Patents Assigned to Pepperl + Fuchs
  • Patent number: 9651602
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring and switching a load circuit, having an input part and an output part, having switching inputs to connect a controller to the input part, having switching outputs to connect at least one load circuit with at least one load to be switched to the output part, having at least one load switch to switch, in particular to switch on and off, the at least one load, having at least one fault detection circuit to detect a fault in the load circuit and to generate at least a first fault signal in the output part, and having a galvanic isolation stage for galvanically isolated transmission of this first fault signal and/or a second fault signal derived from this first fault signal from the output part to the input part. According to the invention the input part has an input circuit which converts switching commands of the controller incoming via the switching inputs into switching processes of the load switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Oestreicher
  • Patent number: 9638651
    Abstract: A method for measuring a physical quantity with a, particularly inductive, sensor element and for providing a sensor output depending on the physical quantity. The sensor element is part of a resonant circuit whose attenuation depends on the physical quantity being measured. The resonant circuit is excited to generate a periodic oscillation signal, the amplitude of which depends on the attenuation. The oscillation signal is compared with a comparator threshold value in a comparator to produce a periodic comparator signal with a duty cycle depending on the comparator threshold value. The comparator threshold value is set to be different from a mean value of the oscillation signal so that a duty cycle different from 50% is achieved. The sensor output is output depending on the duty cycle of the comparator signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Seefried
  • Patent number: 9625895
    Abstract: A method is provided for managing power for a wireless communication device. The method includes receiving a loop current at an insertion voltage at an initial input, the loop current being generated by a power supply. The method further includes comparing a reference voltage to the insertion voltage and generating a feedback signal based at least upon the comparison of the reference voltage to the insertion voltage. The method still further includes regulating the insertion voltage based at least upon the feedback signal, delivering charging power to an electrical storage element, wherein the charging power is a function of the insertion voltage and the loop current, and storing the charging power in the electrical storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: PEPPERL+FUCHS GMBH
    Inventor: Mark Sinreich
  • Patent number: 9555900
    Abstract: A method for positioning an access or loading assembly against the fuselage of an aircraft during the loading or unloading process, in which at least two multichannel scanners are oriented toward the aircraft fuselage and disposed above one another at a distance from each other, each with several light emitting units and at least one detector. First, a reference position is determined by using the scanners, then a current position of the aircraft fuselage relative to the access or loading assembly is determined at determined time intervals by the multichannel scanners. The current position is compared with the reference position to determine a deviation. In case of a deviation between the two positions, a signal is transmitted to the control system of the positioning drive for realigning the access or loading assembly and reducing the deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH, Hübner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lothar Scharf, Rolf Herwig, Holger Jaap, Ernst Tabel, Thorsten Schroeder
  • Patent number: 9531094
    Abstract: The invention relates to a receiving socket for receiving and making contact with an electronic module (60) comprising an electronic circuit (70) which is electrically connected to a first contact tongue (80) and to a second contact tongue (90). The receiving socket comprises a first electrical contact area (22) for making contact with the first contact tongue (80) of the module, a second electrical contact area (32) for making contact with the second contact tongue (90) of the module and a contact element (40) which electrically connects the first contact area (22) to the second contact area (32) for the purpose of transferring an electrical signal when the module is removed. The first contact tongue (80) of the module can be received between the first electrical contact area (22) and the contact element (40). The second contact tongue (90) of the module can be received between the second electrical contact area (32) and the contact element (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Lebkuecher, Werner Bansemir, Friedrich Fuess
  • Publication number: 20160352534
    Abstract: There is provided an interface circuit, a network switch or network device coupler incorporating the interface circuit, and a network incorporating the network switch or network device. The interface circuit has a data bus interface (7) for connecting a data bus to either a first device (6) that communicates in a first signalling protocol or a second device (6) that communicates in a second signalling protocol. The data bus has two bus conductors that provide combined power and data. A voltage source (12) powers the data bus. The voltage source (12) is connected to the data bus via a reactance (10) and then a first resistance (4) connected in series. An output of a transmitter (13) is connected via a second resistance (3) to a point between the reactance (10) and the first resistance, to modulate the data bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Ringkamp, Steffen Graber, Renato Kitchener
  • Publication number: 20160327423
    Abstract: A method for detecting a fill level in a collecting vessel using a sensor device, wherein the collecting vessel has m detection regions which are measured using ultrasound, includes the following steps: 1. a measurement cycle is performed for each of the m detection regions, where m= 1, 2, 3, . . . ; 2. n individual measurements are performed in each measurement cycle, where n= 1, 2, 3, . . . , wherein a transmission power and/or a reception gain and/or a transmission burst is varied in each of the n individual measurements, as a result of which the individual measurements are distinguished from one another in terms of the transmission power and/or in terms of the reception gain and/or in terms of the transmission burst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Applicant: Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst LUBER, Claudia SERTL
  • Patent number: 9479165
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive proximity switch having a current-fed resonant circuit comprising at least one resonant circuit transmitting coil and a capacitance. The resonant circuit transmitting coil generates an alternating magnetic field, which is able to induct a mutual induction voltage in at least one receiving coil, and the oscillation state of the resonant circuit can be influenced by a metallic release entering or moving away from the alternating field, having an evaluating circuit for obtaining a switching signal from the change in the oscillation state of the resonant circuit, the change in the complex coupling between the at least two coils, namely transmitting coil and receiving coil, being evaluatable with the aid of an auxiliary voltage signal as a switching signal in the presence or absence of the release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: PEPPERL + FUCHS GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Kuehn
  • Patent number: 9465021
    Abstract: A method and device for metrologically differentiating material regions, namely majority regions and minority regions of a page-like, web-like or sheet-like material. At least one sensor receives a measuring signal of variable amplitude, the amplitude being variable depending on the material region located in a spatial detection range of the sensor. The amplitude is increased by a controllable amplifier. The material is moved relatively to the sensor such that majority regions are located in the spatial detection range of the sensor more frequently than minority regions. The method is characterized in that in phases, in which majority regions undergo examination by means of the sensor, by means of the amplifier regulation of the amplitude to a set point is carried out and the sensor generates a signal “majority region”, and that in situations, in which the amplitude undergoes a sufficient change, the sensor generates a signal “minority region”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: PEPPERL + FUCHS GmbH
    Inventor: Enrico Schulz
  • Patent number: 9455560
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wall mount enclosure and sealing assembly for electrical devices, the enclosure comprises a housing defining an interior that is accessible from an opening in a front side and configured to support electronic equipment therein. A closure door is operatively mounted to the enclosure in a closed position to prevent outside access through the opening in the front side, the closure door including an inwardly facing portion generally facing towards the front side around all or at least a portion of a periphery of the door, the inwardly facing portion extending laterally outward of the periphery of the opening. A gasket engages at least part of the inwardly facing portion of the closure door with a seal portion or first portion pressed by the inwardly facing portion of the closure door when the closure door is in the closed position to form a seal between the front side and the inwardly facing portion of the closure door to seal the interior of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: PEPPERL+FUCHS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Jopek, Matthew W. Pavlik, David William Burns, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9435837
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for detecting an object. The sensor includes a probe electrode for forming a measuring capacitance with the object to be detected, a charging generator for generating an alternating charging voltage, wherein the probe electrode is charged by means of the alternating charging voltage, an amplifier for amplifying a voltage across the measuring capacitance, wherein the amplifier includes a first supply connection and a second supply connection, electronic means for processing signals outputted at an output of the amplifier to form at least one output signal and at least one sensor output for outputting the at least one output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: PEPPERL + FUCHS GmbH
    Inventors: Hardi Voelkel, Jochen Vater
  • Publication number: 20160223382
    Abstract: A sensor device for detecting the fill level in a collection container includes an ultrasound transducer and is designed such that the sensor device, and thus the ultrasound transducer, can switch between an active operating mode and a power-saving mode. The sensor device and the ultrasound transducer arranged therein require less energy in the power-saving mode than in the operating mode. In the power-saving mode, the sensor device can be brought into the active operating mode using environmental signals and external trigger conditions, which can be configured specifically for a given collection container type. An activation device is provided, which is designed such that, based on an external signal, the activation device causes the sensor device to switch into the active operating mode, wherein the ultrasound transducer performs at least one measurement in the active operating mode. The sensor device has a low-power interface for wireless transfer of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: PEPPERL + FUCHS GMBH
    Inventor: Ernst LUBER
  • Publication number: 20160064841
    Abstract: The invention relates to a receiving socket for receiving and making contact with an electronic module (60) comprising an electronic circuit (70) which is electrically connected to a first contact tongue (80) and to a second contact tongue (90). The receiving socket comprises a first electrical contact area (22) for making contact with the first contact tongue (80) of the module, a second electrical contact area (32) for making contact with the second contact tongue (90) of the module and a contact element (40) which electrically connects the first contact area (22) to the second contact area (32) for the purpose of transferring an electrical signal when the module is removed. The first contact tongue (80) of the module can be received between the first electrical contact area (22) and the contact element (40). The second contact tongue (90) of the module can be received between the second electrical contact area (32) and the contact element (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas LEBKUECHER, Werner BANSEMIR, Friedrich FUESS
  • Publication number: 20160031057
    Abstract: Query unit for determining the status of moving or movable parts of a system part, particularly for determining the end positions of a clamping arm of a toggle lever clamping apparatus, has a sensor unit and an electroblock. The sensor unit has at least one sensor and a connector plug-in connection part for connecting the sensor unit with the electroblock and can be attached to the system part. The electroblock has at least one electrical connector element for connecting an outer, releasable connection cable, a connector plug-in connection part for connecting the electroblock with the sensor unit, and at least one screw passage opening for installation on an outer surface of the system part. The connector plug-in connection part of the sensor unit is connected in an opening of the system part, with shape fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas FREUND
  • Publication number: 20160025792
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring and switching a load circuit, having an input part and an output part, having switching inputs to connect a controller to the input part, having switching outputs to connect at least one load circuit with at least one load to be switched to the output part, having at least one load switch to switch, in particular to switch on and off, the at least one load, having at least one fault detection circuit to detect a fault in the load circuit and to generate at least a first fault signal in the output part, and having a galvanic isolation stage for galvanically isolated transmission of this first fault signal and/or a second fault signal derived from this first fault signal from the output part to the input part. According to the invention the input part has an input circuit which converts switching commands of the controller incoming via the switching inputs into switching processes of the load switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Oestreicher
  • Publication number: 20160025793
    Abstract: In a device for monitoring and switching a load circuit, having an input part and an output part, having switching inputs to connect a controller to the input part, having switching outputs to connect at least one load circuit with at least one load to be switched to the output part, having at least one load switch to switch, in particular to switch on and off, the at least one load, having a first fault detection circuit, connected in parallel with the load circuit, to detect faults in the load circuit, and having a second fault detection circuit, connected in series with the load circuit, to detect faults in the load circuit, the input part has an input circuit which converts switching commands of the controller incoming via the switching inputs into switching processes of the load switches. The first and the second fault detection circuit respectively generate intermediate fault signals which are logically linked in a logic circuit to form an overall fault signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: PEPPERL + FUCHS GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Oestreicher
  • Publication number: 20150163123
    Abstract: Apparatus for testing data communications on two wire combined power and data network systems for automation, comprising a control means and connection means adapted to connect said apparatus to a subject network segment, in which said control means comprises data signal output means adapted to impart a test data signal to said subject segment via said connection means, and a data signal disruption digital output digital input attribute modifier means adapted to vary one or more physical layer attributes of said test data signal which affect its functional quality and/or to vary one or more physical layer attributes of said subject segment which are capable of affecting the functional quality of data signals carried thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventors: Renato Kitchener, Gunther Rogoll
  • Patent number: 9054519
    Abstract: An electrical circuit comprising a power supply, a load and a surge protection device adapted to protect said load and/or power supply from electrical fast transient events according to the requirements of IEC 61000-4-2 or 4 and which comprises a stress threshold, in which the electrical circuit further comprises a monitoring device adapted to monitor the current in said surge protection device and detect the breaching of said threshold by electrical fast transient events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventors: Renato Kitchener, Gunther Rogoll
  • Patent number: 9046879
    Abstract: A fault protection circuit for use on a spur of an IEC 61158 Fieldbus network comprising a fast acting current limiter adapted to limit the spur current to the level of a reference current when the spur current reaches said reference current, control means adapted to monitor the spur AC and/or DC current and/or voltage, and isolation means adapted to apply a shunt short circuit isolation to said spur upon receipt of an activation signal from the control means, in which the control means is adapted to control the level of the reference current, and in which when said control means detects one or more pre-determined fault conditions on said spur it activates the isolation means and lowers the level of reference current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventors: Renato Kitchener, Steffen Graber
  • Patent number: 9007069
    Abstract: A method of testing a short circuit protection system applied to a spur of an electric circuit. The short circuit protection system has a current limiting means which applies a current limit to the spur if the current thereon exceeds a trip level. The electric circuit has a power supply and an isolation means adapted to fully or partially isolate the power supply from the electric circuit if the current thereon exceeds a power supply trip level for longer than a deadband period. The method includes applying a test current demand to the short circuit protection system which has a current and duration sufficient for the spur current trip level but a current insufficient to exceed the power supply trip level and/or a duration insufficient to exceed the deadband period, and detecting if the current limiting means applies the current limit or not during the test current demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventors: Renato Kitchener, Gunther Rogoll