Patents by Inventor André Pfeifer

André Pfeifer 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: 11860001
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor housing for a multi-parameter sensor, the sensor housing including: at least two connection points, wherein a first connection point is configured to receive a first sensor, and a second connection point is configured to receive a second sensor different from the first sensor, wherein the first connection point includes a first mistake-proofing feature for the first sensor, and the second connection point includes a second mistake-proofing feature for the second sensor, wherein the first and second mistake-proofing feature are configured such that only the first sensor can be inserted into the first connection point and only the second sensor can be inserted into the second connection point, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Axel Hänel, Christian Fanselow, André Pfeifer, Simon Rehn
  • Publication number: 20230184569
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor housing for a multi-parameter sensor, the sensor housing including: at least two connection points, wherein a first connection point is configured to receive a first sensor, and a second connection point is configured to receive a second sensor different from the first sensor, wherein the first connection point includes a first mistake-proofing feature for the first sensor, and the second connection point includes a second mistake-proofing feature for the second sensor, wherein the first and second mistake-proofing feature are configured such that only the first sensor can be inserted into the first connection point and only the second sensor can be inserted into the second connection point, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Axel Hänel, Christian Fanselow, André Pfeifer, Simon Rehn
  • Patent number: 11589473
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process connection for connecting a sensor to a process inlet via a process seal and a fixing element. The process connection includes a sensor housing and a clamping element. The sensor housing has a housing body configured to receive the sensor and a housing collar that extends around the housing body and has a first sealing section, which encircles the housing body, and a contact area. The housing collar is formed integrally with the housing body. The first sealing section is suitable for receiving the process seal to connect the process inlet to the housing collar in a fluid-tight manner. The clamping element has a contact area which is suitable for coming into contact with the contact area of the housing collar to press the housing collar onto the process seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: André Pfeifer, Christian Fanselow, Damian Mayerhofer, Thomas Nagel
  • Patent number: 10983079
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a process automation technology sensor for detecting at least one measured variable of a medium, the sensor including a process connection for attaching the sensor to a container in which the medium is located; at least two webs which run essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sensor, where the webs are arranged on the medium side extending from the process connection; and at least one first housing portion that comprises a temperature sensor, where the first housing portion is arranged between the webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Fanselow, André Pfeifer, Damian Mayerhofer, Thomas Nagel
  • Patent number: 10928341
    Abstract: The disclosure includes an inductive conductivity sensor for measuring the specific electrical conductivity of a medium with a transmitter coil energized by an input signal, a receiver coil coupled with the transmitter coil via the medium, which receiver coil supplies an output signal that is a measure for the conductivity of the medium, and a housing enclosing the transmitter coil and the receiver coil, which housing comprises at least one housing section designed to be immersed in the medium, the housing wall of said housing section surrounding the transmitter coil and the receiver coil. The housing is made of a magnetic plastic or resin for inductively decoupling the transmitter coil from the receiver coil. In certain embodiments, the housing may be made of a ferromagnetic material. Another aspect of the disclosure includes a method for manufacturing the conductivity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Nagel, André Pfeifer, Christian Fanselow
  • Publication number: 20200137912
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process connection for connecting a sensor to a process inlet via a process seal and a fixing element. The process connection includes a sensor housing and a clamping element. The sensor housing has a housing body configured to receive the sensor and a housing collar that extends around the housing body and has a first sealing section, which encircles the housing body, and a contact area. The housing collar is formed integrally with the housing body. The first sealing section is suitable for receiving the process seal to connect the process inlet to the housing collar in a fluid-tight manner. The clamping element has a contact area which is suitable for coming into contact with the contact area of the housing collar to press the housing collar onto the process seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: André Pfeifer, Christian Fanselow, Damian Mayerhofer, Thomas Nagel
  • Patent number: 10436729
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a conductivity sensor, including a conductive conductivity sensor, including method steps of producing a thermoplastic sensor body of a plastic, which is doped at least partially with a laser activatable, metal compound as an additive, radiating the sensor body at doped locations by means of a laser, so that conductive metal nuclei form from the metal compound, immersing the sensor body in a metal bath, until at least one conductive trace forms on the region having the metal nuclei, where the at least one conductive trace serves as an electrode of the conductivity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Fanselow, André Pfeifer, Thomas Nagel
  • Publication number: 20190293580
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a process automation technology sensor for detecting at least one measured variable of a medium, the sensor including a process connection for attaching the sensor to a container in which the medium is located; at least two webs which run essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sensor, where the webs are arranged on the medium side extending from the process connection; and at least one first housing portion that comprises a temperature sensor, where the first housing portion is arranged between the webs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Christian Fanselow, André Pfeifer, Damian Mayerhofer, Thomas Nagel
  • Patent number: 10371720
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a sensor comprising the steps of: adapting a sensor adapter of the sensor element to a first section of the process connection, introducing the sensor element with the sensor adapter first into the first section of the process connection, so that the sensor element projects beyond the process connection with a second section and the first section of the process connection and the first section of the sensor element form a gap, connecting the sensor element to the process connection by creating a weld connection between the first section of the process connection and the sensor adapter of the sensor element in the region of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Fanselow, André Pfeifer, Thomas Nagel
  • Patent number: 10288573
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inductive conductivity sensor, wherein on both sides of a circuit board coils are placed surrounding an opening of the circuit board, and the circuit board with the coils is inserted into a housing. A sleeve is inserted through a first opening of the housing through the opening of the circuit board into the housing. The sleeve includes a first end section and a second end section and the sleeve is inserted with the first end section first into the housing, and wherein the sleeve is welded with the housing by means of a sonotrode by ultrasonic welding. Both the first end section as well as also the second end section of the sleeve are welded with the housing, wherein the sonotrode is applied exclusively on the sleeve on the side of the second end section. The invention relates further to an inductive conductivity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Nagel, André Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 10261035
    Abstract: The disclosure includes an inductive conductivity sensor for measuring the specific electrical conductivity of a medium with a transmitter coil energized by an input signal, a receiver coil coupled with the transmitter coil via the medium, which receiver coil supplies an output signal that is a measure for the conductivity of the medium, and a housing enclosing the transmitter coil and the receiver coil, which housing comprises at least one housing section designed to be immersed in the medium, the housing wall of said housing section surrounding the transmitter coil and the receiver coil. The housing is made of a magnetic plastic or resin for inductively decoupling the transmitter coil from the receiver coil. In certain embodiments, the housing may be made of a ferromagnetic material. Another aspect of the disclosure includes a method for manufacturing the conductivity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Nagel, André Pfeifer, Christian Fanselow
  • Publication number: 20190101499
    Abstract: The disclosure includes an inductive conductivity sensor for measuring the specific electrical conductivity of a medium with a transmitter coil energized by an input signal, a receiver coil coupled with the transmitter coil via the medium, which receiver coil supplies an output signal that is a measure for the conductivity of the medium, and a housing enclosing the transmitter coil and the receiver coil, which housing comprises at least one housing section designed to be immersed in the medium, the housing wall of said housing section surrounding the transmitter coil and the receiver coil. The housing is made of a magnetic plastic or resin for inductively decoupling the transmitter coil from the receiver coil. In certain embodiments, the housing may be made of a ferromagnetic material. Another aspect of the disclosure includes a method for manufacturing the conductivity sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Nagel, André Pfeifer, Christian Fanselow
  • Publication number: 20190079035
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inductive conductivity sensor, wherein on both sides of a circuit board coils are placed surrounding an opening of the circuit board, and the circuit board with the coils is inserted into a housing. A sleeve is inserted through a first opening of the housing through the opening of the circuit board into the housing. The sleeve includes a first end section and a second end section and the sleeve is inserted with the first end section first into the housing, and wherein the sleeve is welded with the housing by means of a sonotrode by ultrasonic welding. Both the first end section as well as also the second end section of the sleeve are welded with the housing, wherein the sonotrode is applied exclusively on the sleeve on the side of the second end section. The invention relates further to an inductive conductivity sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Nagel, André Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 10156533
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inductive conductivity sensor, wherein on both sides of a circuit board coils are placed surrounding an opening of the circuit board, and the circuit board with the coils is inserted into a housing. A sleeve is inserted through a first opening of the housing through the opening of the circuit board into the housing. The sleeve includes a first end section and a second end section and the sleeve is inserted with the first end section first into the housing, and wherein the sleeve is welded with the housing by means of a sonotrode by ultrasonic welding. Both the first end section as well as also the second end section of the sleeve are welded with the housing, wherein the sonotrode is applied exclusively on the sleeve on the side of the second end section. The invention relates further to an inductive conductivity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Nagel, Andre Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 10012608
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inductive conductivity sensor, with coils on both sides of a circuit board are placed surrounding an opening of the circuit board. The circuit board with the coils is inserted into a housing, wherein a sleeve is inserted in the housing through a second opening of the housing through the opening of the circuit board out to a first opening. The first opening, the second opening and the opening of the circuit board are aligned with one another, wherein the sleeve includes a first end section and a second end section and the sleeve is inserted with the first end section first in the housing, and wherein the sleeve is welded with the housing by means of a sonotrode by ultrasonic welding. The first end section of the sleeve is welded with the housing and with a counterpart inserted into the first opening. The invention relates further to an inductive conductivity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Nagel, Andre Pfeifer, Christian Fanselow
  • Publication number: 20180128855
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a sensor comprising the steps of: adapting a sensor adapter of the sensor element to a first section of the process connection, introducing the sensor element with the sensor adapter first into the first section of the process connection, so that the sensor element projects beyond the process connection with a second section and the first section of the process connection and the first section of the sensor element form a gap, connecting the sensor element to the process connection by creating a weld connection between the first section of the process connection and the sensor adapter of the sensor element in the region of the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Christian Fanselow, André Pfeifer, Thomas Nagel
  • Publication number: 20170167996
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a conductivity sensor, including a conductive conductivity sensor, including method steps of producing a thermoplastic sensor body of a plastic, which is doped at least partially with a laser activatable, metal compound as an additive, radiating the sensor body at doped locations by means of a laser, so that conductive metal nuclei form from the metal compound, immersing the sensor body in a metal bath, until at least one conductive trace forms on the region having the metal nuclei, where the at least one conductive trace serves as an electrode of the conductivity sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Christian Fanselow, André Pfeifer, Thomas Nagel
  • Publication number: 20160356736
    Abstract: The disclosure includes an inductive conductivity sensor for measuring the specific electrical conductivity of a medium with a transmitter coil energized by an input signal, a receiver coil coupled with the transmitter coil via the medium, which receiver coil supplies an output signal that is a measure for the conductivity of the medium, and a housing enclosing the transmitter coil and the receiver coil, which housing comprises at least one housing section designed to be immersed in the medium, the housing wall of said housing section surrounding the transmitter coil and the receiver coil. The housing is made of a magnetic plastic or resin for inductively decoupling the transmitter coil from the receiver coil. In certain embodiments, the housing may be made of a ferromagnetic material. Another aspect of the disclosure includes a method for manufacturing the conductivity sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Nagel, André Pfeifer, Christian Fanselow
  • Patent number: 9335197
    Abstract: A retractable assembly, comprising: a housing; an immersion tube, which is axially movable between a service position and a process position. A first inlet facing away from the medium and a second inlet facing the medium. The immersion tube is moved from the service position to the process position by supplying the first inlet with energy, and the immersion tube is moved from the process position to the service position by supplying the second inlet with energy. A first mechanical blocking member shifts against a spring bias, and the blocking member engages in a first groove on the immersion tube. The first groove is located in the movement direction. The spring bias is so embodied that supplying the second inlet with energy releases the blocking member from the groove, whereby movement of the immersion tube from process position to service position becomes possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: ENDRESS & HAUSER CONDUCTA GESELLSCHAFT FÜR MESS-UND REGELTECHNIK MBH+ CO. KG
    Inventors: Rene Kundscher, Thomas Pfauch, Andre Pfeifer
  • Publication number: 20160061760
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inductive conductivity sensor, with coils on both sides of a circuit board are placed surrounding an opening of the circuit board. The circuit board with the coils is inserted into a housing, wherein a sleeve is inserted in the housing through a second opening of the housing through the opening of the circuit board out to a first opening. The first opening, the second opening and the opening of the circuit board are aligned with one another, wherein the sleeve includes a first end section and a second end section and the sleeve is inserted with the first end section first in the housing, and wherein the sleeve is welded with the housing by means of a sonotrode by ultrasonic welding. The first end section of the sleeve is welded with the housing and with a counterpart inserted into the first opening. The invention relates further to an inductive conductivity sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Nagel, Andre Pfeifer, Christian Fanselow