Patents by Inventor Ruediger Maier

Ruediger Maier 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: 9925632
    Abstract: A fixture for positioning a component in a desired location in a first plane for assembly, machining, or other processing related to manufacturing. The fixture includes a holder establishing a reference position within a second plane parallel with the first plane, and a pin retained by the holder for movement relative thereto in the second plane within a range of coarse alignment about the reference position. The pin and holder are movable together normal to the second plane to engage the pin with the locating feature. A fixing element is movable, when the pin is engaged with the feature, to urge the pin to the reference position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ruediger Maier, Bert Niessen
  • Patent number: 8555478
    Abstract: A method for fitting a vehicle body component to a body shell of a vehicle having at least one side wall includes the steps of gauging an actual position of a partial area of the side wall relative to a first coordinate axis of the vehicle, plotting a first reference point relative to the first coordinate axis on the basis of the gauged actual position, and mounting the vehicle body component at a designated position relative to the first reference point. The partial area may advantageously be a vehicle A-pillar, B-pillar, or C-pillar. The method affords a simpler and more cost-effective fitting of the vehicle body components. The method is also feasible in less mechanized production facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bert Niessen, Ruediger Maier
  • Publication number: 20110167608
    Abstract: A method for fitting a vehicle body component to a body shell of a vehicle having at least one side wall includes the steps of gauging an actual position of a partial area of the side wall relative to a first coordinate axis of the vehicle, plotting a first reference point relative to the first coordinate axis on the basis of the gauged actual position, and mounting the vehicle body component at a designated position relative to the first reference point. The partial area may advantageously be a vehicle A-pillar, B-pillar, or C-pillar. The method affords a simpler and more cost-effective fitting of the vehicle body components. The method is also feasible in less mechanized production facilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bert Niessen, Ruediger Maier