Including Compensation For Thermal Change Of Electromagnetic Device Patents (Class 361/140)
  • Patent number: 10466309
    Abstract: A magnetic field measurement device includes an excitation circuit including an excitation coil that is coupled to a resonation control circuit. The excitation coil is wound around an amorphous soft magnetic core. The magnetic field measurement device includes a detection circuit including a detection coil that is wound around the amorphous soft magnetic core. The resonation control circuit is coupled to the excitation circuit and to the detection circuit to adjust a resonant frequency of the detection circuit responsive to temperature variations of the amorphous soft magnetic core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenquan Li, Randal Thomas Beste, Brian Roberson
  • Patent number: 8964347
    Abstract: In a method for controlling an electromagnetic valve, the temperature of the valve is detected, and activation of and/or the current feed to the valve are performed as a function of the temperature of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Kaluza, Horst Kleinknecht
  • Patent number: 8725392
    Abstract: A device for controlling an injection valve actuator for an internal combustion engine has a voltage source, the voltage of which is high compared to the voltage of a vehicle battery and which is connected to the actuator by way of at least one controllable switch. A switching controller can be connected to the vehicle battery at the input end and it is connected to the voltage source at the output end to generate the high voltage from the voltage of the vehicle battery. The switching controller is designed in such a way that the high voltage of the voltage source is regulated to a higher value as the temperature increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Bolz
  • Patent number: 8705222
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adjusting the amount of current provided to a magnetic actuator to compensate for a temperature change associated with the magnetic actuator are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes an actuator, which has at least one magnet and an associated force constant. The apparatus also includes a temperature sensing arrangement and a control arrangement, the temperature sensing arrangement being arranged to determine or measure a temperature of the magnet. The control arrangement adjusts the current provided to the actuator based on the temperature of the magnet. The current is adjusted to maintain a correct or desired force in light of temperature-induced variations to a force constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Coakley, Michael B. Binnard
  • Patent number: 8654498
    Abstract: An electromechanical device includes a rotor, a stator having a magnetic coil, a sensor adapted to detect an electric angle of the rotor, a control section adapted to perform a PWM drive on the magnetic coil based on a signal from the sensor, a resistor connected in series to the magnetic coil when measuring temperature of the electromechanical device, and a voltage measurement section adapted to measure a voltage between both ends of the resistor, and the control section calculates an electric resistance of the magnetic coil using the voltage between the both ends of the resistor measured by the voltage measurement section, and then determines the temperature of the magnetic coil using the electric resistance of the magnetic coil in a measurement period in which application of a drive voltage to the magnetic coil is stopped in the PWM drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kesatoshi Takeuchi, Katsuhiko Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 8094427
    Abstract: A system for precisely controlling the operational characteristics of a relay is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a relay having performance characteristics that vary with a temperature of the relay, where the relay comprises a plurality of operational phases including a switching phase and a holding phase, and a relay control circuit configured to provide a preselected current to the relay at least during the switching phase and the holding phase, where the preselected current remains substantially constant despite a change in the temperature of the relay, where the relay is configured to transition from a non-energized position to an energized position during the switching phase, and where the relay is configured to maintain the energized position during the holding phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Leach International Corporation
    Inventors: Malcolm J. Critchley, Yen-Kuei Tsao
  • Patent number: 7995320
    Abstract: A system and method for protecting a coil structure in a controlled switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Leach International Corporation
    Inventors: Farshid Tofigh, Otmar Kruppa
  • Publication number: 20100284119
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adjusting the amount of current provided to a magnetic actuator to compensate for a temperature change associated with the magnetic actuator are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes an actuator, which has at least one magnet and an associated force constant. The apparatus also includes a temperature sensing arrangement and a control arrangement, the temperature sensing arrangement being arranged to determine or measure a temperature of the magnet. The control arrangement adjusts the current provided to the actuator based on the temperature of the magnet. The current is adjusted to maintain a correct or desired force in light of temperature-induced variations to a force constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Coakley, Michael B. Binnard
  • Publication number: 20100177453
    Abstract: A system for precisely controlling the operational characteristics of a relay is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a relay having performance characteristics that vary with a temperature of the relay, where the relay comprises a plurality of operational phases including a switching phase, and a relay control circuit configured to provide a preselected current to the relay at least during the switching phase, where the preselected current remains substantially constant despite a change in the temperature of the relay, and where the relay is configured to transition from a non-energized position to an energized position during the switching phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Malcolm J. Critchley, Yen-Kuei Tsao
  • Patent number: 7746620
    Abstract: A medical fluid machine having a solenoid control system with temperature compensation includes an electromechanical solenoid including an armature and a coil, a voltage source, a switching device configured to selectively apply power from the voltage source to the solenoid coil, and a control element connected electrically to the switching device and operable to receive at least one signal indicative of a resistance of the coil and using the signal to control the switching device to selectively apply power from the voltage source to the solenoid coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: John Bedingfield
  • Publication number: 20090284889
    Abstract: The invention relates to a relay controller (500) for controlling an excitation current of a relay (300), wherein the relay controller (500) is designed, upon the energization of the relay (300) by means of a switch (210, 211, 221), to control the excitation current through the excitation winding (310) of the relay (300) in such a way that through the excitation winding (310) there flows firstly a pull-in current and, after a pull-in time has elapsed, through the excitation winding there flows a holding current that is lower than the pull-in current, and wherein the relay controller (500) is designed, upon the switching-off of the relay by means of the switch (210, 211, 221), to feed a commutation current that flows through the excitation winding (310) to the commutation device (400) through the first terminal (501) and through the second terminal (502) of the relay controller (500).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Michael LENZ
  • Publication number: 20090213519
    Abstract: A medical fluid machine having a solenoid control system with temperature compensation includes an electromechanical solenoid including an armature and a coil, a voltage source, a switching device configured to selectively apply power from the voltage source to the solenoid coil, and a control element connected electrically to the switching device and operable to receive at least one signal indicative of a resistance of the coil and using the signal to control the switching device to selectively apply power from the voltage source to the solenoid coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicants: BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC., BAXTER HEALTHCARE S.A.
    Inventor: John Bedingfield
  • Patent number: 7546830
    Abstract: An injector drive device includes a power supply unit that is supplied with power from a battery mounted in a vehicle and generates a voltage higher than the voltage of the battery, and EDU having a drive unit that is supplied with power from the power supply unit and drives an injector. The drive unit is housed in a housing. The power supply unit is placed externally to the EDU, that is, externally to the housing, so that the housing need not be made large against heat generation of the power supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noboru Nagase, Takashi Kikutani
  • Publication number: 20090128979
    Abstract: A system and method for protecting a coil structure in a controlled switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Farshid TOFIGH, Otmar Kruppa
  • Patent number: 7443178
    Abstract: An electrical circuit for the temperature compensation of at least one measuring resistor structure integrated in a semiconductor body includes at least one further resistor structure which is likewise concomitantly integrated into the semiconductor body and is thermally coupled to the measuring resistor structure. The electrical circuit also includes a circuit arrangement which is electrically connected to the further resistor structure, feeds a current into the further resistor structure, and evaluates a temperature-dependent voltage dropped across the further resistor structure as a result. The temperature-dependent voltage dropped across the further resistor is used for temperature compensation of the measuring resistor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Martin Graefling
  • Patent number: 7352522
    Abstract: Method of controlling a current through a coil (L) for the generation of a magnetic field (H) in which: a parameter is determined which is a measure for the value of the resistance (RL) of the coil (L), the current (IL) through the coil (L) is controlled by data (DS) delivered by a data control circuit (DSS), and a stop data signal (SPD) is delivered to the data control circuit (DSS) for (at least) temporarily stopping the control of the current (IL) when the parameter exceeds a certain limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Rudolf Johan Maria Vullers, Willem Johannes Antonia Geven
  • Patent number: 7233476
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing thermal protection for actuators used in haptic feedback interface devices. An average energy in the actuator over a predetermined period of time is determined, and the maximum allowable current level in the actuator is reduced if the average energy is determined to exceed a predetermined warning energy level. The maximum allowable current level can be reduced to a sustainable current level if the average energy reaches a maximum energy level allowed, and the maximum allowable current level in the actuator can be raised if the average energy is determined to be below the predetermined warning energy level. Preferably, the maximum allowable current level is reduced smoothly as a ramp function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Alex S. Goldenberg, Adam C. Braun, Paul D. Batcheller
  • Patent number: 7183887
    Abstract: An electronic circuit comprising means (CMNS) for controlling a current (IL) through a coil (L) for the generation of a magnetic field (H). The means (CMNS) comprise means (DMNS) for the determination of a parameter which is a measure for the value of the resistance (RL) of the coil (L). During operation the maximum absolute value of the current (IL) is decreased when the parameter exceeds a certain limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Rudolf Johan Maria Vullers, Willem Johannes Antonia Geven, Coen Theodorus Hubertus Fransiscus Liedenbaum
  • Patent number: 7161787
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for controlling a solenoid that ensures accurate timing between the enabling of the driving circuit and the activation of the solenoid, while simultaneously providing a two energy level driving scheme to reduce power consumption. The present invention utilizes a single enable signal and supplies the solenoid two different energy levels, a higher “set” level and a lower “hold” level. The generation of these two levels is based on the enabling signal and guarantees that the higher “set” level is present when the solenoid is activated, thereby minimizing undesirable timing jitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Joens
  • Patent number: 7107946
    Abstract: A method is presented to control engine valve selection of an internal combustion engine. Electromechanical valves are selected in a manner to reduce fuel consumption and improve engine drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John O. Michelini
  • Patent number: 7089736
    Abstract: A method of creating a solenoid temperature estimator includes operating a solenoid based on a data point including a plurality of operating parameters and determining a temperature of the solenoid. The method further includes recording steady-state values for the temperature and each of the plurality of operating parameters and generating the solenoid temperature estimator based on the steady-state values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Mike M. Mc Donald
  • Patent number: 6639780
    Abstract: The present invention is characterized by a coolant feeding device of a machine tool that supplies coolant to a mist generating device (10) at the tip of a spindle (9) through a coolant feed line (40). A coolant forcing means (11) is provided to the tip of the spindle near the mist generating device to force out the coolant inside a cylinder chamber (21) through a valve path (20). The coolant inside the feed line is repeatedly fed into the cylinder chamber, whereas the coolant forced out from the cylinder chamber is fed into the mist generating device at proper pressure. When the coolant pressure inside the feed line is below a fixed level, the coolant inside the feed line flows into the cylinder chamber. When the coolant pressure inside the feed line is over a fixed level, the coolant inside the cylinder chamber is forced out to the mist generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Takashi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6574084
    Abstract: An electromagnetic repulsion drive switching device in which a contact-closing coil and a contact-opening coil are arranged to confront a conductive repulsive member, and in which a drive current is fed to a selected one of the individual coils from a capacitor charged to a predetermined charge voltage by a charging power source. A stationary contact and a movable contact are brought into and out of contact by a repulsion electromagnetic force generated between the coils and the repulsion member. A voltage control controls the output voltage of the charging power source so that the peak value of the drive current may fall within a range with respect to a temperature change of the capacitor. As a result, even if the working temperature of the capacitor changes, the drive current of the contact-closing coil and the contact-opening coil falls within a desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukimori Kishida, Hiroyuki Sasao, Chie Takahashi, Kazuhiko Kagawa, Yoichi Ueno, Eiji Moritoh, Takafumi Nishioka, Tokio Nakashima
  • Patent number: 6333843
    Abstract: A method for starting up an electromagnetic actuator operating an engine cylinder valve. The actuator has two spaced electromagnets, between which an armature, connected to the cylinder valve, is reciprocated against a restoring spring from a center position to lie against a magnet pole face. An ECU alternatingly supplies the electromagnets with a capturing current, the level of which is regulated as a function of the approach of the armature toward a pole face, as detected by a sensor assembly. A reference temperature is detected for the magnets, and, at a normal temperature, the armature starts oscillating due to the alternating energization of the electromagnets, and is brought into contact with a pole face. Or, at a low temperature level, one of the electromagnets is supplied with a high current pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: FEV Motorentechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Boie, Lutz Kather, Günter Schmitz, Frank Van der Staay, Günter Rudolf Feyerl
  • Patent number: 6313977
    Abstract: A circuit configuration serves to regulate in particular a coil current for a hydraulic pressure regulating valve of a motor vehicle transmission. A current measuring resistor configured as a thick-film resistor and a temperature sensor, that detects a transmission oil temperature and is thermally coupled to the current measuring resistor, are applied on a circuit carrier produced from a ceramic material. The signals of the current measuring resistor and of the temperature sensor are fed to a control unit, in which the signal of the temperature sensor is used to compensate for a temperature-dependent resistance of the current measuring resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerald Hauer
  • Patent number: 6297573
    Abstract: A three-phase a.c. motor for operation with a three-phase mains supply (1), with three single- or multiple-strand windings (2u, 2v, 2w) in a star configuration (2) in which terminals (U2, V2, W2) at the neutral ends of the windings (2u, 2v, 2w) are accessible outside the set of windings (2), with an electronic switch (4) so constructed and so connected by way of switch terminals (U3, V3, W3) to the neutral-end terminals (U2, V2, W2) that the latter can be electrically connected to one another during a process of turning on and disconnected from one another during a process of turning off, and with a control circuit (5) designed to control the electronic switch (4) and connected to the latter. By integration of the electronic switch (4) and the control circuit (5) within the terminal box of the three-phase motor, both the space required and the number of electronic components can be dramatically reduced in comparison to known three-phase motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Sew-Eurodrive GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jörg Roth-Stielow, Josef Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6275368
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for preventing a solenoid from being heated by an exciting current. When a hydraulic cylinder is permitted to extend and retract, a controller commands a high-side driver to send a moving current to the solenoid such that a valve body of an electromagnetic valve is moved to a connection position. Subsequently, the controller commands the high side driver to send a maintaining current to the solenoid such that the valve body is maintained at the connection position. The moving current and the maintaining current are pulse waves. The duty ratio of the maintaining current is smaller than that of the moving current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tadashi Yamada, Hiroo Ito
  • Patent number: 6262556
    Abstract: An improved force motor current control including feed-forward and feed-back control terms summed to determine a force motor activation for achieving a current command. The feed-forward control term estimates the force motor activation required to achieve the current command, based on the force motor temperature, the system voltage and a model of the force motor circuit. The feed-back control term compares an expected response to the actual response and develops a control term that corrects for modeling errors, providing disturbance rejection and improved command following. The closed-loop feedback error is used to enable adaptive correction of the feed-forward control so that the estimated force motor activation more nearly produces the commanded current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A Hubbard, Jeffrey Kurt Runde
  • Patent number: 5930738
    Abstract: A combination of software and hardware in a computer system prevents a hard disk from starting if an environmental parameter (i.e. temperature) is outside operational limits. An extension to the basic input/output software normally used with IBM-PC architecture processes signals indicative of the ambient environmental parameter. The extension to the basic input/output software is added to silicon memory in the computer instead of being stored on the hard drive. Upon initial application of electrical power to the computer the hard drive is disabled while the extension determines whether the environmental parameter is within an acceptable limit. The extension enables the hard drive and allows the boot process to proceed only if the environmental parameter is within the limiting value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Mobile Integrated Tecnologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles K. Jones
  • Patent number: 5333087
    Abstract: A superconducting magnet apparatus has two or more divided superconducting coils successively arrayed in series and a magnetic shield. The divided superconducting coils arrayed in the axial direction are successively electrically connected in series, and protective diodes are connected between two connection points symmetrically-located with respect to the center of the serially-connected superconducting coil array as a reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Moriaki Takechi, Tatsuya Oue
  • Patent number: 5293636
    Abstract: A computer system with a number of subsystems or modules on separate circuit boards employs electronic keying to ensure proper configuration of these boards. A power key arrangement associated with a plug-in connector enables a separate power supply for each set of boards. A power supply turn-on signal is routed through a uniquely-configured connector path for each board, so the power supply turn-on is inhibited for improper configurations. The uniquely-configured connector path may use either a series or a parallel implementation. The series implementation employs a set of diodes connected for conduction in either of two directions, with the mating connector having its conductor paths connected to match the diode configuration; in this manner, the power supply enable signal can only flow through the series path if the proper board is plugged into a properly-coded slot, in which case the power supply to activate this board is activated through the series path including the diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Tandem Computers Incorporated
    Inventors: William P. Bunton, John M. Brown, Patricia L. Whiteside
  • Patent number: 5199637
    Abstract: The apparatus controlling operation of a digital thermostat mounted in an enclosure corrects the internally measured temperature for heat generated within the thermostat enclosure by the switching element controlling operation of the load, typically a HVAC unit. The actual ambient temperature is derived by subtracting from the internal temperature a correction value which follows the fraction of total time the switching element conducts power for the HVAC unit (duty cycle). The duty cycle is preferably multiplied by a scale factor and the difference between the ambient temperature as currently calculated and the internal temperature to form the correction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Adams
  • Patent number: 5089930
    Abstract: A differential transformer is provided comprising an elongated bobbin having primary and secondary coils wound about separated sections. A ferromagnetic armature is movably disposed within a core of the bobbin for movement between the separated sections. A tube of electrically conducting material surrounds the bobbin core. The tube is formed of a material whose resistance varies with temperature in the same manner as the primary coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Pickering Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Chass
  • Patent number: 4651576
    Abstract: Gyroscopes, particularly those with permanent magnet torquers, may be temperature sensitive. A temperature signal may be derived and used to correct the temperature dependent parameters such as gyro scale factor. Herein, instead of or in addition to such correction, it is proposed to regulate the gyro temperature by varying the torquer signals and hence controlling the power dissipated in the torquer coils. The torquer signals may comprise positive- and negative-going pulses of fixed amplitude and having respective durations appropriate to produce the required torquing effect. Then, the dissipated power can be controlled by varying the durations of the inter-pulse dead-zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: British Aerospace plc
    Inventor: Paul D. Luke
  • Patent number: 4236410
    Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter in which the fluid to be metered is conducted through a flow tube provided with a pair of diametrically-opposed electrodes. The fluid intercepts a magnetic field established in the flow tube by a magnetizable core having a coil wound thereon through which an excitation current flows, thereby inducing a signal voltage in the electrodes. Because the permeability of the core is temperature-dependent, changes in temperature affect the strength of the magnetic field and adversely influence the signal voltage. Compensation means are provided to render the signal voltage independent of temperature, thereby producing an output signal accurately proportional to flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1980
    Assignee: Fischer & Porter Co.
    Inventors: Eggert Appel, Gottfried Geisler, Wilfried Kiene, Peter Nissen
  • Patent number: 4159502
    Abstract: A signal compensator is combined with a second order system, for example, a fluid damped rate gyroscope, which produces a signal in response to the movements of a damped member for providing an output signal which is indicative of the input to the second order system and is unresponsive to variations of the (selected) damping (ratio) of the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1979
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur Mayer