Permanent Or Constantly Energized Magnet Actuator Patents (Class 251/65)
  • Patent number: 5860631
    Abstract: A two-stage pilot valve for suspension control systems. The valve includes an annular pilot member so that fluid discharges in a radial direction, and it is preferable that the valve member is comprised of a resiliently suspended plate.Both the dynamic characteristics of the valve and its function in some respects (minimum opening pressure for the main stage) are improved due to these provisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Jorg Feigel
  • Patent number: 5857492
    Abstract: A manually operable control device, such as a joystick, includes a plurality of actuators for operating hydraulic valves of a machine. A handle has a sphere received within a cavity formed between a pair of seat portions which are moveable with respect to each other. The handle produces movement of at least one of the plurality of actuators when the sphere is pivoted within the cavity. An electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field that causes the seat portions to be attracted toward each other which increases friction between the sphere and the seat. A control circuit applies electric current to the electromagnetic coil whenever the machine is turned on and disconnects the electric current when the machine is turned off. The friction between the sphere and the seat holds the control device in an operating position set by the machine operator and springs return the control device to a neutral position when the machine is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: HUSCO International, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles P. Salamun
  • Patent number: 5853019
    Abstract: An earthquake activated valve assembly is attached to a gas line downstream of a gas meter. The valve assembly has a ball check which rolls to a closed position for the valve upon agitation, by for example an earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Charles J. Hollenbach
  • Patent number: 5851110
    Abstract: A tube assembly for a gas range includes a small aluminum manifold block, valve assemblies adapted to regulate flow of gas from the manifold block to the burners, and burner orifices adapted to control flow of gas to the burners. Aluminum valve supply tubes each have a first end staked to an associated outlet of the manifold block and a second end connected to an inlet of an associated one of the valve assemblies. Aluminum burner tubes each have a first end connected to an outlet of an associated one of the valve assemblies and a second end connected to an associated one of the burner orifices. Two or more small manifold blocks can be interconnected by aluminum manifold supply tubes. The manifold supply tube can be easily bent to position the manifold blocks in any desirable position. An igniter assembly includes a pin extending from a stem of the valve assembly and a contactless position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Universal Tubular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph G. Ridenour
  • Patent number: 5842680
    Abstract: An actuator for opening and closing a valve with less resistance. The actuator includes a rotor, a stator, a valve and a shaft. The shaft having a first and second end, and an axis extending longitudinally therethrough. The stator, having an electromagnet mounted thereon, and circumferentially mounted around the shaft that extends therethrough. The rotor, fixedly mounted circumferentially around the first end, and having a permanent magnet mounted adjacent to the electromagnet and spaced a first distance therefrom. The valve including a rotary valve and valve seat. The rotary valve, mounted circumferentially around and near the second end, having a valve opening therein. The valve seat, mounted adjacent the rotary valve, having a seat valve opening therein, and fixedly attached to the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventors: Eleazor Felipe Bustamante, Phillip G. Adams, Catherine Hoskin, David Yan Leng
  • Patent number: 5820104
    Abstract: A vacuum-oriented vertical transfer system which provides super vacuum/super clean environments, and a gate valve assembly which reduces the size of electromagnet sections. The vacuum-oriented vertical transfer system includes a cylindrical partition wall, and a rod vertically moved through an open bottom of a vacuum container. The rod is floatingly supported in radial and axial directions thereof by a radial magnetic support device and an axial magnetic support device, respectively. The gate valve assembly comprises a closure member mounted for positioning adjacent to and away from a port of a container to close and open the port, respectively. A neck member is integrally connected to the closure member and is mounted for movement to position the closure member to open and close the port of the container. A radial magnet device levitates the neck member by magnetic forces in a radial direction thereof. An axial magnetic device levitates the neck member by magnetic forces in an axial direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Seiko Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Koyano, Ryuichi Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 5816313
    Abstract: A spacecraft includes heat-generating payload equipment, and a heat transport system with a cold plate thermally coupled to the equipment and a capillary-wick evaporator, for evaporating coolant liquid to cool the equipment. The coolant vapor is coupled to a condenser and in a loop back to the evaporator. A heated coolant reservoir is coupled to the loop for pressure control. If the wick is not wetted, heat transfer will not begin or continue. A pair of check valves are coupled in the loop, and the heater is cycled for augmentation pumping of coolant to and from the reservoir. This augmentation pumping, in conjunction with the check valves, wets the wick. The wick liquid storage capacity allows the augmentation pump to provide continuous pulsed liquid flow to assure continuous vapor transport and a continuously operating heat transport system. The check valves are of the ball type to assure maximum reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: David Baker
  • Patent number: 5807085
    Abstract: A liquid medicine supplying system comprises a housing 11 including a pump chamber 27, a diaphragm 28 for changing a volume of the pump chamber 27, a first flow path 31 for guiding liquid in a liquid storage tank to the pump chamber 27 and a second flow path 32 for guiding the liquid stored in the pump chamber 27 to a liquid discharge portion. A first valve body 34 for on-off operating the first flow path 31 is disposed in the first flow path 31. A second valve body 35 for on-off operating the second flow path 32 is disposed in the second flow path 32. Furthermore, a magnet 41 on the follow up side is provided in the valve body 34 and the second valve body 35. Then, in the housing 11, there are provided magnets 43a, 44a and the like cause the magnetic field to act on the magnet 41 on the follow up side, whereby the first valve body 34 and the second valve body 35 are set at opening positions or closing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventor: Takeo Yajima
  • Patent number: 5799681
    Abstract: An safety shut off valve automatically shuts off in response to seismic or other shock wave forces of a predetermined magnitude and thereafter automatically reset when there is no discernible excess gas flow due a downstream broken or leaking pipe. The shut off valve generally includes a housing having a mass spring system mounted therein for translating lateral seismic and other shock forces exerted against the housing to an axially movable magnet for decoupling a valve member plate attracted thereto allowing it to block the downstream fluid communication path. A small bypass flow permits the valve member plate to be automatically reset in engagement with the magnet when the atmospheric pressure upstream of the plate is substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure downstream of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Mallard Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace W. Velie, deceased, Neil Velie, executor
  • Patent number: 5791523
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a beverage dispenser mounted in a refrigerating compartment thereof for dispensing a beverage through the refrigerator door. The dispenser includes a beverage-storing vessel having a beverage outlet in the form of a valved spigot which is arranged to project through a hole in the door when the door is closed. The spigot includes an internal valve which is attached to a first magnet. The door carries a valve actuator which includes a second magnet adapted to generate a magnetic repulsive force against the first magnet to open the valve against a valve-closing spring force when the actuator is moved to a valve-opening position. A sealing arrangement is provided to create an air-tight seal between the spigot and hole when the door is closed. A manually releasable latch is disposed within the refrigerator for releasably retaining the vessel against accidental removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gil-Soo Oh
  • Patent number: 5787915
    Abstract: A valve positioning system according to the present invention includes a force motor which responds to a command signal corresponding to a desired valve flow rate by energizing magnetic coils with a current to produce a flux force which moves the valve. Preferably two Hall effect sensors sense the actual position and provide a feedback signal to a control loop which compares the sensed position with the commanded position. The valve is positioned by adjusting the energizing current provided to the magnetic coils. The system optionally includes circuitry to compensate for the error in the actual position relative to the commanded position produced by changes in current in the magnetic coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: J. Otto Byers & Associates
    Inventors: J. Otto Byers, Lambert Haner
  • Patent number: 5785296
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator for controlling a flow modulator which is pivotally mounted in a pipe to cause a rapidly variable head loss in a fluid flowing therein, the actuator being provided with a stator and a rotor. The rotor can move only through a predetermined angular sector by oscillating about an angular reference position, and a return device is provided for storing the kinetic energy of the rotor and flow modulator during angular deceleration of the rotor and at least partially returning the kinetic energy to the actuator during angular acceleration of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
    Inventors: Jean-Laurent Peube, Jean-Claude Trigeassou
  • Patent number: 5758863
    Abstract: A permanent magnet actuated pilot operated valve having a central permanent magnet disposed within an annular axially polarized magnet. The annular magnet is attached to a pressure responsive membrane moveably responsive to a fluid pressure control signal. Movement of the annular permanent magnet effects movement of the central magnet, either by attraction or repulsion depending on whether like or opposite poling is employed. Movement of the central magnet effects opening of a pilot valve which creates a pressure differential which in turn causes a second pressure responsive membrane to move and effect opening of a main valve. Change in the fluid pressure control signal causes the annular magnet to return to its original position thereby effecting reverse movement of the central magnet and closure of the pilot valve. A bleed hole causes pressure equalization across the second membrane and reclosure of the main valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Ranco Incorporated of Delaware
    Inventors: Jean Claude Buffet, Lionel Raut
  • Patent number: 5743297
    Abstract: A hydraulic pilot valve has a joystick which is normally maintained in a neutral position by coil springs acting on plungers which engage corresponding first cam surfaces of a cam fixed to the joystick. The plungers are each connected to respective valve members which are stroked to open the pilot valve when the plungers are depressed. When the joystick is pivoted to depress one of the plungers by engaging the head of the plunger so as to stroke one of the valve members, that valve member is held stroked by an magnetic detent. The joystick may then be released and the valve member will remain in its stroked position. When the joystick is moved back towards a neutral position, a second cam surface on the joystick engages an outer end portion of the depressed plunger and applies an axial force to the plunger. This disengages an armature component of the magnetic detent from an electromagnetic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Mueller
  • Patent number: 5735317
    Abstract: A sealed container and suction pump unit including a sealed container, and a suction pump adapted for drawing air out of the sealed container, the suction pump having a vacuum mount adapted for securing to the container body of the sealed container, and a bottom coupling groove adapted for coupling to the container cover of the container body of the sealed container, the container cover of the sealed container having a center air hole through which air can be drawn out of the container body by the suction pump, an upward coupling flange raised around the center air hole and adapted for engaging the bottom coupling groove, an air filter element mounted in the center air hole to remove solid particles from air passing through, a metal pressure plate supported on a seal ring inside the center air hole and attracted by a magnet to seal the air passage, and a press member mounted in the center air hole and controlled to tilt the metal pressure plate in opening the air passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Enrichwell Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mao Sheng Wu
  • Patent number: 5727769
    Abstract: A solenoid valve is disclosed and includes a solenoid, a plunger made of a magnetic material, and a yoke receiving the plunger therein such that the plunger may be moved by the magnetic field produced by the solenoid. A valve element is connected to the plunger for controlling the rate of flow through the solenoid valve. A permanent magnet is disposed in a desired position outside the yoke. The magnetic flux of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet is effectively used for damping the oscillation of the plunger to thereby achieve excellent controllability of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: MKS Japan, Inc.
    Inventor: Isao Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5718255
    Abstract: A flow-responsive diverting valve is particularly useful with pressure washers of the type having a water pump coupled to an internal combustion engine equipped with a pull-rope starter. The valve provides an "easy-start" feature and has a valving chamber and a fluid inlet and two fluid outlets. A magnet is fixed on the valve body and when fluid flows into the inlet at the low flow rate occurring when operating the starter, a valving device, e.g., a check ball, is restrained by the magnet. When fluid flows into the inlet at a higher flow rate (as when the engine is running and the pump is delivering water at a substantial rate), the device closes the first outlet and diverts water to the second outlet. A method for operating a pressure washer includes magnetically restraining the valving device away from the first outlet while operating the starter and then running the engine, thereby urging the device to close the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Generac Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Gilpatrick, Wes Sodemann
  • Patent number: 5718264
    Abstract: A control valve the controls the flow of a fluid. The valve has a housing with an inlet port, a cylinder port and a reservoir port. The inlet port is typically connected to a source of pressurized fluid. The cylinder port is connected to an actuator chamber and the reservoir port is connected to a fluid reservoir. The control valve has a solenoid that moves an internal valve between a first position and a second position. When the internal valve is in the first position, fluid can flow from the inlet port through the cylinder port. When the valve is in the second position, the inlet port is closed and the cylinder port is in fluid communication with the reservoir port. The housing has an internal channel that allows the supply fluid to apply a pressure on both sides of the internal valve. The fluid forces on the internal valve are opposite and offsetting, such that the solenoid force required to move the internal valve is independent of the pressure of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Sturman Industries
    Inventor: Oded E. Sturman
  • Patent number: 5713877
    Abstract: An indwelling magnetically actuable urinary catheter (35) involves the molding of a valve housing (32) to a catheter drainage shaft (16) by using a drainage-valve-cavity mandrel (22) and two inflation-valve-cavity mandrels (24). The drainage-valve-cavity mandrel (22) forms a spring seat having a built in integral bypass and a valve seat. An elongated one-piece valve popper (50) of Ferro-magnetic material has an enlarged, rounded, bulbous head facing the valve seat and an elongated smaller diameter portion directed toward the spring seat for engaging the tapered spring supported by the spring seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Urocath Corporation
    Inventor: Richard C. Davis
  • Patent number: 5704385
    Abstract: A seismic safety apparatus has a housing having an internal space and an external surface. A seismic safety activating mechanism is provided inside the housing for activating a seismic safety device. The seismic safety activating mechanism includes an inertia ball recess located in the internal space, an inertia ball in the housing that has an unactuated position on the recess and an actuated position displaced from the unactuated position on the recess. The inertia ball recess is formed so that when the inertia ball is in the valve member recess, vibrations or seismic shocks of a predetermined magnitude cause the inertia ball to move from the unactuated position to the actuated position. An engagement component inside the housing is provided as part of the seismic safety activating mechanism at the actuated position for engagement with the inertia ball when the inertia ball is displaced from the unactuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Seismic Safety Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. McGill, Antonio F. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 5699833
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical fluid flow control apparatus to control the flow of water through a shower head directed to a target zone or a field from an external souce of pressurized water, the electro-mechanical fluid flow control apparatus comprising a valve assembly including a valve member and a valve member positioning device disposed in operatively relationship relative to the valve member to selectively move the valve member between a closed position and an open position and a control assembly to selectively move the valve member from the closed position to the open position allowing water to flow from the external source of pressurized water through the valve assembly to the shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Eddie J. Tsataros
  • Patent number: 5683017
    Abstract: An electromagnetic meter including an electrical coil with a ferromagnetic core. Electrical current flowing through the coil is controlled in a predetermined cycle by a switching mechanism. The meter housing has a material outlet and a bracket is pivotally attached to the housing. A gate is attached to the bracket and is movable between a closed position covering the material outlet and an open position spaced from the material outlet. A permanent magnet is also attached to the bracket and positioned at one end of the core offset from its longitudinal axis. When current flows through the coil the magnet is repelled away from the core, and when current flow is stopped the magnet is attracted to the core. Displacement of the magnet responsive to current flow moves the gate between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Larry M. Conrad
  • Patent number: 5676344
    Abstract: A drive member of magnetic material is coupled to a shutter member and co-operates with a magnetic field generator connected to a control member. The magnetic field generator is mounted inside a sleeve of non-magnetic material secured to the tubular body. The sleeve extends substantially along the axis of the tubular body having one end closed and having its opposite end opening out to the outside of the tubular body. The drive member extends outside the sleeve facing the magnetic field generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Andre Graffin
  • Patent number: 5655747
    Abstract: A solenoid valve for an irrigation control unit comprises a cut-off element movable inside a respective seat between a closed position and an open position. The cut-off element defines inside the seat a chamber in constant communication with the inlet of the solenoid valve, so that the pressure exerted on the cut-off element by the water present at the inlet of the solenoid valve is balanced by the pressure exerted on the cut-off element by the water present in the chamber. The cut-off element is provided with a passing conduit that can be opened so that the chamber can be put in communication with the outlet of the solenoid valve. Since the pressure exerted on the cut-off element by the water present at the inlet of the solenoid valve is no longer balanced by the pressure exerted on the cut-off element by the water present in the chamber, the cut-off element is displaced by the thrust of the water present at the inlet of the solenoid valve in said open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Claber S.p.a.
    Inventor: Claudio Pasut
  • Patent number: 5655568
    Abstract: A self-regulating flow control valve that combines a variable area flow meter and a flow control valve. In one embodiment, a tapered frusto-conical float is installed in a concentric cylinder. This cylinder has an inlet port below the float and an outlet port above the float. Both the inlet and outlet ports are in fluid communication with the cylinder. During normal flows, the float raises and reaches an equilibrium position. The upper portion of the cylinder has a flow tube installed within the tube. The lower portion of this tube acts as a valve seat for the float. The flow tube is set at a particular level of flow. As the flow changes, the float level changes. As the float approaches the flow tube, the flow rate stabilizes at the desired set point due to valving action. The set point can be changed by adjusting the position of the valve flow tube. The flow rate may be read off a scale that can be affixed to the valve body, or by means of graduations formed on the flow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventors: Raj Bhargava, Niraj Chandra
  • Patent number: 5643194
    Abstract: A subcutaneous vane for the external regulation of fluid flow, said valve including a body comprising a substantially cylindrical and flat internal chamber having a central axis; an inlet pipe and a drain pipe formed in the lateral wall of said chamber and adapted to be connected respectively to a catheter for supplying a fluid and to a catheter for draining a fluid from said chamber; a rotor mounted in said chamber to rotate about said central axis; a non-return valve formed at the inner end of the inlet pipe and having a moveable valve element and a valve seat, said moveable valve element closing said valve when the valve element is engaged in the valve seat; a curved leaf spring fixed to said rotor generally parallel to the lateral wall of the chamber and urging the valve element into the valve seat; two micromagnets mounted in spaced relation in the motor on opposite sides of said central axis; locking means for locking the rotor in predetermined selected positions; the micromagnets being mounted to move
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Sophysa
    Inventor: Philippe Negre
  • Patent number: 5641271
    Abstract: Pump (1) includes a pneumatic valve assembly (98) having a chamber (105) which is supplied by compressed air via an inlet pipe. Included within chamber (105) is a valve (109) with a chamber (111) divided into two separate compartments (112,113) by a pliant diaphragm (114). Diaphragm (114) is biased toward compartment (112) by a spring (115) and supports a plunger (116) which extends from chamber (111) and includes a frusto conical end (117) for selectively engaging seat face (99) and preventing air flow between chambers (105,90). Two air bleed passageways (119,120) respectively extend from chamber (90) and compartment (113) to atmosphere for allowing a gradual return to atmospheric pressure therein when the supply of compressed air is discontinued. A further bleed passageway (121) extends through diaphragm (114) to ensure a gradual equalization of pressure in compartments (112,113) such that the diaphragm will return to its original biased position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: M.I.M. Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Alan J. Forrester, Paavo M. Laukkanen
  • Patent number: 5638866
    Abstract: A hydraulic pilot valve has a joystick which is normally maintained in a neutral position by coil springs acting on plungers which engage corresponding first cam surfaces of a cam fixed to the joystick. The plungers are each connected to respective valve members which are stroked to open the pilot valve when the plungers are depressed. When the joystick is pivoted to depress one of the plungers so as to stroke one of the valve members, that valve member is held stroked by an magnetic detent. The joystick may then be released and the valve member will remain in its stroked position. When the joystick is moved back towards a neutral position, a second cam surface on the joystick engages an outer end portion of the depressed plunger and applies an axial force to the plunger. This disengages an armature component of the magnetic detent from an electromagnetic component. A spring then pushes the plunger to its neutral position where the plunger holds the valve member operated thereby closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Allen Mueller
  • Patent number: 5632298
    Abstract: A resuscitation and inhalation device which can be used alternatively in each of two modes. The flow of oxygen or gas is controlled by a control valve, itself controlled by a movable member acted upon by the pressure of oxygen or gas in a chamber after having flowed passed the control valve. On meeting a preset maximum pressure, the valve member moves to close the control valve. The movable valve member is acted upon by a magnetic field which is adjustable, and the magnetic field strength sets the pressure at which the valve member moves. Oxygen or gas is admitted to the control valve by two alternative inlet valves, one for resuscitation with only oxygen or gas flowing through the mask, and one for inhalation, with oxygen or gas and air or a second gas being fed through the mask, allowing ambient air to mix prior to the flow to the patient as a result of inhalation effort by the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Hagop Artinian
  • Patent number: 5623957
    Abstract: A valve for controlling a gas or liquid flow, has an admission and a discharge with a valve seat, a valve part displaceable relative to the valve seat, and a seal therebetween, whereby the valve part presses the seal against the valve seat in one position and thus interrupts the flow. In order to obtain a valve of this type that has a simple structure and exhibits an extremely high sealing power over a comparatively long time span, a liquid having such properties that it is insoluble in the liquid or the gas that flows through the valve serves at least partially as a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens-Elema AB
    Inventor: Anders Lekholm
  • Patent number: 5624100
    Abstract: A throttle valve in a gas conduit (3), such as for example an intake of an internal-combustion engine, is pivotable from an idling position into operating positions by means of a valve shaft (5), the valve shaft (5) carrying an actuator body formed by a magnetised rotor body (9) which, via an air gap (10), cooperates with pole shoes (15) of a stationary excitation section (11), which is electrically energisable by a pick-up, which pole shoes surround said rotor body externally, the excitation section (11) comprising a U-shaped stator whose limbs (12a, 12b) form the pole shoes (15), which cooperate with the permanent-magnet rotor body (9) at the air gap, in such a manner that the rotor body (9) is subjected to magnetic torques which tend to pull said rotor body into a well-defined rest position, in order to thereby return the throttle valve (4) in a direction opposite to the opening direction into a well-defined rest position in the non-energised condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Ekkehard Bolte, Bernd Ackermann, Leo Bertram
  • Patent number: 5622351
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water-supply valve of a washing machine in which the consumption of electric power can be minimized in opening and closing the valve to supply water into and block off the water supply into a washing tub of the washing machine. In the water-supply valve, an actuator rod is elevated against downward biasing force of a spring by a magnetic force of the first solenoid generated by applying an electric current thereto, and then is retained at its uppermost position by the attractive force of the permanent magnet. And, the actuator rod starts to be lowered by a magnetic force of the second solenoid generated by applying an electric current thereto, and is retained at its lowermost position by the downward biasing force of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jinsoo Kim
  • Patent number: 5611370
    Abstract: A proportional variable force solenoid valve for controlling the pressure of a pressurized fluid in a fluid control system in proportion to the current level of an electrical input signal comprises a movable valve for controlling the pressure of pressurized fluid in the fluid control system and a solenoid for controlling movement of the valve in linear proportion to the current level of the electrical signal. The movable valve and the solenoid are disposed in a common substantially non-magnetic housing to provide a fluid control unit. The housing may comprise an aluminum casting for insertion in an aluminum transmission body. A movable armature of the solenoid may comprise a cylindrical shaped permanent magnet, rather than a ferromagnetic armature, in order to eliminate the need for a axially magnetized permanent magnet ring. A simplified armature suspension structure, fluid diverting valve mechanism, and electromagnetic flux washer are incorporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Hamid Najmolhoda
  • Patent number: 5611368
    Abstract: A valve having a magnetic force transmission apparatus is disclosed including: a closed body for tightly closing internal components and rotation shaft of the body of the valve, so as to interrupt the leakage of fluid from the valve and maintain perfect airtightness; and a pair of permanent magnet plates opposingly placed in the closed body and for allowing the valve open/close by transmitting power using the magnetic force of magnet pieces attached on yokes in non-contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
    Inventors: Sung-Tai Hwang, Jong-Hyeun Choi, Tae-Joon Kim, Yun-Dong Choi, Byung-Real Jo
  • Patent number: 5609607
    Abstract: Device for modeling or simulating the sense of touch for medical, especially surgical purposes such as operations using medical instruments, characterized in that at least one sensor array which is sensitive to force, pressure, or travel and an actuator array are combined in the instrument to form a "feeling" or "tactile" unit (A, B) in such manner that one controls the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace AG
    Inventors: Kurt-Volker Hechtenberg, Dieter Bosch, Hajo Hermeking
  • Patent number: 5596893
    Abstract: A magnetic security device for preventing unauthorized opening of fire hydrant valves includes an inner cylindrical member which is fixed to a nut on the valve stem and an outer rotatable member which is coupled to the inner cylindrical member by a magnetizable element. The magnetizable element is attracted to move from an uncoupled to a coupling mode by a reaching permanent magnet integral with a special operating wrench. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an intermediate sleeve is provided which is coaxial with a nylon sleeve disposed around the outer surface of the inner cylindrical member. In addition, the inner cylindrical member has a knurled portion which engages the surface of a recess surrounding the valve operating nut so that if the outer operating member is tilted with respect to the inner operating member, the inner operating member binds with the wall of the recess, preventing rotation of the inner operating member and of the valve operating nut attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Hydra-Shield Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry J. Stehling, Roy Istre, Jr., Sheldon Levine, Horace E. Nichols, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5586589
    Abstract: A refillable closed container that cannot be refilled without the use of a special mechanism. The refillable closed container system comprises a valve body secured in an opening of the container, a flow passage through the valve body for permitting flow into and out of the container, a magnetically attractable valve member in the valve body, and a magnet carrier. The valve member is movable between a closed position for blocking flow through the passage and an open position for permitting flow through the passage. The magnet carrier carries a magnet for magnetically moving the valve member toward an open position when the magnet carrier is secured to the container to permit refilling of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventor: Scott C. Voelker
  • Patent number: 5584466
    Abstract: A self-holding type solenoid valve has an exciting coil 1 and an exciting circuit that switches the direction of flow of exciting current passing through the coil. When a positive exciting current flows through the coil, a movable iron core is attracted to a stationary iron core and held in the attracted position by a self-contained permanent magnet. When a reversed current flows through the coil, a return spring releases the movable iron core away from the stationary iron core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Shinichi Azuma, Atsushi Nishibe
  • Patent number: 5584465
    Abstract: A solenoid latching valve movable between open and closed positions employing a latching magnet and a spring to maintain a plunger in the open and closed positions respectively. Momentary direct electrical currents are switchably supplied to the electromagnetic coil which causes the plunger to shuttle between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Snap-Tite, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Ochsenreiter
  • Patent number: 5567283
    Abstract: An electrolytic chlorine gas generating system is disclosed. The system includes an electrolytic cell generating the chlorine gas, a brine tank supplying saturated brine to the anode compartment of the cell, and an acid feed tank containing hydrochloric acid at sufficient concentration to maintain the anolyte brine at less than about pH 4.0. In operation, the brine tank contains solid sodium chloride which dissolves in the brine and replenishes the anolyte brine solution as chloride ion is consumed during electrolysis. The acid feed tank is in fluid communication with the brine tank so that the brine is maintained at a constant volume during electrolysis. A caustic system is also disclosed including a means for controlling caustic delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventors: Scott Lynn, Steven F. Sciamanna, Aldo F. Sciamanna
  • Patent number: 5544853
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a damper device adapted for controlling the flow of cooled air in freezing machines, refrigerators and air conditioners. The damper device according to one preferred embodiment includes a damper casing having a damper opening of a predetermined size, an opening/closing member slidable in the damper casing for opening/closing the damper opening, a guide mechanism provided at both sides of the opening/closing member, an electromagnet fixed at an end of the opening/closing member having coils therearound, a permanent magnet fixed to one side of the damper casing, and a plurality of elastic members along the inner wall of the damper casing for elastically supporting the opening/closing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Golstar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeong M. Choi
  • Patent number: 5544856
    Abstract: A method for remotely controlling flow of gaseous fuel to a burner having an electrically operated electromagnetically actuated modulating valve. The electromagnetic actuator comprises a coil having about one thousand turns of fine wire disposed proximate an annular permanent magnet. Either the magnet or coil may be attached to a moveable valve member which has a resilient poppet biased to close on a valve seat to shut off gas flow. Upon energization of the coil, a magnetomotive force is generated and moves the poppet off the seat to permit flow. Increased current flow in the coil proportionately increases opening of the poppet and movement of a metering member which throttles flow. When the poppet is fully open, flow is reduced to minimum metered level. A single user operated, remotely located potentiometer can be used to effect the proportional control of flow to the burner. In the preferred embodiment the metering member is cylindrical with a varying area grove or recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Todd L. King, James E. Mading, Earl T. Piber
  • Patent number: 5535777
    Abstract: A gas flow safety valve assembly having a main housing of generally solid rigid construction with a main interior chamber divided into an upper compartment and a flow through compartment by a primary diaphragm. Further, the main housing includes an inlet passage leading into the flow through compartment and an outlet passage leading out of the flow through compartment. Upon a gas flow pressure within the flow through compartment dropping below a predetermined minimum acceptable gas flow rate, the primary diaphragm is downwardly displaced resulting in the engagement of a primary displacement member connected thereto with a lever element pivotally positioned within the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Giorgio Maracchi
  • Patent number: 5533545
    Abstract: This invention involves a liquid drain system with liquid entrance and exit components to be used in or with compressed air systems. The system has a reservoir to hold accumulated liquid and a float in the reservoir that will be movable with the liquid level in the reservoir. So that liquid flows out of the system an air entrance and air exit is provided. The air entrance and air exit is controlled by magnetic and metallic components. When the float is in a lower position in the reservoir, the metallic component is in a closed position. When the float is in an upward position, the metallic component opens the flow passages to permit the liquid to exit the reservoir. An air inlet to the reservoir is provided to cause pressure to allow the liquid to flow out through an exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Air System Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry P. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5531421
    Abstract: In the annular dam slide valve there is arranged in a tube (4) a lining tube (3) which is slidingly reciprocatable in the direction of the axis of said tube (4) and which lies against the inner wall of said tube (4). An actuating device (5, 6, 7) for the lining tube (3) is provided, and the tube (4) is provided at one end with a hopper (2) on which supports (10) are arranged which carry a pyramidal roof (displacement body) (1) which has peripheral eaves (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Fenner
  • Patent number: 5529281
    Abstract: A tube-type shutoff valve is electrically positioned to its open or closed position by a concentric electromagnetic solenoid. The valve is dual latching in that the armature of the solenoid maintains the sliding tube of the valve in an open or closed position by means of permanent magnets which are effective when current is not supplied to the solenoid. The valve may also be actuated manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space
    Inventors: Myron J. Brudnicki, Jefferson Y. Yang
  • Patent number: 5513395
    Abstract: A toilet having a seat section that includes a bowl with a bottom discharge opening. The toilet also includes a source of flush water for rinsing the bowl and removing waste through the discharge opening into a waste storage tank. A pump provides the flush water through a nozzle which directs the flush water into the bowl. A check valve is associated with discharge nozzle to prevent flush water from inadvertently leaking into the bowl. The check valve is capable of being used with either a manually actuated pump or a power assisted pump and reduces the force required by the pump to maintain the valve open than to initially open it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Chlebek, James K. Miller
  • Patent number: 5484133
    Abstract: The present invention provides a manual override system for a linear magnetically operated valve assembly having a valve member reciprocally located in a valve body. A first carrier member connected to the valve member mounts a peripheral set of driven magnets. A barrier member surrounds the first carrier member and is hermetically sealed to the valve body. A second carrier member surrounds the barrier member and mounts a set of driven magnets for magnetically inducing following linear movement in the first carrier member and the valve member in response to specific linear movement of the second carrier member. The manual override system includes a piston member reciprocally located in the valve body for linear movement between the valve body and the first carrier member, the piston member having an annular skirt thereon sealingly engaging an inner bore of the valve body and defining first and second sealed chambers on respective sides thereof within the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Nova Scotia Research Foundation
    Inventor: John B. Oliver
  • Patent number: 5474115
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle has a vent tube extending through a spout of the nozzle and automatic shut off device in communication with, and responsive to, the passage of air through the vent tube. The vent tube terminates in an air port at the tip of the spout. A tip, forming a valve, is placed at the end of the vent tube. The valve has a magnetic responsive valve member and a seat formed at the junction of tip and the vent tube. The vacuum created by the nozzle seats the magnetic valve member against the seat to close the tube to activate the automatic shut off device. A vehicle which can accept the fuel being dispensed is equipped with a magnet in the neck of the fill pipe of the tank which will attract the magnetic valve member to hold the vent tube open, so that the automatic shut off device will not be activated by a closed valve member and fuel can be dispensed to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur C. Fink, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5474100
    Abstract: An electricity/air pressure converter comprising a pair of housings, made of a soft magnetic material, in the middle of which pole pieces are disposed facing each other with an air gap therebetween and which have a cylindrically formed outer circumferential portion; a permanent magnet secured to one of the housings at one end thereof and surrounding one of the pole pieces; a movable member, made of a magnetic material and having spring properties, which is secured to the other end of the permanent magnet and which faces the pole pieces in the air gap; a coil which is wound around the other housing so that it surrounds the pole pieces and through which a current signal flows; and a nozzle which is disposed to face the movable member around the center of either of the pole pieces and which is in communication with one end of a restrictor which is supplied with a supply air pressure at the other end thereof, wherein back pressure is generated at the nozzle according to current signals being outputted as an air p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Nishijima, Atsushi Kimura, Yasuo Kasahara, Masahito Tsuchiya