Patents by Inventor Walter Zulauf

Walter Zulauf 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: 11835128
    Abstract: In a process for the adjustment of backlash between a pinon (20) and a rack (10) in a rack-pinion drive, a motor-gearbox assembly (30) including a motor and a gearbox is supported on a carrier (40) via a positioning mechanism (42) for precisely positioning the assembly (30) in a radial position relative to the rack (10). In the process, the assembly (30) is positioned in a first radial distance relative to the rack (10), using the positioning mechanism (42) and a first circumferential backlash between the pinon (20) and the rack (10) is determined at a first position of the pinion (20) along the rack (10), based on measurements taken on an input side of the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Güdel AG
    Inventors: Walter Zulauf, Stefan Baumann, Christof Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20220275859
    Abstract: In a process for the adjustment of backlash between a pinon (20) and a rack (10) in a rack-pinion drive, a motor-gearbox assembly (30) including a motor and a gearbox is supported on a carrier (40) via a positioning mechanism (42) for precisely positioning the assembly (30) in a radial position relative to the rack (10). In the process, the assembly (30) is positioned in a first radial distance relative to the rack (10), using the positioning mechanism (42) and a first circumferential backlash between the pinon (20) and the rack (10) is determined at a first position of the pinion (20) along the rack (10), based on measurements taken on an input side of the gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Applicant: Güdel AG
    Inventors: Walter ZULAUF, Stefan BAUMANN, Christof ACKERMANN
  • Patent number: 10851885
    Abstract: A planetary transmission, comprising a housing, a drive part, an output part having an output shaft that is rotatable about an output axis of rotation, and at least one gear stage between the drive part and the output part. The drive part, the at least one gear stage, and the output part are mounted in the housing, the housing has an output flange on the output side, wherein the output flange has a first lateral surface with circularly symmetrical in radial planes about an axis of symmetry, wherein the first lateral surface is arranged eccentrically with respect to the output axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: GUEDEL GROUP AG
    Inventors: Walter Zulauf, Christian Marie, Romain Bopp, Nicolas Laval, Stefan Baumann, Mathieu Amiet
  • Publication number: 20190186613
    Abstract: The invention relates to a planetary transmission (100), comprising a housing (110), a drive part, an output part having an output shaft that is rotatable about an output axis of rotation, and at least one gear stage between the drive part and the output part. The drive part, the at least one gear stage, and the output part are mounted in the housing (110). On the output side, the housing (110) has an output flange (140), wherein the output flange has a first lateral face (115), which in radial planes is circularly symmetrical about an axis of symmetry. The first lateral face (115) is arranged eccentrically with respect to the output axis of rotation. Due to the eccentricity of the lateral face (115) with respect to the output axis of rotation, a component mounted on the output part, for example, a pinion (20) or a belt pulley, can be adjusted by twice the value of the eccentric by way of a rotation of the planetary transmission (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: GUEDEL GROUP AG
    Inventors: Walter ZULAUF, Christian MARIE, Romain BOPP, Nicolas LAVAL, Stefan BAUMANN, Mathieu AMIET
  • Patent number: 10307812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer device (1) for a workpiece (11), said transfer device including a frame (2) as well as a first pivot arm (3). The first pivot arm (3) is connected to the frame (2) so as to be pivotable by means of a first rotational axis (6). Furthermore, a first slide (9) is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable on the first pivot arm (3). The transfer device (1) further includes a holding device (10) for a workpiece (11) which is connected to the first slide (9) so as to be rotatable relative to the pivot arm (3) by means of a third rotational axis (12). The first pivot arm (3) is connected to the frame (2) so as to be rotatable in a second region by means of a second rotational axis (13) which is mounted on the frame (2) so as to be displaceable substantially in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: GUEDEL GROUP AG
    Inventors: Walter Zulauf, Dominique Schaer, Markus Gerber
  • Patent number: 10010965
    Abstract: A movement device, particularly for cutting torches, comprising a working head that can move along three Cartesian axes which are mutually perpendicular and supports a cutting torch for cutting mechanical pieces, elements being further comprised for combined rotary and translational motion of the cutting torch with respect to the working head which comprises a first pinion which is adapted to transmit the motion to a disk-like element supporting an articulated parallelogram structure which in turn supports the cutting torch, and a second pinion which is arranged coaxial to the first pinion and is actuated by further drive elements, the second pinion actuating a conical pair formed by a third and a fourth pinion, the fourth pinion transmitting the motion to mechanical transmission elements which are integral with the articulated parallelogram structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignees: FICEP S.P.A., GUEDEL A.G.
    Inventors: Stefano Fongaro, Walter Zulauf, Christian Colombo
  • Patent number: 9481053
    Abstract: A movement device, particularly for cutting torches of the plasma type, comprising a working head that can move along three Cartesian axes which are mutually perpendicular and supports a cutting torch for cutting mechanical pieces and the like, elements being comprised for the combined rotary and translational motion of the cutting torch with respect to the working head in order to vary the inclination of the cutting flow with respect to the mechanical piece or the like being worked on; the center of instantaneous rotation of the cutting torch, with respect to which the elements for combined rotary and translational motion operate, substantially coinciding with the focal point of the cutting torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Stefano Fongaro, Walter Zulauf, Christian Colombo
  • Publication number: 20160214201
    Abstract: A movement device, particularly for cutting torches, comprising a working head that can move along three Cartesian axes which are mutually perpendicular and supports a cutting torch for cutting mechanical pieces, elements being further comprised for combined rotary and translational motion of the cutting torch with respect to the working head which comprises a first pinion which is adapted to transmit the motion to a disk-like element supporting an articulated parallelogram structure which in turn supports the cutting torch, and a second pinion which is arranged coaxial to the first pinion and is actuated by further drive elements, the second pinion actuating a conical pair formed by a third and a fourth pinion, the fourth pinion transmitting the motion to mechanical transmission elements which are integral with the articulated parallelogram structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicants: FICEP S.P.A., GUEDEL A.G.
    Inventors: Stefano FONGARO, Walter ZULAUF, Christian COLOMBO
  • Publication number: 20160184879
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer device (1) for a workpiece (11), said transfer device including a frame (2) as well as a first pivot arm (3). The first pivot arm (3) is connected to the frame (2) so as to be pivotable by means of a first rotational axis (6). Furthermore, a first slide (9) is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable on the first pivot arm (3). The transfer device (1) further includes a holding device (10) for a workpiece (11) which is connected to the first slide (9) so as to be rotatable relative to the pivot arm (3) by means of a third rotational axis (12). The first pivot arm (3) is connected to the frame (2) so as to be rotatable in a second region by means of a second rotational axis (13) which is mounted on the frame (2) so as to be displaceable substantially in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: Guedel Group AG
    Inventors: Walter ZULAUF, Dominique SCHAER, Markus GERBER
  • Publication number: 20140183171
    Abstract: A movement device, particularly for cutting torches of the plasma type, comprising a working head that can move along three Cartesian axes which are mutually perpendicular and supports a cutting torch for cutting mechanical pieces and the like, elements being comprised for the combined rotary and translational motion of the cutting torch with respect to the working head in order to vary the inclination of the cutting flow with respect to the mechanical piece or the like being worked on; the center of instantaneous rotation of the cutting torch, with respect to which the elements for combined rotary and translational motion operate, substantially coinciding with the focal point of the cutting torch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicants: GUDEL A.G., FICEP S.P.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Fongaro, Walter Zulauf, Christian Colombo
  • Patent number: 8603838
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a contact for solar cells (30) arranged in a laminated solar panel (1), wherein the solar cells (30) are coated on both sides of the main surfaces thereof with at least one layer and before a lamination step the solar cells (30) are connected with electrically-conducting connectors (31, 33), the electrically conducting connectors (31, 33) being arranged in the solar panel for laminating such as to be completely laminated within the solar panel (1) after the lamination step. After the lamination step a contact region (35) of the electrically-conducting connector (33) is exposed, wherein at least one of the layers covering the solar cells is completely punched through in the corresponding region, in particular by stripping. The contact region (35) of the electrically-conducting connector (33) can then be contacted by means of an externally-accessible contact element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG, Guedel AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Güdel, Marcel Blanchet, Roland Kappaun, Walter Zulauf, Rudolf Heid, Hans-Ulrich Kurt
  • Publication number: 20120241393
    Abstract: A support system for a scanner comprises a frame and a drum. The drum is made of tempered steel and is mounted on the frame by a roller system. The roller system comprises rollers of hardened steel, or having roller surfaces of hardened steel, that allow the drum to rotate about a rotationally symmetrical axis of the drum. A radiation source and one or more detectors can be secured to the drum for a scanner. Because that the drum is made of tempered steel and the rollers have surfaces of hardened steel, the drum can rotate at a high speed without increasing vibrations, thus allowing examination times of the scanner to be short and preventing vibration-related background signals. Also, noise occurring during use of the scanner is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: GUDEL GROUP AG
    Inventors: Ernst Roth, Walter Zulauf
  • Patent number: 8075238
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for running a warehouse in which objects are stored in a number of stacks in a storage area. The device comprises a collecting device (101) with an intermediate storage (102) and a gripping device (103), which can be displaced as desired over the storage area. The intermediate storage (102) can, in separate receiving steps, be successfully filled from different stacks. The gripping device (103) is formed by two vertically displaceable bars (104, 105) that are situated opposite one another and serves to lift one or more objects from one of the stacks. An improved utilization of the available storage space results by virtue of the fact that only the bars (104, 105) are displaced into the stack space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Gudel Group AG
    Inventors: Herbert Wirz, Rudolf Güdel, Walter Zulauf
  • Publication number: 20110126681
    Abstract: In a method for severing a protruding section of a layer of a laminate, particularly a backing film of a laminate, which comprises at least one solid plate, particularly a glass plate, a severing tool having a rotating cutting blade and a rotating counter-blade is used. The blades are rotated in opposite directions about parallel axes. The cutting blade and the counter-blade are furthermore offset laterally such that a main surface of the cutting blade contacts a main surface of the counter-blade in a working region. The offset arrangement of the blades, and the fact that the main surface of the cutting blade and the main surface of the counter-blade mutually contact each other, enable a precise, scissors-like cutting operation, which is particularly suited for severing protruding sections of a laminate. Because the two main surfaces directly abut each other, a jamming of severed material between the blades is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Marcel Blanchet, Roland Kappaun, Walter Zulauf, Hans-Ulrich Kurt, Rudolf Güdel, Rudolf Heid
  • Publication number: 20110119898
    Abstract: In a method for processing a laminate, which comprises at least one solid plate, particularly a glass plate, prior to a lamination step at least one location marking is applied to the solid plate and at least one distance and/or angle value of the solid plate is determined with respect to the location marking. Following the lamination step, the laminate is processed, wherein the laminate and a processing tool are automatically positioned relative to each other as a function of the location marking and the at least one distance and/or angle value. Prior to lamination, the solid plate can be easily measured, the edge thereof can be detected both mechanically (such as by a sensor) and without contact (such as optically, by way of a camera), and common, in particular automated, methods can be used for measuring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicants: GÜDEL GROUP AG, 3S SWISS SOLAR SYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Marcel Blanchet, Roland Kappaun, Walter Zulauf, Hans-Ulrich Kurt, Rudolf Güdel, Rudolf Heid
  • Publication number: 20110111534
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a contact for solar cells (30) arranged in a laminated solar panel (1), wherein the solar cells (30) are coated on both sides of the main surfaces thereof with at least one layer and before a lamination step the solar cells (30) are connected with electrically-conducting connectors (31, 33), the electrically conducting connectors (31, 33) being arranged in the solar panel for laminating such as to be completely laminated within the solar panel (1) after the lamination step. After the lamination step a contact region (35) of the electrically-conducting connector (33) is exposed, wherein at least one of the layers covering the solar cells is completely punched through in the corresponding region, in particular by stripping. The contact region (35) of the electrically-conducting connector (33) can then be contacted by means of an externally-accessible contact element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicants: 3S SWISS SOLAR SYSTEMS AG, GUEDEL GROUP AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Güdel, Marcel Blanchet, Roland Kappaun, Walter Zulauf, Rudolf Heid, Hans-Ulrich Kurt
  • Patent number: 7918604
    Abstract: A linear guide comprises a rail with profiled elements on two opposite sides, and a roll unit. The roll unit and the rails can be displaced in relation to each other in the longitudinal direction of the rails. The roll unit comprises at least two rolls which can run on the profiled elements of the opposite sides of the rail. The rolls are mounted on the roll unit by means of prestressed angular ball bearings and can be prestressed in relation to the rails by a pre-determined force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Gugel Group AG
    Inventors: Christian Fleisch, Rudolf Güdel, Walter Zulauf
  • Publication number: 20090263056
    Abstract: The invention relates to a linear guide comprising a rail (100) with profiled elements (101, 102) on two opposite sides, and a roll unit (200). The roll unit (200) and the rails (100) can be displaced in relation to each other in the longitudinal direction of the rails. The roll unit (200) comprises at least two rolls (231, 241) which can run on the profiled elements (101, 102) of the opposite sides of the rail (100). The rolls (231, 241) are mounted on the roll unit (200) by means of prestressed angular ball bearings (236, 246) and can be prestressed in relation to the rails (100) by a pre-determined force. The assembly is play-free even in the event of an increased load due to the prestress in the angular ball bearings (236, 246) and the rolls (231, 241) in relation to the rail (100), ensuring frictionless operation and precise positioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Güdel Group AG
    Inventors: Christian Fleisch, Rudolf Gudel, Walter Zulauf
  • Publication number: 20080145195
    Abstract: A transfer system (100) for transporting work pieces in a press (1), comprises a transfer rail (150) having a plurality of grippers (152) for gripping the work pieces, a linear mechanism (110) attachable to a press frame (2) of the press (1) for linearly moving the transfer rail (150) with respect to the press frame (2) and an articulated mechanism (130) for carrying the transfer rail (150), the articulated mechanism (130) comprising at least three parallel swivel axes, whereby the articulated mechanism (130) is attached to the linear mechanism (110) such that it is linearly moveable with respect to the press frame (2). Articulated mechanisms are widely used and cost-effective. They allow for a simple construction of the transfer system. Furthermore, they allow for a very precise control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: GUDEL GROUP AG
    Inventors: Ariel Sacerdoti, Hans Ulrich Kurt, Walter Zulauf
  • Publication number: 20070041815
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for running a warehouse in which objects are stored in a number of stacks in a storage area. Said device comprises a collecting device (101) with an intermediate storage (102) and a gripping device (103), which can be displaced as desired over the storage area The intermediate storage (102) can, in separate receiving steps, be successively filled from different stacks. The gripping device (103) is formed by two vertically displaceable bars (104, 105) that are situated opposite one another and serves to lift one or more objects from one of the stacks. An improved utilization of the available storage space results by virtue of the fact that only the bars (104, 105) are displaced into the stack space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Herbert Wirz, Rudolf Gudel, Walter Zulauf