted from a compressed air storage cavern for the use in a combustion turbine. The means to reduce the air pressure comprises at least one expansion turbine and means to control the size of pressure reduction. Furthermore, the expansion turbine is arranged on a rotor shaft that drives a generator. The means for pressure redact, according to the invention, avoid power losses and provide an increased overall efficiency of the power generation plant.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventor: Ralf Gerdes
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Publication number: 20030089717Abstract: A tank cap with free travel to close a fuel tank of a motor vehicle can be screwed on a filler neck of the fuel tank so that it seals via rotational movement around a rotational axis and features an inner closure body and a cap body, which is pivoted on the closure body around a free travel angle delimited by a first limit stop and a second limit stop.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventor: Ralf Gerdes