Patents by Inventor Thorsten Balslink

Thorsten Balslink 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: 10030975
    Abstract: A sensor (100, 200) for measuring a variable generates a sensor signal (S), oscillates at a drive frequency (fx), and includes: a rate demodulator (135), which demodulates the sensor signal (S) by multiplying it by a first demodulation signal, in order to generate a rate signal (R1), which contains information about the measured variable to be measured; a quadrature demodulator (140), which demodulates the sensor signal (S) by multiplying it by a second demodulation signal shifted by 90° with respect to the first demodulation signal, to generate a quadrature signal (Q1); and an analysis circuit (170), which determines whether the quadrature signal (Q1) or a signal (Q2) derived therefrom is subject to a periodic oscillation and, if a periodic oscillation is present, outputs a status signal (Xst) having a value which indicates that the instantaneous rate signal (R1) is influenced by an external interference acting on the sensor (100, 200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Thorsten Balslink
  • Patent number: 10030977
    Abstract: A multiaxial rotation rate sensor for detecting rotation rates on three mutually perpendicular rotation axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Mirko Hattass, David Csima, Thorsten Balslink
  • Publication number: 20180202808
    Abstract: A rotation rate sensor having a first structure movable with respect to the substrate, a second structure movable with respect to the substrate and with respect to the first structure, a first drive structure for deflecting the first structure with a motion component parallel to a first axis, and a second drive structure for deflecting the second structure with a motion component parallel to the first axis. The first and second structures are excitable to oscillate in counter-phase, with motion components parallel to the first axis, the first drive structure having a first spring mounted on the substrate to counteract a pivoting of the first structure around an axis parallel to a second axis extending perpendicularly to a principal extension plane, the second drive structure having a second spring mounted on the substrate to counteracts a pivoting of the second structure around a further axis parallel to the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin Schmidt, Andreas Lassl, Burkhard Kuhlmann, Christian Hoeppner, Mirko Hattass, Thorsten Balslink
  • Publication number: 20180195863
    Abstract: A rotation rate sensor includes first, second, third and fourth structures that are each movable relative to a substrate, a drive device configured to deflect each of the first, second, third, and fourth structures essentially parallel to a drive direction and out of respective resting positions of the first, second, third, and fourth structures, such that, at a first frequency, the first and fourth structures are excitable to an oscillation that is essentially in-phase relative to each other and essentially in phase-opposition relative to the second and third structures, and, at a second frequency, the first and second structures are excitable to an oscillation that is essentially in-phase relative to each other and essentially in phase-opposition relative to the third and fourth structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Burkhard Kuhlmann, Thorsten Balslink
  • Patent number: 9945669
    Abstract: A rotation rate sensor for detecting a rotational movement of the rotation rate sensor about a rotational axis extending within a drive plane of the rotation rate sensor include: a first rotational element, a second rotational element and a drive structure moveable in parallel to the drive plane, the first rotational element being drivable about a first center of rotation to achieve a first rotational vibration in parallel to the drive plane, the second rotational element being drivable about a second center of rotation to achieve a second rotational vibration in parallel to the drive plane, the drive structure being (i) coupled to the first and second rotational elements, and (ii) configured to generate a drive mode in phase opposition of the first and second rotational vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Thorsten Balslink, Rolf Scheben, Benjamin Schmidt, Ralf Ameling, Mirko Hattass, Burkhard Kuhlmann, Robert Maul
  • Publication number: 20170343795
    Abstract: A micromechanical component includes an adjustable part, a mounting, at least one bending actuator, and a permanent magnet. The part is positioned on the mounting so as to be adjustable relative to the mounting about a first rotation axis and about a second rotation axis inclined relative to the first axis. The actuator includes at least one movable subregion. Movement of the subregion results in a restoring force that moves the part about the first axis. The part is connected indirectly to the magnet to be adjustable about the second axis of rotation via a magnetic field built up by the magnet together with a yoke device of the component or an external yoke. A micromirror device includes the micromechanical component. A method for adjusting the part includes adjusting the part simultaneously about the first and the second axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Helmut Grutzeck, Joerg Muchow, Mirko Hattass, Stefan Mark, Thorsten Balslink, Frank Schatz
  • Patent number: 9823073
    Abstract: A rotation-rate sensor having a substrate with main extension plane, for detecting a rotation rate, extending in a direction parallel/orthogonal to the main plane; the sensor including a primary/secondary pair of seismic masses; the primary pair having first/second primary masses; the secondary pair having first/second secondary masses; the first/second primary masses being movable relative to the substrate along a primary deflection direction extending parallel to the main plane; the first/second secondary masses being movable relative to the substrate along a secondary deflection direction extending parallel to the main plane; the first/second primary masses and the first/second primary masses being movable antiparallel or parallel to one another corresponding to the deflection direction, essentially extending orthogonally to the secondary deflection direction; and the primary pair and/or secondary pair being drivable so that, based on sensor rotation, the Coriolis force leads to deflection of the first/sec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Thorsten Balslink, Rolf Scheben, Benjamin Schmidt, Ralf Ameling, Mirko Hattass, Burkhard Kuhlmann, Robert Maul
  • Publication number: 20170261400
    Abstract: A method is described for determining angle errors when measuring slewing angles of a pivoted light-deflecting device, including the following steps: emitting a first light beam and a second light beam, which enclose a light beam angle, onto the light-deflecting device; receiving the first light beam and second light beam deflected by the light-deflecting device and reflected by an object; calculating a first propagation path of the first light beam and a second propagation path of the second light beam; pivoting the light-deflecting device from an initial position to a final position, respective slewing angles of the light-deflecting device being measured in the process and a dependency of the first propagation path on the measured slewing angles being determined; and calculating an angle error for a measured slewing angle to be corrected from the set of measured slewing angles by using the light beam angle, the second propagation path and the dependency of the first propagation path on the measured slewing
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Manuel Dietrich, Thorsten Balslink
  • Patent number: 9651377
    Abstract: A yaw rate sensor includes: a first sensor structure having a first oscillating mass and configured to detect a first yaw rate around a first axis of rotation; a second sensor structure having a second oscillating mass and configured to detect second and third yaw rates around second and third axes of rotation, respectively; and a drive structure coupled to the first and second oscillating masses. The first oscillating mass is drivable into a first drive oscillation along a first oscillation direction, and the second oscillating mass is drivable into a second drive oscillation along a second oscillation direction different from the first oscillation direction. The first axis of rotation is perpendicular to the first oscillation direction, and the second and third axes of rotation are perpendicular to the second oscillation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Thorsten Balslink, Hendrik Specht, Johannes Classen
  • Patent number: 9651375
    Abstract: A yaw-rate sensor, having a substrate which has a main extension plane, for detecting a yaw rate about a first direction extending either parallel to the main extension plane or perpendicular to the main extension plane. The yaw-rate sensor has a drive device, a first Coriolis mass and a second Coriolis mass, the drive device being configured to drive at least one part of the first Coriolis mass and at least one part of the second Coriolis mass in a direction parallel to a drive direction extending perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Burkhard Kuhlmann, Rolf Scheben, Daniel Christoph Meisel, Benjamin Schmidt, Thorsten Balslink
  • Publication number: 20170016726
    Abstract: A multiaxial rotation rate sensor for detecting rotation rates on three mutually perpendicular rotation axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Mirko Hattass, David Csima, Thorsten Balslink
  • Publication number: 20160084653
    Abstract: A rotation rate sensor for detecting a rotational movement of the rotation rate sensor about a rotational axis extending within a drive plane of the rotation rate sensor include: a first rotational element, a second rotational element and a drive structure moveable in parallel to the drive plane, the first rotational element being drivable about a first center of rotation to achieve a first rotational vibration in parallel to the drive plane, the second rotational element being drivable about a second center of rotation to achieve a second rotational vibration in parallel to the drive plane, the drive structure being (i) coupled to the first and second rotational elements, and (ii) configured to generate a drive mode in phase opposition of the first and second rotational vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Thorsten Balslink, Rolf Scheben, Benjamin Schmidt, Ralf Ameling, Mirko Hattass, Burkhard Kuhlmann, Robert Maul
  • Publication number: 20160069682
    Abstract: A rotation-rate sensor having a substrate with main extension plane, for detecting a rotation rate, extending in a direction parallel/orthogonal to the main plane; the sensor including a primary/secondary pair of seismic masses; the primary pair having first/second primary masses; the secondary pair having first/second secondary masses; the first/second primary masses being movable relative to the substrate along a primary deflection direction extending parallel to the main plane; the first/second secondary masses being movable relative to the substrate along a secondary deflection direction extending parallel to the main plane; the first/second primary masses and the first/second primary masses being movable antiparallel or parallel to one another corresponding to the deflection direction, essentially extending orthogonally to the secondary deflection direction; and the primary pair and/or secondary pair being drivable so that, based on sensor rotation, the Coriolis force leads to deflection of the first/sec
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Thorsten BALSLINK, Rolf SCHEBEN, Benjamin SCHMIDT, Ralf AMELING, Mirko HATTASS, Burkhard KUHLMANN, Robert MAUL
  • Patent number: 9255801
    Abstract: A yaw rate sensor, including a substrate and a main extension plane, for detecting a yaw rate around a first direction in parallel to the main extension plane, a first Coriolis mass, and a second Coriolis mass, and a drive device configured to drive the first and second Coriolis masses in parallel to a drive direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first and second Coriolis masses, for a yaw rate around the first direction, experiencing a Coriolis acceleration in parallel to a detection direction, which is perpendicular to the drive and first directions, the first and second Coriolis masses having first/second partial areas and third/fourth partial areas, respectively. The first and third partial areas are farther from the axis of symmetry in parallel to the first direction, and the second and fourth partial areas are closer to the axis of symmetry in parallel to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Burkhard Kuhlmann, Rolf Scheben, Daniel Christoph Meisel, Benjamin Schmidt, Thorsten Balslink
  • Publication number: 20140373628
    Abstract: A yaw rate sensor includes: a first sensor structure having a first oscillating mass and configured to detect a first yaw rate around a first axis of rotation; a second sensor structure having a second oscillating mass and configured to detect second and third yaw rates around second and third axes of rotation, respectively; and a drive structure coupled to the first and second oscillating masses. The first oscillating mass is drivable into a first drive oscillation along a first oscillation direction, and the second oscillating mass is drivable into a second drive oscillation along a second oscillation direction different from the first oscillation direction. The first axis of rotation is perpendicular to the first oscillation direction, and the second and third axes of rotation are perpendicular to the second oscillation direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten BALSLINK, Hendrik SPECHT, Johannes CLASSEN
  • Patent number: 8844357
    Abstract: A yaw-rate sensor includes: a substrate having a main extension plane for detecting a yaw rate about a first axis extending parallel to the main extension plane; a first Coriolis element; a second Coriolis element; a third Coriolis element; and a fourth Coriolis element. The first Coriolis element and the fourth Coriolis element are drivable in the same direction parallel to a second axis extending parallel to the main extension plane and perpendicularly to the first axis. The first Coriolis element and the second Coriolis element are drivable in opposite directions parallel to the second axis. The first Coriolis element and the third Coriolis element are drivable in opposite directions parallel to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Scheben, Burkhard Kuhlmann, Thorsten Balslink, Daniel Christoph Meisel, Benjamin Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8783105
    Abstract: A yaw-rate sensor is described as having a substrate which has a main plane of extension for detecting a yaw rate about a first axis extending parallel to the main plane of extension is provided, the yaw-rate sensor having a first rotation element and a second rotation element, the first rotation element being drivable about a first axis of rotation, the second rotation element being drivable about a second axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation being situated perpendicularly to the main plane of extension, the second axis of rotation being situated perpendicularly to the main plane of extension, the first rotation element and the second rotation element being drivable in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Burkhard Kuhlmann, Rolf Scheben, Daniel Christoph Meisel, Benjamin Schmidt, Thorsten Balslink
  • Publication number: 20130298672
    Abstract: A yaw-rate sensor, having a substrate which has a main extension plane, for detecting a yaw rate about a first direction extending either parallel to the main extension plane or perpendicular to the main extension plane. The yaw-rate sensor has a drive device, a first Coriolis mass and a second Coriolis mass, the drive device being configured to drive at least one part of the first Coriolis mass and at least one part of the second Coriolis mass in a direction parallel to a drive direction extending perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Burkhard KUHLMANN, Rolf SCHEBEN, Daniel Christoph MEISEL, Benjamin SCHMIDT, Thorsten BALSLINK
  • Patent number: 8490483
    Abstract: A micromechanical yaw-rate sensor comprising a first yaw-rate sensor element, which outputs a first sensor signal, which contains information about a rotation around a first rotational axis, a second yaw-rate sensor element, which outputs a second sensor signal, which contains information about a rotation around a second rotational axis, which is perpendicular to the first rotational axis, a drive, which drives the first yaw-rate sensor element, and a coupling link, which mechanically couples the first yaw-rate sensor element and the second yaw-rate sensor element to one another, so that driving of the first yaw-rate sensor element also causes driving of the second yaw-rate sensor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Wrede, Johannes Classen, Torsten Ohms, Carsten Geckeler, Burkhard Kuhlmann, Jens Frey, Daniel Christoph Meisel, Joerg Hauer, Thorsten Balslink
  • Patent number: 8468886
    Abstract: A yaw rate sensor includes a substrate which has a main plane of extension and a Coriolis element which is movable relative to the substrate. The yaw rate sensor has an excitation arrangement for exciting a drive oscillation of the Coriolis element along a first direction parallel to the main plane of extension. The yaw rate sensor has a detection arrangement for detecting a Coriolis deflection of the Coriolis element along a third direction which is perpendicular to the main plane of extension. In addition, the yaw rate sensor has a quadrature compensation structure which includes a comb electrode structure and a plate capacitor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Geckeler, Udo-Martin Gomez, Thorsten Balslink