Fluid Link Or Column Actuator Patents (Class 251/57)
  • Patent number: 11603758
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for bringing a well-fluid sample in a well through a sampling device which is in fluid communication with the apparatus. The apparatus includes: a dump chamber for receiving the well-fluid sample; a first hydraulic piston arranged in a first cylinder housing; a second hydraulic piston arranged in a second cylinder housing; a piston rod for mechanically connecting the first piston to the second piston to form a piston arrangement, the dump chamber being defined by the first piston and a portion of the first cylinder housing. The apparatus further includes at least one holding device arranged to switch between an active position, in which the piston arrangement is held fixed against movement, and an inactive position, in which the piston arrangement is allowed a movement relative to the cylinder housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.
    Inventors: Bjorn Dybdahl, Trond Kirkerod
  • Patent number: 11187117
    Abstract: A hydraulics unit for an internal combustion engine with a hydraulically variable gas exchange valve gear, is provided that includes a hydraulic housing having a pressure chamber, a pressure relief chamber and a venting duct. The venting duct is connected, on a hydraulic housing inner side, to the pressure relief chamber via a restriction and opens on a hydraulic housing outer side. The venting duct has a siphon with a downward first duct section and an upward second duct section, respectively in the direction of gravity and in the venting direction. When a gas exchange valve is closed, a lowermost section of the siphon is below a boundary of a pressure chamber defined by a slave piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lothar von Schimonsky, Nicola Morelli, Steffen Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 10316871
    Abstract: A damping device for a clutch actuating device is provided. The damping device includes a first cylinder that is connected to a master cylinder by a first hydraulic line and a second cylinder that is connected to an actuating cylinder by a second hydraulic line and is disposed at a position adjacent to the first cylinder in parallel. A first piston is disposed in the first cylinder and is moved forward and backward by a fluid pressure in the first cylinder. A second piston is disposed in the second cylinder and is moved forward and backward by a fluid pressure in the second cylinder. A pressure transmitting member is supported to perform a seesaw motion when both sides of the pressure transmitting member are in contact with a pressing portion of the first piston and a pressing portion of the second piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Eun Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 10132670
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for measuring a level of a fluid in a container for holding a fluid, specifically a level sensor. The container is provided with a conduit for at least one of the supply and the removal of the fluid. A dynamic pressure probe, such as a pitot tube, is arranged in the conduit. The dynamic pressure probe is connected to a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the dynamic pressure probe. The fluid level in the container can be determined by using the measured pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Marquardt Mechatronik GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Zimmer, Tobias Jauch
  • Patent number: 9863293
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a valve actuator, a pump, an accumulator, and a control valve. The valve actuator actuates at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of an engine. The pump supplies hydraulic fluid to the valve actuator through a supply line. The accumulator stores hydraulic fluid. The control valve is disposed between the accumulator and the valve actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Ronald J. Pierik
  • Patent number: 9856839
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes a body including a first chamber that supplies fuel of a first pressure, a second chamber that supplies fuel of a second pressure, and an injection hole, a valve chamber member including a valve chamber connectable to the first chamber and the second chamber, a control chamber member including a control chamber connectable to the first chamber, a needle pressed by pressure of fuel in the control chamber in a direction that causes fuel injection from the injection hole to stop, an actuator, a valve element that selectively connects the first chamber, second chamber, and the valve chamber according to the actuator extending and contracting, and a transmission mechanism that when the actuator extends, transmits the force to the needle as a force in a direction that causes fuel to be injected from the injection hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Motoya Kanbara, Fumiaki Arikawa, Satoshi Sugawara, Daiji Ueda, Hiroki Tanada, Toshiaki Hijima, Hitoshi Maegawa, Naoki Toda
  • Patent number: 9316323
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a first piston member displaceably disposed within a first chamber. A second piston member is coupled to a valve closure element, such as a diaphragm, and the second piston member is disposed within a second chamber. A longitudinal displacement of the first piston member relative to the first chamber causes hydraulic fluid disposed within the first chamber to longitudinally displace the second piston member such that the valve closure element engages a valve seat to close the valve assembly. The area of the second piston member is greater than that of the first piston member to multiply the force provided by an actuator that displaces a valve stem coupled to the first piston member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Moses A. Muci, John C. Bessman
  • Patent number: 9004444
    Abstract: Valve control device includes a body with a longitudinal axis, a control member housed at least partially in the body in a bottom portion along the longitudinal axis, a piston movable along the longitudinal axis and housed in a portion of the body forming with the piston a control chamber of the piston, an element movable in rotation with respect to the longitudinal axis on a top portion of the body, and sealing means between the movable element and the control chamber in the area of the connection port and/or of the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Luxembourg Patent Company S.A.
    Inventor: Paul Muzzo
  • Publication number: 20150034847
    Abstract: A valve includes a lower valve housing, a diaphragm, and an upper valve housing. A top surface of a piezoelectric pump is bonded to a bottom surface of the lower valve housing. A circular hole portion is provided in a central portion of a region of the diaphragm that opposes a projecting portion of the lower valve housing. The diaphragm is bonded to the upper valve housing and the lower valve housing, and a divided interior of a valve housing configures a first lower valve chamber, a second lower valve chamber, a first upper valve chamber, and a second upper valve chamber. A groove is located in a wall portion of the upper valve housing that opposes the diaphragm in the first upper valve chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Kenichi KOTANI, Takenobu MAEDA, Atsuhiko HIRATA
  • Patent number: 8794588
    Abstract: An actuator regulating valve apparatus comprising an actuator assembly operably installed within a valve body assembly, a bellows assembly operably installed adjacent to the actuator assembly, a biasing assembly operably installed on the valve body assembly substantially opposite the bellows assembly and configured to bias the apparatus closed, and a non-compressible liquid filling the apparatus about a bellows of the bellows assembly and the effective working surface of a piston of the actuator assembly and communicating therebetween through an orifice. Alternatively, an actuator rolling diaphragm is configured so as to partially cover the piston and to have a convolution loop supported by a U-shaped insert within a groove about the piston. Further alternatively, a balancing diaphragm sub-assembly of the biasing assembly acts on a pushrod of the actuator assembly to produce a force substantially equal and opposite to the pressure in an inlet side of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Metrex Valve Corp.
    Inventor: Alfred Douglas Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 8678302
    Abstract: An injection device for injecting a medium, including a valve arrangement with a valve member forming a seal at a valve seat, wherein the valve arrangement is arranged in the medium to be injected, an actuator device with an actuator, a plunger and a return element, and a pulse-transmitting device which is arranged between the valve arrangement and the actuator device, which separates the valve arrangement from the actuator device in a fluid-tight manner and which transmits a pulse generated by the actuator device to the medium to be injected in order in that manner to open the valve arrangement and inject medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Ohlhafer, Robert Giezendanner-Thoben
  • Publication number: 20130292589
    Abstract: A large-scale hydraulic variable-speed floating box flap valve includes a hinge support, a valve seat, an upper valve leaf and a lower valve leaf, the valve seat and the hinge support are both fixed on a pump station base. The upper valve leaf is hinge-connected to the hinge support through a pin shaft, and the lower valve leaf is hinge-connected to the upper valve leaf. The upper valve leaf and the lower valve leaf may contact and match the valve seat in a sealed manner through a sealing structure. The upper valve leaf is connected to the lower valve leaf through at least one hydraulic mechanism. The hydraulic mechanism has one end hinge-connected to the upper valve leaf, and the other end hinge-connected to the lower valve leaf. The impact force between the valve leaves and the valve seat is damped by the hydraulic mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: NINGBO JUSHEN PUMPS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Songmao Zhai, Quanmin Li, Kangle Teng, Jianguo Ying, Rungen Liu, Dongliang Xiong
  • Patent number: 8439069
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided that is suitable for use as an air release valve. The valve mechanism is actuated by liquid forced through an orifice by a diaphragm under pressure from the main discharge and is less prone to valve chatter under varying pressure conditions. The use of an externally adjustable orifice and/or regulator allows the valve assembly to operate satisfactorily in a wide range of pressures. The mode of operation of the valve mechanism is externally visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: The Gorman-Rupp Company
    Inventor: Tommy William Yeater
  • Patent number: 8403294
    Abstract: In an example, an apparatus, such as a microfluidic assembly, can include or can include using a channel including a valve seat, a valve film configured to adjust position with respect to the valve seat, and a first electrode configured to actuate the valve film electrostatically to adjust the position of the valve film to control a flow of a fluid in the channel laterally across the valve seat, the flow in a direction substantially parallel to the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: James P. Landers, Matthew R. Begley, Jerome P. Ferrance, Michael H. Jones, Jennifer Monahan-Dian
  • Patent number: 8261777
    Abstract: A duck beak valve and/or pumps/pump systems that use such a valve are disclosed. The valve may include a flexible tube having an inlet portion and an outlet portion and a spigot having a spigot inlet portion and a spigot outlet portion. The inlet portion of the flexible tube is sealed relative to the spigot. Inner surfaces of the flexible tube outlet portion downstream of the spigot outlet portion close together when the valve is closed. At least one reinforcement engages the flexible tube and is adapted to pivot at an inlet end so that an outlet end of the reinforcement moves toward and away from a centerline of the flexible tube. The reinforcement reinforces the flexible tube against an externally applied backpressure when the outlet end of the reinforcement is disposed toward the centerline and the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Ian D. Doig
  • Patent number: 8056881
    Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices, and in particular, flow management in such devices. In particular, the present invention provides an electrostatic valve for flow manipulation in a microfluidic device. The valve of the present invention sits on a valve seat in a microchannel and deflects away from the valve seat by electrostatic actuation to assume an opened configuration to allow fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: James P. Landers, Matthew R. Begley, Jerome P. Ferrance, Michael H. Jones, Jennifer Monahan-Dian
  • Patent number: 7992810
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injector having a coupler. The reciprocating movement of an actuator is transmitted by the coupler to a pin-shaped injection valve member which is guided into the nozzle body. The coupler has a valve piston and a coupler sleeve, and the valve piston is displaced in the inner diameter area of the coupler sleeve. The inner diameter of the coupler sleeve is greater than the outer diameter of the injection valve member. The difference between the inner diameter of the coupler housing and the outer diameter of the injection valve member is 0.2 mm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Kellner, Holger Rapp, Martin Katz
  • Patent number: 7856333
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for commissioning pneumatically operated actuators that are controlled by a positioner. To determine the drive type, a constant flow of pneumatic fluid is applied to the actuator during commissioning while a drive-specific characteristic curve of the fed back position is recorded over time. Then the measured characteristic curve is compared with a given specimen characteristic curve. The drive type is inferred from the level of difference or agreement between the drive-specific characteristic curve and the specimen characteristic curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Scholz
  • Patent number: 7832431
    Abstract: A check valve (10) comprises, a flexible tube (11) having first and second end portions defining an inlet (13) and an outlet (14), respectively, and a rigid valve body (12) surrounding the flexible tube (11). The end portions of the flexible tube are sealingly fixed to the valve body (12) to define an enclosed space (17) between the exterior of the flexible tube and the interior of the valve body. A fixed volume of a substantially incompressible fluid is located in the enclosed space (17). When the pressure at the outlet (14) is greater than the pressure at the inlet (13), the flexible tube is substantially collapsed so as to close the valve or allow severely restricted flow. However when the pressure at the inlet is greater than that at the outlet, some of the fluid is displaced from the inlet area towards the outlet area so that the flexible tube (11) is expanded in the area adjacent the inlet and the tube is substantially open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Ian D. Doig
  • Publication number: 20100243927
    Abstract: A valve system for activating a piston of a piston-cylinder arrangement for a hydraulic or fluid device includes a pilot control valve including 3/2-way valve and a main valve arrangement having a first and a second main valve. The first and second main valves include 2/2-way valves, wherein in a first position the pilot-control valve is configured to move the first main valve into an open position so as to direct a path for a high pressure fluid to a space above the piston, and wherein in a second position the pilot-control valve is configured to connect the space to a low-pressure tank so as to relieve a pressure in the space above the piston via the second main valve, and wherein the pilot-control valve is configured to open the second main valve and configured to close the first main valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Niels Wahlefeld, Matthias Schmidt, Franz-Josef Koerber
  • Patent number: 7726625
    Abstract: A transfer device for transferring an actuator displacement, has a housing with a first recess having a first and second plunger displaceably mounted. These plungers are actively connected via at least one transfer chamber by a fluid. The active connection causes the second plunger to be displaced when the first plunger is moved and vice versa. The transfer chamber is hydraulically coupled via a sealing gap to a compensating chamber compensating the pressure differences, in a delayed manner. The transfer device also has a chamber device with a compensating chamber, a chamber housing, and a first plunger. The chamber device has a device with a first body with a recess including a second body, and with an elastomer placed in the recess between the first and second body. The elastomer has a first groove extending at least partially along the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: Continental Automotive GmbH, Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Arnold, Patrick Delp, Hellmut Freudenberg, Achim Löll, Willibald Schürz, Martin Simmet, Günter Ziegler, Hanspeter Zink
  • Publication number: 20100084588
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system and method utilizing a retrievable control pod for the actuation of subsea blowout preventer stacks are disclosed. In one embodiment, the hydraulic control system comprises a subsea hydraulic umbilical line, a lower marine riser package having a hydraulic receptacle, a hydraulic control pod having a hydraulic connector for hydraulically mating with the hydraulic receptacle, at least one pod umbilical hydraulic connector hydraulically connected through umbilical connector piping to the hydraulic control pod, and at least one lower marine riser package umbilical hydraulic connector for hydraulically mating with the pod umbilical hydraulic connector and the subsea hydraulic umbilical line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: DIAMOND OFFSHORE DRILLING, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Post Curtiss, III, John Stephen Hiltpold, Patrick D.M. Rogan, Harris A. Reynolds, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100051284
    Abstract: An actuator device for setting a downhole tool comprises a piston disposed in an upper reservoir of the device, the piston comprising two actuation areas upon which pressure acts to move the piston. The upper reservoir is in fluid communication with a lower reservoir through a valve that initially restricts the flow of fluid from the first reservoir to the second reservoir. In setting a downhole tool, fluid pressure initially acts on the first actuation area to slowly move the piston toward a set position. After a predetermined length of movement of the piston, the second actuation area is placed in fluid communication with a pressure such that the valve no longer restricts the flow of fluid through the valve, i.e., the total pressure acting on the piston is increased. This increased pressure rapidly moves the piston to actuate, or set, the downhole tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Alex C. Stewart
  • Patent number: 7669783
    Abstract: The invention relates to an injection valve which has a piezo actuator that is functionally connected to a nozzle needle by a hydraulic transmission device. The hydraulic transmission device is connected to a pressure reservoir by a sealing gap so that the pressure differences between the pressure reservoir and a hydraulic chamber of the hydraulic transmission device are compensated in the long term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Fischer, Bernhard Gottlieb, Andreas Kappel, Hans Meixner, Randolf Mock
  • Patent number: 7510013
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a sliding sleeve valve or other downhole well tool that is axially shiftable among a finite number of increments between two extreme configurations such as open and closed configurations. A metering device is described having a pair of piston metering assemblies that operate in parallel fluid flow paths. The first piston metering assembly moves the sleeve of the well tool from a fully closed position to the zero position. The second piston metering assembly can be repeatedly pressurized and depressurized to meter predetermined amounts of fluid from an actuator sequentially to move the sleeve of the sleeve valve in consecutive increments toward a fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert P. Kimpel
  • Patent number: 7500648
    Abstract: A fuel injector has a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator, which actuates a valve-closure member cooperating with a valve-seat surface a sealing seat. An hydraulic coupler includes a master piston, a slave piston, and a coupler volume formed in-between, the coupler volume being connected to a compensating chamber via a throttle. An elastic flexible section delimits the compensating chamber at least partially, and the coupler volume, the throttle, and the compensating chamber are filled with an hydraulic medium. The flexible section exerts a pressure on the hydraulic medium due to prestressing, and the force of a compression spring, which is braced either directly and/or via fixed components on the slave piston and the master piston, is directed with an initial stress in such a way that the force enlarges the coupler volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Kammerer, Klaus Noller, Hubert Stier, Dietmar Schmieder, Michael Huebel, Thomas Gerschwitz, Christian Leitner
  • Publication number: 20090039300
    Abstract: A hydro-mechanical system is disclosed for actuating an outwardly opening valve of an engine, such as a crossover passage valve of a split-cycle engine. A developed embodiment includes a body having a plunger cylinder in hydraulic fluid communication with a valve cylinder. A plunger in the plunger cylinder is reciprocated to displace hydraulic fluid into the valve cylinder, the engine valve being opened by the hydraulic fluid displaced by the plunger into the valve cylinder and acting against the valve piston. A valve spring, preferably an air spring returns the engine valve to engage an outwardly facing valve seat to close a gas passage of the engine. Control valves and an energy reusing accumulator, along with valve seating control and lift brake features may also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Clive Lacy
  • Patent number: 7469843
    Abstract: A control servo valve (8) is housed inside the casing (2) of an internal combustion engine fuel injector (1), and has a piezoelectric actuator (40), and a control chamber (13) having a fuel outlet passage (21); the outlet passage (21) comes out inside an annular chamber (34) defined by a fixed tubular portion (25) and by a shutter (32), which engages the tubular portion (25) in substantially fluidtight manner and is slid axially by the piezoelectric actuator (40) from a closed position, in which it closes the annular chamber (34) and is subjected to a zero axial resultant force by the fuel pressure, to an open position, in which the outlet passage (21) communicates with a discharge conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Mario Ricco, Sisto Luigi De Matthaeis, Adriano Gorgoglione, Antonio Gravina
  • Publication number: 20080237511
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electro-pneumatic retarder control (EPRC) valve for a pneumatic retarder that controls the speed of railroad cars in a marshaling yard. The EPRC valve has a housing that generally encloses and protects its various components. The housing has a lid that can be opened to gain access to a control panel mounted on an interior door. The control panel includes a display, keyboard and programmable logic controller or PLC module that can be adjusted to set the desired pressure levels of the retarder. The EPRC valve has a modular pressure control assembly that includes an intake and exhaust manifold, a retarder supply and return manifold and several interchangeable control lines formed by like-shaped control valves and components. A pilot air control assembly enables the PLC module to selectively open and close the control valves and lines to deliver or release pressurized air to the retarder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: AAA Sales & Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heyden, Lowell B. Ziese, James D. Braatz
  • Patent number: 7204211
    Abstract: The present invention (with reference to FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Lotus Cars Limited
    Inventors: Steven Kenchington, Simon Paul Kuderovitch
  • Patent number: 7198202
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel injection valve which moves a needle valve (10) via a viscous fluid and a piston (7) by having an actuator (9) move a cylinder (3). The fuel injection valve comprises a sealing member (27) for sealing a gap between the cylinder (3) and piston (7), and a linking hole (29) formed in the piston (7) for connecting two chambers (5, 6) to each other. The size and/or shape of the linking hole (29) is set such that when a force for moving the cylinder (3) or piston (7) at a lower speed than the driving speed of the actuator (9) is generated due to differential thermal expansion between members, the viscous fluid moves between the two chambers (5, 6) through the linking hole (29), and when a force for moving the cylinder (3) at a higher speed than the force generated by the differential thermal expansion is generated by the actuator (9), the viscous fluid cannot pass through the linking hole (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Masaki Okada
  • Patent number: 7194990
    Abstract: Hydraulic actuator as an element of a system for controlling an engine valve is presented. The actuator includes a fluidic actuation chamber, defined by an actuation piston that increases chamber volume as the actuation piston is urged away from a neutral. Chamber includes a high pressure fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A fluidic actuator control chamber, defined by a control piston connected to the actuation piston that increases chamber volume as the actuation piston is urged away from neutral. A control fluid outlet is connected to a fluid control spool valve. The fluid outlet of the actuation chamber is fluidly connected to an inlet of the control valve. There is a valve actuation plunger operably connected to the actuation piston, and a drain outlet to maintain a fluidic backpressure to the actuator control chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Zongxuan Sun
  • Patent number: 7100895
    Abstract: Disclosed is a travel-transmitting element for an injection valve, comprising a pressure-loaded storage chamber which is filled with a hydraulic fluid and a storage element that is provided with an elastomeric bellows-type member. In order to ensure sufficient steadiness of the rotational speed over the service life, the inventive elastomeric bellows-type member is provided with a stiffening element which ensures constant radial stiffness over the service life at least in some sections thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Willibald Schürz, Martin Simmet, Hanspeter Zink
  • Patent number: 7077377
    Abstract: A device, for the translation of a displacement of an actuator, in particular for an injection valve, essentially comprises two counter-displaceable pistons, coupled together by means of a translational chamber in a play-free manner. The translation chamber is filled with a translation medium and is connected to an equalization chamber by means of a sealing gap. The sealing gap only equalizes pressure differences between the translation chamber and the equalization chamber which are of long duration. One of the two pistons is pre-tensioned in a starting position by means of an externally arranged spring. A reduction in the dead volume between the pistons is possible as a result of the arrangement of the spring outside the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Willibald Schürz
  • Patent number: 7051991
    Abstract: An actuator operated by a solenoid and a force amplifying means utilizing hydraulic pressure are used in combination with a diaphragm, to thereby provide a diaphragm valve made of Teflonâ„¢, and which is compact in size, has low power consumption, and which is capable of exerting a large force. The force amplifying means mainly comprises a cylinder including cylinder portions having different cross-sectional areas and oil filled in the cylinder. A force amplification ratio is equal to a ratio between the cross-sectional areas of the cylinder portions. A plunger which receives a biasing force of a spring is provided on an upper side of the force amplifying means. The plunger is operated by a solenoid, and a driving force of the plunger is amplified by the force amplifying means and transmitted to the diaphragm, thus adjusting a degree of valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: MKS Japan, Inc.
    Inventor: Isao Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7040550
    Abstract: A fuel injector for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator, a hydraulic coupler, the hydraulic coupler having a master piston and a slave piston that are connected to a pressure chamber, and the pressure chamber being filled with an hydraulic fluid. The pressure chamber is sealed from an actuator chamber by a first seal and from a valve interior chamber by a second seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Guenther Hohl, Michael Huebel, Juergen Stein
  • Patent number: 7021602
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a valve actuator comprising a first control valve that regulates fluid communication from a fluid pressure source to a first fluid supply tank that is fluidly connected to the valve actuator. A second control valve regulates fluid communication from the fluid pressure source to a second fluid supply tank that is fluidly connected to the valve actuator. A flow control member regulates fluid communication between the first and second fluid supply tanks and an exhaust valve that regulates fluid communication between the first and second fluid supply tanks and an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventors: Albert S. Davis, John M. Saldivar, David R. Mefford, Frank J. Arriens, Daryl L. Ard
  • Patent number: 7011289
    Abstract: A sliding spool valve (1) is provided for controlling flow of fluid especially between an inlet (2) at a relatively high pressure and an outlet (6) at a relatively low pressure. Wherein the spool valve is reciprocally displaced between open and closed positions by hydraulic action of the transmitted fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Mangat Tripet Singh
  • Patent number: 7007860
    Abstract: A fuel injector in an engine includes a spring cavity, a piston, a plunger, a spring, a fuel cavity, and a stop plate. The piston is hydraulically controlled to force the plunger down to compress fuel in the fuel cavity. However, under certain conditions, the plunger can contact the stop plate and/or the spring can become overcompressed. Both of these conditions can cause damage to the fuel injector. The present invention locates a pressure equalization channel in such a way as to dampen the motion of the piston to prevent this damage to the fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Tan Dongming, Thomas R. McClure, Scott R. Schuricht, Wang Yongxin
  • Patent number: 6948463
    Abstract: A cylinder head for a combustion cylinder of an internal combustion engine is provided, which has at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, as well as gas exchange valves which are operable by electrohydraulic valve actuators, some of which gas exchange valves function as inlet valves to control the at least one inlet opening, and some of which gas exchange valves function as outlet valves to control the at least one outlet opening. For the purpose of producing a compact, complete module which, as a separate component, may be tested for reliability and may be installed into the engine block of the internal combustion engine without additional preassembly effort, the cylinder head is provided with at least one high pressure line for supplying fluid under high pressure and at least one recycling line for recycling fluid, which have coupling openings for the hydraulic coupling of the valve actuators, and also means for fastening the valve actuators are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karsten Mischker, Michael Huebel, Uwe Hammer, Volker Beuche, Peter Lang, Stefan Reimer
  • Patent number: 6932278
    Abstract: A fuel injector for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of a mixture-compressing internal combustion engine having external ignition includes a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator and a valve needle, which, via a compensation element, is in operative connection to the actuator, a valve-closure member being formed on the valve needle, which cooperates with a valve-seat surface to form a sealing seat. The compensation element is filled with a rheological liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Reiter, Martin Maier
  • Patent number: 6913240
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic control unit for operating an actuator of a hydraulically controllable device is disclosed. The electrohydraulic control unit comprises a housing including a chamber for hydraulic fluid. The housing is coupled to the actuator such that a path for fluid communication between the chamber and the actuator is created. Disposed within the chamber is a piston for regulating the flow of the hydraulic fluid between the chamber and the actuator. An electric motor is securably attached to the housing. The electric motor includes a selectively rotatable shaft. The electrohydraulic control unit also comprises a converter configured to transform the rotational motion of the shaft to translational motion of the piston, thereby controlling the actuation of the hydraulically controllable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 6843464
    Abstract: A valve for controlling fluids, having a piezoelectric actuator unit for actuating a valve member is proposed, which has at least one adjusting piston and at least one actuating piston that is guided in a valve body and actuates a valve closing body, which valve closing body cooperates with at least one valve seat embodied on the valve body and in the closing direction disconnects a control bore from an outlet chamber, from which a return conduit branches off, wherein between the adjusting piston and the actuating piston, a hydraulic chamber is disposed, which transmits a motion of the adjusting piston to the actuating piston. To keep the size of the actuator unit small, the actuating piston, at least when the valve closing body is closed, is supported essentially in a hydraulically force-balanced fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Stoecklein, Dietmar Schmieder
  • Patent number: 6832749
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve for controlling fluids, which has a piezoelectric actuator that is disposed in an actuator bore. A hydraulic booster and a bellows are also provided. The bellows is embodied such that it can absorb the axial stroke of the piezoelectric actuator. The bellows is connected solidly to the piezoelectric actuator and is also connected solidly to the actuator bore assure a fluid-tight seal of the actuator module relative to the other regions of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Schuerg, Udo Schaich
  • Patent number: 6811133
    Abstract: A hydraulically amplified microelectromechanical systems actuator. A piece of piezoelectric material or stacked piezo bimorph is bonded or deposited as a thin film. The piece is operatively connected to a primary membrane. A reservoir is operatively connected to the primary membrane. The reservoir contains a fluid. A membrane is operatively connected to the reservoir. In operation, energizing the piezoelectric material causing the piezoelectric material to bow. Bowing of the piezoelectric material causes movement of the primary membrane. Movement of the primary membrane results in a force in being transmitted to the liquid in the reservoir. The force in the liquid causes movement of the membrane. Movement of the membrane results in an operating actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Robin R. Miles
  • Patent number: 6811134
    Abstract: A valve for controlling fluids, having a piezoelectric actuator unit for actuating a valve member that is disposed in an at least one-piece valve body and that has at least one displacement piston communicating with the actuator unit and at least one actuating piston operatively connected to the displacement piston via a hydraulic coupler, which actuating piston is connected to a valve closing member which cooperates with at least one valve seat and in the closing position disconnects a control chamber from an outlet chamber, the hydraulic coupler being provided with a filling device. The valve closing member has a pistonlike cylindrical region, which with the valve body forms at least one filter gap for the fluid to be delivered to the filling device, and at whose level an inlet conduit of the filling device branches off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Stoecklein, Dietmar Schmieder
  • Patent number: 6805329
    Abstract: A valve for controlling fluids for reservoir injection systems, includes a hydraulic coupler and a piezoelectric actuator. The hydraulic coupler includes a first piston, a second piston, and a coupler chamber disposed between the two pistons. The piezoelectric actuator is in communication with the first piston. The first piston is embodied as substantially cup-shaped, and the second piston is disposed in a recess in the first piston. The coupler chamber is disposed between the second piston and an inner bottom region of the first piston. As a result, a hydraulic coupler of compact design can be furnished without reversing the direction of motion of the two pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Timo Kegel
  • Patent number: 6805302
    Abstract: An injector for controlling fluids has a piezoelectric actuator and a hydraulic pressure intensifier. The hydraulic pressure intensifier is composed of a first piston, a second piston and a pressure chamber filled with fluid and situated between the two pistons. In addition, a control valve and a priming device are provided to replace the fluid loss in the pressure chamber caused by leakage. The priming device has a priming chamber filled with fluid, and leakage losses in the pressure chamber are replaced by fluid from the priming chamber during a return movement of the hydraulic pressure intensifier as a result of a displacement effect in the priming chamber created directly or indirectly by the first piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Boecking
  • Patent number: 6766965
    Abstract: A fuel injector preferably has a body, a closure member, a piezoelectric device, and a hydraulic thermal compensator. The body extends along an axis. The closure member is displaceable with respect to the body between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first configuration prevents fuel flow through the body, and the second configuration permits fuel flow through the body. The piezoelectric device displaces the closure member from the first configuration to the second configuration. The compensator is coupled with the piezoelectric device and includes a first tube, a second tube, a piston, and fluid. The first tube extends along the axis from a first end portion that occludes the first tube. The first end portion contiguously engages a first one of the body, the closure member, and the piezoelectric device. The second tube is telescopically received in the first tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Angelo D'Arrigo
  • Publication number: 20040108477
    Abstract: A valve (2) for controlling fluids is proposed, with an actuator unit (4), which in particular is piezoelectric, for actuating a valve member assembly (5) that has at least one first piston (8) and one second piston (9), between which a hydraulic chamber (11) is disposed. The valve member assembly (5) actuates a valve closing member (10), which cooperates with at least one valve seat (12). Disposed between the second piston (9) and the valve closing member (10) is an intermediate piston (17), which has a smaller diameter than the second piston (9). The end of the intermediate piston (17) oriented toward the valve closing member (10) and an end of the first piston (8) oriented toward the piezoelectric actuator unit (4) border on a system pressure region (14). A transition region between the second piston (9) and the intermediate piston (17) is disposed in a region (18) whose pressure is less than that of the system pressure region (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Wolfgang Stoecklein, Dietmar Schmieder