Patents by Inventor Barbara Happe

Barbara Happe 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: 11867396
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create a device for indicating the status of a gas burner, which device functions independently of the circumstances of the specific gas burner design and arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Barbara Happe
  • Publication number: 20210356133
    Abstract: A universally applicable regulation function is provided for a gas-operated heating device with more than one burner. The function facilitates start-up, regulation, and deactivation processes. A first valve and a second valve are connected together in a gas-tight manner. The first valve has an ignition lock which closes the main gas flow in the event of an ignition, a thermoelectric ignition fuse, a thermostat, and optionally an integrated pressure regulator. The start-up of the first valve allows the activation and deactivation of the gas flow. The first valve has two gas outlets, a first outlet for connecting the second valve, wherein the first outlet is located downstream of the ignition fuse and the optional pressure regulator and upstream of the thermostat, and a second outlet downstream of the thermostat, the second outlet leading to a first burner. The second valve is a thermostat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventor: Barbara Happe
  • Publication number: 20200400311
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create a device for indicating the status of a gas burner, which device functions independently of the circumstances of the specific gas burner design and arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Barbara Happe
  • Patent number: 9696033
    Abstract: The aim is to provide a gas control valve in which the specified desired value range can be subsequently shifted easily in order to optimize the range of settable temperatures for the heating device without exceeding the device- and/or installation-specific admissible use conditions. To this end, a setting element (17) which serves to change the position of a temperature-sensitive element (8) and thus to actuate a switch for activating a valve has a threaded part (12) that is screwable into the housing (1) of the gas control valve. In this case, the two are connected together in a rotationally secure manner via a releasable locking mechanism, wherein a tubular latching part (14) that is firmly connected to the threaded part (12) is arranged between the pot-like setting element (17), partially surrounding the threaded part (12) with a recess (18), and the threaded part (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: MERTIK MAXITROL GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Barbara Happe, Peter Keil
  • Patent number: 9523501
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a gas regulator fitting that ensures simple manual operation. In particular, activation and deactivation, respectively, are to be made possible with one motion. Furthermore, the invention aims to ensure that even in the event the voltage source malfunctions, the gas regulator fitting will be deactivated. To accomplish this, an ignition safety magnet (34) is excited by a current flowing over a first micro switch (13) when the gas regulator fitting is activated by means of the manual actuation of a tappet (10) having selector contours (15; 16) in a longitudinal direction against the force of a return spring (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Barbara Happe
  • Publication number: 20160069565
    Abstract: The aim is to provide a gas control valve in which the specified desired value range can be subsequently shifted easily in order to optimize the range of settable temperatures for the heating device without exceeding the device- and/or installation-specific admissible use conditions. To this end, a setting element (17) which serves to change the position of a temperature-sensitive element (8) and thus to actuate a switch for activating a valve has a threaded part (12) that is screwable into the housing (1) of the gas control valve. In this case, the two are connected together in a rotationally secure manner via a releasable locking mechanism, wherein a tubular latching part (14) that is firmly connected to the threaded part (12) is arranged between the pot-like setting element (17), partially surrounding the threaded part (12) with a recess (18), and the threaded part (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: MERTIK MAXITROL GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Barbara Happe, Peter Keil
  • Patent number: 9157636
    Abstract: A gas regulating fitting that ensures simple manual operation is to be created. In particular, the device is to be capable of being switched both on and off in one operation. To that end, a microswitch (12) connected to an electronic control unit is arranged on the housing (1). The microswitch is operated when a tappet (10) arranged axially to the safety pilot valve (26) and the main valve (19) is manually operated. The electronic control unit thereby receives an electrical signal whereby the gas regulating fitting is activated in its switched-off state, and the gas flow flowing through the open safety pilot valve (26) is therefore ignited, whereas the holding current flowing to the thermoelectric safety pilot valve (26) is interrupted in the switched-on state of the gas regulating fitting, and the gas regulating fitting is therefore deactivated. The gas regulating fitting can be used to ignite and regulate a gas flow flowing to a burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: MERTIK MAXITROL GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Barbara Happe
  • Patent number: 9151497
    Abstract: A gas regulator fitting is to be devised that prevents distortions of the temperature value to be regulated caused by ambient temperature fluctuations. Retrofitting without intervention into the gas-conducting space is also to be made possible. To that end, one or more bimetal discs (17) are arranged outside the gas-conducting space of the gas regulator fitting, between an operating element (18) for setting the required temperature and a longitudinally movable ram (8) whose position can be altered by means of metal bellows (9) which are connected to a temperature sensor (11) by a capillary line (10). The ram (8) protruding into the gas-conducting space activates a switch which controls a valve for regulating the gas stream to the main burner. The bimetal discs (17) are arranged in such a manner that their overall height, which is altered in the direction of movement of the ram (8) depending on the ambient temperature, can influence the position of the metal bellows (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: MERTIK MAXITROL GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Barbara Happe, Frank Pusch
  • Publication number: 20140272740
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a gas regulator fitting that ensures simple manual operation. In particular, activation and deactivation, respectively, are to be made possible with one motion. Furthermore, the invention aims to ensure that even in the event the voltage source malfunctions, the gas regulator fitting will be deactivated. To accomplish this, an ignition safety magnet (34) is excited by a current flowing over a first micro switch (13) when the gas regulator fitting is activated by means of the manual actuation of a tappet (10) having selector contours (15; 16) in a longitudinal direction against the force of a return spring (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Barbara Happe
  • Publication number: 20140137954
    Abstract: A gas regulator fitting is to be devised that prevents distortions of the temperature value to be regulated caused by ambient temperature fluctuations. Retrofitting without intervention into the gas-conducting space is also to be made possible. To that end, one or more bimetal discs (17) are arranged outside the gas-conducting space of the gas regulator fitting, between an operating element (18) for setting the required temperature and a longitudinally movable ram (8) whose position can be altered by means of metal bellows (9) which are connected to a temperature sensor (11) by a capillary line (10). The ram (8) protruding into the gas-conducting space activates a switch which controls a valve for regulating the gas stream to the main burner. The bimetal discs (17) are arranged in such a manner that their overall height, which is altered in the direction of movement of the ram (8) depending on the ambient temperature, can influence the position of the metal bellows (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Barbara Happe, Frank Pusch
  • Patent number: 8668490
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for igniting a gas flow by means of remote control. The aim of the invention is to maintain the current consumption so low that an integratable voltage source can be used. To this end, a thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) is opened and the escaping gas ignited by the actuation of an electronic control unit (5) fed by a voltage source. Said thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) is maintained open by a safety pilot magnet (18) by means of a holding current from the voltage source until a thermocouple (22) provides the required holding current once the gas flow has been ignited or a defined holding time is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Barbara Happe, Jürgen Blank
  • Patent number: 8602047
    Abstract: A gas regulator fitting is to be devised that prevents distortions of the temperature value to be regulated caused by ambient temperature fluctuations. Retrofitting without intervention into the gas-conducting space is also to be made possible. To that end, one or more bimetal discs (17) are arranged outside the gas-conducting space of the gas regulator fitting, between an operating element (18) for setting the required temperature and a longitudinally movable ram (8) whose position can be altered by means of metal bellows (9) which are connected to a temperature sensor (11) by a capillary line (10). The ram (8) protruding into the gas-conducting space activates a switch which controls a valve for regulating the gas stream to the main burner. The bimetal discs (17) are arranged in such a manner that their overall height, which is altered in the direction of movement of the ram (8) depending on the ambient temperature, can influence the position of the metal bellows (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Barbara Happe, Frank Pusch
  • Publication number: 20130048109
    Abstract: A gas regulating fitting that ensures simple manual operation is to be created. In particular, the device is to be capable of being switched both on and off in one operation. To that end, a microswitch (12) connected to an electronic control unit is arranged on the housing (1). The microswitch is operated when a tappet (10) arranged axially to the safety pilot valve (26) and the main valve (19) is manually operated. The electronic control unit thereby receives an electrical signal whereby the gas regulating fitting is activated in its switched-off state, and the gas flow flowing through the open safety pilot valve (26) is therefore ignited, whereas the holding current flowing to the thermoelectric safety pilot valve (26) is interrupted in the switched-on state of the gas regulating fitting, and the gas regulating fitting is therefore deactivated. The gas regulating fitting can be used to ignite and regulate a gas flow flowing to a burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Barbara Happe
  • Publication number: 20120024401
    Abstract: A gas regulator fitting is to be devised that prevents distortions of the temperature value to be regulated caused by ambient temperature fluctuations. Retrofitting without intervention into the gas-conducting space is also to be made possible. To that end, one or more bimetal discs (17) are arranged outside the gas-conducting space of the gas regulator fitting, between an operating element (18) for setting the required temperature and a longitudinally movable ram (8) whose position can be altered by means of metal bellows (9) which are connected to a temperature sensor (11) by a capillary line (10). The ram (8) protruding into the gas-conducting space activates a switch which controls a valve for regulating the gas stream to the main burner. The bimetal discs (17) are arranged in such a manner that their overall height, which is altered in the direction of movement of the ram (8) depending on the ambient temperature, can influence the position of the metal bellows (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Barbara Happe, Frank Pusch
  • Patent number: 7919732
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a circuit for igniting a gas flow in a fully automatic manner. The aim of the invention is to maintain the necessary current consumption so low that an integratable voltage source can be used. To this end, once an electronic control unit has been activated, a thermoelectric safety pilot valve (2) is opened by an electromagnet which is temporarily excited by a rush of current, is maintained in the open position by a safety pilot magnet (6) by means of a holding current provided by a voltage source (10), and the escaping gas is ignited. Once a thermoelectric couple (4) is provided for the necessary holding current, the voltage source (10) is switched off. In the event of damage, the method is automatically interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Blank, Barbara Happe
  • Patent number: 7891972
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create a gas regulating fitting which, once a gas stove has been successfully started up, can switch the pilot burner into the off position when the main burner is in the off position, in order to maintain the power consumption of the gas stove as low as possible. The aim of the invention is also to provide the gas regulating fitting with as simple a structure as possible. To this end, the gas regulating fitting comprises a sensor (34) by which means the operating state of the main burner (33) can be detected. The sensor (34) is connected to a thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) in such a way that, when the operating state of the main burner (33) is switched from the on position into the off position by a signal emitted from the sensor (34), the thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) assumes the closed position thereof. The gas regulating fitting can be used to ignite and to regulate a gas flow flowing to a burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Blank, Barbara Happe
  • Publication number: 20110039217
    Abstract: A method and a gas regulator fitting for monitoring the ignition of a gas appliance in which the danger of the accumulation of an increased amount of unburned gas in a combustion chamber before the ignition of a main burner (2) is reduced. In addition, an immediate renewed attempt to ignite the appliance is to be prevented. A sensor (21) ascertaining the operating condition of the main burner (2) is activated in such a way on the activation of a drive unit (20) forming part of the gas regulator fitting for opening a main valve (11) of the gas regulator fitting such that, if the main gas flow in the main burner (2) is not ignited within a given time, the main valve (11) is closed again also for a given time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: MERTIK MAXITROL GMBH & CO., KG
    Inventor: Barbara Happe
  • Patent number: 7823581
    Abstract: A gas valve (14) control system (10) uses a control signal (16) to enable a valve (14) and a validation signal (22) to validate the control signal (16). The system (10) includes a valve (14) connected to a burner (12). A receiver (18) is electrically connected to the valve (14) and provides the valve (14) with the control signal (16). A controller (20) has a control transmitter (24) in wireless communication with the receiver (18) to transmit the control signal (16) to the receiver (18) at a speed of light. The controller (20) further includes a validation transmitter (26) to transmit a validation signal (22) to the receiver (18) at a speed of sound. The valve (14) is enabled by the control signal (16) if a time delay between the receiver (18) receiving the control signal (16) and the validation signal (22) is shorter than a maximum delay period. The control signal (16) is discarded if the time delay is longer than the maximum delay period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Maxitrol Company
    Inventors: Juan F. Velasquez, Barbara Happe
  • Patent number: 7507085
    Abstract: A gas regulating fitting that, in addition to enabling an electronic ignition of the gas flow, also permits a manual ignition. A covering element (17) is displaceably mounted on the housing (1) of the gas regulating fitting and, in a first position, covers a tappet (10; 14), which is provided for actuating a thermoelectric ignition safety valve (26) and a main valve (19), and covers a control switch (13) of a piezoelectric igniting element. When the covering element (17) is in a second position, an actuation of the tappet (10; 14), which inevitably occurs when the covering element (17) is displaced, ensures that the main valve (19) is located in the closed position. In addition, the control switch (13) and the tappet (10, 14) are released in this position in such a manner that an ignition of the gas flow is made possible by a manual actuation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Barbara Happe, Frank Pusch
  • Publication number: 20070275334
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create a gas regulating fitting which, once a gas stove has been successfully started up, can switch the pilot burner into the off position when the main burner is in the off position, in order to maintain the power consumption of the gas stove as low as possible. The aim of the invention is also to provide the gas regulating fitting with as simple a structure as possible. To this end, the gas regulating fitting comprises a sensor (34) by which means the operating state of the main burner (33) can be detected. The sensor (34) is connected to a thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) in such a way that, when the operating state of the main burner (33) is switched from the on position into the off position by a signal emitted from the sensor (34), the thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) assumes the closed position thereof. The gas regulating fitting can be used to ignite and to regulate a gas flow flowing to a burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Jurgen Blank, Barbara Happe