Patents by Inventor Patrick W. Schatz

Patrick W. Schatz 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: 11619385
    Abstract: A system including a burner configured to be coupled to a fuel line to deliver fuel to the burner and an igniter positioned adjacent to the burner and configured to ignite fuel emitted by the burner. The system further includes a valve configured to control a flow of fuel through the fuel line and a control module operably coupled to the igniter and to the valve. The control module is configured to send a signal to the igniter and to close the valve if a quality of a return electrical signal from the igniter is below a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Hearth Products Controls Co.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Witman, Patrick W. Schatz
  • Patent number: 11619382
    Abstract: A system including a variable orifice component including a main body, a main fuel path extending through the main body, and a control body positioned in the main body. The control body is movable between a first position wherein a first fuel path thereof is in fluid communication with the main fuel path to enable fuel to flow therethrough, and a second position wherein a second fuel path thereof is in fluid communication with the main fuel path to enable fuel to flow therethrough. The system further includes a vent body coupled to the main body. The vent body is movable between a first position wherein the main fuel path is in fluid communication with a vent orifice of the vent body to provide fluid communication between the main fuel path and a surrounding environment, and a second position wherein the main fuel path is not in fluid communication with the vent orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Hearth Products Controls Co.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Witman, Patrick W. Schatz
  • Publication number: 20210262661
    Abstract: A system including a burner configured to be coupled to a fuel line to deliver fuel to the burner and an igniter positioned adjacent to the burner and configured to ignite fuel emitted by the burner. The system further includes a valve configured to control a flow of fuel through the fuel line and a control module operably coupled to the igniter and to the valve. The control module is configured to send a signal to the igniter and to close the valve if a quality of a return electrical signal from the igniter is below a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: Hearth Products Controls Co.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Witman, Patrick W. Schatz
  • Publication number: 20210262656
    Abstract: A system including a variable orifice component including a main body, a main fuel path extending through the main body, and a control body positioned in the main body. The control body is movable between a first position wherein a first fuel path thereof is in fluid communication with the main fuel path to enable fuel to flow therethrough, and a second position wherein a second fuel path thereof is in fluid communication with the main fuel path to enable fuel to flow therethrough. The system further includes a vent body coupled to the main body. The vent body is movable between a first position wherein the main fuel path is in fluid communication with a vent orifice of the vent body to provide fluid communication between the main fuel path and a surrounding environment, and a second position wherein the main fuel path is not in fluid communication with the vent orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: Hearth Products Controls Co.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Witman, Patrick W. Schatz
  • Patent number: 9192881
    Abstract: Various water basins and systems are described that include a first basin having a longitudinally upward extending tower, a first side, a second side, and a plurality of supports. The plurality of supports are adjustable from the first side of the first basin. The system includes at least a water system having a pump and a water line that extends from the pump to the second side of the first basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: HEARTH PRODUCTS CONTROLS CO.
    Inventors: Michael S. Adkins, Patrick W. Schatz, Gregory T. Steck
  • Publication number: 20140262992
    Abstract: Various water basins and systems are described that include a first basin having a longitudinally upward extending tower, a first side, a second side, and a plurality of supports. The plurality of supports are adjustable from the first side of the first basin. The system includes at least a water system having a pump and a water line that extends from the pump to the second side of the first basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hearth Products Controls
    Inventors: Michael S. Adkins, Patrick W. Schatz, Gregory T. Steck
  • Patent number: 8113536
    Abstract: A method of folding an inflatable cushion into a housing of an airbag module is provided, the method including: arranging the inflatable cushion in an un-inflated position to define a first pleat and a second pleat each extending from a first end of the inflatable cushion to a second end of the inflatable cushion, the second end being opposite the first end, the inflatable cushion also having a first flap portion extending from the first pleat and a second flap portion extending from the second pleat, the second flap portion being opposite the first flap portion; rolling the first end and the second end of the inflatable cushion towards each other and underneath a top surface of the inflatable cushion, wherein a first pocket is formed by the first pleat below the top surface and a second pocket below the top surface is formed by the second pleat; and folding the first flap into the first pocket and folding the second flap into the second pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Laura A. Hawthorn, Patrick W. Schatz
  • Publication number: 20100176578
    Abstract: A method of folding an inflatable cushion into a housing of an airbag module is provided, the method including: arranging the inflatable cushion in an un-inflated position to define a first pleat and a second pleat each extending from a first end of the inflatable cushion to a second end of the inflatable cushion, the second end being opposite the first end, the inflatable cushion also having a first flap portion extending from the first pleat and a second flap portion extending from the second pleat, the second flap portion being opposite the first flap portion; rolling the first end and the second end of the inflatable cushion towards each other and underneath a top surface of the inflatable cushion, wherein a first pocket is formed by the first pleat below the top surface and a second pocket below the top surface is formed by the second pleat; and folding the first flap into the first pocket and folding the second flap into the second pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Laura A. Hawthorn, Patrick W. Schatz
  • Patent number: 7021657
    Abstract: An air bag assembly adapted for use in opposing relation to a vehicle occupant. The assembly includes one or more tethering elements which may be selectively released from a first restrained condition to a second restrained condition in a predefined manner so as to control the inflated profile of the air bag cushion based upon vehicle and/or occupant conditions while nonetheless maintaining tension within the tethering elements in both the first and second restrained conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Kassman, Mark Thomas Winters, Ann L. Kneisly, Patrick W. Schatz, Ryan Todd Pinsenschaum
  • Patent number: 6799777
    Abstract: An airbag module is provided. The module includes a housing, an inflator, an inflatable cushion, a vent aperture defined in the housing, and a gas deflecting member. The vent aperture places the interior of the housing in fluid communication with the exterior of the housing. The vent aperture is offset from exhaust ports of the inflator. The gas deflecting member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a first portion of the deflecting member deflects a first amount of the inflation gas to the exterior of the housing. In the second position, a second portion of the deflecting member deflects the inflation gas towards the inflatable cushion. A second amount of the inflation gas is ventable from the housing through the vent aperture when the deflecting member is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura A. Hawthorn, Stephanie Dunkle, Mark T. Winters, Shawn G. Ryan, Ann L. Kneisly, John P. Sparkman, Patrick W. Schatz
  • Publication number: 20040094940
    Abstract: An airbag module is provided. The module includes a housing, an inflator, an inflatable cushion, a vent aperture defined in the housing, and a gas deflecting member. The vent aperture places the interior of the housing in fluid communication with the exterior of the housing. The vent aperture is offset from exhaust ports of the inflator. The gas deflecting member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a first portion of the deflecting member deflects a first amount of the inflation gas to the exterior of the housing. In the second position, a second portion of the deflecting member deflects the inflation gas towards the inflatable cushion. A second amount of the inflation gas is ventable from the housing through the vent aperture when the deflecting member is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Laura A. Hawthorn, Stephanie Dunkle, Mark T. Winters, Shawn G. Ryan, Ann L. Kneisly, John P. Sparkman, Patrick W. Schatz
  • Publication number: 20040090055
    Abstract: An air bag assembly adapted for use in opposing relation to a vehicle occupant. The assembly includes one or more tethering elements which may be selectively released from a first restrained condition to a second restrained condition in a predefined manner so as to control the inflated profile of the air bag cushion based upon vehicle and/or occupant conditions while nonetheless maintaining tension within the tethering elements in both the first and second restrained conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Mark E. Kassman, Mark Thomas Winters, Ann L. Kneisly, Patrick W. Schatz, Ryan Todd Pinsenschaum
  • Patent number: 6733032
    Abstract: An air bag cover assembly for disposition within an automotive vehicle dash panel in overlying relation to an inflatable air bag cushion. The cover assembly includes a door structure having a displaceable interior portion. Upon application of force from the inflatable air bag cushion, the interior portion is displaceable in a hinging manner relative to dash panel and undergoes internal deformation to facilitate desired deployment characteristics for a given configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Todd Pinsenschaum, Patrick W. Schatz
  • Patent number: 6565113
    Abstract: An air bag module having an inflator with an inflator flange, a plurality of mounting studs depending outwardly from the inflator flange. An air bag cushion is positioned about the inflator flange. The air bag cushion allows a portion of the inflator to be inserted into the air bag cushion and the plurality of mounting studs passing through openings in the air bag cushion. An air bag cover having a plurality of retaining members is secured to the inflator flange, the retaining members sandwich a portion of the air bag cushion in between the inflator flange and the retaining members. A base plate having a plurality of securement members is secured to the cover portion and the plurality of mounting studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Kassman, Mark Thomas Winters, Ann L. Kneisly, Patrick W. Schatz, Ryan Todd Pinsenschaum
  • Patent number: 6502852
    Abstract: A frangible cover for a vehicle air bag assembly having a displaceable flap portion of controlled flexibility for rotation in hinging fashion generally away from a tear seam at the interior of the cover and towards the perimeter of the cover to form an opening across the cover for egress of an underlying air bag cushion. One or more stiffness reducing members are arranged at the flap portion to control the internal stiffness of the flap portion and to facilitate ease of outward rotational displacement of the flap portion. Such stiffness reducing members may be arranged in a pattern extending in the region between the outer edge of the cover and a portion of an interior tear seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Kassman, Patrick W. Schatz, Mark Thomas Winters
  • Patent number: 6454300
    Abstract: A release mechanism of efficient construction and operation is provided to hold profile restraining air bag tethers in a shortened operative condition under a first set of predetermined conditions and to extend such tethers under a second set of predetermined conditions. The extension of the restraining tethers may be carried out in conjunction with the delivery of an increased volume of inflating gas to the air bag cushion utilizing a gas emitting inflator in conjunction with a dynamic variable inflation device to effect delivery of a proper volume of inflation gas while releasing the tethers from a restrained length condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie L Dunkle, Mark Thomas Winters, Laura Adelle Hawthorn, Ryan Todd Pinsenschaum, Patrick W. Schatz, Ann L. Kneisly, Shawn Gregory Ryan
  • Publication number: 20020125689
    Abstract: An air bag cover assembly for disposition within an automotive vehicle dash panel in overlying relation to an inflatable air bag cushion. The cover assembly includes a door structure having a displaceable interior portion. Upon application of force from the inflatable air bag cushion, the interior portion is displaceable in a hinging manner relative to dash panel and undergoes internal deformation to facilitate desired deployment characteristics for a given configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Ryan Todd Pinsenschaum, Patrick W. Schatz
  • Publication number: 20020117840
    Abstract: A release mechanism of efficient construction and operation is provided to hold profile restraining air bag tethers in a shortened operative condition under a first set of predetermined conditions and to extend such tethers under a second set of predetermined conditions. The extension of the restraining tethers may be carried out in conjunction with the delivery of an increased volume of inflating gas to the air bag cushion utilizing a gas emitting inflator in conjunction with a dynamic variable inflation device to effect delivery of a proper volume of inflation gas while releasing the tethers from a restrained length condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Stephanie L. Dunkle, Mark Thomas Winters, Laura Adelle Hawthorn, Ryan Todd Pinsenschaum, Patrick W. Schatz, Ann L. Kneisly, Shawn Gregory Ryan
  • Publication number: 20020109337
    Abstract: An air bag module having an inflator with an inflator flange, a plurality of mounting studs depending outwardly from the inflator flange. An air bag cushion is positioned about the inflator flange. The air bag cushion allows a portion of the inflator to be inserted into the air bag cushion and the plurality of mounting studs passing through openings in the air bag cushion. An air bag cover having a plurality of retaining members is secured to the inflator flange, the retaining members sandwich a portion of the air bag cushion in between the inflator flange and the retaining members. A base plate having a plurality of securement members is secured to the cover portion and the plurality of mounting studs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Mark E. Kassman, Mark Thomas Winters, Ann L. Kneisly, Patrick W. Schatz, Ryan Todd Pinsenschaum
  • Patent number: 6196573
    Abstract: A mounting mechanism for an inflatable restraint system includes at least one pair of flat mounting members extending from an inflatable restraint module and adapted to extend through at least one pair of apertures in a support structure. The mounting mechanism also includes a bushing disposed over and cooperating with each of the at least one pair of flat mounting members to form a round pin. The mounting mechanism further includes a spring housing adapted to be disposed adjacent the support structure and a spring disposed in the spring housing to engage the flat mounting members to attach the inflatable restraint module to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Christian Worrell, Patrick W. Schatz, Ryan Todd Pinsenschaum