Patents by Inventor Roland Schafer

Roland Schafer 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: 11360453
    Abstract: In a method for operating a system, which has a plurality of sensors (21, 22, 23), the sensors (21, 22, 23) provide first sensor data (11) to a primary process (31). Furthermore, the sensors (21, 22, 23) provide second sensor data (12). At least a part of the first sensor data (11) and the second sensor data (12) is subjected to an analysis (13). A result (16) of the analysis (13) is used in at least one secondary process (33) of the primary process (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: BALLUFF GMBH
    Inventors: Jorg Maier, Jochen Streib, Martin Osterfeld, Stephan Langer, Roland Schafer, Albert Dorneich, Andrea Hiller-Brod
  • Patent number: 11162827
    Abstract: The at least one value is respectively determined from at least one measured value of the sensors (20-29) in a method for determining at least one physical value in a space (10) in which several sensors (20-29) are arranged which are set up to measurer the at least one value, for several positions (30) in the space (10) where there is no sensor (20-29). A system which is set up in order to determine the at least one physical value in the space (10) has several sensors (20-29) which are arranged in the space (10). Furthermore, it has a database, in which information about the space (10) is stored, and a computer which is set up in order to determine the at least one value by means of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Balluff GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Osterfeld, Stephan Langer, Roland Schafer, Albert Dorneich, Andrea Hiller-Brod, Jorg Maier, Jochen Streib
  • Publication number: 20210318663
    Abstract: In a method for operating a system, which has a plurality of sensors (21, 22, 23), the sensors (21, 22, 23) provide first sensor data (11) to a primary process (31). Furthermore, the sensors (21, 22, 23) provide second sensor data (12). At least a part of the first sensor data (11) and the second sensor data (12) is subjected to an analysis (13). A result (16) of the analysis (13) is used in at least one secondary process (33) of the primary process (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Jorg Maier, Jochen Streib, Martin Osterfeld, Stephan Langer, Roland Schafer, Albert Dorneich, Andrea Hiller-Brod
  • Publication number: 20210318150
    Abstract: The at least one value is respectively determined from at least one measured value of the sensors (20-29) in a method for determining at least one physical value in a space (10) in which several sensors (20-29) are arranged which are set up to measurer the at least one value, for several positions (30) in the space (10) where there is no sensor (20-29). A system which is set up in order to determine the at least one physical value in the space (10) has several sensors (20-29) which are arranged in the space (10). Furthermore, it has a database, in which information about the space (10) is stored, and a computer which is set up in order to determine the at least one value by means of the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Martin Osterfeld, Stephan Langer, Roland Schafer, Albert Dorneich, Andrea Hiller-Brod, Jorg Maier, Jochen Streib
  • Publication number: 20200278943
    Abstract: An interface (10) for an IO-Link master (20) has an IO-Link port transceiver, at least one wireless transceiver and a signal processing apparatus which is configured to provide a network between the IO-Link port transceiver and the at least one wireless transceiver. In a method for controlling an IO-Link system, a communication partner (30) communicates with at least one IO-Link device (40) via an interface (10). In a method for monitoring the IO-Link system, a communication flow between IO-Link ports (21, 22) of the IO-Link master (20) is stored in a storage element by means of the interface which is connected to the IO-Link master (20). The IO-Link master (20) has at least one IO-Link port (21) which is configured to be connected with an IO-Link port transceiver of the interfaces (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Roland Schäfer, Pascal Gaggero, Stephan Langer, Roman Vracko
  • Patent number: 8157488
    Abstract: Shaft tool with an adjustable cutting diameter, which permits improved handling. A rotating shaft tool, in particular a multi-stage reamer, with a first shaft part, equipped with a first cutting head comprising e.g. several cutting blades and a recess in the first shaft part, in which a second shaft part is positioned in the axis of the first shaft part, the second shaft part having a second cutting head with e.g. several blades and the diameter of the first cutting head being adjustable. The second shaft can be rotated in the first shaft part and the rotation in relation to one another creates a fixed connection between the shaft parts. This permits the connection between the two shaft parts and thus in particular the diameter of the first cutting head to be modified even though the shaft tool is inserted into e.g. a spindle of a machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Guehring OHG
    Inventor: Roland Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20100254777
    Abstract: Shaft tool with an adjustable cutting diameter, which permits improved handling. A rotating shaft tool, in particular a multi-stage reamer, with a first shaft part, equipped with a first cutting head comprising e.g. several cutting blades and a recess in the first shaft part, in which a second shaft part is positioned in the axis of the first shaft part, the second shaft part having a second cutting head with e.g. several blades and the diameter of the first cutting head being adjustable. The second shaft can be rotated in the first shaft part and the rotation in relation to one another creates a fixed connection between the shaft parts. This permits the connection between the two shaft parts and thus in particular the diameter of the first cutting head to be modified even though the shaft tool is inserted into e.g. a spindle of a machine tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: GUEHRING OHG
    Inventor: Roland SCHÄFER
  • Patent number: 7547406
    Abstract: A method of making shaped articles from highly condensed polyester melt and especially preforms for the blow molding of food and especially beverage containers. A melt is continuously withdrawn from the polycondensation reactor and is fed to the shape-imparting units, especially a multiplicity of injection-molding machines without solidification between the final reactor and the injection molders and without degassing between the final reactor and the injection molding machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Lurgi Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Brigitta Otto, Roland Schäfer, Holger Bachmann, Ludwig Hölting, Stefan Deiss
  • Patent number: 7521522
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a granulate with a low acetaldehyde content and improved processing properties from a high-viscosity polyester melt, wherein the polyester melt strand is fragmented under water at the highest possible temperature, the accompanying water is separated from the granulate with the least possible cooling of the granulate, the low-water granulate obtained in this way is passed after removal of the water directly into a dealdehydisation container and the granulate in the dealdehydisation container is treated with a flow of rinsing air, plus a device for carrying out this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Lurgi Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Brigitta Otto, Rainer Linke, Roland Schafer, Holger Bachmann
  • Publication number: 20080042012
    Abstract: Electrochromic window assemblies and methods for providing electrochromic window assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a window assembly includes a first transparent portion and a first trim portion. The first trim portion is located adjacent to the first transparent portion. The window assembly also includes a second transparent portion and a second trim portion. The second trim portion is located adjacent to the second transparent portion. The window assembly further includes an electrochromic assembly. The electrochromic assembly is disposed between the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion so that it is adjacent to both transparent portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Kevin Callahan, Roland Schafer
  • Publication number: 20070073037
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a granulate with a low acetaldehyde content and improved processing properties from a high-viscosity polyester melt, wherein the polyester melt strand is fragmented under water at the highest possible temperature, the accompanying water is separated from the granulate with the least possible cooling of the granulate, the low-water granulate obtained in this way is passed after removal of the water directly into a dealdehydisation container and the granulate in the dealdehydisation container is treated with a flow of rinsing air, plus a device for carrying out this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: Zimmer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Brigitta Otto, Rainer Linke, Roland Schafer, Holger Bachmann
  • Patent number: 7084235
    Abstract: Latent heat crystallized polyesters and copolyesters of a degree of crystallization greater than 38% and made by a process in which, without prior additive admixtures and without further cooling, the granulate is fed directly from the latent heat crystallization into a solid phase polycondensation reactor and condensed to a higher viscosity and subjected to acetaldehyde reduction. Alternatively without additive admixtures the granulate is subjected to dealdehydization and then worked up into bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Zimmer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Brigitta Otto, Holger Bachmann, Roland Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20060095162
    Abstract: An integrated cabin services system (CSS) includes a controller adapted to receive a plurality of mobile platform state inputs and a plurality of cabin service modules communicatively connected to the controller. Each of the modules has a plurality of attributes that are utilized to affect at least one CSS function. The CSS additionally includes a comprehensive database that includes a plurality of database portions. One database portion is related to the controller and stored thereon, and each of the other database portions are related to specific ones of the modules and stored in the related modules. The controller utilizes the comprehensive database to employ combinational logic to combine the received state inputs and output a state command to the related database portion of at least one of the modules. The related database portion then generates an output utilized to affect the states of the related module attributes, thereby controlling the execution of at least one CSS function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: Roland Schafer, Phillip Mattson, Gerald Lui-Kwan
  • Publication number: 20050215753
    Abstract: Latent heat crystallized polyesters and copolyesters of a degree of crystallization greater than 38% and made by a process in which, without prior additive admixtures and without further cooling, the granulate is fed directly from the latent heat crystallization into a solid phase polycondensation reactor and condensed to a higher viscosity and subjected to acetaldehyde reduction. Alternatively without additive admixtures the granulate is subjected to dealdehydization and then worked up into bottles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Publication date: September 29, 2005
    Inventors: Brigitta Otto, Holger Bachmann, Roland Schafer
  • Publication number: 20050200934
    Abstract: Electrochromic device control systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a window system includes a plurality of transparent windows, a plurality of electrochromic devices, a plurality of control modules, and a main controller. Each transparent window has an electrochromic device operatively associated therewith. A control module is operatively coupled to each electrochromic device and is adapted to controllably adjust an electric field to activate and de-activate the electrochromic device. Finally, the main controller is operatively coupled to the plurality of control modules and adapted to simultaneously adjust the electric fields of the plurality of electrochromic devices to activate and de-activate the plurality of electrochromic devices in unison. In one particular embodiment, a window dimming control system in accordance with the present invention may advantageously be incorporated into an existing cabin services system of a passenger aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Kevin Callahan, Roland Schafer
  • Publication number: 20050161863
    Abstract: A method of making shaped articles from highly condensed polyester melt and especially preforms for the blow molding of food and especially beverage containers. A melt is continuously withdrawn from the polycondensation reactor and is fed to the shape-imparting units, especially a multiplicity of injection-molding machines without solidification between the final reactor and the injection molders and without degassing between the final reactor and the injection molding machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Inventors: Brigitta Otto, Roland Schafer, Holger Bachmann, Ludwig Holting, Stefan Deiss
  • Publication number: 20050067530
    Abstract: A cabin services system (CSS) architecture in a mobile platform includes the same type of bus for communicating with and controlling CSS subsystems. A controller controls operation of the CSS subsystems using programmable modules provided in connection with the CSS subsystems. This may include control of lighting and audio operations. Switches also may be provided for controlling transmission of data from the controller to the subsystems for controlling CSS subsystem operations. The CSS Architecture provides a flexible and fully scalable CSS which may be economically installed on many different mobile platforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Roland Schafer, Sudhakar Shetty, Philip Mattson, Delfin Silva, Gerald Lui-Kwan
  • Patent number: 5131381
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically regulating a light source for providing light for illuminating an object viewed by means of an endoscope equipped with a video camera, there is provided a signal processing device having a circuit for defining the density value of the video signal of each line of the camera image, by means of which circuit, the video signal emitted is passed to a comparator which compares it with a brightness threshold voltage which can be preset. A control signal for regulating the light source is determined by counting the image lines having a brightness exceeding the threshold voltage and linking the resultant count to a mathematical function. The actual value obtained from the video signal is independent of the area of the bright parts of the image and is, therefore, independent of the diameter of the image circle of the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Felix Ams, Roland Schafer
  • Patent number: 5115126
    Abstract: A means for checking the iluminating means of an endoscope allows both the lamp of the endoscope and the light-guide cable to be checked for their operating conditions. For this purpose, the checking means has a beam splitter positioned in the beam path from the lamp which conveys part of the quantity of light emitted by the lamp to a detecting means. A detecting means provided with a device to receive the distal end of the light-guide cable picks up the quantity of light coming from the cable. From the signal derived therefrom and the signal generated by the detecting means, the transmission factor is found in a calculating circuit by quotient formation and is shown on a display. In this way it is possible to determine whether the transmission factor of the light-guide cable will allow the objects which are going to be viewed to be adequately illuminated or whether the cable needs to be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Felix Ams, Roland Schafer
  • Patent number: 5091779
    Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the quantity of light emitted by a light source for illuminating an object under examination by means of an endoscope fitted with a video camera, comprises a signal processing circuit including a window generating device and a window superimposition device for visually displaying and optically defining a window and which generates a measuring window in the video picture displayed by a monitor connected to the video camera and superimposes the measuring window on the video picture in the form of a frame. A video signal for adjusting the quantity of light emitted by the light source is integrated only within the measuring window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Felix Ams, Roland Schafer