Patents by Inventor Volker Kempe

Volker Kempe 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: 9857175
    Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-gyroscope for detecting motions relative to an X and/or Y and Z axis, particularly as a 3D, 5D, or 6D sensor. Sample masses are disposed uniformly about an anchor and can be driven radially relative to the central anchor. Anchor springs are disposed to attach the sample masses to a substrate, and these sample masses can be deflected both radially within and out of the X-Y plane. A sensor mass is disposed on one-of the sample masses by means of sensor springs, and the sensor springs allow deflection of the sensor mass within the plane of the sample mass, and orthogonal to the radial drive direction of the sample masses. Drive elements oscillate these sample masses in the X-Y plane, and sensor elements captures the defection of the sample masses due to the Coriolis forces generated when the substrate is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Hanking Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Volker Kempe
  • Publication number: 20160178374
    Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-gyroscope for detecting motions relative to an X and/or Y and Z axis, particularly as a 3D, 5D, or 6D sensor. Sample masses are disposed uniformly about an anchor and can be driven radially relative to the central anchor. Anchor springs are disposed to attach the sample masses to a substrate, and these sample masses can be deflected both radially within and out of the X-Y plane. A sensor mass is disposed on one-of the sample masses by means of sensor springs, and the sensor springs allow deflection of the sensor mass within the plane of the sample mass, and orthogonal to the radial drive direction of the sample masses. Drive elements oscillate these sample masses in the X-Y plane, and sensor elements captures the defection of the sample masses due to the Coriolis forces generated when the substrate is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventor: Volker Kempe
  • Patent number: 9157740
    Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-gyroscope for detecting motions relative to an X and/or Y and Z axis, particularly as a 3D, 5D, or 6D sensor. Sample masses are disposed uniformly about an anchor and can be driven radially relative to the central anchor. Anchor springs are disposed to attach the sample masses to a substrate, and these sample masses can be deflected both radially within and out of the X-Y plane. A sensor mass is disposed on one of the sample masses by means of sensor springs, and the sensor springs allow deflection of the sensor mass within the plane of the sample mass, and orthogonal to the radial drive direction of the sample masses. Drive elements oscillate these sample masses in the X-Y plane, and sensor elements captures the defection of the sample masses due to the Coriolis forces generated when the substrate is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Volker Kempe
  • Patent number: 8850886
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanic microsensor (MEMS) comprising drive elements which are moved linearly in an x-y plane and disposed on a substrate to determine at least two, preferably three, components of the yaw rate vector of a substrate, wherein two groups of drive elements are driven in directions running essentially at right angles to each other. The MEMS according to the invention is characterized in that the drive elements, which are moved at right angles to each other, are connected to one another to synchronize the movements via a coupling device that is rotatably mounted on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Volker Kempe
  • Patent number: 8549921
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to a sensor for detecting an acceleration acting on the sensor, having: a substrate, a mass unit, which acts as an inert mass in the event of the presence of an acceleration, a fixing structure, wherein the mass unit is articulated on the substrate in such a way that at least one pivot axis is defined, about which the mass unit can perform a rotation relative to the substrate as a result of an acceleration acting on the sensor, and the mass unit has an interial center of gravity, which is at a distance from the respective pivot axis, and at least one detection unit, with which a change in position between the mass unit and the substrate may be detected. The detection unit is arranged with respect to the mass unit in such a way that a deformation of the mass unit cannot be transferred to the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignees: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foererung der Angewandten Forschung E.V., Maxim Integrated GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Schwarzelbach, Manfred Weiss, Volker Kempe
  • Patent number: 8479575
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microgyroscope for determining rotational movements about an x-axis and/or a y-axis and a z-axis. Oscillating masses are fastened to a substrate by springs. Drive elements vibrate individual masses in an oscillatory manner in the x-y plane in order to produce Coriolis forces when the substrate is rotated, and sensor elements detect deflections of the masses on account of the Coriolis forces produced. The Individual masses are arranged in two groups that are jointly induced by the drive elements to carry out an oscillating primary movement in the plane of the x-y axis. The masses of the first group allow movements starting from the x-y plane, and the masses of the second group allow movements perpendicular to the oscillating primary movement in the plane of the x-y axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Kempe
  • Publication number: 20130031977
    Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-gyroscope for detecting motions relative to an X and/or Y and Z axis, particularly as a 3D, 5D, or 6D sensor. Sample masses are disposed uniformly about an anchor and can be driven radially relative to the central anchor. Anchor springs are disposed to attach the sample masses to a substrate, and these sample masses can be deflected both radially within and out of the X-Y plane. A sensor mass is disposed on one of the sample masses by means of sensor springs, and the sensor springs allow deflection of the sensor mass within the plane of the sample mass, and orthogonal to the radial drive direction of the sample masses. Drive elements oscillate these sample masses in the X-Y plane, and sensor elements captures the defection of the sample masses due to the Coriolis forces generated when the substrate is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: MAXIM INTEGRATED GMBH
    Inventor: Volker Kempe
  • Publication number: 20120048017
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microgyroscope for determining rotational movements about an x and/or y and z axis, comprising a substrate, several oscillating masses (4, 5), springs for fastening the oscillating masses (4, 5) to the substrate, drive elements for vibrating at least individual ones of the masses in an oscillatory manner in the x-y plane in order to produce Coriolis forces when the substrate is rotated, and sensor elements for defecting deflections of the masses (4, 5) on account of the Coriolis forces produced. At least individual ones of the masses (4, 5) are arranged in two groups. The masses (4, 5) of both groups can be jointly induced by the drive elements to carry out an oscillating primary movement in the plane of the x-y axis. The masses (4) of the first group are arranged on the substrate in such a manner that they allow movement starting from the x-y plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SENSORDYNAMICS AG
    Inventor: Volker Kempe
  • Publication number: 20110308314
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanic microsensor (MEMS) (1) comprising drive elements (2, 3, 4) which are moved linearly in an x-y plane and disposed on a substrate for determining at least two, preferably three, components of the yaw rate vector of the substrate, wherein two groups of drive elements (2, 3; 4) exist, which are driven essentially in directions running essentially at right angles to each other. The electromechanic microsensor (MEMS) (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the drive elements (2, 4; 3, 4) which are moved at right angles to each other are connected to one another for synchronizing the movements by means of a coupling device (6, 7) that is rotatably mounted on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: SENSORDYNAMICS AG
    Inventor: Volker Kempe
  • Patent number: 8042393
    Abstract: An arrangement for measuring a rate of rotation using a vibration sensor, being excited and measured by means of capacitive drive elements, and the rotation of said sensor in an axis, excited by a rotation in another axis by means of the Coriolis force, being measured by means of capacitive measuring elements. Excitation voltages can be supplied to the fixed electrodes of the drive elements, the frequency of said voltages corresponding to the resonance frequency or the subharmonic of the resonance frequency of the vibration sensor. An alternating voltage having a first measuring frequency which is higher than the excitation frequency can be supplied to capacitive elements for measuring the excited vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignees: Continental Automotive GmbH, SensorDynamics AG
    Inventors: Lothar Gier, Volker Kempe, Drago Strle
  • Publication number: 20100139401
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to a sensor for detecting an acceleration acting on the sensor, having: a substrate, a mass unit, which acts as an inert mass in the event of the presence of an acceleration, a fixing structure, wherein the mass unit is articulated on the substrate in such a way that at least one pivot axis is defined, about which the mass unit can perform a rotation relative to the substrate as a result of an acceleration acting on the sensor, and the mass unit has an interial center of gravity, which is at a distance from the respective pivot axis, and at least one detection unit, with which a change in position between the mass unit and the substrate may be detected. The detection unit is arranged with respect to the mass unit in such a way that a deformation of the mass unit cannot be transferred to the detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Oliver Schwarzelbach, Manfred Weiss, Volker Kempe
  • Publication number: 20100011857
    Abstract: An arrangement for measuring a rate of rotation using a vibration sensor, being excited and measured by means of capacitive drive elements, and the rotation of said sensor in an axis, excited by a rotation in another axis by means of the Coriolis force, being measured by means of capacitive measuring elements. Excitation voltages can be supplied to the fixed electrodes of the drive elements, the frequency of said voltages corresponding to the resonance frequency or the subharmonic of the resonance frequency of the vibration sensor. An alternating voltage having a first measuring frequency which is higher than the excitation frequency can be supplied to capacitive elements for measuring the excited vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Lothar Gier, Volker Kempe, Drago Strle
  • Patent number: 6483301
    Abstract: A method for compensating mechanical stresses in measuring the magnetic field strength by Hall sensors is disclosed. It is proceeded in a manner that the electric resistance and/or a measuring quantity proportional to the electric resistance of the Hall sensor is determined in at least two different directions, that the mean value of the determined resistances and/or measuring quantities proportional thereto is calculated, and that the current conducted through the Hall sensor is chosen to be proportional to the mean value calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Austria Mikro Systeme International Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Volker Kempe
  • Publication number: 20020053903
    Abstract: In a measuring device for the non-contact detection of the absolute angle of rotation of a shaft, such as a steering column, at multiple revolutions, magnetic, optical or magneto-optical structures are arranged on the shaft or a part connected therewith. The shaft carries a thread which is in engagement with a rider or index finger. At least one sensor is provided to detect the magnetic, optical or magneto-optical structures as well as the displaced position of the rider or index finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Volker Kempe
  • Publication number: 20010050557
    Abstract: A method for compensating mechanical stresses in measuring the magnetic field strength by Hall sensors is disclosed. It is proceeded in a manner that the electric resistance and/or a measuring quantity proportional to the electric resistance of the Hall sensor is determined in at least two different directions, that the mean value of the determined resistances and/or measuring quantities proportional thereto is calculated, and that the current conducted through the Hall sensor is chosen to be proportional to the mean value calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventor: Volker Kempe