Patents by Inventor Franz Hrubes

Franz Hrubes 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: 10001388
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement (1) for controlling an inductive displacement measurement sensor (2) is described. The displacement measurement sensor has a sensor coil (2), which is supplemented by means of a capacitor (Cpar) to form an oscillating circuit. In addition, the circuit arrangement has an oscillator (3) for generating an excitation signal (UExciter), which excites the oscillating circuit to oscillate. The excitation signal (UExciter) is superimposed with a DC voltage (Utemp), the amplitude of which changes when the temperature of the sensor coil (2) changes. The sensor coil (2) is connected to a controllable resistor (Rvar). Furthermore, the circuit arrangement (1) has a comparator (4), which compares the DC voltage (Utemp) with a reference voltage (Utref). On the basis of the result of the comparison, the comparator (4) outputs a control voltage (Ur), which controls the controllable resistor (Rvar).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: MICRO-EPSILON Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Hrubes
  • Publication number: 20170248443
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement (1) for controlling an inductive displacement measurement sensor (2) is described. The displacement measurement sensor has a sensor coil (2), which is supplemented by means of a capacitor (Cpar) to form an oscillating circuit. In addition, the circuit arrangement has an oscillator (3) for generating an excitation signal (UExciter), which excites the oscillating circuit to oscillate. The excitation signal (UExciter) is superimposed with a DC voltage (Utemp), the amplitude of which changes when the temperature of the sensor coil (2) changes. The sensor coil (2) is connected to a controllable resistor (Rvar). Furthermore, the circuit arrangement (1) has a comparator (4), which compares the DC voltage (Utemp) with a reference voltage (Utref). On the basis of the result of the comparison, the comparator (4) outputs a control voltage (Ur), which controls the controllable resistor (Rvar).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Franz Hrubes
  • Patent number: 8941389
    Abstract: A position sensor that includes two coils, the first coil (transmitting coil) being fed a certain frequency such that it emits a constant electromagnetic field, and said field being received and/or detected by way of the second coil (receiving coil), is characterized in that the axis of the second coil is angled with respect to the axis of the first coil, preferably located at an angle of 90° with respect to the axis of the first coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Hrubes
  • Publication number: 20110304345
    Abstract: A position sensor comprising two coils, the first coil (transmitting coil 1) being fed a certain frequency such that it emits a constant electromagnetic field, and said field being received and/or detected by way of the second coil (receiving coil 3), is characterized in that the axis of the second coil is angled with respect to the axis of the first coil, preferably located at an angle of 90° with respect to the axis of the first coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Franz Hrubes
  • Patent number: 7808314
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit for adjusting an impedance between two terminals, said impendance including the input impedance of the circuit. The aim of the invention is to enlarge the adjustment range and to stabilize—the operating behavior of such a circuit. For this purpose, the circuit comprises amplifiers, adjusting means with which amplification of at least one amplifier and/or the circuit can be changed in general and the impedance between the two terminals can be modified by influencing the one or more adjusting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Hrubes
  • Patent number: 7592804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a contactlessly working eddy current sensor, particularly for detecting essentially flat test objects, comprising at least one sensor coil, eddy currents being able to be induced in the test object. The invention is characterized in that the coil, when passing by the test object, is aligned in such a manner that the coil axis is oriented essentially parallel to a line normal to a surface to the test object, and that the test object can be moved past the sensor coil essentially parallel to the coil axis or the sensor coil can be moved past the test object. A corresponding method is carried out so that an eddy current can occur only once when the test object or coil is passed by.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnick GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Hrubes, Günter Schallmoser
  • Publication number: 20090009245
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit for adjusting an impedance between two terminals, said impendance including the input impedance of the circuit. The aim of the invention is to enlarge the adjustment range and to stabilize—the operating behavior of such a circuit. For this purpose, the circuit comprises amplifiers, adjusting means with which amplification of at least one amplifier and/or the circuit can be changed in general and the impedance between the two terminals can be modified by influencing the one or more adjusting means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Hrubes
  • Publication number: 20080079420
    Abstract: The invention relates to a contactlessly working eddy current sensor, particularly for detecting essentially flat test objects, comprising at least one sensor coil, eddy currents being able to be induced in the test object. The invention is characterized in that the coil, when passing by the test object, is aligned in such a manner that the coil axis is oriented essentially parallel to a line normal to a surface to the test object, and that the test object can be moved past the sensor coil essentially parallel to the coil axis or the sensor coil can be moved past the test object. A corresponding method is carried out so that an eddy current can occur only once when the test object or coil is passed by.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: FRANZ HRUBES, GUNTER SCHALLMOSER
  • Patent number: 7265542
    Abstract: A process and a device for contactless measurement of rotational speed with a proximity sensor operating according to the eddy current principle. The proximity sensor comprises an inductor and a capacitor connected in parallel that form an oscillating circuit which can be excited from outside, and where the resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit experiences a detectable change when an object to be measured approaches the proximity sensor. In various embodiments, the resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit or the excitation frequency of the oscillating circuit is controlled as a reaction to slow changes of the resonant frequency in such a manner that the oscillating circuit is always excited with its resonant frequency or with a frequency close to its resonant frequency and that rapid changes are detected as a measurement signal for the measurement of rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Franz Hrubes
  • Patent number: 7257994
    Abstract: Measuring device and method for determining the position of an electrically conductive test object (1) with a noncontacting sensor, in particular an eddy current sensor (2), wherein the test object (1) is adapted for linear reciprocal movement in a predetermined direction. The test object (1) includes a marking (6), and the sensor is arranged transversely to the direction of movement of the test object (1) and at a constant distance from the test object in the region of the marking (6), so that a movement of the test object causes the sensor to produce an at least largely linear signal change over a predetermined measuring range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Hrubes
  • Publication number: 20070001663
    Abstract: A process and a device for contactless measurement of rotational speed with a proximity sensor operating according to the eddy current principle. The proximity sensor comprises an inductor and a capacitor connected in parallel that form an oscillating circuit which can be excited from outside, and where the resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit experiences a detectable change when an object to be measured approaches the proximity sensor. In various embodiments, the resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit or the excitation frequency of the oscillating circuit is controlled as a reaction to slow changes of the resonant frequency in such a manner that the oscillating circuit is always excited with its resonant frequency or with a frequency close to its resonant frequency and that rapid changes are detected as a measurement signal for the measurement of rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Franz Hrubes
  • Patent number: 7092833
    Abstract: A method for linearizing a nonlinear curve with a linearization circuit (1), wherein the curve represents the relationship between input signals and output signals of a sensor. An output signal (100, 110, 120) of the sensor, which is respectively associated with an input signal, is displayed with respect to a simple and cost favorable linearization such that the adjustment of the linearization circuit (1) essentially occurs in an automated way utilizing sequence controller (2). A corresponding circuit is also described for practicing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Hrubes, Karl Wisspeintner
  • Publication number: 20060082949
    Abstract: Measuring device and method for determining the position of an electrically conductive test object (1) with a noncontacting sensor, in particular an eddy current sensor (2), wherein the test object (1) is adapted for linear reciprocal movement in a predetermined direction. The test object (1) includes a marking (6), and the sensor is arranged transversely to the direction of movement of the test object (1) and at a constant distance from the test object in the region of the marking (6), so that a movement of the test object causes the sensor to produce an at least largely linear signal change over a predetermined measuring range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventor: Franz Hrubes
  • Patent number: 6867585
    Abstract: A circuit (1) for compensating for temperature with a sensor operating by the eddy current principle for measuring physical conditions of an object. The circuit includes an evaluation unit (3) for evaluating a measuring signal (100) of the sensor (2). The sensor (2) and the evaluation unit (3) are interconnected via a connection cable (4). For the purpose of minimizing or preventing to the greatest extent temperature caused interferences, an additional compensation line (5) is provided which compensates for the temperature of the connection cable (4). A corresponding method for compensating for temperature is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Hrubes
  • Patent number: 6822442
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement with a first sensor (1) which comprises a measuring coil (2) that operates by the eddy current principle, and which detects the distance from a target (6), and a second sensor (3), the two sensors (1, 3) being arranged in a housing (4). To reduce the interaction of the sensors with each other, a panel (7) is positioned on the measuring side of the housing, with the panel being an active component of the second sensor (3). The second sensor is preferably a capacitive sensor, with the panel (7) being the active measuring surface of the capacitive sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Hrubes, Norbert Reindl
  • Publication number: 20040075452
    Abstract: A circuit (1) for compensating for temperature with a sensor operating by the eddy current principle for measuring physical conditions of an object. The circuit includes an evaluation unit (3) for evaluating a measuring signal (100) of the sensor (2). The sensor (2) and the evaluation unit (3) are interconnected via a connection cable (4). For the purpose of minimizing or preventing to the greatest extent temperature caused interferences, an additional compensation line (5) is provided which compensates for the temperature of the connection cable (4). A corresponding method for compensating for temperature is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Franz Hrubes
  • Publication number: 20040070527
    Abstract: A method for linearizing a nonlinear curve with a linearization circuit (1), wherein the curve represents the relationship between input signals and output signals of a sensor. An output signal (100, 110, 120) of the sensor, which is respectively associated with an input signal, is displayed with respect to a simple and costfavorable linearization such that the adjustment of the linearization circuit (1) essentially occurs in an automated way by means of a sequence controller (2). A corresponding circuit is also described for practicing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: MICRO-EPSILON MESSTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Franz Hrubes, Karl Wisspeintner
  • Publication number: 20030169036
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement with a first sensor (1) which comprises a measuring coil (2) that operates by the eddy current principle, and which detects the distance from a target (6), and a second sensor (3), the two sensors (1, 3) being arranged in a housing (4). To reduce the interaction of the sensors with each other, a panel (7) is positioned on the measuring side of the housing, with the panel being an active component of the second sensor (3). The second sensor is preferably a capacitive sensor, with the panel (7) being the active measuring surface of the capacitive sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Hrubes, Norbert Reindl
  • Patent number: 6202929
    Abstract: Barcode patterns or other meaningful patterns are printed with a differentially conductive ink. A sensor incorporating a plurality of capacitive couplings distinguishes features of the patterns by comparative measurements that are largely independent of variations between the sensor and the patterns affecting all of the couplings. The patterns can be distinguished despite being hidden from view, such as inside sealed envelopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignees: Micro-Epsilon Mess Technik, Translucent Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gerrit L. Verschuur, Franz Hrubes
  • Patent number: 5353648
    Abstract: A torque transmitter comprising two members 1, 2 rotatable relative to each other and serving to transmit a torque, and which has the ability to continuously measure the transmitted torque. The transmitter includes a transducer ring 3, and a displacement measuring device 6 having at least two noncontacting sensors 4, 5 for detecting the axial position of the transducer ring 3 relative to a reference member 7. The members 1, 2 are inter-connected via transverse beams and connected with the transducer ring 3 via fork-like members, so that upon a torque being transmitted between the members 1, 2, the latter are rotated relative to one another proportionally to the torque, and the transducer ring 3 is axially displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignees: Ringspann GmbH, Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Hrubes, Karlheinz Timtner