Patents Represented by Attorney William E McCracken
  • Patent number: 6856222
    Abstract: A solenoid includes first and second armatures disposed on either side of a solenoid core. The core includes first and second sets of legs disposed on opposite sides of a central member. A drive circuit provides a first current level to cause flux to flow in a first path through the core and thereby move the first armature without substantially moving the second armature. The drive circuit can provide a second current level greater than the first current level to saturate the first path and thereby redirect flux into a second core path to move the second armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Glen F Forck