Patents by Inventor Rudolf Bierl
Rudolf Bierl 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).
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Publication number: 20110289999Abstract: A tank ventilation system having an intake tract, the tank ventilation system including a hydrocarbon reservoir, a sensor, and a valve. The valve and the sensor are arranged in a fluid line that couples the hydrocarbon reservoir to the intake tract. The sensor captures a hydrocarbon concentration of a fluid in the fluid line. A captured value of the hydrocarbon concentration is measured using the sensor. When the open valve, a mass flow of the fluid flowing through the fluid line into the intake tract is captured or determined. An air/fuel ratio of an air/fuel mixture fed to the internal combustion engine is determined. An estimated value of the hydrocarbon concentration in the fluid line is determined according to the mass flow of the fluid and the air/fuel ratio. The sensor is calibrated according to the captured value of the hydrocarbon concentration and the estimated value of the hydrocarbon concentration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Stephan Heinrich, Andreas Wildgen
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Patent number: 8047082Abstract: A device is provided for determining a mass flow of a first gas flowing in a flowing channel of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The device includes: sound transducers arranged at respective ends of a measuring path for providing sound signals, a temperature sensor for determining a temperature of an overall mass flowing in the flow channel, and an evaluation unit arranged downstream of the sound transducers. The evaluation unit is capable of carrying out the following: determining a flow rate of the overall mass and a speed of sound based on delay times of the sound signals, determining an overall mass flow based on the flow rate, the temperature, and a pressure of the overall mass in the flowing channel, ascertaining a proportion of a second gas flowing in the flow channel at a temperature above 10° C. and based on the speed of sound and the temperature, and correcting the overall mass flow to obtain the mass flow of the first gas.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Martin Lesser, Andreas Meyer, Frank Steuber
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Publication number: 20110226804Abstract: A method for rapidly emptying an activated carbon filter while using an HC sensor (concentration change). A device for a tank system, for a motor vehicle having the device for a tank system and to a method for emptying an activated carbon filter for a tank system. The concentration of volatile components which are flushed from the activated carbon filter is detected by a concentration sensor. The concentration sensor is used as an early warning sensor to prevent any disturbances of mixture production of an engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2009Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Stephan Heinrich, Wolfgang Mai, Paul Rodatz, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Publication number: 20110174276Abstract: During operation of an internal combustion engine system which has at least one sensor for measuring a hydrocarbon content of a gas stream in a line, a temperature is determined at the at least one sensor. If the temperature is greater than a prespecified temperature, the flow of gas through the line is interrupted.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Rudolf Bierl, Stephan Heinrich, Wolfgang Mai, Paul Rodatz, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Publication number: 20110156727Abstract: A soot sensor for the detection of soot particles in an exhaust gas flow, having interdigitally engaged measurement electrodes applied on a substrate. An electrical resistance between the measurement electrodes is a measure of soot load of the exhaust gas flow. The measurement electrodes are divided into two regions, a first region in which no soot particles can be deposited and a second region where soot particles are deposited from the exhaust gas flow. The first region and the second region are exposed simultaneously to the other conditions prevailing in the exhaust gas flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Roland ACHHAMMER, Johannes Ante, Rudolf Bierl, Stephan Heinrich, Markus Herrmann, Wolfgang Lauerer, Andreas Ott, Willibald Reitmeier, Denny Schädlich, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Publication number: 20110137540Abstract: During the operation of an internal combustion engine which has at least one sensor for measuring a hydrocarbon content and a mass flow rate of a gas flow through a line, the hydrocarbon content and the mass flow rate of the gas flow are determined. The gas flow through the line is controlled as a function of the determined values.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Mai, Paul Rodatz, Rudolf Bierl, Stephan Heinrich, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Publication number: 20110126611Abstract: A hydrogen sensor includes a support having a first temperature sensor, a heating element and an evaluation unit. The hydrogen sensor furthermore includes a mass flow reduction apparatus by which a gas mass flow over the first temperature sensor and the heating element is reduced. The evaluation unit determines a hydrogen concentration in a gas or gas mixture based on a first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor. A detection method for hydrogen concentration having the hydrogen sensor and a motor vehicle having a fuel cell drive having the hydrogen sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf BIERL, Philippe GRASS, Stephan HEINRICH, Thorsten KNITTEL, Andreas WILDGEN
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Publication number: 20110088450Abstract: A method for performing on-board functional diagnostics on a soot sensor of a vehicle and/or for detecting further components in the soot in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine. The soot sensor is electrically connected to an evaluation circuit with is permanently installed in the motor vehicle. In order to specify a method for performing functional diagnostics on a soot sensor and/or for detecting further components in the soot, with which method it is possible to detect a faulty soot sensor and/or further components in the soot in a cost-effective way, the evaluation circuit measures the temperature coefficient of the soot sensor and detects the defectiveness of the soot sensor and/or the presence of further components in the soot on the basis of the temperature coefficient of the soot sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Johannes ANTE, Rudolf Bierl, Markus Herrmann, Andreas Ott, Torsten Reitmeier, Willibald Reitmeier, Denny Schädlich, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Publication number: 20110015824Abstract: A method for the on-board functional diagnosis of a soot sensor and detection of further constituents in the soot in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine. The soot sensor is connected electrically to an evaluation circuit in the motor vehicle. A faulty soot sensor and/or further constituents in the soot can be detected in an inexpensive way. The evaluation circuit measures the voltage coefficient of the soot sensor and detects the defectiveness of the soot sensor and/or the presence of further constituents in the soot using the voltage coefficient of the soot sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Johannes Ante, Rudolf Bierl, Markus Herrmann, Andreas Ott, Willibald Reitmeier, Denny Schaedlich, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Publication number: 20110011154Abstract: A method for on-vehicle functional diagnosis of a soot sensor and/or for detecting further components in the soot in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, the soot sensor connected electrically to an evaluation circuit. To specify a method for functional diagnosis of a soot sensor and/or for detecting further components in the soot, by which it is possible to detect a faulty soot sensor and/or further components in the soot in an economical manner, the evaluation circuit measures a temperature coefficient of the soot sensor and detects the faultiness of the soot sensor and/or the presence of further components in the soot from the temperature coefficient of the soot sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Johannes Ante, Rudolf Bierl, Markus Herrmann, Andreas Ott, Willibald Reitmeier, Denny Schaedlich, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Publication number: 20100253371Abstract: A method and device for determining a fuel portion in a motor oil of a motor vehicle. The motor oil is brought between at least two electrodes forming a capacitor. The capacitance of the capacitor is determined while the motor oil is located between the electrodes, and the fuel portion in the motor oil is determined from the capacitance of the capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2008Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Philippe Grass, Jan Haag, Armin Hollstein, Denny Schädlich
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Publication number: 20100186482Abstract: A sensor for the measurement of the hydrocarbon content in a flow of gas in a purge line. The sensor can measure the hydrocarbon content in the flow of gas in the purge line from a hydrocarbon storage device to an internal combustion engine. The sensor has at least one heating element and at least one thermal detector, with the heating element heating the flow of gas while the thermal detector determines the temperature of the flow of gas, which temperature is evaluated as a measurement of the hydrocarbon content in the flow of gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2007Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Philippe Grass, Stephan Heinrich, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Publication number: 20100059022Abstract: A device and a method for operating an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder and a tank ventilation system with a line designed to provide pneumatic communication between the tank ventilation system and the at least one cylinder. The line has at least one sensor for determining a hydrocarbon content of a gas flow. A determination, as a function of a measurement signal from the sensor, of a hydrocarbon content of a gas flow flowing from the tank ventilation system to the at least one cylinder is performed. At least one characteristic variable for a fuel quantity to be metered is determined as a function of the determined hydrocarbon content. A metering of fuel into the cylinder is determined as a function of the at least one determined characteristic variable.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Stephan Heinrich, Wolfgang Mai, Paul Rodatz, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
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Publication number: 20100000309Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring an exhaust-gas turbocharger of an internal combustion engine. In order to create an inexpensive and also reliably operating method and a corresponding device for monitoring an exhaust-gas turbocharger, it is proposed that a sound transducer which is designed to record rotational-speed dependent turbocharger operating noise is provided, which sound transducer is connected to an electronic system for frequency analysis for the output of a turbocharger rotational speed signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2007Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Martin Lesser, Andreas Meyer, Frank Steuber
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Patent number: 7637150Abstract: Presented is a measuring device for recording a gas mass flow of an internal combustion engine. The measuring device includes a sensor element for recording the gas mass flow. The sensor element includes an evaluation circuit connected downstream of the sensor element. The evaluation circuit includes an adder for determining a total mass flow over a multiplicity of engine cycles.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive AGInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Thorsten Knittel, Stefan Pesahl, Frank Steuber, Holger Weininger
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Publication number: 20090290731Abstract: A sensor circuit for a flow sensor comprises terminating impedances connected in parallel to the sound transducers and has a signal generator, which is configured as a power source. The circuit arrangement is suitable particularly for the operation of an airflow sensor in internal combustion engines.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2007Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Waldemar Fruehauf, Martin Lesser, Andreas Meyer, Frank Steuber
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Publication number: 20090249888Abstract: A device is provided for determining a mass flow of a first gas flowing in a flowing channel of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The device includes: sound transducers arranged at respective ends of a measuring path for providing sound signals, a temperature sensor for determining a temperature of an overall mass flowing in the flow channel, and an evaluation unit arranged downstream of the sound transducers. The evaluation unit is capable of carrying out the following: determining a flow rate of the overall mass and a speed of sound based on delay times of the sound signals, determining an overall mass flow based on the flow rate, the temperature, and a pressure of the overall mass in the flowing channel, ascertaining a proportion of a second gas flowing in the flow channel at a temperature above 10° C. and based on the speed of sound and the temperature, and correcting the overall mass flow to obtain the mass flow of the first gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2006Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Martin Lesser, Andreas Meyer, Frank Steuber
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Publication number: 20090079140Abstract: An air mass sensor arrangement is disclosed. The air mass sensor arrangement includes a duct having a recess and an outer face; a sensor comprising a main body and a baseplate extending radially outward from the main body, the sensor being releasably attached to the duct by a screw connection so that the main body is partially inserted into the recess and the baseplate faces the outer face; and a sealing arrangement disposed around the recess for sealing between the duct and the sensor. The sealing arrangement includes a first web formed on one of the baseplate and the outer face and completely surrounding the recess.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive AGInventors: Roland Achhammer, Rudolf Bierl, Jan-Erik Hauschel, Stefan Pesahl, Manfred Schweimeier, Frank Steuber, Andreas Wildgen
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Patent number: 7461537Abstract: A device and method for calibration of a mass flow sensor (14) employs a flow channel and a holder for the mass flow sensor in the flow channel. An adjustable throttle device is provided between the holder and a connection to a pump during a calibrating operation to operate on the basis of a predetermined time/displacement profile by means of a control device. During operation of the pump, the throttle device generates a supercritical flow with which a flowing medium has the speed of sound in the narrowest cross section of the throttle device.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Manfred Schweimeier
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Publication number: 20080041148Abstract: Presented is a measuring device for recording a gas mass flow of an internal combustion engine. The measuring device includes a sensor element for recording the gas mass flow. The sensor element includes an evaluation circuit connected downstream of the sensor element. The evaluation circuit includes an adder for determining a total mass flow over a multiplicity of engine cycles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2007Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventors: Rudolf Bierl, Thorsten Knittel, Stefan Pesahl, Frank Steuber, Holger Weininger