Patents by Inventor Norbert Kreft

Norbert Kreft 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: 20050145040
    Abstract: An exhaust flow measurement system uses a noise attenuation device to cancel exhaust gas pulsations at the harmonic frequency of a flow rate measurement transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventors: Norbert Kreft, William Silvis
  • Publication number: 20050109129
    Abstract: A perforated mixing plate and is fluid passage are used in conjunction with a dilution tunnel to prevent particulate matter from collecting on the sampling system components. An inlet of a sampling probe is offset from the centerline of the dilution tunnel to a location corresponding to an average particulate matter concentration along a flow profile of a sample mixture to reduce the length of the dilution tunnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Publication date: May 26, 2005
    Inventor: Norbert Kreft
  • Publication number: 20050086994
    Abstract: A vehicle exhaust measurement system is provided includes that a conduit having a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet. A make-up air tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit inlet. The make-up air tube provides make-up air for mixing an exhaust gas. A mixed gas tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit outlet. The mixed gas tube conveys a mixture of make-up air and exhaust gas to analysis equipment. In the preferred embodiment, the exhaust gas tube extends through an outer wall of the conduit. A mixing plate is arranged in either the conduit or the mixed gas tube with the exhaust gas tube extending to a position adjacent to the mixing plate. The exhaust gas tube conveys the exhaust gas to the mixing plate to mix the exhaust gas and the make-up air at the mixing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Inventors: William Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek, James Williamson
  • Publication number: 20050061054
    Abstract: A vehicle exhaust measurement system is provided includes that a conduit having a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet. A make-up air tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit inlet. The make-up air tube provides make-up air for mixing an exhaust gas. A mixed gas tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit outlet. The mixed gas tube conveys a mixture of make-up air and exhaust gas to analysis equipment. In the preferred embodiment, the exhaust gas tube extends through an outer wall of the conduit. A mixing plate is arranged in either the conduit or the mixed gas tube with the exhaust gas tube extending to a position adjacent to the mixing plate. The exhaust gas tube conveys the exhaust gas to the mixing plate to mix the exhaust gas and the make-up air at the mixing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Publication date: March 24, 2005
    Inventors: William Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek, James Williamson
  • Patent number: 6857327
    Abstract: A particulate sampler is provided for use in analyzing particulate matter in exhaust gas. The sampler includes a transfer tube assembly including a probe at least partially defining a sample exhaust gas passageway. The transfer tube assembly has a first end portion with an opening for receiving exhaust gas and extends to a second end portion. A mixer receives the second end portion and includes a dilution gas passageway for carrying a dilution gas. The dilution gas passageway is in communication with the sample exhaust gas passageway for introducing the dilution gas to the exhaust gas. A tunnel is connected to the mixer and includes a gas mixing passageway extending a length for homogeneously mixing the gases together. The gas mixing passageway tapers toward the second end portion to ensure that the particulate matter mixes with the gases along the length of the gas mixing passageway without collecting in a recirculating flow area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: AVL North America Inc.
    Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek
  • Publication number: 20050032232
    Abstract: An exhaust emission analysis system is provided that includes an exhaust and dilution gas source respectively providing exhaust and dilution gases. A dilution unit includes exhaust and dilution gas flow devices, such as mass flow controllers, fluidly connected to the exhaust and dilution gas sources, respectively. The metering device in the mass flow controllers defines a gas flow rate of gas from its respective gas source. The gas flow devices are fluidly connected at a connection that mixes the gases to provide a diluted exhaust gas having an incorrect dilution ratio. A water measurement device such as an analyzer measures the water content of the exhaust gas, preferably subsequent to dilution. A water content dilution signal corresponding to the water content in the exhaust gas is sent from the water measurement device to a control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Inventors: William Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek, Wolfgang Schindler
  • Patent number: 6823748
    Abstract: A particulate sampler is provided for conveying exhaust gas from exhaust gas source to analysis equipment. The particulate sampler includes a probe for receiving the exhaust gas and a transfer tube for conveying the exhaust gas from a tailpipe to a mixer. The mixer mixes the exhaust gas and a dilution gas from a dilution source. A dilution tunnel mixes and conveys the exhaust gas and dilution gas from the mixer to analysis equipment such as a filter or gas analyzers. A flow pulsation cancellation device includes an actuator in communication with at least one of the tailpipe, probe, transfer tube, mixer, and dilution tunnel for introducing a canceling pressure pulse to minimize the effects of pressures pulses present from the tailpipe within the sampler. The actuator may be a moveable membrane or a fluid flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: AVL North America Inc.
    Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Wolfgang Schindler, Gerald Marek
  • Patent number: 6823268
    Abstract: An exhaust emission analysis system is provided that includes an exhaust and dilution gas source respectively providing exhaust and dilution gases. A dilution unit includes exhaust and dilution gas flow devices, such as mass flow controllers, fluidly connected to the exhaust and dilution gas sources, respectively. The metering device in the mass flow controllers defines a gas flow rate of gas from its respective gas source. The gas flow devices are fluidly connected at a connection that mixes the gases to provide a diluted exhaust gas having an incorrect dilution ratio. A water measurement device such as an analyzer measures the water content of the exhaust gas, preferably subsequent to dilution. A water content dilution signal corresponding to the water content in the exhaust gas is sent from the water measurement device to a control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: AVL North America Inc.
    Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Geraki Marek, Wolfgang Schindler
  • Publication number: 20040191130
    Abstract: An emission sampling system includes an exhaust gas probe for sampling exhaust gas. A dilution gas source provides a dilution gas, and a mixing device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas probe and the dilution gas source to mix the sampled exhaust gas and the dilution gas to form a diluted exhaust gas. A particulate filter is in fluid communication with the mixing device downstream therefrom. A dilution temperature conditioning device is arranged between the dilution gas source and the mixing device for obtaining a desired dilution gas temperature. A temperature sensor is arranged in the sampling system for producing a temperature signal corresponding to a temperature of fluid flowing through the sampling system. A controller is connected to the temperature sensor for processing the temperature signal and determining a filter temperature from the temperature signal. The controller commands the conditioning device in response to the filter temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald Marek, Norbert Kreft
  • Publication number: 20040107762
    Abstract: A vehicle exhaust measurement system is provided includes that a conduit having a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet. A make-up air tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit inlet. The make-up air tube provides make-up air for mixing an exhaust gas. A mixed gas tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit outlet. The mixed gas tube conveys a mixture of make-up air and exhaust gas to analysis equipment. In the preferred embodiment, the exhaust gas tube extends through an outer wall of the conduit. A mixing plate is arranged in either the conduit or the mixed gas tube with the exhaust gas tube extending to a position adjacent to the mixing plate. The exhaust gas tube conveys the exhaust gas to the mixing plate to mix the exhaust gas and the make-up air at the mixing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek, James Williamson
  • Patent number: 6742407
    Abstract: A particulate sampler is provided for use in analyzing particulate matter in exhaust gas. The sampler includes a transfer tube assembly including a probe at least partially defining a sample exhaust gas passageway. The transfer tube assembly has a first end portion with an opening for receiving exhaust gas and extends to a second end portion. A mixer receives the second end portion and includes a dilution gas passageway for carrying a dilution gas. The dilution gas passageway is in communication with the sample exhaust gas passageway for introducing the dilution gas to the exhaust gas. A tunnel is connected to the mixer and includes a gas mixing passageway extending a length for homogeneously mixing the gases together. The gas mixing passageway tapers toward the second end portion to ensure that the particulate matter mixes with the gases along the length of the gas mixing passageway without collecting in a recirculating flow area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: AVL North America Inc.
    Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek
  • Publication number: 20040074319
    Abstract: A particulate sampler is provided for use in analyzing particulate matter in exhaust gas. The sampler includes a transfer tube assembly including a probe at least partially defining a sample exhaust gas passageway. The transfer tube assembly has a first end portion with an opening for receiving exhaust gas and extends to a second end portion. A mixer receives the second end portion and includes a dilution gas passageway for carrying a dilution gas. The dilution gas passageway is in communication with the sample exhaust gas passageway for introducing the dilution gas to the exhaust gas. A tunnel is connected to the mixer and includes a gas mixing passageway extending a length for homogeneously mixing the gases together. The gas mixing passageway tapers toward the second end portion to ensure that the particulate matter mixes with the gases along the length of the gas mixing passageway without collecting in a recirculating flow area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek
  • Publication number: 20030159496
    Abstract: An exhaust gas measurement system is provided that includes a probe to find a sample exhaust gas passageway for collecting exhaust gas. A stainless steel canister is fluidly connected to the probe for storing the exhaust gas. A pump fluidly interconnects the probe and the canister for transferring the exhaust gas from the probe to the canister. A pressure mass flow controller fluidly interconnects the probe and the canister and produces an exhaust gas flow measurement corresponding to the flow of the exhaust gas from the probe to the canister. A temperature sensor senses a temperature of the exhaust gas proximate to the pressure mass flow controller. The temperature sensor corrects the exhaust gas flow measurement based upon the temperature sensed. A pressure sensor senses a pressure of the exhaust gas proximate to the pressure mass flow controller. The temperature sensor corrects the exhaust gas flow measurement based upon the pressure sensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph Fitzgerald McDonald, William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek
  • Publication number: 20030149536
    Abstract: An exhaust emission analysis system is provided that includes an exhaust and dilution gas source respectively providing exhaust and dilution gases. A dilution unit includes exhaust and dilution gas flow devices, such as mass flow controllers, fluidly connected to the exhaust and dilution gas sources, respectively. The metering device in the mass flow controllers defines a gas flow rate of gas from its respective gas source. The gas flow devices are fluidly connected at a connection that mixes the gases to provide a diluted exhaust gas having an incorrect dilution ratio. A water measurement device such as an analyzer measures the water content of the exhaust gas, preferably subsequent to dilution. A water content dilution signal corresponding to the water content in the exhaust gas is sent from the water measurement device to a control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Geraki Marek, Wolfgang Schindler
  • Publication number: 20030033891
    Abstract: A particulate sampler is provided for use in analyzing particulate matter in exhaust gas. The sampler includes a transfer tube assembly including a probe at least partially defining a sample exhaust gas passageway. The transfer tube assembly has a first end portion with an opening for receiving exhaust gas and extends to a second end portion. A mixer receives the second end portion and includes a dilution gas passageway for carrying a dilution gas. The dilution gas passageway is in communication with the sample exhaust gas passageway for introducing the dilution gas to the exhaust gas. A tunnel is connected to the mixer and includes a gas mixing passageway extending a length for homogeneously mixing the gases together. The gas mixing passageway tapers toward the second end portion to ensure that the particulate matter mixes with the gases along the length of the gas mixing passageway without collecting in a recirculating flow area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek
  • Patent number: 6481299
    Abstract: A particulate sampler is provided for use in analyzing particulate matter in exhaust gas. The sampler includes a transfer tube assembly including a probe at least partially defining a sample exhaust gas passageway. The transfer tube assembly has a first end portion with an opening for receiving exhaust gas and extends to a second end portion. A mixer receives the second end portion and includes a dilution gas passageway for carrying a dilution gas. The dilution gas passageway is in communication with the sample exhaust gas passageway for introducing the dilution gas to the exhaust gas. A tunnel is connected to the mixer and includes a gas mixing passageway extending a length for homogeneously mixing the gases together. The gas mixing passageway tapers toward the second end portion to ensure that the particulate matter mixes with the gases along the length of the gas mixing passageway without collecting in a recirculating flow area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: AVL North America Inc.
    Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek
  • Publication number: 20020157482
    Abstract: A particulate sampler is provided for conveying exhaust gas from exhaust gas source to analysis equipment. The particulate sampler includes a probe for receiving the exhaust gas and a transfer tube for conveying the exhaust gas from a tailpipe to a mixer. The mixer mixes the exhaust gas and a dilution gas from a dilution source. A dilution tunnel mixes and conveys the exhaust gas and dilution gas from the mixer to analysis equipment such as a filter or gas analyzers. A flow pulsation cancellation device includes an actuator in communication with at least one of the tailpipe, probe, transfer tube, mixer, and dilution tunnel for introducing a canceling pressure pulse to minimize the effects of pressures pulses present from the tailpipe within the sampler. The actuator may be a moveable membrane or a fluid flow control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Wolfgang Schindler, Gerald Marek
  • Publication number: 20020134174
    Abstract: A particulate sampler is provided for use in analyzing particulate matter in exhaust gas. The sampler includes a transfer tube assembly including a probe at least partially defining a sample exhaust gas passageway. The transfer tube assembly has a first end portion with an opening for receiving exhaust gas and extends to a second end portion. A mixer receives the second end portion and includes a dilution gas passageway for carrying a dilution gas. The dilution gas passageway is in communication with the sample exhaust gas passageway for introducing the dilution gas to the exhaust gas. A tunnel is connected to the mixer and includes a gas mixing passageway extending a length for homogeneously mixing the gases together. The gas mixing passageway tapers toward the second end portion to ensure that the particulate matter mixes with the gases along the length of the gas mixing passageway without collecting in a recirculating flow area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek