Abstract: A valve control system for controlling an electromagnetic valve unit is arranged to detect a characteristic of a free vibration of a vibration system in the electromagnetic valve unit when a pair of electromagnets of the electromagnetic valve unit are de-energized and to estimate at least one of a friction quantity and a spring constant of the vibration system on the basis of the detected characteristic of the free vibration. The control system executes the control of the electromagnetic valve unit on the basis of a control parameter determined by one of the estimated friction quantity and the estimated spring constant. This arrangement improves a certainty of softly landing a movable member of the electromagnetic valve unit on the electromagnets.

Abstract: A method of controlling valve landing in a camless engine including a valve movable between fully open and fully closed positions, and an electromagnetic valve actuator for actuating the valve is provided. The method includes providing at least one discrete position measurement sensor to determine when the valve is at a particular position during valve movement. The velocity of the valve is calculated at the particular position based upon current and rate of change of current in the electromagnetic valve actuator when the valve is at the particular position. Valve landing is controlled based upon the calculated velocity.

Abstract: A fluid control valve, which can control a fluid having a pressure in the order of 10 kg/cm2, has a response time in the order of several milliseconds can be made small in size, and a fluid supply/exhaust system that provides less gas counter flow in the event of a plurality of valves being used. A fluid control valve of the invention controls a fluid moving in a valve body by closing and opening a portion between a valve seat and a valve holder by use of a drive unit. The drive unit has a rod-shaped shaft for application of pressure through the valve seat and the valve holder, and a member “a” fixed around the rod-shaped shaft. The member “a” is made from a magnetic material, and has a space between it and the shaft. A coil provided in parallel to the shaft, moves the shaft via the member “a” up and down by electromagnetic induction, and makes use of a spring force to close and open a portion between the valve seat and the valve holder.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus and method control driving of an engine valve of an internal combustion engine based on electromagnetic force generated by a certain electromagnet. A controller of the apparatus sets a target drive velocity in accordance with a displacement of the engine valve, such that the target drive velocity corresponds to a velocity of the engine valve when there is no engine load. The controller then controls a magnitude of the electromagnetic force by controlling current applied to the electromagnet, depending upon a degree of separation between an actual drive velocity of the engine valve and the target drive velocity, so that the actual drive velocity is made substantially equal to the target drive velocity.

Abstract: A process for setting into oscillation an electromagnetic actuator, which actuates a switching element, in particular an internal combustion engine lift valve, and in which process an armature, which acts on the switching element, is oscillated between two electromagnet coils against the force of at least one reset spring by an alternating flow around the electromagnet coils so that the switching element with the armature and the reset springs represents an oscillatory spring-mass system, and wherein, starting from the quiescent state of the system, where the armature is held by the reset springs essentially in the center between these magnet coils, the electromagnet coils are excited alternatingly by driving with an electric alternating voltage of a specific frequency to set into oscillation this spring-mass system in the form of a constantly sinusoidal voltage curve or in the form of a correspondingly variable pulse width-modulated voltage curve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel injector with an armature and a means for biasing the armature toward a first position. A primary coil is wound in a first direction such that, when energized, it develops a magnetic force that opposes the biasing means and causes the armature to move from the first position to a second position. A secondary coil is positioned coaxially with the primary coil. The secondary coil has an at least partially reverse wound portion wound in a second direction opposite the first direction, such that the magnetic field generated by the at least partially reverse wound portion at least partially cancels the magnetic field of the primary coil.

Abstract: An integrally formed cylinder 2 having alternating magnetic 2b, 2d and non-magnetic portions 2a, 2c, 2e for use in an injector. At least two solenoid coils 12, 14 are disposed about the cylinder 2 to urge an armature 4b to open and close a valve 4a. The non-magnetic portions 2a, 2c, 2e of the cylinder 2 ensure that magnetic paths for opening and closing the valve are magnetically insulated from each other. The integrally formed cylinder 2 is leak proof and thus does not require O-rings or other sealing structures for sealing the fuel path 4e, 4f from the solenoid coils 12, 14. A protrusion 2z may be formed on the cylinder 2 to assist in positioning the solenoid coils 12, 14.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an electromagnetically operated engine valve to an initial condition before an engine startup is disclosed. The apparatus is adapted for determining a viscosity of an engine lubricating oil and executing either one of a resonant initialization, in which the engine valve is oscillated to be moved from a mid-open position to a closed or full open position and held therein by alternately energizing two electromagnets of an electromagnetic actuator, and a one-shot initialization, in which the engine valve is moved from the mid-open position to the closed or full open position and held therein with one stroke by onetime energizing one of the electromagnets, depending on the determined viscosity of an engine lubricating oil. A method for controlling the engine valve to the initial condition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve-open-close mechanism is proposed which has parts designed to reduce friction during sliding. The electromagnetic actuator comprises a pair of electromagnets each having a stator and a coil opposed to each other with a gap therebetween, an armature disposed in the gap, and a first stem for transmitting to external the movement of said armature. A retainer and a first return spring are provided on the valve. A second stem is provided at other side of the armature and another retainer and a second return spring are provided for the second stem. A coating film is formed on at least one of the surface or end face of the stem portion of the valve, end faces of the first return spring or second return spring, spring bearing end faces of the retainers, surface or end face of the second stem, and the surface of the armature.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a gas exchange valve and an electromagnetic actuating drive, having at least one electromagnet which has a coil, having an armature, whose armature plate can move between a first bearing surface on the electromagnet and a second bearing surface. A device for controlling the actuator comprises a power output stage provided for driving the coil. The power output stage has an electrical energy store which is charged by the coil in a predetermined operating state. The control unit controls the power output stage in an operating state of rapid energization when a predetermined condition is met indicating the striking of the armature plate on the first bearing surface or an imminent fallback of the armature plate to a rest position, the energy stored in the electrical energy store being fed to the coil in the operating state of rapid energization.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of regulating a control valve for a Diesel injection system comprises a fuel injector having a pressure amplifier preceded by the control valve (10), the slide (20) of the control valve (10) being moved by two spatially separated magnet coils (30, 32). During an electrical triggering of one of the two magnet coils (30, 32) with a control current, the respective other magnet coil (32, 30) is switched as a sensor, detecting the current induced in the sensor by a motion of the valve slide (20).

Abstract: In a device for operating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine having an electromagnetic actuator including a valve opening magnet and a valve closing magnet, between which there is arranged an armature which, together with an opening spring, engages a valve stem against the force of a closing spring, and a hydraulic play-compensating element is arranged in the valve operating force transmission structure, the hydraulic play-compensating element is installed in the transmission structure together with a mechanical adjusting element providing for minimal valve play when the engine is shut down.

Abstract: A method for controlling a solenoid using a single coil solenoid for both course and fine adjustment. A resistor or series of resistors may be used in parallel/for current controlled solenoids or in series for voltage controlled solenoids for allowing course or finite control of the solenoids.

Abstract: An actuator system for actuating a valve in a subsea environment comprises a valve spindle that is arranged to be coupled to an electric motor. To provide for power to the motor, at least one local electrical storage unit is provided. The system also includes a control unit comprising switching means for controlling the power to the motor. The control unit includes an intelligent processor and is arranged to receive signals from external sensors measuring a number of external and internal parameters, The actuator is preferable housed in a modular cage for easy replacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuator for electromagnetic valve control in which the yokes of the electromagnets have a slotted design by means of the yokes consisting of a plurality of solid parts joined to one another.

Abstract: A method and device for cooling an electromagnetic actuator device of an internal combustion engine valves. A fluid stream circulating in the internal combustion engine, especially a lubricating oil stream, is passed through each electromagnetic actuator device to cool the actuator. The amount of the fluid stream passed through the actuator is variable and is adjusted by a suitable valve arrangement in such a way that a critical component temperature of the actuators is not exceeded. An electrical actuator parameter, such as the current flowing through the coils of the actuator, which corresponds to the component's temperature is determined in an electronic control unit associated with the actuators, and is compared in the electronic control unit with the critical component temperature or a corresponding critical electrical parameter. The electronic control unit controls the valve arrangement to provide the required stream of cooling fluid.

Abstract: An electrically actuated engine valve provides an armature having one or more teeth extending outward from the armature along the actuation axis to be received by corresponding sockets in the cores of opposed electromagnets. The teeth do not restrain the movement of the armature but in approaching the cores provides a magnetic flux path that produces a more constant force of attraction during actuation of the valve. This enables the valves to overcome initial opposing forces such as caused by pressure on the valve heads to which the armature is attached and provides a path of inductive coupling between the opposed coils that can reveal armature position providing a method of accurately controlling armature seating speed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine and method are capable of reducing a power consumption required to open an exhaust-side electromagnetic valve at a predetermined time. This internal combustion engine includes an electromagnetic valve drive mechanism that controls an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine to open and close by using electromagnetic force generated in response to application of a magnetizing current, and a controller that controls the electromagnetic valve drive mechanism. The controller changes, under predetermined conditions, an open timing of the exhaust valve so as to reduce the power consumption of the electromagnetic valve drive mechanism.

Abstract: A fuel injector comprising a valve needle which is slidable within a bore, a surface associated with the valve needle defining, in part, a control chamber which communicates, through a restriction, with a supply passage. The fuel injector also includes an injection control valve controlling communication between the control chamber and a low pressure reservoir, and a drain valve controlling communication between the supply passage and the low pressure reservoir. The injection control valve and the drain valve include respective armatures moveable under the influence of a common electromagnetic actuator.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator composed of: an armature movable along a linear path between first and second end positions; electromagnets positioned and operative for selectively moving the armature to either one of the first and second end positions; and a mechanical holding element operative in response to movement of the armature to either one of the end positions for holding the armature in the end position to which the armature has moved until an appropriate one of the electromagnets is operated to move the armature to the other one of the end positions.

Abstract: An electromagnetic drive is described that exhibits two electromagnets (2, 3) situated opposite one another and an armature (10) between them that can be moved back and forth. The armature (10) is held in an intermediate position by elastic forces and brought into a terminal position by the power of the electromagnets (2, 3). The armature (10) is mounted using a torsion spring (6) and at least one drive together with its bearings forms a single structural unit.

Abstract: A pump injector comprising a pumping chamber, a valve needle controlling communication between the pumping chamber and one or more outlet openings, and a spill valve controlling communication between the pumping chamber and a low pressure fuel reservoir, in use. The pump injector also comprises an inlet non-return valve arranged to permit fuel to flow from the fuel reservoir to the pumping chamber, in use, but substantially preventing fuel flow in the reverse direction. Alternatively, the pump injector may comprise an abutment piston engageable with the valve needle which defines, in part, a control chamber for fuel, and a control valve controlling communication between the pumping chamber and the control chamber.

Abstract: An electromagnetic drive system for repeatedly opening and closing a valve of an internal combustion engine is comprised of an electromagnetic drive mechanism and a damper mechanism. The electromagnetic drive mechanism comprises a pair of electromagnets, an armature disposed between the electromagnets and a pair of springs setting the armature at a neutral position between the electromagnets when both the electromagnets are de-energized. The electromagnets are alternately energized and de-energized according to a control signal. The damper mechanism is interlocked with the electromagnetic drive mechanism and functions to decrease a speed of displacement of the valve at a terminating period of each of a valve-closing stroke and a valve-opening stroke of the valve.

Abstract: A fuel injector which has a double solenoid three-way or four-way spool valve that controls the flow of a working fluid that is used to move an intensifier piston of the injector.

Abstract: In a device for operating a gas exchange valve with a hydraulic play compensating element of an internal combustion engine, which device includes an electromagnetic actuator having spaced valve opening and valve closing magnets between which an armature is movably supported for operating the gas exchange valve and wherein the valve is biased in a valve closing direction by a valve closing spring and in a valve opening direction by a valve opening spring which together form a valve oscillation structure having an equilibrium position in which the armature which is operatively connected to the valve is essentially disposed centrally between the magnets, the opening spring has a steeper spring force characteristic line and a lower pre-stress value than the closing spring.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve actuating apparatus includes an armature moved by a solenoid, and an armature shaft joined with the armature, for transmitting motion from the armature to a valve. The armature is formed with a tapered joint hole, and the armature shaft has a tapered end portion which is fit in the tapered joint hole so that the mating joint surfaces are in the form of a conical surface. The armature is made of a ferromagnetic material whereas the armature shaft is made of a material which is non-magnetic and lower in specific gravity than the material of the armature.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve for use in an internal combustion engine has a valve body movable into and out of abutment of an intake/exhaust port in the internal combustion engine to close and open an intake/exhaust passage in communication therewith, a movable plate connected to the valve body by a transmission valve stem, a first solenoid for magnetically attracting the movable plate to cause the valve body to close the intake/exhaust port, and a second solenoid disposed in confronting relation to the first solenoid with the movable plate interposed therebetween, for magnetically attracting the movable plate to cause the valve body to open the intake/exhaust port. A piston is movable in a cylinder in unison with the transmission valve stem until the valve body closes the intake/exhaust port when the first solenoid magnetically attracts the movable plate to position the valve body closely to the intake/exhaust port.

Abstract: In the case of known electromagnetic actuators each with at least one electromagnet acting on an armature, operational fluctuations of system parameters can lead to incorrect functioning, in particular to increased wear of the actuator, undesired noise generation, and excessive power consumption. In the new method, which is preferably used for operating gas change valves in internal combustion engines, the impact velocity of the armature on the electromagnet is automatically adjusted to a preset value. For this purpose, a controlled variable that depends on a change of inductance of the electromagnet is created as a measure of the impact velocity of the armature on The electromagnet and the controlled variable is adjusted by controlling the energy supply To the electromagnet to provide a setpoint value that the controlled variable adopts at a preset value of the impact velocity of the armature on the electromagnet. This permits reliable continuous duty with the new method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetically driven valve suited for use in an internal combustion engine and aims at achieving appropriate operating characteristics in accordance with operating conditions of the internal combustion engine at the time of opening or closing a valve body. An armature moving together with the valve body is provided and upper and lower cores are disposed on opposed sides of the armature. The upper core and the lower core accommodate upper and lower coils, respectively. An annular protrusion, formed not on the upper core but on the lower core only, has an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the armature.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve actuator for a cylinder valve, including a pair of electromagnets including magnetic cores and coils serially connected and wound around the magnetic cores in the same direction. An armature is moveable against biasing forces of springs in one direction to open the cylinder valve and in the opposite direction to close the cylinder valve. A permanent magnet is prevented from being undesirably influenced by an opposing magnetic field relative to the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A method of operating an actuator for electromagnetically controlling a valve in an internal combustion engine involves supplying a heating current to the operating coils of the actuator before starting the internal combustion engine from a cold start condition. Thereby, the operating coils, the components surrounding them, and the lubricant are heated to ensure proper viscosity of the lubricant and thus proper operation of the actuator.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve in which an impact element is spaced from a head on a valve rod, in order to develop kinetic energy when activated end produce impact on the head to free a valve member which may have become stuck to the valve seat due to deposits on the seat from the recirculating exhaust gas. The impact member is activated when the engine is started and after the valve disk is free, the exhaust gas recirculation valve operates conventionally.

Abstract: A solenoid valve comprises a first coil, a plunger, a first and a second opening in the valve, and a latching mechanism placed in association with the first opening. The latching mechanism causes latching, with a predetermined latching force, of the plunger to the first opening, and energization of the first coil along a predetermined first polarity causes at least a reduction of the latching force. The plunger has a first end towards the first opening and a second end towards the second opening, and a magnetic field extensor extends a first pole of the magnetic field produced by the first coil to the first end of the plunger. The extensor comprises a hollow cylindrical ferrous member terminated by a ferrous endpiece and is movable, with the plunger, relative to the first opening.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for operating a cylinder valve of an internal-combustion engine with an electromagnetic actuator for moving the cylinder valve into opposite open and closed valve end positions. The electromagnetic actuator has two spaced electromagnets provided with pole faces and being energizable with a controllable current flow, an armature operatively connected to the cylinder valve and arranged between the two electromagnets for a reciprocating motion therebetween into opposite armature end positions at the electromagnets in response to electromagnetic fields generated by the electromagnets for moving the cylinder valve into end positions thereof and return springs coupled to the armature and opposing, by a spring force, the displacements of the armature in response to the electromagnetic fields.

Abstract: A fluid control valve, which can control a fluid having a pressure in the order of 10 kg/cm2, has a response time in the order of several milliseconds can be made small in size, and a fluid supply/exhaust system that provides less gas counter flow in the event of a plurality of valves being used. A fluid control valve of the invention controls a fluid moving in a valve body by closing and opening a portion between a valve seat and a valve holder by use of a drive unit. The drive unit has a rod-shaped shaft for application of pressure through the valve seat and the valve holder, and a member “a” fixed around the rod-shaped shaft. The member “a” is made from a magnetic material, and has a space between it and the shaft. A coil provided in parallel to the shaft, moves the shaft via the member “a” up and down by electromagnetic induction, and makes use of a spring force to close and open a portion between the valve seat and the valve holder.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flow control device, or valve is provided. The valve uses two sets of stationary electromagnetic windings, with corresponding movable electromagnetic cores, which are completely contained within the flow stream of the valve. The movable cores are connected to a valve needle which can seal against a seat or open. The device is powered by electromagnetic energy only.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator has an armature assembly including a pair of spaced plate springs to locate the magnetic core radially. The springs are formed from concentric rings interconnected by radial bridges so that flexure of the spring does not cause radial displacement. A single coil or double coil may be used and each coil is supported on a pair of bobbins. One bobbin overlies the core and the other has a recess to receive part of the core to maintain a uniform air gap between the core and bobbin.

Abstract: A fast-acting valve includes a valve body and a spool slidably mounted within the valve body between first and second limit positions. Both the spool and the valve body have a flow passage which come into alignment with the valve spool at a position intermediate the first and second limit positions and spaced therefrom by a given distance. That given distance allows the spool member to accelerate in travel from the first and second limit positions to the valve open position so that the opening of the valve (and closing) occurs quite quickly. Reciprocating movement of the valve spool relative to the valve body can be provided by springs mounted in opposing ends of the valve body bore in cooperation with solenoids mounted on opposing sides of the valve body. The fast-acting valve may be modified into the form of poppet valve or a cartridge valve.