Patents by Inventor Robert Plank

Robert Plank 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: 7871134
    Abstract: A wheel hub, which has a central section and a radial section that is radially connected to the central section, a bearing section which axially protrudes from the central section and is used to receive a wheel bearing, and an axially opposing receiving section for receiving a brake disk and a wheel rim. Holes for receiving lug bolts are formed in the radial section. In order to produce an especially light wheel hub that can withstand all operating loads and provides a brake disk with a secure abutment surface under all operating conditions, the wheel hub has recesses at least between some holes, which fully penetrate the wall of the radial section of the wheel hub, and at least one reinforcing element is embodied on the radial end of the wheel hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hofmann, Horst Doeppling, Peter Niebling, Robert Plank
  • Patent number: 7828484
    Abstract: The radial antifriction bearing has an outer bearing ring, an inner bearing ring and roller bodies, which are arranged between the bearing rings, are held at uniform distances from one another in the peripheral direction by a bearing cage. The roller bodies are discs that each have two parallelly arranged lateral surfaces which are symmetrically flattened from a spherical basic shape. In order to prevent edge stresses between the discs and the raceways, at least the raceway in the inner bearing ring, on its outer edge areas, transition into a logarithmically decreasing profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hofmann, Horst Doeppling, Robert Plank, Arbogast Grunau
  • Patent number: 7819589
    Abstract: A radial roller bearing, which is a single-grooved ball bearing. The bearing bodies are spherical disks with two symmetrical, parallel lateral surfaces from a spherical base shape. The bearing has a larger contact surface of the spherical disk in relation to the bearing body tracks thereof, as well as, an increased number of bearing bodies. One part of the width of the disks, between the lateral surfaces thereof, is larger than the distance between the inner side of the external bearing ring and the external side of the inner bearing ring, but equal to or smaller than the width of the bearing body tracks. Also, the use of the disks in the bearing takes place according to an eccentric mounting method where the disks are arranged in a transversal manner in the bearing body tracks and are arranged on top of each other in relation to the lateral surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hofmann, Horst Doeppling, Robert Plank
  • Publication number: 20100247019
    Abstract: A wheel mounting for automotive vehicles substantially comprising a multi-row angular contact rolling bearing comprising an inner bearing ring arranged on or at least partially integrated in a hub of a wheel side-fixing flange, an outer bearing ring coaxial to the inner bearing ring and arranged in or at least partially integrated in a hub of a vehicle side-fixing flange, and a plurality of rolling elements arranged in a plurality of rows next to one another between the inner and the outer bearing rings, which rolling elements roll on defined, inclined pressure angle axes in groove-shaped raceways of the inner and the outer bearing rings and are retained uniformly spaced from one another in peripheral direction in a plurality of bearing cages wherein all the rolling elements of the angular contact rolling bearing are configured in form of ball-rollers comprising two parallel side surfaces obtained by symmetric flattening of a basic ball shape such that a width of the ball-rollers between these side surfaces i
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Horst Döppling, Heinrich Hofmann, Rainer Eidloth, Robert Plank, Ludwig Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 7631948
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel hub having a central section and a radial section which is radially connected to the central section, a bearing section which axially protrudes from the central section and is used to receive a wheel bearing, and an axially opposing receiving section for receiving a brake disk and a wheel rim. Holes for receiving wheel nuts are formed in the radial section. In order to produce an especially light wheel hub that can withstand all operating loads and provides a brake disk with a secure abutment surface under all operating conditions, the wheel hub has recesses at least between some holes, the recesses fully penetrating the wall of the radial section of the wheel hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hofmann, Horst Doeppling, Peter Niebling, Robert Plank
  • Publication number: 20080303339
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel hub having a central section and having a radial section which radially adjoins said central section, having a bearing section which projects axially from the central section for holding a wheel bearing and having an axially opposite holding section for holding a brake disk and a wheel rim, wherein holes for holding wheel bolts are formed in the radial section. In order to obtain a particularly light wheel hub which can withstand all operating loads and offers a reliable contact face for a brake disk under all operating conditions, it is provided that the wheel hub has recesses at least between some holes, which recesses extend completely through the wall of the radial section of the wheel hub, and that stiffening ribs are formed between the respective recesses which stiffening ribs axially thicken the radial section between the recesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Peter Niebling, Robert Plank, Heinrich Hofmann, Horst Doeppling
  • Publication number: 20080296965
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel hub having a central section and a radial section which is radially connected to the central section, a bearing section which axially protrudes from the central section and is used to receive a wheel bearing, and an axially opposing receiving section for receiving a brake disk and a wheel rim. Holes for receiving wheel nuts are formed in the radial section. In order to produce an especially light wheel hub that can withstand all operating loads and provides a brake disk with a secure abutment surface under all operating conditions, the wheel hub has recesses at least between some holes, the recesses fully penetrating the wall of the radial section of the wheel hub, and at least one reinforcing means is embodied on the radial end of the wheel hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hofmann, Horst Doeppling, Peter Niebling, Robert Plank
  • Publication number: 20080265660
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel hub having a central section and a radial section which is radially connected to the central section, a bearing section which axially protrudes from the central section and is used to receive a wheel bearing, and an axially opposing receiving section for receiving a brake disk and a wheel rim. Holes for receiving wheel nuts are formed in the radial section. In order to produce an especially light wheel hub that can withstand all operating loads and provides a brake disk with a secure abutment surface under all operating conditions, the wheel hub has recesses at least between some holes, the recesses fully penetrating the wall of the radial section of the wheel hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hofmann, Horst Doeppling, Peter Niebling, Robert Plank
  • Publication number: 20080267551
    Abstract: The radial antifriction bearing has an outer bearing ring, an inner bearing ring and roller bodies, which are arranged between the bearing rings, are held at uniform distances from one another in the peripheral direction by a bearing cage. The roller bodies are discs that each have two parallelly arranged lateral surfaces which are symmetrically flattened from a spherical basic shape. In order to prevent edge stresses between the discs and the raceways, at least the raceway in the inner bearing ring, on its outer edge areas, transition into a logarithmically decreasing profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hofmann, Horst Doeppling, Robert Plank, Arbogast Grunau
  • Publication number: 20080212912
    Abstract: The invention relates to a radial roller bearing which is embodied as a single-grooved grooved ball bearing. The bearing bodies are embodied as spherical disks having two symmetrical, parallel lateral surfaces from a spherical base shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hofmann, Horst Doeppling, Robert Plank
  • Publication number: 20080166082
    Abstract: The multiple-row angular contact antifriction bearing has an outer bearing ring, an inner bearing ring, and roll bodies, which are arranged at least in two rows next to one another between the bearing rings. The roll bodies are ball discs having two lateral surfaces that are symmetrically flattened from a spherical basic shape whose raceways are arranged inside the bearing rings, abutting against one another so that the respectively adjacent roll bodies of each row have their lateral surface pointing toward one another and arranged directly next to one another on a transversal axis situated at a right angle to the pressure angle axes. These lateral surfaces also provide mutual guide surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hofmann, Horst Doeppling, Robert Plank, Arbogast Grunau
  • Publication number: 20080037741
    Abstract: A system and method for improved real-time communications in a computer system that eliminates the distinctions between various communication devices, communication channels and types of communication, including voice, text and video, is provided. When connected for communication, the user may easily move between modalities, including switching devices on which the user is communicating, switching networks, and transitioning between types of communication. A computer system includes various integrated communications-related devices, and a controller controls those devices based on user actions entered via buttons or user interface software and provides notifications to the user. The user is able to input data via any appropriate input mechanism, and receive data on any suitable output mechanism. Improved non-linear caller ID navigation is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Bear, Chad Magendanz, Aditha Adams, Carl Ledbetter, Steve Kaneko, Dale Crosier, Robert Plank, Michael Flandern, Pasquale DeMaio
  • Publication number: 20070195007
    Abstract: A method and system for auxiliary display of information for a computing device. An auxiliary display is integrated with a computing system to provide an area where notifications can be peripherally presented off-screen. Whenever a background task sends a notification to the main display of the system, the notification may be redirected to appear instead on the auxiliary display. A user may then glance at the notification appearing on the auxiliary display to be informed of the message without interruption from the current task onscreen. Any type of information may be presented on the auxiliary display including incoming communications, meeting reminders, system alerts, and information from Internet subscription services. The auxiliary display may be placed on the central processor chassis or on the monitor border along with LED indicator lights to provide simple peripheral-vision notification. By pressing a button, a user may obtain additional detailed follow-up information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Bear, Chad Magendanz, Aditha Adams, Carl Ledbetter, Steve Kaneko, Chris Schoppa, Adrian Chandley, William Westerinen, Dale Crosier, Robert Plank
  • Publication number: 20060284787
    Abstract: A method and system for auxiliary display of information for a computing device. An auxiliary display is integrated with a computing system to provide an area where notifications can be peripherally presented off-screen. Whenever a background task sends a notification to the main display of the system, the notification may be redirected to appear instead on the auxiliary display. A user may then glance at the notification appearing on the auxiliary display to be informed of the message without interruption from the current task onscreen. Any type of information may be presented on the auxiliary display including incoming communications, meeting reminders, system alerts, and information from Internet subscription services. The auxiliary display may be placed on the central processor chassis or on the monitor border along with LED indicator lights to provide simple peripheral-vision notification. By pressing a button, a user may obtain additional detailed follow-up information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Bear, Chad Magendanz, Aditha Adams, Carl Ledbetter, Steve Kaneko, Chris Schoppa, Adrian Chandley, William Westerinen, Dale Crosier, Robert Plank
  • Publication number: 20060050057
    Abstract: A mouse is provided with a movement sensor in a casing. The mouse includes three depressible top surfaces and two thumb button actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Manolito Adan, Todd Holmdahl, Michael Hooning, Steven Kaneko, Terry Lipscomb, Robert Plank
  • Publication number: 20060038786
    Abstract: A mouse and a mouse driver are provided that are synchronized to each other through a process that includes the mouse driver receiving a mouse identifier from the mouse. Based on the mouse identifier, the driver determines if the mouse has a fourth button, a fifth button or a wheel that are not active. If so, the driver sends a command to activate the inactive button or wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Manolito Adan, Todd Holmdahl, Michael Hooning, Steven Kaneko, Terry Lipscomb, Robert Plank
  • Publication number: 20060007051
    Abstract: A method and system for auxiliary display of information for a computing device. An auxiliary display is integrated with a computing system to provide an area where notifications can be peripherally presented off-screen. Whenever a background task sends a notification to the main display of the system, the notification may be redirected to appear instead on the auxiliary display. A user may then glance at the notification appearing on the auxiliary display to be informed of the message without interruption from the current task onscreen. Any type of information may be presented on the auxiliary display including incoming communications, meeting reminders, system alerts, and information from Internet subscription services. The auxiliary display may be placed on the central processor chassis or on the monitor border along with LED indicator lights to provide simple peripheral-vision notification. By pressing a button, a user may obtain additional detailed follow-up information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Bear, Chad Magendanz, Aditha Adams, Carl Ledbetter, Steve Kaneko, Chris Schoppa, Adrian Chandley, William Westerinen, Dale Crosier, Robert Plank
  • Publication number: 20050088414
    Abstract: In a computer system having a display and a keyboard, a computer readable medium includes instructions for invoking a message hook procedure based on a mouse message indicative of a mouse event. Instructions also provide for identifying at least one focus application that has a current keyboard focus and of converting the mouse message into a command for the focus application. The command is then sent to the focus application and the mouse message is prevented from being routed to any other applications. In one embodiment, the commands include the command to page forward or backward through pages of Internet documents. In other embodiments, instead of converting the mouse message into a command, the message hook procedure displays a graphical user interface based on the focus application and the mouse message. The graphical user interface includes one or more commands that the user may select.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Manolito Adan, Todd Holmdahl, Michael Hooning, Steven Kaneko, Terry Lipscomb, Robert Plank
  • Publication number: 20050069101
    Abstract: A system and method including telephony controls for handling telephony applications on a personal computer with integrated telephony capabilities is provided. The telephony controls include a hook switch, a talk button, a speakerphone button, a mute button, a flash button, a conference button, a microphone button, and a voice mail button. There may also be other telephony control buttons such as an optional record button in close proximity to the telephony controls for use in responding to voice mail. An indicator light may be located adjacent to or integrated into each telecommunication control button. The system and method allow a number of user interaction scenarios with respect to real-time communications, including handling an incoming telephone call, making a telephone call, and handling voice mail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Bear, Chad Magendanz, Aditha Adams, Carl Ledbetter, Steve Kaneko, Dale Crosier, Robert Plank