Abstract: An electromechanical valve apparatus has an electrical winding and a magnetic flux circuit defining a flux path therefor which includes a plurality of adjacent magnetic segments. The segments include a generally cylindrical center segment with a fluid passage, an end segment, an outer segment and a magnetic armature member. At least one of the segments is physically translatable within the valve apparatus along the flux path to adjust a portion of one of the magnetic segments that is in the flux path and the extent of an air gap adjacent the translatable segment. The apparatus includes a non-magnetic seat member which is located near or at the point of highest flux density along the longitudinal axis through the electrical winding. The armature is preferably an elongated member with its closed end located within the electrical winding near the non-magnetic seat member. The seat member and armature are enclosed within a chamber defining body such as the bobbin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for solenoid driver control of high speed solenoid actuators which includes supplying a high regulated level of acceleration current to operate the actuator, monitoring and controlling the current requirements of solenoid actuation, automatically reducing the solenoid current at a rapid rate to a lesser level of regulated solenoid hold current for the remaining duration of actuator operation, and rapidly reducing the solenoid current between acceleration and holding levels and for rapid solenoid release. Current is controlled at the different levels using switch mode power control techniques for power efficiency.

Abstract: A connector assembly for terminating optical fiber cables is disclosed which includes a fiber alignment and clamping device. The clamping device consists of a unitary body having an entrance portion for aligning a plurality of fibers in either a linear or circular parallel array. The body additionally has projecting fingers that extend on either side of a desired conductor path to form coacting pairs which may be flexed together to retain the optical fiber in a fixed axial relationship relative to its path through the connector. The flexible fingers additionally coact with adjacent fingers so that they are secured in the deflected position to hold the fiber in place, the fingers being releaseable by lateral movement thereof so as to allow removal of the fibers as desired.