Balanced Valve Patents (Class 251/129.07)
  • Patent number: 7360750
    Abstract: The air valve includes a valve body for controlling operations to open and close the communication between an air pressure chamber and an air outlet, a piezoelectric element for generating driving force in the form of displacements, and a displacement enlarging mechanism for enlarging the small displacements generated by the piezoelectric element by the principle of a pry and applying the enlarged displacements to the valve body. The enlarged displacements cause a large and sufficient gap to be developed between the air pressure chamber and the air outlet when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element. When the applying of voltage to the piezoelectric element is stopped, the resetting force of the piezoelectric element itself causes the gap to be closed quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Satake Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Yano, Toshiro Higuchi, Kenichi Kudoh, Sze Keat Chee, Tsunehiko Shibata, Norimasa Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7264223
    Abstract: A flow rate control valve comprises a rotary driving source which is rotated by a control signal, a movable member which is displaceable by the aid of a transmitting shaft under a rotary action of the rotary driving source, a valve mechanism which is connected to the end of the movable member and which is capable of being seated on and separated from a valve seat of a valve body, and a balance mechanism which is integrally connected underneath the valve mechanism with a connecting shaft intervening therebetween. When the valve opening degree is changed in a state in which pressure fluid is supplied into the valve body, the balance mechanism maintains an equilibrium state with respect to the valve mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Hideaki Yashiro
  • Patent number: 7249579
    Abstract: A valve actuator for an internal combustion engine is described having a core having a wound coil located therein, said core further having at least one permanent magnet located at least partially inside or outside said coil and positioned at an angle relative to a direction of movement of an armature. Further, various recesses, indentations, chamfers, bevels, and/or depressions may be included to affect flux leakage, and/or force generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Feng Liang, Michael Degner
  • Patent number: 7246787
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprised of a solenoid coil, having a coil bore, and being operative to produce a magnetic field when subject to an electric signal, a fixed magnetic pole piece within the coil bore, a generally cylindrically and axially translatable armature with a disc-shaped portion and an aperture therethrough, a valve base with a fixed portion over which the armature fits and forming a fluid cavity therebetween. The armature aperture allows a fluid to pass through the disc-shaped portion and into the fluid cavity to substantially equilibrate the fluid pressure on the armature in an axial direction. The valve assembly further includes a solenoid base which forms a chamber around the armature and a biasing mechanism between the magnetic pole piece and the armature which axially translates when the magnetic pole piece is subject to the electric signal, allowing the fluid to pass through the valve assembly in proportion to the electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Viraraghavan S. Kumar
  • Patent number: 7243899
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve arrangement with a valve element having least one part disposed in a valve chamber defined by a valve insert in the region of a valve seat. An end facing away from the valve chamber of the valve element is operatively connected to an armature and end face of the armature facing toward the valve insert and/or an end face of the valve insert facing toward the end face of the armature is embodied with a surface profile such that a flow cross section, defined by the opposed end faces varies at least regionally in the radial direction and/or in the circumferential direction of the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sezgin Acar, Heike Bauer, Ralf Schindler, Klaus Heyer, Massimiliano Ambrosi, Frank Entenmann, Dietmar Kratzer, Daniel Zuewerink
  • Patent number: 7222603
    Abstract: Disclosed is a subunit having a hollow cylinder which is provided with an opening on at least one face and in which a spring bearing is arranged on the inside of the face and a first valve spring resting against said spring bearing. A shaft that is guided within the spring bearing is disposed in the first valve spring so as to be reversibly movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder. A thrust bearing for the first valve spring is located at the end of the shaft, which faces away from said face of the hollow cylinder, the thrust bearing being connected to the shaft. A second valve spring is placed between the thrust bearing and the interior on the opposite face of the hollow cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Rajko Colic, Herbert Severien
  • Patent number: 7204210
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, armature levitation is strategically used during a cycle of a cylinder. The method can reduce fuel consumption and power supply requirements, at least under some conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James D. Ervin, Thomas W. Megli
  • Patent number: 7182051
    Abstract: An electromechanical valve actuator for internal combustion engines, equipped with a polarized electromagnet and with a magnetic plate switches between a first position close to the electromagnet and a second position remote from the electromagnet, the switching times between these positions being determined depending on the operating state of the engine. The actuator supplies the electromagnet with a variable attracting current in the course of the approach of the plate to the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Emmanuel Sedda, Christophe Fageon, Stephane Guerin, Jean-Paul Yonnet
  • Patent number: 7165518
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, armature levitation position may be changed to accommodate varying rates of valve stem growth. The method may reduce valve noise during a wide range of engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James D. Ervin, Thomas W. Megli, Donald J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7131426
    Abstract: To effectively prevent uneven wear of a moving mover 70 and to stabilize the control characteristics by a valve. Rotation force is exerted to the mover 70 by the fluid flowing from the first chamber to the second chamber, or vice versa, which are formed at the opposite ends of the mover 70. With respect to a flow passageway 110 formed within an anchor 72 and for allowing passage of the fluid therethrough, there are provided a passageway portion 111 which is disposed along the axial direction and another passageway portion 112 which crosses the axial direction. By this, rotation force is generated at the time the fluid passes from the former passageway portion 111 to the latter passageway portion 112 (or vice versa) which crosses the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignees: Bosch Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Takeshi Ichinose, Jochen Wessner, Hermann Keimer, Wolfgang Klink, Tilman Miehle
  • Patent number: 7124720
    Abstract: A valve actuator for an internal combustion engine is described having a core having a wound coil located therein, said core further having at least one permanent magnet located at least partially inside said coil and positioned at an angle relative to a direction of movement of an armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Feng Liang, Michael Degner
  • Patent number: 7089894
    Abstract: A lever electromechanical valve actuator assembly and arrangement of electromechanical valve actuators that creates a compact actuator assembly to increase ease of serviceability, provide space for engine components and eliminate interference between the actuators and components in the vehicle engine compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Hopper, John D. Norton, Shawn H. Swales
  • Patent number: 7080615
    Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided that includes an engine valve that is movable between a first position where the engine valve prevents a flow of fluid and a second position where the engine valve allows a flow of fluid. A cam assembly is operatively connected to the engine valve to move the engine valve between the first position and the second position in a predetermined actuation pattern. A valve actuator having a piezo electric device is operable to change the movement of the engine valve from the predetermined actuation pattern. A controller is adapted to control the piezo electric device to achieve a desired valve actuation pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Shinogle
  • Patent number: 7077380
    Abstract: A capacity control valve is inserted in a flow path connecting a discharge chamber and a crank chamber of a variable capacity compressor and provided with a valve unit and a drive unit. The valve unit has a valve element for opening/closing the flow path or a valve passage of the valve unit. The drive unit has a movable core or plunger for driving the valve element and a communicating path that is formed in the plunger and connects chambers located in both sides of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignees: Eagle Industry Co., Ltd., Sanden Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Uemura, Toshiaki Iwa, Katsuya Shirai, Keigo Shirafuji, Yukihiko Taguchi
  • Patent number: 7055793
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve having a base body with a passage opening, a movable valve member for closing and opening the passage opening and an actuating mechanism for moving the valve member in order to open the passage opening. The actuating mechanism has at least two elements made from a shape memory alloy which are secured to the base body or a carrier body connected thereto, and can be alternately shortened in the event of the temperature rising above a threshold temperature and are connected to the valve member in such a way that the valve member can be moved from a position on the passage opening into a position alongside the passage opening when one element is shortened on one side and can be moved back into the position on the passage opening when the other element is shortened on one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignees: Aesculap AG & Co. KG, Christoph Miethke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Margit Biehl, Christoph Miethke
  • Patent number: 7040594
    Abstract: When a plunger moves toward a side of a valve seat, an end face of a sealing member on a space side is separated from a surface of a seal housing groove, whereby a portion between a communication passage formed on an inner peripheral side of the sealing member is communicated with the space. At this time, an end face of the sealing member on a side of a damper chamber contacts the surface of the seal housing groove. However, since a part of a communication groove is communicated with the communication passage, the damper chamber is communicated with the communication passage through the communication groove. Accordingly, since the damper chamber is communicated with the space through the communication passage, a damping effect is not exerted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideharu Hironaka
  • Patent number: 7040595
    Abstract: A constant flow rate expansion valve includes a refrigerant passage having a fixed flow path cross-sectional area smaller than that of a refrigerant inlet, a differential pressure control valve for controlling the differential pressure (P1?P2) between an inlet pressure P1 and an intermediate pressure P2 generated by refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage to be constant, and a solenoid capable of setting the differential pressure by the value of an electric current externally supplied. In the differential pressure control valve, a piston and a valve element integrally formed with each other sense the differential pressure (P1?P2), change a gap between the valve element and a valve seat such that the differential pressure is held constant, and adiabatically expand the refrigerant at the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: TGK Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisatoshi Hirota
  • Patent number: 7028978
    Abstract: A proportional solenoid-driven valve control assembly comprised of a moveable, magnetic armature adjacent to a fixed magnetic pole piece, providing fluid leakage containment, and having no non-magnetic element for alignment, support, or magnetic flux path control. A valve unit coupled with the armature contains a fluid cavity in fluid communication with a fluid inlet port and a fluid exit port. The valve is closed by a poppet coupled to the armature. To compensate for fluid pressures exerted against the poppet, a flow restriction is provided between an armature cavity and the fluid cavity. In addition, a bore is formed through the armature to provide fluid communication between the fluid exit port and the armature cavity. This serves to balance fluid pressures at the fluid inlet and exit ports applied to the opposite sides of the fluid flow restriction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Viraraghavan S. Kumar
  • Patent number: 7028976
    Abstract: A closing body is mounted in an axially displaceable manner in a bore of a fluidic valve to control a pressure medium flowing via the valve. The closing body has a sealing section, interacting with a seating edge of valve, and a guide section which serves to guide the valve cone in the bore. The guide section is provided with recesses which allow an overflow of pressure medium between the two sides of the closing body. To reduce costs of production, the guide section of the closing body is of cylindrical form and its surface is provided with at least one helical groove which leads from one side of the guide section to its other side. The closing body is useful in particular in constant pressure valves for controlling fluid pressure medium. The sealing section of the closing body is normally of conical form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Peter Bachmann, Uwe Künzinger, Holger Mühlhoff, Hans Wölfges
  • Patent number: 7011081
    Abstract: A cylindrical-walled seat element (50) in a double-pintle (42) EEGR valve (20) is a machined metal part in which two substantially identical apertures (62, 64) collectively span essentially a semi-circumference of the seat element wall (52) and are separated by a narrow axial stabilizer bar (80) in that wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Hrytzak, Tom Maciejowski
  • Patent number: 7011378
    Abstract: The present invention provides a proportional microvalve having a first, second and third layer, and having high aspect ratio geometries. The first layer defines a cavity with inlet and outlet ports. The second layer, doped to have a low resistivity and bonded between the first and third layers, defines a cavity having a flow area to permit fluid flow between the inlet and outlet ports. The second layer further defines an actuatable displaceable member, and one or more thermal actuators for actuating the displaceable member to a position between and including an open and a closed position to permit or occlude fluid flow. The third layer provides one wall of the cavity and provides electrical contacts for electrically heating the thermally expandable actuators. The thermal actuators and the displaceable member have high aspect ratios and are formed by deep reactive ion etching such that they are displaceable in the plane of the second layer while being very stiff out of the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignees: GE Novasensor, Inc., Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Nadim I. Maluf, Kirt R. Williams, Bert P. Van Drieënhuizen, Edward Nelson Fuller, Richard J. Barron
  • Patent number: 7004449
    Abstract: A fuel metering valve for a gas turbine active combustion control system has a highly responsive pressure balanced valve assembly with either a flapper or clevis member. The valve member is mounted at one end to an armature of a magnetic drive assembly and a movable part of a flexure pivot otherwise fixed to the valve housing. The armature, flexure pivot and valve member are disposed along a main axis. Magnetic flux selectively pulls the armature toward opposite sides of the main axis causing it and the valve member to pivot in the flexure pivot such that an end of the valve member moves toward or away from an orifice in a nozzle passageway to control metering. The flapper is preferably balanced by a diaphragm piston biasing it in the direction of the nozzle passageway. The alternative clevis arrangement is inherently balanced and can meter fuel through multiple nozzle orifices simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Jansen's Aircraft Systems Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey B. Jansen
  • Patent number: 6994060
    Abstract: A control apparatus controls an electromagnetically driven valve, which includes at least one of an electromagnetically driven exhaust valve for opening or closing an exhaust valve and an electromagnetically driven intake valve for opening or closing an intake valve in an internal combustion engine. The control apparatus is provided with: a first judging device for judging whether or not the electromagnetically driven valve fails in seating for valve-opening; and a fail-safe device for controlling the electromagnetically driven valve to perform an operation of valve-opening again in a same stroke if it is judged by the first judging device that the electromagnetically driven valve fails in the seating for valve-opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiji Yoeda
  • Patent number: 6978745
    Abstract: A system for electronically actuating valves in an engine. The system includes first and second voltage sources, and a plurality of valve actuator subsystems coupled therebetween. Each valve actuator subsystem has a valve actuator and a switch configured to selectively control application of voltage to the valve actuator to thereby selectively control energization of the valve actuator. The system also includes a dissipation switch operatively coupled with the valve actuator subsystems, the dissipation switch being selectively operable to control dissipation of energy from any of the valve actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Flohr
  • Patent number: 6976665
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuatable valve for hydraulic control devices in motor vehicles is embodied as a pressure-equalized seat valve in a mode of construction comprising a hydraulic part with a valve dome and an electrical part that can be slipped onto the valve dome. In a magnet valve that is normally open, the tubular tappet that supports the closing member is supported at one point in a first bearing point, in terms of the longitudinal direction, that is embodied as a slide bearing, and a bearing ring that forms the sealing point accomplishes the hydraulic pressure equilibrium with the effective sealing diameter of the closing member that together with the valve seat forms the second bearing point. With the valve, very short switching times, in particular less than 0.5 ms, can be achieved with an economical mode of construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Seitz, Andreas Schrade, Guenther Schnalzger, Hubert Hueber, Martin Kirschner, Ralph Appelt
  • Patent number: 6971627
    Abstract: A solenoid valve appropriately used for pressure control of various fluids, or the like is concerned, and a solenoid valve is provided, which achieves improvement in sliding property of a plunger and is excellent in control characteristics. More specifically, a plunger 1 is substantially cylindrical-shaped and slidably supported at its outer peripheral side by a sleeve, the plunger being provided with a large-diameter portion 1a, which constitutes a sliding portion, the large-diameter portion 1a being alternately provided with a plurality of convex surface portions 1d and a plurality of groove portions 1e and having a cross sectional shape like petals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventors: Ichiro Hirata, Norio Uemura, Yoshinari Kasagi
  • Patent number: 6971346
    Abstract: A system for electronically actuating valves in an engine. The system includes a first voltage source, a second voltage source, and plural valve actuator subsystems coupled between the first voltage source and the second voltage source. Each valve actuator subsystem has a valve actuator and a switch. One of the actuator subsystems is configured so that current flows from the first voltage source through the valve actuator of the subsystem when the switch is in a first position, and when the switch is in a second position, current is permitted to flow from the valve actuator toward the second voltage source. Another of the valve actuator subsystems is configured so that current flows from the second voltage source through the valve actuator of the subsystem when the switch is in a first position, and when the switch is in a second position, current is permitted to flow from the valve actuator toward the first voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Flohr
  • Patent number: 6959907
    Abstract: A normally closed solenoid-operated valve is composed of a stationary element provided at one end of a stationary sleeve, a movable element slidably inserted in the sleeve to face the stationary element and provided at an external surface thereof with a communication groove which axially extends between the opposite ends thereof for permitting the flow of the operating fluid, and an electromagnetic coil for exciting the stationary element and the movable element. A damper chamber is defined by an annular shim provided between the lower end surface of the stationary element and the top surface of the movable element. When the damper chamber is closed by the lower end surface of the stationary element and the top surface of the movable element, a dent groove makes the damper chamber communicate with the communication groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideharu Hironaka
  • Patent number: 6957127
    Abstract: A dynamically balanced pneumatic relay amplifier and a current-to-pneumatic converter are disclosed. The relay has a balance plug, a supply plug positioned on top of the balance plug, a bead chain connecting the balance plug and the supply plug, and a vent plug positioned on top of the supply plug. The relay also includes a baffle positioned on top of the vent plug. The converter, used in an electro-pneumatic positioner, comprises a flat strip made of magnetic material located in proximity to a nozzle, and a flow regulator having a flat spring securing a plug in a seat within the regulator. The converter also includes a cantilevered flexure integrally secured to a molded spring support, a first bias spring positioned on a first side of the flexure, and a second bias spring positioned on a second side of the flexure. The thickness of the flexure is locally reduced in an area not integrated into the molded spring support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold R. Smart, Chuhe Zhou
  • Patent number: 6948697
    Abstract: An actuator base, bobbin, and pole piece form a pocket for an armature that a flexible membrane encloses to form an armature chamber filled with an incompressible fluid. The membrane protects the armature from exposure to corrosive fluids flowing in a conduit. Conduit flow can be stopped by driving the membrane against a valve seat. Pressure from the controlled fluid in the conduit is transmitted through the membrane to the fluid within the armature chamber so that the armature does not need to counteract force applied to the membrane by the conduit fluid's pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kay Herbert, Natan E. Parsons, Xiaoxiong Mo
  • Patent number: 6948461
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine provide valve actuation that selectively couples an energy storage device to a launching coil to recover energy stored in the magnetic field and valve spring of the launching coil, decouples the energy storage device during a valve opening or closing event to control energy supplied to the catching coil, and couples the energy storage device to the catching coil to transfer energy from the storage device to the catching coil to provide a repeatable soft landing. A nonlinear feedback controller incorporates a feedforward system with an observer to control the rate of energy into the magnetic field of the catching coil while compensating for system losses and work to overcome gas forces within the combustion chamber. Feedback linearization techniques improve stability of the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Allan J. Kotwicki
  • Patent number: 6935287
    Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided that includes an engine valve that is movable between a first position where the engine valve prevents a flow of fluid and a second position where the engine valve allows a flow of fluid. A cam assembly is operatively connected to the engine valve to move the engine valve between the first position and the second position in a predetermined actuation pattern. A valve actuator having a piezo electric device is operable to change the movement of the engine valve from the predetermined actuation pattern. A controller is adapted to control the piezo electric device to achieve a desired valve actuation pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Ronald D. Shinogle
  • Patent number: 6932316
    Abstract: A solenoid plunger (36) is disposed for reciprocation in a plunger pocket that is formed by the stationary parts of a solenoid-type actuator (10). A flexible diaphragm (22) closes the plunger pocket's open mouth and is deformed by movement of a plunger (36) between an open position, in which it is displaced from a valve seat (20), and a closed position, in which it is seated on the valve seat and thereby prevents flow from a valve inlet (16) to a valve outlet (18). The diaphragm thereby isolates the plunger from the fluid thereby being controlled, but a separate, incompressible fluid fills the chamber in which the plunger reciprocates. A through-plunger passage (44, 56) provides a low-flow-resistance path for the incompressible fluid to flow into and out of the portion (52) of the plunger chamber behind the plunger as the plunger moves. This reduces actuation time and thus the energy required for an actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kay Herbert, Fatih Guler, Natan E. Parsons
  • Patent number: 6929240
    Abstract: A valve 6 fixed on a tip 5a of a rod 5 as a moving part, abuts a sealing part 9 of a fluid passage 8 when the rod 5 moved to the left, and interrupts a flow of fluid, is made, for instance, of elastic materials such as rubber. This absorbs an impact generated when the valve is sealed (at the time of collision), and reduces loudness of an actuating sound caused by a collision between the valve 6 and the sealing part 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatoshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 6925975
    Abstract: A controller for an electromagnetic actuator comprises a pair of springs acting on opposite directions, and an armature connected to the springs. The armature is held in a neutral position given by the springs when the armature is not activated. The actuator also comprises a pair of electromagnets for driving the armature between two end positions. In response to a release of the armature held in one of the end positions, the controller applies brake to the armature according to a load condition of the armature. In high-load conditions, the valve can surely be opened without additional electric power. In low-load conditions, the armature is prevented from colliding with a yoke of the electromagnet. The application of brake includes over-excitation operation, flywheel operation and suspension of power supply. In the over-excitation operation, voltage is applied to the electromagnet corresponding to one of the end positions from which the armature is released for a first period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidetaka Ozawa, Kenji Abe, Yoshitomo Kouno, Minoru Nakamura, Toshihiro Yamaki, Yasuo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6918409
    Abstract: Valve structures include a combination of spool valving and poppet valving. A spool function of the structure regulates the flow of a liquid, such as the flow of fuel to a diesel engine. A poppet function provides a low leakage in the valve in a closed or cut-off state. With this combination in a valve, spool clearance can be increased reducing the cost and precision machining/assembly of the components, because the poppet to seat closure provides the sealing function at cut-off. Included are an air-gap flux adjustment to adjust responsiveness to control current, and a force pre-load adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: David Glen Parker
  • Patent number: 6916003
    Abstract: Disclosed is a directional control valve comprising a front-side connector and at least one radial connector, wherein the front faces of a valve body (valve shift or seat body) of the directional control valve are pressurized approximately equally, so that the actuating forces for shifting the valve body are minimal. In accordance with the invention, the pressure for pressurizing a rearward front face of the valve body is tapped at an axial distance to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Peter Graf, Herbert Reder, Rainer Imhof, Hans-Georg Schubert, Frank Schwab
  • Patent number: 6899313
    Abstract: A method and assembly for controlling a plunger of a magnetic actuator includes generating a magnetic flux at the plunger that opposes a first bias from a first spring having a first preload. A second spring opposing the first bias is disposed in series communication with the first spring. The second spring has a second preload less than the first preload and is configured to be adjustable to control the amount of magnetic flux needed to overcome a net total preload opposing the magnetic flux. A second magnetic flux higher than the first magnetic flux is generated biasing the plunger to overcome the net total preload from the first and second springs in series communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Conrado Carrillo, Viswanathan Subramanian
  • Patent number: 6883544
    Abstract: In a solenoid valve, a boss portion is formed integrally with an attracting portion of a stator core at an outer peripheral side of the attracting portion. The boss portion has a tapered outer peripheral surface and a tapered inner peripheral surface. A plunger has a communication passage, which extends through the plunger generally along a central axis of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Futoshi Kawamura, Masahiko Ochiai
  • Patent number: 6871802
    Abstract: A relatively low pressure inert gas hazard suppression system (20) is provided which is designed to protect a room (22) or the like from the effects of fire or other hazard. The system (20) includes a plurality of pressurized inert gas cylinders (24) each equipped with a valve unit (26); each valve unit (26) is in turn coupled via a conduit (28) to a delivery manifold (30). The respective valve units (26) are operable to deliver gas from the cylinders (24) at a generally constant pressure (usually around 10-100 bar) throughout a substantial portion of the time of gas delivery, to thereby provide effective hazard suppression without the need for expensive high-pressure gas handling and distribution hardware and a reduction in room venting area due to lower room over-pressurization. Each valve unit (26) has a valve body (48) and a shiftable piston-type sealing member (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Bradford T. Stilwell, Michael J. Keiter, Devang Narharilal Patel, Keith Leslie Goodall
  • Patent number: 6871836
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic valve for a variable discharge fuel supply apparatus with improved relief property and high-responsiveness, a small electromagnetic valve, reduced electric current consumption and increased responsiveness, wherein the valve seat has a valve seating surface present in a flat surface facing the direction of movement of the valve at substantially right angle, and the valve is provided with a flow path formed within the valve and a substantially ring-shaped flat landing surface that encircles the flow path within the valve and closes the flow path by coming into contact with the valve seating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Onishi, Kouichi Ojima
  • Patent number: 6866242
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a proportional valve which does not open or close by itself and is free of internal leakage. A valve element is formed integrally with a piston having a cross-sectional area equal to that of a valve hole constituting a valve seat, and a diaphragm having an outer peripheral portion secured to a body by a holder is disposed in contact with a pressure-receiving end face of the piston. The diaphragm is mounted in a displaced state such that when the valve element is seated on the valve seat, the pressure receiving area of the diaphragm is at a maximum and is equal to that of the valve element. Change in the pressure receiving area of the valve element corresponding to the lift amount thereof is canceled out by change in the pressure receiving area of the diaphragm corresponding to the amount of displacement thereof, thus preventing the valve from opening or closing by itself due to the difference between the pressure receiving areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: TGK Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisatoshi Hirota
  • Patent number: 6845962
    Abstract: A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow in a fluid circuit. The microvalve device comprises a body having a cavity formed therein. The body further has first and second pilot ports placed in fluid communication with the cavity. The body also has first and second primary ports placed in fluid communication with the cavity. Each port is adapted for connection with a designated fluid source. A pilot valve supported by the body is movably disposed in the cavity for opening and closing the first and second pilot ports. An actuator is operably coupled to the pilot valve for moving the pilot valve. A microvalve is positioned by the fluid controlled by the pilot valve. The microvalve is a slider valve having a first end and a second end. The slider valve is movably disposed in the cavity for movement between a first position and a second position. The first end of the slider valve is in fluid communication with the first and second pilot ports when the first and second pilot ports are open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Barron, Kirt R. Williams, E. Nelson Fuller, Harry A. Hunnicutt
  • Patent number: 6840498
    Abstract: A zero pressure electromagnetic server mainly includes an electromagnetic controlling valve stem. The valve stem has two sealing sides of the same area to seal respectively two valve openings. The valve stem has an axial flow opening to channel the positive pressure to the two sealing sides to generate a thrust force and a bucking force opposite to each other for offsetting. Thus the valve stem has no loading and a spring completely controls the closing of the valve. An electromagnetic coil is provided to control the opening size of the valve opening so that accurate conveying quantity may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Wen-Ya Chuang
  • Patent number: 6837477
    Abstract: A proportional pressure-regulator valve comprising a load-dependent control step and a method for the load-dependent regulation of a pressure level of a pressure medium with one proportional pressure-regulator valve. The load-dependent control step is obtained with a proportional magnet (1) having at least two gaps (10, 12) for regulating the magnetic force. The size of the gaps (10, 12) can be adjusted independently of each other. While a first gap (!2) is current-dependent regulated, the size of the second gap (10) can be regulated via a pressure force adaptable in proportion to a load requirement in the hydraulic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Karlheinz Mayr, Walter Kill, Thilo Schmidt, Gunter Philipp, Hubert Remmlinger
  • Patent number: 6832748
    Abstract: The valve includes a valve element with an internal longitudinal bore and cross-drilled orifices which, in combination with other orifices and restrictions, force balance the valve in an open configuration when attached to a pump assembly in a spilling mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Carroll, III, Donald J. Benson
  • Publication number: 20040251441
    Abstract: A valve (10) has a valve body (16) with a longitudinal bore (17), a valve dome (18) connected to the valve body (16), an armature (19) received longitudinally movably in the valve dome (18), and a tappet (36) for transmitting an armature motion to a closing member (40) of a seat valve (41). The tappet (36) is guided with slight radial play over the entire length of the longitudinal bore (17) of the valve body (16) and is provided on its jacket side with at least two separate conduits (37). A valve chamber (31) of the valve (10) that contains the seat valve (41) communicates fluidically with the valve dome (18) through the conduits (37). Residual air in the valve dome (18) can be positively displaced through the conduits (37).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Holger Schmitt, Massimiliano Ambrosi
  • Patent number: 6807943
    Abstract: A gasoline direct injection system of an engine has a high pressure pump with an output connected to a fuel rail that supplies a plurality of fuel injectors. A control valve is connected in parallel with the pump to maintain the fuel rail pressure at a consistent level as the fuel injectors open and close. A valve element engages and disengages a seat to control the flow of fuel through the control valve. The high pressure from the fuel supply rail acts on surfaces of the valve element which are designed to produce a force imbalance that serves to rapidly open the control valve. An electromagnetic actuator, that closes the control valve, has a low impedance coil and pole pieces made of soft magnetic composite material to minimize eddy currents that impede valve performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Husco International, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis L. VanWeelden, Kathryn I. Bacon, Michael Layne
  • Patent number: 6799746
    Abstract: An electromagnet having a hollow cylindrical coil former fitted with a coil winding and surrounded by a magnet housing. The coil former is bounded by upper and lower pole shoes. A nonmagnetic metal tube in the hollow cylinder of the magnet defines an armature space for a magnet armature that divides the armature space into first and second chambers, which are connected via a pressure equalizing channel in the magnet armature. A push rod passes through an axial hole in the lower pole shoe, to a control piston of a hydraulic valve, whose interior is connected via a further pressure equalizing channel in the lower pole shoe to the first chamber of the armature space. The push rod is a profiled rod contacting the magnet armature, the rod is of a cross-sectional shape different than that of the axial hole in the lower pole shoe and of a cross-sectional area less than that of the axial hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Jens Schäfer
  • Patent number: 6792975
    Abstract: A solenoid control valve having a spool valve disposed within a valve body and an enlarged diameter, axially sealing land. An upper surface of the sealing land seats against an upper valve stop when the spool valve is in a first sealing position and a lower surface of the sealing land seats against a lower valve stop when the spool valve in a second sealing position, to provide sealing pressure in an axial direction relative to the movement of the spool valve. The control valve includes an actuating portion having a coil and an armature. The armature is in direct contact with the spool valve, preferably through a stem that extends through the upper valve stop. When the coil is not energized, a valve spring biases the spool valve to seat against the upper valve stop so that a source pressure is provided at a control port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Erickson, Richard E. Jungwirth