Patents by Inventor Ralf Ulrich Nübling

Ralf Ulrich Nübling 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: 20220317296
    Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor, in particular a laser scanner, for detecting objects in a monitored zone is provided, wherein the sensor has a light transmitter for transmitting transmitted light; a drive having a stator and a rotor; a scanning unit movable with the aid of the rotor for the periodic scanning of the monitored zone by the transmitted light; a light receiver for generating a received signal from light remitted by objects in the monitored zone; a control and evaluation unit for detecting information on objects in the monitored zone with reference to the received signal; and a base housing having a hood. The base housing and the hood have at least one interface for a mechanical connection to one another and the hood comprises at least one first bearing for mounting the scanning unit, with the scanning unit being rotatably supported with the rotor in the first bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: August BAUMGARTNER, Ralf Ulrich NÜBLING
  • Patent number: 11307084
    Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor having a reception element and at least one reception lens and an optical filter element, wherein the filter element is arranged without a gap between a first part lens and a second part lens, wherein the part lenses form one of the reception lenses or the reception lens, and wherein the optical filter element has at least one convex or concave shape and received light beams pass through the filter element at the same angle at every entry point or an optoelectronic sensor having a reception element and a reception lens and an optical filter element that is arranged between the reception element and the reception lens, wherein the optical filter element has at least one curved free-form surface so that the received light beams pass through the filter element at the surface of the optical filter element at the same angle at every entry point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventor: Ralf Ulrich Nübling
  • Publication number: 20210348964
    Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor having a reception element and at least one reception lens and an optical filter element, wherein the filter element is arranged without a gap between a first part lens and a second part lens, wherein the part lenses form one of the reception lenses or the reception lens, and wherein the optical filter element has at least one convex or concave shape and received light beams pass through the filter element at the same angle at every entry point or an optoelectronic sensor having a reception element and a reception lens and an optical filter element that is arranged between the reception element and the reception lens, wherein the optical filter element has at least one curved free-form surface so that the received light beams pass through the filter element at the surface of the optical filter element at the same angle at every entry point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventor: Ralf Ulrich NÜBLING
  • Patent number: 9111158
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus (10) is provided for a camera-based code reader (100) having a plurality of light transmitters (16) arranged in ring shape and in a fixed position with respect to a base housing part (12) and having a plurality of optical transmission systems (20) associated with the light transmitters (20) in a front housing (14) supported rotationally movably with respect to the base housing part (12), wherein the optical transmission systems (20) can be set to adapt the illumination by rotation of the front housing (14). The front housing (14) has a plurality of front lenses (20) and the front housing (14) is supported in a thread (15) with respect to the base housing part (12) so that front lenses (20) can be associated with the light transmitters (16) at a changed spacing by a rotational movement of the front housing (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventors: Ralf Ulrich Nübling, Roland Gehring, Richard Nopper
  • Patent number: 8561907
    Abstract: A flicker-free illumination apparatus (28) for a code reader (10) has an illumination control (26) which is configured for a pulsed operation with an illumination intensity varying between light pulses (30) and pulse pauses (32). The illumination control (26) is further configured to maintain a non-zero illumination intensity during the pulse pauses (32), such that a basic intensity (34) remains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventors: Ralf Ulrich Nübling, Roland Gehring
  • Patent number: 8496173
    Abstract: A camera-based code reader (10) has an image sensor comprising a line-shaped reading area (18) for capturing an image line, an illumination unit (28, 30) for illuminating the reading area (18), an evaluation unit (46) configured to compose an image from successively captured image lines, and a decoding unit (48) for locating and decoding code information in the image. The code reader (10) further comprises an elongated base body (26) with a plurality of individual image sensors (32) mounted thereon, each of the individual image sensors (32) comprising a line-shaped individual reading area (18a-d), and the individual image sensors (32) together forming the image sensor by being oriented and arranged relative to one another so that the individual reading areas (18a-d) overlap to form the line-shaped reading area (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventors: Christoph Anselment, Ralf Ulrich Nübling
  • Patent number: 8408467
    Abstract: An optical apparatus (10) for an optoelectronic sensor (100, 200) which has at least one lens (14a-b), wherein a further optical element (18) is provided in the beam path of the optical apparatus (10) for extending the depth of field, wherein the optical element (18) is made and/or arranged such that a part of the beam path remains free and thus generates a first depth of field; and wherein the optical element (18) has a planoparallel zone which only covers a part of the beam path of the optical apparatus (10) and thus generates a second depth of field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventor: Ralf Ulrich Nübling
  • Publication number: 20130015244
    Abstract: A camera-based code reader (10) has an image sensor comprising a line-shaped reading area (18) for capturing an image line, an illumination unit (28, 30) for illuminating the reading area (18), an evaluation unit (46) configured to compose an image from successively captured image lines, and a decoding unit (48) for locating and decoding code information in the image. The code reader (10) further comprises an elongated base body (26) with a plurality of individual image sensors (32) mounted thereon, each of the individual image sensors (32) comprising a line-shaped individual reading area (18a-d), and the individual image sensors (32) together forming the image sensor by being oriented and arranged relative to one another so that the individual reading areas (18a-d) overlap to form the line-shaped reading area (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: SICK AG
    Inventors: Christoph Anselment, Ralf Ulrich Nübling
  • Publication number: 20120261472
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus (10) is provided for a camera-based code reader (100) having a plurality of light transmitters (16) arranged in ring shape and in a fixed position with respect to a base housing part (12) and having a plurality of optical transmission systems (20) associated with the light transmitters (20) in a front housing (14) supported rotationally movably with respect to the base housing part (12), wherein the optical transmission systems (20) can be set to adapt the illumination by rotation of the front housing (14). The front housing (14) has a plurality of front lenses (20) and the front housing (14) is supported in a thread (15) with respect to the base housing part (12) so that front lenses (20) can be associated with the light transmitters (16) at a changed spacing by a rotational movement of the front housing (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: SICK AG
    Inventors: Ralf Ulrich NÜBLING, Roland GEHRING, Richard NOPPER
  • Publication number: 20120111947
    Abstract: A flicker-free illumination apparatus (28) for a code reader (10) has an illumination control (26) which is configured for a pulsed operation with an illumination intensity varying between light pulses (30) and pulse pauses (32). The illumination control (26) is further configured to maintain a non-zero illumination intensity during the pulse pauses (32), such that a basic intensity (34) remains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: SICK AG
    Inventors: Ralf Ulrich NÜBLING, Roland GEHRING
  • Patent number: 7970269
    Abstract: The invention relates to an image acquisition apparatus, in particular a camera, for the identification of objects, comprising a focusable optical receiving system and an illumination unit including an object illumination and/or positioning illumination, wherein the object illumination and/or positioning illumination is adjustable and can hereby be matched to the focus of the optical receiving system, and wherein the object illumination and/or positioning illumination is coupled to the optical receiving system such that an adjustment of the focus of the optical receiving system automatically effects a matching of the object illumination and/or positioning illumination to the adjusted focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventors: Ralf Ulrich Nübling, Helmut Weber
  • Publication number: 20110147460
    Abstract: An optical apparatus (10) for an optoelectronic sensor (100, 200) which has at least one lens (14a-b), wherein a further optical element (18) is provided in the beam path of the optical apparatus (10) for extending the depth of field, wherein the optical element (18) is made and/or arranged such that a part of the beam path remains free and thus generates a first depth of field; and wherein the optical element (18) has a planoparallel zone which only covers a part of the beam path of the optical apparatus (10) and thus generates a second depth of field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: SICK AG
    Inventor: Ralf Ulrich Nübling
  • Patent number: 7845557
    Abstract: The invention relates to an identification device, in particular for the linear detection of a code arranged in an object plane. In this respect, an optical receiving system is present in the identification device with which the object plane is imaged on a spatially resolving light receiver. The optical receiving system is movably journaled with a link journaled in a swivel joint along a path of an arc of a circle for the focusing of differently far away object planes on the light receiver. To change the spacing between the optical receiving system and the light receiver, i.e. to change the focus, the position of the link and thus the optical receiving system is changed by a positioning element. In this respect, the pivot is oriented in parallel for the linear detection of the code so that a displacement of the detection region caused by the circular movement of the optical receiving system on the object plane only takes place in the direction of the linear detection of the code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventor: Ralf Ulrich Nuebling
  • Publication number: 20100021151
    Abstract: The invention relates to an image acquisition apparatus, in particular a camera, for the identification of objects, comprising a focusable optical receiving system and an illumination unit including an object illumination and/or positioning illumination, wherein the object illumination and/or positioning illumination is adjustable and can hereby be matched to the focus of the optical receiving system, and wherein the object illumination and/or positioning illumination is coupled to the optical receiving system such that an adjustment of the focus of the optical receiving system automatically effects a matching of the object illumination and/or positioning illumination to the adjusted focus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SICK AG
    Inventors: Ralf Ulrich Nübling, Helmut Weber
  • Patent number: 7644864
    Abstract: A code reader for reading one- and/or two-dimensional codes. A position resolving light receiver (3) is mounted in a housing (2). An imaging optics made of several components is associated with the light receiver and is also disposed in the housing. The imaging optics has at least one stationary optics (4) and a deflecting optics arranged on an optical axis (10) in front of the light receiver (3). A pivot arm is mounted on a pivot axis (9) in the housing. Pivoting of the pivot arm results in a positional and angular change of the effective back optical focal distance measured from the vortex of the last back surface of the lens to the focal point thereof. If the objects to be identified are at different distances from the identification apparatus, the pivot arm (8) is pivoted. As a result, the deflection optics mounted on the pivot arm changes the effective back focal distance as well as the focal length of the imaging optics to thereby project an exact image onto the light receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventor: Ralf Ulrich Nuebling
  • Publication number: 20090261168
    Abstract: The invention relates to an identification device, in particular for the linear detection of a code arranged in an object plane. In this respect, an optical receiving system is present in the identification device with which the object plane is imaged on a spatially resolving light receiver. The optical receiving system is movably journaled with a link journaled in a swivel joint along a path of an arc of a circle for the focusing of differently far away object planes on the light receiver. To change the spacing between the optical receiving system and the light receiver, i.e. to change the focus, the position of the link and thus the optical receiving system is changed by a positioning element. In this respect, the pivot is oriented in parallel for the linear detection of the code so that a displacement of the detection region caused by the circular movement of the optical receiving system on the object plane only takes place in the direction of the linear detection of the code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: SICK AG
    Inventor: Ralf Ulrich Nuebling
  • Patent number: 7427743
    Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor has a receiving optics and a lighting arrangement in the vicinity of the receiving optics. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) are linearly arranged relative to each other, and they illuminate a light receiving area. Anamorphic imaging optics for each LED include an optical condenser element with a planar side facing the LED and an oppositely facing non-planar, e.g. curved, side. A cylindrical lens is associated with the condenser elements. The optical condenser elements of the arrangement are of like construction. The LEDs are axially offset relative to the optical axis of associated condenser elements as a function of the distance between the LEDs and the receiving optics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventor: Ralf Ulrich Nuebling
  • Patent number: 7318552
    Abstract: Apparatus for reading codes for capturing one- and/or two-dimensional codes located at varying distances. A light receiver is arranged in a housing that also includes a projection optics and a deflecting mirror located on the optical axis between the projection optics and the light receiver. The deflecting mirror is mounted on a pivot arm that is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis for changing the projected image of the object by pivoting the pivot arm to effect positional and angular changes of the light receiver relative to the projecting optics. The light receiver is coupled to the pivot arm so that, upon pivoting of the pivot arm, the light-receiving surface of the light receiver changes its position and angular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventor: Ralf Ulrich Nuebling
  • Patent number: 7128267
    Abstract: A device for optical scanning of markings, such as barcodes, has at least two transmitters (10, 20) that send light beams (12, 22) at different angles toward a rotating polygonal mirror (30), which deflects the light beams onto the markings being scanned. The light reflected by the markings is deflected by the polygonal mirrors (30) to separate receiver systems, so that the device has and simultaneously uses at least two separate transmitter/receiver channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventors: Juergen Reichenbach, Ralf Ulrich Nuebling, Christoph Anselment, Roland Gehring
  • Patent number: 6966494
    Abstract: An identification device, especially one for detecting unidimensional and/or two-dimensional codes, which has a position-resolving photoreceiver arranged in a housing and a reception optics coordinated with it and also installed in the housing. The entire reception optics and the position-resolving photoreceiver are immovably mounted in a housing of the identification device. For focusing at different object distances, an effective optical back focal distance is changed with only an adjustable deflection mirror that is positioned between the photoreceiver and the reception optics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventor: Ralf Ulrich Nuebling