Having Means To Produce Proportional Flow Patents (Class 251/129.08)
  • Publication number: 20090145501
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated piston slide valve (1) with proportional characteristic comprises an axially movable piston (5) for closing radial passage openings (7). So as to change, with a cross-sectional area of the fluid passage openings (7) given by the magnetic drive, a parabolic course of the pressure loss at an increasing flow rate into a largely linear to degressive course, there is provided a pressure-sensing bore (9), which connects the fluid entrance side, at which pressure P1 is present, with the fluid exit side, at which pressure P2 is present. In the pressure-sensing bore (9) is axially displaceably disposed a pressure-sensing pin (10) and pushes, when pressure P1 is greater than pressure P2, the slide piston (5) into its open position. Thereby the free cross-sectional area of the fluid passage openings (7) increases, and the pressure loss ?P=P1?P2 decreases correspondingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: RAUSCH & PAUSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Bernd Kiessling, Werner Doehla
  • Patent number: 7503342
    Abstract: A proportional directional control valve having a linearly movable valve element, a magnetic assembly operatively connected to the valve element where the magnetic assembly provides a magnetic field responsive to the linear motion of the valve element, a linear Hall-effect sensor assembly configured to generate an electrical signal responsive to a change in the magnetic field, and a control system that controls the linear movement of the valve element in response to a comparison of the electrical signal and a command electrical input signal. The magnetic assembly includes a non-magnetic housing defining an axial passageway, first and second magnets disposed in the passageway, first and second magnetic pole pieces disposed be in the passageway between the first and second magnets, and a non-magnetic spacer disposed in the passageway between the first and second magnets and between the first and second magnetic pole pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Continental Hydraulics
    Inventors: Travis Raymond Piehl, Kermit Anthony Wold
  • Patent number: 7503115
    Abstract: An electromagnetic hydraulic valve (1), which including an electromagnet (2) with an armature (3) and of a valve housing (4) with an axial bore (5) and a piston valve (6) located therein is provided. The valve housing (4) includes several annular grooves (8, 9, 10) in which several radial openings (11, 12, 13) are located, which open into the axial bore (5), through which the hydraulic valve (1) has a fluid connection with a pressure connection (P), a tank connection (T) and two consumer connections (A, B). The piston valve (6) is acted upon by the armature (3) of electromagnet (2) and includes two ring-shaped control sections (14, 15), which connect alternatively the pressure connection (P) and the tank connection (T) with one of the consumer connections (A, B) through axial movement of piston valve (6). According to the invention, the radial openings (11, 12, 13) in valve housing (4) are provided as windows having a rectangular cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Klaus Daut, Eduard Golovatai-Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20090050829
    Abstract: A dual poppet low leak variable bleed solenoid valve, including a solenoid portion with an adjustable end cap disposed through the solenoid. Exhaust ports are disposed about the end cap. A hydraulic portion has a valve housing that is connectable to the solenoid portion. The hydraulic portion has a control volume formed within, and a supply port is connected through the valve housing. A valve shaft is slidably disposed through the solenoid portion and extends longitudinally into the hydraulic portion. A first end of the valve shaft terminates in the solenoid portion forming a primary valve, and a second end of the valve shaft terminates in the hydraulic portion forming a secondary valve. The valve shaft further has a hollow channel disposed through the valve shaft to allow the passage of a fluid medium between the first end and second end of the valve shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: BrogWarner Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Haynes, Michael E. Jones
  • Patent number: 7483779
    Abstract: Method for the adjustment of a control current of current-controlled, hysteresis-affected hydraulic valves for the actuation of individual hydraulic functions of industrial trucks, the control current being generated in an electronic control device according to a manually pre-set transmitter signal, characterised by the following steps for each hydraulic function which is controlled by a hydraulic valve, an average characteristic line I=f(Q) is determined by experiments or via calculation, in which I is the control current and Q is the volume flux of the hydraulic medium flowing through the hydraulic valve, the specific characteristic line I.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uwe Allerding, Matthias Düwel, Thomas Stolten
  • Patent number: 7458395
    Abstract: A dual poppet low leak variable bleed solenoid valve, including a solenoid portion with an adjustable end cap disposed through the solenoid. Exhaust ports are disposed about the end cap. A hydraulic portion has a valve housing that is connectable to the solenoid portion. The hydraulic portion has a control volume formed within, and a supply port is connected through the valve housing. A valve shaft is slidably disposed through the solenoid portion and extends longitudinally into the hydraulic portion. A first end of the valve shaft terminates in the solenoid portion forming a primary valve, and a second end of the valve shaft terminates in the hydraulic portion forming a secondary valve. The valve shaft further has a hollow channel disposed through the valve shaft to allow the passage of a fluid medium between the first end and second end of the valve shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Haynes, Michael E. Jones
  • Patent number: 7438858
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly for liquid droplets that includes a dispenser connected to a liquid carrying pipe which in turn is connected to a source of pressurized liquid. The dispenser has an elongated body member having a main bore connected to the liquid carrying pipe. At the other end, the main bore has a valve seat that is connected to a nozzle having a nozzle bore terminating in a dispensing tip. An elongated valve boss of ferromagnetic material covered with a soft polymer is mounted in the main bore and has a cross-sectional area less than that of the main bore. A separate valve boss actuating coil assembly has upper and lower coils that are separate from the main body that can be unplugged from both coils and from the liquid carrying pipe. As such, the main body can be a disposable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: The Provost Fellows and Scholars of the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin
    Inventors: Igor Shvets, Sergei Makarov, Juergen Osing
  • Patent number: 7438276
    Abstract: In a pressure increase control valve, the size of a gap G between a plunger and a guide is 0.2 mm or greater, or a ratio between a diameter of a restriction and a seat diameter ds is 0.9 or less. Setting the size of the gap between the plunger and the guide to 0.2 mm or greater can decrease variations in an electromagnetic force with respect to a stroke of a valve body. In addition, setting the ratio between the diameter do of the restriction and the seat diameter to 0.9 or less can increase variations in a fluid force with respect to the stroke of the valve body. Therefore, it is easier to achieve a relationship between the electromagnetic force and a resistance force that is required in order to enable linear control of a differential pressure amount generated between upstream and downstream flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yoshikawa, Yozo Majima
  • Patent number: 7389968
    Abstract: In a proportional solenoid valve control device, a mode selecting switch has an auto-mode position for sending a control signal from a level converting section to a driving signal amplifying section, a valve fully-closing manual position for supplying a valve fully-closing signal to the driving signal amplifying section, and a valve fully-opening manual position for supplying a valve fully-opening signal to the driving signal amplifying section. With the mode selecting switch set at the valve fully-closing manual position, a value of the valve fully-closing driving signal can be adjusted. With the mode selecting switch set at the valve fully-opening manual position, a value of the valve fully-opening driving signal can be adjusted. This makes it possible to easily perform an initial setting operation of the proportional solenoid valve by a valve controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventors: Takemi Katoh, Kazumi Makita
  • Publication number: 20080116406
    Abstract: A flow control valve includes an inlet and an outlet through which fluid enters and exits the valve. A valve plunger has a guide spring attached thereto, such that the guide spring is situated between the plunger and a valve orifice. The plunger, and thus the guide spring, is movable relative to the orifice to control fluid flow through the valve. The guide spring and the orifice surface adjacent the guide spring define coplanar surfaces that seal against each other when the valve is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Walter Dennis Robertson III, Thomas John McNichols, Stephen R. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20080042088
    Abstract: A solenoid proportional control valve that is capable of controlling a large flow rate and easy to manufacture is provided. The proportional solenoid valve comprises a main orifice 4 that is formed between an inlet portion 1 and an outlet portion 2 of the valve, such that a main valve head 5f, which is partially supported by the bellows 5a, is abutted against the main orifice 4, so as to be capable of adjusting a degree of opening of the main orifice 4a. An interior of the bellows communicates with the fluid outlet portion 2 of the valve. An accommodating chamber 6b is provided outside the bellows 5a, such that the accommodating chamber 6b and the inlet portion 1 of the valve are communicated by a first fixed orifice 6a. Further, the accommodating chamber 6b is provided with a secondary orifice 5e that communicates with the outlet portion 2 of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Isao Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7255100
    Abstract: An electronically activated gas cooktop control system, responsive to a touch-sensitive user interface, and capable of providing a predetermined range of cooking and simmer levels of BTU output, has two complementary heating modes of operation A first heating mode of operation is provided to produce a wide selection of simmer levels of BTU output, by electronically sequencing a solenoid-operated modulating gas valve “on” and “off”, at a predetermined level of flame. A second cooking mode of operation is provided by electronically modulating the level of flame, through use of a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) output signal to produce a wide selection of cooking levels of BTU output. An igniter system capable of insuring proper ignition of gas without generating harmful electromagnetic interference is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: CompuValve LLC
    Inventors: Pierre P. Repper, Alan B. Shute, Christa B. Shute, Suzanne J. Shute, Allen L. Olson, Feng Zhou
  • Patent number: 7192005
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a solenoid-operated pressure regulator valve to achieve high compliance with respect to a commanded current in accordance with a precalibrated transfer function. A dither frequency imposed on applied current is changed at precalibrated regulated pressure values to avoid dynamic instability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Denyer, Bud Burkhart, Jacob Povirk, Stephen Siatczynski, Hrudaya Mahapatro, Robert Pavlik
  • Patent number: 7137613
    Abstract: A fuel valve for use in regulating the pattern factor of a gas turbine has a highly accurate pressure balanced clevis valve assembly. The clevis valve is pivotally mounted inside the valve housing by a flexure pivot, and has a pair of legs at each side of a valve body that control flow through pairs of flow orifices. An armature mounts to the clevis valve, and when energized, an electromagnet inside the valve housing generates magnetic flux that moves the armature to pivot the clevis valve to open or closed the orifices. The clevis valve is inherently balanced and can meter fuel through multiple orifices simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Jansen's Aircraft Systems Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey B. Jansen
  • Patent number: 7128084
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a self-cleaning valve assembly. The valve is adapted to cycle and thereby clean the valve assembly in response to one or more predefined parameters which are programmed into a programmable controller. The valve is additionally configured to cycle according to one or more of several different methods which have been shown to efficiently clean the valve assembly. In this manner, the valve assembly is automatically cleaned improving the efficiency thereof and eliminating stuck valve warranty returns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Phillip F. Mc Cauley, Scott E. Mundy
  • 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: 7070161
    Abstract: The invention provides a proportional directional control valve having a valve operating mechanism that permits communication between a first and a second channel through a linear motion of a valve element of the valve operating mechanism, a magnetic assembly operatively connected to the valve element where the magnetic assembly provides a magnetic field responsive to the linear motion of the valve element, a linear Hall-effect sensor assembly configured to generate an electrical signal responsive to a change in the magnetic field, and a control system that controls the linear movement of the valve element in response to a comparison of the electrical signal and a command electrical input signal. The valve operating mechanism includes a valve assembly configured with a chamber housing the valve element. The linear motion of the valve element within the chamber allows fluid to be selectively conveyed through channels of the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Continental Hydraulics
    Inventors: Travis Raymond Piehl, Kermit Anthony Wold
  • Patent number: 7070162
    Abstract: A valve actuating apparatus for control of fluid flow that has a housing having a valve body with a first port and a second port that extend through the housing. In one embodiment the valve actuating apparatus also has a toggle valve assembly that includes an armature, at least one sealing surface connected to the armature, and a spring biasing the armature to a first position where the sealing surface closes the first port. The valve actuating apparatus further includes a solenoid assembly with an electromagnetic coil and a pole piece having a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is shorter than the second, and the first leg and the armature define an air gap when the armature is in the first position. The electromagnetic coil creates a magnetic field in the pole piece when it is electrically energized to attract the armature toward the first leg to a second position where the air gap is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: South Bend Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Dzialakiewicz, Donald Sack, Peter G Hutchings
  • Patent number: 7066446
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve arrangement with a first and a second working connection, both working connections being connectable with a hydraulic consumer, a supply connection having a pressure connection and a tank connection, a first valve, which closes the pressure connection or connects it in a controlled manner with the first working connection or the second working connection, a second valve, which closes the tank connection or connects it in a controlled manner with the first or the second working connection, and a control device, which controls the first valve and the second valve. It is endeavored to enable a simple manner of exact controlling the consumer. For this purpose, at least one valve is provided with an opening degree sensor, which is connected with the control device, the control device controlling the valve arrangement in dependence of the signal from the opening degree sensor and a specified signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss ApS
    Inventor: Brian Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7055798
    Abstract: A proportional solenoid control valve comprises a flat square spring which is wide in maintaining width with respect to displacement of a spring having a greater spring constant, so that accurate control of fluid is realized. The flat square spring has four tubs and is supported with respect to a step face with outer peripheral section thereof. The valve further comprises a sealing mechanism loaded with rubber resilience compensates instability of armature construction and resilient sealing section. The spring constant of the flat square spring is improved by strengthening the magnetic force, thus hysteresis can be made to be smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Kojima Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Osamu Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7036788
    Abstract: A proportionally adjustable pressure limiting valve wherein a valve cone may be actuated via an armature of a proportional solenoid. The valve cone is cardanically supported in the armature. Additional guidance of the valve cone is effected through the intermediary of a housing-side guide, wherein the play between valve cone and housing-side guide is designed to be less than the play between valve cone and armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Konrad Schneider, Thomas Muller
  • Patent number: 6994313
    Abstract: A pressure control valve includes a shaft hole formed through a wall surrounding a pressure detecting chamber of a body, the shaft hole being provided with a valve port, a communication shaft inserted through the shaft hole and having an end protruding from the valve port and provided with a valve element, a biasing unit, a branch hole, a sealing member, a pressure sensing cylindrical member, a diaphragm mounted on the open end of the pressure sensing cylindrical member, a terminal wall formed on the body so as to be opposed to the diaphragm, and a stretching member stretched between the diaphragm and the terminal wall, the stretching member being subjected to a spring force the diaphragm receives when the fluid pressure is in the pressure detecting chamber is lower than the predetermined reference pressure, thereby moving the valve element to the opening side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Pacific Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoru Okada
  • Patent number: 6976667
    Abstract: A coupling unit provides a coupling between a valve element of an opening-closing valve and a moving element of an electromagnetic actuator so as to enable mutual movement of the two elements relative to each other within a predetermined restricted range. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an opening-closing valve driving apparatus that can reduce power consumption of the electromagnetic actuator and is excellent in responsivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Mikuni Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuo Muraji
  • Patent number: 6957663
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a solenoid control valve simple in construction and low in cost, realized by reducing the number of component parts, eliminating screw-joined portions, and minimizing the use of rubber O rings. A valve hole of a pilot valve, a hole of a bearing for supporting one end of a shaft of a solenoid, and a fitting hole in which is fitted one end of a sleeve, are formed along the same axis in a body. This makes it possible to accurately establish the concentricity of movable components of the solenoid when the sleeve is fitted in the fitting hole, and hence, a pilot valve element can be integrally formed with the shaft. Set values for a main valve and the pilot valve are adjusted by adjusting the amounts of insertions of a press-fit member and a bearing by press-fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: TGK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisatoshi Hirota, Yuusuke Inoue, Toshiyuki Shiota, Tokumi Tsugawa
  • Patent number: 6957656
    Abstract: In a proportional solenoid valve, a cylindrical valve seat member includes an input/output-side passage provided between an input port and a drain port and between an output port and the drain port, a seat portion provided in an end portion of the input/output-side passage, and a drain-side passage provided between the seat portion and the drain port. The drain-side passage is formed by exhaust passage holes whose number is an even number equal to four or more and which are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the valve seat member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigenobu Tochiyama, Yoshihiko Onishi, Shigeki Uno, Kenji Nakao
  • Patent number: 6953183
    Abstract: In a proportional solenoid valve, a solenoid main body includes a coil, a valve seat member having a seat portion, a valve element that is displaced in accordance with a current applied to the coil so as to be brought into and out of contact with the seat portion, and a valve guide portion that is arranged coaxially with the seat portion and guides the displacement of the valve element. The housing is attached to the solenoid main body so that a space is formed between the housing and the valve seat member. A seal member made of an elastic material is provided in the space between the housing and the valve seat member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuya Uryu, Yuta Ichinose, Yoshihiko Onishi, Kenji Nakao
  • Patent number: 6938875
    Abstract: In a proportional solenoid valve, a valve drive portion that includes a coil, a core that is excited by application of a current to the coil, a plunger that is displaced by a magnetic attraction force generated by the excited core, and a spring that biases the plunger in a direction in which a distance to the core is increased. The spring is set so that a space is maintained between the plunger and an attraction surface of the core when the spring is fully compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuta Ichinose, Yoshihiko Onishi, Kenji Nakao
  • 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: 6928967
    Abstract: An electromagnetic hydraulic valve (1), which including an electromagnet (2) with an armature (3) and of a valve housing (4) with an axial bore (5) and a piston valve (6) located therein is provided. The valve housing (4) includes several annular grooves (8, 9, 10) in which several radial openings (11, 12, 13) are located, which open into the axial bore (5), through which the hydraulic valve (1) has a fluid connection with a pressure connection (P), a tank connection (T) and two consumer connections (A, B). The piston valve (6) is acted upon by the armature (3) of electromagnet (2) and includes two ring-shaped control sections (14, 15), which connect alternatively the pressure connection (P) and the tank connection (T) with one of the consumer connections (A, B) through axial movement of piston valve (6). According to the invention, the radial openings (11, 12, 13) in valve housing (4) are provided as windows having a rectangular cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Klaus Daut, Eduard Golovatai-Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6918569
    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: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Jansen's Aircraft Systems Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey B. Jansen
  • Patent number: 6901959
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a housing that establishes a supply port, a control port, and an exhaust port. A fluted bushing is statically affixed within the housing and a poppet slides within the bushing. The poppet is movable between a de-energized configuration wherein flow is prohibited between the control port and the exhaust port, and permitted between the control port and the supply port, plural partially energized configurations wherein flow is permitted between the supply port and the control port, between the control port and the exhaust port, and between the exhaust port and the supply port, and a fully energized configuration wherein flow is prohibited between the control port and the supply port and flow is permitted between the control port and the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Santos Burrola, Alejandro Moreno
  • 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: 6880798
    Abstract: A gas valve for controlling the flow of gas to a burner. An actuator controls the flow of gas through the valve. A stepper motor operates the actuator. A first temperature sensor senses temperature of gas entering the valve. A second temperature sensor senses temperature of gas leaving the valve. A controller controls the stepper motor in response to the sensed temperatures. This gas valve provides universal single-stage, multi-stage and modulating gas flow control for appliances and furnaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Meyer, David L. Hart
  • 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: 6832631
    Abstract: In a proportional valve assembly, particularly for supplying compressed air on a glassware molding machine, a tubular body, having an axis and air inlet and outlet ports, houses a slide member which is slid axially along the axis, to open and close the inlet and outlet ports, by a linear actuator, on the one hand, and, on the other, by the reaction exerted by an elastic body and the compressed air; the elastic body being spaced apart from the slide member and connected to the slide member by a relatively moving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Bottero S.p.A.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Armando, Gianclaudio Borsarelli, Carlo Sesia, Bruno Viada
  • Patent number: 6833779
    Abstract: A proportional solenoid valve for a high-pressure diesel pump of a motor vehicle has a housing and a solenoid with an armature movable in the housing. A bushing is provided, and a piston is arranged in the bushing. The armature acts on the piston for moving the piston in the bushing as a function of a current supply to the solenoid. At least one component is positioned between the bushing and the housing and is deformable in an axial direction of the piston so as to allow an exact adjustment of the position of the piston relative to the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Trzmiel, Rolf Neuhaus, Friedrich Zapf
  • Publication number: 20040206923
    Abstract: In a proportional solenoid valve, a solenoid main body includes a coil, a valve seat member having a seat portion, a valve element that is displaced in accordance with a current applied to the coil so as to be brought into and out of contact with the seat portion, and a valve guide portion that is arranged coaxially with the seat portion and guides the displacement of the valve element. The housing is attached to the solenoid main body so that a space is formed between the housing and the valve seat member. A seal member made of an elastic material is provided in the space between the housing and the valve seat member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuya Uryu, Yuta Ichinose, Yoshihiko Onishi, Kenji Nakao
  • Publication number: 20040183042
    Abstract: A valve (1) for supplying fuel gas to a fuel gas appliance comprises a valve housing (2) which defines a valve chamber (3) within which a main carrier member (20) is axially moveable along a main central axis (4). The main carrier (20) carries a primary valving member (21) and a secondary valving member (22) for co-operating respectively with a primary valve seat (10) and a secondary valve seat (15) for controlling the flow rate of the fuel gas through the valve chamber (3) from a fluid inlet (5) to a main fluid outlet (6). A pilot fluid outlet (7) supplies fuel gas to a pilot jet. A stepper motor (35) comprising a rotor (70) and four independently powered magnetic coils (67) disposed at 90° intervals around the rotor (70) urges the main carrier (20) between a fully open and a closed position in the direction of the arrows B and A, respectively through a screw-drive transmission (37).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Gianmario Invernizzi
  • Patent number: 6783110
    Abstract: To provide a small-sized and low-cost proportional solenoid valve which is capable of controlling a bidirectional fluid flow. A core is fixed in a pipe, and a hollow shaft having an extreme end thereof closed by a valve seat and a portion adjacent thereto formed with valve holes is fixed in the core. Within the pipe, there are arranged a hollow cylindrical valve element axially movable using the shaft as a guide and urged in a direction away from the core by a spring, for opening and closing the valve holes, and a plunger, while outside the pipe, there is arranged a solenoid coil. The proportional solenoid valve has a body formed by the pipe, and the component parts for opening and closing the valve are arranged within the pipe, so that it is possible to reduce the size of the proportional solenoid valve, the number of component parts, and machining costs and material costs, which contributes to reduction of costs of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: TGK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisatoshi Hirota, Tokumi Tsugawa, Katsumi Koyama, Toshiyuki Shiota, Yuusuke Inoue
  • Patent number: 6776395
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuatable proportional valve (10) includes a valve part (14) with an actuator that controls pressure fluid connections, an actuator solenoid (12), and with a set of control electronics (16), controls the activation of the coil. The control electronics (16) are flanged mounted onto the actuator solenoid (12) or the valve part (14) and is thereby exposed to mechanical and/or hydro-mechanical vibrations. In order to vibrationally decouple the control electronics (16) from the valve part (14) and/or the actuator solenoid (12) at least one vibration-damping means in the form of a damping plate (18) between these components and the control electronics (16) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventor: Dietmar Meier
  • Patent number: 6745665
    Abstract: In a solenoid-controlled valve assembly a biasing means (21) is adapted to apply a resisting force to a spool (22) in a direction opposite to the direction substantially of a force applied by an armature (14), and engagement between at least one of the spool and the biasing means and the spool and the armature is through an engagement means defining a single point of contact. The spool (22) may be provided with at least one land adapted to connect and disconnect two flow passages (6, 8), and the first ends of the two passages are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the axis of the bore by a smaller distance than the spacing between the second ends of the passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Limited
    Inventor: Robert Alan Anderson
  • Patent number: 6736094
    Abstract: A method that uses a dither signal for reducing hysteresis effect in a variable cam timing system is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a dither signal having at least two switchable frequencies; b) determining the frequency characteristics of an engine speed; c) determining at least one frequency beating point in relation to a neighborhood of an engine crank RPM values; and d) changing the dither signal frequency when the engine is operating within the neighborhood of the engine crank RPM values. Thereby frequency beating effect is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Borgwarner Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Ekdahl, Danny R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6725877
    Abstract: The solenoid valve comprises a duct having an inlet opening and an outlet opening through which the fluid can pass substantially without changing direction, a valve seat within the duct, a closure member movable between a closure position and a fully-open position, and electromagnetic means for acting on the closure member in order to move it to any position between the closure position and the open position in dependence on an electrical control quantity. The electromagnet means comprise a core of ferromagnetic material, fixed firmly to the closure member and movable substantially along the same axis as the fluid, and a solenoid for generating a force on the ferromagnetic core along the same axis. A second closure member, movable along the same axis, may be provided in order to provide a solenoid valve with a double seal. The solenoid valve described is less bulky and expensive than known solenoid valves because it does not require a metal housing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Brahma S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Liorati, Daniele Zaupa, Bruno Giordano
  • Patent number: 6725876
    Abstract: A compact fuel control valve is presented where a hydraulic manifold is used as both a valve bonnet and an actuator seat for the valve actuator. The valve body has a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet and a metering plug opening. A metering plug guide mounted within the metering plug opening and attached to the hydraulic manifold forms a thermal barrier between the valve body and the hydraulic manifold to protect lower temperature components from high temperature gaseous fluids. A valve metering plug is directly coupled to the valve actuator piston. The hydraulic manifold maintains barriers between the hydraulics and the gaseous fuel with redundant seals and leakage paths. An intermediate vent within the hydraulic manifold routed to atmosphere further maintains physical separation of the gas and hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Gary M. Bowman, Wade A. Burdick
  • Patent number: 6713021
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly for liquid droplets that includes a dispenser connected to a liquid carrying pipe which in turn is connected to a source of pressurized liquid. The dispenser has an elongated body member having a main bore connected to the liquid carrying pipe. At the other end, the main bore has a valve seat that is connected to a nozzle having a nozzle bore terminating in a dispensing tip. A valve boss of ferromagnetic material covered with a soft polymer is mounted in the main bore and has a cross-sectional area less than that of the main bore. A separate valve boss actuating coil assembly has upper and lower coils that are separate from the main body that can be unplugged from both coils and from the liquid carrying pipe. As such, the main body can be a disposable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: The Provost, Fellows and Scholars of the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth Near Dublin
    Inventors: Igor Shvets, Sergei Makarov, Juergen Osing
  • Patent number: 6705589
    Abstract: The valve (10) has a seat valve (27) comprising a hollow cone-shaped valve seat (24) and an hemispherical shutoff element (26). An afflux bore (23) having contact with a pressure-medium inlet (19) discharges centrically into the valve seat (24). A solenoid armature (30) acting upon the seat valve (27) in opening fashion grips a push rod (25) comprising the shutoff element (26). The solenoid armature cooperates with a pole body (42) according to the flat-type armature principle. A preloaded return spring (39) acting on the seat valve (27) in closing fashion is arranged between the pole body (42) and the solenoid armature (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Hofmann, Hans-Friedrich Schwarz, Gerhard Hahl, Valentin Schubitschew
  • Publication number: 20040046140
    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: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: TGK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hisatoshi Hirota
  • Patent number: 6694859
    Abstract: A single stage, electrically controlled variable pressure relief valve assembly is provided that uses a valving element assembly slideably disposed within a housing having first and second inlet and outlet ports, the valving element assembly has a differential area defined thereon which acts in cooperation with an electrically controlled coil assembly to proportionally control the flow of fluid between the inlet port and an outlet ports of the housing. The valving element assembly has inlet and outlet ports that are oriented generally perpendicular to the flow of the fluid through the valving element assembly to effectively offset the effects of flow forces acting on the valving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: David P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6692396
    Abstract: A differential assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a differential case rotatably supported in an axle housing, opposite output shafts drivingly connected to the differential case, a friction clutch pack for controlling the differential action, and a hydraulic clutch actuator for selectively fictionally loading the clutch pack. The hydraulic clutch actuator includes a variable pressure relief valve assembly to selectively control the friction clutch pack. The variable pressure relief valve assembly includes a valve closure member, a valve seat complementary to the valve closure member, and an electro-magnetic actuator for engaging the valve closure member and urging thereof against the valve seat with an axial force determined by a magnitude of an electric current supplied to the electro-magnetic actuator so as to selectively vary a release pressure of the pressure relief valve assembly based on the magnitude of the electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Grogg, Jeremy J. Wudy, Jun Yoshioka, Martin Kaplan
  • Patent number: 6669909
    Abstract: A dispenser (1) for liquid droplets of the order of 30 &mgr;l or less in volume. The dispenser (1) comprises a metering valve body (2) having a main bore (3) connected by a pipe (4) to a pressurised liquid delivery source (not shown). The body (2) comprises a base (5) from which is mounted a nozzle (6) projecting above the base (5) to form a valve seat (7). An actuating coil assembly (11) is mounted on the exterior of the body (2) for moving a floating valve boss (15) of a ferromagnetic material. Sensing coils (20, 21) are mounted around and spaced-apart along the body (2) forming part of a valve boss detector. The valve boss detector acts as a positional movement detector so that the opening and closing of the valve can be accurately controlled and bouncing of the valve boss (15) either against an end stop (9) or on the valve seat (7) can be greatly minimized, if not prevented fully, by careful operation of the actuating coil assembly (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Allegro Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Igor Shvets, Sergei Makarov, Alexander Shvets, Juergen Osing