Electrical Patents (Class 137/554)
  • Patent number: 6814100
    Abstract: A vertical shock responsive fluid valve assembly capable of automatically closing a fluid valve in response to earthquake forces or other shock forces of a predetermined magnitude. The vertical shock responsive valve assembly has a flow control mechanism having a cradle that holds a movable ball in a recess at a point perpendicular in relation to a horizontal base plate, where the ball can be rotated 360° in any direction during seismic actions or other shock forces and rolls out of its recess at a predetermined force such that it ricochets off a housing cover covering the cradle and pushes a trip fork mechanism having elongated walls to provide additional leverage when the force strikes the trip fork mechanism that is mounted on a pivoting mechanism, thereby releasing a swing arm which has a disc on the end that functions as a plug for the hole in the valve body to interrupt gas or fluid flow therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Pacific Seismic Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Sibley, Fred Mead
  • Publication number: 20040216782
    Abstract: A metering valve for industrial gas turbine engines includes a valve body, a flow tube, an orifice plate, a central flow body, and a mover. The valve body has an inlet and an outlet. The flow tube is carried for axial movement in slidable and sealing engagement with the valve body at an inlet end and an outlet end. The orifice plate has an outlet. The central flow body is provided on an upstream end of the orifice plate and has an annular seal configured to seat into engagement with the outlet end of the flow tube when the flow tube is moved to a downstream position. The central flow body also includes a central, protruding flow diverter upstream and central of the annular seal. The mover is provided in the valve body and is configured to carry the flow tube for displacement of the output end toward and away from the central flow body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: E. Joseph Mares, Nathan Todd Miller, Mark Robert Huebscher
  • Patent number: 6810906
    Abstract: In a servo controller 3a, it is confirmed whether or not the voltages from amplifiers G1 through G3 are within the range of normal performance in the comparators 32a through 32c after alternating current voltages generated individually in a primary coil 22a and secondary coils 23a and 24a of an LVDT 2a are converted into direct current voltages and output from the amplifiers G1 though G3. When a voltage out of the range of normal performance is confirmed in at least one of the comparators 32a through 32c and a high voltage is output, the servo controller 3a is brought into a stand-by state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Tanaka, Hideaki Emoto
  • Patent number: 6807875
    Abstract: A position sensor and a method for sensing a position of a moveable member includes at least first and second deflectable members arranged so as to allow the moveable member to pass therebetween and cause the at least first and second moveable members to deflect in proportion to the position of the moveable member relative to the first and second deflectable members. In one example of the present invention, the deflectable members are cantilever-mounted members extending in generally the same direction. The amount of resultant deflection is measured by any suitable means. For example, each deflectable member may have a Wheatstone bridge provided thereon acting as a strain gauge in a known manner, such that the strain detected is proportional to the amount of deflection. In a particular example of the present invention, some of the elements of a first Wheatstone bridge are provided on the first deflectable member and some are provided on the second deflectable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan P. Lebrun, David H. Ohnesorge
  • Patent number: 6805146
    Abstract: The electronic-hydraulic transmission control module has a hydraulic plate, an electronic control unit, and a sensor. The sensor is caulked into a wall of an opening in the hydraulic plate forming a plastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Roland Albert, Christian Fritzsche, Andreas Rekofsky, Ulf Scheuerer
  • Patent number: 6789570
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve with a position sensor is described. According to various implementations, the valve has a cage with a set of radial holes, a spool assembly slideable within the cage, and a sensor, which may be a Hall effect sensor, that reacts to the movement of the spool assembly. In other implementations, the spool comprises one or more of the following: a spool, a pin that is mechanically coupled to the spool, a dampener, which may be a spring, having a first and a second end, the first end being in contact with the pin and the second end being in contact with the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: HydraForce, Inc.
    Inventors: Yakov Beyrak, James C. Shader
  • Patent number: 6786237
    Abstract: An exciting coil is wound on a cylindrical yoke provided with a pair of pole teeth, a cylindrical permanent magnet where N pole and S pole are magnetized in a radial direction is disposed so as to be movable in a hollow portion of the yoke and the permanent magnet is coupled to a spool by a magnet holder, and a displacement sensor is disposed in a hollow portion of the permanent magnet so as to be positioned on a center axial line of the permanent magnet, so that the displacement of the permanent magnet is detected by the displacement sensor and the degree of opening of the spool is controlled by performing feedback of the displacement to a control portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Yajima, Nobuhiro Fujiwara, Daisuke Matsumoto, Seikai Yo, Hiroshi Miyachi
  • Patent number: 6782949
    Abstract: In a sub-sea wellhead insert-type choke valve having a bonnet, a pair of pressure transmitters are mounted in the bonnet. One transmitter is connected by a passageway with the annular clearance between the cartridge of the insert assembly and the valve body. This transmitter measures the pressure of the fluid in the clearance and transmits signals indicative thereof to a receiver at surface. The other transmitter is connected by a passageway with the fluid in the valve outlet, measures the pressure of this fluid and transmits signals indicative thereof to the receiver. In this way the high and low pressures upstream and downstream of the choke valve flow trim are monitored by transmitters, which can be serviced by bringing the insert assembly to surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Master Flo Valve Inc.
    Inventors: Harry Richard Cove, Larry J. Bohaychuk
  • Patent number: 6763850
    Abstract: A throttle plate control system mounts a rotational position sensor directly to a throttle body structure to take advantage of vibration isolation provided for the throttle body structure. The configuration is compact and connects the throttle plate of the throttle body structure in force transmitting relation with a rotational position sensor by using a cam structure. A cam member is coupled to a movable portion of a rotational position sensor and a cam follower is rigidly attached to the throttle plate shaft within the throttle body structure. By shaping the cam surface of the cam member, a nonlinear relationship can be specifically predetermined in order to maximize the operation of a throttle control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Jansen, David W. Kusche
  • Publication number: 20040129317
    Abstract: A rotary bleed valve (10) for a gas turbine engine comprises a passage (11) connecting high pressure gases from a compressor to an exhaust and a valve member (12) the valve member (12) may be rotated within the passage (11) so as to vary or if necessary block the flow of compressor gases. The valve member (12) is shaped such that as the member (12) moves from a closed to an open position gas flows around the member (12) induces a torque on the member (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Neil Bevan
  • Publication number: 20040129909
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the contactless detection of the position of a butterfly-valve shaft of a butterfly valve connecting piece, the butterfly-valve shaft being driven by an electric actuator and having a magnet at one end, which is aligned in a contactless manner with a sensor that is located on a cover. An aim of the invention is to reliably guarantee the detection of the position of the butterfly-valve shaft, even over particularly long periods of time using a contactless position detection device. To achieve this, the sensor has a first and a second magnetoresistive sensor element, an approximately sinusoidal signal being generated in the first sensor element and an approximately cosinusodial signal being generated in the second sensor element by means of the magnet, during the rotation of the butterfly-valve shaft. According to the method, an approximately arc tangential signal is generated in the butterfly-valve connecting signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: SIEMENS AG
    Inventor: Peter Wiese
  • Publication number: 20040129318
    Abstract: In the case of a magnet arrangement for an electromechanical drive with a cylindrical armature guided in a pole tube, the position of the armature is transformed into an electrical signal. Provided for this purpose is a displacement sensor which is connected to the armature and has a fixed part and a movable part. One side of the armature is formed in such a way that it transfers the movement of the armature, the other side of the armature is connected to the movable part of the displacement sensor. The pole tube is provided with a closure part on the side of the displacement sensor. A pressure tube is led to the outside through an axial clearance of the closure part. The movable part of the displacement sensor moves in the pressure tube. The pressure tube is enclosed by the fixed part of the displacement sensor. In order to prevent the displacement sensor from being damaged by vibrations, the fixed part of the displacement sensor is arranged in a clearance of the closure part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus Hfling, Hans-Georg Schubert
  • Patent number: 6755211
    Abstract: Microfluidic systems and devices having integrated fluidic impedances are provided. Such impedances hinder the passage of fluid at low differential pressures, but allow fluid flow at higher differential pressures. Impedances are formed at the overlap of two or more microfluidic channels contained in different layers of a device. Such devices can be rapidly prototyped and can be assembled to contain multiple fluidic impedances to perform complex fluid handling tasks, including the metering of small aliquots from a larger fluid volume. Various means may be used to overcome the fluidic impedances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Eugene Dantsker, Marci Pezzuto
  • Patent number: 6752171
    Abstract: A drive for a control valve has a drive force unit, a yoke for connecting to a valve in a fixed manner, a drive spindle for transmitting the movement of the drive force unit to the valve and a sensor unit for detecting the position of the valve. The sensor unit includes a magnetic track with a reoccurring structure which is integrated into the drive spindle, a sensor which is connected to the yoke of the drive in the vicinity of the magnetic track, which is suitable for detecting the changing magnetic field lines and at least one permanent magnet in the area of the magnetic track and the sensor, whose magnetic field lines penetrate both the magnetic track and the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lothar Kemmler, Stefan Kolbenschlag, Walter Schneider
  • Publication number: 20040113111
    Abstract: An easy-to-assemble motor-adjustable throttle valve (12) for fluid channels (11), especially in motor vehicle air conditioning systems, which can be obtained when a geared motor (14) is integrated in the setting stem without causing an unacceptable reduction of the remaining clear channel cross-section. A built-in housing fitted with a high-speed small servomotor and provided with a strongly reducing shaft gear (28,31) disposed in the axial extension of the housing is radially inserted through a side wall of the channel and coaxially inserted into a pot-shaped tapered section (19) of one end of the setting stem, the output wheel of the shaft gear being formed on the inner covering surface of said section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Frank Poehlau
  • Publication number: 20040108483
    Abstract: A production method for a butterfly valve which comprises a valve seat engaged by a butterfly body keyed on a shaft in order to rotate under the action of an electric actuator coupled to this shaft by means of a geared transmission which ends in a final gear keyed on this shaft, the shaft being coupled to a position sensor provided with a rotor rigid with the shaft and a stator disposed to face the rotor, this method comprising the stages of disposing the shaft and the rotor of the position sensor in a mould, injecting plastic material into this mould in order to fill the mould and producing, by moulding, the butterfly body keyed on the shaft and the final gear keyed on the shaft and incorporating the rotor of the position sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Claudio Fauni
  • Patent number: 6742541
    Abstract: A linear actuator monitors and distinguishes between the open and closed states of a valve. The states of the actuator are monitored electrically by two switches and visually via a mechanical indicator. The electrical switches are initialized by an adjustable system, according to the random position of the valve stem when it is opened or closed. The visual indicator is also adjusted to an initial position corresponding to the valve stem position. The adjustment of the system allows for flexibility and use on a wide range of valve stems with various stroke lengths. The visual indicator is visible from the top and the sides of the unit. It is visible on the circumference of the unit so that it is visible at an angle as well. The visual indicator matches three possible states of the valve as follows: when the valve is closed, the indicator is not visible, when the valve is either opening or closing, only one indication area is visible, and when the valve is fully open, two indication areas are visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: ASCO Controls, LP
    Inventor: Olivier Denis Pimouguet
  • Publication number: 20040099314
    Abstract: A plurality of solenoid valves are mounted onto an upper face of a manifold with solenoid operating portions of the solenoid valves projecting on a side of a first side face of the manifold. Onto the first side face, a board including an electric circuit for feeding the solenoid valves is detachably mounted in a vertical orientation under the solenoid operating portions. On the board, feeding connectors and indicating lights are respectively provided in positions corresponding to the respective solenoid valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Bunya Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20040092349
    Abstract: A piston rod position detecting mechanism is proposed which can detect continuously or in a multiple-point manner that the piston rod position has changed due to increase or decrease in the protruding amount of the piston rod due to aging. The protruding amount from a cylinder end wall is detected by a position detecting mechanism comprising a detecting coil housed in a bobbin provided at the cylinder end, a flange portion formed on the piston rod, and a coil spring. Also, an autotensioner and an electromagnetic valve with such a position detector are proposed. Further, a belt tension adjusting device is provided with a detector for detecting the position of a tension pulley which is pivotable with increase or decrease in the belt tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Kenichi Iwamoto, Takashi Koike, Kazuyuki Inokuchi, Motoharu Niki
  • Patent number: 6715731
    Abstract: A directly actuated electric valve is proposed that has a piezoelectric drive unit (3) for direct actuation of a valve member (2). The piezoelectric drive unit (3) contains, extending transverse to the displacement direction of valve member (2), at least one piezo-flexural element (8, 8′), which acts on valve member (2) at one end and is mounted stationary with respect to the housing at the other, such that its electrically induced flexural motion produces the linear displacement motion of valve member (2). Such a configuration permits very short switching times with compact dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Peter Post, Jürgen Gerhartz, Reiner Bindig
  • Publication number: 20040060603
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve device having a valve case (100) acting as a sealing means for sealing a line connection section such as a pipe or hose for passing fluid therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Kil Bong Song
  • Publication number: 20040055649
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a dose control apparatus for manipulating the dosage of one or more pharmaceutical solutions emanating from an implantable drug infusion pump. The dose control apparatus has a movable core that is held in a desired position by a magnet. The apparatus has at least one coil that, when activated, motivates the core to move to a new position. The core may be held in the second position by another magnet. The apparatus may have more that one coil provide various control options. In addition, the coils may be used to determine core position or the presence and strength of an externally applied magnetic field such as that produced in an MRI. The coils may also be used to produce a magnetic field counteracting the externally applied field or to produce a degaussing field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: John Erickson, Terry Daglow
  • Publication number: 20040055648
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and circuitry for controlling dosage rates of a treatment solution. An electric pulse is directed through a coil, inducing a magnetic field and causing a valve to open. A subsequent set of pulses is directed through the coil to maintain the position of the valve. Between pulses, the coil motivates current to flow. Energy associated with the current is captured in a collection circuitry. The method and circuitry may also interpret a signal induced in the coil by an externally applied magnetic field such as that produced by an MIR. The method and circuitry may provide an electric signal to counteract the externally applied magnetic field or to produce a degaussing field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: John Erickson
  • Publication number: 20040016461
    Abstract: System determines the position of a control element of an electrically driven actuator. The actuator may be switched on by a controlled switch when a lower threshold value is reached and may be switched off when an upper threshold value is reached. An on-period and an off-period are determined as a function of the lower threshold value, the upper threshold value, and the electric switching behavior of the actuator depending on the position of the control element. From the on-period and the off-period, the position of the control element are determined from a comparison of the quotient of the on-period or off-period and the sum of the on-period and off-period, and form a comparison of the sum of the on-period and the off-period with corresponding stored reference data. The system includes accompanying circuitry for application of the process, and an accompanying device, in particular a hydraulic valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Wenmin Qu, Horst Peter Mannebach, Joachim Morsch
  • Patent number: 6681799
    Abstract: A valve including a wall, a closure member, a motive force device, and a coupling member. The wall defines a flow passage that is disposed along a longitudinal axis. The closure member is disposed in the flow passage and is rotatable on a first axis that is oblique to the longitudinal axis. The closure member is rotatable between a first position that substantially prevents flow through the flow passage and a second position that generally permits flow through the flow passage. The motive force device rotates the closure member between the first position and the second position. The device includes a rotor that is rotatably supported by a bearing, a stator that is proximate to the rotor, and an overmolded housing that positions the stator with respect to the bearing. The coupling member conveys motive force from the device to rotation of the closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic Gagnon
  • Publication number: 20040011979
    Abstract: The displacement sensor includes a ferromagnetic member for forming a magnetic path, a coil for generating a magnetic field in the magnetic path when feeding a high-frequency current thereto, and a low-resistance magnetic-shielding member that moves across magnetic flux passing through the magnetic path, which is excellent in production, robust, and adaptable for the high speed operation of devices as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Kazutaka Seo, Masao Morita, Toshie Takeuchi, Yoshiaki Yamazaki, Toshiyuki Yoshizawa, Masafumi Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20040011408
    Abstract: A pressure reducing valve with a tamper proof switch mounted directly on a stem portion of the pressure reducing valve. The switch provides an operating state of the pressure reducing valve in maintaining a predetermined outlet pressure by enabling the pressure reducing valve to be monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: KIDDE FIRE FIGHTING INC.
    Inventor: John Campbell
  • Patent number: 6675830
    Abstract: A pressure control apparatus which controls a pressure of air supplied from a supply hole of a base having a plurality of holes to a supply port of a valve having a plurality of ports is interposed between the base and the valve. This pressure control apparatus comprises a pressure control section which controls a pressure of the air such that the pressure becomes equal to a set pressure, a booster section which outputs a large amount of air to the valve by controlling an output pressure by air from this pressure control section, and a signal control section which outputs a monitor signal indicative of completion of pressure setting when the pressure of air output from the booster section becomes equal to the set pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitada Doi, Makoto Nomura
  • Publication number: 20040003849
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator for actuating a valve installed in a hydraulic or compressed air system comprising a coil support which can be displaced by means of air space induction in a magnetically conducting housing on a magnetic cylinder composed of a permanent magnet and a cylinder pole disk. The invention is characterized in that the dimensions of the permanent magnet and the pole disk correspond to each other in such a way that the diameter of the front surface of the permanent magnet is at least the same size as the circumferential surface of a neighboring pole disk and that the width of the coil associated with the pole disk exceeds the width of the pole disk by the lift amplitude of the coil support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Hartmuth Rausch, Peter-Klaus Budig, Ralf Werner
  • Patent number: 6670806
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device with a magnetic position sensor comprising a field sensor (5) and analysis electronics (7) for linear displacements of a rod-shaped component (3), in particular the shaft of an actuator, with an element (M) generating a magnetic field (4) and a position sensor measuring the magnetic field strength angle of this field, the field angle signal determined by this sensor being used for displacement path determination. The element generating a magnetic field (4) is an axially magnetized magnet casing (M) which surrounds the rod-shaped component (3) of the actuator itself, is fixedly connected thereto and can rotate therewith about its displacement axis (z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Matthias Wendt, Reinhold Elferich
  • Publication number: 20030234050
    Abstract: In a manifold valve, a part housing chamber and a fist recessed portion are provided to a casing of a selector valve, position sensors for detecting an operating position of a spool are housed in the part housing chamber, a first relay connector connected to both the position sensors and pilot valves is housed in the first recessed portion, a second recessed portion corresponding to the first recessed portion and a substrate housing chamber are provided to a manifold base, a second relay connector to be electrically connected to the first relay connector by mounting the selector valve onto a placing face is housed in the second recessed portion, and a main wiring substrate electrically connected to the second relay connector is housed in the substrate housing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Keiji Misumi
  • Publication number: 20030234051
    Abstract: The invention relates to a material-flow controlling magnetic valve (1), comprising a material inlet connection (3), an outlet connection (4), at least one sealing surface (12), and an element (6) movable relative to the sealing surface (12), which, in itself or through the use of a blocking member (11) movable together therewith, is in cooperation with said sealing surface (12) establishing a port (15) between the inlet connection (3) and the outlet connection (4), the element (6) having its movement controlled by means of at least one solenoid (10), and that a housing (5), established in the valve (1) and defined by the moveable element (6), is connected by way of a first flow channel (7) controlled by the first solenoid (8) with a material supply side and by way of a second flow channel (9) controlled by a second solenoid (10) with a material discharge side, wherein, by setting the housing's (5) volume and at the same time the element's (6) position as desired by means of the solenoids (8, 10), the control
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: ORAS OY
    Inventors: Ari Toivonen, Jukka Alhola
  • Patent number: 6666784
    Abstract: A piston rod position detecting mechanism is proposed which can detect continuously or in a multiple-point manner that the piston rod position has changed due to increase or decrease in the protruding amount of the piston rod due to aging. The protruding amount from a cylinder end wall is detected by a position detecting mechanism comprising a detecting coil housed in a bobbin provided at the cylinder end, a flange portion formed on the piston rod, and a coil spring. Also, an autotensioner and an electromagnetic valve with such a position detector are proposed. Further, a belt tension adjusting device is provided with a detector for detecting the position of a tension pulley which is pivotable with increase or decrease in the belt tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Iwamoto, Takashi Koike, Kazuyuki Inokuchi, Motoharu Niki
  • Publication number: 20030226594
    Abstract: In a manifold valve, a magnet is mounted to a spool of a solenoid valve, magnetometric sensors and connecting pins to be brought into continuity with the respective magnetometric sensors are provided in a first recessed portion formed in a casing, a sensor connector in a second recessed portion and a main wiring substrate connected to the sensor connector in a substrate housing chamber are provided to a manifold base, and the connecting pins are connected to the sensor connector to thereby electrically connect the magnetometric sensors to the main wiring substrate when the solenoid valve is mounted onto the manifold base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20030217772
    Abstract: An optical sensor system and method for determining the position, displacement and/or angle of a member (for example, a seal plate or valve gate) within a system (for example, a valve assembly in an aircraft turbine engine system or environmental control system). The system has, in one embodiment, a controller in communication with an encoder via a fiber optic line or similar light transmitter and the encoder further has an optically layered element. The optically layered element has at least one coating whose optical characteristics vary over the angles (or distance) of interest to provide feedback based on the position displacement and/or angle of the valve member. The system may communicate and/or be controlled by a computing system via a data communication network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Jyh-Woei J. Lu, John N. Tervo, William R. Rapoport, Dwayne M. Benson, Devlin M. Gualtieri
  • Patent number: 6644347
    Abstract: Position detector (1), particularly for electrical valve actuators, comprising a disk (2) fixedly connected to an actuator and provided with a mapping defining a reference for detecting the actuator displacement; and means for detecting the actuator displacement by said mapping. Said mapping is formed by a plurality of permanent magnets operatively arranged along the disk (2) circumference, the polarity of each magnet being opposed to the polarity of two immediately adjacent magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Biffi Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Archimede Affaticati, Giordano Alfieri
  • Patent number: 6636155
    Abstract: A mechanical gauge having a mechanism for setting multiple alarms within tolerance values. When such tolerance values defined by the mechanism are reached, the same mechanism activates an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Prolec G.E. S De R.L. De C.V.
    Inventor: Jesús-Gerardo Elizondo-Salinas
  • Patent number: 6633157
    Abstract: Displacement of a mechanical element is accurately detected by a simple and inexpensive structure. To provide displacement detecting device including: a mechanical element capable of being displaced; a magnet connected to the mechanical element and magnetized in displacement direction of the mechanical element; and a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic flux generated by the magnet and outputting a sensor output corresponding to a detected magnetic-flux value, so as to detect displacement of the mechanical element in accordance with the sensor output. In one embodiment, a Hall element is used as the magnetic sensor and the magnet longer than distance of movement of the mechanical element is used. Thus, an output having a linear relation with displacement of the mechanical element is obtained, and detection of the displacement is easily implemented. The displacement detecting device can be applied to an actuator of intake/exhaust valves of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiro Yamaki, Kenji Abe, Kouichi Ikoma, Yasuo Shimizu, Minoru Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20030183792
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator that detects the position or speed of a drive unit, a valve drive unit and a position or speed sensor that employ the electromagnetic actuator are provided. In the electromagnetic actuator, a magnetic flux generator generates and distributes the magnetic flux. When the magnetic flux changes because of movement of a movable unit, a magnetic path is formed in a magnetic path component that is provided along the direction of movement of the movable unit. The magnetic path passes through a magnetic component. The magnetic flux distributed to the magnetic component is then detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Tetsuo Muraji
  • Patent number: 6612333
    Abstract: By causing an end portion of a spool to extend outside from a valve hole, mounting a magnet to the extending portion, disposing a detecting block between a casing and an end block to surround the magnet, and mounting a magnetometric sensor to the detecting block, necessity for processing for mounting the electromagnetic sensor to the casing is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6612322
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a valve position includes the step of providing a non-actuating alternating current signal (24) to a drive coil signal (22). As a valve plunger (14) moves within the coil, the non-actuating signal changes. By monitoring (26,29) the non-actuating signal a control can predict when the plunger reaches a particular position. This invention thus provides a simplified way of detecting an end of travel position (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Joerg C. Becker
  • Patent number: 6612332
    Abstract: To provide a solenoid valve having a sensor in which monitor devices for monitoring whether input or output pressure in the solenoid valve is appropriate and a switching state of a valve body are collected to simplify the structure and to facilitate the assembling operation, thereby enhancing safety and reliability. A solenoid valve having a sensor comprises a solenoid valve 1, a base 2 for supplying and discharging pressurized fluid to and from ports P, A, B, EA and EB of the solenoid valve 1, and an intermediate block 3 disposed between the solenoid valve 1 and the base 2. The intermediate block 3 is provided with communication passages 53, 54A, 54B, 55A and 55B for respectively bringing the ports of the solenoid valve and flow paths of the base into communication with each other. A conduit 56 crossing the communication passages is provided in the intermediate block 3. A pressure introducing port 58 opening at the communication passage 53 whose pressure is to be detected is formed in the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6612334
    Abstract: An improved manually-operable outlet valve for a tank of pressurized gas, especially a tank in a pressurized breathing oxygen system in an aircraft. The valve has a valve body conventionally attachable to a standard oxygen tank. A rotatable valve stem is disposed within a threaded port in the valve body to open and close a poppet valve that mates with a seat machined in the valve body. A torque limiter comprising a stack of Belville washers is disposed between the valve stem and the poppet to prevent over-torque of the valve upon closing of the poppet against the seat. A collar surrounds the stem and rides axially with the valve stem during actuation of the valve. A lever and an electrical microswitch are mounted on the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Carleton Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Korpanty, Christopher Lanza, Oliver Berry, William D. Siska, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030159735
    Abstract: The valve comprises a mobile needle having a movement in the valve body which is controlled by an amplified piezoelectric actuator. A bellows, surrounding an intermediate zone of the needle, is integral at a first end with the valve body and at a second end with the needle so as to isolate the actuator from the pressure chamber. At least one flexible guide blade of the needle is fixed on the one hand to the valve body and on the other hand to the needle. This flexible guiding enables any part sliding with respect to another part, liable to generate wear or contaminating particles, to be avoided, except for the seat and needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Francois Barillot, Gilles Patient, Ronan Le Letty
  • Patent number: 6598619
    Abstract: A valve that includes a wall, a closure member, a motive force device, a coupling member, and a spacer. The wall defines a flow passage that is disposed along a longitudinal axis. The closure member is disposed in the flow passage and includes a first shaft that extends along a first axis that is oblique to the longitudinal axis. The closure member is rotatable on the first axis between a first position that substantially prevents flow through the flow passage and a second position that generally permits flow through the flow passage. The motive force device rotates the closure member between the first position and the second position, and includes a second shaft that is rotatable on a second axis. The coupling member connects the first and second shafts to convey rotation from the device to the closure member. The coupling member is resilient with respect to the first and second shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic Gagnon
  • Publication number: 20030136929
    Abstract: A positioner for a valve that is actuated by means of a drive. The positioner includes a locator (9) and a control unit (13). The locator (9) detects the actual position of an actuator (7). The control unit (13) compares the actual position with a predefined desired position, and generates an actuating signal. A magnet (18) having a magnetoresistive sensor, preferably a GMR sensor, is provided as the locator. The locator (9) is less susceptible to dirt and less prone to wear and tear than a conventional slide potentiometer. The positioner is thus less fault-prone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Wolfgang Clemens, Klaus-Dieter Fiebelkorn, Gerhard Klebert, Klaus Ludwig, Andre-Heinrich Meinhof, Holger Schmaedicke
  • Patent number: 6591865
    Abstract: To make it easy to mount magnets for monitoring a switched state of a valve element in a solenoid valve and to easily mount magnetometric sensors for sensing an approach of the magnet in a state of excellent water resistance and dustproof property. In a solenoid valve for switching a direction of a flow of pressure fluid by driving the solenoid valve by pilot fluid pressure, ring-shaped magnets 13A and 13B are fitted with small-diameter portions 11a formed at end portions of a valve element 11 and is fixed by press fitting and engaging caps 14A and 14B forming faces to be in contact with pistons 14A and 14B at the valve element ends. A housing chamber 30 is formed outside a valve hole 10a in a valve body 10 and in a position close to the magnets, magnetometric sensors 31A and 31B are housed in the housing chamber 30, and a cover 35 is mounted to the housing chamber 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Keiji Misumi
  • Patent number: 6588449
    Abstract: Fuel shut-off device for use in a diesel fuel tank to discontinue fuel flow to a fuel pump comprises a valve seat forming a fuel flow opening for fuel to flow from the fuel tank to the fuel pump, a fuel control valve cooperably disposed relative to the valve seat to control fuel flow from the fuel tank to the fuel pump, and a spring biasing the fuel inlet valve to a closed position against the valve seat. A diaphragm is provided having a first valve-actuating side for moving the fuel inlet valve relative to the valve seat against bias of the spring and a second side. The second side is communicated to a control chamber having an inlet orifice that is communicated to the fuel tank and an outlet orifice that is communicated to said fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley N. Kippe
  • Publication number: 20030111116
    Abstract: An improved manually-operable outlet valve for a tank of pressurized gas, especially a tank in a pressurized breathing oxygen system in an aircraft. The valve has a valve body conventionally attachable to a standard oxygen tank. A rotatable valve stem is disposed within a threaded port in the valve body to open and close a poppet valve that mates with a seat machined in the valve body. A torque limiter comprising a stack of Belville washers is disposed between the valve stem and the poppet to prevent over-torque of the valve upon closing of the poppet against the seat. A collar surrounds the stem and rides axially with the valve stem during actuation of the valve. A lever and an electrical microswitch are mounted on the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel C. Korpanty, Christopher Lanza, Oliver Berry, William D. Siska
  • Publication number: 20030107015
    Abstract: A method is disclosed and claimed for estimating the position and the velocity of a valve armature in an electromagnetic valve actuation system, which includes a first solenoid coil that energizes and attracts the valve armature based on a first solenoid command. The method includes obtaining a parameter for the first solenoid command, measuring a property of the first solenoid coil, and estimating the position and the velocity of the valve armature based on the obtained parameter and the measured property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Mianzo, Ibrahim Haskara