Patents by Inventor Simon Weidenbruch
Simon Weidenbruch 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).
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Patent number: 11913969Abstract: A method for calibrating a radiometric device for determining and/or monitoring the density of a medium located in a container includes: determining the count rate of the radioactive radiation after it has passed through the empty container on the basis of the activity of the transmitting unit; determining the measured count rate of the radioactive radiation after it has passed through the container when a calibration medium of known density is located in the container; determining the mass attenuation coefficient according to the formula ?=?(ln(N/N0))/(?1D), where D is a beam path of the radioactive radiation or inner diameter of the container, and ?1 is density of the calibration medium; and calculating a calibration curve representing the dependence of the density of the medium on the count rate of the measured radiation intensity after the radiation has passed through the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Endress+Hauser SE+Co. KGInventors: Arun Shankar Venkatesh Iyer, Narcisse Michel Nzitchieu Gadeu, Simon Weidenbruch, Jörn Lange, Sebastian Eumann
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Publication number: 20240006090Abstract: A radiation protection container of a measuring system serves for radiometric density or fill level measurement. The radiation protection container is based on two base bodies connected to one another via a planar surface. The radiation waveguide extends for focused emission in a plane defined by the planar surface, wherein the radiation waveguide is formed by depressions in the base body surfaces. The radiation protection container comprises radiation absorption structures formed by depressions and complementary elevations in the base body surfaces lying on top of each other. An advantage is that refractory base bodies based on steel can be used and it is possible for the depressions and/or elevations to be realized using surface machining. The radiation absorption structures ensure that no radiation exits the radiation protection container laterally.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2021Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Lars Stolz, Romy Gabel, Simon Weidenbruch
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Publication number: 20220317007Abstract: A method for calibrating a radiometric device for determining and/or monitoring the density of a medium located in a container includes: determining the count rate of the radioactive radiation after it has passed through the empty container on the basis of the activity of the transmitting unit; determining the measured count rate of the radioactive radiation after it has passed through the container when a calibration medium of known density is located in the container; determining the mass attenuation coefficient according to the formula ?=?(ln(N/N0))/(?1D), where D is a beam path of the radioactive radiation or inner diameter of the container, and ?1 is density of the calibration medium; and calculating a calibration curve representing the dependence of the density of the medium on the count rate of the measured radiation intensity after the radiation has passed through the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2021Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Arun Shankar Venkatesh Iyer, Narcisse Michel Nzitchieu Gadeu, Simon Weidenbruch, Jörn Lange, Sebastian Eumann
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Publication number: 20200393391Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating a radiometric apparatus for determining and/or monitoring density of a medium (6) located in a container (1). The method includes method steps as follows: determining the mass attenuation coefficient ?C of the empty container (1) with application of the half value thickness N/N0=0.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2018Publication date: December 17, 2020Inventors: Arun Shankar Venkatesh Iyer, Narcisse Michel Nzitchieu Gadeu, Simon Weidenbruch, Jörn Lange, Sebastian Eumann
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Patent number: 10859422Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining a remaining operating period of a detector unit for a radiometric, density- or fill-level measuring device. The detector unit includes a photomultiplier. In such method, the control voltage of the photomultiplier is registered over at least one predetermined time period, a time rate of change function is ascertained based on control voltage registered during the predetermined time period, and the remaining operating period until reaching a maximum control voltage is calculated by means of the time rate of change function and a current control voltage, which is present at the current operating time. The method of the present disclosure permits approximation of the remaining operating period of the detector unit and, thus, timely learning of when required maintenance measures, especially aging related replacement of the photomultiplier, must be performed.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2017Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Endress+Hauser SE+Co. KGInventors: Hartmut Damm, Mingzheng Jiang, Narcisse Michel Nzitchieu Gadeu, Simon Weidenbruch
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Patent number: 10594222Abstract: Described is an explosion endangered region usable, switching power supply for supplying an output voltage controlled to a desired value, comprising a supply path, which includes a switching controller controlled via a driver, a galvanically isolated transformer connected after the switching controller, and, connected after the transformer, a rectifier-containing, output circuit, and a feedback path, via which the driver is fed a signal transmitted via a light source and a light receiver and reflecting the output voltage, based on which the driver controls the output voltage to the desired value via a corresponding operation of the switching controller. The feedback path includes a voltage regulator, which regulates a supply voltage falling across the light source to a fixed value, and an electrical current regulator, which regulates an electrical current flowing through the light source to an electrical current value corresponding to the output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Endress+Hauser SE+Co. KGInventors: Simon Weidenbruch, Narcisse Michel Nzitchieu Gadeu, Max Jehle
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Publication number: 20200056923Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining a remaining operating period of a detector unit for a radiometric, density- or fill-level measuring device. The detector unit includes a photomultiplier. In such method, the control voltage of the photomultiplier is registered over at least one predetermined time period, a time rate of change function is ascertained based on control voltage registered during the predetermined time period, and the remaining operating period until reaching a maximum control voltage is calculated by means of the time rate of change function and a current control voltage, which is present at the current operating time. The method of the present disclosure permits approximation of the remaining operating period of the detector unit and, thus, timely learning of when required maintenance measures, especially aging related replacement of the photomultiplier, must be performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2017Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Hartmut Damm, Mingzheng Jiang, Narcisse Michel Nzitchieu Gadeu, Simon Weidenbruch
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Patent number: 10533889Abstract: A method for limit level monitoring with a radiometric limit switch. A detector measures discrete radiation intensities. Statistical distributions of radiation intensities in a state, free of medium, and in a state, covered by medium, are given by two Poisson distributions.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: ENDRESS+HAUSER SE+CO.KGInventors: Simon Weidenbruch, Hartmut Damm, Mingzheng Jiang, Robert Schäuble
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Publication number: 20190334443Abstract: Described is an explosion endangered region usable, switching power supply for supplying an output voltage controlled to a desired value, comprising a supply path, which includes a switching controller controlled via a driver, a galvanically isolated transformer connected after the switching controller, and, connected after the transformer, a rectifier-containing, output circuit, and a feedback path, via which the driver is fed a signal transmitted via a light source and a light receiver and reflecting the output voltage, based on which the driver controls the output voltage to the desired value via a corresponding operation of the switching controller. The feedback path includes a voltage regulator, which regulates a supply voltage falling across the light source to a fixed value, and an electrical current regulator, which regulates an electrical current flowing through the light source to an electrical current value corresponding to the output voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2017Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: Simon Weidenbruch, Narcisse Michel Nzitchieu Gadeu, Max Jehle
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Patent number: 9804278Abstract: The invention relates to a radiometric measuring device for carrying out measurements in an explosion-prone area, which radiometric measuring device requires only little space at the measurement location and can be economically produced. The radiometric measuring device comprises a measuring unit (7) that can be used in the explosion-prone area. Said measuring unit comprises a scintillator (13), which converts radioactive radiation incident on the scintillator into photons, and a semiconductor detector (15), which is connected to the scintillator (13) and can be operated by means of an inherently safe energy supply and metrologically captures photons arising in the scintillator (13) and reaching the semiconductor detector (15), and converts said photons into electrical measurement signals. Explosion protection measures to be associated exclusively with the ignition protection class of the inherent safety are provided in the measuring unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Dieter Benz, Simon Weidenbruch
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Publication number: 20160320498Abstract: The invention relates to a radiometric measuring device for carrying out measurements in an explosion-prone area, which radiometric measuring device requires only little space at the measurement location and can be economically produced. The radiometric measuring device comprises a measuring unit (7) that can be used in the explosion-prone area. Said measuring unit comprises a scintillator (13), which converts radioactive radiation incident on the scintillator into photons, and a semiconductor detector (15), which is connected to the scintillator (13) and can be operated by means of an inherently safe energy supply and metrologically captures photons arising in the scintillator (13) and reaching the semiconductor detector (15), and converts said photons into electrical measurement signals. Explosion protection measures to be associated exclusively with the ignition protection class of the inherent safety are provided in the measuring unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2014Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventors: Dieter Benz, Simon Weidenbruch
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Patent number: 9158007Abstract: A scintillation detector, especially one for a radiometric measuring device for measuring and/or monitoring a measured variable, especially a fill level of a fill substance located in a container, for covering a predeterminable measuring range as flexibly as possible in shape and length. To this end, the scintillation detector comprises two or more scintillators arranged in series relative to one another for converting thereon falling, radioactive radiation into light flashes, whose light propagates in the respective scintillator toward its ends. Arranged between the scintillators are optical coupling elements, which establish light transmitting connections between adjoining pairs of scintillators. Connected at an end of the series is a photoelectric transducer, which converts light occurring in the series into an electrical signal corresponding to a radiation intensity striking the scintillators.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Hartmut Damm, Simon Weidenbruch
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Publication number: 20150014547Abstract: A scintillation detector, especially one for a radiometric measuring device for measuring and/or monitoring a measured variable, especially a fill level of a fill substance located in a container, for covering a predeterminable measuring range as flexibly as possible in shape and length. To this end, the scintillation detector comprises two or more scintillators arranged in series relative to one another for converting thereon falling, radioactive radiation into light flashes, whose light propagates in the respective scintillator toward its ends. Arranged between the scintillators are optical coupling elements, which establish light transmitting connections between adjoining pairs of scintillators. Connected at an end of the series is a photoelectric transducer, which converts light occurring in the series into an electrical signal corresponding to a radiation intensity striking the scintillators.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2012Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Hartmut Damm, Simon Weidenbruch
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Publication number: 20140353507Abstract: An apparatus for determining the fill level of a medium in a container, comprising: an emitting unit to be monitored in the container and emits radioactive radiation into the container; a first detector unit receives radioactive radiation and forwards measurement data relative to the fill level of the medium to a control/evaluation unit; a second detector unit which receives the radioactive radiation, respectively the secondary radiation, wherein two interfaces for transmission of measurement data to the control/evaluation unit are associated with the second detector unit. Via the first interface measurement data are transmitted. Via the second interface measurement data are transmitted. The control/evaluation unit based on measurement data transmitted by the first detector unit and the second detector unit corrects the fill level of the medium in the container in such a manner that the influence of gas or vapor in the gas, or vapor, space on the measured fill level is at least approximately compensated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Dirk Glaser, Simon Weidenbruch
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Patent number: 8878136Abstract: A radiometric measuring device comprising: a radioactive radiator which sends radioactive radiation through a container; and a detector serving to receive a radiation intensity penetrating through the container, dependent on the physical, measured variable, and to convert such into an electrical output signal. The detector includes a carrier, on which at least one scintillation fiber is wound, which converts radiometric radiation impinging thereon into light flashes, whose light propagates in the respective scintillation fiber toward its ends. The detector further includes at least one array of avalanche photodiodes operated in a Geiger mode, which convert light impinging thereon into an electrical signal. The detector also has a measuring device electronics connected to the avalanche photodiodes for producing the electrical output signal, based on the electrical signals of the avalanche photodiodes.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Simon Weidenbruch, Hartmut Damm, Robert Schauble
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Publication number: 20130204550Abstract: A method for limit level monitoring with a radiometric limit switch. A detector measures discrete radiation intensities. Statistical distributions of radiation intensities in a state, free of medium, and in a state, covered by medium, are given by two Poisson distributions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Simon Weidenbruch, Hartmut Damm, Mingzheng Jiang, Robert Schäuble
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Patent number: 8487262Abstract: A radiometric for measuring a physical, measured variable of a fill substance located in a container and for outputting a measurement signal, which corresponds to a measured value of the physical, measured variable. The measuring device has available a single line-pair, via which energy supply of the total measuring device occurs, and via which transmission of the measurement signal occurs.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Hartmut Damm, Jochen Politt, Simon Weidenbruch, Mingzehn Jiang
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Publication number: 20120043466Abstract: A radiometric measuring device for measuring a physical, measured variable, especially a fill level or a density, of a fill substance located in a container, and/or for monitoring an exceeding or subceeding of a predetermined limit value for the physical, measured variable, comprising: a radioactive radiator, which, during operation, sends radioactive radiation through the container; and a detector arranged on a side of the container lying opposite the radiator and serving to receive a radiation intensity penetrating through the container, dependent on the physical, measured variable, and to convert such into an electrical output signal. With this measuring device, in an extremely flexibly predeterminable region to be metrologically registered by the detector, a very exact measuring of the radiation intensity can be put into practice.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Simon Weidenbruch, Hartmut Damm, Robert Schauble
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Publication number: 20100252739Abstract: A radiometric for measuring a physical, measured variable of a fill substance located in a container and for outputting a measurement signal, which corresponds to a measured value of the physical, measured variable. The measuring device has available a single line-pair, via which energy supply of the total measuring device occurs, and via which transmission of the measurement signal occurs.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2008Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Hartmut Damm, Jochen Politt, Simon Weidenbruch, Mingzehn Jiang