Abstract: A valve is provided having a solenoid coil in an integrally formed magnetic material having a cross-sectional configuration resembling a bundt pan. Such a structure can be stamp-formed and creates an enlarged surface area available for the magnetic flux to the armature at the bottom of the bundt cross-section. However, since the ends of the stamped structure are not relevant to the magnetic circuit, they can be left unfinished. A thin, flat plate armature and an axial flow valve assembly allows for low friction, low mass movement of the valve seal. Placement of the armature and solenoid across a small air gap provides a high force, very fast response time with minimal electrical power consumption.

Abstract: A flow control system (10) is provided in which a flow control valve (12) is controlled by a control system (14). The control system (14) measures a flow rate or temperature of a fluid flowing through the flow control valve (12) and adjusts the flow control valve (12) to achieve a desired flow rate. The flow control valve (12) includes an electromagnetically adjustable spool (26).

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated proportional flow control is provided, with an integral differential pressure regulator, that delivers constant fluid flow independent of input fluid supply pressure and output fluid back pressure in a force balanced spool and sleeve configuration. The force on the spool is controlled by a mechanical device and an electromagnetic device. The force on the spool from the electromagnetic device is variable according to changes in the fluid pressures, the applicable environment and the mechanical components of the system in order to create a the desired force balance on the spool. This arrangement may be used to create proportional fluid control for a single fluid, as for example in a fuel system, or multiple fluids, as for example in a beverage dispensing system.

Abstract: A flow control system (10) is provided in which a flow control valve (12) is controlled by a control system (14). The control system (14) measures a flow rate or temperature of a fluid flowing through the flow control valve (12) and adjusts the flow control valve (12) to achieve a desired flow rate. The flow control valve (12) includes an electromagnetically adjustable spool (26).

Abstract: A solenoid device having an output which is substantially linearly proportional to its electrical input and which includes an axially adjustable polepiece. The polepiece carries a permanent magnet which is annularly disposed about the polepiece and which provides an efficient magnetic circuit in conjunction with the electromagnetic coil of the solenoid.

Abstract: A solenoid device is provided having a permanent magnet mounted directly on the polepiece at the core gap to provide an initial magnetic flux through the polepiece and to focus the induced magnetic flux additionally supplied upon actuation of the solenoid. The magnetic flux through the polepiece continues across the core gap and into an armature which is supported by linear rate springs and spaced from the housing by side gaps. A coil device is mounted about the polepiece to provide induced magnetic flux in response to the applied electrical current input. The polepiece is adjustable within the housing to establish various core gap distances. The side and core gap dimensions within the magnetic flux circuit are proportioned relative to each other to maintain constant magnetic permeance about the circuit during solenoid actuation.

Abstract: A valve-proportional solenoid arrangement is provided in a unitary housing. The spring elements of the solenoid are mounted within this housing in the nature of a clamped cartridge. Fluid movement through the valve is adjustable by either movement of the valve seat or the solenoid polepiece within the housing. The solenoid elements are secured into the housing by a threaded cap at one end. The valve elements are secured into the housing by a threaded cap at another end. In alternative embodiments, to assist in threaded securing of the armature to the retainer, portions of the circumference are flattened, although without altering the working area of the magnetic field with respect to the polepiece.

Abstract: A pressure regulating transducer for providing a regulated output pressure in response to an electric input signal in which a proportional solenoid operates a valve, and the output pressure from the valve operates against the force generated by the solenoid to establish the position of a valve element for a regulated fluid output pressure. The position of the valve element will vary in response to flow changes, absolute pressure changes, and changes in the inlet or outlet pressures caused by leaks or restrictions, to maintain the designated outlet pressure for the input signal provided. Thus, a predetermined outlet pressure is maintained for each current input value, regardless of flow and/or absolute pressure changes.

Abstract: A rectilinear motion proportional solenoid which exhibits linear output motion that is linearly proportional to the applied electrical current input. The solenoid has an adjustment mechanism which is external to the working components of the solenoid for adjusting the gain or rate of displacement of the solenoid after final assembly or while the solenoid is operating without degrading the linearity characteristics, thus allowing dynamic calibration of an operating system.

Abstract: An adapter circuit for retrofitting an oil burner control system with a flue damper includes a source of energy in circuit with the thermostat for energizing the damper motor in response to a call for heat to open the damper. A first relay in the adapter circuit includes a pair of contacts for simulating the operation of the thermostat contacts. When the damper is open, this relay is energized, and its contacts close, simulating the operation of the thermostat after the damper is opened, to energize the burner control circuit, thereby energizing the burner motor and ignition. A second relay in the adapter circuit senses whether the burner motor is energized; and when the burner motor is de-energized, this relay initiates a time delay after which the adapter circuit closes the damper.