Patents by Inventor Ralph K. Muench

Ralph K. Muench 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: 6836745
    Abstract: A method for determining the position of a sensor element which is used to measure a magnetic alternating field emitted by at least one generator unit. The sensor element receives a signal. Interference fields, which are the fields arising due to eddy currents generated in electrically conductive objects, are calculated. The eddy currents are calculated based on the alternating field. The position can be corrected based on the signal received in the sensor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Northern Digital Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Seiler, Ralph K. Muench, Stefan R. Kirsch
  • Publication number: 20030200052
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the position of a sensor element (300), according to which a magnetic alternating field (210) emitted by at least one field generating unit (200) is measured. The position of the sensor element (300) is determined on the basis of a signal received in the sensor element (300). The inventive method is further characterized in that interference fields (410) are calculated, preferably to a first approximation, said interference fields being caused by eddy currents (420) produced in electrically conductive objects (400). The position that can be determined on the basis of the signal received in the sensor element (300) is corrected on the basis of the calculated interference fields (410).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Paul G. Seiler, Ralph K. Muench, Stefan R. Kirsch