Patents by Inventor Thomas Zapp

Thomas Zapp 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: 20070095840
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device for components to be mounted in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle. The fastening device comprises a fastening element, a head part, which is joined to a base part such as the wall of the fuel tank, and a head part that is placed on a component. Respective head parts which are provided for fastening a line to be lead through the wall of the fuel tank, have a continuous duct. A head part on a base part and a head part on a component are pressed together and are made from a material that swells when brought into contact with fuel. This enables the line to be easily fastened to a wall of the fuel tank whereby being sealed with regard thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Marc Gerhardt, Thomas Zapp
  • Publication number: 20070056027
    Abstract: A credential production system and methods for securely processing a credential substrate and tracking quantities of consumable material using a credentials production system and secured consumable supplies. The system includes a consumable supply and a memory that contains a state identifier that defines a state of the supply. A supply manager is configured to access the memory and set the state identifier to one of a production disabled state and a production enabled state. The system also includes a credential production device that is configured to receive the state of the supply. The credential production device is authorized to process a credential substrate using the consumable supply when the state identifier is set to the production enabled state, and the credential production device is prevented form processing the credential substrate using the supply when the state identifier is set to the production disabled state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: FARGO ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Kelly Nehowig, David Gale, Lisa Fischer, Keith Platfoot, John Ekers, Thomas Zappe
  • Publication number: 20070043764
    Abstract: A credential production system includes a credential production device and a computing device in communication with the credential production device. The computing device receives a credential production event from the credential production device. The computing device applies a pre-defined set of rules to the credential production event to determine if the credential production event violates any of the pre-defined set of rules. The computing device performs an action if the credential production event violates at least one of the pre-defined set of rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: FARGO ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Kelly Nehowig, David Gale, Lisa Fischer, Keith Platfoot, John Ekers, Thomas Zappe
  • Publication number: 20070043684
    Abstract: A credential production system includes at least one credential production device, at least one computing device in communication with the at least one credential production device and a central administrator device configured to enable an authentication feature on the at least one credential production device. The at least one computing device is configured to access the at least one credential production device for providing processing instructions for processing a credential substrate. The at least one computing device is authenticated by the at least one credential production device prior to providing the processing instructions to the at least one credential production device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: FARGO ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Kelly Nehowig, David Gale, Lisa Fischer, Keith Platfoot, John Ekers, Thomas Zappe
  • Publication number: 20060122912
    Abstract: In a method of ordering a consumable supply produced by a card manufacturing device of an identification card manufacturing system, a request to order the consumable supply is received from a user. Next, supply information relating to the supply is retrieved and the supply information is provided to a first web address. Finally, a second web address, which is different from the first web address and is associated with the supply, is retrieved through the first web address based upon the supply information. A diagnostic report includes a list of current settings including current default settings that match default settings for the device. The current default settings also include modified settings that are different from the default settings for the device, wherein the modified settings are highlighted to thereby visibly distinguish them from the current default settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Applicant: Fargo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Holland, David Fontanella, Thomas Zappe, Mark Oeltjenbruns, Steve Lohman, Joseph Wright, Gary Klinefelter, Jeffrey Sasse, Stacy Lukaskawcez, Thomas Platner, Jon Ibs
  • Patent number: 7047948
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a motor vehicle having a chamber delimited by a wall and having an activated carbon filter located to ventilate the volume of the fuel chamber located above the level of fuel in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marc Gerhardt, Thomas Zapp
  • Publication number: 20060037065
    Abstract: In a method for preventing unauthorized credential substrate processing in a credential production system that includes first and second credential production components, a first security code is generated using a random code and a first security key with the first credential production component. The first security code is communicated from the first credential production component to the second credential production component. The validity of the first security key is then checked using the first security code, the random code and a second security key with the second credential component. Finally, processing of the credential substrate by the credential production system is prevented when the first security key is not valid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Publication date: February 16, 2006
    Applicant: Fargo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ekers, Gary Klinefelter, Stacy Lukaskawcez, Mark Oeltjenbruns, Thomas Zappe
  • Publication number: 20050060239
    Abstract: In a method of ordering a consumable supply produced by a card manufacturing device of an identification card manufacturing system, a request to order the consumable supply is received from a user. Next, supply information relating to the supply is retrieved and the supply information is provided to a first web address. Finally, a second web address, which is different from the first web address and is associated with the supply, is retrieved through the first web address based upon the supply information. A diagnostic report includes a list of current settings including current default settings that match default settings for the device. The current default settings also include modified settings that are different from the default settings for the device, wherein the modified settings are highlighted to thereby visibly distinguish them from the current default settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Applicant: Fargo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Holland, David Fontanella, Thomas Zappe, Mark Oeltjenbruns, Steve Lohman, Joseph Wright, Gary Klinefelter, Jeffrey Sasse, Stacy Lukaskawcez, Thomas Platner, Jon Ibs
  • Publication number: 20050028885
    Abstract: In a device for connecting a line (1), produced using the gas-assisted injection molding process, of a fuel tank to a further component, a connection piece (2) is joined cohesively to the line (1). The connection piece (2) includes a nonreturn valve (3) which can be moved into an open position by a tube piece (8?) arranged at the component. This allows the device to be manufactured at particularly low cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Zapp
  • Publication number: 20040154670
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a motor vehicle having a chamber delimited by a wall and having an activated carbon filter located to ventilate the volume of the fuel chamber located above the level of fuel in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Marc Gerhardt, Thomas Zapp
  • Patent number: 6696186
    Abstract: The humidifying device for a fuel cell has a membrane, one side of which is exposed to cathode exhaust gas of a fuel cell for extracting water vapor from the exhaust gas. A connecting element connects the other side of the membrane to an anode or cathode gas supply to the fuel cell. In operation, water vapor permeates through the membrane and passes on through the connecting elements to humidify the gas being supplied to the fuel cell. A vacuum pump may additionally be provided to enhance the extraction of water vapor from the exhaust gas. A no metering unit allows accurate metering of the humidity of the cathode or anode gas supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignees: Mannesmann AG, Siemens AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Herdeg, Holger Klos, Martin Sattler, Sabine Hess, Hans-Dieter Wilhelm, Jürgen Habrich, Karl Eck, Markus Keutz, Thomas Zapp
  • Patent number: 6610433
    Abstract: A fuel tank, in particular for fuel-cell systems, which can feed fuel into a system via a mechanism without a pump or the like. This is achieved by a fuel tank with a fuel cavity of variable size and a mechanism for compressing the fuel cavity. The fuel cavity is preferably bounded by a cylindrical inner wall of the fuel tank, by a circular end surface of the fuel tank and by a circular, displaceable intermediate wall. The intermediate wall is forced essentially in the direction of the fuel cavity by a spring and has a form fit with the cylindrical inner wall. A feed device and a discharge device allow incorporation in a fuel line. The system also includes a control device and a method for this fuel container, which is thus enabled to have the following operating states: A. fuel-cell system is switched on: discharge valve open, feed valve closed; B. fuel-cell system is in operation: discharge valve open, feed valve open; C. fuel-cell system is switched off: discharge valve closed, feed valve open; and D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, P 21 GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Herdeg, Holger Klos, Martin Sattler, Hans-Dieter Wilhelm, Jürgen Habrich, Karl Eck, Thomas Zapp, Markus Keutz
  • Patent number: 6591866
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a motor vehicle is described and has a collector tank disposed in its interior for extracting air from it. The collector tank is connected to a pressure-equalizing device that is disposed outside the fuel tank and has an activated carbon filter. Fuel penetrating into the collector tank is extracted by suction by a pump configured as a suction jet pump. As a result, the fuel tank has particularly low levels of fuel emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Distelhoff, Stefan Fühling, Helmut Reischl, Thomas Zapp
  • Patent number: 6541143
    Abstract: A fuel cell system which has a fuel cell is described. Also provided is a device for producing/preparing the fuel, for example hydrogen, which is connected on its outlet side to a fuel supply line and on its inlet side to a device for supplying fuel. The device for supplying fuel has a dual pump, in which a starting material for the fuel, stored in the motor-fuel tank, and water fed in via a water supply line, which is for example process water produced during the fuel cell process, are mixed to form a fuel/water mixture. This fuel/water mixture is intermediately stored in an intermediate tank before it is fed to the device for producing/preparing the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Atecs Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Herdeg, Holger Klos, Martin Sattler, Franz Reichenbach, Sabine Hess, Hans-Dieter Wilhelm, Jürgen Habrich, Karl Eck, Thomas Zapp
  • Patent number: 6527008
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation device for fuel tanks, wherein the ventilation device comprises a compensator reservoir arranged in the interior of the fuel tank and at least two ventilation lines. The ventilation lines run from below the upper tank wall to the compensator reservoir and extend in the latter toward an opposite tank wall. The apparatus according to the invention is particularly well suited under all static and dynamic stresses for ventilating fuel tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Knut Meyer, Stefan Fühling, Thomas Zapp, Markus Distelhoff
  • Patent number: 6516964
    Abstract: In a fuel tank (1) with a plug which is to be opened, in particular, during maintenance work, a plugging part (6) is fastened in a trough-like depression (2) of the wall of the fuel tank (1) by means of a nut (7). The nut (7) has a thread (9) intended for tapping into a bead (5) of the fuel tank (1). As a result, the fuel tank (1) can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively from geometrically simple parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Marc Gerhardt, Christian Kochsmeier, Peter Andreas Löw, Thomas Zapp, Dieter Keller
  • Patent number: 6510958
    Abstract: A plastic container comprising two half-shells which are produced by means of injection molding and have parts of the components integrally formed on them during the injection molding. This does away with the need for fastening said components in the plastic container, with the result that the installation process is simplified to a considerable extent. At the same time, installation errors are largely ruled out. The plastic container is suitable for use in motor vehicles, preferably as a fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Peter Andreas Löw, Christian Kochsmeier, Thomas Zapp, Wolfgang Pfahl, Jerome Coulton
  • Patent number: 6497335
    Abstract: A filler neck for the introduction of fuel into a fuel tank of a motor vehicle is constructed of at least two interconnected injection-molded half shells, each half shell having outwardly curved regions which form a filler pipe and vent lines. Also, receptacles for valves and filters are integrally formed in the outwardly curved regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Peter Andreas Löw, Christian Kochsmeier, Thomas Zapp, Wolfgang Pfahl
  • Patent number: 6491030
    Abstract: A ventilation device for a fuel tank, including lines situated outside the fuel tank, which include a line intended for operational ventilation and a line intended for refuelling ventilation. These lines are arranged such that the line intended for operational ventilation is located within the line for refuelling ventilation, so that the line for the operational ventilation is prevented from having direct contact with the environment. This keeps the escape of fuel vapors into the environment at a particularly low level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Thomas Zapp
  • Patent number: 6463965
    Abstract: A fuel tank having an inlet and an outlet is connected to a separate pressure vessel by means of a pump. Fuel vapors are pumped out of the tank and into the pressure vessel while the tank is being filled via the inlet, so that fuel vapors cannot escape during filling. After filling, the inlet is closed and the pressure in the tank is increased to about 4 bar by means of a pressure regulator in a line connecting the pressure vessel to the fuel tank. The pump is then switched off and the fuel can be delivered to the engine via the outlet under the increased fuel pressure in the tank, the pressure being reduced to fuel system pressure by a pressure regulator in the outlet line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignees: Siemens AG, Vodafone AG
    Inventors: Christian Rasche, Bernd Wiemann, Holger Klos, Hans-Dieter Wilhelm, Karl Eck, Thomas Zapp, Bernd Rumpf