Patents by Inventor Thomas Merz

Thomas Merz 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: 20240239399
    Abstract: An adjustment device for vehicle steering columns has a steering shaft to which a steering element can be attached, and a drive unit for adjusting a length of the steering shaft. The steering shaft has at least two tubes, which engage into each other in a telescoping manner, can be moved relative to each other, and can in each case be driven by a drive unit. The two drive units are arranged next to each other in the region below the adjustment device. If the two tubes are inserted into each other, the adjustment device only has a short length, which is measured in the displacement direction of the tubes. Conversely, if the tubes are extended in a telescoping manner, a very large length adjustment range can be achieved despite the short length in the starting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Applicants: Willi Elbe Gelenkwellen GmbH & Co. KG, Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jörg HAUHOFF, Thomas HERRLICH, Fabian RUH, Philip WURZBERGER, Simon MERZ, Ralf SEDLMEIER
  • Publication number: 20240102155
    Abstract: A method for changing test substrates in a continuous-flow vacuum system in a multiple-treatment-step process cycle for treating a substrate, a treatment method using the method for changing test substrates, and systems for treating a plurality of substrates (61) and for changing test substrates. For at least two treatment steps, at least two test substrates (66) are transferred to a vacuum treatment system at the beginning of the process cycle and are transferred back out once the process cycle is concluded. Subsequently, the first test substrate (66) concurrently treated in this step is removed from the measurement position (70) it occupied during the treatment and is deposited in an empty position (71) without a test substrate (66). Subsequently, the second test substrate (66) which has not been treated yet is deposited in the resulting free measurement position (70) for the purpose of supplying the second test substrate to the subsequent treatment step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Jens HERGENRÖTHER, Andreas RACK, Florian SCHWARZ, Peter RETTENBACHER, Thomas MERZ
  • Patent number: 11332819
    Abstract: Holding devices for receiving a plurality of substrates in a substrate treatment system are disclosed. Holding devices comprise a flange, at least one segment that is releasably disposed on the flange, and at least one carrier for receiving one or a plurality of substrates. The flange has connection faces for disposing the at least one segment on the flange. The at least one segment has a segment support structure. The at least one carrier is assembled on the segment support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Solayer GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Liepack, Thomas Merz, Sebastian Wissel, Andreas Rack
  • Publication number: 20190345601
    Abstract: Holding devices for receiving a plurality of substrates in a substrate treatment system are disclosed. Holding devices comprise a flange, at least one segment that is releasably disposed on the flange, and at least one carrier for receiving one or a plurality of substrates. The flange has connection faces for disposing the at least one segment on the flange. The at least one segment has a segment support structure. The at least one carrier is assembled on the segment support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Harald Liepack, Thomas Merz, Sebastian Wissel, Andreas Rack
  • Patent number: 10377979
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of cleaning including the use of a soil release polymer. In some embodiments, the soil release polymer can be included in a neutral to low alkalinity prewash or main wash that is substantially free of hydroxide-based alkalinity. In some embodiments, the soil release polymer can be included in a neutral to low alkalinity prewash that is substantially free of hydroxide-based alkalinity, followed by an alkaline main wash with any alkalinity source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Lundberg, Jonathan P. Fast, Thomas Duerrschmidt, Thomas Merz, Jason Lang
  • Patent number: 10077415
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel combined laundry detergent, bleach, and antimicrobial composition incorporating novel sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid compounds, and methods for making and using them. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds used in compositions of the invention are storage stable, water soluble and have low to no odor. Compositions of the invention may be in the form of a liquid, a solid, or a gel. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds useful in preparing compositions of the present invention can be formed from non-petroleum based renewable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Gohl, Robert D. P. Hei, Thomas Merz, Peter Jens Forth, Matthias Kreysel, David D. McSherry, Junzhong Li, Jonathan P. Fast
  • Publication number: 20180127691
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of cleaning including the use of a soil release polymer. In some embodiments, the soil release polymer can be included in a neutral to low alkalinity prewash or main wash that is substantially free of hydroxide-based alkalinity. In some embodiments, the soil release polymer can be included in a neutral to low alkalinity prewash that is substantially free of hydroxide-based alkalinity, followed by an alkaline main wash with any alkalinity source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: STEVEN LUNDBERG, JONATHAN P. FAST, THOMAS DUERRSCHMIDT, THOMAS MERZ, JASON LANG
  • Patent number: 9890350
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of cleaning including the use of a soil release polymer. In some embodiments, the soil release polymer can be included in a neutral to low alkalinity prewash or main wash that is substantially free of hydroxide-based alkalinity. In some embodiments, the soil release polymer can be included in a neutral to low alkalinity prewash that is substantially free of hydroxide-based alkalinity, followed by an alkaline main wash with any alkalinity source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Steven Lundberg, Jonathan P. Fast, Thomas Duerrschmidt, Thomas Merz, Jason Lang
  • Publication number: 20170121650
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of cleaning including the use of a soil release polymer. In some embodiments, the soil release polymer can be included in a neutral to low alkalinity prewash or main wash that is substantially free of hydroxide-based alkalinity. In some embodiments, the soil release polymer can be included in a neutral to low alkalinity prewash that is substantially free of hydroxide-based alkalinity, followed by an alkaline main wash with any alkalinity source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Lundberg, Jonathan P. Fast, Thomas Duerrschmidt, Thomas Merz, Jason Lang
  • Publication number: 20170081618
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel combined laundry detergent, bleach, and antimicrobial composition incorporating novel sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid compounds, and methods for making and using them. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds used in compositions of the invention are storage stable, water soluble and have low to no odor. Compositions of the invention may be in the form of a liquid, a solid, or a gel. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds useful in preparing compositions of the present invention can be formed from non-petroleum based renewable materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: David W. Gohl, Robert D.P. Hei, Thomas Merz, Peter Jens Forth, Matthias Kreysel, David D. McSherry, Junzhong Li, Jonathan P. Fast
  • Patent number: 9540598
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel combined laundry detergent, bleach, and antimicrobial composition incorporating novel sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid compounds, and methods for making and using them. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds used in compositions of the invention are storage stable, water soluble and have low to no odor. Compositions of the invention may be in the form of a liquid, a solid, or a gel. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds useful in preparing compositions of the present invention can be formed from non-petroleum based renewable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Gohl, Robert D. P. Hei, Thomas Merz, Peter Jens Forth, Matthias Kreysel, David D. McSherry, Junzhong Li, Jonathan P. Fast
  • Publication number: 20150026900
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel combined laundry detergent, bleach, and antimicrobial composition incorporating novel sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid compounds, and methods for making and using them. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds used in compositions of the invention are storage stable, water soluble and have low to no odor. Compositions of the invention may be in the form of a liquid, a solid, or a gel. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds useful in preparing compositions of the present invention can be formed from non-petroleum based renewable materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: David W. Gohl, Robert D.P. Hei, Thomas Merz, Peter Jens Forth, Matthias Kreysel, David D. McSherry, Junzhong Li, Jonathan P. Fast
  • Patent number: 8871807
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel combined laundry detergent, bleach, and antimicrobial composition incorporating novel sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid compounds, and methods for making and using them. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds used in compositions of the invention are storage stable, water soluble and have low to no odor. Compositions of the invention may be in the form of a liquid, a solid, or a gel. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds useful in preparing compositions of the present invention can be formed from non-petroleum based renewable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Gohl, Robert D. P. Hei, Thomas Merz, Peter Jens Forth, Matthias Kreysel, David D. McSherry, Junzhong Li, Jonathan P. Fast
  • Publication number: 20140230732
    Abstract: A transporting apparatus for simultaneously transporting at least two substrates into a substrate-treatment apparatus to be treated in a vacuum-treatment apparatus has at least two carrier apparatuses mounted for rotation in relation to a common axis and offset axially in relation to one another. At least one retaining frame configured for supporting at least one substrate is arranged on each of the two carrier apparatuses. Each retaining frame is configured to be shifted, by rotary movement of the two carrier apparatuses about the common axis, into mutually opposite regions of a treatment unit with the two carrier apparatuses spaced apart axially from one another sufficiently such that the treatment unit is arranged between the two carrier apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: MANZ AG
    Inventors: Peter Rettenbacher, Thomas Merz, Stefan Kastl
  • Patent number: 8729296
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for generating percarboxylic acid compositions and/or peroxycarboxylic acid compositions formed external to a point of use in non-equilibrium reactions for use in certain bleaching and antimicrobial applications, in particular laundry applications. The compositions are generated external to a point of use, at alkaline pH levels, viz. greater than about pH 12, and optionally suitable for use with detergents and/or surfactants for synergistic bleaching efficacy. Methods of bleaching and/or disinfecting are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Fast, Robert D. P. Hei, Richard Staub, Thomas J. Dürrschmidt, Peter J. Forth, Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Thomas Merz, Johannes G. Winter
  • Publication number: 20130247308
    Abstract: The invention relates to a low temperature detergent composition of a first component for cleaning and disinfecting comprising: (a) about ?2 wt.-% to about ?50 wt.-% of a nonionic low alkoxylated alcohol tenside containing 1 to 2 alkylene oxide units; (b) about ?0 wt.-% to about ?60 wt.-% of nonionic higher alkoxylated alcohol tenside containing 3 to 40 alkylene oxide units; (c) about ?1 wt.-% to about ?60 wt.-% of a source of alkalinity; (d) about ?0 wt.-% to about ?95 wt.-% of at least one solvent; calculated on the total weight amount of the detergent composition of the first component. The invention relates further to a low temperature detergent composition for cleaning and disinfecting of a first component composition and a second component composition containing at least one bleaching agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Duerrschmidt, Thomas Merz, Peter J. Forth, Chris Nagel, Amila Bilic
  • Patent number: 8278259
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid detergent concentrate composition comprising an emulsion having a water phase and an oil phase, the composition comprising 5-30 wt-% of one or more alkalinity source 1-70 wt-% of at least one nonionic surfactant 0.01-10 wt-% of at least one crosslinked or partly crosslinked polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid. Furthermore the invention relates to a stable aqueous use solution, comprising a liquid detergent concentrate according to the invention and to a method for washing textiles with the aqueous use solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Khalil Shamayeli, Thomas Merz, Ralf-Erbo Knop
  • Publication number: 20120225943
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel combined laundry detergent, bleach, and antimicrobial composition incorporating novel sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid compounds, and methods for making and using them. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds used in compositions of the invention are storage stable, water soluble and have low to no odor. Compositions of the invention may be in the form of a liquid, a solid, or a gel. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds useful in preparing compositions of the present invention can be formed from non-petroleum based renewable materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: David W. Gohl, Robert D.P. Hei, Thomas Merz, Peter Jens Forth, Matthias Kreysel, David D. McSherry, Junzhong Li, Jonathan P. Fast
  • Publication number: 20120172439
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for generating percarboxylic acid compositions and/or peroxycarboxylic acid compositions formed external to a point of use in non-equilibrium reactions for use in certain bleaching and antimicrobial applications, in particular laundry applications. The compositions are generated external to a point of use, at alkaline pH levels, viz. greater than about pH 12, and optionally suitable for use with detergents and/or surfactants for synergistic bleaching efficacy. Methods of bleaching and/or disinfecting are further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Fast, Robert D.P. Hei, Richard Staub, Thomas J. Dürrschmidt, Peter J. Forth, Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Thomas Merz, Johannes G. Winter
  • Patent number: 8114827
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrous, paste-like cleaning or detergent composition comprising an emulsion having an aqueous phase and an oil phase, the composition comprises based on the whole concentrate 1 to 50 wt-% of one or more alkalinity source, 1 to 60 wt-% of a guerbet alcohol ethoxylate of the formula R1—(OC2H4)n—OH, wherein R1 is a branched C9 to C20 alkyl group and n is from 2 to 10, 1 to 30 wt-% of a linear alkoxylated fatty alcohol of the formula R2—(OC2H4)x—(OC3H6)y—OH, wherein R2 is a linear C10 to C16 group and n is from 3 to 7 and m is from 3 to 7, 0.01-10 wt-% of one or more crosslinked or partly crosslinked polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid or mixtures thereof, 1-10 wt-% of a thickener system comprising the following components: 1-5 wt-% of a polyacrylate, 0-5 wt-% of a swellable phyllosilicate, 0-2 wt-% of a polyethylene glycol with the provision that the thickener system comprises at least two of these components, and the rest up to 100 wt-% is water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Khalil Shamayeli, Thomas Merz