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).

  • Patent number: 6688445
    Abstract: A clutch system comprises a clutch arrangement, an adjusting device for actuating the clutch arrangement, a displacement sensor arrangement for detecting a first quantity relating to the movement of a component which displaces when an actuating process is carried out, and a torque sensor arrangement for detecting a second quantity relating to a clutch torque transmitted via the clutch arrangement. The control device controls the adjusting device for carrying out actuating processes at least occasionally depending on at least the second quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Thomas Otto
  • Publication number: 20040000199
    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 (58), which does not rotate with the clutch disk in the torque-transmitting state, and a code provided on the clutch disk. The which code can be scanned by the receiver area and thus generates a sensor signal associated with transmitted torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Otto, Barbara Ester
  • Publication number: 20030178279
    Abstract: In an actuation device for a friction clutch which is arranged in the drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission, comprising a pressure medium force cylinder arrangement by means of which the friction clutch can be actuated via a release member, a measuring arrangement which detects an actual release, a control/regulating valve arrangement which is connected with a pressure medium source, with a pressure compensation opening or a pressure compensation reservoir and with the pressure medium force cylinder arrangement and which is controllable electrically, by means of which valve arrangement the pressure medium force cylinder arrangement can be actuated depending on the actual release and on a reference release which can be predetermined, the control/regulating valve arrangement can be actuated via control/regulating electronics depending on the actual release, on an electrically presettable command variable and on a characteristic line converting the command variable into the refere
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Drexl, Thomas Otto, Hans Fliege, Jurgen Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6622836
    Abstract: A release system for a clutch assembly comprises a release slide, which is or can be connected to a stored-energy element of the clutch assembly to execute release movements, and at least one brake element, which can move along with the release slide during the execution of release movements. This brake element can be brought into braking interaction with an opposing brake element which is or can be connected in an essentially nonrotatable manner to a clutch output shaft, where the release slide and the minimum of one brake element form a piston/cylinder unit with at least one fluid chamber. Pressure fluid is introduced into the minimum of one fluid chamber to produce a force which preloads or moves the minimum of one brake element relative to the release slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Otto, Herbert Voit, Manfred Wehner, Frank Hirschmann
  • Publication number: 20030175384
    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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Arturo Bohm, Carlo Bogoni, Raimund Behrens, Thomas Otto
  • Patent number: 6588558
    Abstract: A release slide is or can be connected to a stored-energy element of the clutch assembly for executing a release movement, and at least one brake element can move along with the release slide during the execution of a release movement, which brake element can be brought into braking interaction with a counter-braking element, which is or can be connected in essentially nonrotatable fashion to a clutch output shaft, where the minimum of one brake element can shift position relative to the release slide at least to compensate for the wear which occurs in the area of the clutch assembly. A latching arrangement includes a set of latching teeth on either the release slide or on the brake element, and a latching element on the other of the brake element and the release slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Otto, Herbert Voit, Manfred Wehner
  • Patent number: 6575283
    Abstract: In an actuation device for a friction clutch which is arranged in the drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission, comprising a pressure medium force cylinder arrangement by means of which the friction clutch can be actuated via a release member, a measuring arrangement which detects an actual release, a control/regulating valve arrangement which is connected with a pressure medium source, with a pressure compensation opening or a pressure compensation reservoir and with the pressure medium force cylinder arrangement and which is controllable electrically, by means of which valve arrangement the pressure medium force cylinder arrangement can be actuated depending on the actual release and on a reference release which can be predetermined, the control/regulating valve arrangement can be actuated via control/regulating electronics depending on the actual release, on an electrically presettable command variable and on a characteristic line converting the command variable into the refere
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Drexl, Thomas Otto, Hans Fliege, Jürgen Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6540057
    Abstract: The actuation device includes a pressure medium force cylinder arrangement by means of which the friction clutch can be actuated via a release member. A measuring member of a measuring arrangement detecting an actual release is in tractive force driving engagement with an associated mating member whose position represents the actual release along a measurement path, which engagement is essentially free from play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Andreas Konrad, Thomas Otto, Herbert Voit, Barbara Ester, Manfred Wehner
  • Patent number: 6540058
    Abstract: An actuation device for a friction clutch arranged in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission in a housing having a pressure medium force cylinder arrangement arranged in the housing, which preferably comprises a pressure medium force ring cylinder. The friction clutch can be actuated by means of this pressure medium force cylinder arrangement via a release bearing arrangement which is moveable coaxial to the friction clutch. A measuring arrangement associated with the release bearing arrangement or a release bearing arrangement side of the pressure medium force cylinder arrangement or friction clutch detects an actual release with a plurality of measurement receivers arranged in the housing so as to be distributed about the clutch axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Drexl, Thomas Otto, Reinhold Weidinger
  • Publication number: 20030036724
    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: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Udo J. Vetter, Thomas Otto
  • Publication number: 20020185942
    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: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Till Hahn, Thomas Otto Hahn
  • Patent number: 6491665
    Abstract: A syringe assembly has a syringe body adapted to be filled with an injectable liquid and having an annular neck defining an axis and having an axially outwardly open outlet. The neck is adapted to carry a needle. An elastomeric plug engaged axially inward with the neck closes the outlet and a holding ring is fixed to the neck below the plug. A retaining sleeve around the neck is fixed to the holding ring and a cup-shaped safety cap is fixed to the plug and has an end edge confronting the retaining sleeve and spaced axially therefrom. Frangible formations extend from the cap edge to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Arzneimittel GmbH Apotheker Vetter & Co. Ravensburg
    Inventors: Udo J. Vetter, Thomas Otto, Petra Hund
  • Publication number: 20020096416
    Abstract: A clutch system comprises a clutch arrangement, an adjusting device for actuating the clutch arrangement, a displacement sensor arrangement for detecting a first quantity relating to the movement of a component which displaces when an actuating process is carried out, and a torque sensor arrangement for detecting a second quantity relating to a clutch torque transmitted via the clutch arrangement. The control device controls the adjusting device for carrying out actuating processes at least occasionally depending on at least the second quantity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Thomas Otto
  • Patent number: 6398762
    Abstract: A syringe has a syringe body having an outer end, a needle holder on the outer end, a needle fixed on the needle holder so that liquid in the body can be expressed through the needle, and a cap removably fitted to the body over the needle holder and enclosing the needle holder and needle. A flexible envelope engaged over the needle has an inner end fixed to the needle holder and an outer end adapted to be easily pierced by the needle. The envelope is compressible parallel to the needle. The envelope is generally cylindrical and formed as a cuff, for instance with annular corrugations allowing it compress axially very easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Arzneimittel GmbH Apotheker Vetter & Co. Ravensburg
    Inventors: Helmut Vetter, Thomas Otto, Joachim Glocker
  • Publication number: 20020060115
    Abstract: A release slide is or can be connected to a stored-energy element of the clutch assembly for executing a release movement, and at least one brake element can move along with the release slide during the execution of a release movement, which brake element can be brought into braking interaction with a counter-braking element, which is or can be connected in essentially nonrotatable fashion to a clutch output shaft, where the minimum of one brake element can shift position relative to the release slide at least to compensate for the wear which occurs in the area of the clutch assembly. A latching arrangement includes a set of latching teeth on either the release slide or on the brake element, and a latching element on the other of the brake element and the release slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Otto, Herbert Voit, Manfred Wehner
  • Publication number: 20020060116
    Abstract: A release system for a clutch assembly comprises a release slide, which is or can be connected to a stored-energy element of the clutch assembly to execute release movements, and at least one brake element, which can move along with the release slide during the execution of release movements. This brake element can be brought into braking interaction with an opposing brake element which is or can be connected in an essentially nonrotatable manner to a clutch output shaft, where the release slide and the minimum of one brake element form a piston/cylinder unit with at least one fluid chamber. Pressure fluid is introduced into the minimum of one fluid chamber to produce a force which preloads or moves the minimum of one brake element relative to the release slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Otto, Herbert Voit, Manfred Wehner, Frank Hirschmann
  • Publication number: 20020010123
    Abstract: Claimed are laundry detergents and cleaning products which comprise customary ingredients and, characteristically, further comprise an active substance preparation which has been compounded with an LCST substance. By means of compounding with an LCST substance it is possible to incorporate active substances which, in a washing or cleaning process which passes through one or more temperature stages, are released only after a heat treatment, e.g., only in a rinse cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Peter Schmiedel, Maren Jekel, Thomas Otto Gassenmeier, Wolfgang Von Rybinski, Arnd Kessler, Christian Nitsch, Rolf Bayersdoerfer, Bernd Richter, Matthias Sunder, Thomas Holderbaum
  • Publication number: 20020002354
    Abstract: A syringe has a protective sleeve with finger seats effective in both axial directions and the thumb rest of the plunger is also effective in both axial locations, so that, after injection, the fingers and thumb are spread apart to advance the protective sleeve over the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Applicant: Arzneimittel GmbH Apotheker Vetter & Co. Ravensburg
    Inventors: Udo J. Vetter, Joachim Glocker, Thomas Otto, Eugen Frasch
  • Publication number: 20010052444
    Abstract: In an actuation device for a friction clutch which is arranged in the drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission, comprising a pressure medium force cylinder arrangement by means of which the friction clutch can be actuated via a release member, a measuring arrangement which detects an actual release, a control/regulating valve arrangement which is connected with a pressure medium source, with a pressure compensation opening or a pressure compensation reservoir and with the pressure medium force cylinder arrangement and which is controllable electrically, by means of which valve arrangement the pressure medium force cylinder arrangement can be actuated depending on the actual release and on a reference release which can be predetermined, the control/regulating valve arrangement can be actuated via control/regulating electronics depending on the actual release, on an electrically presettable command variable and on a characteristic line converting the command variable into the refere
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Drexl, Thomas Otto, Hans Fliege, Hans-Jurgen Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20010030096
    Abstract: An actuation device for a friction clutch arranged in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission in a housing having a pressure medium force cylinder arrangement arranged in the housing, which preferably comprises a pressure medium force ring cylinder. The friction clutch can be actuated by means of this pressure medium force cylinder arrangement via a release bearing arrangement which is movable coaxial to the friction clutch. A measuring arrangement associated with the release bearing arrangement or a release bearing arrangement side of the pressure medium force cylinder arrangement or friction clutch detects an actual release with a plurality of measurement receivers arranged in the housing so as to be distributed about the clutch axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Drexl, Thomas Otto, Reinhold Weidinger