Patents by Inventor Ralf Kühner

Ralf Kühner 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: 11647955
    Abstract: A mounting element (8) for releasably receiving a sensor (18) for transferring and/or receiving electrical currents and/or signals relating to a body of an organism, comprising a mounting element base (9) having a receiving space (17) for receiving the sensor (18), the receiving space (17) comprising a floor (19), a wall (16) disposed on the floor (19) and disposed on at least three sides, an opening (20) formed by at least one tab (21, 22), at least one clip closure (23, 24), and further comprising a cover (10) for the mounting element base (9), an at least three-sided wall being disposed on the inner side (11) thereof, the end face (30) thereof being implemented for contacting the end face (41) of the wall (16), wherein at least one counterpart (28, 29) to the at least one clip closure (23, 24) is disposed on the wall (27), and the mounting element base (9) and the cover (10) are connected to each other by a connecting element (13) such that the cover (10) is displaceable relative to the mounting element ba
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Vanguard AG
    Inventors: Alexander Pacholik, Thomas Gutzmer, Martin Bilz, Hagen Thielecke, Ralf Kühner
  • Patent number: 10642838
    Abstract: Technologies are described for acquiring and processing data related to a production process, including to generate a report of variances between planned values and actual values. Data can be received from a plurality of data sources, such as hardware sensors, associated with the production process. The data can be sent in real time, such as in response to a request or upon the occurrence of a particular event. The data can be received and stored in one or more database tables having a format. The format can be the same format as a format in which planning data is maintained. When maintained in a common format, comparisons of planning and actual data can be carried out faster and with less processor use. Reports can include granular data, such as variances associated with particular data sources, or groups of data sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: SAP SE
    Inventors: Ralf Kuehner, Udo Laub
  • Publication number: 20200000407
    Abstract: A mounting element (8) for releasably receiving a sensor (18) for transferring and/or receiving electrical currents and/or signals relating to a body of an organism, comprising a mounting element base (9) having a receiving space (17) for receiving the sensor (18), the receiving space (17) comprising a floor (19), a wall (16) disposed on the floor (19) and disposed on at least three sides, an opening (20) formed by at least one tab (21, 22), at least one clip closure (23, 24), and further comprising a cover (10) for the mounting element base (9), an at least three-sided wall being disposed on the inner side (11) thereof, the end face (30) thereof being implemented for contacting the end face (41) of the wall (16), wherein at least one counterpart (28, 29) to the at least one clip closure (23, 24) is disposed on the wall (27), and the mounting element base (9) and the cover (10) are connected to each other by a connecting element (13) such that the cover (10) is displaceable relative to the mounting element ba
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Applicant: Vanguard AG
    Inventors: Alexander Pacholik, Thomas Gutzmer, Martin Bilz, Hagen Thielecke, Ralf Kühner
  • Publication number: 20190095492
    Abstract: Technologies are described for acquiring and processing data related to a production process, including to generate a report of variances between planned values and actual values. Data can be received from a plurality of data sources, such as hardware sensors, associated with the production process. The data can be sent in real time, such as in response to a request or upon the occurrence of a particular event. The data can be received and stored in one or more database tables having a format. The format can be the same format as a format in which planning data is maintained. When maintained in a common format, comparisons of planning and actual data can be carried out faster and with less processor use. Reports can include granular data, such as variances associated with particular data sources, or groups of data sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: SAP SE
    Inventors: Ralf Kuehner, Udo Laub
  • Patent number: 9757138
    Abstract: An instrument (10) having a tool (15) of a particularly simple design comprises jaws (16, 17) with jaw supports (46) supported by spaced-apart hinges on a shared socket part 18. The hinge axes (27, 28) of the hinges are oriented parallel relative to each other and are at a distance from each other. A slit (24) for precisely guiding a knife (25) may be provided between the two. The jaw supports (46) of the jaws (16, 17) are guided in their own hinges with minimal play and hence in a precise manner. They are held against each other by transverse interlocking means (37), thereby ensuring a simple assembly and precise guiding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventors: Joachim Guba, Lothar Mitzlaff, Ralf Kuehner, Martina Heim
  • Patent number: 9622815
    Abstract: An electrode device of an electrosurgical instrument is known, comprising at least one electrically conductive electrode section and an electrically insulating carrier section, wherein both the electrode section and the carrier section are made from a ceramic material. In order to improve the mechanical and electrical properties and in order to simplify the production, a green body of the carrier section and a green body of the electrode section are connected to each other, in particular materially, to form a single composite green body and are jointly sintered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventors: Ralf Kuehner, Dietmar Karwei
  • Patent number: 9504485
    Abstract: A water jet surgical device comprises a fluid feed device, which is controllable by control signals from a control device, for delivering a fluid into a connecting line of a surgical instrument with an outlet nozzle. The fluid feed device includes at least one measuring device, which is configured such that following the connection of the surgical instrument to the fluid feed device, the measuring device generates measuring signals to represent a quantity of fluid delivered. The quantity of fluid delivered may be displayed on a display or recorded in a recording unit. This enables improved monitoring of surgical operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Wahl, Alexander Pfaeffle, Ralf Kuehner
  • Patent number: 9358032
    Abstract: A water jet surgical device comprises a fluid feed device, which is controllable by control signals from a control device, for delivering a fluid into a connecting line of a surgical instrument with an outlet nozzle. The fluid feed device includes at least one measuring device, which is configured such that following the connection of the surgical instrument to the fluid feed device, the measuring device generates measuring signals to represent a quantity of fluid delivered. The quantity of fluid delivered may be displayed on a display or recorded in a recording unit. This enables improved monitoring of surgical operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Wahl, Alexander Pfaeffle, Ralf Kuehner
  • Patent number: 9216052
    Abstract: An instrument suitable for minimal invasive surgery. The instrument can be introduced into a body, for example, through a trocar, and has two arms and a centrally guided knife for clamping vessels. The central guidance of the knife in at least one of the arms avoids disadvantages that could otherwise develop as a result of the off-center severing of coagulated tissue. Moreover, the clean central guidance of the knife results in lower wear on the knife. Thus, a better cut quality and a longer service life of the knife can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventors: Juergen Hiller, Thomas Baur, Ralf Kuehner, Viktoria Rydzewski
  • Patent number: 9144448
    Abstract: The medical instrument includes a male instrument connector, which includes at least one male fluid connector arranged on a flat face. A venting bore may also be arranged on the same face and disposed to act as pressure relief by which leaking fluids that accumulate in the instrument can be discharged. A cover cap may be attached to the face. The cover cap allows for sterilization of the instrument, including the male instrument connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: ERBE ELECTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventors: Marcus Amann, Hansjoerg Bjoern Besch, Ralf Kuehner
  • Patent number: 9138251
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing water jet surgical operations comprises a nozzle that can be moved via a hydraulic actuator out of a retracted or passive position into a moved-forward or active position. The actuation is accomplished using hydraulic fluid that is supplied to the instrument head via a tube and/or hose. The fluid (e.g., a sodium chloride solution) that is to be injected into the tissue can be used as the hydraulic fluid that is supplied to the nozzle. High-frequency (HF) current can additionally be applied to the nozzle. The HF current can be conducted to the nozzle via a line extending through the fluid conducting element or via the electrolyte present therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventors: Ralf Kuehner, Stefanie Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20150230819
    Abstract: A water jet surgical device comprises a fluid feed device, which is controllable by control signals from a control device, for delivering a fluid into a connecting line of a surgical instrument with an outlet nozzle. The fluid feed device includes at least one measuring device, which is configured such that following the connection of the surgical instrument to the fluid feed device, the measuring device generates measuring signals to represent a quantity of fluid delivered. The quantity of fluid delivered may be displayed on a display or recorded in a recording unit. This enables improved monitoring of surgical operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Hansjürgen Wahl, Alexander Pfäffle, Ralf Kuehner
  • Patent number: 9044545
    Abstract: A fluid applicator is fed by a fluid delivery arrangement containing an energy storage such as a pressure vessel. The gas pressure acts on a container that has been prefilled with the ejection fluid. The fluid to be ejected is thus subject to constant pressure. With a valve, the user can initiate the ejection of the desired amount of fluid with constant intensity. The check valve may also be a regulating valve which can be used by the user to vary the intensity of the effect. The user need only release the system, e.g., by puncturing the pressure vessel, to then be able to directly inject the fluid in a defined or metered manner via the probe, i.e., the fluid applicator. It is also possible to configure the entire injection device as a single-use system and to prefill the fluid applicator up to its fluid exit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Hagg, Ralf Kühner
  • Publication number: 20150073451
    Abstract: An instrument (10) having a tool (15) of a particularly simple design comprises jaws (16, 17) with jaw supports (46) supported by spaced-apart hinges on a shared socket part 18. The hinge axes (27, 28) of the hinges are oriented parallel relative to each other and are at a distance from each other. A slit (24) for precisely guiding a knife (25) may be provided between the two. The jaw supports (46) of the jaws (16, 17) are guided in their own hinges with minimal play and hence in a precise manner. They are held against each other by transverse interlocking means (37), thereby ensuring a simple assembly and precise guiding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Joachim Guba, Lothar Mitzlaff, Ralf Kuehner, Martina Heim
  • Patent number: 8843403
    Abstract: Methods and computer systems are provided managing and valuating inventory. In one embodiment, a computer system may assign every item of goods which is entering a working process to an identifier. The computer system may then track the goods in the working process. Further, the computer system may update a given identifier when the goods assigned to this identifier enter another stage in the working process, assign at least one price to each stage in the working process, determine the content of one or more identifiers, and calculate a price for goods in the working process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Udo Laub, Ralf Kuehner, Manfred Metz
  • Publication number: 20140142536
    Abstract: A fluid applicator is fed by a fluid delivery arrangement containing an energy storage such as a pressure vessel. The gas pressure acts on a container that has been prefilled with the ejection fluid. The fluid to be ejected is thus subject to constant pressure. With a valve, the user can initiate the ejection of the desired amount of fluid with constant intensity. The check valve may also be a regulating valve which can be used by the user to vary the intensity of the effect. The user need only release the system, e.g., by puncturing the pressure vessel, to then be able to directly inject the fluid in a defined or metered manner via the probe, i.e., the fluid applicator. It is also possible to configure the entire injection device as a single-use system and to prefill the fluid applicator up to its fluid exit opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Hagg, Ralf Kühner
  • Publication number: 20140107683
    Abstract: A fluid-surgical instrument includes a nozzle (20) to which a vibration can be applied. This concept can be used for changing the direction of the jet during the operation of the nozzle to generate an artificial wiping motion or to impart the nozzle with only micromovements that inject into the fluid jet a transverse pulse and thus lead to a change of the jet image. It is possible to combine both effects with each other. In this manner, the surgeon can retrieve, on command, e.g., different jet shapes made available by software technology and generate such jet shapes with one and the same instrument. In doing so, the surgeon can achieve varying effects without having to change the instrument and the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Kühner, Lothar Mitzlaff
  • Patent number: 8679143
    Abstract: An appliance for water-jet surgery is provided that includes a plurality of supply cylinder and piston arrangements in each of which is stored a working fluid that can be expelled, by means of the piston, through an outlet into a pressure conduit. At least one actuation device is provided to actuate the piston of each supply cylinder. By means of a change-over device to change the actuation from the piston of one supply cylinder to the piston of another supply cylinder, it is ensured that the working fluid can be expelled into the pressure conduit from consecutively emptying supply cylinders. As a result, an apparatus with a small structure that is achieved by simple means is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Kuehner, Martin Hagg, Stefanie Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8636725
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a tool part and a grip part connected to each other via a ball and socket joint or other double-axis joint. The double axis joint allows the surgeon to work in a non-fatiguing, ergonomic and sensitive manner. The tool on the tool part can be activated e.g., mechanically by an actuation member. Additional actuation elements such as, e.g., electrical switches, can be arranged on the grip part to activate the tool. The transmission connection between the grip part and the tool can be achieved via rigid levers and connecting pieces or also via flexible elements (e.g., a traction cord), or rigid components with an integral hinge. To uncouple a pivoting movement of the grip part towards the tool part from an actuation of the tool, at least one joint of the transmission is arranged in the center of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Amann, Martina Heim, Ralf Kühner, Stefanie Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20130226176
    Abstract: An electrode device of an electrosurgical instrument is known, comprising at least one electrically conductive electrode section and an electrically insulating carrier section, wherein both the electrode section and the carrier section are made from a ceramic material. In order to improve the mechanical and electrical properties and in order to simplify the production, a green body of the carrier section and a green body of the electrode section are connected to each other, in particular materially, to form a single composite green body and are jointly sintered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Ralf Kuehner, Dietmar Karwei