Patents by Inventor Stefan Frits Brouwer
Stefan Frits Brouwer 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: 8129642Abstract: A hinge actuator includes a first part, a second part, an electric drive, a coupling, and an auxiliary coupling. The first part and second part are configured for connection via the electric drive. The coupling is provided between the first part and the second part such that, in a first position, the first part and the second part are connected via the drive and can be pivoted relative to each other via the drive, and, in a second position, the first part and the second part are not connected to each other via the drive and can be pivoted relative to each other manually. In an embodiment, first stops are included on the coupling and the auxiliary coupling, and second stops are included on the coupling and the first part.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Peter Alexander Hamming, Andreas Johannes Petrus Schalkwijk, Eric Gerardus Paulus van Slagmaat, Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout
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Publication number: 20110068662Abstract: A hinge actuator includes a first part, a second part, an electric drive, a coupling, and an auxiliary coupling. The first part and second part are configured for connection via the electric drive. The coupling is provided between the first part and the second part such that, in a first position, the first part and the second part are connected via the drive and can be pivoted relative to each other via the drive, and, in a second position, the first part and the second part are not connected to each other via the drive and can be pivoted relative to each other manually. In an embodiment, first stops are included on the coupling and the auxiliary coupling, and second stops are included on the coupling and the first part.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Peter Alexander Hamming, Andreas Johannes Petrus Schalkwijk, Eric Gerardus Paulus van Slagmaat, Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout
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Publication number: 20110012452Abstract: Drive comprising a housing with a drive unit. The drive unit comprises an electric motor and a drive train comprising a reduction stage with an output shaft. The drive comprises an evoloid gear stage and a cover module which comprises a drive stage to be coupled with the output shaft of the drive train. The evoloid gear stage is preferably designed as a pinion with a toothing which comprises less than six, preferably two or three, teeth.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Patent number: 7847205Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge actuator comprising a first part which is configured for connection with a second part via an electric drive. The first and the second part are provided with stops cooperating in a pivoting direction for defining a select or predetermined position of the actuator parts with respect to each other. In an embodiment, in a first position of a coupling between the first part and the second part, these parts can pivot via the electric drive. In a second position, the first part and the second part are not connected via the drive but can be pivoted relative to each other manually. Further, the first and the second part may be provided with stops only cooperating in the second position of the coupling in an opposing pivoting direction, for defining the select or predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Peter Alexander Hamming, Andreas Johannes Petrus Schalkwijk, Eric Gerardus Paulus van Slagmaat, Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout
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Patent number: 7836553Abstract: A hinge construction for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle including a first hinge part for mounting on a motor vehicle and a second hinge part, pivotably connected therewith, for supporting a wing minor unit. In an embodiment, the first and second hinge parts cooperate via a rack-and-pinion guide and a drive mechanism having a disengageable coupling. The drive mechanism and the rack-and-pinion guide cause the hinge parts upon pivoting to rotate and translate relative to each other. The disengageable coupling is operatively configured to disengage the motor and the gear drive from the first hinge part. The invention also relates to a wing mirror unit provided with embodiments of a hinge construction.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Paulus Gerardus Maria Van Stiphout
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Publication number: 20100275411Abstract: A hinge construction, suitable for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle, includes a first hinge part configured for mounting on the motor vehicle and a second hinge part, pivotably connected with the first hinge part via a base shaft. The second hinge part is configured to support a mirror support. In an embodiment, the base shaft is translatably connected with one hinge part, the other hinge part is arranged pivotably about the base shaft, and the hinge parts cooperate via a track guide which causes the hinge parts upon pivoting to rotate and translate relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2007Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: MCi (Mirror controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Publication number: 20100224753Abstract: Mounting construction for mounting an adjustment instrument to a carrier for an outside mirror unit, comprising first mounting parts on the adjustment instrument and second mounting parts on the carrier, which mounting parts guide the adjustment instrument from a first position to a second position in a direction along the carrier, the mounting parts cooperating with each other in the second position to fix movement of the adjustment instrument relative to the carrier in a direction transverse to the carrier, while in the first position the adjustment instrument and the carrier are clear of each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout
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Publication number: 20100062895Abstract: A reduction mechanism including an input gear wheel, an output gear wheel, and at least one intermediate gear wheel is disclosed. The input gear wheel is provided with outer toothing, which may be configured for coupling with a driving motor, and includes an evoloid toothing having one or two teeth. An output gear wheel is provided with an evoloid inner toothing. In an embodiment, the output gear speed during use is lower than the speed of the input gear wheel. The at least one intermediate gear wheel is operative between the input gear wheel and the output gear wheel and the rotation axis of the at least one intermediate gear wheel is fixedly arranged. In an embodiment, the reduction mechanism may be configured so that the input gear wheel, the output gear wheel, and the at least one intermediate gear wheel are situated substantially in a single plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Patent number: 7631978Abstract: A wing mirror unit for a vehicle includes a base plate, a supporting frame pivotally connected to the base plate, and an actuator including an engaging part that is connected to the supporting frame. The supporting frame is pivotal with respect to the base plate between a folded orientation and an unfolded orientation. The engaging part in operable connection with the supporting frame is adjustable between a first orientation located near the body of a vehicle and a second orientation located farther outward with respect the body of said vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Arjen Van Gelderen, Paulus Gerardus Maria Van Stiphout
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Patent number: 7628499Abstract: A wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle comprising a mirror foot and a mirror housing connected to the mirror foot. The mirror housing is adjustable between a folded orientation and an unfolded orientation. The wing mirror unit further includes an actuator arranged to move adjacent surfaces of the mirror housing and the mirror foot transversely with respect to each other between a first position, in which the adjacent surfaces of the mirror housing and the mirror foot form a slit, and a second position, in which the adjacent surfaces abut each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Paulus Gerardus Maria Van Stiphout
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Publication number: 20090293665Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a metal salt of a fatty acid for damping vibrations performed by cooperating surfaces of a mirror adjustment mechanism relative to each other, wherein the cooperating surfaces adjustably connect a mirror holder for supporting the mirror element with a base plate which can be fixedly mounted to the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2005Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Eaton Automotive B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Marius Brand, Rudolf Pieter Hoogenboom
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Publication number: 20090229962Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge actuator comprising a first part which is configured for connection with a second part via an electric drive. The first and the second part are provided with stops cooperating in a pivoting direction for defining a select or predetermined position of the actuator parts with respect to each other. In an embodiment, in a first position of a coupling between the first part and the second part, these parts can pivot via the electric drive. In a second position, the first part and the second part are not connected via the drive but can be pivoted relative to each other manually. Further, the first and the second part may be provided with stops only cooperating in the second position of the coupling in an opposing pivoting direction, for defining the select or predetermined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Peter Alexander Hamming, Andreas Johannes Petrus Schalkwijk, Eric Gerardus Paulus van Slagmaat, Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout
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Publication number: 20090219637Abstract: A modular drive system, in particular for a driven angular adjustment of a rearview mirror support of a motor vehicle, comprising at least two drive modules, each provided with a housing with an electric motor and a drive portion driven by the electric motor, and a drivable portion for cooperation with a drive portion of another drive module, further comprising coupling means for attaching two drive modules to each other with one rotational degree of freedom by cooperation of a drive portion and a drivable portion, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2006Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: MCI (MIRROR CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL) NETHERLANDS BVInventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Patent number: 7547855Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge actuator comprising a first part which is configured for connection with a second part via an electric drive. The first and the second part are provided with stops cooperating in a pivoting direction for defining a select or predetermined position of the actuator parts with respect to each other. In an embodiment, in a first position of a coupling between the first part and the second part, these parts can pivot via the electric drive. In a second position, the first part and the second part are not connected via the drive but can be pivoted relative to each other manually. Further, the first and the second part may be provided with stops only cooperating in the second position of the coupling in an opposing pivoting direction, for defining the select position.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Peter Alexander Hamming, Andreas Johannes Petrus Schalkwijk, Eric Gerardus Paulus van Slagmaat, Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout
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Patent number: 7445190Abstract: A mirror adjustment mechanism for adjusting a mirror housing including an actuator housing and a drive mechanism arranged in the actuator housing. The drive mechanism includes an electric motor including an output shaft; a drive train having an input part coupled to the output shaft; and an output part coupled to a driven part. The driven part is connected to an electrical circuit and is configured to be movable under a spring action relative to the actuator housing. The driving part controls the electric motor and includes a first contact part that cooperates with a second contact part fixedly arranged relative to the actuator housing. The driving part is movable between a first position in which the impedance between the first and second contact parts has a first value, and a second position in which the impedance between the first and second contact parts has a second value.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Publication number: 20080168623Abstract: A hinge construction for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle including a first hinge part for mounting on a motor vehicle and a second hinge part, pivotably connected therewith, for supporting a wing mirror unit. In an embodiment, the first and second hinge parts cooperate via a rack-and-pinion guide that causes the hinge parts upon pivoting to rotate and translate relative to each other. The invention also relates to a wing mirror unit provided with embodiments of a hinge construction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2006Publication date: July 17, 2008Applicant: EATON AUTOMOTIVE B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout
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Patent number: 7392567Abstract: A hinge actuator having a first part and a second part. The first part being connected to the second part so as to be hingeable about a geometric axis. The actuator includes a signaling means for signaling a select or predetermined angular position of the first and second parts relative to each other, the signaling means being arranged for signaling the select or predetermined angular position in only one pivoting direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Patent number: 7374299Abstract: A hinge actuator for a wing mirror unit includes a base plate, including base shaft with mirror support; output part; coupling ring; and gear wheel. The base plate and mirror support include cooperating stops. The coupling ring is arranged so as to be rotatable with limited travel about the base of the shaft between a first angle ?1, which corresponds to a folded-out position, and a second angle ?2. The coupling ring can cooperate with the mirror support via a first set of cooperating stops, and can cooperate with the base plate via a second set of cooperating stops, such that in the first angle ?1 of the coupling ring, the spring force is transmitted, through cooperation of the first set of stops, and that in the second angle ?2, the spring force, through cooperation of the second set of stops, is transmitted to the base plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Albertus van den Brink, Peter Alexander Hamming, Marinus Roose, Andreas Johannes Petrus Schalkwijk, Eric Gerardus Paulus van Slagmaat, Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout
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Patent number: 7171726Abstract: A hinge construction comprising two hinge members provided with a guide track. The guide tracks of each of the hinge members comprise at least three substantially flat, circular segment-shaped track parts, which each extend between first and second track ends and which are distributed at uniform intermediate distances over a corresponding circular circumference, so that the track parts of the hinge members pairwise form a guide for at least one guide element. The hinge members are pivotable relative to each other between a first angular position in which the guide elements are received in the guides so as to be displaceable along the track parts, and a second angular position in which the guide elements are received in the guides so as to be clamped between first and second track ends of the track parts.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Werner John Peter Kleissen, Peter Alexander Hamming, Marinus Jacobus Maria Van Zuijlen, Paulus Gerardus Maria Van Stiphout, Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Patent number: 7090364Abstract: A movement mechanism applicable to a vehicle outside rearview mirror and employing a substantially spherical holder and a substantially spherical bowl nested one in the other and relative rotatable relative to each other about first and second mutually perpendicular axes with the plane of the outer edge of the holder lying in or parallel to the plane of the axes. The disk is located between the holder and bowl and connected to the bowl for rotation about one of the axes and connected to the holder for rotation only about the other of the axes.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer