Patents Assigned to Ohmart/Vega Corporation
  • Publication number: 20110192979
    Abstract: A detector and associated method are provided including a first scintillation material having a light yield temperature dependence and an output at a first energy level, a second scintillation material having a light yield temperature dependence similar to the first material and an output at a second energy level, and detection circuitry. The first and second outputs are responsive to radiation emitted from an ionizing radiation source. The detection circuitry includes a photo multiplier tube configured to convert photon outputs from the first and second scintillating materials to electrical pulses, a counter circuit configured to count the electrical pulses generated in the photo multiplier tube by the first and second materials, and a gain control circuit configured to monitor the electrical pulses generated in the photomultiplier tube by the second material and adjust a gain of the detector upon detecting a drift in the output of the second material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: OHMART/VEGA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bonaventure Cahill
  • Publication number: 20100080352
    Abstract: A nuclear density gauge has an elongated transmission chamber adjacent to an elongated source chamber so that they can both be installed through a single nozzle on a high pressure vessel, making an airtight seal with the nozzle. The shape and position of the source chamber allows the positioning of a radiant energy source inside the vessel, a distance from one end of the transmission chamber. The radiation emitted by the radiant energy source travels through contents of the high pressure vessel and then through the elongated transmission chamber to a detector. The method of use of the gauge or multiple gauges, and the adaptation of vessels for such gauges, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: OHMART/VEGA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bonaventure Cahill
  • Patent number: 7515095
    Abstract: An antenna for a level sensing gauge comprises an environmentally sealed chamber extending from the level sensing gauge and mounting and positionable within the interior of a storage compartment, including a breathable aperture for permitting pressure and humidity equalization between the interior of said chamber and an exterior environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Ohmart/VEGA Corporation
    Inventors: Neil T. Wilkie, Douglas A. Groh, Christopher P. Lewis, William C. Gable
  • Publication number: 20090032304
    Abstract: A non-contact measuring system using emitted and received electromagnetic radiation or microwaves is mounted on the return line carrying oil drilling mud and cuttings from an oil drilling apparatus. The system measures the height and flow of the mud and cuttings in the pipe. In one embodiment, it is mounted to the pipe in a low profile manner to protect it, and it uses a reflective surface to reflect the signal to the flow being measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: OHMART/VEGA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Douglas A. Groh
  • Patent number: 7392699
    Abstract: A device for use in measuring stratified fluid levels in a container is disclosed. The device has a microwave transceiver sensor head attached to a waveguide sensor rod which is enclosed by a gauge tube. The rod end tubes are comprised of sections which allow them to be assembled or disassembled in a close quarters environment. The tube has a plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced slots providing for the equalization of stratified fluids within the tube. The rod is generally radially centered in the tube by the use of a plurality of spacers which reside in notches in the rod. The spacers are adapted to not penetrate the slots in the tube. The rod can be removed from the tube for cleaning without draining the tank. Additionally, once the rod is removed from the tube, a cleaner brush or scraper can be used to remove any barnacles or other debris from within the tube and the longitudinal slots in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Ohmart/VEGA Corporation
    Inventors: Juergen Motzer, Juergen Dietmeier, Neil T. Wilkie, Michael L. Topputo
  • Publication number: 20080079628
    Abstract: An antenna for a level sensing gauge comprises an environmentally sealed chamber extending from the level sensing gauge and mounting and positionable within the interior of a storage compartment, including a breathable aperture for permitting pressure and humidity equalization between the interior of said chamber and an exterior environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: OHMART/VEGA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Neil T. Wilkie, Douglas A. Groh, Christopher P. Lewis, William C. Gable
  • Patent number: 7237435
    Abstract: A device for use in measuring stratified fluid levels in a container is disclosed. The device has a microwave transceiver sensor head attached to a waveguide sensor rod which is enclosed by a gauge tube. The rod end tubes are comprised of sections which allow them to be assembled or disassembled in a close quarters environment. The tube has a plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced slots providing for the equalization of stratified fluids within the tube. The rod is generally radially centered in the tube by the use of a plurality of spacers which reside in notches in the rod. The spacers are adapted to not penetrate the slots in the tube. The rod can be removed from the tube for cleaning without draining the tank. Additionally, once the rod is removed from the tube, a cleaner brush or scraper can be used to remove any barnacles or other debris from within the tube and the longitudinal slots in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Ohmart/Vega Corporation
    Inventors: Juergen Motzer, Juergen Dietmeier, Neil T. Wilkie, Michael L. Topputo
  • Publication number: 20070137021
    Abstract: A device for use in measuring stratified fluid levels in a container is disclosed. The device has a microwave transceiver sensor head attached to a waveguide sensor rod which is enclosed by a gauge tube. The rod end tubes are comprised of sections which allow them to be assembled or disassembled in a close quarters environment. The tube has a plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced slots providing for the equalization of stratified fluids within the tube. The rod is generally radially centered in the tube by the use of a plurality of spacers which reside in notches in the rod. The spacers are adapted to not penetrate the slots in the tube. The rod can be removed from the tube for cleaning without draining the tank. Additionally, once the rod is removed from the tube, a cleaner brush or scraper can be used to remove any barnacles or other debris from within the tube and the longitudinal slots in the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: OHMART/VEGA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Juergen Motzer, Juergen Dietmeier, Neil Wilkie, Michael Topputo
  • Patent number: 7134315
    Abstract: An improved pulse radar level sensing gauge for insertion into a storage or processing tank includes a housing; a probe cover comprising a sealing flange; and a probe for sensing electrical and mechanical properties, positioned at least partly below the sealing flange of the probe cover. The unitary flange of the probe cover aids in preventing contamination of the tank contents by foreign substances. Additionally, the location of the probe at least partly below the sealing flange of the probe cover improves the accuracy of the level sensing gauge by reducing disruption of the properties by the tank following the attachment of the level sensing gauge to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ohmart/Vega Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph E. Stigler, Neil T. Wilkie
  • Patent number: 6988404
    Abstract: A device for use in measuring stratified fluid levels in a container is disclosed. The device has a microwave transceiver sensor head attached to a waveguide sensor rod which is enclosed by a gauge tube. The rod end tubes are comprised of sections which allow them to be assembled or disassembled in a close quarters environment. The tube has a plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced slots providing for the equalization of stratified fluids within the tube. The rod is generally radially centered in the tube by the use of a plurality of spacers which reside in notches in the rod. The spacers are adapted to not penetrate the slots in the tube. The rod can be removed from the tube for cleaning without draining the tank. Additionally, once the rod is removed from the tube, a cleaner brush or scraper can be used to remove any barnacles or other debris from within the tube and the longitudinal slots in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ohmart/VEGA Corporation
    Inventors: Juergen Motzer, Juergen Dietmeier, Neil T. Wilkie, Michael L. Topputo
  • Publication number: 20050127924
    Abstract: A device for use in measuring stratified fluid levels in a container is disclosed. The device has a microwave transceiver sensor head attached to a waveguide sensor rod which is enclosed by a gauge tube. The rod end tubes are comprised of sections which allow them to be assembled or disassembled in a close quarters environment. The tube has a plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced slots providing for the equalization of stratified fluids within the tube. The rod is generally radially centered in the tube by the use of a plurality of spacers which reside in notches in the rod. The spacers are adapted to not penetrate the slots in the tube. The rod can be removed from the tube for cleaning without draining the tank. Additionally, once the rod is removed from the tube, a cleaner brush or scraper can be used to remove any barnacles or other debris from within the tube and the longitudinal slots in the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Applicant: Ohmart/VEGA Corporation
    Inventors: Juergen Motzer, Juergen Dietmeier, Neil Wilkie, Michael Topputo
  • Patent number: 6538598
    Abstract: A level sensing apparatus for attachment to a vessel to measure levels of contents in a tank of the vessel. The level sensing apparatus includes a housing, a transmitter disposed within and operatively connected to said housing, and an antenna operatively connected to the transmitter for directing electrical and/or mechanical waves in a direction away from the transmitter. The antenna is further adapted to receive electrical and/or mechanical waves. The level sensing apparatus further includes a mounting system affixing the level sensing apparatus to a vessel. The mounting system is adapted such that the mounting system can be placed in a first position while the transmitter is affixed to the vessel, wherein levels of contents in a tank can be measured with electrical and/or mechanical waves, or in a second position while the transmitter is affixed to the vessel, wherein levels of contents in a tank can be measured manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ohmart VEGA Corporation
    Inventors: Neil T. Wilkie, Michael L. Topputo
  • Patent number: 6337655
    Abstract: A level sensing apparatus for attachment to a sounding tube in order to measure levels of contents in a tank. This level sensing apparatus includes a housing for enclosing the various components of the level sensing apparatus. The level sensing apparatus of the present invention also includes a sounding tube adapter operatively connected to the housing and is further adapted for attachment to a sounding tube. Additionally, the sounding tube adapter includes an orifice disposed through its sidewall. The sounding tube adapter also includes a cover which can seal off the orifice, or may be opened to allow manual liquid level measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Ohmart Vega Corporation
    Inventors: Neil T. Wilkie, Michael L. Tupputo
  • Patent number: 6198103
    Abstract: A nuclear level sensing gauge for measuring the level of product in a bin utilizes a bundle of scintillating fibers. A source of nuclear radiation positioned adjacent the bin, and a bundle of one or more scintillating fibers is positioned adjacent the bin opposite the source of nuclear radiation such that nuclear radiation passing through the bin impinges upon the bundle. Circuitry detects scintillating photons generated in the fibers, which are indicative of radiation passing through the bin. The number of photons generated in the fibers is representative of the level of radiation-absorbing product in the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ohmart/Vega Corporation
    Inventors: Paul L. Houillion, Kevin L. Carmichael