Abstract: A method of regulating an electromagnetic actuator is disclosed. The electromagnetic actuator has an electromagnet; an armature movable, in a switching step, by a controlled current supply to said magnet coil, from a first armature position to a second, pole face-engaging armature position against a force of a resetting spring. The method includes the following steps for regulating the current flow through the magnet coil to set a low velocity of the armature as it arrives at the pole face: during the switching step, detecting the energy amount in the electromagnetic actuator by detecting a changing armature position and/or a changing armature velocity; estimating by extrapolation the expected energy amount upon arrival of the armature on the pole face; and forming a coarse correcting value by comparing the estimation to be extrapolated with a predetermined target value selected with an aid of the total energy stored in the system in the second armature position.

Abstract: Motion recognition processes are disclosed, in particular for regulating the impact speed of an armature on an electromagnetic actuator with at least one electromagnet having at least one pole face (4) and connected to a controllable power supply, and with an armature (5) connected to a regulating element to be actuated which when power is supplied to the electromagnet, is moved against the force of a restoring spring (7) in the direction of the pole face of the electromagnet from a first switching position to a second switching position in which it stops against the pole face. At least one sensor (11) detects in a defined air gap zone of the pole face a progressive attenuation of the magnetic field as the armature approaches and generates a corresponding signal.

Abstract: A method for controlling armature movement in an electromagnetic circuit includes the steps of providing two spaced, facing electromagnets and an armature movable between the two electromagnets along a motion path; alternatingly energizing the two electromagnets for causing a reciprocating motion of the armature; detecting the actual moments of passage of the armature during each motion from one electromagnet to the other at least at two consecutive locations along the motion path; comparing signals representing the actual moments of passage with signals representing desired moments of passage of the armature at the two locations; and dependent upon deviations determined in the signal-comparing step, controlling the moment of de-energizing the momentarily releasing electromagnet and controlling the moment of energizing the momentarily catching electromagnet.

Abstract: A method of recognizing the contact of an armature in an electromagnetic actuator for activating a setting member that can be brought out of a first set position, counter to the force of a restoring spring, and brought into contact with the pole surface of the electromagnet and held when the electromagnet is supplied with current. The controlled (clocked) current course for the holding phase is detected during the time provided for armature contact, and is converted into a current-proportional voltage, and the converted voltage is differentiated and detected as a recognition signal, both for the normal condition of "armature in contact" and the fault condition of "armature is not in contact.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for operating a setting member includes an electromagnet composed of a yoke body and a magnet coil held by the yoke body; an armature adapted to be coupled to the setting member; and a resetting spring for exerting a spring force to the armature. The spring force opposes the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet when energized. The armature is guided in a reciprocating motion which it executes in a direction of armature displacement in response to the magnetic and spring forces. The armature is provided with a plurality of throughgoing, slot-shaped apertures.

Abstract: A method of reducing the travelling speed of a vehicle which has a multi-cylinder, piston-type internal-combustion engine, a variably controllable valve drive and a collision avoidance system includes the following steps: continuously determining, by the collision avoidance system, an actual distance between the vehicle and a vehicle ahead and comparing the actual distance with a speed-dependent minimum safe distance; and braking the vehicle by switching over at least one of the engine cylinders to a compressor operation when the actual distance falls below a minimum safe distance.

Abstract: A method of 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 includes the steps of energizing an electromagnet of the actuator for generating an electromagnetic force for moving an armature of the actuator toward a pole face of the electromagnet against the force of a return spring; after the armature enters a zone adjacent the pole face of the electromagnet, applying to the armature an additional force opposing the electromagnetic force of the electromagnet; dimensioning the additional force such that an equilibrium between the electromagnetic force of the electromagnet and the increased opposing force of the return spring is situated at a location shortly before the armature enters into engagement with the pole face of the electromagnet; and after the armature reaches the location of force equilibrium, controlling a current supply to the electromagnet such that the armature reaches the

Abstract: A power supply for delivering voltage for use in an internal-combustion engine includes an onboard d.c. power source; an alternator connected to the d.c. power source and having an output for supplying a normal, onboard-network voltage during engine run; a step-up transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding; and an inverter having an input connected to the d.c. power source and an output. There is further provided a change-over switch that has a first input connected to the output of the alternator, a second input connected to the output of the inverter and an output connected to the primary winding of the transformer. The change-over switch has a first switching state connecting the output of the alternator with the primary winding and a second switching state connecting the inverter with the primary winding. An rpm-responsive arrangement sets the change-over switch into the second switching state from the first switching state when the engine-rpm falls below a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the position of rest of an armature of an electromagnetic actuator, reciprocated against the force of resetting springs by an alternating energization of two spaced electromagnets; the position of rest being assumed by the armature in the de-energized state of the two electromagnets. The method includes the steps of detecting and determining actual values of an impact indicator representing an impact behavior of the armature as the armature impacts on the pole face of the capturing electromagnet; comparing the actual values derived from both electromagnets with predetermined desired values to form deviation values between the actual and the desired values; and, if deviation values are present, shifting the position of rest of the armature by an adjusting device until the actual values derived from both electromagnets correspond to a predetermined desired value.

Abstract: An electromagnetic circuit for controlling armature movement includes a holding magnet having a magnet yoke provided with a pole face; a solenoid connected to the magnet yoke; a movably supported armature arranged for reciprocating motion toward and away from the pole face along a motion path; an energizing arrangement for passing a current through the solenoid; a measuring pole leg attached to the magnet yoke; and a measuring pole carried by the measuring pole leg. The measuring pole is situated along the motion path of the armature and generates a signal upon passage of the armature by the measuring pole.

Abstract: The system provides for one single cable with four electrical conductors (16 to 19). Two of the conductors (18, 19) form a field bus line for the signal transmission, and the other two conductors (16, 17) form an energy line for providing energy supply. All signal transmitters (1, 2) and signal receivers (3, 4) are connected to the cable, and the cable (16-19) is fitted at both ends with a line termination (20-22). Each signal transmitter (1, 2) and each signal receiver (3, 4) has a field bus controller (8, 10). The entire signal transmission takes place via the two-wire field bus line (18, 19).

Abstract: A method of ascertaining the position of rest assumed by a movable armature, in response to forces of oppositely acting return springs, between two deenergized electromagnets. The method includes the following steps: measuring the inductivities of the two electromagnets; comparing the measured inductivity values to obtain a comparison value; and ascertaining the position of the armature in the position of rest between the two electromagnets from the comparison value.

Abstract: A method of energy-saving regulation of the attraction of an armature of a switching magnet, particularly an electromagnet for a control element in an internal combustion engine, wherein a medium voltage U.sub.Z is formed by switching to the lowest-available supply voltage U.sub.V, the medium voltage being sufficient to regulate a current I.sub.S in order to build up the magnetic field of the electromagnet.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal-combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders; cylinder valves for admitting gases into and removing gases from the cylinders; and actuators connected to the valves for reciprocating the valves between open and closed positions. The method includes the following steps: controlling the actuators of the plurality of cylinders with a first control process as a function of load requirements arising during engine run, as long as the load requirements remain at or above a minimum value; controlling the actuators of at least one first cylinder of the plurality of cylinders with a second control process when the load requirement falls below the minimum value; and simultaneously with controlling the actuators of the first cylinder with the second control process, controlling the actuators of at least one second cylinder of the plurality of cylinders with a third control process.

Abstract: A method of controlling movements of an armature in an electromagnetic circuit which includes at least one holding solenoid applying magnetic forces to the armature and at least one resetting arrangement for applying a resetting force to the armature. The method includes the following cyclical steps: switching on a holding current to flow through the solenoid for holding the armature at the solenoid; after a predetermined period, switching off the holding current for causing the armature to begin a motion away from the solenoid; after switch-off of the holding current detecting, across the solenoid, a voltage change caused by the displacement of the armature for recognizing a starting moment of armature motion from the solenoid; and deriving a control signal from signals representing the voltage change ascertained in the course of the detecting step.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switching arrangement for operating a control device, with the arrangement having two electromagnets (1, 2) which are formed respectively from a coil (3.1, 3.2) and a magnetic yoke (4.1, 4.2), are connected to an actuatable direct-current supply (9), and are spaced from one another, with the pole faces (5) of the two magnet yokes (4.1. 4.2) facing one another. An armature (6) is disposed between the two electromagnets so that the armature can move back and forth between the pole faces (5) of the two electromagnets. The armature (6) is connected to the control device to be operated and is held by spring elements (8.1, 8.2) in an inoperative or neutral position between the two electromagnets (1, 2) when both electromagnets are currentless. At least the armature (6) is made of a material that contains a residual magnetization.

Abstract: A probe for monitoring a medium within a container, which includes a mounting housing for mounting the probe on a container, a neck part attached at one end to the mounting housing, and at the other end to a radially cantilevered head housing. The head housing extends on only one side of the neck part. A sensor is attached to the mounting housing. An electrical conductor is attached to the sensor and extends through the neck part and into the head housing where it is connected to an electronic circuit, which is mounted inside the head housing. The head housing is made so that its dimensions in the radial direction of the neck part are greater than the dimensions of the neck part. The cantilevered mounting of the head housing allows heat from the container to dissipate into the atmosphere without contacting a significant portion of the head housing. The configuration of the head housing also allows easy access to the electronic circuit, even if two probes are placed in close proximity to each other.

Abstract: A method of measuring a valve play in a reciprocating valve. The valve has open and closed positions and is operated by an electromagnetic actuator which includes an opening electromagnet, a closing electromagnet, an armature movable between pole faces by electromagnetic forces against a spring force of a return spring arrangement for moving the valve into an open position. The valve play is defined by a clearance between the armature and the valve when the armature is in contact with the pole face of the closing magnet and the valve is in the closed position. The method includes the steps of detecting a motion of the armature within the clearance as a function of the course of voltage and/or current in the closing electromagnet; and deriving the size of the valve play from an irregularity (spike) in the course of voltage and/or current. The irregularity is caused by an impacting of the armature on the valve and/or the pole face of the closing electromagnet.

Abstract: A method of switching an electromagnetic actuator which includes an armature movable along a path of travel and two electromagnets having respective solenoids, disposed at opposite ends of the path of travel for alternatingly attracting the armature. The method includes the steps of alternatingly applying a supply voltage to the electromagnets for alternatingly causing a supply current to flow therethrough for effecting a reciprocating motion of the armature; and applying an induced current, generated by an induced voltage appearing across one of the solenoids upon removal of the supply current from the one solenoid, to the other of the solenoids until the supply voltage applied to the other solenoid is greater than the induced voltage and the supply voltage across the other solenoid is capable of maintaining an attained current flow therethrough.

Abstract: A flywheel system for a machine includes a rotary body affixed to a rotary shaft of the machine for rotating with the shaft as a unit; an additional rotary body forming a flywheel mass and being mounted on the shaft for rotation relative thereto; an electromagnetic device for torque-transmittingly coupling the rotary bodies to one another in a contactless manner; and a control for actuating the electromagnetic device.