Patents by Inventor Gert Burkhardt

Gert Burkhardt 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: 10620060
    Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided for conductivity measurement and ultrasonic temperature measurement. The assembly includes an elongated sensor body aligned along a longitudinal axis extending from an electronics housing. The sensor body has a plurality of elongated electrodes disposed about the longitudinal axis defining a measurement section, and a pair of ultrasonic transceivers mounted to the body in spaced relationship across the measurement section, in which a first transceiver of the pair is attached to a proximal end of the sensor body and a second transceiver of the pair is attached to a distal end of the sensor body across the measurement section. The electronics housing is in operable communication with the plurality of electrodes and to the pair of ultrasonic transceivers to measure fluid parameters within the measurement section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet, LLC
    Inventor: Gert Burkhardt
  • Patent number: 10444051
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor assembly is provided having sensor body having opposing open ends for enabling fluid flow therethrough. The body defines an interior measurement section therein. The body defines a plurality of spiral flow paths disposed about a longitudinal axis of the measurement section. The sensor assembly includes a pair of ultrasonic transceivers mounted to the tubular body in spaced longitudinal relationship across the measurement section. An electronics housing mounted to the body in a separable manner, when mounted, the electronics housing is in operable communication with the pair of ultrasonic transceivers to measure fluid parameters within the measurement section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet, LLC
    Inventors: Gert Burkhardt, Jorge Samayoa
  • Patent number: 10302474
    Abstract: An insertion ultrasonic sensor assembly is provided having an elongated sensor body. The body includes two projections projecting from the distal end having a pair of ultrasonic transceivers. Each transceiver of the pair mounted to a corresponding projection. The assembly is mounted so that the sensor body projects into the container, having the distal end exposed to the flowing fluid, in manner that the measurement axis of the sensor body is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the flow of the fluid within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet LLC
    Inventor: Gert Burkhardt
  • Patent number: 10254143
    Abstract: A fluid-flow sensor assembly is provided, comprising a body defining a measuring region for fluid flowing therethrough. A rigid structure is defined about the body to restrict size variation of the body during use. As a result, the rigid structure keeps the measuring section from altering in size, thus ensuring accurate measurement. In an exemplary embodiment, the body defines a ridge assembly that circumscribes the outer wall of the body, and a spiral wrap formed of rigid material is wrapped around the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet LLC
    Inventors: Gert Burkhardt, Jorge Samayoa
  • Publication number: 20190049276
    Abstract: An insertion ultrasonic sensor assembly is provided having an elongated sensor body. The body includes two projections projecting from the distal end having a pair of ultrasonic transceivers. Each transceiver of the pair mounted to a corresponding projection. The assembly is mounted so that the sensor body projects into the container, having the distal end exposed to the flowing fluid, in manner that the measurement axis of the sensor body is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the flow of the fluid within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Applicant: Georg Fischer Signet, LLC
    Inventor: Gert Burkhardt
  • Publication number: 20190025136
    Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided for conductivity measurement and ultrasonic temperature measurement. The assembly includes an elongated sensor body aligned along a longitudinal axis extending from an electronics housing. The sensor body has a plurality of elongated electrodes disposed about the longitudinal axis defining a measurement section, and a pair of ultrasonic transceivers mounted to the body in spaced relationship across the measurement section, in which a first transceiver of the pair is attached to a proximal end of the sensor body and a second transceiver of the pair is attached to a distal end of the sensor body across the measurement section. The electronics housing is in operable communication with the plurality of electrodes and to the pair of ultrasonic transceivers to measure fluid parameters within the measurement section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Georg Fischer Signet, LLC
    Inventor: Gert Burkhardt
  • Publication number: 20180202851
    Abstract: A fluid-flow sensor assembly is provided, comprising a body defining a measuring region for fluid flowing therethrough. A rigid structure is defined about the body to restrict size variation of the body during use. As a result, the rigid structure keeps the measuring section from altering in size, thus ensuring accurate measurement. In an exemplary embodiment, the body defines a ridge assembly that circumscribes the outer wall of the body, and a spiral wrap formed of rigid material is wrapped around the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Applicant: Georg Fischer Signet, LLC
    Inventors: Gert Burkhardt, Jorge Samayoa
  • Publication number: 20180196007
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor assembly is provided having sensor body having opposing open ends for enabling fluid flow therethrough. The body defines an interior measurement section therein. The body defines a plurality of spiral flow paths disposed about a longitudinal axis of the measurement section. The sensor assembly includes a pair of ultrasonic transceivers mounted to the tubular body in spaced longitudinal relationship across the measurement section. An electronics housing mounted to the body in a separable manner, when mounted, the electronics housing is in operable communication with the pair of ultrasonic transceivers to measure fluid parameters within the measurement section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: Georg Fischer Signet, LLC
    Inventors: Gert Burkhardt, Jorge Samayoa
  • Patent number: 8336375
    Abstract: A flow cell assembly for fluid sensors is provided. The assembly includes a housing configured to couple to an external source of fluid for measurement. The assembly further includes a flow regulator and a flow meter disposed within the housing to facilitate controlled fluid. The housing defines one or more measuring chambers each configured to receive a fluid sensor. Each measuring chamber includes an inlet aperture and a gravity overflow spaced apart from the inlet aperture. Each measuring chamber is configured to receive a fluid sensor such that a sensing end of the fluid sensor is disposed proximate to an inlet aperture of the measuring chamber, thereby ensuring controlled fluid pressure proximate to the sensing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Anthony Thai, Steven Wells, Gert Burkhardt
  • Patent number: 8317989
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing having an outer wall, an axial bore circumscribed by the outer wall, and a barrier wall that aids in defining a reference cavity. The housing further including a plurality of cross members in spaced relation to one another disposed between the axial bore and the outer wall, each cross member defining an aperture. A junction plug is disposed at the distal end of the housing. The junction plug comprises a porous material that enables ionic flow through the junction plug. The sensor enables ionic communication between the target fluid and the reference electrode within the reference cavity through the apertures of the plurality of cross members. In this manner, the sensor provides generally a long, tortuous flow path, or salt bridge, between the target fluid and the reference electrode, resulting in a high resistance factor for the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wells, Gert Burkhardt, Anthony Thai
  • Patent number: 8211282
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing having an outer wall, a plurality of longitudinal chambers disposed within the outer wall, and a reference chamber housing a reference electrode. Ionic communication between the target fluid and the reference electrode must pass sequentially through each of longitudinal chambers from a first longitudinal chamber to the reference chamber. In this manner, the sensor provides generally a long, tortuous flow path, or salt bridge, between the target fluid and the reference electrode, resulting in a high resistance factor for the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wells, Gert Burkhardt, Anthony Thai
  • Publication number: 20110308645
    Abstract: A flow cell assembly for fluid sensors is provided. The assembly includes a housing configured to couple to an external source of fluid for measurement. The assembly further includes a flow regulator and a flow meter disposed within the housing to facilitate controlled fluid. The housing defines one or more measuring chambers each configured to receive a fluid sensor. Each measuring chamber includes an inlet aperture and a gravity overflow spaced apart from the inlet aperture. Each measuring chamber is configured to receive a fluid sensor such that a sensing end of the fluid sensor is disposed proximate to an inlet aperture of the measuring chamber, thereby ensuring controlled fluid pressure proximate to the sensing end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Georg Fischer Signet LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Thai, Steven Wells, Gert Burkhardt
  • Publication number: 20110240470
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing defining a cavity for a reference electrolyte and defining an opening to the cavity configured to be proximate to a target fluid. The sensor further includes a junction plug comprising a porous material and a cross member impermeable to a target fluid positioned between the junction plug and the cavity. The cross member is disposed proximate to the junction plug, defining an aperture to enable electrochemical communication between the target fluid and the reference electrolyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Georg Fischer Signet LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wells, Gert Burkhardt, Anthony Thai
  • Publication number: 20110114484
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing having an outer wall, an axial bore circumscribed by the outer wall, and a barrier wall that aids in defining a reference cavity. The housing further including a plurality of cross members in spaced relation to one another disposed between the axial bore and the outer wall, each cross member defining an aperture. A junction plug is disposed at the distal end of the housing. The junction plug comprises a porous material that enables ionic flow through the junction plug. The sensor enables ionic communication between the target fluid and the reference electrode within the reference cavity through the apertures of the plurality of cross members. In this manner, the sensor provides generally a long, tortuous flow path, or salt bridge, between the target fluid and the reference electrode, resulting in a high resistance factor for the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: GEORG FISCHER SIGNET LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wells, Gert Burkhardt, Anthony Thai
  • Patent number: 7909972
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing having an outer wall, an axial bore circumscribed by the outer wall, and a barrier wall that aids in defining a reference cavity. The housing further including a plurality of cross members in spaced relation to one another disposed between the axial bore and the outer wall, each cross member defining an aperture. A junction plug is disposed at the distal end of the housing. The junction plug comprises a porous material that enables ionic flow through the junction plug. The sensor enables ionic communication between the target fluid and the reference electrode within the reference cavity through the apertures of the plurality of cross members. In this manner, the sensor provides generally a long, tortuous flow path, or salt bridge, between the target fluid and the reference electrode, resulting in a high resistance factor for the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wells, Gert Burkhardt, Anthony Thai
  • Patent number: 7867371
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing defining a cavity for a reference electrolyte and defining an opening to the cavity configured to be proximate to a target fluid. The sensor further includes a junction plug comprising a porous material and a cross member impermeable to a target fluid positioned between the junction plug and the cavity. The cross member includes a planar portion disposed against the junction plug that defines an aperture to enable electrochemical communication between the target fluid and the reference electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wells, Gert Burkhardt, Anthony Thai
  • Patent number: 7799193
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing having an outer wall, a plurality of longitudinal walls disposed within the outer wall, and a reference chamber housing a reference electrode. The longitudinal walls define a plurality of longitudinal chambers. Ionic communication between the target fluid and the reference electrode passes sequentially through each of longitudinal chambers from a first longitudinal chamber to the reference chamber. In this manner, the sensor provides generally a long, tortuous flow path, or salt bridge, between the target fluid and the reference electrode, resulting in a high resistance factor for the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wells, Gert Burkhardt, Anthony Thai
  • Patent number: 7550979
    Abstract: A system and related method are provided to calibrate for wire capacitance during use to minimize error in conductivity measurement of the target fluid. The system includes a signal generator configured to drive the conductivity cell and the temperature element, with an alternating current (AC) drive signal having variable parameter. The system further includes a processor assembly electrically coupled to the conductivity cell and the temperature element to calculate a conductivity value of the fluid. The conductivity value is a function of the values of the temperature measurement, the compensation measurement, and the raw conductivity measurement, thereby compensating the conductivity value for capacitance effects. In this manner, the system effectively compensates for capacitance attributable to wiring extending between the electrode and other electronics of the sensor, usable with wiring of varied and unknown lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet LLC
    Inventors: Qinming Zhou, Gert Burkhardt
  • Publication number: 20080297173
    Abstract: A system and related method are provided to calibrate for wire capacitance during use to minimize error in conductivity measurement of the target fluid. The system includes a signal generator configured to drive the conductivity cell and the temperature element, with an alternative current (AC) drive signal having variable parameter. The system further includes a processor assembly electrically coupled to the conductivity cell and the temperature element to calculate a conductivity value of the fluid. The conductivity value is a function of the values of the temperature measurement, the compensation measurement, and the raw conductivity measurement, thereby compensating the conductivity value for capacitance effects. In this manner, the system effectively compensates for capacitance attributable to wiring extending between the electrode and other electronics of the sensor, usable with wiring of varied and unknown lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: GEORG FISCHER SIGNET LLC
    Inventors: Qinming Zhou, Gert Burkhardt
  • Publication number: 20080217175
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing having an outer wall, a plurality of longitudinal walls disposed within the outer wall, and a reference chamber housing a reference electrode. The longitudinal walls define a plurality of longitudinal chambers. Ionic communication between the target fluid and the reference electrode passes sequentially through each of longitudinal chambers from a first longitudinal chamber to the reference chamber. In this manner, the sensor provides generally a long, tortuous flow path, or salt bridge, between the target fluid and the reference electrode, resulting in a high resistance factor for the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: George Fischer Signet, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Wells, Gert Burkhardt, Anthony Thai