Patents by Inventor Robert Graf

Robert Graf 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: 20170052006
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic device for creating an overall effect consisting of individual effects includes: a) several tracer effect bodies, each having, i. an ignition element, and ii. at least one flare charge, and, b) an ignition control being connected with the ignition elements to ignite the tracer effect bodies, wherein said tracer effect bodies are arranged so that the ascending flare charges each create an individual effect of the overall effect, wherein the tracer effect bodies are disposed within a pyrotechnic article, and wherein said tracer effect bodies are arranged in the pyrotechnic article with different angles of inclination to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Graf
  • Patent number: 9350144
    Abstract: A removable contactor drawer including a transitional chamber receivable in a fixed casing. The transitional chamber including electrical components for an electrical feeder circuit. The fixed casing being designed to be mounted and used within a power distribution center and has input connectors for the incoming electrical power. Source power may be channeled through the electrical components via the fixed casing and delivered to a power outlet on a front face of the transitional chamber. The transitional chamber may optionally contain equipment to monitor and report operational faults within the contactor drawer. A front-mounted motor drive allows a remotely located operator to perform removal of the transitional chamber while under power, thus providing protection against the danger of arc flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: AMERICAN MINE RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Graf
  • Publication number: 20140211377
    Abstract: A removable contactor drawer including a transitional chamber receivable in a fixed casing. The transitional chamber including electrical components for an electrical feeder circuit. The fixed casing being designed to be mounted and used within a power distribution center and has input connectors for the incoming electrical power. Source power may be channeled through the electrical components via the fixed casing and delivered to a power outlet on a front face of the transitional chamber. The transitional chamber may optionally contain equipment to monitor and report operational faults within the contactor drawer. A front-mounted motor drive allows a remotely located operator to perform removal of the transitional chamber while under power, thus providing protection against the danger of arc flash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: AMERICAN MINE RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventor: Robert GRAF
  • Patent number: 7503417
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Harald Lichtinger, Brian M. Curtis, Robert Graf, Daniel Reich, Scott Morrell, Maria Kremer
  • Patent number: 7411914
    Abstract: A data ring has two or more disconnectable nodes and a monitoring device for monitoring and driving the nodes. Appliances that communicate with one another can be connected to the nodes. The data ring is distinguished by an additional node that can be connected by the monitoring device. The additional node allows a fault state to be produced deliberately in the other nodes. The deliberate production of a defined fault state in the data ring and the defined propagation of this defined fault state in concatenated data rings results in states being produced in all of the nodes which correctly initiate fault handling routines in the appliances which are connected to the nodes. The fault handling routines are provided as standard and provide the appliances at the node with knowledge of the failure of the faulty node or of the addition of a new appliance at a node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Depta, Wolfgang Winderl, Reinhold Gruber, Robert Graf, Herbert Schur
  • Publication number: 20070228707
    Abstract: A system for measuring seat belt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a rigid plate member having one end attached to a portion of the seat belt and an opposite end mounted to a vehicle structure. The seat belt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor including a strain gage is mounted on the rigid plate between the ends and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seat belt by the passenger or car seat. The strain gage generates a signal representative of the tension in the seat belt, which is used to control deployment of the airbag. The airbag is not deployed if the tension in the seat belt exceeds a predetermined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Curtis, Harald Lichtinger, Robert Graf
  • Patent number: 7234729
    Abstract: A system for measuring seat belt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a rigid plate member having one end attached to a portion of the seat belt and an opposite end mounted to a vehicle structure. The seat belt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor including a strain gage is mounted on the rigid plate between the ends and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seat belt by the passenger or car seat. The strain gage generates a signal representative of the tension in the seat belt, which is used to control deployment of the airbag. The airbag is not deployed if the tension in the seat belt exceeds a predetermined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Brian M. Curtis, Harald Lichtinger, Robert Graf
  • Publication number: 20060124377
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Harald Lichtinger, Brian Curtis, Robert Graf, Daniel Reich, Scott Morrell, Maria Kremer
  • Patent number: 7055400
    Abstract: A system for measuring seat belt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a rigid plate member having one end attached to a portion of the seat belt and an opposite end mounted to a vehicle structure. The seat belt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor including a strain gage is mounted on the rigid plate between the ends and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seat belt by the passenger or car seat. The strain gage generates a signal representative of the tension in the seat belt, which is used to control deployment of the airbag. The airbag is not deployed if the tension in the seat belt exceeds a predetermined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Brian M. Curtis, Harald Lichtinger, Robert Graf
  • Patent number: 7048085
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Harald Lichtinger, Brian M. Curtis, Robert Graf, Daniel Reich, Scott Morrell, Maria Kremer
  • Patent number: 6967223
    Abstract: A fiber-free molding composition containing: (a) a binder selected from the group consisting of an epoxide, a polyisocyanate, a furane-resin-free phenolic resin, and mixtures thereof; and (b) a filler mixture containing: (i) an inorganic high-temperature-resistant filler; and (ii) a heat-activatable swelling agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Cognis Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Graf, Maria-Elisabeth Kaiser, Klaus Lehr, Wolfgang Six
  • Publication number: 20050087026
    Abstract: A system for measuring seat belt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a rigid plate member having one end attached to a portion of the seat belt and an opposite end mounted to a vehicle structure. The seat belt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor including a strain gage is mounted on the rigid plate between the ends and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seat belt by the passenger or car seat. The strain gage generates a signal representative of the tension in the seat belt, which is used to control deployment of the airbag. The airbag is not deployed if the tension in the seat belt exceeds a predetermined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Applicant: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Curtis, Harald Lichtinger, Robert Graf
  • Publication number: 20050082802
    Abstract: A system for measuring seat belt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a rigid plate member having one end attached to a portion of the seat belt and an opposite end mounted to a vehicle structure. The seat belt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor including a strain gage is mounted on the rigid plate between the ends and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seat belt by the passenger or car seat. The strain gage generates a signal representative of the tension in the seat belt, which is used to control deployment of the airbag. The airbag is not deployed if the tension in the seat belt exceeds a predetermined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Applicant: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Curtis, Harald Lichtinger, Robert Graf
  • Patent number: 6860160
    Abstract: A system for measuring seat belt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a rigid plate member having one end attached to a portion of the seat belt and an opposite end mounted to a vehicle structure. The seat belt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor including a strain gage is mounted on the rigid plate between the ends and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seat belt by the passenger or car seat. The strain gage generates a signal representative of the tension in the seat belt, which is used to control deployment of the airbag. The airbag is not deployed if the tension in the seat belt exceeds a predetermined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Brian M. Curtis, Harold Lichtinger, Robert Graf
  • Patent number: 6814880
    Abstract: A liquid foam extinguishing formulation comprising a water soluble ammonium salt, a film-forming amphoteric fluorine surfactant, a foam-forming amphoteric co-surfactant, and a frostproofing agent, wherein the formulation is a stable, storable, ready to use, and frostproof single solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Cognis Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Graf, Stefan Keipl
  • Patent number: 6793032
    Abstract: A system for measuring seatbelt forces includes a guide that isolates a seatbelt force sensor 40 from input loads applied to the seatbelt at an angle. The system includes a rigid plate member 42 that supports the seatbelt force sensor 40, and which has one end attached to a portion of the seatbelt and an opposite end mounted to a guide bracket 70. The guide bracket 70 includes a pair of circular bosses 72 at one end for pivotally mounting the bracket 70 to a vehicle structure such as a B-pillar 68, for example. The bracket 70 guides the seatbelt in such a manner that input loads to the seatbelt that are applied at an angle do not affect the bending of the sensor 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Harald Lichtinger, Robert Graf
  • Publication number: 20040114524
    Abstract: A data ring having two or more nodes. The nodes are disconnectable. Appliances that communicate with one another can be connected to the nodes. The data ring includes a monitoring device for monitoring and driving the nodes. The data ring is distinguished by an additional node that can be connected by the monitoring device. The additional node allows a fault state to be produced deliberately in the other nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Depta, Wolfgang Winderl, Reinhold Gruber, Robert Graf, Herbert Schur
  • Publication number: 20040025601
    Abstract: A system for measuring seat belt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a rigid plate member having one end attached to a portion of the seat belt and an opposite end mounted to a vehicle structure. The seat belt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor including a strain gage is mounted on the rigid plate between the ends and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seat belt by the passenger or car seat. The strain gage generates a signal representative of the tension in the seat belt, which is used to control deployment of the airbag. The airbag is not deployed if the tension in the seat belt exceeds a predetermined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Brian M. Curtis, Harald Lichtinger, Robert Graf
  • Publication number: 20040016577
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Harald Lichtinger, Brian M. Curtis, Robert Graf, Daniel Reich, Scott Morrell, Maria Kremer
  • Patent number: 6636792
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Harald Lichtinger, Brian M. Curtis, Robert Graf, Daniel Reich, Scott Morrell, Maria Kremer