Patents by Inventor Kevin G. Nowobilski

Kevin G. Nowobilski has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8274348
    Abstract: A single coil solenoid includes a permanent magnet with bi-directional assist capabilities. The solenoid includes an armature that during de-energization of a single coil of wire is attracted to the permanent magnet thereby maintaining a hold position and during energization of the single coil has a polarity that repels the permanent magnet thereby creating a push/pull force. In this regard, the permanent magnet operates to not only hold the armature but also is used to push the armature when current is induced in the single coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Kolb, Kevin G. Nowobilski
  • Patent number: 7280019
    Abstract: A single coil solenoid includes a permanent magnet with bidirectional assist capabilities. The solenoid includes an armature that during de-energization of a single coil of wire is attracted to the permanent magnet thereby maintaining a hold position and during energization of the single coil has a polarity that repels the permanent magnet thereby creating a push/pull force. In this regard, the permanent magnet operates to not only hold the armature but also is used to push the armature when current is induced in the single coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Richard P. Kolb, Kevin G. Nowobilski
  • Patent number: 6262620
    Abstract: A driver circuit for a latching type valve is provided which utilizes an electronic switch assembly to provide the dual polarity necessary to actuate the latching type valve to both its open and closed states. The driver circuitry includes a microprocessor and a slope detector circuit for monitoring the coil current used to energize the valve solenoid to determine when the valve armature has moved to its fully actuated position. The driver circuit preferably utilizes power MOSFET devices in the switch assembly configured into an H-bridge to drive the solenoid coil. Advantageously, the user of power MOSFET devices eliminates the necessity for a current sense resistor in the control circuitry, thereby decreasing power dissipation and increasing efficiency of the drive circuit, thereby prolonging the battery life used to drive the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Ranco Incorporated of Delaware
    Inventors: Leonard W. Jenski, Kevin G. Nowobilski, Bay E. Estes
  • Patent number: 6073904
    Abstract: A latching coil valve device is provided, comprising a body providing an inlet and an outlet; an actuatable valve unit connecting said inlet to said outlet, and latching mechanisms for latching the actuatable valve unit in open or closed positions, respectively. The actuatable valve unit comprises a solenoid and a pilot operated valve comprising a primary valve member and a pilot valve member. The solenoid comprises a coil assembly and a plunger assembly. Energizing the coil of the solenoid moves the plunger to open and close the valve. The latching mechanism for latching the actuatable valve unit in the open position comprises a permanent magnet and the latching mechanism for latching the actuatable valve unit in the closed position comprises a coil spring. Only a momentary pulse of voltage needs to be applied to the coil of the solenoid in order open or close the valve. Once in the opened or closed positions, the permanent magnet or the coil spring, respectively, latches the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventors: Ronald G. Diller, James M. Enger, Kevin G. Nowobilski