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).
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Patent number: 11838610Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 20, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer
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Publication number: 20220094831Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer
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Patent number: 11203299Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2020Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer, Christian Traub
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Publication number: 20210287403Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer, Alexander Wotschal
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Publication number: 20200346582Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2020Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Werner LANG, Stefan CENTMAYER, Christian TRAUB
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Patent number: 10798275Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 25, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Alexander Wotschal, Stefan Centmayer
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Publication number: 20190132497Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2018Publication date: May 2, 2019Inventors: Warner LANG, Alexander Wotschal, Stefan Centmayer
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Patent number: 10011229Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Manuel Kunz, Peter Geissendoerfer, Michael Witzke, Michael Hornung, Stefan Centmayer
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Publication number: 20170282801Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Applicant: MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner LANG, Manuel KUNZ, Peter GEISSENDOERFER, Michael WITZKE, Michael HORNUNG, Stefan CENTMAYER
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Patent number: 9707891Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 1, 2013Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Manuel Kunz, Peter Geissendoerfer, Michael Witzke, Michael Hornung, Stefan Centmayer
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Patent number: 9618828Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Peter Geissendörfer, Manuel Kunz, Michael Witzke, Stefan Centmayer, Michael Hornung
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Patent number: 9610896Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp, Stefan Centmayer
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Publication number: 20150160536Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2014Publication date: June 11, 2015Inventors: Werner LANG, Peter GEISSENDÖRFER, Manuel KUNZ, Michael WITZKE, Stefan CENTMAYER, Michael HORNUNG
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Publication number: 20140211333Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp, Stefan Centmayer
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Publication number: 20140036081Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner LANG, Manuel KUNZ, Peter GEISSENDOERFER, Michael WITZKE, Michael HORNUNG, Stefan CENTMAYER
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Publication number: 20120307387Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: Werner Lang, Albrecht Popp, Stefan Centmayer, Ralf Wattenbach
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Patent number: 8246266Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLCInventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
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Publication number: 20110102923Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Stefan Centmayer
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Patent number: 7735196Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLCInventors: Stefan Centmayer, Sebastian Heger, Werner Lang
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Patent number: 7637683Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLCInventors: Werner Lang, Jaap-Jan Snel, Stefan Centmayer