Patents by Inventor Michael D. Flasza

Michael D. Flasza 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).

  • Publication number: 20220260470
    Abstract: There is disclosed a radar transmitter for emulsion measurement comprising a probe defining a transmission line for sensing impedance. A first excitation circuit is connected to a top of the probe for generating downward travelling excitation signals on the transmission line and receiving a reflected signal from the transmission line. A second excitation circuit is connected to a bottom of the probe for generating upward travelling excitation signals on the transmission line and receiving a reflected signal from the transmission line, each of the reflected signals comprising a waveform of probe impedance over time. A controller is operatively connected to the excitation circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicant: Magnetrol International, Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul G. Janitch, Michael D. Flasza, Steven R. Page, Feng Tang
  • Patent number: 9546895
    Abstract: A radar transmitter for emulsion measurement comprises a probe defining a transmission line for sensing impedance. A pulse circuit is connected to the probe for generating pulses on the transmission line and receiving a reflected signal from the transmission line. The reflected signal comprises a waveform of probe impedance over time. A controller is operatively connected to the pulse circuit. The controller profiles content of the emulsion responsive to the waveform by transforming the waveform into impedance relative to distance, converting the transformed waveform into effective dielectric relative to distance, determining mixture content of the emulsion at select distances responsive to the effective dielectric at the select distances and developing an output representing mixture content relative to level units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Magnetrol International, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael D. Flasza, Feng Tang, Steven R. Page
  • Patent number: 9360361
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method of measuring and profiling a process liquid in a process vessel. The process liquid includes an emulsion layer between two media of differing dielectric constants. An electromagnetic signal is generated and transmitted along a probe, defining a transmission line, extending into the vessel. The transmission line comprises a conductor in contact with the process liquid with an insulating coating on the conductor to maximize signal penetration in the process liquid. A reflected signal is received from the transmission line and a programmed controller is operatively connected to the probe for measuring characteristics of reflected signal energy along the transmission line for profiling the emulsion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Magnetrol International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Flasza, Feng Tang
  • Patent number: 9081081
    Abstract: A guided wave radar level measurement instrument comprises a probe defining a transmission line for sensing material level. A pulse circuit is connected to the probe for generating pulses on the transmission line and receiving reflected signals from the transmission line. The pulse circuit comprises a pulse generator for generating a transmit pulse, a bridge circuit having a diode switched front end connected between the pulse generator and a differential circuit. The transmission line is connected to one side of the differential circuit. Generated pulses from the pulse generator are supplied to both sides of the differential circuit and reflected signals from the transmission line are supplied to one side of the differential circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Magnetrol International, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael D. Flasza, Feng Tang
  • Publication number: 20150084809
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method of measuring and profiling a process liquid in a process vessel. The process liquid includes an emulsion layer between two media of differing dielectric constants. An electromagnetic signal is generated and transmitted along a probe, defining a transmission line, extending into the vessel. The transmission line comprises a conductor in contact with the process liquid with an insulating coating on the conductor to maximize signal penetration in the process liquid. A reflected signal is received from the transmission line and a programmed controller is operatively connected to the probe for measuring characteristics of reflected signal energy along the transmission line for profiling the emulsion layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Magnetrol International, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael D. Flasza, Feng Tang
  • Publication number: 20140125514
    Abstract: A guided wave radar level measurement instrument comprises a probe defining a transmission line for sensing material level. A pulse circuit is connected to the probe for generating pulses on the transmission line and receiving reflected signals from the transmission line. The pulse circuit comprises a pulse generator for generating a transmit pulse, a bridge circuit having a diode switched front end connected between the pulse generator and a differential circuit. The transmission line is connected to one side of the differential circuit. Generated pulses from the pulse generator are supplied to both sides of the differential circuit and reflected signals from the transmission line are supplied to one side of the differential circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNETROL INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Michael D. Flasza
  • Publication number: 20140085133
    Abstract: A radar transmitter for emulsion measurement comprises a probe defining a transmission line for sensing impedance. A pulse circuit is connected to the probe for generating pulses on the transmission line and receiving a reflected signal from the transmission line. The reflected signal comprises a waveform of probe impedance over time. A controller is operatively connected to the pulse circuit. The controller profiles content of the emulsion responsive to the waveform by transforming the waveform into impedance relative to distance, converting the transformed waveform into effective dielectric relative to distance, determining mixture content of the emulsion at select distances responsive to the effective dielectric at the select distances and developing an output representing mixture content relative to level units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Magnetrol International, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael D. Flasza, Feng Tang, Steven R. Page
  • Patent number: 7889120
    Abstract: A through air level measurement instrument for use in minimizing tank rattle comprises a housing and an antenna secured to the housing. A process adaptor is associated with the antenna and the housing for securing the instrument to a closed tank with the antenna directed into an interior of the closed tank. A control in the housing generates and receives a high frequency signal using an electromagnetic radiating element proximate the antenna. The control comprises an equivalent time sampling circuit including a main oscillator driving a timing circuit controlling timing between transmitted and sample pulses. A noise generator is operatively associated with the main oscillator to randomly modulate timing of the main oscillator. The control minimizes inaccuracies caused by tank rattle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Magnetrol International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Flasza
  • Publication number: 20100201563
    Abstract: A through air level measurement instrument for use in minimizing tank rattle comprises a housing and an antenna secured to the housing. A process adaptor is associated with the antenna and the housing for securing the instrument to a closed tank with the antenna directed into an interior of the closed tank. A control in the housing generates and receives a high frequency signal using an electromagnetic radiating element proximate the antenna. The control comprises an equivalent time sampling circuit including a main oscillator driving a timing circuit controlling timing between transmitted and sample pulses. A noise generator is operatively associated with the main oscillator to randomly modulate timing of the main oscillator. The control minimizes inaccuracies caused by tank rattle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Michael D. Flasza
  • Patent number: 7271646
    Abstract: A loop powered process instrument comprises a control circuit measuring a process variable and developing a control signal representing the process variable. An output circuit for connection to a two-wire process loop controls current on the loop in accordance with the control signal. A power supply circuit is connected to the output circuit and the control circuit for receiving power from the two-wire process loop and supplying power to the control circuit. The power supply comprises cascaded charge pump circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Magnetrol International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Flasza
  • Patent number: 7259952
    Abstract: A process control instrument includes a circuit board having a control circuit for generating or receiving a high frequency signal. An antenna includes an electrical conductor. An intrinsic safety circuit couples the control circuit to the antenna and comprises a microstrip transmission line on the circuit board electrically connecting the control circuit to the electrical conductor. A safety stub has a first end electrically connected to the transmission line proximate the electrical conductor and a second end connected to a ground of the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Magnetrol International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Flasza, Stanislaw Bleszynski
  • Patent number: 6980174
    Abstract: A process control instrument includes a circuit board having a control circuit for generating or receiving a high frequency signal. An antenna includes an electrical conductor. An intrinsic safety circuit couples the control circuit to the antenna and comprises a microstrip transmission line on the circuit board electrically connecting the control circuit to the electrical conductor. A safety stub has a first end electrically connected to the transmission line proximate the electrical conductor and a second end connected to a ground of the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Magnetrol International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Flasza, Stanislaw Bleszynski
  • Publication number: 20040066588
    Abstract: A process control instrument includes a circuit board having a control circuit for generating or receiving a high frequency signal. An antenna includes an electrical conductor. An intrinsic safety circuit couples the control circuit to the antenna and comprises a microstrip transmission line on the circuit board electrically connecting the control circuit to the electrical conductor. A safety stub has a first end electrically connected to the transmission line proximate the electrical conductor and a second end connected to a ground of the control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Magnetrol International
    Inventors: Michael D. Flasza, Stanislaw Bleszynski
  • Publication number: 20040061537
    Abstract: A loop powered process instrument comprises a control circuit measuring a process variable and developing a control signal representing the process variable. An output circuit for connection to a two-wire process loop controls current on the loop in accordance with the control signal. A power supply circuit is connected to the output circuit and the control circuit for receiving power from the two-wire process loop and supplying power to the control circuit. The power supply comprises cascaded charge pump circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Magnetrol International
    Inventor: Michael D. Flasza
  • Patent number: 5183242
    Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus (10) and method are disclosed that are fast, efficient, easy to set up and involve a minimum number of components. The sheet feeding mechanism (10) includes a first gripping member (20) comprised of two first suction cups (21) and a second gripping member (40) comprised of two second suction cups (41). The first suction cups (21) are moved along a first path (P1) between a first position and a second position by a first guide means (25). The second suction cups (41) are moved along a second path (P2) between a third position and a fourth position by a second guide means (60). Vacuum means (22,42) are connected to the suction cups (21,41) for picking up, holding and releasing sheets (TS). The first suction cups (21) pick up a sheet (TS) and transfer it to the second suction cups (41) which take the sheet (TS) to a lamination unit (LU1,LU2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: D&K Custom Machine Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Crimmins, Michael D. Flasza
  • Patent number: 5079981
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting the leading and trailing edges of an opaque sheet angling initially at an offset angle with respect to a cutting blade includes a pair of light sources and a pair of light sensors opposite said light sources. An opaque sheet to be cut is moved at right angles to a line extending between said pairs of light source and sensors to bring said article edges to and past said pairs of light sources and sensors. The sensors produce article edge angle indicating signals which indicate the time difference each edge reaches said pair of sensors. Means are provided responsive to said signals which adjust the blade angle to be parallel to each article edge so the blade cuts parallel to each edge. The angle indicating could be signals which are a direct measure of the difference in times each edge reaches the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: D&K Custom Machine Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Singer, Michael D. Flasza
  • Patent number: 4553141
    Abstract: A color monitor includes R G and B gain blocks, in the form of balanced multipliers, and a potentiometer picture control for supplying a common DC gain control voltage to the differentially coupled transistor pairs in the gain blocks. A common black level control adjusts the zero level for the signals. Changes in gain control voltage do not affect black level or color balance of the picture tube display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Flasza, David K. Nienaber
  • Patent number: 4460918
    Abstract: A television signal receiving apparatus having a first input for receiving a composite video signal and a second input for receiving a direct-drive RGB signal includes an electronic switching circuit for automatically switching between composite video and RGB modes of operation. The switching circuit is responsive to the presence of the sync component of an RGB signal at the second input for automatically establishing the RGB mode of operation wherein only the input RGB signal is used to form the image display and is responsive to the absence of the sync component of the RGB signal at the second input for establishing the composite video mode of operation wherein the composite video signal at the first input is used to form the image display. Provisions are included for developing an override signal for allowing the development of a mixed mode image display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Flasza
  • Patent number: 4446443
    Abstract: An integratable amplifier is disclosed for developing a high level output signal with reduced power dissipation. The amplifier includes a first circuit (108, 110) which responds to an input signal for developing first and second signal currents whose amplitudes increase and decrease, respectively, in response to an input signal transition of a given direction. A second circuit (32a) receives the first signal current for establishing a third signal current which mirrors the first signal current. The second and third signal currents are received by a third circuit (70a) for conversion thereof to an amplified output signal. To stabilize the gain of the amplifier, a negative feedback path (50a) is coupled between the input signal and the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: Zenith Radio Corporation
    Inventors: Fred D. Johnson, Michael D. Flasza, George J. Tzakis
  • Patent number: 4370674
    Abstract: A stabilization network is disclosed which compensates for variable emission characteristics of a cathode in a television receiver's cathode ray tube. During the receiver's vertical interval, a variable gain video amplifier applies a black level D.C. voltage to the cathode. The resulting cathode current is sensed and compared to a low level reference current. If the cathode current does not equal the reference current, a control signal is applied to the amplifier. The amplifier responds to changing its D.C. output voltage until the cathode current is equal to the reference current. The amplifier also responds to the control signal by altering its gain so that, when a video signal is received, the cathode develops peak white currents of a given value in response to peak white portions of the video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Assignee: Zenith Radio Corporation
    Inventors: Fred D. Johnson, Michael D. Flasza, Wayne E. Bretl