Patents by Inventor Rolf Schuler

Rolf Schuler 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: 7000874
    Abstract: In a lever drive (11) for a vehicle seat adjuster, in particular in a motor vehicle seat, having a drive lever (17) which can be manually moved, at least one driven lever (21) operatively connected to the adjuster, and at least one transmission means (25), which transmits a torque acting on the drive lever (17) to the driven lever (21) with a transmission ratio, the transmission ratio changes as a function of the transmitted torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rolf Schüler, Dirk Angermann
  • Publication number: 20060034206
    Abstract: 1. Method for determining the distance between two transmitting and receiving stations and transmitting and receiving stations for carrying out the method. 2.1. In automotive engineering transmitting and receiving stations are usually used in keyless locking systems as electronic key modules or evaluation units for identifying the key module. Deactivation of the locking system is prevented if the key module allocated by means of a clear identification number from the evaluation unit is not in the immediate vicinity of the evaluation unit. Communication between the evaluation unit and the key module is carried out by transmitting data telegrams between transmitting and receiving stations. The aim of the invention is to determine the distance between the transmitting and receiving stations in a simple manner. 2.2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 16, 2006
    Inventors: Klaus Jacobi, Maik Schaefer, Rolf Schuler, Helmut Serr, Peter Tolksdorf
  • Publication number: 20060013166
    Abstract: In automotive engineering transmitting and receiving stations are usually used in keyless locking systems as electronic key modules or evaluation units for identifying the key module. Deactivation of the locking system is prevented if the key module allocated by means of a clear identification number from the evaluation unit is not in the immediate vicinity of the evaluation unit. The novel method shall determine the distance between two transmitting and receiving stations with high resolution. According to the novel method, a transmission signal (S1, S2) respectively is generated in the transmitting and receiving stations (1, 2) and transmitted as a series of microwave pulses having a predefined pulse repetition frequency (fp1, fp2) to the other respective transmitting and receiving station (2, 1) and received thereby in the form of a received signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Inventors: Heinrich Haas, Thomas Oexle, Rolf Schuler, Wolfgang Schulter, Udo Knepper
  • Publication number: 20050229721
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, a sensor device (11) is arranged between the superstructure of the vehicle seat and the seat rail (3) of the vehicle seat, in order to measure forces transmitted from the superstructure into the seat rail (3). The sensor device (11) can be positioned at least partially inside the seat rail (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Inventors: Andreas Diehl, Hans Edrich, Daniel Hippel, Michael Borbe, Rolf Schuler, Frank Grossbudde
  • Publication number: 20050067871
    Abstract: In a drive (1) for a vehicle seat adjuster (3), having a manually pivotable drive lever (15), which can be deflected out of a neutral position in order, after an element (35) has engaged in a drive wheel (51), to produce a directed rotational movement of an output element (63), at least one sliding element (35) which is moveable in a translatory manner is provided as the element which is to be engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Rolf Schuler, Jurgen Stemmer, Rainer Messerschmidt, Michael Berres
  • Patent number: 6799800
    Abstract: In a longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat having a freely pivotable backrest, with the longitudinal adjuster having a first seat rail, a second seat rail, in relation to which the first seat rail can be slid in the longitudinal direction, and a memory device (11) which is assigned to the first seat rail, interacts with the second seat rail and stores a longitudinal seat position which can be left by means of a longitudinal displacement of the vehicle seat when the backrest pivots freely, and resumed when the backrest pivots back, a displacement measuring device (21), which can be operatively connected to the second seat rail, and a control signal generator (53), which can move in relation to the displacement measuring device (21), are provided for playing a role in resuming the stored longitudinal seat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Klahold, Rolf Schüler, Michael Borbe, Gerhard Mitulla, Falko Jähner, Jochen Scheidler, Sascha Scheffler
  • Publication number: 20040164599
    Abstract: In a longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat having a freely pivotable backrest, with the longitudinal adjuster having a first seat rail, a second seat rail, in relation to which the first seat rail can be slid in the longitudinal direction, and a memory device (11) which is assigned to the first seat rail, interacts with the second seat rail and stores a longitudinal seat position which can be left by means of a longitudinal displacement of the vehicle seat when the backrest pivots freely, and resumed when the backrest pivots back, a displacement measuring device (21), which can be operatively connected to the second seat rail, and a control signal generator (53), which can move in relation to the displacement measuring device (21), are provided for playing a role in resuming the stored longitudinal seat position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Klahold, Rolf Schuler, Michael Borbe, Gerhard Mitulla, Falko Jahner, Jochen Scheidler, Sascha Scheffler
  • Patent number: 6695275
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a longitudinal adjustment device for vehicle seats, in which the seat is attached along each of its long sides to runner rails 10, mounted with freedom to slide in guide rails 15, which are attached to the vehicle. Each runner rail 10 has a locking device, which can be released from its connection to the guide rail 15. The locking device comprises a release lever 21, 22, supported with freedom to swivel on each runner rail 10, to move the device into its released position, which lever is to be shifted via rods 31, 32 of an actuating element 30 supported on the runner rails 10. The adjusting moment exerted on the actuating element 30 is transmitted to the rods 31, 32 via a differential, where the rods 31, 32 are disconnected from each other. As a result, each rod can be moved until the locking device has been moved completely into the position in which it is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Deiper GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Schüler, Jürgen Stemmer
  • Patent number: 6688190
    Abstract: A manual lever drive for an adjusting device on a seat for converting a lifting movement into a discontinuous rotational movement has a support arm and a step-by step mechanism having an output member and an input member. The output member is configured to be coupled with a rotatingly moveable control member of the adjusting device. A transmission member is connected to the input member for torque transmission onto the input member. A manual lever is connected to the support arm so as to pivot about a first axis of rotation. The manual lever is configured to actuate the transmission member. The transmission member is arranged on the input member providing a second axis of rotation. A pivot angle of the manual lever imparts to the transmission member a pivot movement increasing a corresponding pivot angle of the second axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Bernd Angermann, Dirk Angermann, Detlev Backert, Jürgen Stemmer, Christoph Leibeling, Rolf Schüler
  • Publication number: 20030116689
    Abstract: In a lever drive (11) for a vehicle seat adjuster, in particular in a motor vehicle seat, having a drive lever (17) which can be manually moved, at least one driven lever (21) operatively connected to the adjuster, and at least one transmission means (25), which transmits a torque acting on the drive lever (17) to the driven lever (21) with a transmission ratio, the transmission ratio changes as a function of the transmitted torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rolf Schuler, Dirk Angermann
  • Publication number: 20030117259
    Abstract: In a securing method for securing an object against unauthorized use, an interrogation unit (1) is used to transmit an interrogation signal (s) and to test whether a response unit (2), which is to be carried by and on an authorized user, responds to the interrogation signal with a response signal (s) that contains as information a code authorized for desecuring a security device (3). If that is the case, the security device is desecured. The securing method is, however, ineffective, if unauthorized persons establish a radio link via relay stations between the interrogation unit (1) and the response unit (2), and via this radio link provide the code authorized for the desecuring to the interrogation unit (1) without being noticed by the authorized user. The new securing method shall prevent such interventions by unauthorized persons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Heinrich Haas, Udo Knepper, Karlheinz Mueller, Rolf Schuler
  • Publication number: 20030042387
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a longitudinal adjustment device for vehicle seats, in which the seat is attached along each of its long sides to runner rails 10, mounted with freedom to slide in guide rails 15, which are attached to the vehicle. Each runner rail 10 has a locking device, which can be released from its connection to the guide rail 15. The locking device comprises a release lever 21, 22, supported with freedom to swivel on each runner rail 10, to move the device into its released position, which lever is to be shifted via rods 31, 32 of an actuating element 30 supported on the runner rails 10. The adjusting moment exerted on the actuating element 30 is transmitted to the rods 31, 32 via a differential, where the rods 31, 32 are disconnected from each other. As a result, each rod can be moved until the locking device has been moved completely into the position in which it is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Rolf Schuler, Jurgen Stemmer
  • Patent number: 6488339
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, having a seat substructure (3) and a backrest (6) which is to be fastened to the seat substructure (3), the backrest (6) can be fastened to the seat substructure (3) by means of a quick-fitting connection (10, 13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co
    Inventors: Holger Finner, Rolf Schüler
  • Publication number: 20020053824
    Abstract: A manual lever drive for an adjusting device on a seat for converting a lifting movement into a discontinuous rotational movement has a support arm and a step-by step mechanism having an output member and an input member. The output member is configured to be coupled with a rotatingly moveable control member of the adjusting device. A transmission member is connected to the input member for torque transmission onto the input member. A manual lever is connected to the support arm so as to pivot about a first axis of rotation. The manual lever is configured to actuate the transmission member. The transmission member is arranged on the input member providing a second axis of rotation. A pivot angle of the manual lever imparts to the transmission member a pivot movement increasing a corresponding pivot angle of the second axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Bernd Angermann, Dirk Angermann, Detlev Backert, Jurgen Sterner, Christoph Leibeling, Rolf Schuler
  • Patent number: 6364272
    Abstract: A stop element for limiting the regulating distance of a longitudinal adjustment device for motor vehicles seats, whose seat part is fastened on sliding rails, wherein each sliding rail is longitudinally slidable in a guide rail secured on the vehicle floor and at least one sliding rail can be secured on the guide rail in selectable longitudinal positions by means of a locking device, is provided between the sliding rail and the guide rail. The stop element is formed of an impact member, having a snap-in head penetrating a penetration of the guide rail, and a locking hook, penetrating this impact member and lockingly engaging the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Schüler, Joachim Flick
  • Patent number: 6308589
    Abstract: A locking device for vehicle seats, in particular motor vehicle seats, includes two mutually displaceable parts. A rail, associated to one of the parts, extends in the direction of displacement and has at least one row of snap-in holes extending longitudinally along the rail. These holes are separated from each other by web-like material sections. Ratchets, associated to the other part, can move in relation to the rail between a disengaging position and a locking position. They move perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the rail, and are controlled via an operating mechanism. When the mutually displaceable parts are in locked position, at least one of the ratchets engages in a corresponding snap-in hole. At least one retaining element prevents involuntary disengaging of the ratchet from an effective locking position. As a result, reliable locking is achieved, in particular in the event of a crash, which entails high frequency vibrational fractions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Schuler, Joachim Flick, Wolfgang Henrich, Christoph Leibeling
  • Patent number: 6234575
    Abstract: A longitudinal adjusting device on a motor vehicle seat having a seat back adjustable relative to the seat part and forwardly foldable after releasing an arresting device, has movable rails on which the seat is fastened. The moveable rails can slide in guide rails attached to the vehicle. One movable rail has a locking device that releasably locks the moveable rail on the guide rail. The locking device has a positioning device for returning the seat to its previous longitudinal position. The positioning device has a positioning disc with locking teeth and an arresting lever with a toothed segment engaging the locking teeth. The arresting lever can be released from the locking teeth to allow rotation of the positioning disc during longitudinal adjustment of the seat. A spring-loaded winding drum is arranged coaxially to the positioning disc and allows the seat part to slide forward by a tension member attached to the seat part or the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Schüler, Joachim Flick, Ronald Rischewski, Ralph Eble
  • Patent number: 5893610
    Abstract: A longitudinal adjusting device in a motor vehicle seat, particularly for two-door motor vehicles, wherein the seat includes a backrest and a seat portion secured at running rails of a rail arrangement and wherein each running rail is longitudinally displaceably arranged in a guide rail. At least one running rail is supported at the respective guide rail through a spring member such that the running rail is biased forwardly. At least one running rail includes a releasable locking device for the longitudinal adjustment, and the locking device includes a positioning device for making it possible to find or reset a previously adjusted longitudinal seat position. The positioning device includes a positioning disk provided with a stop, wherein the positioning disk is rotatably supported on a structural component forming part of the moveable seat portion and wherein the positioning disk can be releasibly secured against the force of a torsion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Schuler, Joachim Flick
  • Patent number: 5873629
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, particularly a motor vehicle seat, with a pair of runners (7) for longitudinal adjustment, a seat-back (3) which can be tilted forward after releasing a locking device, and a runner latching device (10), which is unlatched at release of the locking device to longitudinally displace the seat. A mechanical detection system (12) detects the distance of the momentary seat position from the initial position based on longitudinal displacement, and is active only at release of the locking device. A tracking and blocking device (13) cooperating with the detection system (12) is provided. The latter allows opening and closing of the runner latching device (10) and/or the locking device only at the zero position of the detection system (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Keiper Recaro GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Rolf Schuler
  • Patent number: 5816110
    Abstract: A locking device for vehicle seats, in particular motor vehicle seats, has a row of detent openings and a plurality of spring-loaded bolts which are disposed one behind the other in the direction of this row. The locking bolts engage independently of one another in the detent openings. At least two of these bolts can each engage in one of the detent openings and lock the seat parts without play in both adjusting directions, in any position within the adjusting range of these parts which are to be locked. The seat parts can be continuously adjusted relative to one another. In addition to its movability enabling it to engage in one of the detent openings, each locking bolt has at least one component part which is separately movable. A flat area is provided on each bolt for play-free abutment on the delimiting surface of each detent opening and is brought into abutment with the delimiting surface without altering the depth of penetration of the bolt in the detent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Keiper Recaro GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Schuler, Heinz Voss, Gerhard Mitulla, Jurgen Stemmer