Patents by Inventor Robert Apfelbeck

Robert Apfelbeck 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: 10259289
    Abstract: A combustion air inflow path, for a vehicle heater, includes a bottom area (24) and an outer circumferential wall (26) adjoining the bottom area (24) and extending essentially in the direction of a central longitudinal axis (L) of the inflow element (22). An inner circumferential wall (32) is arranged at a radially spaced location from the outer circumferential wall (26) and defines a space area (52) with same. An inflow opening arrangement (38) is provided for the inflow of air into the inflow element (22). The inflow opening arrangement (38) is provided in the bottom area (24) and is designed to generate a turbulent flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Eberspächer Climate Control Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Panterott, Robert Apfelbeck, Thorsten Findeis, Andreas Collmer, Frank Barthel
  • Patent number: 9802462
    Abstract: A fuel-operated vehicle heating system includes a burner arrangement (18) with a combustion chamber (20) for burning a fuel/combustion air mixture, a fuel feed system (22) for feeding fuel (B) to the combustion chamber (20), a combustion air feed system (28) for feeding combustion air (L) to the combustion chamber (20), and a waste gas removal system (34) for removing combustion waste gases from the burner arrangement (18). A waste gas emission suppression arrangement (38, 40) is associated with the combustion air feed system (28) and/or the waste gas removal system (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Eberspächer Climate Control Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Eger, Robert Apfelbeck
  • Publication number: 20150028118
    Abstract: A combustion air inflow path, for a vehicle heater, includes a bottom area (24) and an outer circumferential wall (26) adjoining the bottom area (24) and extending essentially in the direction of a central longitudinal axis (L) of the inflow element (22). An inner circumferential wall (32) is arranged at a radially spaced location from the outer circumferential wall (26) and defines a space area (52) with same. An inflow opening arrangement (38) is provided for the inflow of air into the inflow element (22). The inflow opening arrangement (38) is provided in the bottom area (24) and is designed to generate a turbulent flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas PANTEROTT, Robert APFELBECK, Thorsten FINDEIS, Andreas COLLMER, Frank BARTHEL
  • Publication number: 20140008449
    Abstract: A fuel-operated vehicle heating system includes a burner arrangement (18) with a combustion chamber (20) for burning a fuel/combustion air mixture, a fuel feed system (22) for feeding fuel (B) to the combustion chamber (20), a combustion air feed system (28) for feeding combustion air (L) to the combustion chamber (20), and a waste gas removal system (34) for removing combustion waste gases from the burner arrangement (18). A waste gas emission suppression arrangement (38, 40) is associated with the combustion air feed system (28) and/or the waste gas removal system (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Johannes EGER, Robert APFELBECK
  • Patent number: 7611268
    Abstract: A headlight adjustment device with at least two drive units for adjustment of a light module in at least two directions, each drive unit having at least one drive motor and a gear mechanism with two input elements movable relative to each other, which are connected by means of a coupling element. At least one input element of each drive element is coupled to the drive motor of the drive unit. Each coupling element is connected to an output element of the corresponding gear mechanism. In addition, each output element has an adapter for connection to the light modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: odelo GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel J. Flynn, Robert Apfelbeck, Andreas Leittretter
  • Patent number: 7594742
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exterior mirror of a vehicle with an opening facing rearward in assembled state, in a housing, with a cavity, into which a mirror can be received, and a forward facing rear wall, confining the cavity, with an exterior surface. At least two different light functions can be performed on the outer surface and/or the mirror, wherein the light functions comprise illuminants, which are grouped in one or several modules within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Robert Apfelbeck, Alf Liesener, Klaus-Dieter Hezinger, Arne Schmierer
  • Patent number: 7520648
    Abstract: The invention concerns a headlight adjustment device with at least one light module mounted to pivot in an intermediate part by means of a pivot device, in which the intermediate part is mounted to pivot directly or indirectly in the headlight housing by means of an additional pivot device. For this purpose, at least one pivot device includes a clamping and/or release device. The headlight adjustment device also includes precisely one drive unit that adjusts the light module or light modules relative to the headlight housing. A low-wear, compact headlight adjustment device is developed with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: odelo GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Apfelbeck
  • Publication number: 20080084703
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exterior mirror of a vehicle with an opening facing rearward in assembled state, in a housing, with a cavity, into which a mirror can be received, and a forward facing rear wall, confining the cavity, with an exterior surface. At least two different light functions can be performed on the outer surface and/or the mirror, wherein the light functions comprise illuminants, which are grouped in one or several modules within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: Schefenacker Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Robert Apfelbeck, Alf Liesener, Klaus-Dieter Hezinger, Arne Schmierer
  • Publication number: 20080080202
    Abstract: The invention concerns a headlight adjustment device with at least one light module mounted to pivot in an intermediate part by means of a pivot device, in which the intermediate part is mounted to pivot directly or indirectly in the headlight housing by means of an additional pivot device. For this purpose, at least one pivot device includes a clamping and/or release device. The headlight adjustment device also includes precisely one drive unit that adjusts the light module or light modules relative to the headlight housing. A low-wear, compact headlight adjustment device is developed with the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: SCHEFENACKER VISION SYSTEMS GERMANY GMBH
    Inventor: Robert Apfelbeck
  • Publication number: 20080019140
    Abstract: The invention concerns a headlight adjustment device with at least two drive units for adjustment of a light module, each drive unit having at least one drive motor. For this purpose each drive unit includes a gear mechanism with two input elements movable relative to each other, which are connected by means of a coupling element. At least one input element of each drive element is coupled to the drive motor of the drive unit. Each coupling element is connected to an output element of the corresponding gear mechanism. In addition, each output element has an adapter for connection to the light modules. A headlight adjustment device is developed with the present invention, which has high dynamics and permits simple adjustment of the headlight in at least two directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: SCHEFENACKER VISION SYSTEMS GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel J. Flynn, Robert Apfelbeck, Andreas Leittretter
  • Publication number: 20050207041
    Abstract: In order to configure an exterior rear view mirror (1) in such a way that area next to the vehicle is perfectly illuminated by the surround light (6) in a simple, constructive manner even when the mirror head (2) is folded, said light is fixedly arranged in relation to the mirror head (2). Said mirror head (2) also has a passage hole (18) for the beams coming out of the surround light (6) due to the fact that the position of the surround light (6) remains unchanged when it is in working position or in folded position. The exterior rear view mirror (1) ensures optimum illumination in the area below the mirror and next to the vehicle in every position of the mirror head (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Applicant: Schefenacker Vision Systems Germany GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Robert Apfelbeck
  • Patent number: 6695465
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for vehicles has a mirror head housing having a light-transmitting plate arranged therein. At least one lighting unit is received in the mirror head housing and has at least one light source emitting light rays so as to pass through the light-transmitting plate to the exterior of mirror head housing. At least one reflector is positioned between the at least one light source and the light-transmitting plate. The at least one reflector has at least one opening, and the at least one light source is positioned in the at least one opening. The at least one lighting unit has a lighting unit housing and the at least one light source is arranged in the lighting unit housing which is received in a receptacle of the mirror head housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Robert Apfelbeck
  • Patent number: 6685324
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for vehicles has a mirror pane support and an adjusting device with a housing for adjusting the position of the mirror pane support. One or more spring elements for connecting the housing and the mirror pane support with one another are provided. The spring elements are part of the mirror pane support and/or the housing. One or more locking counter members interact with the spring elements to connect the housing and the mirror pane support with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Robert Apfelbeck
  • Patent number: 6578973
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for motor vehicles has a mirror base and a mirror head connected to the mirror base. The mirror head is pivotable about a first pivot axis relative to the mirror base from a position of use into a parking position. A securing device exerting a securing force onto the mirror head at least in the parking position is provided. A tension spring exerting a spring force onto the mirror head is also provided, wherein the securing force counteracts the spring force. A cam disc is pivotably supported on the mirror base about a second pivot axis, wherein the mirror head has a support and wherein the tension spring has a first end connected to the cam disc and a second end connected to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Reitter & Schafenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Robert Apfelbeck
  • Patent number: 6561685
    Abstract: A light assembly for exterior rearview mirrors of vehicles has a support and one or more first LEDs provided as luminous bodies arranged on the support. Two or more second LEDs are provided as luminous bodies and arranged on the support. The first LEDs have a current intensity that is higher than the current intensity of the second LEDs. At least one of the first LEDs is series connected to at least two of the second LEDs, and the at least two second LEDs are parallel connected to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christine Weber, Helmut Eberspächer, Thomas Klett, Robert Apfelbeck
  • Publication number: 20020024748
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for motor vehicles has a mirror base and a mirror head connected to the mirror base. The mirror head is pivotable about a first pivot axis relative to the mirror base from a position of use into a parking position. A securing device exerting a securing force onto the mirror head at least in the parking position is provided. A tension spring exerting a spring force onto the mirror head is also provided, wherein the securing force counteracts the spring force. A cam disc is pivotably supported on the mirror base about a second pivot axis, wherein the mirror head has a support and wherein the tension spring has a first end connected to the cam disc and a second end connected to the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Robert Apfelbeck
  • Publication number: 20010046136
    Abstract: A light assembly for exterior rearview mirrors of vehicles has a support and one or more first LEDs provided as luminous bodies arranged on the support. Two or more second LEDs are provided as luminous bodies and arranged on the support. The first LEDs have a current intensity that is higher than the current intensity of the second LEDs. At least one of the first LEDs is series connected to at least two of the second LEDs, and the at least two second LEDs are parallel connected to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Christine Weber, Helmut Eberspacher, Thomas Klett, Robert Apfelbeck
  • Patent number: 6315421
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror for motor vehicles has a mirror support, a mirror housing, and a ball joint having a ball head, wherein mirror housing and the mirror support are connected to one another by the ball joint. At least one electrically operated component is mounted in the mirror housing and has an electrical line connected to a power source for supplying electric current to the at least one electrically operated component. The ball head has at least one slot located laterally in a side of the ball head. The slot allows lateral passage of the electric line into the ball head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Apfelbeck, Jens Mertens
  • Publication number: 20010010633
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for vehicles has a mirror head housing having a light-transmitting plate arranged therein. At least one lighting unit is received in the mirror head housing and has at least one light source emitting light rays so as to pass through the light-transmitting plate to the exterior of mirror head housing. At least one reflector is positioned between the at least one light source and the light-transmitting plate. The at least one reflector has at least one opening, and the at least one light source is positioned in the at least one opening. The at least one lighting unit has a lighting unit housing and the at least one light source is arranged in the lighting unit housing which is received in a receptacle of the mirror head housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Robert Apfelbeck
  • Publication number: 20010009481
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for vehicles has a mirror pane support and an adjusting device with a housing for adjusting the position of the mirror pane support. One or more spring elements for connecting the housing and the mirror pane support with one another are provided. The spring elements are part of the mirror pane support and/or the housing. One or more locking counter members interact with the spring elements to connect the housing and the mirror pane support with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Applicant: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Robert Apfelbeck