Freely Rotatable Ball Valve Patents (Class 251/129.14)
  • Patent number: 6899314
    Abstract: A bistable electromagnetic valve is proposed, which is to be used in refrigerant circuits. The valve can be produced at particularly low outlay and at the same time is reliably leaktight. This is achieved, according to the invention, in that the valve chamber (7) is formed within a control coil (3) by a cylindrical tubular body (2) which extends at least beyond the pole pieces (5, 6) inserted into the cylindrical tubular body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Hubert Ott
  • Patent number: 6880570
    Abstract: A linear three-port actuation valve for a vehicle has a valve seat member that is engaged with a valve body to a location that establishes a desired poppet stroke. The valve body defines a lower seat and the valve seat member defines an upper seat, and a poppet slides within the member to selectively block the lower seat. When the lower seat is not blocked the upper seat is blocked by a ball positioned against the poppet, and vice-versa. Accordingly, the valve seat member aligns the poppet with the lower seat, it aligns the ball with the upper seat, it directs fluid through the upper seat to a control port, and it establishes the desired stroke of the poppet, reducing the number of components and simplifying assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro Moreno, Conrado Carrillo
  • Patent number: 6877526
    Abstract: A magnetic actuator includes a spool surrounded by a coil, a primary plate disposed at a first end of the spool, and a secondary plate disposed at a second end opposite the first end. A plunger is slidably disposed within respective annular portions defined by the spool and the secondary plate and surrounded by the coil energizable to urge the plunger toward the primary plate. A first spring biases a ball against a supply valve seat configured in either the primary plate or a valve seat assembly, while a rod having a first portion is in operable communication with the plunger and a second portion is in contact with the ball opposite the first spring. A second spring biases the plunger and rod toward an exhaust valve seat configured in either the primary plate or valve seat assembly, opposite the supply valve seat, wherein the supply exhaust valve seats are in fluid communication with each other via a bore therebetween connecting the supply exhaust valve seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Santos Burrola, Alejandro Moreno
  • Patent number: 6874751
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve (100) which can ensure a predetermined response behavior while sustaining a desired control performance with operation noise being suppressed even after operation over an extended time includes a plunger assembly (15) having a plunger (7), a coil (2) for driving the plunger (7), a fixed core (4) disposed in a direction in which the plunger (7) is displaced for attracting the plunger assembly (15) to a retracted position upon electrical energization of the coil (2) to thereby hold the plunger at that position, a resilient member (8) disposed, being compressed, between the plunger (7) and the fixed core (4) to resiliently urge the plunger assembly (15) to an advanced position, and a spacer (9; 39) interposed between the plunger (7) and the fixed core (4). The spacer (9; 29; 39; 49) is provided with a protrusion (9a; 29a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouichi Ojima, Kenji Nakao, Hidehiro Soga
  • Patent number: 6866063
    Abstract: A low leak pressure control actuator for, e.g., controlling pressure in an automatic transmission system, includes a poppet and a check ball slidably disposed within a housing. The poppet and check ball are movable between a de-energized configuration, plural partially energized configurations, and a fully energized configuration. In the de-energized configuration, the poppet and check ball prohibit all flow to and from the supply port and permit flow between the control port and the exhaust port. In the partially energized configurations, the poppet and check ball permit flow to and from all of the ports, and incremental changes in the internal displacement of the poppet produce incremental changes in a control pressure. In the fully energized configuration flow, the poppet and check ball prohibit all flow to the exhaust port and permit fluid flow between the supply port and the control port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Miguel I. Avila
  • Patent number: 6860293
    Abstract: A variable pressure solenoid (VPS) control valve. The VPS control valve includes an hydraulic section and a magnetic section. The hydraulic section includes a movable valve that receives a pressurized fluid and generates a control pressure, and the magnetic section controls the operation of the movable valve. The movable valve includes an inlet ball valve for limiting the flow of pressurized fluid into the hydraulic section and an exhaust valve for limiting the exhaust of pressurized fluid out of the hydraulic section. The magnetic section includes a spring-biased armature, and an electromagnetic coil for generating a variable electromagnetic field in response to an electrical input signal for moving the spring biased armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Acutex, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Douglass, Paul Anders Christensen
  • Patent number: 6840499
    Abstract: A solenoid-controlled valve of an anti-lock brake system includes: a modulator block with inflow and outflow ports; an accommodating part connecting the ports including a valve sheet having a valve seat and an outflow cavity connected with the outflow port; a filter installed between the outflow cavity and the outflow port; a ball supporting part formed on a center of a housing in lengthwise direction; a spring supporting part formed on the ball supporting part; a compressing spring joined to the spring supporting part; a ball supported by an end terminal of the compressing spring; wherein the housing has a magnetic material and a coil body, and the ball opens and closes the valve seat due to the magnetic flux of the solenoid and force of the compressing spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-Ho Ahn
  • Publication number: 20040262557
    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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Conrado Carrillo, Viswanathan Subramanian
  • Publication number: 20040261863
    Abstract: A 3/2 normally closed module includes a main body, a housing and a magnetically energizable coil. The main body includes a bore, an armature and a rod. The housing includes first and second valve seats and is configured to receive a first and second ball. The housing also includes a first, a second and a third port. When the module is in an energized state, current flows through the coil, generating a magnetic field. The magnetic field forces the armature against the rod, which in turn, forces the first ball to engage the first valve seat. As the first ball engages the first valve seat, the first ball forces the second ball to disengage from the second valve seat. As a result, a fluid flow path is created between the first and second ports. When the module is in a de-energized state, a spring, disposed between the main body and the second ball, forces the second ball to engage with the second valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Alexis C. Weber
  • Patent number: 6834845
    Abstract: A solenoid valve valve part for controlling a fuel injector in a fuel injection system has a valve needle, the open and closed positions of which may be controlled by the solenoid valve valve part. The solenoid valve valve part has a valve ball which rests on a valve seat and which lifts up from the valve seat when current flows through the solenoid valve valve part. The valve seat is in hydraulic connection with the fuel injector via a borehole. When the valve ball lifts up from the valve seat, a pressure medium such as high-pressure fuel flows through the borehole into a pressure relief chamber in the solenoid valve valve part. In the further progression this causes the fuel injector to open. To prevent the formation of cavitation bubbles and the damage thus caused, the borehole includes, at least in part, one or more sections having a cross section which continuously expands in the direction of the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Finke, Tibor Bauer
  • Patent number: 6827102
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use with a solenoid having a plunger being actuatable from a first position to a second position, comprising: a housing, comprising a first port, a second port and a third port and a central opening being defined by a plurality of first channels, a plurality of second channels and a reduced opening disposed between the plurality of first channels and the plurality of second channels; a movable element disposed within the central opening, the movable element being moved when the plunger moves from the first position to the second position; wherein the first port is in fluid communication with the second port via the plurality of first channels when the plunger is in the first position; and wherein the first port is in fluid communication with the third port via the plurality of second channels, the reduced opening and the plurality of first channels when the plunger is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexis C. Weber
  • Publication number: 20040238775
    Abstract: A pulse width modulated solenoid control valve is described, wherein the valve includes a polymer fluid control body. The body includes a segmented fluid flow path for providing strength to the fluid control body assembly. Stand off ribs are provided to improve assembly into a control manifold. A casing forms an integral flux tube. A tapered push rod is used to reduce flux shorting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: David Mills, Ryan True, Aaron Biefer
  • Publication number: 20040227119
    Abstract: A solenoid control valve is described wherein the valve employs a precision molded plastic valve seat member, a corresponding control valve body which includes flying buttresses for supporting and distributing loads on the control valve body, and armature vent features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: David Mills, Scott Weber, Howard Saxon
  • Patent number: 6802489
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use colloidal particles to realize photonic and microfluidic devices. In particular embodiments, colloidal particles are used to realize microfluidic a two-way valve, three-way valve, check valve, three-dimensional valve, peristalsis pump, rotary pump, vane pump, and two-lobe gear pump. In certain embodiments, actuation of an active element in the microfluidic structure is accomplished by electrophoresis, the use of an optical trap or “tweezer”, or the application of an electric field or magnetic field. In other embodiments, the application of an electrical field to colloidal particles that are substantially constrained to two dimensional movement is used to realize wave guides, filters and switches for optical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Colorado School of Mines
    Inventors: David W. M. Marr, Tieying Gong, John Oakey, Alexander V. Terray
  • Patent number: 6767194
    Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic systems, including valves and pumps for microfluidic systems. The valves of the invention include check valves such as diaphragm valves and flap valves. Other valves of the invention include one-use valves. The pumps of the present invention include a reservoir and at least two check valves. The reservoir may be of variable volume. The present invention also relates to a flexible microfluidic system. The present invention additionally relates to a method of making microfluidic systems including those of the present invention. The method includes forming a microfluidic system on a master, connecting a support to the microfluidic system and removing the microfluidic system from the master. The support may remain connected to the microfluidic system or the microfluidic system may be transferred to another substrate. The present invention further relates to a method of manipulating a flow of a fluid in a microfluidic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Noo Li Jeon, Daniel T. Chiu, Christopher J. Wargo, Insung S. Choi, Hongkai Wu, Janelle R. Anderson, George M. Whitesides, Justin C. McDonald, Steven J. Metallo, Howard A. Stone
  • Patent number: 6758419
    Abstract: A fuel injector for fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine includes a solenoid coil, an armature acted upon in a closing direction by a return spring, and a valve-closure member frictionally connected to the armature. The valve-closure member, together with a valve-seat surface, forms a sealing seat, the armature striking with an armature stop face against a magnetic-pole surface of a magnet body. The armature stop face includes a first annular, inner edge zone that adjoins an inner edge and is inclined inwardly with respect to a plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the armature, and has a second annular, outside edge zone that adjoins an outer edge and is inclined outwardly with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Fevzi Yildirim, Michael Huebel, Christian Doering, Juergen Stein
  • Patent number: 6739576
    Abstract: A microfluidic flow control device includes a fluidic chamber, a first and a second microfluidic channel, at least one sealing surface between the first and the second channels, and a floating element disposed within the chamber. The floating element is capable of intermittently engaging the sealing surface, and movement of the floating element affects fluid flow between the first channel and the second channel. The floating element may be moved by fluid pressure, gravity, or an applied force such as a magnetic field. Multiple flow control regions may be integrated into a flow control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Eugene Dantsker, Adrian Hightower
  • Patent number: 6719006
    Abstract: The invention is based on an apparatus (10) for regulating the pressure in a hydraulic circuit that comprises an electrically triggerable pressure-control valve (12), a receptacle device (14) in which the pressure-control valve (12) is installed, and means (54, 64) for damping pressure pulsations. In order to save space, simplify the manufacture of the receptacle device (14), and save additional holding elements, it is proposed according to the invention that the means (54, 64) for damping pressure pulsations be designed as integral components of the pressure-control valve (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Fleischer, Werner Schmid, Christof Ott
  • Publication number: 20040056226
    Abstract: A pressure control valve for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle includes a valve unit (10) extruded from plastic, which is disposed coaxially to an actuator unit and serves for control of a fluid flow between a supply port (18) and a consumer port (16) and in which fluid channels (24, 26) and a valve chamber (30) are formed, in which a valve closing member is arranged. The fluid channels (24, 26) and the valve chamber (30) are formed on an injection-molded preform (22), which is injected into a flange (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Ralf Assmann
  • Patent number: 6708725
    Abstract: The invention concerns a valve, particularly a solenoid valve, with an inlet connection and an outlet connection, having between them a shut-off device with a valve seat and a closure member. In such a valve, it is endeavoured to obtain a small output with a simple design. For this purpose, the closure member has a closing element and a tappet separate from the closing element, the closing element being held in a guiding arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Richard Thomas Entwistle, Hardy Jepsen
  • Patent number: 6682046
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes, in part, a pipe, a fixed connector (fixed core), a movable core, a solenoid coil and a needle valve. In the fuel injection valve, a diameter of a fixed action surface of the fixed connector is made smaller than a movable action surface of the movable core. Therefore, magnetic flux around an outer circumferential portion is transmitted from the fixed action surface to the movable action surface substantially in a direction perpendicular to the movable action surface. Thus, an electromagnetic force acting therebetween is efficiently transformed to an attracting force for the movable core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Mimura, Masaaki Konishi, Hideo Kiuchi
  • Publication number: 20040011981
    Abstract: Disclosed is a solenoid controlled valve of an anti-lock brake system, which includes: a modulator block; an inflow port formed on the modulator block; an outflow port formed on the modulator block and running through the inflow port; an accommodating part formed in an interior of the modulator block, for connecting the outflow port and the inflow port; a valve sheet mounted in an interior of the accommodating part, and having an opening and closing cavity in its one side, having an opening in its other side; an outflow cavity formed on an outer periphery of the valve sheet, for being connected with the outflow port; a filter installed between the outflow cavity and the outflow port; a housing adhered to a lateral side of the filter and joined to an inside of the opening; a ball supporting part formed on a center of the housing in lengthwise direction; a spring supporting part formed on an outer cylindrical surface of the ball supporting part; a compressing spring joined to the spring supporting part; a ball
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS, CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dong-Ho Ahn
  • Patent number: 6679231
    Abstract: A fuel injector system according to the present invention has a housing (52) having a valve assembly (56) disposed therein. A solenoid (54) is also disposed within the housing (52). A valve assembly (56) is disposed between an inlet port (82) and an outlet port (80). The valve assembly has a valve seat (74) having an opening (84) therein. A drive pin (108) extends at least partially through valve opening (84). A stop (78) has a spring (86) thereon. A valve element (76) is urged against the valve opening (84) by spring (86). The drive pin is at least partially coated with a lubricating coating. In the preferred embodiment at least a concave surface (144) of drive pin (108) is coated. In addition, a concave surface (140) of stop (108) is also coated. In addition, spring seat (79) may also be coated with a lubricating coating as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Michael Kabat, Timothy J Potter, William Chris Vassell
  • Patent number: 6679475
    Abstract: A pressure control valve serves to regulate the fuel pressure in a fuel system. The pressure control valve includes a valve housing, at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and at least one prestressed, electrically actuatable, and at least regionally ball-shaped valve member. The valve member cooperates with a valve seat structurally connected to the housing. To make it possible to achieve stable closed- and/or open-loop control properties of the pressure control valve, it is proposed that the valve seat widen conically toward the valve member, and the ball diameter of the valve member is selected such that with the valve closed, the valve member touches the valve seat in the vicinity of its farther end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Rembold, Walter Teegen, Walter Lorch, Gerhard Wiltschek, Klaus Geistefeldt, Juergen Haller, Uwe Mueller, Harald Lang
  • Patent number: 6666231
    Abstract: The invention relates to a solenoid valve with an inlet connection and an outlet connection, having between them a blocking device with a valve seat, a closure member and an armature, which influences a position of the closure member in relation to the valve seat. It is endeavoured to make a valve with a simple embodiment and little wear. For this purpose, it is ensured that the armature is arranged in a housing, dividing it into two chambers, and that the armature has a movement stroke with several sections, one first section being in the form of an idle stroke, during which a connection between the two chambers is open and the position of the closure member in relation to the valve seat does not change, and a second section being in the form of an effective stroke, during which the connection between the two chambers is closed and the armature causes or permits a movement of the closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventor: Richard Thomas Entwistle
  • Patent number: 6619616
    Abstract: In a solenoid valve device, a housing has a stopper formed on an inner wall of a fluid passage around an axial end of an accommodation bore. A valve seat member fixed to an inner circumferential wall of the fluid passage has a through-hole causing an input port to communicate with a drain port, a communication bore causing the through-hole to communicate with an output port and first and second valve seats formed around both ends of the through-hole, respectively. A movable member has a contact portion accommodated in the fluid passage between the stopper and the second valve seat. A ball is arranged on an opposite side to the contact portion with respect to the valve seat member. When the movable member moves with a movable core, the contact portion resting at the stopper or the second valve seat defines reciprocating moving stroke of the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yuzuru Sudani, Taku Itoh
  • Patent number: 6598852
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a coil assembly accommodated in a solenoid housing having an end wall at one end thereof. A stationary core is magnetically coupled to the end wall and inserted into one end of a center bore, and a movable core opposed to the stationary core is inserted into the other end of the center bore. A yoke plate opposed to the other end of the coil assembly is coupled to the other end of the solenoid housing, and a collar made of a non-magnetic material adapted to guide the axial movement of the movable core is inserted into the other end of the center bore through a central portion of the yoke plate. A rod operatively connected to the movable core is connected to a valve member accommodated in a valve housing connected to the solenoid housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Tomoda, Akira Nagasaki, Masayuki Shibata, Shigeto Ryuen, Noboru Hino
  • Patent number: 6588857
    Abstract: A solenoid valve for brake systems is disclosed. This solenoid valve is preferably used as an outflow control NC-type solenoid valve mounted on the oil return line of an electro-hydraulic brake system (EHB). This solenoid valve comprises a hollow valve housing having a radial inlet passage, a plunger movably received in the bore of the valve housing so as to axially move in the bore in opposite directions, and a valve seat set in the bore of the valve housing, with an orifice axially formed in the valve seat such that the orifice is opened or closed by a control ball of the plunger. A radial oil port is formed on the sidewall of the valve seat so as to allow oil from the oil inlet passage of the valve housing to flow into the valve seat, and flow from the valve seat toward the plunger through the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Tae-Yeong Sim
  • Publication number: 20030116738
    Abstract: A microfluidic flow control device includes a fluidic chamber, a first and a second microfluidic channel, at least one sealing surface between the first and the second channels, and a floating element disposed within the chamber. The floating element is capable of intermittently engaging the sealing surface, and movement of the floating element affects fluid flow between the first channel and the second channel. The floating element may be moved by fluid pressure, gravity, or an applied force such as a magnetic field. Multiple flow control regions may be integrated into a flow control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Eugene Dantsker, Adrian Hightower
  • Publication number: 20030107013
    Abstract: A variable valve with an actuator that elongates upon application of an electrically-derived field. The valve includes an actuator comprising an actuator member made of a material that is elongated by an electrically-derived field. A coil surrounding the actuator member selectively applies an electrically-derived field to the actuator member. The valve further comprises a fluid flow path, an opening in the fluid flow path defining a flow area, and a closure member movable by the actuator member from a closed or more closed position in which it is restricting some or all of the flow area, to an open or more open position in which it is restricting less of the flow area, to selectively alter the fluid flow rate through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Alfred Pappo, Mary E. Parent, Andrew Sumberg, Anil Mavanur
  • Publication number: 20030089872
    Abstract: In a flow amount control device, column shaped valve element is slidably disposed in a cylindrical inner circumferential wall of a valve body. The valve element is provided along an outer circumference thereof with two ring shaped grooves. Fuel stored in the ring shaped grooves serves to form film of oil for lubrication in a sliding clearance between the valve element and the valve body so that frictional resistance therebetween is smaller and the valve element slides smoothly on the valve body. Accordingly, the device can control flow amount of fuel accurately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Katsunori Furuta, Hiroyuki Nishimura, Masashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6554591
    Abstract: A multilayer ceramic micropump including a monolithic ceramic package formed of a plurality of ceramic layers defining therein an integrated first ball check valve, and a second ball check valve in microfluidic communication with the first ball check valve, and an actuator characterized as actuating a pumping motion, thereby pumping fluids through the first ball check valve and the second ball check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Xunhu Dai, Anthony M. Pavio, Ross A. Miesem
  • Publication number: 20020113219
    Abstract: A pressure control valve serves to regulate the fuel pressure in a fuel system. The pressure control valve includes a valve housing, at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and at least one prestressed, electrically actuatable, and at least regionally ball-shaped valve member. The valve member cooperates with a valve seat structurally connected to the housing. To make it possible to achieve stable closed- and/or open-loop control properties of the pressure control valve, it is proposed that the valve seat widen conically toward the valve member, and the ball diameter of the valve member is selected such that with the valve closed, the valve member touches the valve seat in the vicinity of its farther end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Rembold, Walter Teegen, Walter Lorch, Gerhard Wiltschek, Klaus Geistefeldt, Juergen Haller, Uwe Mueller, Harald Lang
  • Patent number: 6435472
    Abstract: Proportional variable force solenoid valve for controlling the pressure of a fluid in a fluid control system comprises a solenoid housing having therein a solenoid coil, an armature movable in response to electrical current applied to the solenoid coil, and a biasing spring for biasing the armature in a direction to establish a valve fluid pressure response to solenoid coil current. An inner armature end cooperates with or engages a damping member residing in a fluid damping chamber to reduce non-linear valve responses resulting from pressure oscillations in the fluid control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Hamid Najmolhoda, David L. Seid, David A. Nezwek, John A. Cruden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6418967
    Abstract: Pressure regulating valve comprising a connection for a pressure line (P), a connection for a working line (A), a connection for an outlet line (T) communicating with the ambient pressure and at least two diaphragm stages with defined or definable drag, the two diaphragm stages being connected to each other in a variable manner and subject to mechanical or hydraulic action according to the principle of the hydraulic half bridge. The two variable diaphragm stages are provided as the inlet and outlet diaphragms of a pressure regulating chamber (7) and each has a sealing element, said sealing element (5) of the inlet diaphragm (3) is designed as ball, or calotte, ortruncated cone, or cylinder and/or the sealing element of the outlet diaphragm is designed as ball, or calotte, or truncated cone, or cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Walter Frei, Georg Gierer, Wolfgang Runge, Hubert Remmlinger, Karlheinz Mayr, Wolfgang Schmid, Thilo Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6408824
    Abstract: The device includes a solenoid valve having a supply conduit communicating with the delivery of the pump, a drain conduit, an electromagnet energizable to control an armature controlling a shutter, and reducing means for reducing disturbance in the delivery pressure of the pump when the electromagnet is energized. The reducing means include a chamber having a predetermined volume and located between the supply conduit and the drain conduit; and a fixed shield having an opening in which slides a small-diameter portion of the stem of the armature. The electromagnet is controlled by an electronic unit via a modulator for modulating the duty cycle of the control pulses, and via a circuit for selecting the frequency of the control pulses on the basis of an estimate of hydraulic disturbances depending on at least one operating parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Nicola Pacucci, Sisto Luigi De Matthaeis
  • Patent number: 6390117
    Abstract: A directional seat valve has a valve housing having a pressure connector for supplying pressure medium to the valve housing, a tank connector for returning pressure medium to a pressure medium tank, and a working connector for supplying pressure medium to a working device. The valve housing has a valve bore. Shaped parts with a valve seat are press-fit into the valve bore. A valve body in the valve bore controls together with the valve seats the pressure medium flow between the connectors. The seat valve is assembled by press-fitting the first shaped part with its valve seat into the valve bore, inserting the valve body into the valve bore, and press-fitting the second shaped part with its valve seat into the valve bore. The press-fit insertion depth of the first and second shaped parts in the valve bore is selected based on the position of the armature push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Zapf
  • Patent number: 6363920
    Abstract: An improved regulator valve 10 for controlling the purging of fuel vapors collected in a canister 12 and an evaporative emission control system into an intake system 18 of an internal combustion engine employs a solenoid valve assembly 40 with an armature 86 disposed outside of the coil 58 to operate with low friction. A spring 90 separating the armature 86 from the valve member 98 allows the spring 98 to absorb most of the magnetic and gravitational side loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Parker, John A. Ness, Andrew W. Westergaard, Roger L. Kennedy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6345803
    Abstract: The piezoelectric element laminate 20 which expands due to application of a voltage is disposed between a diaphragm valve 11 applied with elastic force in a valve opening direction and a valve spring mechanism 25, a distortion amount a of the piezoelectric element laminate 20 in expansion is set to be larger than an opening/closing stroke b of the diaphragm valve 11, and a spring seat 28 separates from a second stopper 30 due to a difference c between the distortion amount a and the opening/closing stroke b. As a result, when the piezoelectric element laminate 20 expands to seat the diaphragm valve 11 on a valve seat 10, the valve spring 29 is compressed and repulsing force of the valve spring 29 acts on the diaphragm valve 11 through the piezoelectric element laminate 20 and the diaphragm valve 11 is pressed against the valve seat 10 by the repulsing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Toyonobu Sakurai
  • Patent number: 6343621
    Abstract: A solenoid control valve (10) that includes an electromagnetic coil (30) positioned within a housing (16) and a spool valve (72) positioned within a central bore (70) of a valve body (20). An armature (40), including a pin element (44) and a check ball (45), is axially positioned within the coil (30) and an armature spring (52) biases the check ball (45) against an opening in the central bore (70) when the coil (30) is not energized. The spool valve (72) includes an internal chamber and a pair of sealing lands (98,100) that selectively seal a supply port (92) and a control port (94) within the valve body (20). A pole piece (26), including an annular flux shunt portion (62), is threadably engaged with the housing (16) to control a working air gap (60) between the pole piece (26) and the armature (40). The flux shunt portion (62) more radially directs the electromagnetic field lines to weaken the magnetic force as the armature (40) moves closer to the pole piece (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett Robert Holmes, Howard William Saxon
  • Patent number: 6336470
    Abstract: A directional seat valve has a valve housing having a pressure connector for supplying a pressure medium to the valve housing, a tank connector for returning the pressure medium to a pressure medium tank, and a working connector for supply the pressure medium to a working device. A valve bore is arranged in the valve housing, and the shaped parts each having a valve seat are press-fit into the valve bore. A valve body is arranged in the valve bore and cooperates with the valve seats for controlling flow of the pressure medium from the pressure connector to the tank connector and the working connector. When assembling the directional seat valve, the first shaped part with the first valve seat is press-fit into the valve bore and the press-fit insertion depth in the valve bore is selected based on the position of the armature push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Zapf
  • Patent number: 6328065
    Abstract: In a proposed electromagnetic pressure regulating valve (10, 10a), the functional characteristics of a pressure regulating valve are combined with those of a switching valve. The pressure regulating valve (10, 10a) can be used in particular to control automatic transmissions in motor vehicles and is characterized by reduced manufacturing costs, reduced leakage and an operating range which is expanded for reduced operating pressures and with a continuous characteristic line. For this purpose, the valve part (11, 11a) of the pressure regulating valve (10, 10a) has a first seat valve (45) with a closing element (34). This closing element (34) cooperates with an actuating element (35, 35a) which has a control edge (50) to form a second seat valve (49).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Schmid, Raymond Schuurman, Christof Ott
  • Publication number: 20010023930
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electromagnetic valve which includes a cylindrical fixed core, a spring which is mounted at a predetermined position within a hollow portion of the fixed core, a non-magnetic portion which is formed in the fixed core near the spring, and a valve seat member which is disposed at a position away from the predetermined position by a certain distance along a longitudinal axis of the fixed core. And, a movable core is disposed within the hollow portion of the fixed core between the valve seat member and the spring to be movable along the longitudinal axis of the fixed core. The movable core is provided with a stepped columnar portion having a small diameter section formed at its one end portion near the spring, and a large diameter section formed at its the other one end portion near the valve seat member, with a step formed at a boundary between the large diameter section and the small diameter section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Kobayashi, Tomohiko Funahashi, Yoshitada Katayama, Hideyuki Hayakawa, Atsushi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 6279872
    Abstract: A valve has a chamber (11) in a housing (10), in which the valve seat (17) is closed by a valve body (19). The valve seat (17) is supported by an actuator (15) which is capable of axially expanding and contracting. In response to an actuating signal the actuator (15) contracts which causes the valve seat (17) to move away from the valve body (19) so rapidly that the valve body (19) is not capable of following, which produces a flow passing through the valve seat (17). The flow pushes the valve body (19) back into the closed position. The valve allows short switching times and a high repetition rate to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventor: Dietmar Neuhaus
  • Patent number: 6223761
    Abstract: Proportional variable force solenoid valve for controlling pressure of a fluid in a fluid control system comprises a solenoid housing having therein a solenoid coil, an armature movable in response to electrical current applied to the solenoid coil, and a biasing spring for biasing the armature in a direction to establish a valve fluid pressure response to solenoid coil current. An inner armature end cooperates with or engages a damping member residing in a fluid damping chamber to reduce non-linear valve responses resulting from pressure oscillations in the fluid control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Hamid Najmolhoda, David L. Seid, David A. Nezwek, John A. Cruden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6184766
    Abstract: A solenoid valve is composed of a bobbin wound with a coil, and a housing separated from the bobbin and having an input port, an output port and a discharge port. The bobbin incorporating the plunger and the housing incorporating the ball for switching over the channel and the valve rod are arranged via a plate in opposite positions, and are integrally formed by caulking claws of a case covering the bobbin into the housing and the plate. An engaged section is formed on an end face on the housing side of the bobbin, an engaged section is formed on an end face on the bobbin side of the housing, and engaging sections for bobbin positioning and housing positioning are formed on the plate. A relative relationship between the bobbin and the housing is maintained by engaging these engaging sections with the engaged sections of the bobbin and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Kojima, Hidekazu Himei