Patents by Inventor Thomas Conrad

Thomas Conrad 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: 10330149
    Abstract: A method for producing a bearing, in particular a hydraulic axle support bearing, which comprises the following steps: preassembling an inner part in an outer part with an elastomer body which is arranged in between and is reinforced by a plastic cage which at least partially bears against an inner wall of the outer part. The plastic cage is configured to radially protrude over an upper edge and a lower edge of the out part and, at the lower edge of the outer part, to project over the latter. Simultaneously calibrating the outer part and the plastic cage by constricting the outer part and the plastic cage from a respective first diameter to a respective second diameter which is smaller than the respective first diameter. After the constriction, the plastic cage projects over the upper edge of the outer part for the form-fitting axial securing of the outer part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignees: BOGE ELASTMETALL GMBH, AUDI AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schnaars, Thomas Conrad
  • Patent number: 9903438
    Abstract: A hydraulically damping bush bearing has an elongated inner part, and outer bush, an elastomeric damping member disposed between the inner part and outer bush and a pair of axial chambers offset from one another in an axial direction. The axial chambers communicate with one another via at least one axial channel. The bush bearing also has a pair of radial chambers that communicate via at least one radial channel. The radial chambers are disposed between the pair of axial chambers and are offset from each other in a circumferential direction. At least fluid-free damping chamber is provided between the axial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignees: BOGE ELASTMETALL GMBH, AUDI AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schnaars, Thomas Conrad
  • Publication number: 20170363143
    Abstract: A method for producing a bearing, in particular a hydraulic axle support bearing, which comprises the following steps: preassembling an inner part in an outer part with an elastomer body which is arranged in between and is reinforced by a plastic cage which at least partially bears against an inner wall of the outer part. The plastic cage is configured to radially protrude over an upper edge and a lower edge of the out part and, at the lower edge of the outer part, to project over the latter. Simultaneously calibrating the outer part and the plastic cage by constricting the outer part and the plastic cage from a respective first diameter to a respective second diameter which is smaller than the respective first diameter. After the constriction, the plastic cage projects over the upper edge of the outer part for the form-fitting axial securing of the outer part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schnaars, Thomas Conrad
  • Patent number: 9822839
    Abstract: A hydraulically damping rubber bearing has a substantially hollow-cylindrical inner portion and an outer portion disposed with a predetermined spacing relative to the inner portion. A resilient connection portion is disposed between the inner portion and the outer portion and connects the outer portion to the inner portion. The resilient connection portion has a first hydraulic damping circuit with at least two first fluid chambers which are in fluid communication with each other by means of a first flow connection. The first hydraulic damping circuit has a damping action in a predetermined direction. A second hydraulic damping circuit provides a damping action in the same predetermined direction as the first hydraulic damping circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignees: BOGE ELASTMETALL GMBH, AUDI AG
    Inventors: Volker Ludwig, Stefan Loheide, Thomas Conrad, Wolfgang Unger
  • Patent number: 9784310
    Abstract: A method for producing a bearing, in particular a hydraulic axle support bearing, which comprises the following steps: preassembling an inner part in an outer part with an elastomer body which is arranged in between and is reinforced by a plastic cage which at least partially bears against an inner wall of the outer part. The plastic cage is configured to radially protrude over an upper edge and a lower edge of the out part and, at the lower edge of the outer part, to project over the latter. Simultaneously calibrating the outer part and the plastic cage by constricting the outer part and the plastic cage from a respective first diameter to a respective second diameter which is smaller than the respective first diameter. After the constriction, the plastic cage projects over the upper edge of the outer part for the form-fitting axial securing of the outer part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignees: BOGE ELASTMETALL GMBH, AUDI AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schnaars, Thomas Conrad
  • Patent number: 9732816
    Abstract: A rubber-metal sleeve bearing includes an outer sleeve having a first outer edge and a second outer edge in opposing relationship to the first outer edge, when viewed in an axial direction. The first and second outer edges each have at least one section provided with radially inwardly recessed outer edge regions. An inner sleeve is disposed in concentric relation to the outer sleeve, and an intermediate sleeve is disposed concentrically between the outer and inner sleeves and connected to the outer sleeve via a first elastomer layer and to the inner sleeve via a second elastomer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Thomas Conrad, Jörg Roland
  • Patent number: 9599156
    Abstract: A sleeve bearing for being received in an outer sleeve includes an inner part which extends in the axial direction, a bearing body, and a cage which encloses the bearing body circumferentially. The bearing body encloses the inner part, is made from an elastic material, and has at least two chambers. The cage is formed from at least two cage parts, the spacing of which can be varied in the radial direction. A sealed joint area is provided between the cage parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: BOGE ELASTMETALL GMBH, AUDI AG
    Inventors: Volker Ludwig, Stefan Loheide, Thomas Conrad
  • Patent number: 9556903
    Abstract: A rubber-metal sleeve bearing includes an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve disposed in concentric relationship to the inner sleeve, and an intermediate sleeve disposed in concentric relationship to the inner and outer sleeves and having first and second elastomer layers to connect the intermediate sleeve to the inner and outer sleeves, respectively. The intermediate sleeve has inner and outer surfaces, each having at least one non-round section, with the non-round section of the inner surface and the non-round section of the outer surface being arranged in offset relationship in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Thomas Conrad, Friedrich-Oskar Winter, Jörg Roland
  • Patent number: 9528566
    Abstract: A hydraulically damping bush bearing has an elongated inner part, and outer bush, an elastomeric damping member disposed between the inner part and outer bush and a pair of axial chambers offset from one another in an axial direction. The axial chambers communicate with one another via at least one axial channel. The bush bearing also has a pair of radial chambers that communicate via at least one radial channel. The radial chambers are disposed between the pair of axial chambers and are offset from each other in a circumferential direction. One of the pair of axial chambers has at least two separated first axial chambers spaced at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignees: AUDI AG, BOGE ELASTMETALL GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schnaars, Thomas Conrad
  • Publication number: 20160208879
    Abstract: A rubber-metal sleeve bearing includes an outer sleeve having a first outer edge and a second outer edge in opposing relationship to the first outer edge, when viewed in an axial direction. The first and second outer edges each have at least one section provided with radially inwardly recessed outer edge regions. An inner sleeve is disposed in concentric relation to the outer sleeve, and an intermediate sleeve is disposed concentrically between the outer and inner sleeves and connected to the outer sleeve via a first elastomer layer and to the inner sleeve via a second elastomer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: THOMAS CONRAD, JÖRG ROLAND
  • Publication number: 20160195155
    Abstract: A hydraulically damping rubber bearing has a substantially hollow-cylindrical inner portion and an outer portion disposed with a predetermined spacing relative to the inner portion. A resilient connection portion is disposed between the inner portion and the outer portion and connects the outer portion to the inner portion. The resilient connection portion has a first hydraulic damping circuit with at least two first fluid chambers which are in fluid communication with each other by means of a first flow connection. The first hydraulic damping circuit has a damping action in a predetermined direction. A second hydraulic damping circuit provides a damping action in the same predetermined direction as the first hydraulic damping circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Applicants: BOGE Elastmetall GmbH, Audi AG
    Inventors: Volker Ludwig, Stefan Loheide, Thomas Conrad, Wolfgang Unger
  • Publication number: 20160047414
    Abstract: A method for producing a bearing, in particular a hydraulic axle support bearing, which comprises the following steps: preassembling an inner part in an outer part with an elastomer body which is arranged in between and is reinforced by a plastic cage which at least partially bears against an inner wall of the outer part. The plastic cage is configured to radially protrude over an upper edge and a lower edge of the out part and, at the lower edge of the outer part, to project over the latter. Simultaneously calibrating the outer part and the plastic cage by constricting the outer part and the plastic cage from a respective first diameter to a respective second diameter which is smaller than the respective first diameter. After the constriction, the plastic cage projects over the upper edge of the outer part for the form-fitting axial securing of the outer part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schnaars, Thomas Conrad
  • Patent number: 9200695
    Abstract: A spring and damper system, in particular for an assembly mount in a motor vehicle, includes a spring/damper element arranged between two mutually, relatively displaceable vehicle masses, wherein the spring/damper element includes a damper device and a positioning spring element, which are directly or indirectly coupled with one another and are connected in series and which are supported on or attached to a respective vehicle mass. A progressive spring element forms an additional component of the spring/damper element, wherein the progressive spring element is arranged on a side of the positioning spring element facing away from the damper device and is directly or indirectly connected to the damper device or to the vehicle mass facing the positioning spring element. The progressive spring element has a defined gap spacing representing a spring deflection in a defined rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Stephan Lamers, Thomas Conrad
  • Publication number: 20150252842
    Abstract: A rubber-metal sleeve bearing includes an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve disposed in concentric relationship to the inner sleeve, and an intermediate sleeve disposed in concentric relationship to the inner and outer sleeves and having first and second elastomer layers to connect the intermediate sleeve to the inner and outer sleeves, respectively. The intermediate sleeve has inner and outer surfaces, each having at least one non-round section, with the non-round section of the inner surface and the non-round section of the outer surface being arranged in offset relationship in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Thomas Conrad, Friedrich-Oskar Winter, Jörg Roland
  • Publication number: 20150226285
    Abstract: A hydraulically damping bush bearing has an elongated inner part, and outer bush, an elastomeric damping member disposed between the inner part and outer bush and a pair of axial chambers offset from one another in an axial direction. The axial chambers communicate with one another via at least one axial channel. The bush bearing also has a pair of radial chambers that communicate via at least one radial channel. The radial chambers are disposed between the pair of axial chambers and are offset from each other in a circumferential direction. At least fluid-free damping chamber is provided between the axial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schnaars, Thomas Conrad
  • Publication number: 20150226258
    Abstract: A sleeve bearing for being received in an outer sleeve includes an inner part which extends in the axial direction, a bearing body, and a cage which encloses the bearing body circumferentially. The bearing body encloses the inner part, is made from an elastic material, and has at least two chambers. The cage is formed from at least two cage parts, the spacing of which can be varied in the radial direction. A sealed joint area is provided between the cage parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Volker Ludwig, Stefan Loheide, Thomas Conrad
  • Publication number: 20150211598
    Abstract: A hydraulically damping bush bearing has an elongated inner part, and outer bush, an elastomeric damping member disposed between the inner part and outer bush and a pair of axial chambers offset from one another in an axial direction. The axial chambers communicate with one another via at least one axial channel. The bush bearing also has a pair of radial chambers that communicate via at least one radial channel. The radial chambers are disposed between the pair of axial chambers and are offset from each other in a circumferential direction. One of the pair of axial chambers has at least two separated first axial chambers spaced at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schnaars, Thomas Conrad
  • Patent number: 8807543
    Abstract: A bearing body (2) is divided in the radial direction (r) by at least one insert (6) arranged in the bearing body (2) parallel to the bearing axis (12) into at least two spring packets (7, 8) having an outer switching packet (8). Each of the working chambers (4, 4?) is divided into several chamber sections (91-9n) extending in the radial direction (r) and into at least one chamber section (10) extending in the axial direction (a) and connecting the chamber sections (91-9n) with one another. The elastomeric bearing body (2) is segmented in the switching packet (8) in the axial direction (a) by the chamber sections (91-9n) protruding into the elastomeric bearing body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Stefan Loheide, Hubert Siemer, Thomas Conrad
  • Publication number: 20130300042
    Abstract: A spring and damper system, in particular for an assembly mount in a motor vehicle, includes a spring/damper element arranged between two mutually, relatively displaceable vehicle masses, wherein the spring/damper element includes a damper device and a positioning spring element, which are directly or indirectly coupled with one another and are connected in series and which are supported on or attached to a respective vehicle mass. A progressive spring element forms an additional component of the spring/damper element, wherein the progressive spring element is arranged on a side of the positioning spring element facing away from the damper device and is directly or indirectly connected to the damper device or to the vehicle mass facing the positioning spring element. The progressive spring element has a defined gap spacing representing a spring deflection in a defined rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: Stephan Lamers, Thomas Conrad
  • Patent number: 8534647
    Abstract: An elastomeric bush bearing, with hydraulic damping, comprises a metallic inner part (1), an elastomeric bearing element (2) encompassing the inner part (1) with a cage (3) for reinforcing the bearing element (2) vulcanized thereto. At least two chambers (5), for accommodating a fluid damping medium, are separated from one another by partitions (8), constructed between the bearing element (2), adhesively bonded to the inner part (1) by the vulcanization, but are mutually connected by a damping medium channel (7). A prestressing is applied to the elastomer of the bearing element (2). However, the prestressing is not applied over the bearing shell (4), but instead over the cage (3). Calibration takes places thus by a pressure force exerted on the cage, before assembly of the bearing element (2) in the outer shell (4), which is a deviation from the state of the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schnaars, Thomas Conrad