Patents by Inventor Thomas Otto

Thomas Otto 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: 20150158183
    Abstract: This is a Powered Drive and Control Mechanism for improving the operation of hand held manually operated gripping/reaching devices. Manually operated Reaching/grabber devices are spring loaded to open so they require the user to have good strength and dexterity to close them and keep them closed around an object being reached. Many users have physical limitations making these tools difficult or impossible for then to operate. With this lightweight battery powered Drive and Control Mechanism incorporated into a gripping/reaching tool an operator only needs to touch a button for opening or closing the tool and it has an inherent ability to hold items in its grip without the operator having to hold it closed. This design allows it to be used by persons that would not have the ability to operate a gripper/reaching tool otherwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventor: THOMAS OTTO MCNAY
  • Publication number: 20140374219
    Abstract: A thrust chain link of a conveyor chain of a conveyor system for conveying articles suspended from retaining adapters, in particular of a sorter, includes a base body with a thrust unit arranged on its bottom side and spaced-apart coupling sections formed on its ends for pivotal connection to an adjacent link. The thrust unit includes two tappets protruding from the bottom side of the base body, wherein a front first tappet in the conveying direction is shorter than a rear second tappet. The two tappets are spaced apart such that a head portion of the retaining adapter can be received between the two tappets without play or largely without play. A conveyor chain, a conveyor system and a method for positioning a retaining adapter on a conveyor chain of a conveyor system are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Otto
  • Publication number: 20140190793
    Abstract: A chain link of a transport chain of a conveyor for conveying an article hanging from a holding adapter includes a base body having lateral contact surfaces configured to enable friction rollers to be pressed there against for driving the transport chain. Arranged on the base body at ends in spaced-apart relationship in a conveying direction are coupling sections for swingable connection with a neighboring chain link. Bearings are formed on an upper side of the base body for support of running or guide rollers. A thrust member is connected vertically elastically to an underside of the base body and has an underside provided with at least one recess for formfittingly receiving a coupler of a head piece of the holding adapter for holding the article to be conveyed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Otto
  • Patent number: 8747464
    Abstract: A device for assisting and/or taking over the pumping function of the heart, with a multilayer sheathing part configured for compressing the heart at least in certain sections, wherein the sheathing part has at least one stabilization layer for shaping the sheathing part and at least one inner extensible augmentation layer, and wherein at least one cavity is formed between the stabilization layer and the augmentation layer, the cavity being inflatable and deflatable by a fluid, for cyclic compression of the heart. Provision is made for the stabilization layer to be inflatable with a fluid, at least in certain sections, in order to convert the sheathing part from a coiled and/or collapsed insertion state of the device in the body into an arched functional state, wherein the heart, in the functional state of the sheathing part, is at least partially sheathed and/or encompassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: PPA Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Otto, Andreas Klein
  • Patent number: 8624191
    Abstract: A measuring device for analyzing a lubricant of a bearing. The measuring device has an electromagnetic radiation emitter, a receiving element and a test area that is arranged between the emitter and the receiving element. The measuring device allows for current information on the condition of the lubricant in the bearing to be obtained. At least some sections of the test area are inside the bearing and the receiving element supplies a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation captured by the test area. Also, a bearing and a seal for the bearing and a method for detecting and monitoring the condition of the lubricant of a bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joerg Franke, Joachim Hering, Martin Kram, Joachim Schleifenbaum, Alexander Weiss, Gerhard Roehner, Sven Floesser, Marcel Schreiner, Thomas Otto, Thomas Gessner
  • Publication number: 20130255812
    Abstract: A fluidic actuator includes a basic arrangement having at least one cavity formed therein, an activatable substance within the cavity, and a deformable seal arrangement. The activatable substance, exemplarily an electrolyte, may be converted, at least partly, by suitable activation and thus cause a change in pressure in the cavity. The deformable seal arrangement serves for sealing the cavity. The seal arrangement includes an element containing paraffin and may be deformed when activating the activatable substance due to the change in pressure of the activatable substance. A corresponding method of manufacturing includes the following steps: providing the basic arrangement; forming a cavity, which is open on at least one side, in the basic arrangement; introducing the activatable substance into the cavity; and sealing the cavity using the deformable seal arrangement which includes an element containing paraffin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicants: Technische Universitaet Chemnitz, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Thomas OTTO, Joerg NESTLER, Thomas GESSNER
  • Patent number: 8029843
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of aleurone from bran, in particular, wheat bran, for the extraction of aleuronic cells in particular from wheat grain, whereby the mainly aleurone-containing aleuronic components are separated from the mainly non-aleurone-containing non-aleuronic components in the bran and the aleurone-containing components are then isolated. The separation can be achieved by biochemical/enzymatic means and/or by mechanical-abrasive means. The subsequent isolation and extraction can be achieved by wet and/or dry separating methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Buhler AG
    Inventors: Arturo Bohm, Carlo Bogoni, Raimund Behrens, Thomas Otto
  • Publication number: 20110098806
    Abstract: A device for assisting and/or taking over the pumping function of the heart, with a multilayer sheathing part configured for compressing the heart at least in certain sections, wherein the sheathing part has at least one stabilization layer for shaping the sheathing part and at least one inner extensible augmentation layer, and wherein at least one cavity is formed between the stabilization layer and the augmentation layer, the cavity being inflatable and deflatable by a fluid, for cyclic compression of the heart. Provision is made for the stabilization layer to be inflatable with a fluid, at least in certain sections, in order to convert the sheathing part from a coiled and/or collapsed insertion state of the device in the body into an arched functional state, wherein the heart, in the functional state of the sheathing part, is at least partially sheathed and/or encompassed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: PPA TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Otto, Andreas Klein
  • Publication number: 20100208241
    Abstract: A measuring device for analyzing a lubricant of a bearing. The measuring device has an electromagnetic radiation emitter, a receiving element and a test area that is arranged between the emitter and the receiving element. The measuring device allows for current information on the condition of the lubricant in the bearing to be obtained. At least some sections of the test area are inside the bearing and the receiving element supplies a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation captured by the test area. Also, a bearing and a seal for the bearing and a method for detecting and monitoring the condition of the lubricant of a bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicants: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG, CARL FREUDENBERG KG
    Inventors: Joerg Franke, Joachim Hering, Martin Kram, Joachim Schleifenbaum, Alexander Weiss, Gerhard Roehner, Sven Floesser, Marcel Schreiner, Thomas Otto, Thomas Gessner
  • Publication number: 20090195280
    Abstract: In a memory area having portions of predictable access frequency, such as in a memory area of a real time clock unit, a synchronous design may be implemented by associating storage cells of identical access frequency with a clock gating mechanism, thereby reducing power consumption. Hence, the synchronous design of the real time clock unit may provide reduced implementation effort and enhanced verification capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Peer Schlegel, Matthias Baer, Sreenivasa Chalamala, Thomas Otto
  • Publication number: 20070235280
    Abstract: A clutch-release device for a friction clutch installed in a housing in a vehicle includes a guide tube and a clutch-release bearing, which is free to shift position in the axial direction on the tube by means of a bearing carrier. One bearing ring of the clutch-release bearing is connected to the clutch-release element of the friction clutch to transmit the actuating force for actuating the friction clutch. The other bearing ring is mounted nonrotatably on the bearing carrier. For lubrication, the clutch-release bearing is provided with a relubrication unit provided with a freely controllable actuation unit for the as-needed lubrication of the clutch-release bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Thomas Otto
  • Publication number: 20070205074
    Abstract: A clutch release device for the friction clutch of a motor vehicle includes a sliding sleeve which can shift position axially on a guide tube, and a roller bearing positioned on the sliding sleeve. The roller bearing includes a first bearing ring, which can rotate with a clutch release element, a second bearing ring, which is fixed against rotation relative to the sliding sleeve, and a plurality of rolling elements which roll on races in the bearing rings. In the event of bearing failure, first and second axial stops engage to prevent relative axial displacement of the bearing rings by more than a predetermined amount. The first axial stop is fixed with respect to the first bearing ring, and the second axial stop is axially fixed with respect to the sliding sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Otto, Herbert Voit
  • Publication number: 20070205073
    Abstract: A clutch-release device for a friction clutch of a motor vehicle includes a guide tube and a sliding sleeve, which is free to shift position axially on the tube, the sleeve having a contact area for absorbing the actuating force of an actuating element. A clutch-release bearing is mounted on the sliding sleeve, the bearing having a nonrotatable first bearing ring, rolling elements, and a rotating second bearing ring, which is in working connection with an actuating element of the friction clutch. To increase the number of identical parts and thus to reduce costs, the sliding sleeve has a multi-part design, thus representing an assembly having at least two parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Otto, Herbert Voit, Manfred Wehner
  • Publication number: 20060081440
    Abstract: A clutch-release device for actuating a friction clutch of a motor vehicle includes a clutch-release mechanism which slides axially along a release axis and is in working connection with a release element to transmit a clutch-actuating force. The clutch-release device also has a clutch lever which pivots around a center of rotation in a pivoting plane of the lever essentially including the release axis. The clutch lever defines a force application point to the release mechanism for the transmission of the clutch-actuating force. The clutch-release mechanism and the release lever are arranged with respect to each other such that, when a release movement is performed to actuate the clutch, the radial deflection of the force application point relative to the release axis is minimized over the entire range of the release movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Otto, Franz Nagler
  • Patent number: 6992056
    Abstract: A process for preparing a detergent tablet having two or more regions comprises the steps of: (a) compressing a particulate composition comprising a detergent active component to form a compressed region of the tablet having a recess; (b) delivering to the recess a solution or melt comprising a mixture of at least one detergent active component and a fusible carrier material; and (c) solidifying the solution or melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Henkel KGAA
    Inventors: Juergen Haerer, Thomas Otto Gassenmeier, Christian Nitsch, Hans-Josef Beaujean, Bernd Richter, Thomas Moeller
  • Patent number: 6986289
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a parameter associated with the torque transmitted by a friction clutch, where the friction clutch has a clutch disk which is or can be connected for rotation in common to a power takeoff shaft. The apparatus includes a receiver area, which does not rotate with the clutch disk in the torque-transmitting state, and a code provided on the clutch disk. The code can be scanned by the receiver area and thus generates a sensor signal associated with transmitted torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Otto, Barbara Ester
  • Patent number: 6817987
    Abstract: A syringe holding a solvent and a soluble component has a tubular body formed its front and rear ends with a bypass, a plunger axially slidable in the body, and a stem projecting axially rearward out of the body from the plunger. A cover fits over the front end of the body and is so tight that the front compartment can be pressurized to a superatmospheric pressure without leakage out the front end. A free piston slidable in the body forward of the plunger subdivides the body forward of the plunger into a front compartment at the front body end holding the soluble component and a rear compartment between the plunger and the piston and holding the solvent. Stops are provided for arresting the free piston when it is level with the bypass in a position permitting flow through the bypass between the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Arzneimittel GmbH Apotheker Vetter & Co. Ravensburg
    Inventors: Udo J. Vetter, Thomas Otto
  • Patent number: 6769752
    Abstract: Apparatus for displaying objects having a lower part fixed to an underframe and an upper part pivotally attached to the lower part. The upper part includes front, rear, right, left and upper side parts, of which at least the upper side part consists of a glass pane and wherein the upper part can be moved by an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Glasbau Hahn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Till Hahn, Thomas Otto Hahn
  • Publication number: 20040057049
    Abstract: The present invention relates to different types of micromirror spectrometers using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) for various applications in the UV, VIS, NIR and MIR wavelength regions. The invention enables a wavelength selection using micro scanning mirror and integrated grating on a much smaller scale than previously encountered conventional diffraction grating monochromators. Especially small designs are obtained via simultaneous usage of collimation optics for both spatial filters, by using entrance and exit slit apertures, which are located very close together. Until now, the spatial filters themselves are not part of the miniaturization. The utilization of the precision from this technology allows for reproducible slits with defined geometries and surface roughness and accurate spatial classification towards the rotation axis of the diffraction grating. Therefore the assembly and adjustment effort of the monochromator is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Applied Photonics Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Reinhard Bruch, Uwe Fritzsch, Thomas Gessner, Thomas Otto, Volker Stock
  • Patent number: 6706696
    Abstract: The invention relates to cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations containing (a) water soluble &bgr;-(1,3) glucans that are substantially devoid of &bgr;-(1,6) links, and (b) deoxyribonucleic acids and their breakdown and degradation products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Biotec ASA
    Inventors: Ute Griesbach, Rolf Wachter, Achim Ansmann, Bernd Fabry, Rolf E. Engstad, Thomas Otto Gassenmeier