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).

  • 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
  • Patent number: 6595545
    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: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Brian M. Curtis, Harold Lichtinger, Robert Graf
  • Patent number: 6544445
    Abstract: A fire-resistant composite substrate for use in making structural openings fire-resistant, the substrate containing: (a) elastically compressible particles; (b) at least one heat-activated expanding agent; (c) at least one heat-activated binder; and (d) a diisocyanate adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Robert Graf, Maria-Elisabeth Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20020043795
    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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Harald Lichtinger, Robert Graf
  • Publication number: 20020043789
    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: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Harald Lichtinger, Brian M. Curtis, Robert Graf, Daniel Reich, Scott Morrell, Maria Kremer
  • Publication number: 20010052696
    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: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Brian M. Curtis, Harald Lichtinger, Robert Graf
  • Patent number: 6010763
    Abstract: A fireproofing material is provided in the form of a loose mixture comprising:a. at least one heat-insulating material which is heat resistant at temperatures of up to 1100.degree. C.,b. at least one swelling agent active at elevated temperatures,c. at least one binder active at elevated temperatures, andd. at least one flexibly compliant constituent,wherein the mixture is free from inorganic fibers. The mixture is typically contained in a sealed flexible bag. The flexibly compliant constituent is typically a granular foam or a fiber conglomerate. The flexibly compliant constituent is present in the mixture in quantities of 1 to 30% by weight and preferably 2 to 15% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Grunau Illertissen
    Inventors: Dieter Annemaier, Robert Graf
  • Patent number: 5876042
    Abstract: A device for sealing the gap or void between the outer circumference of a pipe and a hole in a wall the pipe passes through includes a sheet metal casing flexible enough to be bent around the pipe. The inside wall of the casing includes spaced apart inner directed radial projections for containing a swelling agent that is heat activated for filling the void between the housing and pipe in a manner overlapping the gap between the pipe and the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Gruenau Illertissen GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Graf, Dieter Annemaier
  • Patent number: 5496881
    Abstract: The invention is an aqueous composition for forming fireproof coatings and caulking. The composition is halogen, asbestos and antimony-free. The composition contains 5-20% by weight of a binder resin; 10-60% by weight of a particulate flameproofing agent; 0.2 to 27.5% by weight of non-asbestos inorganic fibers with an average length of 300 micron; 0.1 to 10% by weight of a plasticizer; and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Chemische Fabrik Gruenau GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Annemaier, Robert Graf
  • Patent number: 5126076
    Abstract: The invention relates to low-flammability structural elements, particularly boards, and to a process for constructing them. The low-flammability structural elements are constructed utilizing combustible plastics waste material. They contain in addition non-combustible inorganic additives and a flame-proofing agent mixture. The components are held together by at least one hardened adhesive. Because of this build-up the structural elements display, despite the combustible components, low-flammability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Chemische Fabrik Gruenau
    Inventors: Robert Graf, Dieter Annemaier
  • Patent number: 4816312
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fire prevention material in loose form containing at least one material thermally insulating at temperatures up to 1100.degree. C.; at least one material which irreversibly expands at temperatures over 150.degree. C., particularly over 200.degree. C.; and at least one preferably finely divided binder, which is able to expand on heating. All the constituents of the material are waterproof and weatherproof, so that the fire prevention material can be frequently handled over long periods. It is preferably packed into incompletely filled bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Chemische Fabrik Grunau GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Annemaier, Robert Graf, Stefan Keipl
  • Patent number: 4770025
    Abstract: A pulling clamp which can engage an automotive frame member at two points. The pulling clamp includes two elongated bow shaped members (12, 14) each of which is provided with at least one elongated slot (18) for the reception of a bolt (66) which is passed through suitable apertures in the frame member (56) to be pulled the bolt being held in place by a nut (68). The bow shaped members are spread apart by a threaded spreading member (34) to firmly clamp opposed side walls of the frame member between the head of the bolt, the nut, and the outer surfaces (20) of the pulling clamp. In one embodiment a second elongated slot (90) is provided inwardly of the first elongated slot (28) so that box sections of smaller width may be engaged by passing a bolt through a second set of elongated slots. In another embodiment threaded apertures (30, 42) are disposed inwardly of the elongated slots (28), which threaded apertures may receive additional gripping means (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Inventor: Robert Graf
  • Patent number: 4212015
    Abstract: A portable radio link system mast, particularly for use in the field, employing mast tube elements which are lifted, one after the other, by means of a lifting device installed in the head of the stand and, after a certain height is reached, are connected with always the next mast tube element. The lifting device consists of three frictionally self-locking pawls arranged on top of each other, a carrying pawl, a lowering pawl and a lifting pawl, which permit a slipless lifting, lowering and locking of the mast tube elements in connection with springs. A cardigan cam lever with a feeler stud draws attention to a wrong connection of the mast tube elements, and a mast tube element in the range of the lifting device can only be pushed out of the head of the stand after a correct contact is established with the following mast tube element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Assignee: BBC Brown Boveri & Company Limited
    Inventors: Robert Graf, Rene Meier
  • Patent number: D284855
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: PKS/Communications, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert Graf