Patents by Inventor Peter Senghaas

Peter Senghaas 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: 20110056289
    Abstract: A rain gauge device is provided that uses a plurality of conductivity sensors to determine liquid levels. Certain rain gauge devices include a plurality of conductivity sensors fixed along the length of a support member, wherein each conductivity sensor comprises at least two selectable electrodes for sensing the presence of a liquid by measuring a conductivity of the liquid between these electrodes when a liquid is present between the sensing electrodes, and an electronic command unit adapted to apply a voltage between a common electrode and a selected electrode. Level measuring devices are also provided that comprise a collector, a measuring tube, a plurality of conductivity sensors and an electronic command unit for applying a voltage across the conductivity sensors and for converting the conductivity measured into a digital output for each increment. Methods of use and operation are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Karl A. Senghaas, Peter Senghaas, Michel E. Sengghaas, Colin M. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 7584656
    Abstract: A rain gauge device is provided that uses a plurality of conductivity sensors to determine liquid levels. Certain rain gauge devices include a plurality of conductivity sensors fixed along the length of a support member, wherein each conductivity sensor comprises at least two selectable electrodes for sensing the presence of a liquid by measuring a conductivity of the liquid between these electrodes when a liquid is present between the sensing electrodes, and an electronic command unit adapted to apply a voltage between a common electrode and a selected electrode. Level measuring devices are also provided that comprise a collector, a measuring tube, a plurality of conductivity sensors and an electronic command unit for applying a voltage across the conductivity sensors and for converting the conductivity measured into a digital output for each increment. Methods of use and operation are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Electrolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl A. Senghaas, Peter Senghaas, Michel E. Senghaas, Colin M. Sanderson
  • Publication number: 20090064776
    Abstract: A rain gauge device is provided that uses a plurality of conductivity sensors to determine liquid levels. Certain rain gauge devices include a plurality of conductivity sensors fixed along the length of a support member, wherein each conductivity sensor comprises at least two selectable electrodes for sensing the presence of a liquid by measuring a conductivity of the liquid between these electrodes when a liquid is present between the sensing electrodes, and an electronic command unit adapted to apply a voltage between a common electrode and a selected electrode. Level measuring devices are also provided that comprise a collector, a measuring tube, a plurality of conductivity sensors and an electronic command unit for applying a voltage across the conductivity sensors and for converting the conductivity measured into a digital output for each increment. Methods of use and operation are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Karl A. Senghaas, Peter Senghaas, Michel E. Senghaas, Colin M. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 6363785
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a relative location detection apparatus including a detection unit having a support board having a plurality of spaced reed switches mounted along a lengthwise axis of the support board. Each of the reed switches has a longitudinal axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the support board. A high intensity magnet is coupled to the support board for movement relative to the support board and in a direction substantially parallel to the support board's lengthwise axis. The magnet has north and south poles that are oppositely positioned to one another and directed toward one another across a width of the support board and into periodic alignment with the longitudinal axes of the reed switches. The magnet has a magnetic force sufficiently focused so that the magnet actuates the reed switches individually thereby indicating the magnet's location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventors: Karl A. Senghaas, Peter Senghaas, Jerzy Michalec, Peter T. Kolonko, Jr., John H. Gold
  • Patent number: 5347864
    Abstract: An improved liquid level measuring apparatus having a plurality of spaced reed switches having a microprocessor attached to the liquid level measuring sensor apparatus. The switches are wired together in parallel and in sets and are addressed by a shift register for providing a parallel to serial shift of the switch status position to the microprocessor. This allows a reduction in the number of conductors existing the sensor and providing an output signal indicating the vertical position of a float relative to the switches. A microprocessor control notes any inoperative switches, disregards the reading of the inoperative switches in calculating liquid level, and provides stored information to the measurement process for compensating for defective switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Electrolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl A. Senghaas, Peter Senghaas, Jing Wang, Pete T. Kolonko, Jr., Jerzy Michalec
  • Patent number: 5027284
    Abstract: A control system for use with a drink dispenser comprises a mode switch for causing the control system to switch between operation in a program mode and a dispense mode. Volumetric parameter data is provided by a volumetric parameter generator and is representative of dispensed drink volume. A memory stores the volumetric parameter data. A controller is coupled to the mode switch, the memory and the volumetric parameter generator and causes the volumetric parameter data to be stored in the memory while the control system is operating in the program mode and causes drink volume to be dispensed as a function of the stored volumetric parameter data while the control system is operating in the dispense mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: The Cornelius Company
    Inventors: Karl A. Senghaas, Peter Senghaas, Jerzy Michalec
  • Patent number: 4976146
    Abstract: A plurality of spaced reed switches vertically aligned for positioning in a liquid. Each of the reed switches vertically overlaps the adjacent above and below reed switches and the longitudinal axis of the reed switches is at an angle to the vertical. A float carries magnets and is movably positioned coaxially about the plurality of switches. An electrical indicator is connected to the switches for indicating the vertical position of the float relative to the switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventors: Karl A. Senghaas, Peter Senghaas
  • Patent number: 4583443
    Abstract: An electronic metronome for training musical students in various rhythm patterns is disclosed. The electronic metronome is battery powered and completely contained within a hand held component case for ease in transport and storage. A solid state memory device which may be selectively programmed with a plurality of digital logic signals by means of manual switches is automatically and repetitively accessed in a selected sequential order and at a selected rate and the digital logic signals stored therein are converted to audible "clicks" or tones and inaudible pauses. Variable amplification circuitry coupled to the output of the memory device permits the volume of the clicks or tones to be selected by the operator and a pair of light emitting diodes permits the output of the memory device to be simultaneously converted to a visual signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: Harry Yokel
    Inventors: Karl A. Senghaas, Peter Senghaas
  • Patent number: 4583916
    Abstract: A direct current operated bailer pump which utilizes battery power to winch up, while recovering the energy generated by the motor acting as a generator during the downward movement of the bailer to recharge the battery. A sensing circuit senses when the bailer contacts the surface of the oil by monitoring the generated voltage from the motor. A voltage drop corresponds to the sudden decrease in velocity as the bailer encounters the surface of the oil in the well. A dynamic brake is connected to the motor, after a set time period, to decrease the down speed of the bailer to a predetermined safe speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: Southwest Bailer Pump Company
    Inventors: Karl A. Senghaas, Peter Senghaas
  • Patent number: 4516911
    Abstract: A solid state switching controller for use with various types of oil well bailer pumps. Individually programmable steps with lockouts provide multiple mutual exclusivity between various circuit operations. A trickle charge battery system powers the control circuits. A tank overflow float protects against oil spillage. An automatic production rate adjustment circuit is provided which increases cycle time in proportion to the rate of production. The circuit includes a low power voltage detector for disabling the control circuits until the line voltage is acceptable. A three-phase power and control system with an isolation transformer for the controls avoids unreliable ground connections. The timers include a dividing circuit with an RC circuit. All power actuated apparatus are actuated by triac switches which are controlled by an opto driver. The bailer brake is pulse actuated for allowing the bailer to sink into crude oil without excess cable looseness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Southwest Bailer Pump Company
    Inventors: Karl A. Senghaas, Peter Senghaas