Patents by Inventor Thomas Buck

Thomas Buck 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).

  • Publication number: 20180062067
    Abstract: A micromechanical component having at least one electromechanical flexible structure, each of which includes a first piezoelectric layer, a first outer electrode situated on a first side of the first piezoelectric layer, a first intermediate electrode situated on a second side, oriented away from the first side, of the first piezoelectric layer, a second piezoelectric layer situated on a side of the first intermediate electrode oriented away from the first piezoelectric layer, and a second outer electrode situated on a side of the second piezoelectric layer oriented away from the first intermediate electrode, the at least one electromechanical flexible structure having in each case a second intermediate electrode that is situated on the side of the first intermediate electrode oriented away from the first piezoelectric layer, between the second piezoelectric layer and the first intermediate electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Buck, Fabian Purkl, Kerrin Doessel
  • Publication number: 20180029062
    Abstract: Exemplary illustrations of a fluid valve, e.g., a return valve for returning residual paint, rinsing agent, and compressed air from a paint line when changing color in a painting system, are disclosed. An exemplary fluid valve may be adjusted between an open position, in which the fluid valve is at least partially open, e.g., for rinsing a paint line with a rinsing agent and for pressurizing the paint line with a new color for the color change, and a closed position, in which the fluid valve is closed, e.g., for applying the new color after the color change. An exemplary fluid valve may switch to the closed position, upon actuation by the medium thereof, e.g., medium flowing through or present in the valve. In another example, a fluid valve may close depending on the fluid present at the input side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Rainer Melcher, Frank Herre, Michael Baumann, Thomas Buck
  • Patent number: 9839933
    Abstract: Various exemplary illustrations of a coating agent device are disclosed. In one example, a coating agent device may be a coating agent valve, e.g., for influencing the discharge of a coating agent. The coating agent device may include a plug-in or pluggable fastening base configured to facilitate a plug-in or pluggable mounting of the coating agent device. In some examples, the coating agent device may prevent relative rotation of the device relative to a mating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Dürr Systems AG
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Joachim Hering, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck, Michael Baumann, Bernhard Seiz, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Publication number: 20170352795
    Abstract: A sensor and/or transducer device having at least one bending structure including at least one piezoelectric layer in each case, using which an intermediate volume between at least two electrodes of the bending structure is at least partially filled in each case, the sensor and/or transducer device including an electronic unit, which is designed to apply at least one predefined or established actuator voltage between two of the electrodes at a time of the bending structure in such a way that a deformation of the bending structure triggered by an intrinsic stress gradient in the bending structure may be at least partially compensated for. A method for operating a sensor and/or transducer device having at least one bending structure, which includes at least one piezoelectric layer, and a method for calibrating a microphone having at least one bending structure, which includes at least one piezoelectric layer, are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Fabian Purkl, Kerrin Doessel, Thomas Buck
  • Patent number: 9782786
    Abstract: Exemplary illustrations of a fluid valve, e.g., a return valve for returning residual paint, rinsing agent, and compressed air from a paint line when changing color in a painting system, are disclosed. An exemplary fluid valve may be adjusted between an open position, in which the fluid valve is at least partially open, e.g., for rinsing a paint line with a rinsing agent and for pressurizing the paint line with a new color for the color change, and a closed position, in which the fluid valve is closed, e.g., for applying the new color after the color change. An exemplary fluid valve may switch to the closed position, upon actuation by the medium thereof, e.g., medium flowing through or present in the valve. In another example, a fluid valve may close depending on the fluid present at the input side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Durr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Melcher, Frank Herre, Michael Baumann, Thomas Buck
  • Publication number: 20170180864
    Abstract: A MEMS microphone having a backplate, a spring, and a membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane is supported in an approximate center of the membrane via a support. The support is connected to the approximate center of the membrane and an approximate center of the backplate. The membrane is connected to a spring that provides an electrical connection. The membrane may be electrically biased via the electrical connection. One or more overtravel stops are fixed to the backplate and pass through an aperture of the membrane. The overtravel stops are configured to prevent movement of the membrane in a radial direction opposite to the backplate. The membrane includes a stress gradient, a corrugation, or another structure that sets or determines a stiffness of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Yujie Zhang, Andrew J. Doller, Thomas Buck
  • Patent number: 9686619
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone in one embodiment includes a backplate, a back cavity aligned with the backplate, at least one post extending from the backplate toward the back cavity, a membrane positioned between the backplate and the back cavity and including an inner portion and an outer portion, a gap defined by a planar portion of the inner portion and the backplate, a spring arm defined in the outer portion and supported by the at least one post, a first leak path between the back cavity and the gap defined between the inner portion and the spring arm, a second leak path between the back cavity and the gap defined between the spring arm and the back cavity, and a first leak path constriction configured to restrict leakage through at least one of the first leak path and the second leak path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignees: Akustica, Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: John Zinn, Andrew Doller, Thomas Buck
  • Patent number: 9662672
    Abstract: A color changer system for a painting robot comprises a color changer. A plurality of color feed lines are included on an inlet side of the color changer. A common color line is included on an outlet side of the color changer, and is configured to forward paint selected by the color changer to an atomizer. A color bar comprises a plurality of docking points supplied by the color feed lines. A color extractor is configured to selectively dock onto one of the docking points of the color bar and, while docked to the color bar, extract paint from an associated color feed line and supply the extracted paint to the common color line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Duerr Systems, GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Manfred Michelfelder, Markus Erhardt, Michael Baumann, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck
  • Publication number: 20170128975
    Abstract: Various exemplary illustrations of a coating agent device are disclosed. In one example, a coating agent device may be a coating agent valve, e.g., for influencing the discharge of a coating agent. The coating agent device may include a plug-in or pluggable fastening base configured to facilitate a plug-in or pluggable mounting of the coating agent device. In some examples, the coating agent device may prevent relative rotation of the device relative to a mating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Joachim Hering, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck, Michael Baumann, Bernhard Seiz, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Patent number: 9618119
    Abstract: A sealing element, e.g., a sealing ring, is adapted to seal between two component sections and to be compressed by the two component sections in a groove that is provided in one of the two component sections and having a groove opening and a groove bottom. The sealing element comprises a profile which, in the non-compressed state, comprises different profile heights and at least two outer surfaces. The profile is deformable in the compressed state such that it extends with at least one of its side sections into the groove opening (NÖ) and thereby possibly partially closes the groove opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Durr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Martin, Michael Baumann, Thomas Buck
  • Publication number: 20170072421
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning an atomizer, in particular a rotary atomizer, is provided. The cleaning device includes a wet cleaning station having at least one cleaning nozzle for the wet cleaning of the atomizer with a cleaning fluid. The atomizer is introduced into the wet cleaning station in an introduction direction. The cleaning nozzle has a rotatable cleaning trunk for dispensing the cleaning fluid. The cleaning device, in some embodiments, also includes a dry cleaning station. A corresponding operating method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Baumann, sonja Brauchle, Thomas Buck, Frank Herre, Georg M. Sommer, Sandra Streckert, Andreas Fischer, Peter Marquardt
  • Publication number: 20170022046
    Abstract: A MEMS microphone component including at least one sound-pressure-sensitive diaphragm element is formed in the layer structure of the MEMS component, which spans an opening in the layer structure. The diaphragm element is attached via at least one column element in the central area of the opening to the layer structure of the component. The deflections of the diaphragm element are detected with the aid of at least one piezosensitive circuit element, which is implemented in the layer structure of the diaphragm element and is situated in the area of the attachment of the diaphragm element to the column element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas BUCK, Fabian Purkl, Michael Stumber, Rolf Scheben, Benedikt Stein, Christoph Schelling
  • Publication number: 20170026754
    Abstract: For a MEMS component, in the layer structure of which at least one sound-pressure-sensitive diaphragm element is formed, which spans an opening or cavity in the layer structure and the deflections of which are detected with the aid of at least one piezosensitive circuit element in the attachment area of the diaphragm element, design measures are provided, by which the stress distribution over the diaphragm surface may be influenced intentionally in the event of deflection of the diaphragm element. In particular, measures are provided, by which the mechanical stresses are intentionally introduced into predefined areas of the diaphragm element, to thus amplify the measuring signal. For this purpose, the diaphragm element includes at least one designated bending area, which is defined by the structuring of the diaphragm element and is more strongly deformed in the event of sound action than the adjoining diaphragm sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Buck, Fabian Purkl, Michael Stumber, Ricardo Ehrenpfordt, Rolf Scheben, Benedikt Stein, Christoph Schelling
  • Publication number: 20170016470
    Abstract: A coating system applicator component, e.g. a valve or bell cup, which may be used to be wetted and/or flown through at least in some sections by a coating agent, is provided. The applicator component includes a cylindrical holding part configured to releasably couple a mount of the coating system, as well as an applicator thread on the holding part. The applicator thread includes first and second applicator flank surfaces each obliquely oriented to a radial direction of the holding part, the first and second applicator flank surfaces being asymmetric about the radial direction of the holding part. The first and second applicator flank surfaces are configured to be parallel to and interface with first and second mount flank surfaces of a thread of the mount, respectively, upon a coaxial, threaded engagement between the holding part and the mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Joachim Hering, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck, Michael Baumann, Bernhard Seiz, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Patent number: 9528539
    Abstract: Various exemplary illustrations of a coating agent device are disclosed. In one example, a coating agent device may be a coating agent valve, e.g., for influencing the discharge of a coating agent. The coating agent device may include a plug-in or pluggable fastening base configured to facilitate a plug-in or pluggable mounting of the coating agent device. In some examples, the coating agent device may prevent relative rotation of the device relative to a mating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Duerr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Joachim Hering, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck, Michael Baumann, Bernhard Seiz, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Patent number: 9492837
    Abstract: A coating system component which may be used to be wetted and/or flown through at least in some sections by a coating agent. The component may include a fastening base and at least one holding part which is arranged on the fastening base for being fastened to or in a coating system device. The holding part may be an external thread having a special configuration in order to meet the special requirements of painting facilities, according to various exemplary illustrations. Furthermore, a corresponding coating system device may be provided, to which the coating system component can be fastened in a detachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Duerr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Joachim Hering, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck, Michael Baumann, Bernhard Seiz, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Patent number: 9452451
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device (1) for an atomizer (2) having a specified outer contour, in particular for cleaning a rotary atomizer (2), comprising at least one cleaning brush (5) for cleaning the atomizer (2), wherein the cleaning brush (5) has a specified brush contour. According to the invention, the brush contour of the cleaning brush (5) is adapted to the outer contour of the atomizer (2) so that the cleaning brush (5) nestles up against the atomizer (2). The invention further relates to a corresponding cleaning brush (5) and to a suitable cleaning method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Durr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Kleiner, Michael Baumann, Thomas Buck, Ralf Schäfer, Georg M. Sommer, Martin Wurst, Frank Herre
  • Patent number: 9369804
    Abstract: A micro electrical mechanical system (MEMS) device in one embodiment includes a substrate defining a back cavity, a membrane above the back cavity, a back plate above the membrane, and a first overtravel stop (OTS) positioned at least partially directly beneath the membrane and supported by the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Buck, John Zinn, Andy Doller, Brett Diamond, Bernhard Gehl
  • Publication number: 20160080871
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone in one embodiment includes a backplate, a back cavity aligned with the backplate, at least one post extending from the backplate toward the back cavity, a membrane positioned between the backplate and the back cavity and including an inner portion and an outer portion, a gap defined by a planar portion of the inner portion and the backplate, a spring arm defined in the outer portion and supported by the at least one post, a first leak path between the back cavity and the gap defined between the inner portion and the spring arm, a second leak path between the back cavity and the gap defined between the spring arm and the back cavity, and a first leak path constriction configured to restrict leakage through at least one of the first leak path and the second leak path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicants: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH, AKUSTICA, INC.
    Inventors: John Zinn, Andrew Doller, Thomas Buck
  • Patent number: D770695
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Dürr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Baumann, Sonja Brauchle, Thomas Buck, Frank Herre, Georg M. Sommer, Sandra Streckert, Andreas Fischer, Peter Marquardt