Patents by Inventor Gary A. Willms

Gary A. Willms 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).

  • Apparatus and method to non-intrusively measure the level of liquid in a sealed container
    Patent number: 6536276
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor used for determining liquid levels in a sealed container includes a heat source bonded to the container, a first temperature sensor mounted on the container adjacent the heat source, and a second temperature sensor mounted on the container spaced from the heat source. The temperatures at the first and second temperature sensors are sensed while the heat source is operating, and the differential in the temperatures is measured and used to control power to the heater. Changes in the differential in temperature between the first and second temperature sensors indicates when the heat conductivity between the first and second temperature sensors changes, due to presence or absence of a liquid in the container at the level of the temperature sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Rosemont Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Charles G. Huss, Mark R. Koosmann, Derrick D. Hongerholt, Eric D. Haugen, Greg A. Seidel, Stephen R. Meyer, Gary A. Willms
  • Apparatus and method to non-intrusively measure the level of liquid in a sealed container
    Publication number: 20020116998
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor is used on a sealed container comprises a heat source bonded to the container, a first temperature sensor mounted on the container adjacent the heat source, and a second temperature sensor mounted on the container spaced from the heat source. The temperatures at the first and second temperature sensors are sensed while the heat source is operating, and the differential in the temperatures is measured and used to control power to the heater. Changes in the differential in temperature between the first and second temperature sensors indicates when the heat conductivity between the first and second temperature sensors changes, due to presence or absence of a liquid in the container at the level of the temperature sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Charles G. Huss, Mark R. Koosmann, Derrick D. Hongerholt, Eric D. Haugen, Greg A. Seidel, Stephen R. Meyer, Gary A. Willms