Electrically Actuated Valve Patents (Class 251/129.01)
  • Patent number: 8668005
    Abstract: A dump bailer for downhole placement of flowable materials in a wellbore. The dump bailer has an elongated housing with a cavity for placement of the flowable materials. The housing has an open bottom. An expendable cap or plug, of a magnetic material, is held within the open bottom by a shear pin, sufficient to hold the plug in place with the material within the cavity. An electric solenoid surrounds the plug. Energizing the solenoid coil by electric current creates a magnetic field which overcomes the shear pin and forces the plug out of the open bottom. The material may then flow out of the cavity. Alternatively, a sliding sleeve may be disposed in the open bottom, which moves from a first closed position to a second open position, in response to the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Eligio Antonio Colon, Grady Geoffroy
  • Patent number: 8662468
    Abstract: A microvalve device includes a body, a valve element supported for movement relative to the body, and an actuator operatively coupled to the valve element for moving the valve element in a normal range of travel. A travel limiting structure operatively cooperates with at least one of the valve element and the actuator to effectively limit the magnitude of movement of the valve element or the actuator outside the normal range of travel to prevent failure of the body, the valve element, or the actuator due to exceeding failure stress limits. A method of forming a microvalve with such a travel limiting structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: DunAn Microstaq, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Hunnicutt
  • Patent number: 8662187
    Abstract: A linear motor activator for a downhole safety valve including a permanent magnet carrier; a plurality of permanent magnets mounted to the permanent magnet carrier; a coil carrier disposed in magnetic field proximity to the permanent magnet carrier; and a plurality of coils mounted to the coil carrier, one of the permanent magnet carrier and the coil carrier being movable relative to the other of the permanent magnet carrier and coil carrier, and being connected to a component of a downhole safety valve and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary Lake, Michael J. May, Priyesh Ranjan, Douglas Murray, Michael Rainone, Samuel Sackett, Talbot Presley
  • Patent number: 8662312
    Abstract: A piezoelectric valve comprising: a valve main body formed in which are a gas pressure chamber that takes in compressed gas supplied from the outside as well as a gas release channel through which the compressed gas is released from the gas pressure chamber; a valve body placed in the gas pressure chamber to open and close the gas release channel; a piezoelectric element that generates, in the form of displacement, a driving force needed to operate the valve body; at least one displacement amplification mechanism that amplifies a displacement of the piezoelectric element and causes it to act upon the valve body; and a driving means for applying voltage to the piezoelectric element in order to drive the valve body to open the valve and thereby open the gas release channel; wherein such piezoelectric valve is characterized in that the driving means applies voltage to the piezoelectric element in multiple stages so as to suppress fluctuation in the amount of gas ejected from the gas release channel when the valv
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: Satake Corporation, Mechano Transformer Corporation
    Inventors: Takafumi Ito, Teruhiko Takeuchi, Takeshi Yano, Sze Keat Chee, Toshiro Higuchi
  • Patent number: 8646471
    Abstract: A method of controlling a main fluid in a conduit using a microvalve is described. The microvalve includes a corresponding actuation aperture in an actuation aperture layer. A control fluid flows through the actuation aperture in response to an electric field applied via a charge distribution near an actuation aperture layer. In one embodiment, the electric field may adjust the opening and closing of the actuation aperture thereby controlling the flow of the control fluid. In a second embodiment, the control fluid is an electrorheological fluid where the electric field controls the viscosity of the ER fluid, thereby controlling fluid flow through the actuation aperture. In both embodiments the flow of the control fluid controls stretching of a flexible membrane into and out of the conduit, thereby controlling the flow of the main fluid by opening or closing the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Ashish Pattekar, Eugene M. Chow, Eric Peeters
  • Publication number: 20140021385
    Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system for controlling fluid systems and for remotely controlling fluid control devices. In some described embodiments, the system includes at least one fluid control device, a proportional valve driver coupled to the at least one fluid control device, a wireless network, and at least one user controller device coupled to the proportional valve driver through the wireless network. In some described embodiments, the proportional valve driver comprises a wireless transceiver, a proportional translation unit, and a parameter unit. The proportional valve driver comprises a wireless transceiver operable to establish a communication channel with a user controller, receive a request signal, transmit the request signal to a processor for deconstruction and execution, and transmit a response signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Ernest Thomas Lynch
  • Publication number: 20140021384
    Abstract: An electronically controlled valve assembly includes an electronically controlled linear actuator having a housing assembly and a rotor disposed within the housing assembly and controllably rotatable relative to the housing in response to a received motor control command. The rotor includes a drive shaft, and an annular bobbin circumferentially disposed about the drive shaft. The bobbin partially defines a receiving cavity between the bobbin and the drive shaft, and a first plurality of threads is disposed at an end portion of the drive shaft. The actuator further includes a stem that is rotationally stationary relative to the housing assembly, and which includes a second plurality of threads configured to cooperate with the first plurality of threads to translate the stem into the receiving cavity in response to the rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC.
    Inventors: Keith R. Kabel, Scott F. Shampine, Peter J. Carleton, Bipin D. Parekh
  • Publication number: 20140014861
    Abstract: An electric actuator is provided having the same configuration whether used as an ordinary electric actuator or as an electric actuator having an emergency shutoff function. A portion for supplying power during a power failure, a power failure detection circuit, and a motor power supply switching circuit are provided in a module detachably coupled to the electric actuator. When failure of primary power is not detected, the power is sent to the electric actuator by the motor power supply switching circuit. When failure of the primary power is detected, secondary power is sent to the electric actuator by the motor power supply switching circuit. In addition, notification of the power failure is sent from the module to the control board of the electric actuator, via a relay connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: AZBIL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto SARUWATARI, Hiroaki NARITA
  • Patent number: 8628055
    Abstract: A bi-directional electrostatic microvalve includes a membrane electrode that is controlled by application of voltage to fixed electrodes disposed on either side of the membrane electrode. Dielectric insulating layers separate the electrodes. One of the fixed electrodes defines a microcavity. Microfluidic channels formed into the electrodes provide fluid to the microcavity. A central pad defined in the microcavity places a portion of the second electrode close to the membrane electrode to provide a quick actuation while the microcavity reduces film squeezing pressure of the membrane electrode. In preferred embodiment microvalves, low surface energy and low surface charge trapping coatings, such as fluorocarbon films made from cross-linked carbon di-fluoride monomers or surface monolayers made from fluorocarbon terminated silanol compounds coatings coat the electrode low bulk charge trapping dielectric layers limit charge trapping and other problems and increase device lifetime operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Mark A. Shannon, Byunghoon Bae, Richard I. Masel
  • Patent number: 8627883
    Abstract: A linear actuation apparatus for controlling fluid flow comprises a tubular manifold for conducting fluid through a portion, and a shaft supported for reciprocal axial movement within the manifold. A valve seat is supported within the manifold in substantial alignment with the shaft, and a valve closure element is carried by the shaft for reciprocal axial movement between a closed and an opened position. A magnetic element is also carried by the shaft for reciprocal axial movement therewith. A pair of springs are carried on opposing sides of the magnetic element wherein one spring is compressed and applies an axial force to the shaft when the shaft is moved from a neutral position. A compound magnet, carried by the manifold, applies an axial force to the magnetic element that together with the axial force of the spring(s) and fluid pressure control movement of the shaft and the valve closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Edward Richards
  • Patent number: 8627792
    Abstract: An adjusting device including an electric motor that has a motor housing, the shaft of the motor running perpendicularly upwards from the electric motor and supporting a gearwheel of an actuating transmission. Oil is conducted from an oil outlet of an oil circuit to the actuating transmission. The upper face of the motor housing has one or more oil inlet openings and the lower face has one or more oil outlet openings, the region of the oil inlet openings being covered by a filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Noll
  • Publication number: 20140001383
    Abstract: A powered valve actuator assembly converts a manually operated valve without removal of the valve handle for automated valve operation in response to detection of a preselected condition. The design incorporates a motor, motor control circuit, drive shaft, valve handle engaging member and anti-rotation member. The motor is supported by its drive shaft, which is mounted on the valve handle via an adaptor. The motor, when operated, applies rotational torque to the drive shaft, and is secured from counter rotation about the drive shaft by the anti-rotation member, which extends between the motor and a fixed reference point with respect to the valve body such as the conduit or an extension thereof. The control circuit may incorporate a monitoring sub-circuit and power regulator, which operates at reduced power levels depending on the sensed state of the sensor or sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Custom Controls, LLC
    Inventors: Donald Staffiere, Don L. Drinkwater, David Staffiere, Dana St. James, Jay M. Prager
  • Patent number: 8616124
    Abstract: A pressure-relief valve is provided. The pressure-relief valve having a valve body with a passage that can be closed by a moving closure element. An electromagnet is mounted detachably on the valve body and interacts with an armature in driving connection with the closure element. A spring interacts with the closure element the bias tension of which can be changed by an adjustment element that can be moved manually relative to the valve body. The adjustment element and the valve body are constructed such that a manual change of the bias tension of the spring by means of the adjustment element is then possible only when the electromagnet is detached from the valve body. Also provided is a round baler employing such a pressure-relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Clement Humbert
  • Patent number: 8616523
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated valve with a valve body which is assigned to a valve seat, is mechanically prestressed in a first direction toward a first switching position and can be adjusted by means of a magnetic actuator in a second, opposite direction into a second switching position is disclosed. The valve body has a planar contact surface which can be brought into sealing contact with a surface of the valve seat, which surface is planar at least in sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Duerr, Joerg Weingart, Peter Schwaderer
  • Publication number: 20130341542
    Abstract: The valve actuator (1) includes a housing (2), a motor (4) coupled to the valve, wherein rotation of the motor (4) changes the position of the valve from a first position in which fluid flow may occur along at least one path and a second position in which fluid flow is either blocked or may occur along at least one second path, said motor (4) being normally supplied with electrical power from a main source of electrical power, at least one sensor (24,132) configured to detect the position of the valve and/or the valve speed, a switch (16) controlling the delivery of electrical power to the motor (4), and a power circuitry (19) connected to the switch (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: INTERTECHNIQUE
    Inventors: Frederic Denat, Mourad Rezig
  • Patent number: 8602384
    Abstract: A meter includes an inlet for receiving a fluid and a housing defining a cylindrical chamber receiving the fluid from the inlet, wherein a chamber axis passes through a center of the cylindrical chamber. The meter also includes an outlet coupled to the housing, wherein the outlet is axially aligned with the inlet along a flow axis, and the flow axis does not intersect the chamber axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Capstone Metering LLC
    Inventors: Walter Scott Williamson, James Scott Williamson, Jack Ryan Williamson, Kevin Peter Kowalchuk, David James Carlos Dunn, Stephen Williams Smith
  • Patent number: 8602108
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method for limiting the probability of failure on demand of a subsea test tree (“SSTT”) includes the steps of providing a safety shut-in system for actuating a safety valve of the SSTT, the safety shut-in system including a surface control station positioned above a water surface connected via an umbilical to a subsea control system positioned below the water surface to actuate the safety valve; and diagnostically testing the safety shut-in system without actuating the safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: David James Mathis
  • Publication number: 20130313452
    Abstract: An electrostatic actuator is provide that can include a fluidic line, a first electrode, and a second electrode such that a gate chamber portion of the fluidic line is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrostatic actuator can also include a pressure-balancing channel in fluid communication with the gate chamber portion where the first electrode is sandwiched between the pressure-balancing channel and the gate chamber portion. A pneumatic valve system is provided which includes an electrostatic gate and a fluidic channel fluidly separate from a fluidic control line. A pneumatic valve portion of the fluidic control line can be positioned relative to a portion of the fluidic channel such that expansion of the pneumatic valve portion restricts fluid flow through the fluidic channel. Methods of using an electrostatic actuator and a pneumatic valve system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Joshua D. Tice, Thomas A. Bassett, Amit V. Desai, Christopher A. Apblett, Paul A. Kenis
  • Patent number: 8593811
    Abstract: A heat exchanger structure including multiple fluid circuits, through which respective streams of a first fluid pass from a stream inlet to a stream outlet to transfer heat to or from a second medium. The fluid circuits are arranged into at least a first group and a second group, at least the first group consisting essentially of only fluid circuits that perform substantially similarly according to at least one selected performance criterion. A control sensor for at least the first group generates a signal representative of a parameter of the first fluid in the associated group. A valve for at least the first group is in fluid communication with of all the streams of the associated group so as to be able to control the flow of fluid through the streams of the associated group in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: DunAn Microstaq, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Price, Rachid Kaina, Mark C. Garnett
  • Patent number: 8584698
    Abstract: An electronic, programmable device for controlling the motion of compressor valve elements, wherein the device receives an incoming signal from a velocity sensor located on a compressor valve; filters, amplifies, and processes the incoming signal by a control algorithm; and responds to the incoming signal by creating an output signal that produces an actuator force that is applied directly to a moving valve element and associated methodology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Southern Gas Association Gas Machinery Research Council
    Inventors: Klaus Brun, Merle E. Converse, Jerome A. Helffrich
  • Publication number: 20130299725
    Abstract: A valve (201) is provided that comprises a housing (202) including a fluid inlet (332) and a fluid outlet (204). The valve (201) also includes one or more vibrating elements (409) configured to vibrate when energized. The valve (201) further comprises an amplifying plate (410) including a fluid passage (412) and one or more pressure-balancing apertures (413) in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (332), contacting the one or more vibrating elements (409). A sealing ball (407) is positioned between the fluid inlet (332) and the fluid passage (412).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Fluid Automation Systems S.A.
    Inventor: Nicolas Deperraz
  • Patent number: 8578896
    Abstract: A method for bounce suppression of a valve member operated by a piezo actuator during the closing phase of a valve in an internal combustion engine, having the following steps: partial discharging of the piezo actuator, whereby the valve member is braked even before reaching the valve seat, interruption of the discharge of the piezo actuator, whereby the piezo actuator is upset by the valve member and builds up an electric charge, renewed discharging of the piezo actuator, the residual charge after partial discharge and the charge built up during the charge interruption being at least partially dissipated. It is provided, according to the present invention, briefly to interrupt the discharge process, whereby the piezo actuator absorbs the energy of the valve member and, even before an elastic rebound takes place, the piezo actuator is discharged again, in order to dissipate the energy absorbed by the piezo actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Violaine Chassagnoux, Stefan Schuerg, Wolfgang Stoecklein
  • Publication number: 20130284275
    Abstract: A valve assembly suitable for use as an inlet metering valve of a fuel injection system comprises an inlet opening, an outlet aperture, and a valve element arranged to control fluid flow between the inlet opening and the outlet aperture. The valve element is moveable in response to an applied control signal to a closed position and to a fully-open position, and is biased to return to a rest position when the control signal is absent. When the valve element is in the rest position, fluid flow between the inlet opening and the outlet aperture is permitted at a relatively low rate. When the valve element is in the closed position, fluid flow between the inlet opening and the outlet aperture is substantially prevented. When the valve element is in the fully-open position, fluid flow between the inlet opening and the outlet aperture is permitted at a relatively high rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Delphi Technologies Holdings, S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Richard A. Judge
  • Publication number: 20130284583
    Abstract: The present invention extends to an electric actuator for operating an unheading valve of a coke drum. The electric actuator includes a driving element comprising a planetary roller screw for actuating the unheading valve. By using a planetary roller screw, rather than hydraulics for the driving element, the electric actuator of the present invention can be used in place of prior art hydraulic actuators while still providing sufficient power and reliability for use on unheading valves of a coke drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher Orino, Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 8567757
    Abstract: A low-cost safety valve for gas lines and similar supply lines that can be remotely activated via a secure wireless link employing a low leakage sealing mechanism that is compatible with low energy actuators to for extended battery life. A miniaturized controller and wireless electronics assembly provides the control mechanism for actuating the valve, as well as reporting data regarding the valve status to wireless interrogators or external networks via an ad hoc wireless network. A variety of simple magnetic valve operating mechanisms can be implemented with the miniaturized electronic control circuits and the valve body. Such control actuation mechanisms enable automatic resetting or manual resetting valves. The gas line shut off valve can provide important safety benefits at an affordable price.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventors: Barth R. Pitchford, John H. Pitchford, William D. Pitchford, Donald S. Pitchford, Steven Nagel, Benedict J. Nardi, Russell S. Smith, Robert Simon
  • Patent number: 8571769
    Abstract: The present subject matter includes a control method to position a solenoid valve using dithering. The control method provides the steps of: determining a target current across the solenoid valve which is expressed in digital form with a given minimum quantization interval, adding a dithering square wave to the target current, controlling the voltage applied to the solenoid valve to cause the current across the solenoid valve to track the target current added to the dithering square wave, jiggling the dithering square wave with a frequency which is a sub-multiple with respect to the maximum variation frequency of the current across the solenoid valve, and varying the amplitude of the dithering square wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alfonso Tarantini, Bruno Imperioli, Luca Poggio
  • Patent number: 8567359
    Abstract: Periodic torque disturbances that affect cylinder valve operation are anticipated, and an appropriate reaction torque is provided by an electric motor to counteract the periodic torque disturbances to position a cylinder valve at a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Douglas Ervin, Yan Wang, Ilya Vladimir Kolmanovsky
  • Publication number: 20130277584
    Abstract: A fluid power control system for load handling mobile equipment includes a pair of hydraulic actuators for moving respective cooperating load-engaging members selectively toward or away from each other, or in a common direction, at respective asynchronous speeds to selectively attain either synchronous or asynchronous respective positions of the actuators. The actuators have sensors enabling a controller to monitor their respective movements and correct unintended differences in the actuators' respective movements, such as unintended differences in relative intended positions, speeds, or rates of change of speeds. Respective hydraulic valves responsive to the controller separately and nonsimultaneously decrease respective flows through the respective actuators to more accurately and rapidly correct differences from the intended relative movements of the actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Pat S. McKernan, Gregory A. Nagle
  • Publication number: 20130276914
    Abstract: The proposed valves and/or fluid pumps are controlled with a piezoelectric actuator, which provides very low power consumption, low cost, very compact designs, high speed response, long life, hysteresis free and linear operation, long displacement over 50 mm and high torque over 400 Newton. A steady continuous flow of a media is achieved by supplying a power profile to the actuator via an electronic circuitry connected to electrodes attached to the piezoelectric actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Amnon Kritzman
  • Publication number: 20130276893
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for providing an electromagnetic flow controller. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic flow controller can have two substrates, a permanent magnet, and two electrical traces. One of the substrates may deflect away from the other substrate upon applying an electrical signal to at least one of the two electrical traces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Kevin McMahan, Shiva Srinivasan
  • Publication number: 20130277586
    Abstract: A control valve includes a valve body with a longitudinal bore into which a first port, a second port, and a workport communicate. A valve element is slideably received within the longitudinal bore and has a valve element bore extending inwardly from one end. An aperture extends through the valve element to provide a fluid path between the workport and selectively the first port and the second port in different positions of the valve element in the longitudinal bore. A slug of solid material is received within the valve element bore and is operatively connected to transfer a force to a stationary component of the control valve without the force being applied to the valve element. This arrangement results in force due to pressure in the longitudinal bore acting on only an annular surface at the one end of the valve element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Curtis L. Van Weelden
  • Patent number: 8556227
    Abstract: It is introduced a miniaturizable actuation device based on piezoelectric flexural transducer element, which can be fabricated easily and cost effective, for use in a fluid valve or other devices, the actuation device being suited to perform reproducible actuation deflections fast and precisely, uneffected by disturbing influences due to temperature changes and mechanical deformations of the housing. The actuation device according to the invention includes a fluid bearing 5 with a first surface 7, which is associated with the flexural transducer element 2, a second surface 8, which is associated with the housing 15, and a flowable power transmitting fluid 6 between the surfaces, to transmit the reaction forces and—moments resulting from the actuatro deflection from the flexural transducer element 2 to the housing 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventors: Burkhard Buestgens, Suheel Roland Georges
  • Patent number: 8556232
    Abstract: The present invention provides a linear solenoid portion, comprising: a cylindrical movable core which is attracted toward a fixed core when a coil is energized: and a cylindrical yoke which surrounds an outer circumference surface of the movable core, in which the movable core is not provided with a shaft, a first stopper which limits a displacement of the movable core to a side of a fixed core is pushed into a through hole of the fixed core at one end of the movable core along an axial direction, and a second stopper which limits a displacement in a direction to be spaced apart from the fixed core is held to a bottom surface of a housing by swaging at other end of the movable core along the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Oikawa
  • Publication number: 20130264504
    Abstract: A remotely operated safety valve is provided for terminating flow through the valve. The safety valve includes an electromagnet for holding the safety valve open, and a swing plate for closing the safety valve. A power supply is provided for powering the electromagnet, and an electrical conductor extends between the shutdown switch, the power supply, and the electromagnet. A connector spaced along the conductor is separable during a separation of a towing vehicle from the towed vehicle. The safety valve automatically closes in response to one of activation of the shutdown switch or the termination of power to the electromagnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: SPENCER M. NIMBERGER, Miguel Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8551599
    Abstract: A microactuator may be configured by activating a source of electromagnetic radiation to heat and melt a selected set of phase-change plugs embedded in a substrate of the microactuator, pressurizing a common pressure chamber adjacent to each of the plugs to deform the melted plugs, and deactivating the source of electromagnetic radiation to cool and solidify the melted plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Zhishan Hua, Erdogan Gulari, Mark A. Burns, Rohit Pal, Onnop Srivannavit
  • Publication number: 20130248612
    Abstract: Starting and ending an injection event are accomplished by respectively energizing and de-energizing a solenoid actuator to move an armature assembly with respect to a stator. The stator is protected from impact damage by maintaining the armature assembly out of contact with the stator. The inducement of residual magnetism in the armature assembly is reduced by stopping the armature assembly at a large radius outside of the magnetic flux circuit through the stator and soft magnetic armature of the armature assembly, when the solenoid actuator is energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Sudhindra K. Ayanji, Gregory Alan Weyeneth, Jayaraman K. Venkataraghavan, Nadeem Bunni
  • Publication number: 20130247604
    Abstract: A reversing valve comprising a valve body having an internal cavity therein and an input port, output port and first and second reversing ports. A baffle is located within the internal cavity and is configured to rotate around a pivot point within the internal cavity. At least one electromagnet is coupled to the valve body. The electromagnet is configured to cause the baffle to rotate in one of the clockwise direction or counter-clock wise direction when a voltage is applied to the electromagnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Giles, Chris McHugh
  • Patent number: 8539827
    Abstract: A water meter (10) and a flow control valve (30) are housed in a common pressure vessel (16), in which the flow control valve (30) restricts flow through a metering chamber (18) to less than the normal flow, while still permitting a flow sufficient for basic human needs, rather than completely interrupting supply of the utility, and in which the flow control valve (30) is controlled electrically through a control valve (40) in an energy efficient manner so as to utilize power from a self-contained power source (27) in another device (25) at the customer site (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Benson, Eric Metzger
  • Publication number: 20130233395
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling liquid flow wherein the apparatus comprises an orifice and an adjacent flexible diaphragm separated from each other by a gap through which a liquid flows. The diaphragm is sufficiently flexible to vary the gap thereby controlling the rate of liquid flowing through the orifice or to provide a positive liquid shutoff of liquid flowing through the orifice. A method for controlling liquid flow through the apparatus comprises flexing said diaphragm to vary a size of the gap to control the rate of liquid flowing through the orifice or to provide a positive liquid shutoff of liquid from flowing through the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Thuc M. Dinh, Benjamin Y.H. Liu, Yamin Ma
  • Patent number: 8522751
    Abstract: A fuel pressure regulation system for a motor vehicle includes a fuel pressure regulator in communication with an electronic control device (ECU). The regulated pressure of the fuel pressure regulator can be varied by applying electrical signals from the ECU. According to one embodiment, a length of a spring is adjusted to vary the regulated fuel pressure. According to another embodiment, a viscosity of a fluid is adjusted to vary the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Marcos J. DeLeon
  • Patent number: 8522821
    Abstract: A servovalve torque motor includes first and second pole pieces and an armature. Each of the first and second pole pieces includes an armature face that opposes the armature. The area of the armature face of the second pole piece is smaller than the area of the armature face of the first pole piece. The unequal areas of the first and second armature faces create a bias in the servovalve torque motor while allowing the first and second pole pieces to be disposed at equal distances from the armature to define substantially equal air gaps. The inclusion of substantially equal air gaps between the pole pieces and the armature reduces the maximum flux in the armature for the same bias and torque output, compared to conventional servovalve torque motors. The reduction in maximum armature flux decreases armature saturation and improves linearity during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Woodward HRT, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Olson, Torin R. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20130205761
    Abstract: There is disclosed an integrated device for orienting an object according to a given spatial orientation comprising a frame and a supporting member connected thereto and adapted for supporting a portion of the object. The integrated device comprises a plurality of fluid actuated devices integrally molded and joined together through a joining portion to form an integral unit for displacing the supporting member with respect to the frame. Each fluid actuated device is actuatable between a first position wherein the device has a first length and a second position wherein the device has a second length. The integrated device comprises an actuation mechanism for actuating each fluid actuated device between the first position and the second position to enable displacing the supporting member with respect to the frame, thereby orienting the object according to the given spatial orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Jean-Sébastien Plante, Geneviève Miron, Sylvain Proulx, Patrick Chouinard, Alexandre Girard, Jean-Philippe Lucking-Bigué
  • Patent number: 8505871
    Abstract: An electrically activated access valve arrangement having a male connector, a female connector, and a valve. In certain embodiments, the male connector includes a conductive element, and the female connector includes contacts. Insertion of the male into the female connector completes a circuit and sends an electrical signal to the valve. This transitions the valve from the normally closed position to the opened position. In certain embodiments, the male connector has a connection port that connects to a connection port of the female connector. A pump, such as an infusion pump, sends an electrical signal through the connection ports, which causes the valve to transition from the normally closed position to the opened position. The electrically activatable valve of the connectors is prevented from opening if mated with conventional male and female luers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Walborn
  • Patent number: 8493232
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a feedback mechanism to a system operator that provides a positive indication of the position of a valve which controls gas flow to a consumer. Rotation of a stepper motor controlling a valve mechanism is optically monitored and a feedback signal is sent to the system operator indicating positive operation of the valve only when a selected number of rotations of the stepper motor is reported. The stepper motor may be operated in different modes, each associated with different nominal current consumption levels. In a higher current consumption mode, such as a torque-oriented mode, the stepper motor may be stepped a few additional steps after valve closure to ensure seating of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark K. Cornwall, Barry Cahill-O'Brien, Joseph Paolino
  • Patent number: 8490586
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuating unit of a hydraulic control valve which has an armature disposed inside an armature chamber in an axially displaceable manner, and a pole core disposed in a recess. The pole core limits the armature chamber in a direction of movement of the armature. The geometry of the armature serves to adjust the characteristic line of the electromagnetic actuating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Ross, Josef Groeschel
  • Publication number: 20130181149
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve includes a rod, an armature fixed to the rod, and a stopper that limits motion of the armature to one side in an axial direction of the rod. The armature has a rod hole through which a fixed potion of the rod extends to be fixed to the armature. The rod includes a flange portion that is located on the one side in the axial direction with reference to the fixed portion. The flange portion is larger than the fixed portion in a radial direction of the rod. The armature includes a contact portion adjacent to an opening of the rod hole that is open toward the one side in the axial direction, and the contact portion contacts the flange portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Denso Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130168583
    Abstract: A touch switch shower includes a shower body and a switch control device. The shower body is disposed with a root waterway, several diversion waterways and an outlet cover unit, each diversion waterway is disposed with an electromagnetic valve to control the on-off thereof. The front side of the outlet cover unit is divided into several touch areas with the same number of electromagnetic valves. The switch control device is disposed at least a processing unit, several touch modules with same number with the electromagnetic valves and a power device connected to the processing unit, the touch layer of the touch module is separately disposed in the corresponding touch area of the outlet cover unit, the processing unit is connected to the touch module in signal way, the processing unit is connected to the electromagnetic valve in signal way. The touch layer is separately disposed in the touch area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicants: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD., Huasong Zhou
    Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Guoqiang Lu, Xiaozhao Sun, Xianguo Zou
  • Publication number: 20130160643
    Abstract: A self-cleaning sorbent injection lance includes a lance arm, a lance outlet connected to a sorbent arm, a sorbent inlet connected to the lance arm, an air control valve connected to the lance arm, and a electrical valve control connected to the air control valve. The sorbent inlet provides sorbent material passing through the lance arm. The electrical valve control opens the air control valve when receiving an electrical signal, so that compressed air is supplied to the injection lance for cleaning sorbent material clogged in the lance arm and lance outlet without taking the self-cleaning sorbent injection lance off-line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: AMEREX ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Herman W. PILATS
  • Publication number: 20130153798
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to valves, and more particularly, to gas valve assemblies. In one example, the valve assembly may include a valve body with an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid path extending between the inlet and outlet ports, one or more valves situated about the fluid path, one or more valve actuators for selectively moving respective valves, one or more sensors for sensing one or more parameters within the fluid path, and a controller secured relative to the valve body and in communication with the one or more sensors for determining one or more valve assembly conditions based on the one or more sensed parameters. Illustratively, the controller may be configured to communicate information from the valve assembly to a combustion appliance controller that is located remotely from the valve assembly through a communications interface of the controller and across a communications bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: David Kucera, Gregory Young, Tim McCarthy, Patrick Yuen
  • Publication number: 20130146794
    Abstract: A magnetic valve and a fluid supply system using the same are provided. The fluid supply system includes a flow channel and the magnetic valve. The magnetic valve penetrates through a pipe wall of the flow channel, and includes a driving unit, a first magnet and a second magnet, a cover plate, a first and second spools. A first leaning portion of the first spool is disposed at one end of a first sheath portion. The first sheath portion has a first outlet opening. The second magnet is disposed on a surface of the first leaning portion facing to the cover plate. The second spool sleeves the first spool and has a second outlet opening. The first spool rotates relative to the second spool through a magnetic force to control an overlapping area of the first and second outlet openings, so as to control a flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Chien-An Chen, Chien-Wei Wu