Patents by Inventor William Dale Cornwell, Jr.

William Dale Cornwell, Jr. 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).

  • Solenoid driver circuit and method
    Patent number: 5703748
    Abstract: A solenoid driver circuit is provided that operates a solenoid in a quiet operation by reducing solenoid armature velocity. A pulse signal and a ramp signal are provided by a frequency generator and a ramp generator, respectively. A frequency switching circuit receives the pulse and ramp signals and responsively provides a time varying pulse signal that has a duty cycle that decreases with time. A dwell circuit allows the frequency switching circuit to control the solenoid for a first time period and then provides an on signal to the solenoid, maintaining the solenoid in the on position. The solenoid driver circuit is particularly suitable for use with solenoid controlled valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Chris Fulks, William Dale Cornwell, Jr.