| Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120130509 | Method for Adjusting a Measuring Device - A method and a system for adjusting a measuring device. The measuring device, determines the physical or chemical process variable based on measurement data; an analytical tool, ascertains the analytical data from the measurement data; a database, in which data sets with analytical data for different process conditions and associated parameter sets for adjusting the measuring device are stored, or in which a plurality of models with associated calculational specifications are stored, which produce the analytical data; and a calculation/control unit, which compares the ascertained analytical data with the stored analytical data, ascertains that data set of the stored analytical data, which has maximum agreement with the ascertained analytical data and adjusts the measuring device corresponding to the associated parameter set. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125193 | PRESSURE TRANSFER MEANS AND PRESSURE MEASURING TRANSDUCER WITH A PRESSURE TRANSFER MEANS - A pressure transfer device comprises a hydraulic path, which is formed by a duct, which extends through a solid body arrangement from a pressure source to a pressure sink, wherein the pressure source comprises a separating diaphragm chamber, which communicates with the duct, and which is sealed with a flexible isolating diaphragm, wherein the isolating diaphragm is contactable with a pressure to be transferred, wherein the pressure sink comprises a sealed sink chamber, which communicates with the duct, wherein the separating diaphragm chamber, the duct and the pressure sink chamber are filled with a pressure transfer liquid, wherein the pressure transfer liquid has according to the invention a magnetically changeable viscosity, and wherein the pressure transfer means further comprises in at least one section of the hydraulic path at least one magnet for influencing the viscosity of the pressure transfer liquid. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120119758 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING AND/OR MONITORING AT LEAST ONE PHYSICAL, PROCESS VARIABLE OF A MEDIUM - A method for determining and/or monitoring at least one physical, process variable of a medium with an oscillatable unit, wherein the oscillatable unit is excited by means of a frequency search sweep within a predetermined frequency band in the working range of the oscillatable unit in the form of transmitted signals successively to oscillate with discrete exciter frequencies wherein the corresponding oscillations of the oscillatable unit are received in the form of received signals, wherein, via the frequency search sweep, the exciter frequency is ascertained, in the case of which the oscillatable unit oscillates with an oscillation frequency, which has a predetermined phase shift between the transmitted signal and the received signal. The transmitting/receiving unit excites the oscillatable unit to oscillate with the ascertained oscillation frequency. The selected points in time depend on the predetermined phase shift between transmitted signal and received signal and that the voltage values sampled at the discrete exciter frequencies of the received signal are evaluated with reference to their amplitude. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120085180 | Measurement arrangement - A measurement arrangement for measuring and/or monitoring a physical property, comprising a measurement device comprising: at least one primary sensing element to be exposed to a product at a measurement site, a remotely located secondary measurement device, and transmission lines connecting said primary sensing elements to said secondary measuring device, suitable for applications wherein the primary sensing elements may be exposed to strong vibrations at the measurement sites, is described, wherein said secondary measurement device is mounted above all primary sensing elements and wherein said transmission lines comprise an inner core, an outer tubular protection conduit enclosing said core, and a vibration absorbing medium filling an interior of said outer protection conduit surrounding said inner core. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085165 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING OR MONITORING A PREDETERMINED FILL LEVEL, A PHASE BOUNDARY OR A DENSITY OF A MEDIUM - A method and an apparatus for determining or monitoring a predetermined fill level, a phase boundary or a density of a medium in a container with an oscillatable unit. The oscillatable unit is placed at the height of the predetermined fill level and is excited to oscillate successively with discrete exciter frequencies following one another in a frequency scanning operation (sweep) within a predeterminable frequency band in the working range of the oscillatable unit. The corresponding oscillations of the oscillatable unit are received in the form of received signals; wherein that exciter frequency is ascertained in the frequency scanning operation, at which the oscillatable unit oscillates with an oscillation frequency, which has a predetermined phase shift between the transmission signal and the received signal; and wherein the transmitting/receiving unit excites the oscillatable unit to oscillate with the ascertained oscillation frequency. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120060600 | ARRANGEMENT FOR MEASURING FILL LEVEL WITH A FILL LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE WORKING WITH MICROWAVES - An arrangement for measuring fill level of a fill substance in a container, comprising: a fill level measuring device, wherein the device includes measuring device electronics and an antenna connected to the measuring device electronics; and at least one feedthrough installed in a signal path of the microwave signals or the reflection signals; the feedthrough. The feedthrough comprises a hollow conductor, into which a microwave transparent window is inserted gas tightly. The window comprises: a disk, whose thickness corresponds approximately to a half wavelength or a small integer multiple of the half wavelength of a first, hollow conductor propagation capable, signal mode of the microwave signals at a predetermined signal frequency in the disk; and two matching layers located on oppositely lying, outer surfaces of the disk. The thickness of each matching layer corresponds approximately to a fourth of the wavelength of the first, hollow conductor propagation capable, signal mode of the microwave signals at the predetermined signal frequency in the matching layers. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120055256 | Ceramic component having at least one electrical feedthrough, method for its manufacture and pressure sensor with such a component - A ceramic component having at least one electrical feedthrough, comprising: a ceramic body, through which a bore extends; and a metal conductor, which is arranged at least sectionally in the bore and which is secured in the bore by means of an active hard solder, or braze, whereby the bore is sealed. The active hard solder fills an annular gap between the metal conductor and the ceramic body, characterized in that the active hard solder has a radially variable, chemical composition. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120043466 | Radiometric Measuring Device - 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. For this, 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 the Geiger mode, which convert light impinging thereon into an electrical signal, wherein at least one end of each scintillation fiber is connected to avalanche photodiodes of one of the arrays. 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. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120022672 | APPARATUS FOR REDUCING OR MINIMIZING DISTURBANCE SIGNALS IN THE CASE OF A FIELD DEVICE OF PROCESS AUTOMATION - An apparatus for reducing or minimizing disturbance signals in the case of a field device of process automation, wherein the field device has a control/evaluation unit and a sensor, with, respectively, at least one main electronics and at least one sensor electronics. At least one data line is provided, via which the main electronics and the sensor electronics communicate. At least one galvanic isolating component is provided, which is integrated into the at least one data line, and which prevents transmission of disturbance signals via the one or more data lines. Power supply lines are provided, via which a power supply voltage sufficient for operation of the sensor is made available to the sensor; and wherein, in the power supply lines , filter means are provided, which are designed in such a manner that predetermined requirements for disturbance resistance of the power supply lines are fulfilled. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120017690 | Pressure Sensor - A pressure sensor, comprising: a monocrystalline membrane body, which includes a measuring membrane and an edge region surrounding the measuring membrane. The edge region has a greater material thickness than the measuring membrane and the edge region has a first mounting surface, whose surface normal is given by a first principal crystal axis. A monocrystalline substrate, which, with respect to crystal structure, comprises the same semiconductor material as the membrane body, the substrate has a second mounting surface, whose surface normal extends parallel to the first principal crystal axis. The membrane body is tightly connected to the substrate by joining the first mounting surface to the second mounting surface. The orientations of other principal crystal axes of the membrane body and the substrate are, in each case, oriented parallel relative to one another. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120004860 | Field device for determining or monitoring a physical or chemical, process variable - A field device for determining or monitoring a physical or chemical, process variable, comprising: a sensor, which works according to a defined measuring principle; and a control/evaluation unit. The control/evaluation unit is realized on a partially dynamically reconfigurable FPGA component, which is constructed from a plurality of FPGA blocks units. Each FPGA block unit comprises a plurality of logic blocks. Global resources or global function blocks are associated with each FPGA block unit or groups of FPGA block units. At least a first section and a second section are provided on the FPGA-component. The sections comprise FPGA block units and corresponding global resources global function blocks. In each section a digital measuring path comprising a plurality of software based and/or hardware based, function modules, is partially dynamically reconfigurable. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110303023 | PRESSURE SENSOR WITH SEMICONDUCTOR PRESSURE MEASURING TRANSDUCER - A pressure sensor, comprising: a semiconductor pressure measuring transducer having a measuring membrane and a circuit for transducing a deformation of the measuring membrane into a signal; a pressure transfer structure having a hydraulic path, which extends through a solid body between a first a second opening. The first opening is sealed by an isolating diaphragm, which is contactable with a pressure, in order to introduce the pressure to be measured into the hydraulic path. The hydraulic path opens, at the second opening, into a transducer chamber, in which the pressure measuring transducer is arranged and which is sealed by the measuring membrane of the pressure measuring transducer. The hydraulic path contains a transfer liquid; a filling element, which is arranged in the transducer chamber, in order to fill hollow spaces between metal walls of the transducer chamber and the semiconductor pressure measuring transducer. An insulator plate, which is arranged in the transducer chamber between the measuring membrane and a wall of the transducer chamber lying opposite the measuring membrane; wherein the insulator plate is affixed to the filling element or is embodied as one piece with the filling element. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110290033 | MEASURING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE MEASURING APPARATUS - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring a physical and/or chemical, measured variable of a medium, including a housing, especially an elongated housing, and a sensor arranged in the housing. The sensor serves for registering the measured variable, wherein the housing has at least one opening, through which the sensor comes in contact with the medium. The housing has a first housing section, in which the sensor and a sensor electronics are arranged. The sensor electronics is arranged on a first carrier element. The sensor electronics serves for changing the measured variable into an analog electrical signal. An insert is applied in the first housing section, in which the sensor electronics is arranged. The insert is tubular. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110276281 | APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND/OR MONITORING A PROCESS VARIABLE OF A MEDIUM - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: at least one evaluation unit, which monitors and/or signals an exceeding and/or subceeding of a predeterminable limit value of the process variable by the medium; and at least one memory unit, in which limit values of the process variable associated with at least one property of the medium are stored; and wherein the evaluation unit, based on information concerning the property of the medium, applies from the memory unit, for determining and/or monitoring the process variable, a stored limit value associated with the property of the medium. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110270423 | Method for transferring parameter data in the case of uploading and/or downloading parameter settings between field devices and/or a control station - A method for reducing parameter data to be transferred in the case of uploading and/or downloading parameter settings between field devices and/or a control station, wherein the parameter data include information concerning an operating state of the field device and/or information concerning a process variable registered with the field device and/or identification data of the field device. Data present after a re-setting procedure or during the start-up of the field device are established as standard parameter data, wherein, for each parameter, modification information is stored concerning whether such parameter deviates from the standard parameter data, only such parameter data are transmitted, in the case of which a deviation from the standard parameter data is ascertained via the modification information. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110252169 | Method for Data Exchange - Method for data exchange via a bus system (BS), | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110247424 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING MEASURING TRANSDUCERS - A method for manufacturing measuring transducers, especially pressure or pressure difference measuring transducers, in which a high degree of quality, safety and accuracy of measurement is achievable with little logistical and manufacturing effort. The measuring transducer has a memory readable and writable via an associated RFID interface, and at least one sensor for registering a physical, measured variable and for transducing such into an electrical variable, wherein the sensor is equipped with sensor electronics, which serves to condition the electrical variable into an electrical measurement signal dependent on the measured variable, and which is equipped with an RFID transponder, via which the sensor is supplied with energy, and via which measurement signals can be read out wirelessly. The measuring transducers and/or their sensors are subjected to at least one calibration and/or test procedure, in which the sensors are exclusively supplied with energy via their RFID transponders, and their measurement signals are read out via their RFID transponders, and measuring transducer specific and/or sensor specific data derived during the calibration and/or test procedure are stored in the memory via the RFID interface. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110247423 | MEASURING APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A PRESSURE DIFFERENCE - A measuring apparatus for outputting a measurement signal representing the difference between a first pressure and a second pressure. The apparatus includes a first pressure measuring transducer module for outputting a sequence of first signals representing the first pressure; a second pressure measuring transducer module for producing a sequence of second signals representing the second pressure; an evaluation module for ascertaining a sequence of difference values between the two pressure values and for outputting a sequence of fourth signals, which, in each case, represent the pressure difference; a first cable connection between the first and second pressure measuring transducer module; and a second cable connection between the second pressure measuring transducer module and the evaluation module. The modules are separated spatially from one another. The second pressure measuring transducer module has a mapping unit, which is provided for receiving the sequences of first and second signals, and for outputting to the evaluation module via the second cable connection a sequence of third signals, which, in each case, contain the pressure values. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110247420 | PRESSURE DIFFERENCE MEASUREMENT TRANSMITTER - A pressure difference measurement transmitter | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110226064 | APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND/OR MONITORING A PROCESS VARIABLE - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring a process variable. The apparatus includes a housing, a mechanically oscillatable unit, and a transducer unit, which is arranged and clamped between two housing elements in such a manner that a predeterminable pressure acts on the transducer unit along an imaginary axis. An equalizing element is provided, whose coefficient of thermal expansion and/or height are/is selected in such a manner that a temperature-related expansion of the equalizing element during a temperature-related expansion of a housing element to be compensated leads to the pressure acting on the transducer unit being greater than or equal to a predeterminable prestress limit value. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110209552 | RELATIVE PRESSURE SENSOR - A relative pressure sensor for registering pressure of a medium relative to surrounding atmospheric pressure includes: a pressure measuring cell having a measuring membrane and a platform, wherein pressure of the medium can act on a first side of the measuring membrane facing away from the platform, and wherein the platform has a reference air opening, through which surrounding atmospheric pressure can act on a second side of the measuring membrane facing the platform. A support body, through which a reference air duct extends between a first surface section and a second surface section of the support body is provided, wherein the pressure measuring cell is affixed to the support body with a pressure resistant, bonded adhesive. The reference air opening communicates with the reference air duct, in order to form a reference air path to the measuring membrane, wherein the bonded adhesive surrounds the reference air path, and the relative pressure sensor further includes a shield element, which protects the bonded adhesive from direct contact with reference air. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110203380 | Pressure Sensor and Pressure Difference Sensor - A pressure sensor includes a hydraulic path filled with a pressure transfer liquid and a pressure transducer having a pressure sensitive deformation body. The hydraulic path includes a channel which extends from a pressure input opening at least to the deformation body, wherein the pressure input opening is spaced a separation distance from the deformation body, and wherein pressure on the deformation body deviates from pressure at the pressure input opening by the difference of the hydrostatic pressure of the pressure transfer liquid between the pressure input opening and the deformation body. The pressure sensor further includes an inclination sensor for determining at least one inclination value dependent on the inclination of the hydraulic path, and a processing circuit, which is suitable to determine the difference of the hydrostatic pressure of the pressure transfer liquid between the pressure input opening and the deformation body as a function of inclination value, a density value of the pressure transfer liquid and a separation distance. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110199103 | Fill Level Measuring Device - A fill level measuring device for capacitive fill level measurement and/or travel time fill level measurement of a fill substance in a container. The measuring device has a coaxial measuring probe, whose inner conductor is galvanically isolated from its shield conductor, and whose shield conductor lies electrically at a reference potential. The device additionally includes: a securement apparatus lying electrically at a reference potential and serving for securement of the measuring device on a container opening equipped with a counterpart of the securement apparatus; and a washer made of an electrically conductive material and clamped in measurement operation between the securement apparatus and the counterpart. The inner conductor is completely surrounded in measurement operation by an insulating layer and passes through the washer into the container. The device additionally includes an insulating body adjoining the insulating layer and coaxially surrounding the inner conductor. The insulating body has a washer-shaped section clamped between the securement apparatus and the washer. The shield conductor coaxially surrounds the inner conductor and is connected mechanically and in an electrically conducting manner with the washer. At least one electrical contact element is affixed in the washer outside of a region of such covered by the insulating body and on a spring element. Via the contact element and the washer, the shield conductor is connected in an electrically conducting manner to the securement apparatus. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110192017 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A CAPACITIVE MEASURING APPARATUS - A method for manufacturing a measuring apparatus for capacitive determining and/or monitoring of at least the fill level of a medium. The measuring apparatus has a probe unit and an electronics unit. During a measurement, the electronics unit supplies the probe unit with an exciter signal and receives from the probe unit a received signal, from which the electronics unit ascertains a capacitance value. The probe unit is coated with an insulation layer, the coated probe unit is connected with the electronics unit and inserted into a container containing a calibration medium, the coated probe unit is covered completely by the calibration medium and an associated received signal is gained, and, with the associated received signal, at least one adjustable component of the electronics unit is set. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110191062 | FIELD DEVICE FOR DETERMINING OR MONITORING A PROCESS VARIABLE IN PROCESS AUTOMATION - A field device for determining or monitoring a process variable in process automation. The field device includes: sensor, which works according to a defined measuring principle; and a control/evaluation unit, which conditions and evaluates measurement data delivered by the sensor along at least two equal valued measuring paths as a function of a safety standard required in a particular safety-critical application. The control/evaluation unit is embodied, at least partly, as a reconfigurable logic chip, with a plurality of partially dynamically reconfigurable, function modules. The control/evaluation unit so configures the function modules in the measuring paths as a function of the defined safety-critical application, that the field device is correspondingly designed to the required safety standard. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110166805 | METHOD FOR ASCERTAINING AND MONITORING FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM IN A CONTAINER USING A TRAVEL TIME MEASURING METHOD - A method for ascertaining and monitoring the fill level of a medium in a container via a field device, wherein transmission signals are transmitted toward the medium and are received as reflection signals. The transmission signals and the reflection signals are registered by means of data points in an envelope curve dependent on travel time or travel distance. Disturbance echo signals are registered by means of data points in a masking curve, the data points are connected with one another via connecting functions An evaluation curve is ascertained from the envelope curve; wherein, by means of a reduction algorithm, the number of data points in the masking curve and/or in the evaluation curve is reduced; and wherein, by an echo search algorithm, by means of the reduced masking curve and/or reduced evaluation curve, at least one wanted echo signal in the current envelope curve is ascertained. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110161019 | FILL LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE WORKING WITH MICROWAVES - A fill level measuring device working with microwaves according to the travel time principle for measuring fill level of a fill substance in a container. Measurements are performable at two markedly different frequencies with a single antenna. The device includes: a transmitting and receiving system for producing a higher frequency microwave signal and a lower frequency microwave signal. The transmitting and nereceiving system includes a single antenna, which has an internally funnel shaped horn and two hollow conductor segments connected with one another and connected to the horn. The antenna additionally includes, a coaxial conductor connection, via which the antenna is fed with the lower frequency microwave signal and the associated lower frequency echo signal is received. The antenna additionally includes, connected to a horn-remote end of that one of the two hollow conductor segments arranged on an end of the hollow conductor segment adjoining the horn, a hollow conductor connection, via which the antenna is fed with the higher frequency microwave signal and the associated higher frequency echo signal is received. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110145180 | Diagnostic Method for a Process Automation System - A diagnostic method for a process automation system composed of at least one field device, a control unit, and at least one fieldbus. The following method steps are included: in a learning phase raw data of measured variables, raw data of manipulated variables and/or raw data of state variables are stored. The field devices or the processes as input variables are registered and stored normalized. Moreover, in the learning phase at least one parameter, a measuring condition, at least one parameter of a process state and/or at least one parameter of a field device state as output variable predetermines, which corresponding output variables are the input variables associated with that which is stored, during the learning phase. A neural network formed by the input variables and the associated with output variables, in the learning phase are the causal relationships between the ascertained input variables and the corresponding, specified output variables by a transfer function of the neural network ascertained and stored, in an operating phase is by means of the transfer function from the current raw data the field devices as input variables at least one change of the current measuring condition, the current process state and/or the current field device state ascertained. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110132097 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AN ELASTIC BODY OF Al2O3 CERAMIC, MEASURING MEMBRANE FOR A PRESSURE SENSOR AND PRESSURE SENSOR WITH SUCH A MEMBRANE - A method for manufacturing an elastic deformation body made of an Al | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110087460 | Field device for determining or monitoring a physical or chemical process variable - Field device for determining or monitoring a physical or chemical process variable, wherein the field device is composed of a sensor, which works according to a defined measuring principle, and a control/evaluation unit, which, as a function of a safety standard required for the particular safety-critical application, conditions and evaluates, along at least two equivalent measuring paths, measurement data delivered by the sensor. The control/evaluation unit is implemented on an FPGA, on which are provided at least a first section and a second section, wherein, in each section, a digital measuring path, which is composed of a plurality of software-based and/or hardware-based function modules, is dynamically reconfigurable. The sections are isolated from one another by permanently configured spacer regions, wherein the spacer regions are embodied in such a way, that a temperature and/or a voltage change in one of the sections has no influence on the other section or other sections, and, in the case of malfunction, no connection occurs between the sections. The control/evaluation unit, as a function of the particular defined safety-critical application, partially dynamically reconfigures the function modules in the measuring paths in such a manner, that the field device fulfills the required safety standard. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083515 | Flow measurement arrangement and method for monitoring its functioning - A flow measuring arrangement for measuring flow of a medium through a measuring tube, including: at least one constriction located in the measuring tube, which effects a reduction of a volume through which the medium flows internally in the measuring tube, and therewith a change in pressure conditions internally in the measuring tube, dependent on dimensions of the constriction and dependent on flow. A measuring system connected to the measuring tube which serves to measure a pressure (Δp, p) dependent on flow through the measuring tube and dependent on the dimensions of the constriction. Measuring electronics, which determines flow on the basis of the measured pressure (Δp, p). The flow measuring arrangement can, with minimal degradation of flow through the measuring tube, perform an automatic monitoring of its functional ability. To this end, the flow measuring arrangement additionally includes: at least one deflectable membrane applied to one of the measuring tube constrictions internally in the measuring tube, wherein deflection of the membrane effects a change, dependent on an amplitude of the deflection, of a volume through which medium flows internally in the measuring tube; an apparatus ( | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110041618 | ELASTIC CERAMIC BODY AND PRESSURE SENSOR WITH AN ELASTIC CERAMIC BODY - An elastic ceramic body and a pressure sensor. The elastic ceramic body comprises: a base body of an elastic ceramic material; and a cover layer, which covers at least one section of a surface of the base body, wherein the cover layer is of a material other than that of the base body, and the cover layer comprises microcrystalline A1 | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110035576 | Configurable field device for use in process automation systems - A configurable field device for automation technology with a partially dynamically reconfigurable logic chip FPGA, in which function modules are dynamically configured during runtime, and to a method for operating the configurable field device. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110029254 | Field device for determining and monitoring process variable in process automation systems - A field device for determining or monitoring a process variable in process automation. The field device includes: a sensor, which works according to a defined measuring principle; and a control/evaluation unit, which conditions and evaluates the measurement data delivered by the sensor; wherein the control/evaluation unit is embodied at least partially as a reconfigurable logic chip FPGA having a plurality of dynamically reconfigurable function modules; wherein an interface is provided, via which the control/evaluation unit receives sensor- and application-specific information concerning a defined sensor type in a defined process application; and wherein the control/evaluation unit so configures the function modules corresponding to the sensor- and application-specific information, that the field device is optimally adapted to the process variable to be ascertained, or to be monitored, and to the current process application of the field device. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110025376 | System for the flexible configuration of functional modules - A system for the flexible configuration of function modules. The system includes the following components a plurality of logic cells in a fixedly wired FPGA/standard ASIC structure, wherein the logic cells are so configurable by means of configuration registers, that they execute basic logic functions; a switch matrix having a plurality of memory cells, via which different logical connections of the logic cells in defined complex connections are configurable by means of the configuration registers; and a control unit, which partially dynamically so configures the logic cells and the switch matrix via an internal bus and via the configuration registers by means of a configuration bit stream, that the fixedly wired FPGA/ASIC structure behaves functionally as a partially dynamically reconfigurable logic chip. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20100313654 | METHOD FOR FILL LEVEL MEASUREMENT - A method for the fill level measurement, in a container in which a first and/or a second fill substance can be located, for each fill substance present in the container. A rest position can be ascertained, which corresponds to the position, which the fill substance upper surface of the respective fill substance assumes due to the amount of the first fill substance present in the container and the amount of the second fill substance present in the container, when the entire amount of each fill substance in the container forms a single layer containing only this fill substance, wherein the first fill substance has a smaller specific weight than the second fill substance, and the two fill substances have different dielectric constants. An electromagnetic signal is sent into the container, reflection takes place on at least one media boundary produced by the fill substances present in the container, wherein a part of the signal is reflected, and for each reflected part there is measured, dependent on the position of the media boundary causing the reflection, a travel time, which this part of the signal requires for the path to this media boundary and back, a capacitance between a capacitive probe and a reference electrode is measured, dependent on the amounts of the fill substances located in the container, and, on the basis of the measured capacitance and the measured travel times for each fill substance present in the container, the rest position of its fill substance upper surface is ascertained. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100308426 | PRESSURE MEASURING DEVICE - A pressure measuring device having a pedestal, an intermediate piece of semiconductor arranged on the pedestal and, connected with the pedestal and arranged on the intermediate piece and connected with the intermediate piece, a semiconductor pressure sensor having a support and a measuring membrane, or diaphragm. The pressure measuring device offers reliable protection of the sensitive measuring membrane, or diaphragm, against mechanical distortions. Provided extending in the interior of the i[ntermediate piece is an annular cavity, which surrounds a first cylindrical section and, pedestal end thereof, a second cylindrical section of the intermediate piece. The second cylindrical section has a greater outer diameter than the first cylindrical section. The cavity is open on an end of the intermediate piece toward the pedestal. The second cylindrical section has an end face facing the pedestal and lying on an end face of the pedestal, for forming a connecting area, via which the intermediate piece is mechanically connected with the pedestal. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100306436 | MODULARLY CONSTRUCTED FIELD DEVICE OF PROCESS AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY - The present invention relates to a modularly constructed field device ( | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100302089 | Radiometric fill level measuring arrangement - A radiometric measuring arrangement for measuring fill level of a fill substance in a container includes: arranged one above the other in measurement operation on a first side of the container, two or more radiometric radiators, which, in measurement operation, send radioactive radiation through the container, and which, in measurement operation, are arranged in a measuring position in the interior of the container in a pressure resistant, protective tube protruding laterally into the container; and, arranged on a second side of the container lying opposite to the radiators, at least one detector, which serves to receive radiation intensity penetrating through the container as a function of fill level and to convert such into a fill level dependent, electrical signal. The measuring arrangement permits achievement of a highly linear dependence of total detected radiation intensity on fill level. At least in protective tubes, above which at least one further radiator is located, above the radiator of such a protective tube, an absorber is arranged, which serves to absorb radiometric radiation upwardly radiated by the radiator of such protective tube, when such radiator is located in the measuring position. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100301878 | APPARATUS FOR ASCERTAINING AND/OR MONITORING AT LEAST ONE FILL LEVEL OF AT LEAST ONE MEDIUM IN A CONTAINER ACCORDING TO A TRAVEL-TIME MEASURING METHOD AND/OR A CAPACITIVE MEASURING METHOD - An apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring at least one fill-level of at least one medium in a container according to a travel-time measuring method and/or a capacitive measuring method by means of at least one measuring probe. The apparatus comprises a capacitive measurement circuit, a time-domain reflectometer measurement circuit, and a control/evaluation unit. There invention results from the provision of a diplexer, which sends the low-frequency measurement signal and the high-frequency, electromagnetic measurement signal to the measuring probe and effects a signal separation of the high-frequency, electromagnetic measurement signal into the first signal path of the time-domain reflectometer measurement circuit and the low-frequency measurement signal into the second signal path of the capacitive measurement circuit. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100281992 | PRESSURE DIFFERENCE MEASURING CELL - A pressure difference measuring cell for registering pressure difference between a first pressure and a second pressure, comprises: an elastic measuring arrangement having at least one measuring membrane, or diaphragm, that comprises silicon; a platform, which is pressure-tightly connected with the elastic measuring arrangement; a first hydraulic path for transferring a first pressure onto a first surface section of the elastic measuring arrangement; and a second hydraulic path for transferring a second pressure onto a second surface section of the elastic measuring arrangement. The first pressure opposes the second pressure, and the elastic deflection of the measuring arrangement is a measure for the difference between the first and the second pressure, wherein the pressure difference measuring cell has additionally at least one hydraulic throttle, characterized in that the at least one hydraulic throttle comprises porous silicon. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100252739 | Radiometric Measuring Device - 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. The measuring device includes: a radioactive radiator, which, during operation, sends radioactive radiation through the container; a detector having a scintillator and a photomultiplier and serving for detecting, and for converting into an electrical output signal, radiation intensity penetrating through the container dependent on the physical, measured variable to be measured; a measuring device electronics, which serves, on the basis of the electrical output signal of the detector, for producing the measurement signal and for making such available via the line-pair; an energy storer supplied via the line-pair; a controller, which, as a function of energy available via the line-pair and the energy storer, triggers measuring phases, during which the measuring device measures the physical, measured variable, and which places the photomultiplier in operation exclusively during the measuring phases, wherein high voltages required for operating the photomultiplier are produced during the measuring phases by means of a high voltage cascade. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100236323 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING AND/ OR MONITORING VISCOSITY AND CORRESPONDING APPARATUS - A method for determining and/or monitoring the viscosity of a medium, wherein a mechanically oscillatable unit is excited to execute oscillations based on an exciter signal, and wherein oscillations are received from the mechanically oscillatable unit and transduced into a received signal. The eigenfrequency and/or resonance frequency of the mechanically oscillatable unit and/or phase relationship between the exciter signal and the received signal are/is ascertained and/or monitored, and, from changes in the eigenfrequency and/or resonance frequency and/or phase relationship, a change in viscosity is deduced and/or, based on dependencies of the oscillations on the viscosity of the medium, from the eigenfrequency and/or resonance frequency and/or phase relationship, viscosity is ascertained. In a second variant of the method, decay behavior of the mechanically oscillatable unit is evaluated. An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring viscosity is also presented. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100199778 | CAPACITIVE PRESSURE SENSOR - A pressure sensor includes a platform | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100194383 | APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND/OR MONITORING A PROCESS VARIABLE - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: at least one probe unit; and at least one electronics unit, which supplies the probe unit with an operating signal and which receives from the probe unit a received signal. The probe unit includes at least one probe electrode and at least one guard electrode; and the probe electrode and the guard electrode are surrounded, at least partially, by at least one insulating unit. The the insulating unit has, in the region of the guard electrode, a smaller thickness than in the region of the probe electrode. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100182190 | Method for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container by a travel time measuring method - A method for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container by means of a field device by a travel time measuring method, wherein transmission signals are transmitted in the direction of the medium and reflection signals are received, wherein received reflection signals are registered as echo signals in an echo function dependent on travel time or travel distance, wherein position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal in the echo function are/is ascertained by means of an echo search algorithm and a continuous echo tracking of changes of position and/or of changes of amplitude of the wanted echo signal in the echo function is performed in a defined search window, wherein position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal is maintained, in case no wanted echo signal is ascertained in the search window, wherein from position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal, fill level is ascertained, and wherein a measured value of fill level is output. For this, an asymmetric search window is used for ascertaining the wanted echo signal. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100181506 | OPTOELECTRONIC APPARATUS FOR TRANSMISSION OF AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL - An optoelectronic apparatus for transmission of an electrical signal via, galvanically isolated by means of a one-piece, translucent, plastic body, an input current circuit. At least one optical transmission element, and an output current circuit, having at least one optical receiving element, wherein the optical transmission element has a principle transmission axis and the optical receiving element a principle receiving axis, which are oriented so as to concide with a shared optical axis. The plastic body has two cavities separated via a partition for accommodating, respectively, the optical transmission element and the optical receiving element, wherein the transmitting element and/or the receiving element are/is placed through the openings so far into the cavities of the plastic body, that, following a case of overvoltage on the transmitting element and/or the receiving element, an insulating air distance and creep path according to an insulation coordination is still present along outer surfaces of the plastic body. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100164717 | FEILD DEVICE - A field device, wherein only those faults are displayed, which are relevant for the particular application of the user. The field device includes: a means for detecting a plurality of field-device-specific faults and for generating associated field-device-specific fault reports; a memory for storing an application-specific fault report profile, which contains exclusively those field-device-specific faults, which are relevant for a particular application; an interface, via which a user provides the fault report profile and stores such in memory; and a means for output of fault reports, which exclusively outputs fault reports of faults contained in the fault report profile. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100164506 | Method for testing an electronics unit - A method for testing an electronics unit, especially an electronics unit of an apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring a process variable, wherein the electronics unit has a plurality of electrical components. At least a part of the electrical components is grouped into at least one group, and this group is supplied with a query signal. A response signal is received from the group, and the response signal is evaluated. Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus for determining and/or monitoring a process variable. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100162820 | METHOD FOR EMBOSSING A SEPARATING MEMBRANE OF A PRESSURE TRANSFER MEANS - A method for embossing a separating membrane of a pressure transfer means including a membrane carrier having a membrane bed. With the method, an optimal forming of the separating membrane matched to the form of the membrane bed is achievable. The method includes steps of: welding a planar, separating membrane blank onto the membrane carrier; filling with a lubricant a pressure receiving chamber enclosed by the welded, separating membrane blank and the membrane carrier; producing the separating membrane from the separating membrane blank by embossing the separating membrane blank by pressing it against the membrane bed while lubricant is present in the pressure receiving chamber. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100147069 | Device for determining and/or monitoring the filing level of a medium - According to the invention, the apparatus ( | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100145493 | PROCESS AUTOMATION SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING, MONITORING AND/OR INFLUENCING DIFFERENT PROCESS VARIABLES AND/OR STATE VARIABLES - A process automation system for determining, monitoring and/or influencing different process variables and/or state variables in at least one manufacturing or analytical process. Included is: at least one control station; and a plurality of field devices; wherein in each field device at least one sensor is provided for ascertaining a measured value of a process variable and/or state variable and/or an actuator is provided for influencing a process variable and/or state variable by means of an actuating value. Each field device makes available its cyclically or acyclically ascertained, measuring-device-specific, measured values and/or actuating values of the process variable and/or state variable to every other field device of the process automation system as information, and the current information of all ascertained measured values and/or actuating values of the process variables and/or state variables is available to each field device as a current process-state-vector. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100145481 | APPARATUS HAVING A MODULARLY CONSTRUCTED, MEASURING TRANSDUCER CIRCUIT - An apparatus having at least one sensor for registering at least one chemical and/or physical, process variable, and at least one modularly constructed, measuring transducer circuit, which has at least one sensor unit, which ascertains a measured variable from the process variable registered by the sensor and supplies the sensor with energy as needed, and at least one application specific, signal processing unit for ascertaining a measured value of the measured variable, wherein a conditioned output signal is provided between the sensor unit and the application specific, signal processing unit, wherein the application specific, signal processing unit is exchangeably embodied, and wherein, as a function of a predeterminable accuracy of measurement with which the apparatus ascertains the measured values, a plurality of different types of application specific, signal processing units are provided. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100140725 | PRESSURE SENSOR - A piezoresistive pressure sensor is especially suitable for measuring smaller pressures and has a small linearity error. The pressure sensor is manufactured from a BESOI wafer having first and second silicon layers and an oxide layer arranged therebetween. The pressure sensor includes, formed from the first silicon layer of the BESOI wafer, an active layer, in which piezoresistive elements are doped, and, formed from the second silicon layer of the BESOI wafer, a membrane carrier, which externally surrounds a cavity in the second silicon layer, via which a membrane forming region of the active layer and an oxide layer associated therewith are exposed, wherein, in an outer edge of the region of the oxide layer exposed by the cavity, a groove is provided surrounding the region. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100132454 | APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND/OR MONITORING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS VARIABLE - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable. The apparatus includes at least one, first electronics unit, at least one, second electronics unit, and at least one transferring unit. The transferring unit is arranged between the first electronics unit and the second electronics unit, and the transferring unit is embodied in such a manner, that it transmits electrical energy and data between the first electronics unit and the second electronics unit. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100126288 | MEASURING PROBE FOR A MEASURING DEVICE - A measuring probe for a measuring device for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container. The measuring probe includes: a probe holding element, which is mounted on the container; and a probe element, which is secured in an axial bore of the probe holding element by means of a releasable securement structure. A first cavity is provided in the axial bore of the probe holding element and a second cavity on the probe element, and a locking element is provided, which, in a final position of the mounting of the probe element in the probe holding element, protrudes into the first cavity and into the oppositely lying second cavity on the probe element and, thus, forms an axial locking. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100110610 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An electronic device including electronics arranged in an electronics compartment and having electronic and/or electromechanical components. The device automatically detects and/or monitors wear of its electronic and/or electromechanical components and includes an apparatus for detecting and/or monitoring wear of the electronic and/or electromechanical components. Included is at least one element arranged in the electronics compartment. This element is independent of the electronics and has at least one physical property, which changes irreversibly as a function of wear of the element. The apparatus further includes a circuit for measuring the physical property, and an evaluating unit, which, based on the measured physical property, detects and/or monitors wear of the element and makes available a wear-dependent output signal. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100109649 | APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND/OR MONITORING A PROCESS VARIABLE - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable. The apparatus includes: at least one energy input, via which the apparatus receives energy for operation of the apparatus. The invention includes features that: at least one measuring unit is provided, which measures energy applied to the energy input; and at least one control unit is provided, which, based on comparison of the measured energy with a desired value of the energy requirement, controls at least one unit of the apparatus. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100083752 | APPARATUS FOR ASCERTAINING AND/OR MONITORING A PROCESS VARIABLE OF A MEDUIM - An apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring a process variable, especially density of a medium. The apparatus includes: an exciting/receiving unit, which excites a mechanically oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and which receives the mechanical oscillations; an electronics unit, which applies to the exciting/receiving unit an electrical, exciter signal, and which obtains from the exciting/receiving unit an electrical, received signal. The electronics unit produces the exciter signal in such a manner, that, between the received signal and the exciter signal, a phase difference equal to a desired value of phase difference results, at which effects of changes of viscosity on mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit are negligible, and that the desired value of phase difference is predetermined as a function of the ratio of impedance of the exciting/receiving unit to the input impedance of the electronics unit. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100083750 | APPARATUS FOR ASCERTAINING AND/OR MONITORING A PROCESS VARIABLE OF A MEDIUM - An apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring of a process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: A mechanically oscillatable unit; an exciting/receiving unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and which receives the mechanical oscillations; and an electronics unit, which supplies the exciting/receiving unit with an electrical, output signal, and which receives from the exciting/receiving unit an electrical, input signal. In the electronics unit there is provided an amplifier unit, which amplifies the electrical, input signal to an amplified signal (S | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100063604 | Method for the Secure Transmission of Data of a Field Device used in Process Automation Technology - In a method for safe transmission of data of a field device of process automation technology via a fieldbus, the transmission signal is registered as a check signal in the field device during the transmission. Analysis of the check signal, on the basis of data content or signal form, detects whether the desired data were transmitted properly. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100058874 | Method and apparatus for diagnosis of liquid losses in pressure measuring transducers filled with pressure transmitting liquids - Described are method and apparatus for diagnosis of liquid losses in pressure measuring transducers filled with pressure transmitting liquids. Such pressure measuring transducers include a pressure sensor ( | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100043554 | APPARATUS FOR ASCERTAINING AND/OR MONITORING A PROCESS VARIABLE OF A MEDIUM - An apparatus including: a mechanically oscillatable unit; an exciting/receiving unit; and an electronics unit having an input amplifier and an output amplifier. The amplification factors of the output amplifier and the input amplifier are tunable. The control unit tunes the amplification factor of the output amplifier as a function of damping of the mechanically oscillatable unit in such a manner that the amplitude of the electrical, input signal lies within an amplitude band and that the amplification factor of the output amplifier decreases in the case of lessened damping by the medium and increases in the case of greater damping by the medium, and the control unit tunes the amplification factor of the output amplifier and the amplification factor of the input amplifier in such a manner that the total amplification factor of the electronics unit equals a predeterminable value. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100031753 | Apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring fill level and/or flow of a medium - An apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring fill level and/or flow of a medium in a containment, including: at least one antenna, which radiates and/or receives high frequency signals according to a predetermined radiation characteristic along a main radiating axis in the direction of the surface of the medium; a control/evaluation unit, which evaluates the reflected high frequency signals and determines fill level on the basis of the travel time of the high frequency signals and/or flow on the basis of a Doppler frequency of the reflected high frequency signals; and at least one lens located between the antenna and the medium and having a first focal length in the direction of the antenna and a second focal length in the direction of the medium. A first focal point of the first focal length of the lens is so selected that the emitted high frequency signals of the antenna hit the lens within the lens aperture and that a second focal point of the second focal length lies in an opening region of the containment having an opening diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the lens aperture. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100030486 | Method and Apparatus for Determining at Least One Measured Variable of a Medium - A method for determining and/or monitoring at least one measured variable of an at least partially gaseous medium with at least one mechanically oscillatable unit, which is excited to execute mechanical oscillations, and whose mechanical oscillations are received and evaluated. At least one characteristic curve is stored, which describes for at least one gas or a gas mixture at least the dependence of at least one characteristic variable of the mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit on pressure; at least the characteristic variable of the mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit is determined; the determined characteristic variable is compared with the stored characteristic curve; and, starting from the comparison of the determined characteristic variable with the stored characteristic curve, the measured variable of the medium is determined. Further, an apparatus for determining and/or monitoring the measured variable is envisioned. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100005880 | Apparatus for determining and/or monitoring a process variable - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring a process variable of a medium in a container. including: a probe unit, which has a sensor electrode and a guard electrode; and an electronics unit, which supplies the sensor electrode with an activating signal and which supplies the guard electrode with a guard signal; An amplifying unit; and a limiting element arranged in series between the guard electrode and the output of the amplifying unit. The amplifying unit supplies via the limiting element the guard electrode with the guard signal; and the amplifying unit supplies via the limiting element the sensor electrode with the activating signal. The evaluating unit is provided, which determines and/or monitors the process variable based on an electrical current signal measurable at the sensor electrode, and the activating signal and/or the guard signal. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100000314 | Arrangement for fill level measurement - An arrangement for measuring fill levels of fill substances located in containers with a single fill-level measuring device operating according to the travel time principle, and arranged removed from the measuring locations at which a fill level is to be measured and having an antenna for directed sending of microwaves and for receiving microwaves. The arrangement includes: a mirror arrangement, which has, arranged at a measuring location above the fill substance, at least one mirror, which transmits, to the surface of the fill substance, microwaves sent from the antenna in their transmission direction and which transmits, back to the antenna, their echoes reflected on the surface of the fill substance; and a measuring device electronics, which is fed, in measurement operation, received signals received with the antenna, and which, on the basis of the received signals, ascertains the travel times of the microwaves reflected at the measuring locations on the surface of the fill substance and ascertains therefrom, on the basis of the positions of the mirrors arranged above the fill substance at the measuring locations, the fill levels at the measuring locations. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20090312846 | Apparatus for Detemining and/or Monitoring a Process Variable - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: at least one sensor unit for registering the process variable, wherein the sensor unit produces measurement signals; at least one electronics unit for controlling the sensor unit, wherein the electronics unit has at least one microprocessor; and at least one memory unit, which is associated with the sensor unit, and in which control data are storable. The control data specifically relate to the sensor unit and can be read out by the electronics unit. The microprocessor of the electronics unit is embodied in such a manner, that the microprocessor executes in an inactive state only basic functionalities, and that the microprocessor in an active state controls the sensor unit. The microprocessor transfers from the inactive state into the active state transfers by loading control data from the memory unit. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090302867 | Method for Ascertaining and Monitoring Fill Level of a Medium in a Container - A method for ascertaining and monitoring the fill level of a medium in a container the method utilizes a fill-level measuring device, wherein, according to the technique of time-domain reflectometry, high-frequency measuring signals are guided via at least one measuring probe in the direction of the medium, reflected on at least one interface of the medium as wanted echo signals or on disturbance locations as disturbance echo signals, and received. A current echo curve is formed from a produced, reference echo signal, wanted echo signals and disturbance echo signals, wherein, at least from a first disturbance echo signal and the reference echo signal, which are caused in a measurement-inactive region of the fill-level measuring device, a base point is located in the current echo curve, and wherein the fill level is ascertained from the distance between the base point and the wanted echo signal formed in a measurement-active region of the fill-level measuring device. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090301210 | PRESSURE MEASURING TRANSDUCER - A dry, front-flush, pressure measuring transducer, which enables reliable measurements over a large temperature range. The transducer includes: a process connection made of a stainless steel and serving for securing the pressure measuring transducer to a measuring site; and a pressure sensor module, including a holder of stainless steel, into which a metal separating diaphragm is set front-flushly by means of a purely metal connection. A pressure to be measured acts on the separating diaphragm during measurement operation. The holder is set front-flushly by means of a purely metal connection into the process connection. The pressure sensor module further includes a titanium disk which is carried by the holder. A sapphire carrier with integrated silicon sensors is secured to the titanium disk. The titanium disk forms the separating diaphragm or it is physically connected with the separating diaphragm in such a manner that a deflection of the separating diaphragm effects a corresponding deflection of the titanium disk. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090301209 | Hydraulic pressure intermediary - A hydraulic pressure intermediary includes: a platform, which has a bowl-shaped surface having an annular, platform-surface edge region, a platform-surface central region depressed relative to the platform-surface edge region and surrounded by the platform-surface edge region, and an annular platform-surface transition region, which borders, on its inner side, the platform-surface central region and, on its outer side, the platform-surface edge region; a bowl-shaped, separating membrane having a flat, annular, separating-membrane edge region, a separating-membrane central region depressed relative to the separating-membrane edge region and an annular separating-membrane transition region, which borders, on its inner side, the separating-membrane central region and, on its outer side, the separating-membrane edge region. The separating membrane is connected with the platform-surface edge region within the separating-membrane edge region along a surrounding joint. Further, the separating-membrane transition region includes an annular moat having a moat outer side, a moat inner side, and a moat transition zone, wherein the moat outer side has a first annular inclined surface, which borders on the separating-membrane edge region, the moat inner side includes a second annular inclined surface, which borders on the separating-membrane central region, and the moat transition zone extends between the first and the second inclined surfaces. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090284269 | Apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring a process variable - The invention relates to an apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring a process variable. The apparatus includes a sensor element ( | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090241677 | Pressure management arrangement - A pressure measurement arrangement for measuring a line pressure of a product is described wherein product hold-up inside of disposable parts is minimized, comprising: a reusable pressure sensor comprising a measurement diaphragm, a fitting, the fitting comprising: a tubular opening extending through said fitting, for the reception of a disposable elastomeric tube, an aperture extending through an outside wall of the fitting into the tubular opening; and mounting structure, for mounting the pressure sensor on the aperture, such that the measurement diaphragm is exposed to an inside of the tubular opening; wherein the disposable tube is inserted in the tubular opening of the fitting during measurement; and an outside wall of the disposable tube comprises a thin flexible portion, which conforms to the measurement diaphragm when the disposable tube is pressurized by the line pressure. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090235736 | Verfahren zur Auswertung und Korrektur von Gesamtmesssignalen - An improved and more accurate method for evaluating and correcting total measurement signals (TS(n)) of measuring devices. The invention concerns a method for evaluating and correcting total measurement signals (TS(n)) of a measuring device, wherein measuring signals are transmitted in the direction of a medium and reflected on a surface of the medium as wanted echo signals or on a surface of a disturbing element as interference signals and received. In the case of a modification of at least one technical, process condition in the container and/or a modification of at least one technical, measurement condition of the measuring device, an independent reference curve is ascertained on the basis of a current static reference curve, wherein the interference signals are masked out of the raw echo curve on the basis of a masking algorithm, which applies the independent reference curve. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090222699 | Method for Displaying Quality of a Digital Communications Link for Field Devices of Automation Technology - A method for displaying the quality of a digital communications link for field devices of automation technology on a field device serving as a monitoring unit. According to the method telegrams are transmitted via the communications link and are tapped in the monitoring unit and tested according to at least two criteria. The result of the testing is displayed as a bar chart on the monitoring unit, so that the user can observe quality of the communications link simply and easily. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090217023 | Method for upgrading a microprocessor-controlled device with a new software code via a communication network - In a method for equipping a microprocessor-controlled device with new software code via a communication network, the device has a non-volatile program memory, with two memory areas, a first memory area and a second memory area. The first memory area (boot sector) is provided for a basic program, which provides a first operating system and first functionalities of the device, and the second memory area (update sector) is provided for the software code to be transferred. The first memory area is protected by hardware means against overwriting. The following method steps are performed. First, there is a system boot with the basic program from the first memory area. In such case, a system variable UPDATE is read. In case this has the value “perform update”, an invocation of a function “perform firmware update” occurs. Then this variable is set to the value “invalid firmware”. Next, a connection is established to a superordinated unit and the new software code is transferred into the device. Following storage of the new software code in the second memory area, a test of the new software code for bit error is performed. In case bit errors have occurred during the transfer, a new system boot is performed. If no bit errors have occurred, the new software code is executed from the second memory area and the system variable UPDATE is written with the value “valid firmware”. Through this method, a safe equipping of microprocessor-controlled devices with new software code via a communication network is possible. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090212997 | Method for measuring a distance running time - A method for ascertaining the distance on the basis of the travel-time of high-frequency measuring signals, wherein at least one periodic, pulsed, transmission signal having a pulse repetition frequency is transmitted and at least one reflected measuring signal is received. The transmission signal and the reflected measuring signal are transformed by means of a sampling signal produced with a sampling frequency into a time-expanded, intermediate-frequency signal having an intermediate-frequency. The time-expanded, intermediate-frequency signal is filtered by means of at least one filter and a filtered, intermediate-frequency signal is produced, wherein the intermediate-frequency is matched to a limit frequency and/or a center frequency of the filter. The matching of the filter to the intermediate-frequency of the time-expanded measuring signal results, reducing production costs. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090212996 | Device for determining and monitoring the level of a medium in a container - The invention relates to an apparatus ( | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090211363 | Pressure transducer - A pressure transducer, including a housing having a housing axis and a measuring cell chamber defined in the housing. The measuring cell chamber is exposable to a pressure via an opening. The opening is surrounded by an annular, first sealing surface. A pressure measuring cell having a second sealing surface facing towards the opening, and a support surface facing away from the sealing surface, sealing ring; and a clamping apparatus, which engages the housing are provided. The pressure measuring cell and the sealing ring are clamped by means of an axial claimping force in such a manner between the clamping apparatus and the first sealing surface, that the sealing ring is arranged pressure-tightly between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface. The pressure transducer further includes a misalignment accommodating arrangement, which includes a first transmission body, which faces toward the opening, and a second transmission body, which is facing away from the opening. The axial clamping formce is transmitted through the misalignment accommodating arrangement from the clamping apparatus to the pressure measuring cell, and the first transmission body is tiltable relative to the second transmission body about two mutually perpendicular axes. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090211356 | Apparatus for Capacitive Ascertaining and/or Monitoring of Fill Level - An apparatus for capacitive ascertaining and/or monitoring of the fill level of a medium in a container. The apparatus includes at least one probe unit, which is electrically insulated relative to the medium, and at least one electronics unit, which supplies the probe unit with at least one electrical, actuating signal, receives an electrical measurement signal from the probe unit, and evaluates the measurement signal as regards the fill level The actuating signal is an electrical alternating voltage signal. The electronics unit is embodied in such a manner that it supplies the probe unit with the actuating signal in a measuring phase, and supplies the probe unit with a test signal in a test phase, and that it receives a test measurement signal in the test phase from the probe unit, wherein the test signal is selected in such a manner that it has at least one section with an essentially constant voltage value. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090205411 | Device for Determining and/or Monitoring a Process Variable of a Medium - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: at least one mechanically oscillatable unit; a driving/receiving unit, which, starting with an electric, excitation signal, excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations, and which receives the mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit and converts them into an electric, received signal; and an electronics unit, which, starting with the electric, received signal, generates the electric, excitation signal and sends it to the driving/receiving unit. The electronics unit is embodied in such a way that it generates the excitation signal, such that a predeterminable phase difference exists between the excitation signal and the received signal. Present in the electronics unit is at least one all-pass filter for tuning the phase difference. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090178478 | Apparatus for Ascertaining and Monitoring Fill Level of Medium in a Container - An apparatus for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container by means of a travel-time measuring method utilizing high-frequency measuring signals. An antenna, having an antenna coupling region and an antenna region, or a waveguide having a probe coupling region and a probe measuring region extending into the container is included. Hollow spaces present in the antenna coupling region, in the antenna region, in the probe coupling region and/or in the probe measuring region are filled at least partially with a dielectric filling body. The dielectric filling body has internally at least one, hermetically sealed, reserved volume and the hermetically sealed, reserved volume is so embodied, that the dielectric filling body has a predetermined wave resistance and/or the high-frequency measuring signals have a predetermined propagation characteristic. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090161105 | Method for Ascertaining and Monitoring Fill Level of a Medium In a Container Using the Travel-Time Method - A method for ascertaining and monitoring the fill level of a medium in a container according to the travel-time measuring method, wherein, via a first coupling element of an antenna, high-frequency transmission signals are transmitted with a predetermined polarization plane ( | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090158839 | Method for ascertaining and/or evaluating fill-state of a container containing at least one medium - A method for ascertaining and/or evaluating the fill-state of a container filled with at least one medium, wherein high-frequency, electromagnetic, measuring signals are emitted by a fill-level measuring device and received back as wanted echos reflected at an interface of the media. The electromagnetic, measuring signals are received back as an end echo reflected at a measuring range end, wherein, from the received wanted echos and the end echo, an echo curve is formed as a function of travel-time and/or the travel-distance, wherein, by means of a search algorithm integrated in the fill-level measuring device, number, existence and/or position of individual wanted echos and of the end echo in the echo curve are/is ascertained and applied for classifying the currently present fill-state in the container relative to predetermined, stored, fill situations in the container. On the basis of the classified fill situation in the container, with a distance value of the fill-level and/or a distance value of the separating-layer are/is associated belonging travel-times and/or belonging travel-distances of the individual wanted echos and/or end echo in the echo curve. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090107245 | Pressure gauge with hydraulic pressure transmission - A pressure gauge, or transducer, for high-temperature applications, comprising a sensor module with a sensor body having a measuring cell chamber containing a pressure measuring cell. The pressure measuring cell can be subjected to the action of a pressure via a first hydraulic path filled with a transmission liquid. The pressure gauge also comprises a transmission module for transmitting a pressure to the first hydraulic path. The transmission module has a second hydraulic path, which is filled with a transmission liquid and extends from a process diaphragm, through a transmission body and to a transmission diaphragm. The transmission diaphragm is attached to the transmission body in a pressure-tight manner, and the sensor body is joined to the transmission body in a pressure-tight manner, whereby the transmission diaphragm communicates with the first hydraulic path so that the pressure of the second hydraulic path can be transmitted via the transmission diaphragm to the first hydraulic path. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090013778 | Method for Checking the Proper Functioning of a Level Indicator - A method for checking proper functioning of a fill-level measuring device working according to the travel time principle. For this purpose, in predetermined or selectable time intervals (ta), a current measured value curve at a current fill level (hactual) is ascertained; on the basis of the current measured value curve, a current wanted echo signal is determined. Subsequently, on the basis of the current wanted echo signal, an expected value (E) for quality of a wanted echo signal at at least one predetermined fill level (hdesired) is ascertained. The ascertained expected value (E) for quality of the wanted echo signal at the predetermined fill level (hdesired) is compared with a predetermined critical value for quality, and an error condition is diagnosed, when the ascertained expected value falls below the critical value for quality. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20080307881 | Device for Determining and/or Monitoring the Fill-Level Process Variable of a Substance in a Container - The invention relates to an apparatus for determining and/or monitoring the process-variable fill-level of a fill substance in a container. The apparatus of the invention is to satisfy high demands with respect to chemical resistance and/or cleanability, while permitting individual parts to be replaced. In accordance with the invention, a housing part ( | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080303611 | Apparatus for Transferring Broadband, High-Frequency Signals - An apparatus for the transfer of broadband, high-frequency signals of a center wavelength (λ | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080302439 | Filling Level Measurement Device and Filling Level Measurement and Monitoring Method - A method for measuring a fill level ( | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080297285 | Microwave Conducting Arrangement - In order to provide a microwave-conducting arrangement, which is relatively easy, and thus cost-favorable, to fabricate, and which is suited also for complex structures and geometries, one or more electrically conductive layers are provided which are applied on a non-conductive body having a surface of any shape. A metallizing provided for such purpose on the surface of the body is, for example, produced by a vapor-deposition process, by means of a flame-spraying process, or by means of a chemical metallizing. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080297177 | Method for servicing an apparatus for capacitive ascertaining and/or monitoring of a process variable - The invention relates to a method for servicing, especially checking, an apparatus for capacitive ascertaining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium, wherein the apparatus has at least one probe unit ( | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080272968 | Device for Transmitting and/or Receiving High-Frequency Signals in an Open or Closed Space System - A device for transmitting and/or receiving high-frequency signals in an open or closed, spatial system, wherein the device is embodied as an array antenna, which transmits and receives high-frequency signals with a specified form of wavefront. The array antenna comprises a support structure with transmitting and/or receiving antenna elements. The support structure comprises a dielectric material, wherein a transmitting/receiving unit is provided, at least one feeding network is provided for transferring the high-frequency signals between the transmitting/receiving unit and the transmitting and/or receiving, antenna elements, and wherein a control/evaluation unit is provided. The device provides an inexpensive, compact and resistant device fortransmitting and receiving high-frequency signals, which is distinguished by an optimized radiation characteristic. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080257035 | Apparatus for Determining and/or Monitoring at Least One Process Variable - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium and includes: A mechanically oscillatable unit, which executes mechanical oscillations in a direction and which is secured at a seating. Included is an exciting/receiving unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to mechanical oscillations and which receives the mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit; and a control/evaluation unit, which controls the mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit and which determines and/or monitors the process variable. At least one compensating mass is also provided, which is mechanically coupled with the mechanically oscillatable unit and which is embodied and/or secured in such a manner that it executes mechanical oscillations in a direction, wherein the direction of the oscillations of the compensating mass are essentially perpendicular to the direction of the oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit. | 10-23-2008 |
