Abstract: A method for starting an electromechanical regulating device especially designed for controlling the charge cycle in an internal combustion engine. The electromechanical regulating device has an actuating element and an actuating drive. The actuating drive includes a first electromagnet with a first coil and a second electromagnet with a second coil, an armature which can move between contact faces of the first and second electromagnets, and at least one restoring means which is mechanically coupled to the armature. To start the regulating device, the second coil is energized until a first predefined condition is fulfilled and then the first coil is energized from the time at which a second condition is fulfilled until the armature comes into contact with the contact face.

Abstract: A method for starting an electromechanical regulating device especially designed for controlling the charge cycle in an internal combustion engine. The electromechanical regulating device has an actuating element and an actuating drive. The actuating drive includes a first electromagnet with a first coil and a second electromagnet with a second coil, an armature which can move between contact faces of the first and second electromagnets, and at least one restoring means which is mechanically coupled to the armature. To start the regulating device, the second coil is energized until a first predefined condition is fulfilled and then the first coil is energized from the time at which a second condition is fulfilled until the armature comes into contact with the contact face.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator is provided and includes upper and lower electromagnets. Each electromagnet includes a lamination core assembly comprising a plurality of individual stacked laminations. Upper and lower housings are provided, each having opposing end walls. The core assembly of the upper electromagnet is disposed between the end walls of the upper housing and the core assembly of the lower electromagnet is disposed between the end walls of the lower housing. An armature is mounted for movement between the core assemblies. Spacer structure is disposed between the core assemblies and contacts each of the core assemblies to prevent the core assemblies from moving towards each other. A pin provides a connection between a lamination core assembly and the end walls of an associated housing. Each housing has a contact surface between the end walls and each of the core assemblies includes a solid core member defining a central portion of each core assembly.

Abstract: A core assembly for an electromagnet includes a plurality of stacked laminations extending along a stacking axis. The laminations each having generally the same thickness in a direction along the stacking axis. A solid core member has opposing ends. The core member is disposed generally centrally with respect to the plurality of stacked laminations such that each end of the core member contacts a lamination of the plurality of laminations. The core member has a thickness in a direction along the stacking axis substantially greater than the thickness of a lamination. The core member also has an aperture therethrough disposed generally perpendicular to the stacking axis for receiving a shaft of an armature assembly.

Abstract: There is shown an electric motor control of the engine valves of an internal combustion engine. A brushless torque actuator controls the rotation of a cam member which provides the appropriate lift to the engine valve to move the valve from the closed to the open position. The electronic control which is connected to the actuator includes a look-up table for controlling the timing of the engine in accordance with the operation of the internal combustion engine. The electronic control operates to return the cam member to its home position closing the engine valves.

Abstract: An injector needle/armature assembly stroke is controlled so as to minimize opening and closing impact forces. The controlled motion eliminates or significantly reduces the problems associated with valve bounce, providing less acoustic emission, reduced wear, improved spray characteristics and better flow regulation. The current applied to the electromagnetic coil of the injector in accordance with a modified injector timing pulse waveform serves to reduce impact velocities at each end of the armature stroke. The waveform can be optimized for a class of injectors with a pulse width modulated waveform, repeatedly re-energizing and de-energizing the electromagnetic coil in accordance with an optimized on/off pulse train.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting engine valve motion are provided in an internal combustion engine having an electromechanical or electromagnetic valve actuator with a ferrous component that moves in a linear path with the reciprocating motion of an engine valve between its open and closed positions. The apparatus includes a stationary magnetic field source mounted in the actuator and having an axis aligned with the linear path and positioned such that, at its closest position of travel, the ferrous component alters the magnetic field flux of the magnetic field source.