Patents by Inventor Herbert G. Ross, Jr.

Herbert G. Ross, Jr. 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: 11860026
    Abstract: An electronic liquid level gauge assembly includes an electronic display located in a housing connected to a tank. The display has first and second display portions for indicating liquid level condition. A first electronic sensor senses a change in magnetic field of a magnet associated with a liquid level transducer, with magnet rotation being proportional liquid level change. A processor determines a temperature-compensated liquid level condition by correlating the liquid level signal with temperature measurement of the liquid. A temperature-compensated vapor space can also be calculated based on tank information and properties of the liquid. Signals related to the temperature-compensated liquid level and vapor space are sent to the display and wirelessly transmitted to a smart phone or the like for remotely viewing the tank information. The smart phone also includes a special app for sending information, firmware updates, and display configuration data to the electronic gauge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Rochester Sensors, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Neal Lease, Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200264031
    Abstract: An electronic liquid level gauge assembly includes an electronic display located in a housing connected to a tank. The display has first and second display portions for indicating liquid level condition. A first electronic sensor senses a change in magnetic field of a magnet associated with a liquid level transducer, with magnet rotation being proportional liquid level change. A processor determines a temperature-compensated liquid level condition by correlating the liquid level signal with temperature measurement of the liquid. A temperature-compensated vapor space can also be calculated based on tank information and properties of the liquid. Signals related to the temperature-compensated liquid level and vapor space are sent to the display and wirelessly transmitted to a smart phone or the like for remotely viewing the tank information. The smart phone also includes a special app for sending information, firmware updates, and display configuration data to the electronic gauge assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin Neal Lease, Herbert G. Ross, JR.
  • Patent number: 10684157
    Abstract: An electronic liquid level gauge assembly includes an electronic display located in a housing connected to a tank. The display has first and second display portions for indicating liquid level condition. A first electronic sensor senses a change in magnetic field of a magnet associated with a liquid level transducer, with magnet rotation being proportional liquid level change. A processor determines a temperature-compensated liquid level condition by correlating the liquid level signal with temperature measurement of the liquid. A temperature-compensated vapor space can also be calculated based on tank information and properties of the liquid. Signals related to the temperature-compensated liquid level and vapor space are sent to the display and wirelessly transmitted to a smart phone or the like for remotely viewing the tank information. The smart phone also includes a special app for sending information, firmware updates, and display configuration data to the electronic gauge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Neal Lease, Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190033119
    Abstract: An electronic liquid level gauge assembly includes an electronic display located in a housing connected to a tank. The display has first and second display portions for indicating liquid level condition. A first electronic sensor senses a change in magnetic field of a magnet associated with a liquid level transducer, with magnet rotation being proportional liquid level change. A processor determines a temperature-compensated liquid level condition by correlating the liquid level signal with temperature measurement of the liquid. A temperature-compensated vapor space can also be calculated based on tank information and properties of the liquid. Signals related to the temperature-compensated liquid level and vapor space are sent to the display and wirelessly transmitted to a smart phone or the like for remotely viewing the tank information. The smart phone also includes a special app for sending information, firmware updates, and display configuration data to the electronic gauge assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Benjamin Neal Lease, Herbert G. Ross, JR.
  • Patent number: 10175088
    Abstract: An indicator assembly for determining a liquid level condition within a tank includes a dial assembly with a base and a lens or cover connected to the base. A channel is formed in the lens and a go-no-go protrusion projects into the channel. An actuator is located between the base and the cover and is movable in response to a change in liquid level in the tank. The indicator assembly also includes a sensor module for insertion into the channel. The sensor module has a housing with a sensor for determining movement of the actuator in response to a change in liquid level. A go-no-go cavity complementary in shape with the go-no-go protrusion is formed in the housing so that the sensor module can be fully inserted into the housing with the sensor aligned with the actuator for generating signals related to the liquid level condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Neal Lease, Herbert G. Ross, Jr., Robert E. Hrncir
  • Patent number: 10082416
    Abstract: An electronic liquid level gauge assembly includes an electronic display located in a housing connected to a tank. The display has first and second display portions for indicating liquid level condition. A first electronic sensor senses a change in magnetic field of a magnet associated with a liquid level transducer, with magnet rotation being proportional liquid level change. A processor determines a temperature-compensated liquid level condition by correlating the liquid level signal with temperature measurement of the liquid. A temperature-compensated vapor space can also be calculated based on tank information and properties of the liquid. Signals related to the temperature-compensated liquid level and vapor space are sent to the display and wirelessly transmitted to a smart phone or the like for remotely viewing the tank information. The smart phone also includes a special app for sending information, firmware updates, and display configuration data to the electronic gauge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Neal Lease, Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9958312
    Abstract: A liquid level gauge for determining the level or volume of liquid within a tank includes a mounting head adapted for connection to the tank, a gauge assembly connected to one side of the mounting head, and an elongate sensing probe assembly extending into the tank. The gauge assembly includes a rotatable gauge plate with a scale located thereon and a rotatable indicator that moves across the scale in response to a change in liquid level. The gauge plate is weighted for rotation toward a gravitational force vector for orientation with an upper surface of the liquid in the tank independent of tank tilt. The sensing probe includes a float rod with an integral coil spring hinge to facilitate installation of the gauge within the tank. A counterweight is adjustable along the float rod to fine-tune float weight or buoyancy for a particular gauge configuration and liquid type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Texas LFP, LLC
    Inventors: Herbert G. Ross, Jr., John Gordon Storace
  • Patent number: 9304027
    Abstract: A tilted gauge head for indicating liquid level within a container is operatively connectable to a liquid level sending unit. The gauge head includes a mounting base adapted for connection to the container, an indicator dial assembly operatively connectable to the liquid level sending unit for indicating liquid level, and at least one bracket with a rear mounting wall connected to the mounting base and a front mounting wall connected to the indicator dial assembly. The mounting walls are oriented at an acute angle with respect to each other such that the indicator dial assembly is oriented or tilted at the acute angle with respect to the mounting base. In this manner, the indicator dial assembly can more easily be viewed by a user from an angle to thereby reduce parallax reading errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Texas LFP, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9297686
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining at least first and second properties of a fluid associated with a tank includes a mounting head adapted for connection to the tank, a housing extending from the mounting head, and an integral chamber formed in the housing. The chamber is in fluid communication between the tank and a down-line device of the vehicle or equipment with which the tank is associated. A sensor module can be installed in the chamber for measuring different parameters of the fluid. Other modules can be interchanged with the sensor module for accomplishing different operations associated with the apparatus and/or fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Texas LFP, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9151657
    Abstract: A liquid level transducer for a tank, such as a railroad tank car or the like, includes a mounting head connected to the tank and a sensor assembly extending into the tank from the mounting head. The sensor assembly includes a sensor tube located in the tank and a gauging rod assembly positioned in the sensor tube. The gauging rod assembly can be pulled out of the tank until it magnetically couples with a magnetic float that surrounds the sensor tube. The float moves in response to a change in liquid level and the magnetic coupling provides the user with a visual indication of the liquid level. A sensor board extends along a length of the gauging rod assembly and is responsive to movement of the float for electronically determining the liquid level without the need to magnetically couple the gauging rod assembly to the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Texas LFP, LLC
    Inventors: Herbert G. Ross, Jr., Gagik Farmanyan, Carl Alan Taylor
  • Patent number: 9068877
    Abstract: A liquid level sending unit for indicating liquid level within a container includes a mounting base adapted for mounting on a wall of a container, a support member extending from the mounting base, a float arm pivotally mounted to the support member about a pivot axis, a float connected to the float arm on one side of the pivot axis, a first counterweight located on one side of the pivot axis, and a second adjustable counterweight located on an opposite side of the pivot axis. The second counterweight is adjusted along a length of the float arm until a predetermined buoyancy weight of the float is achieved for a particular liquid to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Texas LFP, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150068301
    Abstract: A liquid level transducer for a tank, such as a railroad tank car or the like, includes a mounting head connected to the tank and a sensor assembly extending into the tank from the mounting head. The sensor assembly includes a sensor tube located in the tank and a gauging rod assembly positioned in the sensor tube. The gauging rod assembly can be pulled out of the tank until it magnetically couples with a magnetic float that surrounds the sensor tube. The float moves in response to a change in liquid level and the magnetic coupling provides the user with a visual indication of the liquid level. A sensor board extends along a length of the gauging rod assembly and is responsive to movement of the float for electronically determining the liquid level without the need to magnetically couple the gauging rod assembly to the float.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Herbert G. Ross, JR., Gagik Farmanyan, Carl Alan Taylor
  • Patent number: 8604934
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely determining a liquid level condition within a tank includes a liquid level gauge connectable to the tank, a dial assembly associated with the liquid level gauge and an optical transceiver for determining a reflectivity of the dial assembly. The dial assembly includes a reflective layer, a blocking layer positioned over the reflective layer for blocking at least a portion of the reflective layer, and a disk that is magnetically coupled to the liquid level gauge. One of the reflective and blocking layers is associated with the disk for rotation therewith. The optical transceiver is positioned for projecting radiant energy toward the reflective layer and detecting the presence or absence of reflected radiant energy and for generating a signal indicative of a low liquid level condition within the tank when at least a substantial portion of the reflective layer is covered by the blocking layer or when a failure occurs in the system to thereby provide a fail-safe mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Texas LFP, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120260844
    Abstract: A tilted gauge head for indicating liquid level within a container is operatively connectable to a liquid level sending unit. The gauge head includes a mounting base adapted for connection to the container, an indicator dial assembly operatively connectable to the liquid level sending unit for indicating liquid level, and at least one bracket with a rear mounting wall connected to the mounting base and a front mounting wall connected to the indicator dial assembly. The mounting walls are oriented at an acute angle with respect to each other such that the indicator dial assembly is oriented or tilted at the acute angle with respect to the mounting base. In this manner, the indicator dial assembly can more easily be viewed by a user from an angle to thereby reduce parallax reading errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120260730
    Abstract: A liquid level sending unit for indicating liquid level within a container includes a mounting base adapted for mounting on a wall of a container, a support member extending from the mounting base, a float arm pivotally mounted to the support member about a pivot axis, a float connected to the float arm on one side of the pivot axis, a first counterweight located on one side of the pivot axis, and a second adjustable counterweight located on an opposite side of the pivot axis. The second counterweight is adjusted along a length of the float arm until a predetermined buoyancy weight of the float is achieved for a particular liquid to be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, JR.
  • Patent number: D662000
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert G. Ross, Jr., Gagik Farmanyan
  • Patent number: D662001
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert G. Ross, Jr., Gagik Farmanyan
  • Patent number: D750507
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Texas LFP, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Patent number: D832124
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Neal Lease, Herbert G. Ross, Jr., Robert E. Hrncir
  • Patent number: D833310
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Neal Lease, Herbert G. Ross, Jr., Robert E. Hrncir