Patents by Inventor Heinfried Hoffmann

Heinfried Hoffmann 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: 8292264
    Abstract: In a valve system or method, an actuator is provided with an actuating rod. A valve is actuated by the rod and has a valve stem and a valve member secured thereto. A travel limiting device defines a travel limit of the actuating rod. A setting mechanism sets the travel limit. The actuating rod and valve stem are decouplable from each other. The setting mechanism comprises a connector for coupling the actuating rod and the valve stem, the connector being designed to set an axial spacing between the actuating rod and the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Joerg Kiesbauer, Eugen Nebel
  • Patent number: 7694936
    Abstract: In a method or device for function-monitoring an actuator in a process engineering plant, said actuator comprising a valve and an actuating drive for actuating said valve. A positioner is provided for setting a position of the valve, the positioner comprising a controller module. A predefined activation test signal is generated and applied to the controller module to position the actuator into a predefined function condition. A control signal is generated by the controller module for signalling the actuating drive in accordance with the activation test signal and an output control signal is sensed and monitored as compared to a reference control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Thomas Karte, Jörg Kiesbauer, Mario Menze, Ulrich Schulz
  • Patent number: 7621170
    Abstract: In a method or system for function testing of a safety valve in engineering plant, it is tested whether the safety valve travels from a normal position to a predetermined final position in a certain operating situation of the plant. A bypass the valve bypasses the safety valve and assumes an idle position in a normal operation of the plant and a predetermined test position for function testing of the safety valve. The test position of the bypass valve is established such that a predetermined fluid flow through the bypass valve is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Thomas Karte, Joerg Kiesbauer
  • Publication number: 20080149875
    Abstract: In a valve system or method, an actuator is provided with an actuating rod. A valve is actuated by the rod and has a valve stem and a valve member secured thereto. A travel limiting device defines a travel limit of the actuating rod. A setting mechanism sets the travel limit. The actuating rod and valve stem are decouplable from each other. The setting mechanism comprises a connector for coupling the actuating rod and the valve stem, the connector being designed to set an axial spacing between the actuating rod and the valve stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Joerg Kiesbauer, Eugen Nebel
  • Publication number: 20080092632
    Abstract: In a method or system for function testing of a safety valve in engineering plant, it is tested whether the safety valve travels from a normal position to a predetermined final position in a certain operating situation of the plant. A bypass the valve bypasses the safety valve and assumes an idle position in a normal operation of the plant and a predetermined test position for function testing of the safety valve. The test position of the bypass valve is established such that a predetermined fluid flow through the bypass valve is permitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Thomas Karte, Joerg Kiesbauer
  • Publication number: 20070057216
    Abstract: In a method or device for function-monitoring an actuator in a process engineering plant, said actuator comprising a valve and an actuating drive for actuating said valve. A positioner is provided for setting a position of the valve, the positioner comprising a controller module. A predefined activation test signal is generated and applied to the controller module to position the actuator into a predefined function condition. A control signal is generated by the controller module for signalling the actuating drive in accordance with the activation test signal and an output control signal is sensed and monitored as compared to a reference control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Thomas Karte, Jorg Kiesbauer, Mario Menze, Ulrich Schulz
  • Patent number: 7057369
    Abstract: A system for detecting the position of a component drivable by a control element drive, the system comprising: a position sensor housed in a position regulator housing, a movable motion representative to be driven by an actuating motion of the component, via which motion representative of a position motion of the component is transferred into the position regulator housing to the position sensor, which sensor detects the position of the component via the position of the motion representative wherein a drive for transferring and/or redirecting the actuating motion of the component to the motion representative transmits actuating motion forces from the component to the motion representative without contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Heinfried Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20060016183
    Abstract: A position control system for an adjusting member actuated by a pneumatic actuating drive, such as a pivot drive, comprising a sensor for detecting a position of the adjusting member, at least one signal processing device, such as a set value/actual value comparator or the like, connected to the sensor, and a pneumatic output, such as a current/pressure converter, including a pneumatic amplifier for control of the actuating drive, having the at least one signal processing device and the pneumatic output housed in a common regulator casing. The control casing may be adapted to be flange-connected in the area of a pneumatic interface of the regulating drive housing, while a pneumatic, preferably pipeless, connection is established between the regulator casing and the actuating drive housing, and for the sensor to be disposed outside of the regulator casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Publication date: January 26, 2006
    Inventor: Heinfried Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20050172794
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for the positioning of an actuator, such as a valve, containing an actuating component that can be coupled with an actuating element of the actuator is described. A driving force unit is provided which provides an actuation in accordance with the operation to the actuating component and a housing in which a part of the actuating component is accommodated. The housing has a passage through which the actuating component extends out of the housing to the actuator for transmitting the actuation. Within the housing, a position sensor is accommodated for recording the position of the actuating component and for generating an electric positioning signal for transmission to a control and/or regulating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Christian Mellinger, Stefan Kolbenschlag, Karl-Bernd Schartner
  • Publication number: 20050156554
    Abstract: A system for detecting the position of a component drivable by a control element drive, the system comprising: a position sensor housed in a position regulator housing, a movable motion representative to be driven by an actuating motion of the component, via which motion representative of a position motion of the component is transferred into the position regulator housing to the position sensor, which sensor detects the position of the component via the position of the motion representative wherein a drive for transferring and/or redirecting the actuating motion of the component to the motion representative transmits actuating motion forces from the component to the motion representative without contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Publication date: July 21, 2005
    Inventor: Heinfried Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20050043911
    Abstract: A method and a device test the operating safety of a process control device with a control element and an actuator to move the control element, as well as a position controller in a safety circuit. A control unit is connected with the position controller and is coupled to the actuator such that the actuator can be operated to move the control element from an initial condition to a final condition in the event of an incident with the aid of a controlling of the actuator by the control unit. A measurement device acquires measurement signals indicating movement of the control element from the initial condition. The position controller comprises a control signal generator to generate a control signal for partial movement of the control element in a test cycle for the process control device, and to transmit the control signal via a signal connection from the position controller to the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Thomas Karte, Jorg Kiesbauer, Ulrich Schulz, Karl-Bernd Schartner
  • Publication number: 20040236439
    Abstract: A method and device prevent a critical operating state of a control device with a control element and an actuator, as well as an acceleration sensor and an evaluation unit. An evaluation unit input is coupled to the acceleration sensor and a further input receives external desired values for the control device. The acceleration sensor acquires acceleration measurement values for the control device, these being transmitted to the evaluation unit, with the evaluation unit deriving assessment values from these values. The evaluation unit determines internal desired values and outputs them for control of the control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Jorg Kiesbauer
  • Patent number: 6294732
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical field device of the pressure-resistant encapsulation type of protection for use in areas at risk of explosion and has at least a first and second mechanically and electrically coupled modules. The first module includes a connection space for the connection of the field device in an explosion-hazard area with safety barrier arranged therein and has a housing of the type of protection of the pressure-resistant encapsulation. The second module includes a field device of the self-secured type of protection and the electrical connection between the two modules comprises an arc-over-proof lead bushing, and the electrical signal connections of the second module are realized via the lead bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Lothar Kemmler
  • Patent number: 6267138
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and means for monitoring a control apparatus having at least one actuating drive, a valve, a spindle, and a positioner, whereby a reversal of direction of a valve spindle, by means of manipulated variable changes that are well-defined, reproducible and uniform, supplies useful information for the monitoring of the state of the control apparatus. For example, a comparison with target values and a diagnosis can take place by means of measurement and processing of valve positions (h) and the times (t) at which the valve positions are assumed, during the reversal motion. In addition, during times of uniform motion, the speed of movement or, respectively, in the case of predetermined valve positions, the allocated runtime, can additionally be determined. Moreover, given an inverted direction of motion further diagnosis possibilities can be supplied by means of repetition of the measurement and processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Joerg Kiesbauer
  • Patent number: 6050296
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control apparatus, comprising an actuating drive and an actuator connected therewith, whereby the actuator comprises at least one valve face and a throttle element that works herewith. The throttle element can be moved relative to the valve face by means of an actuating spindle connected with the actuating drive for the execution of a rotational and/or piston motion. The actuating spindle is sealed against the valve interior chamber at a first sealing location. A second sealing location likewise seals the actuating spindle, and, between the two sealing locations. There is a test chamber that is accessible via at least one control terminal, to which chamber a pressure sensor is connected. The pressure sensor is connected with an evaluation unit for monitoring the operation of the control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Lothar Kemmler, Joerg Kiesbauer
  • Patent number: 5452742
    Abstract: Electropneumatic position controller having two solenoid operated pneumatic valves, each of which is respectively provided with a regulating pressure nozzle, an exhaust nozzle, a discharge line leading to a power amplifier, and a hinged armature that is driven by an electromagnetic system and alternatively closes the regulating pressure nozzle or the exhaust nozzle, characterized in that the solenoid valves each respectively comprise a channel that communicates with their exhaust nozzle and can be manually closed, the respective power amplifier being capable of being switched as a result of the closing of said channel even without electrical excitation of the magnet system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Samson AG Mess- und Regeltechnik
    Inventors: Fausto C. Vidal, Heinfried Hoffmann, Lothar Kemmler
  • Patent number: 5404744
    Abstract: Position control for pneumatic positioning devices and the like, comprising a sensing lever linked to the drive rod of the positioning device and comprising a measuring lever acting on a measuring system, whereby the one lever is seated on a position control axle with positive lock or form-fit and the other lever is seated on said position control axle with non-positive lock, and comprising at least one detent acting on the measuring lever with which the sensing lever and the measuring lever are brought into an angle relative to one another that corresponds to a zero setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Lothar Kemmler, Bernd Mann
  • Patent number: 5365963
    Abstract: An actuating drive, particularly for control valves and shut-off valves or the like, comprising a safety device that automatically brings an actuation element into a safety position, particularly a closed position, given a limit temperature that upwardly exceeds the normal temperature range, particularly in case of fire, having a swelling compound that presses the actuation element in the direction toward the safety position when it expands and which multiplies in volume upon formation of cavities when the limit temperature is upwardly exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Heinfried Hoffmann