Motor-operated Patents (Class 137/625.65)
  • Patent number: 11976734
    Abstract: A valve apparatus that includes a valve assembly including a valve retainer body that houses a movable poppet that defines a valve member that is configured to contact a conically shaped valve seat of the valve retainer body; and a motor assembly including a rotatable shaft that is configured to actuate the valve assembly; wherein the rotatable shaft includes a thread formed at an end thereof, the thread being engaged with a sleeve that through rotation of the thread by the rotatable shaft will translate the sleeve towards and away from the movable poppet to transfer an axial force to the poppet that forces the valve member into engagement and disengagement with the valve seat to open and close the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Sobka, Jr., Jeffrey Simmonds
  • Patent number: 11971143
    Abstract: According to aspects, hydrogen fueling systems and methods are provided, including vehicle-to-vehicle communication techniques, hydrogen cooling techniques and/or hydrogen dispenser control techniques that facilitate improving aspects of a hydrogen fueling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ivys Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl Edward Pollica, Christopher John O'Brien, Bryan Gordon
  • Patent number: 11885430
    Abstract: In at least some implementations, a method of assembling an electromechanical valve includes positioning the armature stop in a first position at a first distance from a valve seat, actuating the valve to move an armature away from the valve seat, providing a fluid flow to the valve, determining a fluid flow characteristic, and as a function of the fluid flow characteristic, moving the armature stop relative to the valve seat to a second position that is at a distance other than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Walbro LLC
    Inventors: Bradley J. Roche, William E. Galka, David L. Speirs, Jeffrey C. Hoppe, Ernesto O. Basanez
  • Patent number: 11852050
    Abstract: A support arrangement for an electromagnetic actuator of a hydraulic cam phaser, the support arrangement including an actuator module including a linear electromagnetic actuator including an axially displaceable connecting rod; and a support element configured to support the actuator module on a camshaft, wherein the actuator module is connected to the support element by an electrical contact arrangement configured to actuate the linear electromagnetic actuator, and wherein the electrical contact arrangement includes an elastic clamping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: ECO Holding 1 GmbH
    Inventor: Daniel Stanhope
  • Patent number: 11841091
    Abstract: A directional control valve includes: a housing having a cylindrical spool hole communicating with an inlet port letting a fluid from an external supply source at a predetermined pressure and an outlet port flowing the fluid to a working cylinder; a spool movable in the spool hole axially and changing an amount of flow of the fluid; a first solenoid driving section having a first needle coupled to or integral with a first end portion of the spool and driving the spool; and a second solenoid driving section having a second needle coupled to or integral with a second end portion of the spool and driving the spool, the directional control valve including a pressure equalization circuit equally applying a pressure to the end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignees: NISHINA INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Ryo Yazawa, Shigeto Nakajima, Akihito Nibe, Koichi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 11724681
    Abstract: A 3-way solenoid valve and a brake system for vehicle including same. The 3-way solenoid valve includes a valve chamber, valve block, a first operation assembly, a valve seat, and a second operation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung Hwan Jeong
  • Patent number: 11719263
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to variable recruitment actuator systems and related methods. In one embodiment, a variable recruitment actuator system may include a high-pressure fluid connection and a plurality of actuators. A variable recruitment actuator mechanism may selectively recruit a subset of the plurality of actuators based on a position of the variable recruitment actuator mechanism by selectively placing the subset of the plurality of actuators in fluid communication with the high-pressure fluid connection. A control system to control the position of the variable recruitment actuator mechanism may operate based on an input from a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Adaract Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph Hill, Francis Budu-Manuel
  • Patent number: 11674611
    Abstract: Wear-resistant electro-pneumatic converters are disclosed. An electro-pneumatic converter includes a body including an axial passageway extending between a first opening and a second opening, the first opening associated with a supply port, the supply port to receive pressurized fluid from a pressure supply source, a solenoid disposed within the axial passageway, an armature including a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the second side facing the solenoid, the armature movable between a first position and a second position, the pressurized fluid blocked from flowing through the output port when the armature is in the first position, the pressurized fluid to flow through the output port when the armature is in the second position, and a spring coupled to the first side of the armature, the spring to bias the armature toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Mike Fontaine, Ronald F. Hurd, Curt Galbreath
  • Patent number: 11639718
    Abstract: A planar micromechanical actuator suspended on opposing suspension zones including a neutral axis between the opposing suspension zones, first to fourth segments into which the planar micromechanical actuator is segmented between the opposing suspension zones, each including a first electrode and a second electrode which form a capacitor and are isolatedly affixed to each other at opposite ends of the respective segment along a direction between the opposing suspension zones so as to form a gap between the first and second electrode along a thickness direction, the gap being offset to the neutral axis along the thickness direction, and wherein the first to fourth segments are configured such that the planar micromechanical actuator deflects into the thickness direction by the first and fourth segment bending into the thickness direction and the second and third segments bending contrary to the thickness direction upon a voltage being applied to the first and second electrodes of the first to fourth segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Holger Conrad, Matthieu Gaudet, Harald Schenk, Sebastian Uhlig
  • Patent number: 11530755
    Abstract: A servo valve comprising: a fluid transfer valve assembly comprising a supply port and a control port (PA, PB); a moveable valve spool arranged to regulate flow of fluid from the supply port to the control port in response to a control signal; and a drive means configured to axially move the valve spool relative to the fluid transfer assembly in response to the control signal to regulate the fluid flow; wherein the drive means comprises a piezo actuator element mounted within and axially movable with the valve spool, the piezo actuator configured to extend axially in response to the control signal to cause corresponding axially movement of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zbigniew Jaśkiewicz, Sebastian Szymański
  • Patent number: 11519519
    Abstract: A sleeve is provided inside a body configuring a channel selector valve, and first and second guide portions with which outer peripheries of first and second land portions of a valve body are in sliding contact are formed on one end side and the other end side of the sleeve. The first and second guide portions are formed to axially overlap with the first and second land portions so as to abut the first and second land portions at all times when the valve body axially moves. The valve body includes a plurality of communicating paths penetrating through the valve body in the axial direction, and, in the sleeve, a first space formed on one end side of the valve body and a second space formed on the other end side of the valve body communicate with each other via the communicating paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Oikawa, Yuta Soma, Ken Motohashi, Yuji Ito
  • Patent number: 11512786
    Abstract: A capacity control valve, which can efficiently discharge a liquid refrigerant and reduce the driving force of a compressor, includes: a valve main body (10) including a first communication passage (11), a second communication passage (12), a third communication passage (13) and a main valve seat (15a); a valve body (20) including an intermediate communication passage (29), a main valve part (21c) and an auxiliary valve part (23d); a solenoid (30) which drives a rod (36) having an auxiliary valve seat (26c); a first biasing member (43) which biases the main valve part (21c) in the valve closing direction thereof; and a second biasing member (37) which biases the main valve part (21c) in the valve opening direction thereof, and the rod (36) relatively moves to the valve body (20), and opens and closes the auxiliary valve part (23d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventors: Masahiro Hayama, Yoshihiro Ogawa, Keigo Shirafuji, Kohei Fukudome, Daichi Kurihara, Wataru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11480200
    Abstract: An example valve includes: (i) a valve body comprising a supply port and an operating port; (ii) a sleeve comprising a first opening fluidly coupled to the supply port, a second opening fluidly coupled to the operating port, and a seat; (in) a spool configured to move axially within the sleeve, wherein the spool is configured to he seated on the seat of the sleeve when the valve is unactuated, and wherein when the valve is actuated, the spool moves such that a gap is formed at the seat; and (iv) a flow restriction disposed downstream of the gap, wherein when the valve is actuated, fluid is allowed to flow from the supply port through the first opening and the gap and through die flow? restriction prior to flowing through the second opening to the operating port, such that the flow restriction generates an increased pressure level at the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Slattery, Bipin Kashid
  • Patent number: 11473692
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes: a movable iron core; a molded solenoid body disposed outside the movable iron core in a radial direction; a solenoid case that accommodates the movable iron core and the molded solenoid body; and a stationary iron core disposed radially inside the molded solenoid body, and generates a magnetic force between the movable iron core and the stationary iron core when a coil is energized, the stationary iron core including a thin portion circumferentially formed and thinned in a circumferential direction, and a flange portion formed at a first axial end of the stationary iron core to extend outward in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventors: Naoki Nishimura, Tadanobu Kawato
  • Patent number: 11466791
    Abstract: A bistable hydraulic solenoid valve has a valve spool that transitions between two positions, remaining in one of the two positions under an attractive magnetic force when the solenoids are not energized. The valve spool has a first permanent magnet attached to one end and a second permanent magnet attached to the other end, so that the first permanent magnet faces a first solenoid, and the second permanent magnet faces a second solenoid. The first solenoid is energized to have a first polarity, and the second solenoid is energized to have an opposite polarity to concurrently push and pull the valve spool within the valve body between a first position and a second position, the first position establishing a first flow path and the second position establishing a second flow path through the valve body and valve spool so as to enable flow of hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Gary M. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 11408443
    Abstract: A servovalve includes a supply port and a control port; a moveable valve spool arranged to regulate flow of fluid from the supply port to the control port in response to a control signal and a drive assembly configured to axially move the valve spool relative to the fluid transfer assembly in response to the control signal to regulate the fluid flow; wherein the drive assembly comprises a first fluid channel providing a flow path for fluid from the supply port to a first end of the spool and provided with a first flow control orifice. The assembly also includes a second fluid channel providing a rotating element provided with a cam profile located between the first flow control orifice and the second flow control orifice. The assembly also includes drive means arranged to rotate the rotating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Zbigniew Jaśkiewicz
  • Patent number: 11378201
    Abstract: A solenoid valve is formed by engaging locking protrusions with engagement holes and thereby joining a valve body and a magnetic cover to each other. A top wall of the magnetic cover is formed by a pair of bent portions that extend from a pair of respective sidewalls of the magnetic cover and that are bent toward the space between the sidewalls. The bent portions are fastened to each other in the width direction Wd by a circuit board spacer (first fastening member), and the circuit board spacer and the valve body are fastened to each other in the axial direction Ld by a connector cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Yoshimura, Kazuhiro Umeda
  • Patent number: 11359589
    Abstract: A valve for metering a fluid is described, which is used, in particular, as a fuel injector for internal combustion engines, including an electromagnetic actuator and a valve needle actuatable by the actuator, an armature of the actuator being guided on valve needle, a stop element which limits a movement of the armature relative to the valve needle being situated on the valve needle, and the armature including a spring receptacle which is open toward the stop element and in which a spring supported on the stop element is inserted. The valve needle is guided via the armature and/or the stop element along a longitudinal axis of a housing. Furthermore, as viewed along the longitudinal axis, a length of the spring receptacle is smaller than a spring length of the spring in the non-actuated initial state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Murat Ucal, Andreas Glaser, Axel Heinstein, Christian Suenkel, Frank Mueller, Joerg Abel, Marcel Behringer, Martin Buehner, Matthias Boee, Norbert Redlich, Peter Schramm, Stefan Cerny
  • Patent number: 11346337
    Abstract: A proportional spool valve (1) for adjusting a displaced volume of a displacement pump, in particular of an oil pump in a motor vehicle, the proportional spool valve (1) includes a valve housing (2) and a valve spool (3) which is mounted in the valve housing (2) and displaceable along a displacement axis (V) and which can be displaced against the spring force of a valve spring (6) axially supported on a spring holder (7) which is fixed relative to the valve housing (2) by energizing an electrical coil assembly (10), characterized in that wherein both the preferably single-piece spring holder (7) and the valve housing (2) are made of plastic and that the spring holder (7) is welded to the valve housing (2), an integral welded connection (9) being formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: ETO Magnetic GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Feindler, Marcin Nieweglowski
  • Patent number: 11333226
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission includes: input and output discs; a power roller sandwiched between the input disc and the output disc so as to be tiltable; a trunnion supporting the power roller and configured to be tiltable about a tilt axis of the power roller and reciprocatable in a direction along the tilt axis; a piston attached to a shaft portion of the trunnion so as to be externally fitted to the shaft portion; and a cylinder forming a pressure chamber which makes the piston reciprocate in the direction along the tilt axis. An inside gap is formed between an outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion of the trunnion and an inner peripheral surface of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideyuki Imai, Keigo Maehata, Kenichiro Tanaka, Kenji Komatsu
  • Patent number: 11335491
    Abstract: The present invention controls the pressure and flow rate of fluid, in order to obtain uniform performance, configure a closed loop magnetic circuit so as to include an electromagnet, a flapper, and a yoke material, and elastically deform the flapper itself by Maxwell attractive force generated between a magnetic pole of the electromagnet and the flapper to make the separation distance between the nozzle and the flapper variable. As opposed to a rigid flapper structure that swingably moves around a supporting point, like a conventional servo valve, the electromagnet, the magnetic pole, the nozzle, the flapper, and the like are arranged such that a change in magnetic gap directly leads to a change in air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: TOKKYOKIKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teruo Maruyama, Kozo Okamoto, Takumi Okada, Satoki Yamaguchi, Masataka Nakashima
  • Patent number: 11333118
    Abstract: A solenoid-actuated valve includes a solenoid portion extending along a longitudinal axis. The solenoid portion includes a solenoid housing defining a solenoid interior, a coil, and an armature, with the armature being moveable along the longitudinal axis in response to energization of the coil. The solenoid-actuated valve also includes a valve portion coupled to the solenoid portion. The valve portion includes a valve member moveable by the armature. The solenoid-actuated valve further includes a valve filter disposed in the solenoid interior and/or coupled to the solenoid housing and configured to separate the solenoid interior from a hydraulic circuit when the valve portion is coupled to a valve housing for allowing fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior upon actuation of the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignees: BorgWarner Inc., BorgWarner Emissions Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Lacorre, Thierry Mollard, Jeffrey J. Waterstredt
  • Patent number: 11320061
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a sleeve configured such that a spool is movably arranged in the axial direction in the sleeve, a stationary iron core, a movable iron core, and a solenoid unit fixed to one end of the sleeve in the axial direction and configured to move the spool in the axial direction in accordance with movement of the movable iron core. The sleeve has a groove provided at the outer periphery thereof on a side of the solenoid unit and a through hole communicating with the groove and the inside of the sleeve. An attachment portion adjacent to the groove in the axial direction is provided at one end of the sleeve in the axial direction. A recess portion having a larger axial dimension than that of the attachment portion is provided at the stationary iron core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventors: Naoki Nishimura, Hiroyuki Iwanaga
  • Patent number: 11313389
    Abstract: A directly-controlled hydraulic directional valve includes a housing, control piston, first and second springs, double-stroke solenoid, spring plate, adjustment device, and electronics. The piston is longitudinally displaceable in a bore in the housing, either directly or via a control sleeve. The springs are positioned in a region of an end of the piston remote from the solenoid. One end of each spring is supported on the spring plate, which is clamped between the springs and the piston. The other end of the first spring is fixed to the housing, and the other end of the second spring is fixed to the adjustment device. The first spring exerts a force on the piston in a first direction, and the second spring exerts a force on the piston in a second opposite direction, so as to bias the piston into a preferred position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Hoefling
  • Patent number: 11268480
    Abstract: A vapor impermeable solenoid for a fuel tank isolation valve assembly an outer housing defining an inner cavity, windings configured to generate a magnetic flux when energized, and a flux collector configured to direct the magnetic flux. An armature tube is disposed within the inner cavity inboard of the flux collector and formed of a magnetic and vapor impermeable material configured to prevent fuel vapor molecules from passing therethrough. A pole piece is disposed within the armature tube, and a magnetic armature is disposed within the armature tube and operably coupled to a seal configured to selectively seal a passage that allows fuel vapor to pass to a purge canister. The magnetic armature is configured to move from a first position to a second position when an electric current is applied to the windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: Robert Andrew Dayton
  • Patent number: 11236770
    Abstract: A servo regulator includes servo piston, a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber, a spool, a biasing member provided on an outer periphery of the spool and configured to bias the spool, a first support portion configured to support one end portion of the biasing member when the spool is moved to a first direction where the pressure in the first pressure chamber is raised, and a second support portion configured to support other end portion of the biasing member when the spool is moved to a second direction where the pressure in the second pressure chamber is raised, wherein at least one of the first support portion and the second support portion is detachably provided on the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: KYB CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takanori Inada
  • Patent number: 11231052
    Abstract: A control device for controlling a hydraulic consumer (2), such as a working cylinder, has at least one control valve (18) having a control spool (20). Control spool (20) is guided in a valve housing (22) in a longitudinally movable manner and is actuated by an electric motor (24). Electric motor (24) can be controlled by control electronics (MC), which receive input signals from a sensor device (58, 60, 62) detecting at least one operating state of the consumer (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: HYDAC MOBILHYDRAULIK GMBH
    Inventor: Marc Anton
  • Patent number: 11225962
    Abstract: A capacity control valve V includes a valve housing, a primary valve opened and closed by a driving force of a solenoid, a pressure-sensitive valve disposed in a pressure-sensitive chamber, and a differential pressure valve opened and closed by a differential pressure valve body moved by a pressure. A control port and a suction port communicate with each other through an intermediate communication path by opening and closing the pressure-sensitive valve. An adapter is provided with an accommodation portion accommodating a differential pressure valve body, and first urging member and a second urging member are interposed in the accommodation portion on both sides of the differential pressure valve in an opening and closing direction with the differential pressure valve body interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Inventors: Daichi Kurihara, Yoshihiro Ogawa, Keigo Shirafuji, Kohei Fukudome, Masahiro Hayama, Takahiro Ejima, Wataru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11199275
    Abstract: A spool valve includes: a housing including a spool hole; a spool inserted into the spool hole of the housing so as to be movable in an axial direction; a screw shaft arranged coaxially with the spool; an electric motor configured to rotate the screw shaft; a nut threadedly engaged with the screw shaft and configured to move in the axial direction when the screw shaft is rotated; a coupler through which the nut and the spool are coupled to each other; and a coil spring configured to apply biasing force to the spool, the biasing force acting so as to maintain the spool at a neutral position, the coil spring being arranged so as to overlap the nut when viewed from a radial direction of the screw shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinji Narita, Hideki Tanaka, Tadashi Anada
  • Patent number: 11169552
    Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly with a manual override is provided that includes a solenoid valve housing that is supportive of a valve seat, a plunger-type armature valve element fluidly communicative with a fluid source and initially pressure balanced to remain in a closed position relative to the valve seat and an electromagnet configured to generate a magnetic flux to move the plunger-type armature-valve element into an open position relative to the valve seat. The solenoid valve assembly with a manual override also includes a manual actuation assembly configured to generate an applied force to move the plunger-type armature valve element into the open position relative to the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Poly Puthur John, Nikhil Anthony Saldanha
  • Patent number: 11092258
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve (3) includes an actuation device (1, 1 a, 1 b) for a control piston (2). The valve (3) is simple, robust, and insensitive to dirt. The is an actuation device (1, 1 a, 1 b) has a flexurally rigid metal plate (5), with an outer region fixed to the housing (4) in a stationary manner. A piezoelectric actuator (6) can bend a central region of the metal plate (5); and a pressure chamber (7) is filled with a pressurized liquid during operation. The pressure chamber (7) is delimited by the housing (4), the metal plate (5), and the control piston (2). The metal plate (5) seals the pressure chamber (7), and the pressure chamber (7) acts on the control piston (2). A surface area AP of the metal plate (5) over the pressure chamber (7) is larger than the cross-sectional area AK of the control piston (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventors: Gudrun Mikota, Josef Mikota
  • Patent number: 11090673
    Abstract: A fluid discharge mechanism includes a valve chamber having a linking portion linked to a pressurization space for a fluid, a first communication portion formed on a side opposite to the linking portion, and a second communication portion formed at a location between the linking portion and the first communication portion; a main flow channel communicating the second communication portion with a discharge opening; a sub-flow channel communicating the first communication portion with the main flow channel; and a valve member located inside the valve chamber and formed so as to move forward to the first-communication-portion side when the pressurization-space side reaches a predetermined pressure, to open the second communication portion, thereby performing the discharge, and so as to move backward to the communication-portion side after completion of the discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Mikio Nezu
  • Patent number: 11079774
    Abstract: A flow rate control device (100) comprises: a pressure control valve (6) provided in a flow path; a flow rate control valve (8) provided downstream side of the pressure control valve; and a first pressure sensor (3) for measuring pressure on the downstream side of the pressure control valve and on the upstream side of the flow rate control valve. The flow rate control valve has a valve element (13) seated on/separated from a valve seat (12); a piezoelectric element (10b) for moving the valve element so as be seated on/separated from the valve seat; and a strain sensor (20) provided on a side surface of the piezoelectric element. The pressure control valve (6) is configured to control the pressure control valve (6) on the basis of a signal output from the first pressure sensor (3), and to control the driving of the piezoelectric element of the flow rate control valve (8) based on a signal output from the strain sensor (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Sugita, Ryousuke Dohi, Kaoru Hirata, Koji Kawada, Nobukazu Ikeda, Kouji Nishino
  • Patent number: 11073119
    Abstract: A metering valve for a pump unit for feeding fuel from a tank to an internal combustion engine; the metering valve having: a sleeve having an axis A and provided with a first open end for receiving a thruster, a second opposite end provided with an opening for axially discharging the fuel and at least one side opening for feeding fuel; a plug-shaped piston housed slidably along the axis A inside the sleeve, the piston being provided with a closed end having an outer surface in contact with the thruster, an open opposite end and at least one side opening; a plug housed inside the discharge opening of the sleeve and provided with an axial opening; a spring arranged between the plug and the inner surface of the closed end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Antonio Diaferia, Jochen Aleker, Mauro De Bellis, Nello Medoro
  • Patent number: 11060621
    Abstract: A fluidic-device valve may include a valve guide having a guide wall surrounding a central axis. The guide wall may include a first guide section, a second guide section, and an interior surface that defines a valve cavity extending longitudinally along the central axis from the first guide section to the second guide section. The valve may also include a valve member having a ferromagnetic material disposed within the valve cavity, and the valve member may extend longitudinally along the central axis. The valve member may also have a first plug section and a second plug section and may define a fluid conduit between the first plug section and the second plug section. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo DeSalvo, Xavier Clark Talbot-Thiebaux, Matthew Schwab, Ian Andreas Marquez, Jack Lindsay
  • Patent number: 11047495
    Abstract: A fluid control valve includes a valve unit, a valve casing, and a secondary molded member. The valve casing houses the valve unit therein and includes a first connection pipe part and a second connection pipe part. The first connection pipe part has a hollow pipe shape with a first engagement part. The second connection pipe part has a hollow pipe shape with a second engagement part. The first connection pipe part is connected to the second connection pipe part. The secondary molded member is made of a resin material and covers the first engagement part and the second engagement part to prevent the first connection pipe part from being detached from the second connection pipe part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Makino, Shinji Murai, Yasuhiro Tsuzuki, Naoya Sugiyama, Takeshi Kudo
  • Patent number: 11043322
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic valve and a corresponding magnetic valve, in particular for the use for electrically continuously adjustable shock absorbers of a vehicle. A valve housing and a magnetic armature which is movably supported relative to a longitudinal axis of an electrically energizable coil and which is at least partially surrounded by a pole tube which is at least partially surrounded by a coil body of the coil that in turn is cast with a casting compound, provides a corrosion protection cap covering an axial end of the pole tube. The corrosion protection cap establishing a connection to the casting compound and protecting the axial end of the pole tube against corrosion influences from the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: RAPA Automotive GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sebastian Bähr, Martin Klötzer
  • Patent number: 11028864
    Abstract: A control loop for a double-acting pneumatic actuator is configured to generate two control signals, one for each of the two pneumatic chambers for the purpose of controlling the actuator position in view of operating constraints on the chamber pressures or the stiffness of the actuator. A numerical indicator of the stiffness may be computed in a variety of ways, for example, as the average of the two chamber pressures. In one embodiment a numerical indicator of stiffness is treated as an output of the system along with the position of the actuator. A multi-input multi-output control loop with position and pressure feedback may be used to simultaneously control the position and the stiffness of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. Metschke, Michael R. Fontaine, Kenneth W. Junk, David L. Smid
  • Patent number: 10975984
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electrically operated valve capable of more accurately detecting the position of a valve body. In order to achieve the above object, the electrically operated valve of the present invention comprises a valve body, a driver configured to move the valve body along a first axis, a rotation shaft configured to rotate the driver around the first axis, a permanent magnet member, an angle sensor, and a yoke configured to cover a portion of the permanent magnet or a portion of the angle sensor. The permanent magnet member is disposed on the rotation shaft and configured to rotate with the rotation shaft. The angle sensor is configured to detect a rotation angle of a permanent magnet included in the permanent magnet member. The angle sensor is disposed above the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIKOKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Uehara, Yusuke Arai, Takeshi Hosoya
  • Patent number: 10964467
    Abstract: A constant-current controller that supplies a constant-current to a solenoid driver for use with an electromechanical device. The controller comprises a PCB containing a constant-current control circuit. The circuit comprises a GaNFET primary switch and a secondary switch. The PCB is integrated with and made a part of the solenoid driver. A standard electromechanical device may be converted to a constant-current controlled electromechanical device by exchanging the solenoid driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Hanchett Entry Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Shaffer, Brett L. Davis
  • Patent number: 10935151
    Abstract: A solenoid actuator with firing pin position detection is provided. The solenoid actuator includes a solenoid assembly having movable armature. The solenoid assembly is mounted to a firing pin housing which houses a firing pin. The firing pin is arranged such that the movable armature acts upon the firing pin to transition it from an unfired position to a fired position. The solenoid actuator also includes a firing pin position switch is mounted within a bore that is transverse to a bore of the firing pin housing containing the firing pin. The firing pin includes cam surface that acts upon the firing pin position switch to ultimately provide an indication of whether the firing pin is in the fired or the unfired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: TLX Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Patrick Thomas Schwobe, Brett G. Berger
  • Patent number: 10913088
    Abstract: A liquid-coating apparatus includes: (a) a nozzle hole from which a liquid material is to be discharged; (b) a supply flow channel configured to supply the liquid material to the nozzle hole; (c) a plunger configured to reciprocate in contact with the liquid material inside the supply flow channel; (d) a displacement-expansion mechanism configured to displace the plunger; and (e) an actuator configured to displace the displacement-expansion mechanism, wherein at least one of a contact part of the displacement-expansion mechanism and a contact part of the actuator has a curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuki Fukada, Tohru Nakagawa, Hidehiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10895327
    Abstract: A liquid control valve assembly includes a main casing, three valve bodies and two plungers. The main casing has an external wall formed with an inlet and three outlets, defines a split-flow path, three valve chambers and a balanced channel therein such that the split-flow path is in communication with said inlet and said valve chambers while said balanced channel is in communication with said valve chambers and said three outlets. The valve bodies are disposed in the valve chambers respectively while the plungers are disposed in the balanced channel to move independently so that the liquid can be discharged stably from the outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Eric Tsou
  • Patent number: 10883395
    Abstract: A camshaft phaser includes a stator having a plurality of lobes; a rotor coaxially disposed within the stator, the rotor having a plurality of vanes interspersed with the plurality of lobes defining a plurality of advance chambers and a plurality of retard chambers such that the plurality of advance chambers and the plurality of retard chambers are arranged in an alternating pattern and such that the rotor rotates within the stator from a full advance position to a full retard position; and a supply passage in continuous fluid communication with one of the plurality of advance chambers, the supply passage being in continuous fluid communication with an oil source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Thomas Howard Lichti
  • Patent number: 10865755
    Abstract: A solenoid-actuated valve includes a solenoid portion extending along a longitudinal axis. The solenoid portion includes a solenoid housing defining a solenoid interior, a coil, and an armature, with the armature being moveable along the longitudinal axis in response to energization of the coil. The solenoid-actuated valve also includes a valve portion coupled to the solenoid portion. The valve portion includes a valve member moveable by the armature. The solenoid-actuated valve further includes a valve filter disposed in the solenoid interior and/or coupled to the solenoid housing and configured to separate the solenoid interior from a hydraulic circuit when the valve portion is coupled to a valve housing for allowing fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior upon actuation of the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Louis LaCorre, Thierry Mollard, Jeffrey J. Waterstredt
  • Patent number: 10851908
    Abstract: A fluid routing device (20) directs the transportation of a fluid. The fluid routing device includes a housing (22) having an opening (40) with a seat (38), and a valve (42) opening and closing the opening. The valve includes a first permanent magnet (56) having a first magnetic coercivity and a first polarity and a second permanent magnet (58) having a second magnetic coercivity lower than the first magnetic coercivity of the first permanent magnet such that the second permanent magnet has a second polarity capable of switching between a complimentary configuration oriented in a common direction as the first polarity, and a reversed configuration oriented in an opposite direction from the first polarity. A coil (59) surrounds at least the second permanent magnet. The coil is configured to orient the second polarity in the complimentary configuration when electric current passes in a first direction and in the reversed configuration when electric current passes in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 10820536
    Abstract: A low power, autonomously programmable plant watering device for custom irrigation regimes of individual plants. The device has an integrated sensor that quantifies soil moisture. The device initiates watering by opening a magnetically sealed valve in response to a soil moisture measurement that falls below a preset threshold. The device can terminate watering by closing the magnetically sealed valve in response to a soil moisture measurement that meets or exceeds a preset threshold and/or at the expiration of a preset time interval. The device utilizes control system comprised of a microcontroller and an embedded application or applications to initiate moisture sensor readings and the opening and closing of the magnetically sealed valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventor: Camilo Mora
  • Patent number: 10767781
    Abstract: A spool valve, in particular for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, having a valve housing, which houses a guide element, in which an axially movable valve spool is arranged, and the valve housing having at least one radial pressure connection and a radial tank connection being axially distanced therefrom, and a frontal working connection. The guide element has at least one pressure connection opening connected to the pressure connection and one tank connection opening, axially distanced therefrom and connected to the tank connection and one working connection opening, which is axially positioned between the pressure connection opening and the tank connection opening and is connected to the working connection. In the valve housing a partially axially extending connection duct is present, which connects the working connection opening to the working connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: SVM Schultz Verwaltungs-GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Mang, Florian Schreiber
  • Patent number: 10724509
    Abstract: An electric control valve for a coolant compressor comprises a valve housing, an electric actuating drive, a valve body displaceable by the electric actuating drive between a first position and a second position inside the valve housing, a position sensor determining a position of the valve body, a suction-pressure sensor, and a control system. The control system is adapted to control a coolant flow from a high-pressure region into a crankcase-chamber-pressure region of the coolant compressor by controlling the position of the valve body via the electric actuating drive based on the suction pressure received from the suction-pressure sensor. The control system moves the valve body to the first position to connect the high-pressure region and the crankcase-chamber-pressure region if the suction pressure is below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY GERMANY GMBH
    Inventor: Daniel Domke
  • Patent number: 10711910
    Abstract: A solenoid valve (100) comprising a solenoid assembly (104) and a dual valve assembly (102) for fluid flow control and pressure relief. The dual valve assembly (102) comprising a valve body (300), upper stopper ring (113) and a lower stopper ring (307). A flow arrangement (200) comprising, a primary moving assembly (240) and a secondary moving assembly (213) is disposed inside the valve body (300). The primary moving assembly (240) having a primary mover (230) and an O-ring holder (208). The secondary moving assembly (213) comprising a sliding member (215), a supporting ring (214), a pressure-relief spring (211) and a pressure-adjusting mechanism (205). The flow arrangement (200) moves up when a solenoid coil (103) is energized resulting in normal fluid flow, the secondary moving assembly (213) moves down under excessive fluid pressure with the solenoid coil (103) de-energized. A reverse fluid flow is facilitated under excessive fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: ROTEX Automation Limited
    Inventor: Nirav R. Shah