Patents by Inventor Wolfgang Seiboth

Wolfgang Seiboth 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: 20040021965
    Abstract: The invention relates to a smoothly operating tilting device (11), in particular, for the support plate (12) of a motor-adjustable motor vehicle exterior mirror, whereby the plate (12) has an articulating joint to a housing (13), for a rigid mounting. A drive motor (17) is provided, for each of the both, orthogonal to each other (although arrangeable in any relative spatial disposition) tilting directions, which are connected to, at least in parts, flexible positioning rods (18). The above run in an arched guide (22) and are turned from the plane parallel to the plate (12) in to the transverse direction, in order to bridge the mounting gap and connect with an articulated joint to the face of the back side, or the interior of the plate (12), for the transfer of pushing or pulling movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Wilhelm Wolf, Josef Boegelein, Wolfgang Seiboth, Heinrich Lang
  • Publication number: 20040004841
    Abstract: A light assembly for a vehicle mirror is provided. The light assembly in one aspect has a light directing arrangement attached to a transparent pane, which directs a light beam into a specified zone, controls a color of the light beam and controls an intensity of the light. In another aspect, a pane is provided having similar attributes and a water drain and drip edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Georg Hecht
  • Patent number: 6630888
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing configured for attachment to the vehicle, and a mirror pane configured for attachment to the housing. The mirror pane has a reflective surface defining a first portion and a second portion, the reflective surface being partially removed such that the first and second portions are partially reflective and partially transmissive. At least one picture taking apparatus is located on a rear side of the mirror pane and adjacent the first portion of the mirror pane, and a sensor is located on the rear side of the mirror pane for sensing an ambient light level. A radiation emitting element is located on the rear side of the mirror pane, the second portion being disposed in front of the radiation emitting display element such that the radiation emitting element emits light at least partially through the second portion. The radiation emitting element is activated upon the sensor element sensing an ambient light level below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Christopher Renner, Wolfgang Seiboth
  • Publication number: 20030123166
    Abstract: The invention relates to a swiveling device (11) of the support panel (12) of an exterior automobile mirror that can be adjusted by means of a motor. Said device functions in a stable manner. The panel (12) is fixed on a housing (13) in such a way that it can swivel, by means of four threaded rods (18-18.18′-18′). Said housing is to be mounted in a fixed position. A geared motor (17, 17′) is provided in said housing for each of the two swiveling directions (11), which are orthogonal in relation to each other. Said geared motors are kinematically connected to two threaded rods (24-24) by a toothed wheel (19, 19′) and by threaded bushings (24-24) which are also toothed on the outside. Said threaded rods (18-18) are diametrically opposite each other in relation to the in opposite directions to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Wilhelm Wolf, Josef Boegelein, Wolfgang Seiboth, Heinrich Lang
  • Publication number: 20030016125
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed including a housing configured for attachment to the vehicle, and a mirror pane configured for attachment to the housing. The mirror pane has a reflective surface defining a first portion and a second portion, the reflective surface being partially removed such that the first and second portions are partially reflective and partially transmissive. At least one picture taking apparatus is located on a rear side of the mirror pane and adjacent the first portion of the mirror pane, and a sensor is located on the rear side of the mirror pane for sensing an ambient light level. A radiation emitting element is located on the rear side of the mirror pane, the second portion being disposed in front of the radiation emitting display element such that the radiation emitting element emits light at least partially through the second portion. The radiation emitting element is activated upon the sensor element sensing an ambient light level below a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC.
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Christopher Renner, Wolfgang Seiboth
  • Publication number: 20020163743
    Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly for commercial vehicles comprises a tubular support structure having a first end fixable to a commercial vehicle and a second end extending from the commercial vehicle, and a support arm including a molded part and at least one core element. The molded part encapsulates the core element and a substantial portion of the tubular support structure. The molded part and the core element each have a respective density, the core element density being less than the molded part density, whereby the presence of the core element within the molded part reduces the overall weight of the support arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Alfred Kolb, Wolfgang Seiboth, Albrecht Popp
  • Patent number: 6476358
    Abstract: A heatable rear view mirror assembly providing a visible indication to a driver of heating function is disclosed. The assembly includes a mirror housing, at least one mirror pane disposed within the mirror housing, at least one heating element disposed within the mirror housing for heating the mirror pane, a thermostat disposed within the mirror housing for automatically activating the heating element, and a display element secured to the mirror housing and visible to the driver, the display element being activated by the thermostat upon activation of the heating element. A related mirror assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth
  • Patent number: 6467917
    Abstract: A rearview mirror supporting assembly is provided for use on a vehicle. A carrier for the rearview mirror supporting assembly contains a stiffening frame. The carrier is configured to receive a foam element internally to encapsulate and further stiffen the frame. The carrier is attached to the vehicle and a mirror may be affixed to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmeyer
  • Publication number: 20020096940
    Abstract: Made available is a control system for electrically driven functional elements in motor vehicles, such as central locking, window operation, outside mirrors and the like and which control system possesses a master control and a plurality of subordinate controls connected to said master control. Such a system is achieved, wherein a master control governs a plurality of subordinate controls, when one master control is placed at the driver's convenience at a central position, and a plurality of electrically driven functional elements in the motor vehicle can be operated, activated and controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: HEINRICH LANG, WOLFGANG SEIBOTH
  • Patent number: 6416191
    Abstract: A double walled mirror carrier plate is disclosed for an external rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, the assembly including a mirror holder for attachment to the vehicle, a housing pivotably secured to the mirror holder so as to pivot around a pivot axis, and a mirror pane disposed within the housing. One embodiment of the carrier plate includes a base plate defining a curved substantially U-shaped first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first end portion has a radius of curvature along the end portion extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis. The end portion curves substantially around the pivot axis, the mirror pane being securable to the base plate spaced from the first end portion. Other carrier plate designs and related mirror assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth
  • Publication number: 20020080506
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly has a holding component and clamping parts to clamp the mirror assembly to the holding component. Alternative embodiments of the holding component and clamping parts are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC.
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 6390634
    Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly for commercial vehicles comprises a tubular support structure having a first end fixable to a commercial vehicle and a second end extending from the commercial vehicle, and a support arm including a molded part and at least one core element. The molded part encapsulates the core element and a substantial portion of the tubular support structure. The molded part and the core element each have a respective density, the core element density being less than the molded part density, whereby the presence of the core element within the molded part reduces the overall weight of the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Alfred Kolb, Wolfgang Seiboth, Albrecht Popp
  • Patent number: 6382804
    Abstract: An external mirror for motor vehicles includes a housing having a one-piece foam core and a reinforcing layer enveloping the core, at least one mirror plate, and a swivelling mechanism secured to the mirror plate and the core of the housing for movably positioning the mirror plate relative to the housing. Method for manufacturing an external mirror for vehicles includes the steps of molding a housing, embedding at least one swivelling mechanism in the housing during the molding step, and attaching a mirror plate to the swivelling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth
  • Patent number: 6361178
    Abstract: A pivotable external rearview mirror assembly for vehicles is disclosed. The assembly includes a bearing arm including a bearing arm segment having a proximal end securable to the vehicle and a distal end extending from the proximal end. The bearing arm also includes a holding rod for supporting a rearview mirror housing. An articulation is secured to the distal end of the bearing arm segment and to a pivot end of the holding rod, the articulation pivotally joining the bearing arm segment and the holding rod. The articulation defines a swivel axis extending substantially horizontally in a direction substantially at a right angle to a direction of travel of the vehicle when the bearing arm is in a use position. The articulation is disposable adjacent a side of the vehicle when the bearing arm is in a use position so that the holding rod may pivot about the swivel axis in a plane extending in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Alfred Kolb, Wolfgang Seiboth, Albrecht Popp
  • Publication number: 20020030902
    Abstract: A double walled mirror carrier plate is disclosed for an external rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, the assembly including a mirror holder for attachment to the vehicle, a housing pivotably secured to the mirror holder so as to pivot around a pivot axis, and a mirror pane disposed within the housing. One embodiment of the carrier plate includes a base plate defining a curved substantially U-shaped first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first end portion has a radius of curvature along the end portion extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis. The end portion curves substantially around the pivot axis, the mirror pane being securable to the base plate spaced from the first end portion. Other carrier plate designs and related mirror assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth
  • Publication number: 20020027727
    Abstract: Proposed is a rearview mirror in which a reflective coating (16) is found on the outer side (12) of a mirror carrier (6). This carrier (6) then, no longer serves for the support of a separate mirror element, for instance, a glass plate or the like and further the carrier (6) is not provided on its own inner surface (14) with the reflective coating (16). In other words, the carrier (6), that is, the material of the carrier (6), need not show any special qualities of an optical nature. Thus, preparatory steps for the machining and finishing of the inner surface (14), such as polishing, before application of the reflective coating (16), which steps are expensive in time and cost, can be dispensed with, since the reflective coating (16) is, in the present invention, directly on the outside (12) of the said carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Publication number: 20020027728
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle having a mirror element attached to a carrier plate is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of assembling a rearview mirror assembly with an exchangeable mirror element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 6352348
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle having a mirror element attached to a carrier plate is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of assembling a rearview mirror assembly with an exchangeable mirror element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Publication number: 20020014975
    Abstract: A rearview mirror (2) is described, especially for motor vehicles, in which in the direction of a top view, at least one radiation emitting display element (8) is placed behind the mirror pane (6), which emits through the said mirror pane (6). The display element (8) can emit light in the visible range or in the infrared range. Said display element (8) is preferred as a light emitting diode (10) or a seven segment display. The object of the present invention can, for instance, be combined with a so-called back-up aid, whereby then the display element(s) (8) can display back-up distance data or distance codes between the tailgate and an obstruction or a target of back-up maneuvering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: HEINRICH LANG, CHRISTOPHER RENNER, WOLFGANG SEIBOTH
  • Patent number: D466455
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Kidd, Wolfgang Seiboth