Patents by Inventor Neil T. Wilkie

Neil T. Wilkie 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: 11085806
    Abstract: A level sensing apparatus (110) for attachment to a sounding tube to measure levels of content in a tank. The level sensing apparatus includes a housing (16) for enclosing components of the level sensing apparatus (20). These components include a transmitter and an antenna (18) operatively connected to the transmitter for directing electrical or mechanical waves in a direction away from the transmitter. The antenna is adapted to also receive electrical and mechanical waves. The apparatus further includes a sounding tube adaptor (32) sized for attachment to a sounding tube, and a connector assembly operatively attaching the housing to the sounding tube adaptor. The connector assembly enabling the housing to rotate relative to the sounding tube adaptor about a horizontal axis to expose an open end of the sounding tube. In use, the level sensing apparatus allows for pulse radar measurement of liquid levels in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Vega Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Esther Milagros Díaz Rivera, Greggory James Garrett, Michael Ray Conley, Neil T. Wilkie
  • Publication number: 20170227392
    Abstract: A level sensing apparatus (110) for attachment to a sounding tube to measure levels of content in a tank. The level sensing apparatus includes a housing (16) for enclosing components of the level sensing apparatus (20). These components include a transmitter and an antenna (18) operatively connected to the transmitter for directing electrical or mechanical waves in a direction away from the transmitter. The antenna is adapted to also receive electrical and mechanical waves. The apparatus further includes a sounding tube adaptor (32) sized for attachment to a sounding tube, and a connector assembly operatively attaching the housing to the sounding tube adaptor. The connector assembly enabling the housing to rotate relative to the sounding tube adaptor about a horizontal axis to expose an open end of the sounding tube. In use, the level sensing apparatus allows for pulse radar measurement of liquid levels in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Esther Milagros Díaz Rivera, Greggory James Garrett, Michael Ray Conley, Neil T. Wilkie
  • Patent number: 7515095
    Abstract: An antenna for a level sensing gauge comprises an environmentally sealed chamber extending from the level sensing gauge and mounting and positionable within the interior of a storage compartment, including a breathable aperture for permitting pressure and humidity equalization between the interior of said chamber and an exterior environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Ohmart/VEGA Corporation
    Inventors: Neil T. Wilkie, Douglas A. Groh, Christopher P. Lewis, William C. Gable
  • Patent number: 7392699
    Abstract: A device for use in measuring stratified fluid levels in a container is disclosed. The device has a microwave transceiver sensor head attached to a waveguide sensor rod which is enclosed by a gauge tube. The rod end tubes are comprised of sections which allow them to be assembled or disassembled in a close quarters environment. The tube has a plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced slots providing for the equalization of stratified fluids within the tube. The rod is generally radially centered in the tube by the use of a plurality of spacers which reside in notches in the rod. The spacers are adapted to not penetrate the slots in the tube. The rod can be removed from the tube for cleaning without draining the tank. Additionally, once the rod is removed from the tube, a cleaner brush or scraper can be used to remove any barnacles or other debris from within the tube and the longitudinal slots in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Ohmart/VEGA Corporation
    Inventors: Juergen Motzer, Juergen Dietmeier, Neil T. Wilkie, Michael L. Topputo
  • Publication number: 20080079628
    Abstract: An antenna for a level sensing gauge comprises an environmentally sealed chamber extending from the level sensing gauge and mounting and positionable within the interior of a storage compartment, including a breathable aperture for permitting pressure and humidity equalization between the interior of said chamber and an exterior environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: OHMART/VEGA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Neil T. Wilkie, Douglas A. Groh, Christopher P. Lewis, William C. Gable
  • Patent number: 7237435
    Abstract: A device for use in measuring stratified fluid levels in a container is disclosed. The device has a microwave transceiver sensor head attached to a waveguide sensor rod which is enclosed by a gauge tube. The rod end tubes are comprised of sections which allow them to be assembled or disassembled in a close quarters environment. The tube has a plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced slots providing for the equalization of stratified fluids within the tube. The rod is generally radially centered in the tube by the use of a plurality of spacers which reside in notches in the rod. The spacers are adapted to not penetrate the slots in the tube. The rod can be removed from the tube for cleaning without draining the tank. Additionally, once the rod is removed from the tube, a cleaner brush or scraper can be used to remove any barnacles or other debris from within the tube and the longitudinal slots in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Ohmart/Vega Corporation
    Inventors: Juergen Motzer, Juergen Dietmeier, Neil T. Wilkie, Michael L. Topputo
  • Patent number: 7134315
    Abstract: An improved pulse radar level sensing gauge for insertion into a storage or processing tank includes a housing; a probe cover comprising a sealing flange; and a probe for sensing electrical and mechanical properties, positioned at least partly below the sealing flange of the probe cover. The unitary flange of the probe cover aids in preventing contamination of the tank contents by foreign substances. Additionally, the location of the probe at least partly below the sealing flange of the probe cover improves the accuracy of the level sensing gauge by reducing disruption of the properties by the tank following the attachment of the level sensing gauge to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ohmart/Vega Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph E. Stigler, Neil T. Wilkie
  • Patent number: 6988404
    Abstract: A device for use in measuring stratified fluid levels in a container is disclosed. The device has a microwave transceiver sensor head attached to a waveguide sensor rod which is enclosed by a gauge tube. The rod end tubes are comprised of sections which allow them to be assembled or disassembled in a close quarters environment. The tube has a plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced slots providing for the equalization of stratified fluids within the tube. The rod is generally radially centered in the tube by the use of a plurality of spacers which reside in notches in the rod. The spacers are adapted to not penetrate the slots in the tube. The rod can be removed from the tube for cleaning without draining the tank. Additionally, once the rod is removed from the tube, a cleaner brush or scraper can be used to remove any barnacles or other debris from within the tube and the longitudinal slots in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ohmart/VEGA Corporation
    Inventors: Juergen Motzer, Juergen Dietmeier, Neil T. Wilkie, Michael L. Topputo
  • Patent number: 6538598
    Abstract: A level sensing apparatus for attachment to a vessel to measure levels of contents in a tank of the vessel. The level sensing apparatus includes a housing, a transmitter disposed within and operatively connected to said housing, and an antenna operatively connected to the transmitter for directing electrical and/or mechanical waves in a direction away from the transmitter. The antenna is further adapted to receive electrical and/or mechanical waves. The level sensing apparatus further includes a mounting system affixing the level sensing apparatus to a vessel. The mounting system is adapted such that the mounting system can be placed in a first position while the transmitter is affixed to the vessel, wherein levels of contents in a tank can be measured with electrical and/or mechanical waves, or in a second position while the transmitter is affixed to the vessel, wherein levels of contents in a tank can be measured manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ohmart VEGA Corporation
    Inventors: Neil T. Wilkie, Michael L. Topputo
  • Patent number: 6337655
    Abstract: A level sensing apparatus for attachment to a sounding tube in order to measure levels of contents in a tank. This level sensing apparatus includes a housing for enclosing the various components of the level sensing apparatus. The level sensing apparatus of the present invention also includes a sounding tube adapter operatively connected to the housing and is further adapted for attachment to a sounding tube. Additionally, the sounding tube adapter includes an orifice disposed through its sidewall. The sounding tube adapter also includes a cover which can seal off the orifice, or may be opened to allow manual liquid level measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Ohmart Vega Corporation
    Inventors: Neil T. Wilkie, Michael L. Tupputo