Motor-operated Patents (Class 137/625.65)
  • Patent number: 10526931
    Abstract: An electro hydraulic valve for a cam phaser, including an electromagnetic actuator assembly, and a hydraulic assembly, wherein the electromagnetic actuator assembly and the hydraulic assembly are arranged axially aligned along a longitudinal axis, wherein the hydraulic assembly includes a valve housing in which a valve piston is arranged axially movable along the longitudinal axis, wherein a plunger for positioning the valve piston along the longitudinal axis is arranged within the electromagnetic actuator assembly, and wherein the electromagnetic actuator assembly and the hydraulic assembly are connected with one another indirectly or directly, wherein the electromagnetic actuator assembly includes an actuator housing and a friction or form locking connection of the electromagnetic actuator assembly with the hydraulic assembly is provided by an ultrasonic weld between the actuator housing and the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: ECO Holding 1 GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Goll, Sebastian Nickel, Andre Selke
  • Patent number: 10480651
    Abstract: A transmission includes a hydraulically actuated park valve with two spools in a common housing. One of the spools engages and disengages the park mechanism in response to manipulation of line pressure and engagement of specified shift elements. A pin selectively engages this spool to hold it in position. The valve is designed such that friction holds the spool in position in the absence of hydraulic pressure or electric power. The second spool controls an out-of-park circuit such that the park mechanism remains disengaged when desired. The two spools are separated by a compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Derek Kinch, Timothy Andrew Sikowski
  • Patent number: 10465816
    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: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: TOKKYOKIKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teruo Maruyama, Kozo Okamoto, Takumi Okada, Satoki Yamaguchi, Masataka Nakashima
  • Patent number: 10431362
    Abstract: A gas valve actuator for a gas valve. The gas valve actuator includes a non-conductive support bobbin and an insulated copper wire wound about the support bobbin to form a coil. A magnetic flux concentration member extends through the non-conductive support bobbin. To actuate the gas valve actuator, a current is passed through the coil, which produces a magnetic field that actuates an armature to move a valve seal away from a valve seat of the gas valve. Because the gas valve actuator may be exposed to a gas stream, the coil may be coated with an anti-corrosion coating through a spray or brush process, a potting process, through a dipping process, or in any other suitable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Hazzard, Gregory Young, Adam Myre
  • Patent number: 10344881
    Abstract: Devices and a method are described herein for fixing a valve to a base via a single point on the base. The valve may be fixed to the base using a plate inserted through a slot in the base and along a face of the valve body. The plate may include a head at one end to retain the plate in the slot. A valve may also be fixed to a base using a combination of a brace and a screw that threads into the base. The brace may include a lip that fits into a grove on the shaft of the screw. The valve body may include a lip to retain the combined screw and brace when the screw is not threaded into the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Fluid Automation Systems S.A.
    Inventors: Raphael Alvarez, Christophe Bertrand, Vincent Tanari, Pierre Sirdey
  • Patent number: 10139006
    Abstract: A solenoid valve device may include a solenoid unit including a rod pin movable; a cylindrical core arranged around the rod pin; a bobbin covering a side surface of the cylindrical core; a coil wound around the bobbin; and a case having a bottom and being cylindrical, having an opening portion at one axial end, and arranged to accommodate the rod pin, the cylindrical core, the bobbin, and the coil; and a nozzle unit. The nozzle unit may include a nozzle having a pin receiving portion and a port opening portion; a first port and a second port; a valve body arranged in the nozzle; and a first metal member fixed to an end portion of the nozzle. The solenoid unit may include a positioning contact portion; and the case may include a fixing portion to fix the first metal member between the positioning contact portion and the fixing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: NIDEC TOSOK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keiichiro Muraoka
  • Patent number: 10138821
    Abstract: A method of making a throttle body assembly, includes casting a main body portion having a passage there through and mounting features for pivotally mounting a throttle valve within the passage. An annular spigot is formed by 3-dimensional printing and is welded to the main body portion in order to provide a quicker less expensive method of prototyping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Luca Buttafuoco
  • Patent number: 10139009
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve includes: a housing, a ball valve, a ball guide to hold the ball valve, a shaft that displaces the ball valve; an electromagnetic solenoid part that drives the shaft; a seat component; and a seal member. The seat component has a cylindrical portion disposed inside of the housing, and has a predetermined depth in an axial direction. An inflow valve port passes through a first end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction. The seal member is coupled with an outer circumference part of the housing at a position corresponding to the cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Hamanakodenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kengo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10107411
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve including a valve bushing; a valve piston that is axially moveable in the valve bushing along a longitudinal axis of the valve bushing; a supply connection configured to feed a hydraulic fluid; at least one operating connection; and at least one tank drain configured to drain the hydraulic fluid, wherein the valve piston is movable by an electromagnetic actuator of the hydraulic valve and the valve bushing forms a hydraulic portion and the actuator forms a magnetic portion of the hydraulic valve, characterized in that a seal element is arranged in the valve bushing which seal element provides a spatial separation of the magnet portion and the hydraulic portion, and wherein the seal element is penetrated by an end of the valve piston configured as a piston plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Hilite Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Drazen Boban, Thomas Jacob, Andreas Knecht, Oliver Senst, Daniel Viertler
  • Patent number: 10093893
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid supply interface (62, 62?, 62?, 62??) for a cell culture system for supplying cell cultures found in different cell culture containers (10, 10?, 10?) with a nutrient medium, wherein the liquid supply interface (62, 62?, 62?, 62??) comprises: a housing (68) defining a flow area (72); a first connection formation (76) for the liquid-transferring connection of a first fluid line (84) to the housing (68); a second connection formation (78) formed separately from the first for the liquid-transferring connection of a second fluid line (88) to the housing (68); a third connection formation (80) formed separately from the first two for the liquid-transferring connection of the housing (68) to a third fluid line; a coupling formation (64, 66) formed separately from the connection formations (76, 78, 80), which is formed for the producible and detachable liquid-transferring coupling contact according to the operation, with a corresponding counter-coupling formation (38, 40) of a cell c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Bonaduz AG
    Inventors: Thomas Jäger, Dirk Schlenker, Nabih Othman, Oliver Kühne
  • Patent number: 10094253
    Abstract: A valve device for a hydraulic circuit includes an actuator unit and a valve unit. The actuator unit comprises an electromagnetic circuit comprising an armature which moves in a translational manner, a core, a coil carrier, a coil configured to be energized, and a flux guiding device. The coil is arranged on the coil carrier. The valve unit comprises a valve housing comprising a transverse bore which serves as a first control chamber pressure port, a regulating slide mounted in the valve housing, the regulating slide being configured to move axially, a first outlet port, an inlet port, and a second control chamber pressure port arranged between the inlet port and the first outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: PIERBURG GMBH
    Inventors: Rolf Lappan, Christoph Sadowski, Lukas Romanowski, Turgut Yilmaz
  • Patent number: 10090091
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnet assembly for a solenoid valve, comprising a magnetic core (3), composed of at least two core elements (1, 2), and a magnetic coil (4), said magnetic core being connected in an annular recess (5) of a core element (1). According to the invention, the recess (5) on the side of a terminal surface (6) which forms the core element (1), is closed in a media-tight manner via a web portion (7). The invention further relates to a solenoid valve comprising such a magnet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Girlinger
  • Patent number: 10054241
    Abstract: A valve has a valve piston (12) guided longitudinally movably in a valve housing (10) and actuated by an operation device (14). In one valve piston position, a connection is produced between a pressure supply port (P) and a working port (A). In another valve piston position, a further fluid-conducting connection is produced between the working port (A) and a tank port (T). The pressure difference arising between the working port (A) and the tank port (T) as flow passes through the further fluid-conducting connection acts, by an actuation device (30), on the valve piston (12). The valve piston passes from a stop position (32), with the further fluid-conducting connection shut off, into a fully open opening position with an enlarged opening cross section from working port (A) to tank port (T).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: HYDAC FLUIDTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Philipp Hilzendegen, Peter Bruck
  • Patent number: 10050505
    Abstract: A linear vibration motor is disclosed. The linear vibration motor includes a housing, a vibrator placed in the housing and an elastic component providing the vibrator with restoring force of vibration. The linear vibration motor also comprises a guide device including an internal guide device, an external guide device, a ball location device arranged between the internal guide device and the external guide device and moving opposite to the housing, and multiple balls positioned on the ball location device. The balls are propped against the external guide device and the internal guide device respectively. Moreover, the rollers will roll in presence of drive effect of the internal guide device and roll at the permanent position. The vibrator is propped in the housing by using the balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: AAC TECHNOLOGIES PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Lubin Mao, Hongxing Wang
  • Patent number: 10041607
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a gas valve comprising a valve body with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas passage connecting the inlet with the outlet, gas shut-off device in the gas passage, with a seat on the valve body and a movable closure member, an electromagnetic actuator with an electric coil and a movable plunger configured for actuating the closure member of the gas shut-off device, a sleeve extending through the coil and slidably receiving the movable plunger and wherein the sleeve is made of austenitic stainless steel. This avoids embrittlement problems when using the valve with hydrogen under high pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Luxembourg Patent Company S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Becker, Philippe Schmitz
  • Patent number: 9989156
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure control valve, composed of at least a valve component; situated between a control chamber and a return chamber, the valve component has an orifice, which a control element can close, partially close, or open, and the control element has at least one, at least truncated cone-like first control element region with a truncated cone angle and the orifice is formed by a through opening, which extends through the orifice element and at its end oriented toward the control element, has at least one cone-like, in particular first, orifice region with a cone angle; and the cone angle is greater than the truncated cone angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: SVM Schultz Verwaltungs—GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karlheinz Mayr, Georg Scherer, Helmut Mang
  • Patent number: 9945492
    Abstract: A solenoid assembly for providing control over fluid pressure distribution in a transmission, where the solenoid assembly includes a sleeve, a valve portion substantially contained within the sleeve, an armature located within the sleeve, a plunger connected to the armature and in contact with the valve, and a housing located within the sleeve in proximity to the armature. The armature is moveable relative to the sleeve and the housing, and the valve portion includes a valve, where the movement of the valve is controlled by the movement of the armature. The valve is biased towards an open position to provide a fluid pressure balance between multiple ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Timmermans, Eddy Wilgenhof, Marie-Noelle Gris, An Huyghe, Peter Steylaerts, Koen Vermolen, Johan Van De Plas
  • Patent number: 9927045
    Abstract: A valve having a metal insert with a fluid passage formed in the metal insert. A composite valve body is disposed at least partially around the metal insert and having at least one port in fluid communication with the fluid passage with the metal insert. A valve member is partially disposed in the metal insert and operable to control the fluid flow through the fluid passage of the metal insert and parts of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Morgan, Michael E. Jones
  • Patent number: 9915369
    Abstract: A solenoid valve for controlling fluids includes: a closing element, which opens and closes at least one outlet opening on a valve seat; a magnetic circuit having an armature, an internal pole and a magnetic return path; and a coil. The armature is connected to the closing element. The magnetic circuit includes (i) a nonmagnetic separating element for interrupting the magnetic circuit and (ii) a magnetic choke device closing the magnetic circuit on the nonmagnetic separating element, which magnetic choke device is a separate individual component which is fixed using a form-locking and/or a force-locking connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Ralf Kromer
  • Patent number: 9879797
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve base having a tubular section with a longitudinal bore formed therein, a fluid inlet port and a common port with an internal passageway therebetween. A solenoid coil is adapted to generate a magnetic flux and includes a longitudinal axis and a bore coaxial therewith. The valve assembly further includes an orifice piece positioned within the longitudinal bore of the valve base. The orifice piece includes a central passageway with a first end and a second end. A plunger is movable within the longitudinal bore between a first de-actuated position and a second actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: IQ VALVES, CO.
    Inventors: Viraraghavan S. Kumar, Alvaro Andres Reyes, Sudhir S. Kulkarni, Shailesh Pradhananga
  • Patent number: 9863215
    Abstract: A technique facilitates control of fluid flows in a wide variety of applications and environments, including downhole well environments. The technique utilizes a valve system which may include a shear seal valve for controlling fluid flows. The valve system utilizes port arrangements, components for energizing shear seals between mating components, and/or actuating components with improved degrees of freedom. The components facilitate repeatable and consistent actuation and operation of the valve system in the wide variety of applications and environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Murali Jayaram, Michael Krail, Anthony Veneruso, Ives Daniel Loretz, Michael H. Du, Francesco Vaghi
  • Patent number: 9822899
    Abstract: An arrangement of an electromagnet (6) for controlling a central valve (2) is provided. A thrust pin (4) is coupled to the electromagnet (6) and can be moved along a first axis (A) in such a way that a control piston (1) of the central valve (2) can be displaced along a second axis (B) in a central valve housing (8) by the movable thrust pin (4). The first axis (A) of the thrust pin (4) extends parallel to and at a radial spacing (10) relative to the second axis (B) of the control piston (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Hoppe, Markus Kinscher
  • Patent number: 9810337
    Abstract: A control device selectively fluidically connects and disconnects fluid connection points (A, P, T) by a valve (5), which controls fluid-conducting connection channels (55, 57, 59) extending between the connection points (A, P, T). The connection channels are arranged in a control block (3), into which the valve (5) is at least partially inserted. Proceeding from the respective fluid connection points (A, P, T), the connection channels (55, 59, 57) connected to the fluid connection points extend in parallel to each other until the connection channels lead into a respective control chamber (49; 53, 51). The valve (5) is retained in a receptacle (39) separating two adjacently arranged control chambers (49, 51) from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: HYDAC FLUIDTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Gerd Schneider, Peter Bruck
  • Patent number: 9803772
    Abstract: A valve device for a hydraulic circuit includes an actuator unit comprising an electromagnetic circuit which comprises an armature, a core, a coil carrier, a coil, and a flux guiding device. A valve unit comprises a unit formed by a valve tappet and the armature, inlet and outlet ports, and a control port arranged between the inlet and outlet ports. A longitudinal through bore is arranged in the unit to extend from the inlet port into an actuator chamber. A first control body cooperating with a first valve seat and a second control body cooperating with a second valve seat are arranged at the unit in which the longitudinal through bore is formed. The armature and the valve tappet are loaded in an opening direction of the inlet valve by a spring element and are loadable in an opening direction of the outlet port by energizing the electromagnetic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: PIERBURG GMBH
    Inventors: Rolf Lappan, Lukas Romanowski, Christoph Sadowski
  • Patent number: 9791062
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve having a hollow valve body configured with a supply port and a supply port. The hollow valve body has several different internal diameters. An elongate spool is reciprocally received in the body and has a large diameter annular spool ring oriented adjacent a sensing land inside the hollow body forming a gap with a sensing land to cause a pressure drop across the gap in response to a flow of fluid from the pressure port through the gap to the control port. A servomotor reciprocally drives the spool lengthwise of the valve body against a spring force. When flow of fluid occurs in response to servomotor movement of the spool, the pressure drop across the gap combined with the spring force determines a pressure balanced location to which the spool is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: FEMA CORPORATION OF MICHIGAN
    Inventor: Charles J. Bowden
  • Patent number: 9739394
    Abstract: A solenoid valve is provided which can be reduced in size while allowing a plunger and a shaft to slide smoothly. A solenoid valve includes a solenoid portion with a plunger that moves in an axial direction using a magnetic force generated by a solenoid coil. The solenoid portion has a cover member that houses the plunger, a shaft that is movable in the axial direction along with the plunger, and a core member that attracts the plunger in the axial direction. The shaft is supported by a first bearing portion formed on a cylindrical portion of the core member and a second bearing portion formed on a second bottom portion of the cover member such that the shaft is movable in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kaori Fujita, Toshio Murakami, Itsuki Ono
  • Patent number: 9677683
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a solenoid valve assembly including a housing (32) defining a cavity (34). A support (48) is disposed in the cavity and defines a bore (50). A coil (60) is disposed about the support and defines an energized state for generating a magnetic field and a de-energized state. A plunger (74) is movably disposed in the bore of the support between a first position engaging the housing and a second position spaced from the housing. The plunger is radially spaced from the support to define a gap (76) between the plunger and the support. A dampener (86) is coupled to one of the support and the plunger adjacent the gap to prevent direct engagement between the support and the plunger as the plunger moves between the first and second positions during the energized and de-energized states for reducing noise during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: KONGSBERG AUTOMOTIVE AB
    Inventor: Bengt Hermansson
  • Patent number: 9670982
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure regulator in a shock absorber valve. The pressure regulator comprises an axially movable first valve part and a first seat, which are arranged in a valve housing in such a way that an adjustable flow opening is created between the parts. The flow opening is arranged to restrict a damping medium flow (q) and its flow opening size (s) is determined by a force balance on the first valve part. The force balance is principally or partially created by the sum of an actuating force (F) and the force (Fs) from a spring arrangement counter to the action of a counter holding regulator force (R). The spring arrangement comprises a first spring having a first spring constant (k1) and a second spring having a second spring constant (k2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: ÖHLINS RACING AB
    Inventors: Lars Sönsteröd, Arnold Hovén
  • Patent number: 9662253
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bidirectional valve design that provides for more rapid deflations/evacuation of fluid flow and in one example includes a valve body, a spindle piston movably coupled in a bore of the valve body and an electronically controllable motor that moves the spindle valve between a fluid evacuation position and a fluid fill position. In one example, the spindle piston includes piston structures on ends of a threaded rod. In another example, a mattress system is disclosed that employs the valve and a fluid source to provide quick evacuation of air from a patient support. In another example, the valve is coupled to an alternating pressure block valve which is then coupled to a patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: KAP Medical
    Inventors: Raj Krish Gowda, David Darwin Lewis, Daniel Francis Rosenmayer
  • Patent number: 9656040
    Abstract: A valve (100) for controlling pressure in a ventilation system. The valve includes an electromagnet (105, 106), a shaft (107) connected to the electromagnet, and a diaphragm (110) connected to the shaft, wherein the electromagnet applies force to the diaphragm based on an input. The ventilation system includes a ventilator (200) connected to a patient circuit (204), the valve (100) controlling pressure in the ventilation system, and a controller (206) connected to the valve and configured to provide the input to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Mabini Arcilla, Samir Ahmad, Eamonn Kelly
  • Patent number: 9638025
    Abstract: A measurement-while-drilling servo-actuator for use in mud-pulse telemetry, which determines linear position of a poppet valve therein without counting revolutions of a stepper motor which positions said poppet valve. A sensor senses a magnetic field intensity value, or an inductance value, which is proportional to the position of the poppet valve relative to the sensor. A look-up table of reference outputs corresponding to known position of the poppet valve is used to determine the position of the poppet valve. A method of determining a position of a poppet valve in a mud pulser is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: HPC ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Quentin Pare, Carl Brown, Thomas Auer, Ben Thomas
  • Patent number: 9631735
    Abstract: Electrohydraulic solenoids with improved filtering of venting fluid are provided herein. In some embodiments, an electrohydraulic solenoid comprises a hollow cylindrical bobbin having a flange at a first end with a core having a cavity open at one end disposed in the hollow of the bobbin. An armature is disposed within the cavity and supported for axial movement within the cavity. A portion of a pole piece is disposed in the hollow of the bobbin at the first end with an axial face of the portion abutting the open end of the cavity and a shoulder axially spaced from the flange forming a gap. A vent path is formed between the cavity and an outer environment, the vent path comprising at least a portion of the gap, with a magnet disposed in a portion of the vent path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Peterson, Hamid Najmolhoda
  • Patent number: 9624948
    Abstract: An oil control valve has a cup shaft and a plunger. The cup shaft and the plunger have a projection and a recess to provide a male-female joint. The male-female joint provides contact points which can reduce lateral offset and inclination. The projection and the recess provides two or more force transmitting points from the plunger to the cup shaft, when the projection and the recess are inclined with each other. The force transmitting points are located about the central axis of the spool in a distributed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiko Ochiai, Jiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 9585574
    Abstract: In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the powerful magnetic fields can interfere with, damage, cause premature failure in, and attract certain non-MR safe instruments. Electromagnetic ally sensitive components are eliminated in favor of MR safe components, such as ceramic piezoelectric components and bi-metallic components. Instruments that previously had to be kept a safe distance away from the main magnet (12), e.g., beyond the 5 Gauss line, while a patient was being scanned are now allowed near the patient without fear of damage to the instrument (40) or danger to the patient and medical staff or the MRI device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Mark Nelson
  • Patent number: 9556961
    Abstract: A valve element has a packing material, whose one side surface touches and leaves a valve seat as a sealing surface, and a support member, which is driven in opening and closing directions of a valve section by actuating an actuator. The support member includes a supporting surface, which is in contact with a side surface of the packing material opposite to the sealing surface of the packing material, and an engagement part, which supports a peripheral edge part of the packing material in a manner such that the engagement part is engaged with the peripheral edge part. A ring-shaped fluid flow passage is formed between the supporting surface of the support member and the packing material, and this fluid flow passage communicates with an upstream passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TGK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Shiota, Toshihiro Andoh, Shigeru Abe
  • Patent number: 9556862
    Abstract: A control valve according to one embodiment includes a shaft that transmits the solenoidal force to a valve element. The control valve, in one example, ensures high pressure resistance at a mounting part where a control valve is mounted in a variable displacement compressor. A solenoid includes a bottomed sleeve into which the pressure of refrigerant is introduced, a core secured coaxially to the sleeve, a plunger, contained in the sleeve on its bottom side, which is displaceable integrally with the shaft in a direction of axis line, a first spring that applies the biasing force in a valve opening direction to the shaft, a second spring that applies the biasing force in a valve closing direction to the plunger, and a shaft support member, which is press-fitted such that the shaft support member is secured to an inner wall of the sleeve near its bottom portion. The second spring is set between the shaft support member and the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TGK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryousuke Yoshihiro, Morimitsu Kajiwara
  • Patent number: 9541046
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve having a variable stroke mechanism is constructed. A valve body provided to be slidable; a first movable element for cooperating with the valve body; an inner fixed iron core provided at a position to oppose a second movable element; an outer fixed iron core; and a coil are included. A lift amount of the second movable element is set larger than a lift amount of the first movable element, and a portion of the second movable element is projected into the first movable element. In this way, large and small lifts are constituted by using a difference between magnetic attractive forces that are generated in the first movable element and the second movable element by a current supplied to the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihito Yasukawa, Hideharu Ehara, Tohru Ishikawa, Motoyuki Abe, Ryo Kusakabe
  • Patent number: 9482358
    Abstract: A solenoid valve has a valve body with first and second ports. A bobbin is mounted to the valve body. A winding is wound on the bobbin. A stator is fitted to one end of a hole through the bobbin and defines a third port therein. A plunger is slidably fitted to the hole and movable between a normal position and an energized position. Two plugs are installed at respective ends of the plunger and arranged to selectively close the first and third ports. A flux return device is fixed to the stator and the bobbin. A spring returns the plunger from the energized position, where the plunger closes the third port and the first and second ports communicate with each other via the hole in the bobbin, to the normal position, where the plunger closes the first port and the second and third ports communicate with each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Carl Henric Andreas Svensson, Thomas Roschke
  • Patent number: 9482360
    Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly includes an armature having a longitudinal axis and an ovular cross-section, the armature being moveable along the longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position, and a bobbin including a solenoid coil configured to electromagnetically move the armature when energized. The bobbin defines a recess also having an ovular cross section for receiving the armature and restricting lateral movement of the armature, thereby providing a linear actuation path for the armature along the longitudinal axis. A flux coupler and a flux bracket form a magnetic circuit with the bobbin to electromagnetically move the armature. The flux bracket has a pole piece with a commensurate ovular cross-section that limits the movement of the armature along the longitudinal axis, thereby determining a stroke length of the armature. During manufacture, the flux bracket, and therefore the pole piece, are moved relative to the flux coupler to set the stroke length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L Bantz, Nick J Difazzio, Matthew R Kearsley, Leonard E Prais, Scott J Snyder, Thomas Theilmeier, Yong Wang, Donald S. McNeil
  • Patent number: 9479007
    Abstract: An inductive charging system and method is disclosed. A ferrofluid layer is disposed between the charging coil and the receiving coil. The ferrofluid layer directs and focuses the magnetic flux field flowing between the charging coil and the receiving coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Jol, Ibuki Kamei, Warren Z. Jones
  • Patent number: 9441732
    Abstract: A control valve for an automatic transmission includes a valve body including a chamber and a control pressure port, metering edges formed in the valve body at the control pressure port, a reference surface formed in the valve body, a spool displaceable along the chamber, and a solenoid module including a pin for displacing the spool, and located in the chamber by contact with the reference surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert O. Burkhart, Derek Kinch, John Butwin, Anthony G. Koenings, Hrudaya Mahapatro, Wei Zhuang
  • Patent number: 9435443
    Abstract: A three-port valve including a casing and a movable element received in the casing. The casing includes a fluid inlet, first and second fluid outlets, a first fluid-flow passage between the fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet, and a second fluid-flow passage between the first and second fluid outlets. The movable element includes a rod, a first valve member fastened to a first end of the rod and configured to be received towards the rod in a first valve seat for closing the first fluid-flow passage, and a second valve member fastened to a second end of the rod and configured to be received towards the rod in a second valve seat of the casing for closing the second fluid-flow passage. The valve also includes at least one diaphragm spring supporting the movable element in a plane substantially perpendicular to a movement axis between first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Gerard Passagot
  • Patent number: 9377123
    Abstract: A solenoid valve is provided with a valve main body having a valve chamber communicating with an inlet port and a first outlet port, a valve body arranged within the valve chamber, a valve holder retaining the valve body, a coil spring energizing the valve holder, a pipe member having a second outlet port communicating with the valve chamber, a suction element surrounding the pipe member, a coil bobbin winding an electromagnetic coil, and a mold cover surrounding a whole of the coil bobbin, integrated with the valve main body, and defining the valve chamber. The valve holder has a tube body facing to the suction element, and a small tube portion formed smaller in diameter than the tube body, pierced a fluid insertion hole in an intermediate portion, and having a retention portion retaining the valve body in an inner side of a leading end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIKOKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hitoshi Kibune
  • Patent number: 9377124
    Abstract: A solenoid assembly for providing control over fluid pressure distribution in a transmission, where the solenoid assembly includes a solenoid portion and a valve portion, and the movement of the valve portion is controlled by the solenoid portion. There is a valve which is part of the valve portion, and the valve controls the distribution of fluid between a supply port, a control port, and an exhaust port. The distribution of fluid between the ports may include providing a pressure balance between the supply port and the control port, and allowing any excess fluid to pass through the exhaust port, or controlling the flow of fluid between the supply port and the control port, with any excess fluid exiting the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Timmermans, Eddy Wilgenhof, Marie-Noelle Gris, An Huyghe, Peter Steylaerts, Koen Vermolen, Johan Van De Plas
  • Patent number: 9377126
    Abstract: A control valve for hydraulic fluid is provided. The control valve includes a valve housing and a valve body slidably supported within the valve housing. The valve body has a hollow center defining a passage. The control valve includes a solenoid assembly having a solenoid housing, a coil, and an armature movable in an axial direction. The armature is in contact with an axial end of the valve body. The armature has a bore in fluid connection with the passage of the valve body. The solenoid housing includes a second passage in fluid connection with the bore. A diaphragm seals the second passage. A pressure sensor assembly is located adjacent to the diaphragm that detects a deflection of the diaphragm due to a pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the second passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: David Becker
  • Patent number: 9371843
    Abstract: A failsafe pilot selector valve may include at least one inlet port, a first outlet port, a second outlet port, and a biasing element. The failsafe pilot selector valve may have a first end position with the at least one inlet port in fluid communication with the first outlet port, a second end position with the at least one inlet port in fluid communication with the first outlet port, and an intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position with the at least one inlet port in fluid communication with the second outlet port. The biasing element may provide a biasing force to move the failsafe pilot selector valve to the first end position. The pilot selector valve can alternately provide pilot fluid to primary and redundant control elements of a redundantly controlled system in fluid communication with the outlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Moser, Jeffrey Allan Digby, Dennis Ray Barber, Wendell D. Stahl
  • Patent number: 9309900
    Abstract: A valve (210) comprising a motor (221) having an output shaft (231) orientated about a motor axis (230), a hydraulic valve having a drive spool (224) configured to move from a first position to a second position, a mechanical linkage (222) between the output shaft (231) and the drive spool (224) having a sleeve (232) mechanically coupled to the output shaft (231), a pole shaft (233) configured for sliding engagement in a direction generally perpendicular to the motor axis, a link (235) connected to the pole shaft (233) by a pivot joint (234), a drive shaft (252) coupled to the link (235) and rotatable about a drive axis, the drive shaft (252) having an end portion to engage and apply a force to the spool (224), and a spring (223) to provide a bias between the pole shaft (233) and the sleeve (232), such that a distance between the motor axis and the pivot joint multiplied by a distance between the drive axis and the applied force is less than a distance between the drive axis and the pivot joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Moog Inc.
    Inventor: John Kopp
  • Patent number: 9303535
    Abstract: An oil control valve mounting arrangement includes a resin cover 5 with a metal cylindrical body 4 insert-molded therein, a valve sleeve 3 housed within the cylindrical body 4, and a spool 2 inserted in the valve sleeve 3. In at least at one end portion 14 of the cylindrical body 4 in the axial direction of the valve sleeve 3, the cover 5 includes an engaging portion 19 engageable with an interior-facing face 15b of the cylindrical body 4 facing the radially inner side of the valve sleeve 3 at an end of the cylindrical body 4 in the axis direction of the valve sleeve 3 so as to restrict displacement of the cover 5 away from the cylindrical body 4 in the radial direction of the valve sleeve 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki Kira, Takahiro Inokuchi, Atsushi Nishigaki, Kenji Nonaka
  • Patent number: 9266092
    Abstract: Provided are catalyst composites whose catalytic material is effective to substantially simultaneously oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and reduce nitrogen oxides. The catalyst composites have a two-metal layer on a carrier, the two-metal layer comprising a rhodium component supported by a first support comprising a refractory metal oxide component or a first ceria-zirconia composite; a palladium component supported by a second support comprising a second ceria-zirconia composite; one or more of a promoter, stabilizer, or binder; wherein the amount of the total of the first and second ceria-zirconia composites in the two-metal layer is equal to or greater than the amount of the refractory metal oxide component. Methods of making and using the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: BASF CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mirko Arnold, Stefan Kotrel, Attilio Siani, Stephan Siemund, Thomas Schmitz, Burkhard Rabe, Gary A Gramiccioni, Oliver Seel, Torsten Neubauer, Knut Wassermann
  • Patent number: 9259120
    Abstract: A beverage making device comprising a brewing chamber for enclosing a pad containing a substance from which the beverage is brewed. A water supply conduit is present between pumping means and the brewing chamber. The brewing chamber has an outlet having an orifice through which the brewed beverage can leave the brewing chamber. A portion of the wall of the brewing chamber is stationary and the other portion of the wall can move away from the stationary part in order to open the brewing chamber. Means (1) are present for releasing pressure from the brewing chamber after the water supply to the brewing chamber has been terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Hans J. Kodden