Patents by Inventor Stefan Centmayer

Stefan Centmayer 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: 11838610
    Abstract: Camera system having a camera for a vehicle (F) for capturing the environment around the vehicle and a protection element. The camera has an optical element, with a light incidence portion (EB) and a retainer, which supports the optical element. The protection element is provided separately to the optical element and the retainer and is positioned at least on the light incidence portion (EB) of the optical element. The protection element has a sight opening, which exposes a use portion (NB) of the light incidence portion (EB). At least one gap between the optical element and the protection element for receiving a water drop (T), which is located on the use portion (NB), and a water drainage opening s distal from the sight opening is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer
  • Publication number: 20220094831
    Abstract: Camera system having a camera for a vehicle (F) for capturing the environment around the vehicle and a protection element. The camera has an optical element, with a light incidence portion (EB) and a retainer, which supports the optical element. The protection element is provided separately to the optical element and the retainer and is positioned at least on the light incidence portion (EB) of the optical element. The protection element has a sight opening, which exposes a use portion (NB) of the light incidence portion (EB). At least one gap between the optical element and the protection element for receiving a water drop (T), which is located on the use portion (NB), and a water drainage opening s distal from the sight opening is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 11203299
    Abstract: A view system (100A, 100B) for a vehicle (1) has at least one image capture unit (10A, 10B) for capturing image data of an area around the vehicle (1), wherein the image capture unit (10A, 10B) has an image sensor (11A, 11B) and an optical element (12A, 12B), at least one image processing unit (20A, 20B) for processing the image data captured by the image capture unit, and at least one light source (40, 40.1, 40.2) for illuminating the optical element (12A, 12B). The view system is configured to highlight the recognizability of a foreign particle (S, T), which is located on the optical element (12A, 12B), on the image sensor (11A, 11B) of the image capture unit (10A, 10B) by means of the illumination of the optical element (12A, 12B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer, Christian Traub
  • Publication number: 20210287403
    Abstract: Method for verifying indirect view system provides image capture unit (10) with image sensor (20), image processing unit (30), reproduction unit (40) and reference transducer (50) at a position at the vehicle (60), such that the reference transducer (50) lies in a recording portion of the image capture unit (10) and is depicted on the image sensor (20). The reference transducer (50) is defined at a reference transducer target position (51) on the image sensor (20). Image data of at least one recording portion (11) around the vehicle (60) are captured on sensor (20) and reproduced on unit (40). Then, a reference transducer current position (52) of the transducer (50) is determined on the image sensor (20) and the reference transducer current position (52) is compared with the reference transducer target position (51) to that extent whether reference transducer current position (52) is equal reference transducer target positon (51).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer, Alexander Wotschal
  • Publication number: 20200346582
    Abstract: A view system (100A, 100B) for a vehicle (1) has at least one image capture unit (10A, 10B) for capturing image data of an area around the vehicle (1), wherein the image capture unit (10A, 10B) has an image sensor (11A, 11B) and an optical element (12A, 12B), at least one image processing unit (20A, 20B) for processing the image data captured by the image capture unit, and at least one light source (40, 40.1, 40.2) for illuminating the optical element (12A, 12B). The view system is configured to highlight the recognizeability of a foreign particle (S, T), which is located on the optical element (12A, 12B), on the image sensor (11A, 11B) of the image capture unit (10A, 10B) by means of the illumination of the optical element (12A, 12B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Werner LANG, Stefan CENTMAYER, Christian TRAUB
  • Patent number: 10798275
    Abstract: A holding apparatus (50) for a vehicle has a first element (51) attachable to the vehicle (1), a second element (52) movably connected with the first element (51) via a bearing mechanism, an image capture unit (10, 10A, 10B) attached to the second element (52) and configured to capture a capture area around the vehicle (1), and a signal unit (20) configured to detect the position of the first element (51) relative to the second element (52). The signal unit (20) has a signal device (22) adapted to output a signal (S) and a signal transmitter (21) configured to operate the signal device (22) dependent on a position of the first element (51) to the second element (52) such that it outputs a signal (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Alexander Wotschal, Stefan Centmayer
  • Publication number: 20190132497
    Abstract: A holding apparatus (50) for a vehicle has a first element (51) attachable to the vehicle (1), a second element (52) movably connected with the first element (51) via a bearing mechanism, an image capture unit (10, 10A, 10B) attached to the second element (52) and configured to capture a capture area around the vehicle (1), and a signal unit (20) configured to detect the position of the first element (51) relative to the second element (52). The signal unit (20) has a signal device (22) adapted to output a signal (S) and a signal transmitter (21) configured to operate the signal device (22) dependent on a position of the first element (51) to the second element (52) such that it outputs a signal (S).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Warner LANG, Alexander Wotschal, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 10011229
    Abstract: A mirror replacement system for a vehicle includes an image capture unit, a supply unit configured to supply the image capture unit with control signals, and an image reproduction unit configured to be disposed in the vehicle interior. At least one of the supply unit and the image capture unit is configured to perform video processing of the images captured by the image capture unit. The image capture unit and the supply unit are disposed in spaces separated from each other with respect to their sealing and are each disposed separated from and outside the image reproduction unit. The image capture unit is disposed in a water-vapor-tight housing, and a heating element may be integrated into the image capture unit, the heating element being controlled by the supply unit and being coupled to at least one of temperature detecting elements and vehicle control elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Manuel Kunz, Peter Geissendoerfer, Michael Witzke, Michael Hornung, Stefan Centmayer
  • Publication number: 20170282801
    Abstract: A mirror replacement system for a vehicle includes an image capture unit, a supply unit configured to supply the image capture unit with control signals, and an image reproduction unit configured to be disposed in the vehicle interior. At least one of the supply unit and the image capture unit is configured to perform video processing of the images captured by the image capture unit. The image capture unit and the supply unit are disposed in spaces separated from each other with respect to their sealing and are each disposed separated from and outside the image reproduction unit. The image capture unit is disposed in a water-vapor-tight housing, and a heating element may be integrated into the image capture unit, the heating element being controlled by the supply unit and being coupled to at least one of temperature detecting elements and vehicle control elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner LANG, Manuel KUNZ, Peter GEISSENDOERFER, Michael WITZKE, Michael HORNUNG, Stefan CENTMAYER
  • Patent number: 9707891
    Abstract: A mirror replacement system for a vehicle includes an image capture unit, a supply unit, and an image reproduction unit. The image reproduction unit is adapted to be disposed in the vehicle interior in a manner viewable by the driver. The image capture unit and the supply unit are disposed in spaces, which are separated from each other and are separately sealed. Further, the image capture unit and the supply unit are each disposed separated from and outside the image reproduction unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Manuel Kunz, Peter Geissendoerfer, Michael Witzke, Michael Hornung, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 9618828
    Abstract: A camera for use on vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles. The camera has a housing, at least one optical element disposed within the housing, a group of circuit boards disposed within the housing and including at least one circuit board. The group of circuit boards has at least one active circuit for executing a direct camera function. The camera further comprises at least one heating element adapted for heating the group of circuit boards, the optical elements, and/or the housing, wherein the at least one heating element is directly attached to one of the circuit boards of the group of circuit boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Peter Geissendörfer, Manuel Kunz, Michael Witzke, Stefan Centmayer, Michael Hornung
  • Patent number: 9610896
    Abstract: A adjusting device for a vehicular mirror directly transmits any forces exerted on the mirror between a base member and a rotating member when the mirror is not being adjusted. This permits a small electric motor to be used that can withstand only comparatively small forces exerted on the mirror while the mirror is being adjusted. The device includes the motor, a cylindrical base, a rotating member and a driven member. The mirror is adjusted when the motor drives the rotating member, and the rotating member is uncoupled from the base member. When the motor rotates the driven member, the rotating member is forced axially apart from the base member as a decoupling element on the rotating member slides up an inclined portion on the driven member. When the motor is not driving the rotating member, the rotating member is uncoupled from the motor and couples to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp, Stefan Centmayer
  • Publication number: 20150160536
    Abstract: A camera for use on vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles. The camera has a housing, at least one optical element disposed within the housing, a group of circuit boards disposed within the housing and including at least one circuit board. The group of circuit boards has at least one active circuit for executing a direct camera function. The camera further comprises at least one heating element adapted for heating the group of circuit boards, the optical elements, and/or the housing, wherein the at least one heating element is directly attached to one of the circuit boards of the group of circuit boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Werner LANG, Peter GEISSENDÖRFER, Manuel KUNZ, Michael WITZKE, Stefan CENTMAYER, Michael HORNUNG
  • Publication number: 20140211333
    Abstract: A adjusting device for a vehicular mirror directly transmits any forces exerted on the mirror between a base member and a rotating member when the mirror is not being adjusted. This permits a small electric motor to be used that can withstand only comparatively small forces exerted on the mirror while the mirror is being adjusted. The device includes the motor, a cylindrical base, a rotating member and a driven member. The mirror is adjusted when the motor drives the rotating member, and the rotating member is uncoupled from the base member. When the motor rotates the driven member, the rotating member is forced axially apart from the base member as a decoupling element on the rotating member slides up an inclined portion on the driven member. When the motor is not driving the rotating member, the rotating member is uncoupled from the motor and couples to the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp, Stefan Centmayer
  • Publication number: 20140036081
    Abstract: A mirror replacement system for a vehicle includes an image capture unit, a supply unit, and an image reproduction unit. The image reproduction unit is adapted to be disposed in the vehicle interior in a manner viewable by the driver. The image capture unit and the supply unit are disposed in spaces, which are separated from each other and are separately sealed. Further, the image capture unit and the supply unit are each disposed separated from and outside the image reproduction unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner LANG, Manuel KUNZ, Peter GEISSENDOERFER, Michael WITZKE, Michael HORNUNG, Stefan CENTMAYER
  • Publication number: 20120307387
    Abstract: A mirror head releasably fastened to a support structure, whereby the mirror head has at least one recess complementary to the support structure, into which the support structure or a partial segment of support structure is inserted and which is secured by means of a fastening device. Matching surface segments are formed in at least one recess and the corresponding surface segment of the support structure, and the fastening device is formed as an elastic component that pre-stresses ratchet surfaces in the recess and on support structure into interlocking engagement. The support structure ratchet surface may be formed on a separate locking component with a surface that at least partially matches the surface contour of the support structure, where the position of the locking component relative to the support structure can be fixed in its circumferential and axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Albrecht Popp, Stefan Centmayer, Ralf Wattenbach
  • Patent number: 8246266
    Abstract: A first linkage component including a ball socket having a concave profiling and a second linkage component including a projection having a convex profiling received in the concave profiling of the ball socket. A sliding plate carried between the ball socket and projection having a convex profiling conforming to the concave profiling of the ball socket and a concave profiling conforming to the convex profiling of the projection. The convex profilings of the projection and sliding plate have a larger radius of curvature than the concave profilings of the sliding plate and the ball socket. A connecting rod connects the first linkage component, the second linkage component, and the sliding plate together. Wherein the larger radius of curvature of the convex profiling of the sliding plate and projection causes the projection and sliding plate to be further received in the ball socket after abrasive wear to prevent play between components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Publication number: 20110102923
    Abstract: A coupling between a primary mirror and additional mirror so that adjustment of at least one of said mirrors is executed in a way that their fields of view overlap or directly juxtapose. In doing so, the occurrence of a gap in the coverage of the fields of view in the border area shared between mirrors is avoided for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 7735196
    Abstract: A retaining hinged connection, with a more simple assembly operation, having fewer components than does the conventional retaining hinges. An outside mirror is proposed to be engaged with such a retaining hinged connection. The connection is achieved in that the retaining axle component is designed with at least one retaining element and advantageously including a compression spring. This invention eliminates the use of bolts for securing the hinge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Centmayer, Sebastian Heger, Werner Lang
  • Patent number: 7637683
    Abstract: A sliding structure and a joint member, which are provided with a sliding means which substantially eliminates the so-called Stick-Slip effect. This is achieved through the provision of free ends of a plurality of projections, sliding upon the surface of a complementary opposed and facing surface. By appropriately dimensioning the individual free end contact surfaces of the projections and by selectively varying in the number of the projections per area unit, the difference between the initial still-stand holding effect and the sliding friction in the case of selected material pairings is considerably reduced. The force, which is necessary to set the two sliding components into motion, relative to one another, is then only insignificantly greater than the force necessary to overcome dynamic or sliding friction. The Stick-Slip effect is known and unavoidable in a case with a sliding pair of unfavorable materials and, in this manner, can be effectively reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Jaap-Jan Snel, Stefan Centmayer