Abstract: A solenoid includes a pole member of a magnetic material, the pole member including a pole end portion having a pole surface, an armature adapted for movement relative to the pole member between first and second positions and a coil assembly for positioning the armature relative to the pole member. A magnetic shunt structure, which is located adjacent to a pole surface of the pole member, includes at least one magnetic shunt member of a magnetically permeable material, bridging at least a portion of the air gap between the pole face and the armature face, when the armature is spaced apart from the pole member, to provide a low reluctance magnetic flux path between the pole member and the armature, increasing the attractive force between the armature and the pole member. The shunt member can be configured as a ring, as a washer, or as a combination of both a ring and a washer.

Abstract: A latching solenoid includes a pole member, an armature movable relative to the pole member, a solenoid coil assembly for positioning the armature relative to the pole member, and a magnetic flux shunt structure. The shunt structure bridges the air gap between the pole face and the armature face, providing a low reluctance magnetic flux path between the pole member and the armature to increase the attractive force between the armature and the pole member. The shunt structure can be a saturation tip formed integrally with the armature or a separate flux shunt member configured as a ring which is fixed to the armature. The armature can be maintained latched by the effects of residual magnetism or by a permanent magnet.

Abstract: A solenoid includes an armature movable relative to a pole member between a first position and second and third positions, a bias structure maintaining the armature at the first position, and a dual coil assembly driving the armature from the first position to the second and third positions The armature is maintained in the second or third position by permanent magnet latching, residual magnetism latching or a holding current. A magnetic structure for the armature comprises first and second magnet segments and a spacer member for directing magnetic flux produced near ends of the magnetic segments to the armature. A drive circuit for the solenoid includes a delatch circuit for allowing the armature to be returned to the first position by the bias structure in response to loss of power. The axial position of an armature can be determined using comparative inductance test procedure.

Abstract: A dynamic control valve system adapted for inflatable restraint systems for vehicles includes a control valve having an inlet in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid, and an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the air bag. The control valve includes a valve member actuatable between a flow preventing position and a position spaced away from the flow preventing position. The control valve supplies the high pressure fluid through the control valve to the inflatable restraint for inflating the inflatable restraint when the valve member is moved away from its flow preventing position. The control valve includes a valve spool which cooperates with a valve casing to define a plurality of flow paths. Consequently, the actuation of the valve member between closed and open positions is substantially independent of forces produced by flow of the high pressure fluid through the valve.

Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve includes a valve body and a sleeve armature slidably mounted on the valve body for movement between a flow preventing position and positions away from the flow preventing position. In one embodiment, the sleeve armature and the valve body are configured and arranged to define flow diverters in fluid flow paths to provide flow balance. The movement of the sleeve armature between closed and open positions is controlled by first and second solenoid coils, and, the sleeve armature is maintained in the position to which it has been driven by residual magnetism. In another embodiment, a solenoid actuated valve includes a bias structure for urging the sleeve armature toward the closed position. The solenoid actuated fluid flow control valve is described with reference to an application for inflating inflatable restraints for an occupant of a vehicle.

Abstract: A proportional actuator for proportional control includes a saturation tip formed on the movable armature the solenoid coil is a step-wound coil, providing clearance for the saturation tip, allowing the coaxial diameters the magnetic pole piece and of the armature to be increased for an actuator of a given size so that the amount of force which can be produced by this type of magnetic circuit is related to the coaxial diameters of the magnetic pole piece and the armature, the configuration of the armature provides significantly higher magnetic force attraction between the magnetic pole piece and the armature because of the increased coaxial diameters of the armature and the pole piece. In addition, because of the increased diameter of the armature, the surface area of the armature that is exposed to the saturation tip is increased, thereby increasing the amount of flux that is coupled to the magnetic pole piece by the saturation tip.

Abstract: A dynamic control valve system adapted for inflatable restraint systems for vehicles includes a control valve having an inlet in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid, and an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the air bag. The control valve includes a valve member actuatable between a flow preventing position and a position spaced away from the flow preventing position. The control valve supplies the high pressure fluid through the control valve to the inflatable restraint for inflating the inflatable restraint when the valve member is moved away from its flow preventing position. The control valve includes a valve spool which cooperates with a valve casing to define a plurality of flow paths. Consequently, the actuation of the valve member between closed and open positions is substantially independent of forces produced by flow of the high pressure fluid through the valve.

Abstract: A bidirectional flow control valve has one port co-axial with a tubular spool and another port opening to the side of the spool, with openings formed in the sidewall of the spool to establish communication between the two ports. The end of the spool adjacent to the one port abuts the brim of a tubular hat-shaped insert which extends inside the lumen of the spool to a closed end on the distal side of the other port. Openings are formed in the sidewall of the insert which are in communication with openings in the sidewall of the spool via an annular groove in the exterior of the insert. The insert reacts against flow forces, helps equalize pressures from one end of the spool to the other, and does not increase the pressure drop across the valve.

Abstract: An improved pre-detent tactile feedback assembly for a fluid control valve is provided. The pre-detent tactile feedback assembly includes an elastic member seated within an annular groove formed in the bore of a plunger valve assembly. Preferably, this elastic member is a garter type spring. When the plunger is moved from an opened to a closed position, a portion of the plunger contacts the elastic member, urging the elastic member outwardly into the groove. The additional force required to urge the elastic member into the groove provides a "feel" force to the control lever. Preferably, the groove is positioned within the bore so that this "feel" force is sensed just prior to actuation of an associated detent assembly.