Patents by Inventor Helmut Brockhaus

Helmut Brockhaus 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: 10503224
    Abstract: A method for operating a flowmeter having at least one diagnostic unit, a counter unit and a storage unit with at least one memory for carrying out a plurality of time-limited measuring operations during which the counter unit determines at least the overall volume of a fluid passing through the flowmeter during one measuring operation. The counter unit is operated for the duration of a time-limited measuring operation, and the diagnostic unit recognizes at least one erroneous or error-free state of the flowmeter. The method ensures a particularly high reliability of the measured values determined during an individual measuring operation by the diagnostic unit generating at least one status message based on the state that is transmitted to the storage unit and stored in the memory, and by several status messages being transmitted and cumulatively stored in the memory at least for the duration of the measuring operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Dabrowski, Helmut Brockhaus
  • Publication number: 20190368905
    Abstract: A magnetic-inductive flowmeter for determining the flow of a medium, having a measuring tube for guiding the medium and having two electrodes for tapping a measuring voltage induced in the medium, wherein the measuring tube has an inflow section, a measuring section and an outflow section arranged one after the other in the flow direction of the medium, the inflow section having a cross section which decreases in the flow direction, the measuring section having a constant cross section and being symmetrical with respect to a measuring section symmetry plane which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tube, and the outflow section having a cross section which increases in the flow direction and is formed at least partially asymmetrically with respect to the measuring section symmetry plane in order to increase measuring accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Ali-Osman Gedikli, Maarten Hijbrand Bos
  • Publication number: 20190226889
    Abstract: A magnetic-inductive flowmeter for determining the flow of at least one medium, having first and second parallel measuring tubes for guiding the at least one medium, a magnetic field generating device for generating a magnetic field permeating the measuring tubes perpendicular to the flow direction of the at least one medium, first and second electrode pairs for respectively tapping a first and second measuring voltage induced in the medium, and an evaluation unit for evaluating the measuring voltages. Increased reliability in functioning of the flowmeter and the determined flow and flow difference values is achieved by the first and second electrode pairs being formed together by a first, second and third electrodes, the second electrode being both part of the first electrode pair and part of the second electrode pair and being arranged between the two measuring tubes. The electrodes are arranged perpendicular to the flow and magnetic field directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Applicant: Krohne AG
    Inventors: Joseph NEVEN, Helmut BROCKHAUS
  • Patent number: 10215607
    Abstract: Described and shown is a method for operating a flowmeter (1) having a measuring tube (2), wherein the flow (d) of a medium (4) through the measuring tube (2) is measured. A continuous dwell time of the measured flow (d) greater than or equal to a flow threshold (ds) is assigned to a flow interval (?tD,1, ?tD,2) and a flow volume (V1, V2) is determined from the measured flow (d) in the flow interval (?tD,1, ?tD,2). In each case, a continuous dwell time of the measured flow (d) less than the flow threshold (ds) is assigned to a zero flow interval (?tN,1). In each case, a deviation volume of the flow volume (V1, V2) in one of the flow intervals (?tD,1, ?tD,2) from a reference flow volume is determined and the deviation volume is compared to a threshold deviation volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Markus Dabrowski, Wilhelm Florin
  • Publication number: 20190014391
    Abstract: A measuring device with at least one sensor and at least one transmitter housing, the transmitter housing having at least one terminal space and an electronics space adjacent to the terminal space and connected via a partition wall, wherein at least a first electronic device for connecting supply and/or I/O lines is arranged in the terminal space and at least a second electronic device is arranged in the electronics space with electronics for controlling the sensor. The first and second electronic devices are electrically conductively connected to one another via a contacting unit. The second electronic device has a terminal unit which is connected to the contacting unit via a plug connection hat has a joining direction. The terminal unit is fixedly arranged in the joining direction and to float perpendicular to the joining direction such that it adapts to the position of the contacting unit when connecting to the contacting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Achim Matt
  • Publication number: 20180356267
    Abstract: A magnetic-inductive flowmeter for measuring the flow of a conductive medium having a measuring tube, a magnetic field generator, a magnetic circuit device for guiding the measuring magnetic field, electrodes for detecting a flow-dependent electrical measuring voltage when the conductive medium flows through the measuring tube, and an electronic control and evaluation unit, and a method for operating the magnetic-inductive flowmeter. To make the magnetic-inductive flowmeter which smaller and cheaper, a sensor for detecting a physical disturbance variable acting on the magnetic circuit device is arranged on the magnetic circuit device, wherein the measuring magnetic field is influenced by the physical disturbance variable and wherein the control and evaluation unit is designed such that it detects and signals an exceeding or falling below of a pre-definable limit value of the physical disturbance variable and/or performs a correction of the effect of the physical disturbance variable on the flow measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Applicant: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Wilhelm Florin
  • Publication number: 20180351735
    Abstract: A method is described for secure communication with a field measuring device of process measuring technology. A plurality of scopes of rights, and a plurality of public keys of a corresponding plurality of asymmetrical key pairs, are stored in the field measuring device. Each public key is assigned a scope of rights, and at least one private key of the corresponding plurality of asymmetric key pairs is stored in an external communicator. Upon establishing contact of the external communicator with the field measuring device, the external communicator identifies itself by a public-key authentication with the stored private key to the field measuring device. The field measuring device authenticates the external communicator using a suitable public key stored in the field measuring device. The field measuring device then opens an operating session in which the external communicator is granted access to the information technology content of the field measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Helmut Brockhaus
  • Patent number: 10082780
    Abstract: A field device and a method for parameterization of a field device are disclosed. The method includes transmitting a parameter value to the field device from a parameterization unit. The method also includes generating a feedback character string from the received parameter value by the field device and the transmitting feedback character string to the parameterization unit. The method further includes outputting the received feedback character string by the parameterization unit so that it is understandable for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Johannes Kunze, Ralf Storm
  • Publication number: 20180249571
    Abstract: A device for receiving an electronics assembly having a closed housing with a housing wall, at least one electronic component, a holder and a fan with a fan housing, wherein the electronic component, the holder and the fan are arranged within the housing, and the fan is arranged in the holder. To provide a device for receiving an electronics assembly that enables an alternative cooling of the electronics assembly in a closed housing is achieved in that the fan is designed as a revolving blade fan and by the fact that the fan generates a continuous air flow for cooling the electronic unit during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Applicant: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Alexander Erkelenz, Achim Matt
  • Patent number: 9992613
    Abstract: A method for connecting a field device (1) to an operating unit (2), and a field device (1) for use therewith, via which a connection between a field device and an operating unit can be implemented when the field device is mounted at a location that is difficult to access is achieved in that a query signal is transmitted to the field device (1) by the operating unit (2) and that a response signal is generated by the field device (1) as a reaction to the query signal, in that the field device (1) generates a blinking display and/or a change in color of the display and/or an acoustic signal and/or a change in an acoustic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Lars Lemke
  • Publication number: 20170371387
    Abstract: A method for operating a flowmeter having at least one diagnostic unit, a counter unit and a storage unit with at least one memory for carrying out a plurality of time-limited measuring operations during which the counter unit determines at least the overall volume of a fluid passing through the flowmeter during one measuring operation. The counter unit is operated for the duration of a time-limited measuring operation, and the diagnostic unit recognizes at least one erroneous or error-free state of the flowmeter. The method ensures a particularly high reliability of the measured values determined during an individual measuring operation by the diagnostic unit generating at least one status message based on the state that is transmitted to the storage unit and stored in the memory, and by several status messages being transmitted and cumulatively stored in the memory at least for the duration of the measuring operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Dabrowski, Helmut Brockhaus
  • Publication number: 20170344751
    Abstract: A method for configuring a field device for use in custody transfer and such a field device, wherein the field device has a computing unit and a storage, wherein parameters and/or functions are stored in the storage, and wherein the parameters and/or functions are at least partially configurable. A more flexible configuration of the field device used for custody transfer is achieved by at least two blocking groups being provided, wherein each blocking group comprises at least one parameter and/or at least one function of the field device, at least one blocking group is chosen and evaluated by the computing unit, and the computing unit blocking the parameters and/or functions contained in the chosen at least one blocking group against a subsequent change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Johannes Kunze, Nicolaus Mathies
  • Publication number: 20170255570
    Abstract: A flowmeter for use in custody transfer, having a housing, at last one evaluation unit arranged in the housing and having an interface arranged in the housing for communication with an external control unit that can be written with data via the interface. Inadmissible influencing of the evaluation unit is prevented by at least two write protection sensor elements being arranged in the housing, by the outside of the housing having a receptacle for at least one write protection influencing element that sets the write protection sensor elements into a write protection state when inserted in the receptacle, and by the write protection state of the write protection sensor elements being detected by the evaluation unit. In detecting the write protection state of at least one of the write protection sensor elements by the evaluation unit, writing the evaluation unit with data via the interface is at least partially inhibited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Applicant: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Brockhaus
  • Patent number: 9599494
    Abstract: Method for operating for measuring the flow velocity of a flowing medium using a measuring device in which a magnetic field is induced in the flowing medium and on which a interference voltage is superimposed. During compensation measuring, a first magnetic flux density is generated in the medium and a first measuring voltage determined, a second magnetic flux density is generated in the medium and a second measured voltage determined, and a third magnetic flux density is generated in the medium and a third measured voltage determined. The flow velocity is determined from the first and second magnetic flux densities and measured voltages, and the interference voltage is determined form the third magnetic flux density and measured voltage and the determined flow velocity. Then, a fourth measured voltage is determined, and the flow velocity re-determined from the third magnetic flux density, the fourth measured voltage and the determined interference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Attila Bilgic, Helmut Brockhaus, Josef Neven, Christoph Spiegel
  • Publication number: 20160334257
    Abstract: Described and shown is a method for operating a flowmeter (1) having a measuring tube (2), wherein the flow (d) of a medium (4) through the measuring tube (2) is measured. A continuous dwell time of the measured flow (d) greater than or equal to a flow threshold (ds) is assigned to a flow interval (?tD,1, ?tD,2) and a flow volume (V1, V2) is determined from the measured flow (d) in the flow interval (?tD,1, ?tD,2). In each case, a continuous dwell time of the measured flow (d) less than the flow threshold (ds) is assigned to a zero flow interval (?tN,1). In each case, a deviation volume of the flow volume (V1, V2) in one of the flow intervals (?tD,1, ?tD,2) from a reference flow volume is determined and the deviation volume is compared to a threshold deviation volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Helmut BROCKHAUS, Markus DABROWSKI, Wilhelm FLORIN
  • Patent number: 9482565
    Abstract: A magnetic-inductive flowmeter has a plurality of functional units and a housing which is common to all of the functional units. Each functional unit has a measuring tube for an electrically conductive medium to flow through, a magnetic field-generating device having at least one field coil for generating a magnetic field which runs at least also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tube, and two measuring electrodes. A virtual connecting line between the measuring electrodes runs at least substantially perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field which passes through the measuring tube. A common medium-inflow connection is created in the housing for the measuring tubes of all of the functional units, a common power supply is created for the magnetic field-generating device of all of the functional units, and a common evaluation unit is created for the measuring electrodes of all of the functional units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Krohne AG
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Wilhelm Florin
  • Publication number: 20160127858
    Abstract: A method for connecting a field device (1) to an operating unit (2), and a field device (1) for use therewith, via which a connection between a field device and an operating unit can be implemented when the field device is mounted at a location that is difficult to access is achieved in that a query signal is transmitted to the field device (1) by the operating unit (2) and that a response signal is generated by the field device (1) as a reaction to the query signal, in that the field device (1) generates a blinking display and/or a change in color of the display and/or an acoustic signal and/or a change in an acoustic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Applicant: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Lars Lemke
  • Patent number: 9285253
    Abstract: A method for testing of a measuring device arrangement (1), the measuring device arrangement (1) comprising a measuring device (2) which, based on the determination of a measured quantity, generates an output signal which can be tapped from a pick-off site (3) as a pick-off signal. A method for monitoring a measuring device arrangement is devised that constitutes an inline test that does not interrupt the measurement or the transfer of the measured values is achieved in that an action is applied to the measuring device (2) such that the measuring device (2) generates a test signal as the output signal, and that the output signal and/or a signal which is dependent on it is influenced such that the pick-off signal is a definable setting signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Brockhaus
  • Patent number: 9200933
    Abstract: A magneto-inductive flowmeter having at least one measuring tube for the flow of an electrically conducting medium, having at least one magnetic field generator for generating a preferably alternating magnetic field running at least also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tube, having at least two measuring electrodes—in particular in contact with the medium—and having a functional unit containing at least one evaluation unit and a method of operating same. The magneto-inductive flowmeter is user-friendly in a very particular manner, namely in that the functional unit has a request initiator that can be activated—by the user or the flowmeter itself—, a contacting receiver and an information sender and that by the request initiator, a third party can be prompted—by the user or the flowmeter itself—into contact—with the user or with the flowmeter itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Krohne Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Wilhelm Florin
  • Publication number: 20150323358
    Abstract: Method for operating for measuring the flow velocity of a flowing medium using a measuring device in which a magnetic field is induced in the flowing medium and on which a interference voltage is superimposed. During compensation measuring, a first magnetic flux density is generated in the medium and a first measuring voltage determined, a second magnetic flux density is generated in the medium and a second measured voltage determined, and a third magnetic flux density is generated in the medium and a third measured voltage determined. The flow velocity is determined from the first and second magnetic flux densities and measured voltages, and the interference voltage is determined form the third magnetic flux density and measured voltage and the determined flow velocity. Then, a fourth measured voltage is determined, and the flow velocity re-determined from the third magnetic flux density, the fourth measured voltage and the determined interference voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Attila Bilgic, Helmut Brockhaus, Josef Neven, Christoph Spiegel