Lost Motion Between Valve And Valve Actuator Patents (Class 251/129.19)
  • Patent number: 8141959
    Abstract: A vehicle brake hydraulic pressure control unit including a base body including a brake fluid flow path and a mounting hole portion having a bottom sealing surface and an inner circumferential sealing surface and an assembled part which is assembled into the mounting hole portion so as to communicate with the flow path. The assembled part includes a lower end sealing portion hermetically contacting with the bottom sealing surface of the mounting hole portion to form a lower side sealing portion and an outer circumferential sealing portion hermetically contacting with the inner circumferential sealing surface of the mounting hole portion to form a circumferential sealing portion. A hermetic accommodation space is defined by the lower side sealing portion and the circumferential sealing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Ota
  • Patent number: 8128061
    Abstract: A capacity control valve includes a solenoid portion; a tube placed in the solenoid portion; and a movable core which forms a slide surface that is fitted to the tube. An actuation rod has a joint portion and a valve body, the joint portion being engaged with an abutting surface of a solenoid rod portion, and the valve body opening or closing a control fluid passage. The joint surface of the solenoid rod portion or the abutting face of the actuation rod has a concave cone-shape surface while the other has a convex cone-shape portion. A bottom face of the concave cone-shape surface is formed as a wide area of either a planar surface or a circular cross section, wherein a head portion of the convex cone-shape portion is truncated to form a truncated cone surface, the truncated cone surface corresponding to the bottom face of the concave cone-shape surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Eagle Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Uemura, Toshiaki Iwa, Katsuya Shirai, Keigo Shirafuji
  • Patent number: 8113177
    Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injection valve comprising: a metallic cylindrical-shaped vessel provided at a tip end thereof with a fuel injection port, the other end thereof being closed by a stationary core provided centrally thereof with a through-hole; a movable member arranged between the stationary core and the fuel injection port and provided at a tip end thereof with a valve element, which opens and closes the fuel injection port, a maximum outside diameter of the movable member being smaller than a minimum inside diameter of the through-hole; and an electromagnetic drive mechanism that reciprocates the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Hayatani, Motoyuki Abe, Atsushi Sekine, Tohru Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8042789
    Abstract: A valve for distributing fluids includes a housing, a bobbin disposed within the housing having a bore, a coil disposed on the bobbin wall, and an armature disposed within the bore of the bobbin. The armature includes a point region and a main body that is integral to the point region. The armature moves between a first position and a second position. The solenoid valve further includes a pole piece having a cylindrical bore and a valve body disposed within the cylindrical bore of the pole piece. The solenoid valve also includes a spool disposed within the valve body bore, and a spring member operatively disposed within the spool bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Dayton, Anthony J. Mattord
  • Patent number: 8037901
    Abstract: A solenoid valve that is constructed as follows: a cap is mounted on a movable iron core such that forward movement thereof is restricted; a pressing member is displaceably arranged between abutting seat surfaces of the cap and the movable iron core; biasing forces F1, F2, and F3 of an iron core return spring for biasing the movable iron core toward a initial position, a cushioning spring provided between the movable iron core and the pressing member, and a valve return spring for biasing a valve member in a direction to open a valve are set so as to be F1>F2>F3; and gaps x and y are provided between the pressing member and the movable iron core and between the pressing member and the cap, respectively, when the movable iron core is at the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Takumi Matsumoto, Masaru Narita
  • Patent number: 7959129
    Abstract: A first cap is mounted at a movable iron core, a second cap holding a valve member is fitted to the first cap, capable of displacement, an biasing force F1 of an iron-core return spring biasing the movable iron core toward an initial position and an biasing force F2 of a buffer spring interposed between the movable iron core and the valve member are set so as to have a relation of F1>F2, and when the movable core is located at the initial position, gaps x, y are interposed between the valve member and a regulating portion of the second cap and between an engagement projection portion of the second cap and a front end wall of an engagement recess portion of the first cap, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7946274
    Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injection valve comprising: a metallic cylindrical-shaped vessel provided at a tip end thereof with a fuel injection port, the other end thereof being closed by a stationary core provided centrally thereof with a through-hole; a movable member arranged between the stationary core and the fuel injection port and provided at a tip end thereof with a valve element, which opens and closes the fuel injection port, a maximum outside diameter of the movable member being smaller than a minimum inside diameter of the through-hole; and an electromagnetic drive mechanism that reciprocates the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Hayatani, Motoyuki Abe, Atsushi Sekine, Tohru Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7905254
    Abstract: A cutoff valve having an upstream valve part and a downstream valve part which are assembled in series in a flow passage. Each of the valve elements at the valve parts are formed separably stacking a large diameter first valve element and a small diameter second valve element on each other. The first valve element is formed of elastic material and the second valve element is formed of rigid material. A valve shaft is passed through the center of the first valve element, and the tip of the valve shaft is connected to the second valve element. A first valve element moving component which moves the center part of the first valve element in a direction apart from the second valve element in the state of being engaged with the first valve element when the valve is opened is installed between the first valve element and the valve shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Miura Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohisa Takeda, Masato Kitayama
  • Patent number: 7878162
    Abstract: A variable valve actuation system is disclosed for providing exhaust to at least one component downstream of an engine. The system includes a supply of low pressure fluid, an engine fluid sump, and an exhaust valve disposed in an engine cylinder. The system also includes a hydraulic actuation system operably connected to the exhaust valve of the engine cylinder and a braking control valve operably connected to the hydraulic actuation system. The system further includes a device for accumulating fluid and a device for fluidly coupling the hydraulic actuation system to the accumulating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. McClure, Sean O. Cornell, Robert L. Miller, John S. Pipis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7857282
    Abstract: A solenoid valve has a valve closure member (5) which is positioned in a self-centering manner about a center of rotation (D) between the valve tappet (4) and the valve seat (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., oHG
    Inventor: Andre F. L. Goossens
  • Patent number: 7828265
    Abstract: A valve is provided that includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a valve seat therebetween. The valve includes a valve member movable towards the valve seat towards engagement with a stop, and away from the valve seat when the solenoid is energized. The valve member has an opening in which a valve element is received. A spring urges the valve member and valve element towards the valve seat, and a solenoid moves the valve member away from the valve seat. The spring biases the valve member to a closed position, in which the valve element engages the valve seat, and the valve member engages a stop that prevents the valve member from impacting against the valve element that is seated against the valve seat. The solenoid when energized causes the valve member to move upward and pull the valve element away from the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Sisk, Tom Farace
  • Patent number: 7810518
    Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve comprises an inlet valve member which is disposed to close in response to fluid pressure at an inlet port. A venting valve member is disposed relative to the inlet valve member so that closure of either valve member lifts the other. The valve includes at least one coil within which is a tubular assembly that forms a chamber with an operating space for the venting valve member and contains an armature for striking a rear part of the venting valve member when the coil is energised. The chamber includes a flux tube which provides a path for magnetic flux in parallel with the armature, the flux tube terminating before a region where the armature strikes the rear part of the venting valve member. A non-magnetic ring surrounds this region so that the density of the magnetic flux is increased in this region to increase the force with which the armature can strike the rear part of the venting valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: M. S. C. M. Limited
    Inventors: Patrick J Cosgrove, Douglas F Kirkman
  • Patent number: 7766037
    Abstract: A gas valve assembly includes a solenoid coil, a linearly actuated plunger, and a stop member. The plunger is disposed in the coil so that a gap exists between the plunger and the stop member at a deenergized condition of the solenoid. The assembly includes a valve having a port and a closing member. The closing member blocks the port in a closed position corresponding to the de-energized condition of the solenoid, and slidably unblocks the port in an open position corresponding to the energized condition of the solenoid. An adjustable length member is coupled to the closing member and the plunger and has a portion accessible external to the valve assembly. The externally-accessible portion of the adjustable length member is adjustable to vary the size of the gap between the plunger and the stop member when the closing member is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick R. Moenkhaus, Scott O'Leary
  • Patent number: 7762523
    Abstract: A valve includes a generally elongate pintle; a spacer having a rounded surface that bears against the pintle; a bulbous tip fixed to the spacer; and a hollow, generally cylindrical collar fixed to the pintle, the collar enclosing the spacer and the tip and including an opening through which a portion of the tip extends, the opening in the collar and interior of the collar being of a size such that the tip floats therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: James T. Smith
  • Patent number: 7648119
    Abstract: A magnetic drive for a valve, in particular for a pneumatic or hydraulic valve, includes a movable armature (14) and a permanent magnet (20). The permanent magnet (20) is formed from a magnetic paste or a magnetic foil. In preferred embodiments, the permanent magnet (20) is integrated into the movable armature (14) and cooperates with a fixed solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Burkert Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Scheibe
  • Patent number: 7600738
    Abstract: Output shaft coupling structure of electrically operated control valve including: valve rod which is provided with valve for opening and closing fluid passage and is mounted to valve housing in such a way as to move along axial direction; and electrically controlled motor for driving the valve rod along the axial direction, the coupling structure couples motor shaft of the electrically controlled motor to the valve rod, and the plate shaped like a flat plate is fixed at its center to end portion, to which the valve rod is coupled, of the motor shaft and the plate is bent to form hooking and engaging portion at its both ends after the plate is fixed, thereby the plate hooks and engages with the valve rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kenta Hatano, Sotsuo Miyoshi, Youichi Fujita
  • Patent number: 7537196
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprises a rotatable valve, an electrically operated actuator, and an overstroke device. The actuator comprises a component configured to move in a direction to an actuator position so as to cause corresponding rotation of the valve to a valve position in response to electrical operation of the actuator. The overstroke device is configured to enable the component to move in the direction beyond the actuator position to an overstroke position while the valve remains in the valve position in response to electrical operation of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: EMCON Technologies LLC
    Inventors: John P. Nohl, Robin H. Willats
  • Patent number: 7481416
    Abstract: The valve comprises a closing body in a valve chamber. The valve chamber is delimited on one end by an opposing wall and on the opposite end by a piston. The piston is pressed in the direction of the opposing wall by a press-on means. In this manner, the closing body is pressed against a centering seat axially aligned with the valve seat. The press-on means makes it possible that the valve will reliably close also in case of a small pressure differential between the valve inlet and the valve outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Dietmar Neuhaus
  • Patent number: 7458387
    Abstract: A gas meter installation including gas supply plumbing and point of use plumbing will have a gas meter therebetween. A valve can be installed with the gas meter for shutting off the flow of gas to the point of use. This valve is preferably a gate valve mounted with the a gas meter, and can be retrofitted into existing installations, or installed with the new plumbing installation. The valve can be shut off by remote activation for example due to a seismic sensor causing a controller to send a signal to activate the valve. The control can also interact with electricity shut off apparatus, automatic meter reading apparatus and point of use security systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: James C. McGill
  • Patent number: 7431263
    Abstract: A solenoid arrangement includes an electromagnetic valve device having a coil disposed in a casing, and a movable armature slidably received in the coil for allowing the movable armature to be actuated by the coil to move relative to the coil and the casing, the casing includes a sleeve having a bore for slidably and changeably receiving shanks of different lengths which may be attracted to the movable armature for being moved in concert with the movable armature. The electromagnetic valve device may be adjusted to different moving strokes with different shanks for attaching or coupling to different operating facilities that require different moving strokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Shin Shin Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih Fen Chuang
  • Patent number: 7367543
    Abstract: A solenoid valve is provided that comprises a valve body having an inlet and an outlet, and a movable member for moving a valve element away from a valve seat to open the valve. The moveable member engages and moves the valve element away from the seat to an open position when the solenoid is actuated. When the solenoid is not actuated, a biasing spring moves the moveable member to disengage from the valve element, which returns to a closed position. The moveable member does not transfer any impact force to the valve element on closure of the valve member, so that the valve may be operated a significant number of cycles without failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Sisk
  • Publication number: 20080035870
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator is described in which a rotor comprising permanent magnet means is rotatable in a stator which is magnetisable by causing an electric current to flow through at least one winding associated with the stator. The rotor has at least two stable rest positions, each defined by spring and/or magnetic forces acting on the rotor. Spring means stores energy during part of the movement of the rotor and provides kinetic energy for accelerating the rotor during subsequent movement thereof away from rest in one position towards another. A magnetic torque is exerted on the rotor when a current flows in said at least one winding which is sufficient to overcome the force(s) holding the rotor in that rest position, to cause the rotor to rotate in a direction from that rest position towards another a rest position. The rotor is connected to a thrust member by a mechanical linkage by which the rotational movement of the rotor is converted into substantially linear movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Wladyslaw Wygnanski, Graham Paul Ford
  • Patent number: 7246632
    Abstract: A normally-closed electromagnetic valve has a body member having a receiving space, a fixed core, a valve seat, a moving core, a resilient member urging the moving core toward the valve seat, a valve element and a coil exciting the fixed core to produce an attracting force between the fixed core and the moving core, wherein the moving core has a through hole, the valve element is inserted into the through hole from the valve seat-side, at least a part of the resilient member is inserted into the through hole from the fixed core-side and the resilient member is compressed between a moving core-side end of the fixed core and a fixed core-side end of the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ohi, Takaaki Komaba, Hiroaki Tokoi
  • Patent number: 7226034
    Abstract: A solenoid operated valve is provided that comprises an inlet, an outlet, a valve seat in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet, and a valve member slidably mounted for movement in a direction aligned with but perpendicular to the plane of the valve seat, and a lever having one end in connection with the valve member and a pivotal end that is operable for moving the valve member between its closed and open positions. The solenoid operated valve further comprises a solenoid actuated member having spaced apart first and second surfaces for engaging the pivotal end of the lever to move the valve member between its closed and open position, and a spring for resiliently biasing the solenoid actuated member so that the first surface engages the pivotal end of the lever to move the valve member to a closed position against the valve seat when the solenoid is not energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Mark H. Stark, Donald L. Blessing, Mike C. Santinanavat
  • Patent number: 7178553
    Abstract: A leak resistant solenoid valve comprises a valve body having an interior chamber, an inlet, an outlet, and at least one valve seat and valve plug located in the interior chamber. The valve plug has a sealing surface and is axially movable between open and closed positions by a solenoid which acts on the valve shaft on which the plug is carried. The valve further comprises a plug actuating mechanism for moving the plug between the open and closed positions with the solenoid energized and a biasing mechanism for biasing the plug back to the open position when the solenoid is de-energized. The plug is preferably loosely received on the shaft so as to provide self-centering. In one embodiment, the valve has a pair of valve plugs and a pair of valve seats, the seats being axially fixed to one another and the distance between the plugs being variable to provide enhanced sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Yuri Peric, Mark James Britton
  • Patent number: 7175114
    Abstract: A fuel injector for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, having a valve needle which works together with a valve seat face to form a sealing seat, has an armature acting on the valve needle. The armature is movably guided on the valve needle and is damped by an elastomer ring made of an elastomer. The armature has at least one fuel channel for supplying fuel to the sealing seat. A flat supporting ring which axially supports the elastomer ring in the area of the outlet end of the fuel channel is arranged between the elastomer ring and the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Waldemar Hans
  • Patent number: 7163188
    Abstract: A solenoid valve is provided that comprises a valve body having an inlet and an outlet, and a movable member for moving a valve element away from a valve seat to open the valve. The moveable member engages and moves the valve element away from the seat to an open position when the solenoid is actuated. When the solenoid is not actuated, a biasing spring moves the moveable member to disengage from the valve element, which returns to a closed position. The moveable member does not transfer any impact force to the valve element on closure of the valve member, so that the valve may be operated a significant number of cycles without failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Sisk
  • Patent number: 7156368
    Abstract: A flow control valve for controlling the flow of fuel in a fuel system including a housing with a fuel passage, a valve device movable to close the fuel passage to block fuel flow through the fuel passage, and to open the fuel passage to permit fuel flow through the fuel passage, a valve plunger engaging the valve device, an actuator for reciprocally moving the valve plunger, an armature overtravel feature for permitting continued movement of the armature relative to the valve plunger from an engaged position into a disengaged position when the valve plunger reaches the extended position, and an armature stop for stopping overtravel of the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Lucas, David L. Buchanan, David M. Rix, C. Edward Morris, Jr., Donald J. Benson
  • Patent number: 7131632
    Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve design and method particularly for suited for micro-fluidic applications are disclosed. The solenoid valve contains various structure and features that provide for small dispense volumes, small internal volume, and fast operating speed. Also disclosed is a valve design and method particularly suited for a compact, high-density valve manifold. In a particular embodiment disclosed, the valve uses a diaphragm assembly that ensures zero or little leakage. The solenoid-operated valve further has features allowing for low power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Kloehn Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Walter J. Kish, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7128304
    Abstract: A control valve for a compressor with a discharge port, a chamber port, a side chamber port, an intake port, a feed hole between the discharge port and the chamber port, an extraction hole between the side chamber port and the intake port; a feed valve controls the feed hole; an extraction valve controls the extraction hole; and a solenoid is capable of actuating the feed and extraction valves. In a first status, a minimum flow rate is secured at the extraction valve with the feed valve being fully opened. In a second status, the feed valve is fully closed and the extraction valve is fully opened. In an intermediate status, the feed valve is moved from a nearly closed state to a fully closed state depending on the value of control current. At the extraction valve, a predetermined flow rate is effectuated irrespective of its opening degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Fujikoki Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Morisawa, Toshikio Okii
  • Patent number: 7121525
    Abstract: A method of determining timing clearance between a valve stem and a moving member using an electromagnetic actuator comprising electromagnets, an electromagnet for moving the moving member from a closed position towards an open position and an electromagnet for moving the moving member from an open position towards a closed position, each electromagnet being controlled on the basis of a reference electrical characteristic, the method comprising: controlling an electromagnet to obtain a displacement speed for a moving member as the moving member moves from one of a closed position or an open position towards the other one of an open position or a closed position; obtaining values of a reference electrical characteristic for intermediate positions of the moving member; and detecting an intermediate position at which the reference electrical characteristic is subject to a sudden change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Nicolas Gelez
  • Patent number: 7118088
    Abstract: To provide a fluid control valve which is capable of preventing or suppressing degradation of the accuracy of flow rate control dependent on the lift amount of a valve element from a valve seat. An expansion valve is configured such that a valve portion and a valve portion integrally formed with a valve element move to and away from a valve seat and a valve seat, respectively, simultaneously. Further, the expansion valve is configured such that a flow passage cross-section formed by a gap between the valve portion and the valve seat, and a flow passage cross-section formed by a gap between the valve portion and the valve seat have approximately the same size when the expansion valve is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: TGK Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisatoshi Hirota
  • Patent number: 7077083
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic lost motion system for variable valve activation including a master piston and an accumulation piston in a first bore, defining a hydraulic pressure chamber therebetween, in response to rotation of an engine cam. A slave piston in the engine head and hydraulically connected to the pressure chamber opens and closes an engine valve. A servo-valve behind the accumulation piston controls the mobility of the accumulation piston via a fluid control chamber. When the control chamber is made hydraulically rigid, the system actuates the engine valve. When the control chamber is vented through the servo-valve, the accumulation piston is movable in lost motion, preventing the engine valve from opening. All intermediate degrees of valve opening are possible. Preferably, the servo-valve, control chamber, accumulation piston, and a control piston are comprehended in a modular subassembly which may be positioned adjacent the master piston or the slave piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Dingle, Mark C. Sellnau
  • 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: 7051960
    Abstract: A fuel passage is formed through a movable core and a fixed core of a fuel injection valve. Communication passage(s) are formed in the movable core or the fixed core around the fuel passage. The communication passage(s) connect a facing space provided between the movable core and the fixed core with a space remote from the facing space. Fuel flows out of the facing space through the communication passage(s) when the fuel injection valve is opened and fuel flows into the facing space through the communication passage(s) when the fuel injection valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshitomo Oguma
  • Patent number: 7017884
    Abstract: A fluid metering valve includes a gear rack which is slidable on a valve stem in which a spring counteracts the force of an actuator to maintain a constant load on the gear mechanism to prevent backlash. Corresponding stop mechanisms between the gear and the shaft of a rotary actuator come into engagement with each other near a fully closed position of the fluid metering valve for zero calibration purposes upon power loss to the actuator. A single valve member and a single actuator of the fluid metering valve provides for both a shut-off function and a metering function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Barry T. Brinks, Dana Nova Joyce Wolverton, Delbert Dwight Cannon, Gary F. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 6997432
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solenoid valve for controlling a fuel injector in an internal combustion engine, having an electromagnet, an armature having an armature pin which is movably supported with respect to the electromagnet, and an armature plate supported on the armature pin in a manner allowing sliding movement, and a control-valve member moved together with the armature and cooperating with a valve seat to open and close a fuel discharge passage, the armature plate, in response to the control-valve member striking the valve seat during the closing of the solenoid valve, being able to be moved, under the influence of its own inert mass, along the armature pin along an overtravel distance, from a stop secured to the armature pin up to a stationary overtravel stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Rapp
  • Patent number: 6997433
    Abstract: An electronically controlled valve actuator having an armature, a valve, and a coupler for coupling the actuator to the valve with motion of the armature in a first direction moving the second piston in a second direction. The actuator includes an electromagnet, an armature disposed adjacent to the electromagnetic, and a fluid-containing chamber. The fluid-containing chamber includes a first piston providing a first wall portion of the chamber and a second piston providing a second wall portion of the chamber. The first piston is coupled to the armature and the second piston is coupled to a valve. Activation of the electromagnet moves the first piston in a first direction, such motion of the first piston in the first direction driving fluid in the chamber to move the second piston in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Koneda, Thomas Megli, Michael Degner, James Ervin
  • 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: 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: 6994234
    Abstract: Electrically-operated dispensing modules capable of dispensing small volumes of a viscous liquid at high operating frequencies and reproducibly among successive dispensed volumes of viscous liquid without the occurrence of stringing. The dispensing module may include a flux element having a portion effective for interrupting circumferential electrical current paths. In another aspect, an end face of a pole piece of the dispensing module may include one or more non-magnetic spacer elements that prevent contact between the pole piece and armature when the dispensing module is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Victor de Leeuw
  • Patent number: 6986341
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting fuel-vapor gas leaks that includes a jet pump (8) that introduces outside air into and pressurizes a vapor purge system including a fuel tank (1) by gasoline flow from a fuel pump (2); an internal pressure sensor (14) for measuring vapor purge system internal pressure, an open/close controllable reference orifice (21) that causes leakage through a reference leak hole; and a storage device for storing as an initial curve pressure changes during pressurization by the jet pump (8) for a predetermined time period, with the reference orifice (21) alone opened. The device can accurately detect leakage even while an internal combustion engine is running because it judges leak presence/absence by comparing a time series in a pressure curve obtained by jet pump (8) pressurization over the predetermined time period while idling with the vapor purge system completely shut-off, with a time series in the initial curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tateki Mitani, Seiji Tsutsui, Shigeki Kanamaru, Hiroshi Yoshioka
  • 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: 6968859
    Abstract: Disclosed is a solenoid type electromagnetic operating device which needs a relatively large current only for a limited short period at an excitation start initial stage and is adapted to achieve the speeding up at an excitation start stage and an improvement in responsiveness as well as power saving without increasing a power load on each of a drive circuit and power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Yuken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taku Nagano, Koichi Ohba, Yasuyuki Shingu, Kenichi Hirano
  • Patent number: 6945508
    Abstract: An electromagnetic control valve is provided. The control valve includes a housing defining a bore and a fluid passageway having a seat. A valve element is slidably disposed in the bore and is moveable between a first position where a flow of fluid passes by the seat and a second position where a flow of fluid relative to the seat is blocked. A solenoid having an armature is operatively connected with the valve element. The solenoid is operable to move the valve element from the first position to the second position. A biasing assembly is operatively engaged with the valve element and is adapted to move the valve element from the second position towards the first position. The biasing assembly exerts a first force on the valve element during a first predetermined travel distance from the second position and a second force on the valve element during a second predetermined travel distance. The first force is greater than the second force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Lewis, Dana R. Coldren, Harish K. Krishnaswamy, Sudhindra K. Ayanji, Jeremy T. Claus
  • Patent number: 6910674
    Abstract: A valve in a breathing device has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a valve housing having an inlet and an outlet, a valve seat arranged in the housing, a valve body arranged in the housing to be freely moveable with respect to the valve seat between a closed position where the valve body completely covers the valve seat and an open position where the valve body is distanced from the valve seat. The valve body comprising a rigid central portion and a circumferential wrinkled and flexible portion devised for friction-free movement of the rigid central portion, and an actuator for controlling a force applied on the valve body in response to a control signal. The actuator includes an actuator body, a shaft having an end contactable with the valve body, and an electromagnetic displacement coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Maquet Critical Care AB
    Inventors: Tapani Niemelä, Bruno Slettenmark, Thomas Valeij
  • Patent number: 6886802
    Abstract: An electromagnetically-actuated two-way two-position valve is normally closed and comprises an axially-mobile group (5) which has an upper end (5a) that faces a fixed group (6) and which is attracted thereby. An obturator (4) is intercepted and then drawn in an opening movement by the mobile group (5) when the mobile group (5) is at a short distance from an end of its run. A return spring (9), which displaced the obturator (4) towards a closed position when the fixed group is deactivated, is entirely located behind the upper end (5a) of he mobile group (5). An air gap (8) is comprised, in a radial direction, between a coil (7) for activating the fixed group (6) and the upper end (5a) of the mobile group (5). The valve is constructionally simple and economical and has a higher fatigue resistance than known valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: EDI System S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Bartolacelli, Sergio Acerbi, Reggiani Claudio
  • Patent number: 6874706
    Abstract: A solenoid valve for a fuel injector for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine having an injector body which includes an electromagnet. An armature group of the solenoid valve may be actuated by this electromagnet to relieve the pressure in a control chamber, so that a nozzle needle/tappet assembly in the injector body implements an opening/closing movement. The armature group includes a first and a second armature part. The first armature part and the second armature part are joined to one another by an insert-and-twist connection, one of the armature parts being enclosed by an armature guide which includes anti-rotation elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Hanneke, Andreas Gaudl, George Anthony
  • Patent number: 6811138
    Abstract: A solenoid valve is described, its armature having a part that is slidingly displaceable on the foundation bolt and is movable between two stops of the foundation bolt against the tension force of a restoring spring. When the armature strikes the valve seat of the solenoid valve, the slidingly displaceable part moves further under the influence of its inertial mass on the foundation bolt in the closing direction against the tension force of the restoring spring, until it strikes the second stop of the foundation bolt. The resulting transfer of momentum to the foundation bolt reduces impact of the armature on the valve seat and causes the armature to more quickly reach a defined rest position in which the solenoid valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kuehne, Rainer Haeberer, Matthias Horn, Christoph Ulmschneider, Andreas Rettich
  • Patent number: 6808134
    Abstract: A fuel injector, particularly a fuel injector for fuel injection systems in internal combustion engines, has a valve needle, which cooperates with a valve-seat surface to form a sealing seat, and an armature, which engages with the valve needle, the armature being movable along the axis of the valve needle and being damped by a damping element made from an elastomer. In this context, a first intermediate ring is situated between the armature and the damping element. The damping element rests on the flange, which is connected in a force-locking manner to the valve needle. The intermediate ring and/or the flange is furnished with radial and/or axial channels which connect an interior volume located between the valve needle and the damping element to a central cutaway of the fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Noller, Uwe Liskow, Martin Buehner, Guido Pilgram, Juergen Maier, Hartmut Albrodt