Patents by Inventor Fernand Wicht

Fernand Wicht 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: 8631696
    Abstract: A method includes lowering a sensor unit in a tank, where the tank is capable of receiving a material. The method also includes determining a first distance between the material and the sensor unit and determining a second distance between the sensor unit and a main unit that lowers the sensor unit. In addition, the method includes determining a level of the material in the tank using the first and second distances. The method could further include calibrating the sensor unit to compensate for variations in a medium within the tank, where the sensor unit transmits wireless signals through the medium to determine the first distance. Determining the first distance could include using an ultrasonic measurement technique, and determining the second distance could include using a non-contact servo measurement technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Enraf, B.V.
    Inventors: Fernand Wicht, Bin Sai
  • Patent number: 8234084
    Abstract: A system includes a probe configured to be raised and lowered in a tank that is configured to receive a material. The system also includes a connector coupled to the probe and having at least one type of coding encoded on the connector. The system further includes a main unit configured to raise and lower the probe using the connector, digitally capture information associated with the at least one type of coding on the connector, determine a level reading identifying a level of the material in the tank using the captured information, and wirelessly transmit the determined level reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Enraf B.V.
    Inventors: Fernand Wicht, Bin Sai
  • Publication number: 20100241369
    Abstract: A system includes a probe configured to be raised and lowered in a tank capable of receiving a material. The system also includes a connector coupled to the probe and having at least one type of coding encoded on the connector. The system further includes a main unit configured to raise and lower the probe using the connector, digitally capture information associated with the at least one type of coding on the connector, determine a level reading identifying a level of the material in the tank using the captured information, and wirelessly transmit the identified level reading. The main unit could also be configured to determine a confidence level or interval associated with the identified level reading and wirelessly transmit the confidence level or interval. The connector could include a tape, and the at least one type of coding could include visible markings, perforations, and/or magnetic codes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Enraf B. V.
    Inventors: Fernand Wicht, Bin Sai
  • Publication number: 20100037673
    Abstract: A method includes lowering a sensor unit in a tank, where the tank is capable of receiving a material. The method also includes determining a first distance between the material and the sensor unit and determining a second distance between the sensor unit and a main unit that lowers the sensor unit. In addition, the method includes determining a level of the material in the tank using the first and second distances. The method could further include calibrating the sensor unit to compensate for variations in a medium within the tank, where the sensor unit transmits wireless signals through the medium to determine the first distance. Determining the first distance could include using an ultrasonic measurement technique, and determining the second distance could include using a non-contact servo measurement technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Enraf B.V.
    Inventors: Fernand Wicht, Bin Sai