Patents by Inventor Stephan Schmitz

Stephan Schmitz 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: 11947008
    Abstract: A distance measuring optoelectronic sensor for detecting a target object in a monitored zone is provided that has a light transmitter for transmitting light pulses, a deflection unit for a periodic scanning of the monitored zone by the light pulses, a light receiver for generating a received signal from the light pulses reflected or remitted by objects in the monitored zone, and a control and evaluation unit that is configured to determine the distance of an object from a time of flight of a light pulse and to transmit light pulses of different intensity, For the detection of a target object having a specific reflection capability, the control and evaluation unit is here furthermore configured to transmit light pulses adapted to the reflection capability and to a range and to vary the light pulses in accordance with different ranges for the distinction between the target object and another object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventors: Stephan Schmitz, Ingolf Braune
  • Patent number: 11927308
    Abstract: A valve for a fluid, comprising: a body with an inlet, an outlet and a passage fluidly interconnecting the inlet and outlet; a shut-off device housed in the body and configured for selectively opening and closing the passage, the shut-off device comprising a main seat, a main closing element forming a channel extending there through and a pilot seat, a pilot closing element housed in the main closing element, a first compression spring, and a second compression spring; an actuating device of the shut-off device. The second compression spring is operatively mounted between the main closing element and the body and the first compression spring is stronger than the second compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: ROTAREX S.A.
    Inventors: Stephan Sellen, Philippe Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20240076576
    Abstract: A composition for cleaning membranes used in food processing comprising an amine oxide and an alkyl sulfate, the composition maintaining good cleaning performance whilst leaving a low residue of surfactant on the membrane that is cleaned using the composition. A method of use of the composition is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Stephan Dörries, Matthias Schmitz, Ralf Krack, Michael Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11371964
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the condition of ultrasonic transducers and ultrasonic probes used in non-destructive testing are provided. In one aspect, a degree of deterioration and end of life of an ultrasonic transducer can be estimated based upon measured environmental and/or operating parameters of the ultrasonic transducer. In another aspect, testing parameters acquired by a single ultrasonic probe or different ultrasonic probes can be measured and analyzed to identify deterioration of an ultrasonic probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: GE SENSING & INSPECTION TECHNOLOGIES, GMBH
    Inventors: Alexander Fiseni, Stephan Schmitz, Christof Breidenbach, Stephan Falter, Daniel Koers, Marek Parusel, Lars Rohpeter, Sven Runte, Sebastian Standop
  • Publication number: 20210274809
    Abstract: The present application relates to livestock and/or companion animal feed compositions, methods of making and using the same, and in particular a feed composition comprising an alfalfa bioactive additive, wherein the alfalfa bioactive composition includes one or more of saponins, fatty acids, phytoestrogens, and polysaccharides, and wherein the feed composition is suitable for improving the health, immune function, and intestinal microbiota of animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, swine and fowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Elizabeth Ann Kraayenbrink, Krysten Craft, Stephan Schmitz-Esser
  • Publication number: 20210109215
    Abstract: A distance measuring optoelectronic sensor for detecting a target object in a monitored zone is provided that has a light transmitter for transmitting light pulses, a deflection unit for a periodic scanning of the monitored zone by the light pulses, a light receiver for generating a received signal from the light pulses reflected or remitted by objects in the monitored zone, and a control and evaluation unit that is configured to determine the distance of an object from a time of flight of a light pulse and to transmit light pulses of different intensity, For the detection of a target object having a specific reflection capability, the control and evaluation unit is here furthermore configured to transmit light pulses adapted to the reflection capability and to a range and to vary the light pulses in accordance with different ranges for the distinction between the target object and another object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Stephan SCHMITZ, Ingolf BRAUNE
  • Patent number: 10684261
    Abstract: An inspection system for performing an inspection of an end region of a part is provided. The inspection system includes a robotic assembly positioned along a side of the part. The inspection system includes an ultrasonic probe coupled to the robotic assembly and positioned in proximity to the end region of the part. The ultrasonic probe is moved by the robotic assembly along a path to inspect the end region of the part. During the inspection, the ultrasonic probe transmits a signal towards the end region of the part and receives a reflected signal from the end region of the part. The inspection system provides, as a single system, for inspection of both a body of the part and the end region of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephan Falter, Alexander Felix Fiseni, Stephan Schmitz, Daniel Koers, Matthias Erhard Schwabe
  • Patent number: 10533976
    Abstract: An ultrasonic matrix phased array inspection system can include a plurality of curved matrix phased array probes surrounding a test chamber through which a longitudinal test object passes. Fluid injectors can provide a rotating fluid jacket around the longitudinal test object to ultrasonically couple the plurality of curved matrix phased array probes to the longitudinal test object. The plurality of curved matrix phased array probes can remain in a fixed position during inspection and can inspect the longitudinal test object by transmitting ultrasonic sound waves at various angles to identify flaws of any orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephan Schmitz, Stephan Falter, Wolfgang Dick, Thomas Weise, Matthias Schwabe
  • Publication number: 20190369058
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the condition of ultrasonic transducers and ultrasonic probes used in non-destructive testing are provided. In one aspect, a degree of deterioration and end of life of an ultrasonic transducer can be estimated based upon measured environmental and/or operating parameters of the ultrasonic transducer. In another aspect, testing parameters acquired by a single ultrasonic probe or different ultrasonic probes can be measured and analyzed to identify deterioration of an ultrasonic probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Alexander Fiseni, Stephan Schmitz, Christof Breidenbach, Stephan Falter, Daniel Koers, Marek Parusel, Lars Rohpeter, Sven Runte, Sebastian Standop
  • Publication number: 20190310370
    Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor (10) for detecting and determining the distance of objects in a monitoring region (16), the sensor (10) having a light transmitter (12) for transmitting a transmission light beam (18) with a modulated pulse sequence coding, a light receiver (24) for generating a reception signal from the remitted light beam (20) remitted by objects in the monitoring region (16), and a control and evaluation unit (26) which is configured to determine a light time of flight based on the reception signal and the associated pulse sequence coding and, therefrom, a distance value, wherein the light transmitter (12) is configured to simultaneously transmit a plurality of transmission light beams (18) with a modulated pulse sequence coding for scanning a plurality of measuring points (28), and wherein the light receiver (24) comprises a plurality of light receiving elements for generating a plurality of reception signals from a plurality of remitted light beams (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventor: Stephan SCHMITZ
  • Patent number: 10364306
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a low density polyethylene (LDPE) having (A) a density from 0.910 to 0.924 g/cm3, determined according to ISO 1183 at 23° C.; (B) an elongational hardening of at least 4.2, at 150° C. at an elongational rate of 1 s?1; (C) a ratio Mw/Mn of at least 18, where (i) Mw is the weight average molar mass, measured by a MALLS detector coupled to a GPC, and (ii) Mn is the number average molar mass, measured by GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography); and (D) a Mw of at least 230,000 g/mol. The present disclosure also provides an article of manufacture made from or containing (A) a substrate and (B) a coating layer made from or containing the disclosed LDPE. The present disclosure further provides a polymerization process occurring (A) in the presence of oxygen as the only radical initiating agent and (B) in the absence of solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Basell Polyolefine GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Weiand, Andrei Gonioukh, Stephan Schmitz, Andre-Armand Finette, Guido Bürger, Guido Küpper, Thomas Herrmann, Iakovos Vittorias, Dieter Lilge, Gerd Mannebach
  • Patent number: 10263468
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the transmission of data and energy between two objects moving relative to one another about a common axis of rotation. The objects each comprise coils which are disposed opposite and are spaced apart axially with respect to the axis of rotation such that an energy transmission between the coils is possible by inductive coupling. A respective electrode carrier having a respective electrical conductor is provided coaxially to and rotationally fixed with respect to the respective coils, wherein the electrode carriers are disposed opposite and spaced apart axially and the electrical conductors are arranged such that a data transmission between the electrical conductors is possible by electrical coupling. The electrical conductors are circular or part-circular and are concentric to the axis of rotation of the relative movement. In addition, the respective coil windings and electrical conductors are arranged concentric to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventors: Stephan Schmitz, Martin Kufner, Michael Kerp, Boris Szerbakowski, Gregor Huber
  • Publication number: 20170284973
    Abstract: An inspection system for performing an inspection of an end region of a part is provided. The inspection system includes a robotic assembly positioned along a side of the part. The inspection system includes an ultrasonic probe coupled to the robotic assembly and positioned in proximity to the end region of the part. The ultrasonic probe is moved by the robotic assembly along a path to inspect the end region of the part. During the inspection, the ultrasonic probe transmits a signal towards the end region of the part and receives a reflected signal from the end region of the part. The inspection system provides, as a single system, for inspection of both a body of the part and the end region of the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Stephan Falter, Alexander Felix Fiseni, Stephan Schmitz, Daniel Koers, Matthias Erhard Schwabe
  • Publication number: 20170276649
    Abstract: An ultrasonic matrix phased array inspection system can include a plurality of curved matrix phased array probes surrounding a test chamber through which a longitudinal test object passes. Fluid injectors can provide a rotating fluid jacket around the longitudinal test object to ultrasonically couple the plurality of curved matrix phased array probes to the longitudinal test object. The plurality of curved matrix phased array probes can remain in a fixed position during inspection and can inspect the longitudinal test object by transmitting ultrasonic sound waves at various angles to identify flaws of any orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Stephan Schmitz, Stephan Falter, Wolfgang Dick, Thomas Weise, Matthias Schwabe
  • Publication number: 20170218103
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a low density polyethylene (LDPE) having (A) a density from 0.910 to 0.924 g/cm3, determined according to ISO 1183 at 23° C.; (B) an elongational hardening of at least 4.2, at 150° C. at an elongational rate of 1 s?1; (C) a ratio Mw/Mn of at least 18, where (i) Mw is the weight average molar mass, measured by a MALLS detector coupled to a GPC, and (ii) Mn is the number average molar mass, measured by GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography); and (D) a Mw of at least 230,000 g/mol. The present disclosure also provides an article of manufacture made from or containing (A) a substrate and (B) a coating layer made from or containing the disclosed LDPE. The present disclosure further provides a polymerization process occurring (A) in the presence of oxygen as the only radical initiating agent and (B) in the absence of solvents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: Basell Polyolefine GmbH
    Inventors: Sabastian Weiand, Andrei Gonioukh, Stephan Schmitz, Andre-Armand Finette, Guido Bürger, Guido Küpper, Thomas Herrmann, Iakovos Vittorias, Dieter Lilge, Gerd Mannebach
  • Publication number: 20160276871
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the transmission of data and energy between two objects moving relative to one another about a common axis of rotation. The objects each comprise coils which are disposed opposite and are spaced apart axially with respect to the axis of rotation such that an energy transmission between the coils is possible by inductive coupling. A respective electrode carrier having a respective electrical conductor is provided coaxially to and rotationally fixed with respect to the respective coils, wherein the electrode carriers are disposed opposite and spaced apart axially and the electrical conductors are arranged such that a data transmission between the electrical conductors is possible by electrical coupling. The electrical conductors are circular or part-circular and are concentric to the axis of rotation of the relative movement. In addition, the respective coil windings and electrical conductors are arranged concentric to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Stephan SCHMITZ, Martin KUFNER, Michael KERP, Boris SZERBAKOWSKI, Gregor HUBER
  • Patent number: 9228697
    Abstract: A 3D-camera (10) is provided, having at least one image sensor (14a-b) and at least one illumination unit (100) which comprises a light source and which is configured for generating an irregular illumination pattern (20) in an illumination area (12) of the 3D-camera (10). The light source comprises a semiconductor array (104) having a plurality of individual emitter elements (106) in an irregular arrangement, and a respective individual emitter element (106) generates a pattern element (112) of the irregular illumination pattern (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventors: Florian Schneider, Stephan Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20140190262
    Abstract: The invention relates to a feeding device for an ultrasound inspection system, with means for transporting a test object (7), in particular a pipe, into an ultrasound inspection chamber of the ultrasound inspection system, comprising at least one guiding unit (1) for the test object with at least one, preferably three, still more preferably six elastically biased counter bearings (2) resting against a jacket surface (8) of the test object (7) via a contact part (4) in order to guide the test object during transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: GE SENSING & INSPECTION TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Damian Meinert, Stephan Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8735792
    Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor (10) for monitoring a working area (42) is provided, the working area (42) being located within a detection area (20) of the sensor (10) and in a first distance from the sensor (10), wherein the sensor (10) comprises an illumination unit (22) with a light source (24) for at least partially illuminating the working area (42), and an object detection unit (30) for detecting forbidden objects in the working area (42), wherein an illumination control (28) of the illumination unit (22) is configured to, during a startup period, initially activate the illumination unit (28) with a lower power such that a provisional working area (40, 40a-c) in a second distance from the sensor (10) less than the first distance is illuminated at most with a predetermined maximum light output; test whether there is a forbidden object intrusion into the provisional working area (40, 40a-c); and if no forbidden object intrusion is detected, activate the illumination unit (28) with a higher power such that th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventors: Markus Hammes, Ingolf Braune, Stephan Schmitz, Shane MacNamara
  • Publication number: 20130333832
    Abstract: Process for preparing ethylene homopolymers or copolymers in the presence of free-radical polymerization initiator and at least one chain transfer agent at pressures in the range of from 110 MPa to 350 MPa and temperatures in the range of from 100° C. to 350° C. in a tubular reactor with at least two reaction zones having different concentrations of the chain transfer agent, wherein the concentration of the chain transfer agent in the first reaction zone is less than 70% of the concentration of the chain transfer agent in the reaction zone with the highest concentration of the chain transfer agent, ethylene homopolymers or copolymers obtainable by such a process, the use of the ethylene homopolymers or copolymers for extrusion coating and a process for extrusion coating a substrate selected from the group consisting of paper, paperboard, polymeric film, and metal, with such ethylene homopolymers or copolymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Basell Polyolefine GmbH
    Inventors: Iakovos Vittorias, Barbara Gall, Sebastian Weiand, Andrei Gonioukh, Stephan Schmitz, Klaus Berhalter, Gerd Mannebach, Markus Busch, Thomas Herrmann