Permanent Or Constantly Energized Magnet Actuator Patents (Class 251/65)
  • Patent number: 7171981
    Abstract: A flow control valve has a ball and an annular seat providing a positive stop for automatically preventing flow through the valve when a line downstream has been broken. The flow control valve is useful for interior applications in which seepage through the valve would be unacceptable and in which both hot and cold water lines need to be protected. A magnet may aid in positioning the ball. Sensors may be used to detect positions of the ball. A flow control system that includes the flow control valve may include any of a variety of interchangeable components for facilitating incorporation of the flow control valve in a water or other fluid line. Another embodiment includes a mechanism for detecting and stopping flow due to slow leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Watersav Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Shade, James Starace
  • Patent number: 7168597
    Abstract: A metering valve that includes a valve body defining a metering chamber having an inlet valve adapted to be reversibly actuable from an open position to a closed position located at the inlet, and an outlet valve adapted to be reversibly actuable from a dispensing to a non-dispensing position located at the outlet, where the outlet valve includes an outlet valve seat adapted to be in biasable contact with an outlet valve poppet is described. Aerosol containers and inhalation devices that include such metering valves are also described, as are methods of using such inhalation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Smithkline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Patrick Jones, Gregor John McLennan Anderson, Paul Kenneth Rand
  • Patent number: 7143782
    Abstract: A pressure regulator module for controlling a gas is provided, which includes a chamber, at least one gas inlet, and at least one gas outlet. In addition, a proportional valve operating essentially according to the pressure-equalization principle is post-connected to the gas inlet and is pre-connected to the chamber, and the proportional valve acts together with a pressure sensor situated in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Guenther Bantleon, Thanh-Hung Nguyen-Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7134639
    Abstract: A latching microregulator for regulating liquid flow on micro-scale levels comprises a substrate having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve element defining a valve chamber for opening and closing the inlet port, and an actuator assembly for actuating the valve element. The valve chamber is configured to contain a volume of fluid, and the inlet port and the outlet port are in fluid communication with the valve chamber to provide a liquid flow path through the chamber. The actuator assembly comprises a cantilever beam for moving the valve element between an open position and a closed position, an actuator, such as a piezoelectric element, for moving the cantilever beam, and a latch, such as a permanent magnet, for securing the cantilever beam in the closed position. A flow regulation system comprises a plurality of fluid channels of varied flow conductance and a plurality of latching microregulators for selectively blocking or allowing flow through each of the fluid channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Cytonome, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Gilbert, Bernard Bunner, Sebastian Böhm, Manish Deshpande
  • Patent number: 7118549
    Abstract: An anti-siphon device limits the flow of a fluid from a first region of a patient's body to a second region. The device includes a housing having a spherical inner surface with a predetermined inner diameter. The housing has an inlet port for receiving fluid from the first region and an outlet port for directing fluid to the second region. The inlet port and the outlet port are disposed approximately diametrically opposite from each other. A spherical ball is disposed within the housing. The spherical ball has a ferromagnetic weight disposed off center therein. The spherical ball has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the housing so that the spherical ball is free to rotate within the housing and the fluid is free to flow between the inner surface of the housing and an outer surface of said spherical ball. The spherical ball has a circumferential recess extending through its center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Chan
  • Patent number: 7086245
    Abstract: A flow control valve apparatus, a manufacturing method thereof and a heat exchanger using the same. The flow control valve apparatus includes: a flow channel having a longitudinal axis comprised of an upper flow channel and a lower flow channel, for guiding a fluid; sealing means installed in a plane perpendicular to the flow channel and having an orifice through which the fluid passes; opening/closing means for controlling opening/closing of the orifice; and applying means installed along an outer circumference of the flow channel and to which a current may be applied for controlling the opening/closing of the orifice. According to the inventive flow control valve apparatus, the displacement of the permanent magnet valve member is varied using the current applied to the solenoid coil, thereby linearly controlling the opened area of the orifice and/or performing the opening/closing operation of the orifice. The valve apparatus can be miniaturized at a low price.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Young Joo Yee
  • Patent number: 7080818
    Abstract: A pressure regulating valve, for regulating the pressure in a common rail, having a pistonlike valve member guided axially displaceably in a bore, which valve member acts on a closing element which can be pressed against a valve seat, and the valve member forms an armature of an electromagnet that can be supplied with current. The armature of the electromagnet is embodied as a permanent magnet, or the electromagnet surrounding the armature is connected to a permanent magnet likewise acting on the armature, so that even in the state without current, a magnetic force acts on the valve member. In this way, even in the event of a failure of the electromagnetic regulation, a pressure is generated at the valve outlet. In the state when current is supplied, the closing force of the valve can be regulated over the entire pressure range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Braeuer, Stefan Holl
  • Patent number: 7077378
    Abstract: A valve assembly (1) operable to allow or prevent the flow of fluid to or from a working chamber of a fluid-operated machine, comprising radially spaced apart inner and outer annular valve seats (8, 15) defining an annular passage therebetween, a valve member comprising a sealing ring (21), and means (3, 7, 26, 25) for moving the valve member axially between a first position in which the sealing ring (21) is in seating engagement with the annular valve seats to close the annular passage to fluid flow therethrough and a second position in which the sealing ring (21) is spaced from the annular valve seats (8, 15) so that the annular passage is open to fluid flow therethrough. The valve assembly further comprises axially spaced apart first and second valve guide means (6) for guiding the valve member during axial movement between its first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Artemis Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: William H S Rampen, Niall J Caldwell, Uwe B P Stein
  • Patent number: 7070161
    Abstract: The invention provides a proportional directional control valve having a valve operating mechanism that permits communication between a first and a second channel through a linear motion of a valve element of the valve operating mechanism, a magnetic assembly operatively connected to the valve element where the magnetic assembly provides a magnetic field responsive to the linear motion of the valve element, a linear Hall-effect sensor assembly configured to generate an electrical signal responsive to a change in the magnetic field, and a control system that controls the linear movement of the valve element in response to a comparison of the electrical signal and a command electrical input signal. The valve operating mechanism includes a valve assembly configured with a chamber housing the valve element. The linear motion of the valve element within the chamber allows fluid to be selectively conveyed through channels of the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Continental Hydraulics
    Inventors: Travis Raymond Piehl, Kermit Anthony Wold
  • Patent number: 7032257
    Abstract: A flush tank includes an outlet pipe attached to a receptacle for discharging water, a float disposed close to the outlet pipe to selectively block the outlet pipe, and to control an outward flowing of the water through the outlet pipe. A magnetically forcing device may magnetically force the float to block the outlet pipe, and a detecting device may be used to detect users and to actuate the magnetically forcing device to release the float. The magnetically forcing device includes an electromagnetic device supported by a frame to act with the float. A stop may be attached to the frame to limit a movement of the float relative to the outlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Kuan Pao Chen
  • Patent number: 7021603
    Abstract: A magnetic device is formed from a permanent magnet generating magnetic flux, an armature which can occupy two positions between four poles and an electromagnet winding to which current can be supplied to produce a magnetic flux in one direction or the other, the flux from the winding causing the armature to move into one position and continue to remain in that position after the current flow ceases. The device can be incorporated into a fluid valve to act as a drive for opening and closing the valve. It may also serve as the drive for opening and closing electrical contacts. Monostable operation can be achieved by locating a magnetic flux shunt at one end of the armature travel. A holding solenoid may be incorporated. A pivoting armature in a fluid tight chamber comprises a fluid flow controlling device. It can adopt either of two home positions in contact with two magnetic poles and is retained by magnetic flux from a permanent magnet. Fluid can flow into and out of the chamber via a first passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Wladyslaw Wygnaski
  • Patent number: 7014165
    Abstract: A flow control valve apparatus using a flow control valve manufactured via micro-machining is provided. The flow control valve has a substrate defining at least one orifice through which a fluid can flow, a support member formed on a first surface of the substrate, at least one flap corresponding to the at least one orifice, a pair of elastic flexures connecting the support member to the at least one flap, and a driving means for displacing the at least one flap between the first and second positions to control fluid flow through the at least one orifice. The support member is formed adjacent to the at least one orifice and the at least one flap extends from the support member to fittingly engage the at least one orifice in a first and second position. Also, the pair of elastic flexures provides an elastic restorative force proportional to a displacement of the at least one flap between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Hyeon Ji, Young Joo Yee, Jeong Hoon Choi
  • Patent number: 7011076
    Abstract: A solenoid for use in valves used in evaporative emission control systems, such as canister purge valves or vent solenoid valves. The solenoid includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. The housing further includes a guide element having a bobbin section. A valve shaft is slidably mounted to the guide element, wherein the valve shaft includes a permanent magnet and a valve element. The valve element is movable between a closed position wherein the inlet port is closed and an open position wherein the inlet port is opened. A coil is formed on the bobbin adjacent the magnet. In use, the coil generates directional magnetic fields oriented to cause the magnet to be repelled to move the valve element to the open position and oriented to cause a magnetic attraction with the magnet to move the valve element to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Andrew Weldon, Gary Everingham
  • Patent number: 7007917
    Abstract: An electromagnetic control valve having a permanent magnet and a needle are fitted in a cylindrical valve body, and a coil, and first and second yokes are mounted on an outside circumferential surface of the valve body. There are first and second ports in the valve body for making an outside space and an inside space of the valve body in communication. There is an orifice in the valve body for making the first and the second ports in communication. The needle is disposed at a position opposite to a side of the orifice, for moving in an up/down direction when a current is applied to the coil. Direction and amount of movement of the needle are dependent on a direction and an intensity of the current applied to the coil. When the needle moves, a tip of the needle varies an opened area of the orifice linearly, according to which a flow rate of the fluid passed through the orifice is controlled according to a position of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jung Hoon Choi, Young Joo Yee, Seong Hyok Kim, In Kyu Kim, Byeong Hwa Chung
  • Patent number: 7007915
    Abstract: A pilot valve has: an input passageway, an output passageway, a rotatable shaft disposed between them, a permanent magnet affixed to the rotatable shaft, an electromagnet, a control element, and a failsafe magnet. The rotatable shaft has a slot that gives the rotatable shaft a varied cross-section as a function of its position. The slot is disposed to permit fluid to flow between the input passageway and the output passageway except when the rotatable shaft is in a closed position. The electromagnet is disposed to generate first magnetic field that, via the permanent magnet, drives the rotatable shaft away from the closed position. The control element places a PWM current on the electromagnet, such that the length of the duty cycle controls the strength of the first magnetic field. The failsafe magnet is disposed to generate a second magnetic field that drives the rotatable shaft away from the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Raymond A. Vincent, Randall P. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7004449
    Abstract: A fuel metering valve for a gas turbine active combustion control system has a highly responsive pressure balanced valve assembly with either a flapper or clevis member. The valve member is mounted at one end to an armature of a magnetic drive assembly and a movable part of a flexure pivot otherwise fixed to the valve housing. The armature, flexure pivot and valve member are disposed along a main axis. Magnetic flux selectively pulls the armature toward opposite sides of the main axis causing it and the valve member to pivot in the flexure pivot such that an end of the valve member moves toward or away from an orifice in a nozzle passageway to control metering. The flapper is preferably balanced by a diaphragm piston biasing it in the direction of the nozzle passageway. The alternative clevis arrangement is inherently balanced and can meter fuel through multiple nozzle orifices simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Jansen's Aircraft Systems Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey B. Jansen
  • Patent number: 6997430
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fail-safe valve having a valve element, and a control motor being connected with the valve element via a driveline. It is endeavored to ensure the tightness of the refrigeration system in a simple manner. For this purpose, it is ensured that the valve element is located inside and the control motor outside a closed valve housing, that the drive line has a magnetic coupling, which acts through the housing, and that the valve element is pressure-released. In addition, a resetting device is provided that causes the valve element to be returned to a predetermined position upon the undesired cessation of control motor operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Lars Denning, Kenneth Michelsen, Joergen Seindal Wiwe
  • Patent number: 6983923
    Abstract: A flow control valve utilizing at least one permanent magnet and at least one magnetic coil, wherein one or more permanent magnets or magnetic coils are used to move a movable member in towards and/or away from an inflow port so as to control the flow through the port. When multiple permanent magnets are used, at least one yoke, which protrudes beyond the edges of the magnets, is place between each pair of magnets. A fixed shaft that passes through a hollow portion of the movable member is used to control the movement of the movable member, and an air vent is present near the end of the movable member that is closest to the inflow port such that the hollow space of the movable member does not form a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoichi Fukui, Hisatomi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 6981518
    Abstract: A latching microregulator for regulating liquid flow on micro-scale levels comprises a substrate having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve element defining a valve chamber for opening and closing the inlet port, and an actuator assembly for actuating the valve element. The valve chamber is configured to contain a volume of fluid, and the inlet port and the outlet port are in fluid communication with the valve chamber to provide a liquid flow path through the chamber. The actuator assembly comprises a cantilever beam for moving the valve element between an open position and a closed position, an actuator, such as a piezoelectric element, for moving the cantilever beam, and a latch, such as a permanent magnet, for securing the cantilever beam in the closed position. A flow regulation system comprises a plurality of fluid channels of varied flow conductance and a plurality of latching microregulators for selectively blocking or allowing flow through each of the fluid channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Cytonome, Inc.
    Inventors: John Richard Gilbert, Bernard Bunner, Sebastian Böhm, Manish Deshpande
  • Patent number: 6935364
    Abstract: A valve comprising a housing having an inlet and spaced therefrom an outlet, a passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a mechanism located in the passageway for controlling the flow of a fluid between the inlet and the outlet, the mechanism including a valve assembly movable between a first open position spaced from a co-operating valve seat and a second closed position at which the valve assembly sealingly engages the valve seat, in which the valve assembly is biased towards the second closed position using a magnet-operated mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventors: Antulio Tarazona, John Cambridge Smith, Ian Currington
  • Patent number: 6935844
    Abstract: A gas pressure driven fluid pump comprising a pump tank having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A float, carried within the interior of the pump tank, is operable to move between a low level position and a high level position. A snap-acting valve control mechanism uses magnetic interaction to switch between exhaust porting and motive porting. Fluid exiting the pump tank causes the float to fall from the high level position to the low level position due to introduction of motive gas during motive porting. Exhaust porting begins when the float falls to the low level position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Spirax Sarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon William Dukes, Rickie Anthony Pendergrass, Drew Leo Platts, Jairo Luiz Soares
  • Patent number: 6935373
    Abstract: An electro-magnetically operated device is described in which a magnetisable armature, typically a length of thin naturally resilient mild steel, is sandwiched between, and extends from, two parts of a magentic circuit which contains an air gap into which the armature extends. An electromagnet polarizes the armature along its length so as to cause the end thereof in the air gap to be attached to one or the other of the two poles of the magnetic circuit defining the gap. The armature is designed so as to be capable of adopting a mid-position between the poles of the air gap if the curent flowing in the electromagnet is reduced to zero. Equalising the air gaps and adjusting the size of the gap relative to the resilience of the armature will produce a bistable characteristic in which the armature will not remain in the mid-position, but will always remain in contact with one pole or the other, and is shifted from one to the other by a pulse of current of appropriate polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Camcon, Ltd.
    Inventor: Wladyslaw Wygnanski
  • Patent number: 6923206
    Abstract: A number of improved excess flow valves are disclosed wherein pressure drop is optimized through the device to maximize efficiency while minimizing shut-off flow rates. Flow restrictions are minimized throughout the valve structure and maximized across a valve closure plate, eliminating flow restriction variations caused by orientation of the valve components. A magnet having radially opposing poles optimizes the magnet's attractive force relationship with the valve plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Brass Craft Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Donald S. Glover, James Scanlon, Klein Michael, Mark Koeroghlian
  • Patent number: 6918569
    Abstract: A fuel metering valve for a gas turbine active combustion control system has a highly responsive pressure balanced valve assembly with either a flapper or clevis member. The valve member is mounted at one end to an armature of a magnetic drive assembly and a movable part of a flexure pivot otherwise fixed to the valve housing. The armature, flexure pivot and valve member are disposed along a main axis. Magnetic flux selectively pulls the armature toward opposite sides of the main axis causing it and the valve member to pivot in the flexure pivot such that an end of the valve member moves toward or away from an orifice in a nozzle passageway to control metering. The flapper is preferably balanced by a diaphragm piston biasing it in the direction of the nozzle passageway. The alternative clevis arrangement is inherently balanced and can meter fuel through multiple nozzle orifices simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Jansen's Aircraft Systems Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey B. Jansen
  • Patent number: 6886801
    Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve opening which can be sealed and un-sealed by movement of a membrane 6, a force generator, such as an electromagnetic force generator having a solenoid and armature arrangement, and a shaft that is operably connected to the membrane and which is movable along a movement axis under the influence of the generated force to move the membrane and thereby regulate the degree of opening of the valve. Bearing assemblies are provided to procure a magnetic suspension of the shaft, permit its movement along the axis, and also to optionally produce a magnetic biasing of the shaft in a direction along the axis, particularly in the absence of a generated force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Maquet Critical Care AB
    Inventors: Mangus Hallbäck, Åke Larsson, Fredrik Jalde
  • Patent number: 6874750
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator that detects the position or speed of a drive unit, a valve drive unit and a position or speed sensor that employs the electromagnetic actuator are provided. In the electromagnetic actuator, a magnetic flux generator generates and distributes the magnetic flux. When the magnetic flux changes because of movement of a movable unit, a magnetic path is formed in a magnetic path component that is provided along the direction of movement of the movable unit. The magnetic path passes through a magnetic component. The magnetic flux distributed to the magnetic component is then detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Mikuni Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuo Muraji
  • Patent number: 6848667
    Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow having a chamber of non magnetizable material having an inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, a magnetizable armature having a valve closure member, an electromagnetic drive for moving the closure member from one end to the other of a path defined by the chamber. A seating is provided at each end of the path within the chamber, each seating being complementary to the external surface of the closure member, so that the closure member is a snug fit in each seating. A permanent magnet and pole pieces create two opposite, spaced apart powerful magnetic fields in each of which the flux extends across the chamber perpendicular to the direction of movement of the closure member, and a solenoid surrounds the chamber, which when energized creates a second magnetic field, in which the flux is parallel to that of the permanent fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Comcon Limited
    Inventor: Wladyslaw Wygnanski
  • Patent number: 6837257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve device at dispensers which are adapted for dispensing portions of liquid or semi-liquid products (2), preferably foodstuff, from containers, and which have vacuum pumps (5) for generating a negative pressure in passage systems (6) through which the products (2) are dispensed from the containers. The valve device is a magnetic valve device (9) which is designed as a permanent magnet device with a valve body (9d) which automatically shifts or changes position when the vacuum pump (5) has emptied a container (e.g. 3), such that said vacuum pump (5) immediately thereafter can empty another container (e.g. 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Asept International AB
    Inventor: Stefan Cedergren
  • Publication number: 20040255916
    Abstract: A purge valve is in fluid communication between a fuel vapor collection canister and an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The purge valve includes a body, a seat, a head, and a solenoid. The body defines a fuel vapor flow path between a first port is in fluid communication with the fuel vapor collection canister, and a second port is in fluid communication with the intake manifold. The seat defines an aperture through which the fluid flow passes in an open configuration of the purge valve. The head includes a permanent magnet, and is attracted to the seat and occludes the aperture in a closed configuration of the purge valve. The solenoid repels the head toward the open configuration when the solenoid is energized, and the head occludes the aperture due to the magnetic attraction with the seat when the solenoid is de-energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Kirk Ivens, Dale Zdravkovic, Russell Miles Modien
  • Publication number: 20040256584
    Abstract: A fluid switch or valve for an implantable fluid delivery system is provided. The fluid switch or valve includes a fluid chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and an internal magnet disposed within the fluid chamber. The internal magnet is moveable such that displacement of the internal magnet restricts the flow of fluid through the fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Martin Zimmerling, Claude Jolly
  • Publication number: 20040222395
    Abstract: A flow control valve apparatus, a manufacturing method thereof and a heat exchanger using the same. The flow control valve apparatus includes: a flow channel having a longitudinal axis comprised of an upper flow channel and a lower flow channel, for guiding a fluid; sealing means installed in a plane perpendicular to the flow channel and having an orifice through which the fluid passes; opening/closing means for controlling opening/closing of the orifice; and applying means installed along an outer circumference of the flow channel and to which a current may be applied for controlling the opening/closing of the orifice. According to the inventive flow control valve apparatus, the displacement of the permanent magnet valve member is varied using the current applied to the solenoid coil, thereby linearly controlling the opened area of the orifice and/or performing the opening/closing operation of the orifice. The valve apparatus can be miniaturized at a low price.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Young Joo Yee
  • Patent number: 6802338
    Abstract: A fire hydrant securing arrangement utilizes a magnetic detent to couple an outer body to a center post so that when a wrench with a permanent magnet is mated with the outer body, the magnetic detent connects the outer body to the center post. The center post has an end with a polygonal recess which complements the shape of the hydrant operating nut. The recess is within an insert that has a polygonal periphery engaged by a polygonal inner wall of the center post. The insert is interchangeable with other inserts having recesses of different sizes and configurations so that the securing arrangement is readily acceptable to fire hydrants having different operating nuts of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Hydra-Shield Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy Istre, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6790018
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust valve capable of correctly opening/shutting an exhaust port of a cylinder based upon variation of the flux density of an electromagnet. The inventive exhaust valve may comprise a guide connected in parallel to an exhaust port of a cylinder, a needle valve provided inside the guide for opening/shutting the exhaust port while moving in cooperation with the guide. The needle valve may be controlled with an electromagnet. The invention enables complete opening of the exhaust port of the cylinder in exhaustion thereby preventing degradation of compression efficiency due to valve damage while reducing generation of vibration and noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: In Won Lee, Kwang Hyup An, Jeong-Ho Lee, In Seop Lee
  • Patent number: 6786237
    Abstract: An exciting coil is wound on a cylindrical yoke provided with a pair of pole teeth, a cylindrical permanent magnet where N pole and S pole are magnetized in a radial direction is disposed so as to be movable in a hollow portion of the yoke and the permanent magnet is coupled to a spool by a magnet holder, and a displacement sensor is disposed in a hollow portion of the permanent magnet so as to be positioned on a center axial line of the permanent magnet, so that the displacement of the permanent magnet is detected by the displacement sensor and the degree of opening of the spool is controlled by performing feedback of the displacement to a control portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Yajima, Nobuhiro Fujiwara, Daisuke Matsumoto, Seikai Yo, Hiroshi Miyachi
  • Patent number: 6779775
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air flap supply device for the controlled supply of burner air to a combustion engine, wherein a damper flap element, within a damper flap housing element, and connected to a damper flap shaft element can be adjusted by a positioning movement using at least one retraction unit designed as a magnetically homo-polar counter movement unit, wherein, at least two magnet elements with the same magnetic polarity (N, S) are located opposite to one another, and moveable in relation to each other, preferably in a rotary fashion to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: AB Elektronik GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Apel
  • Publication number: 20040155213
    Abstract: A micro (thin film type) valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow and its rate using a microbead and a method for controlling the apparatus are provided. The microbead is moved by the magnetic forge generated by upper and lower electromagnets disposed on the top and bottom surface of the body or by the electric field generated by upper and lower electrode plates disposed on the top and bottom surface of the body, thereby interconnecting or blocking flow channels in the body. The micro valve apparatus and the method for controlling the same are suitable for thin film type diagnostic assay devices, such as lab-on-chips, protein chips, or DNA chips, for detecting small quantities of analytes in fluids, and more suitable for interconnecting or blocking channels formed in thin disk type apparatus including general CD-ROMs, DVDs, bioCDs, and bio DVDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Jae Chern Yoo
  • Publication number: 20040144940
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electromagnetic apparatus for automatically and selectively supplying and shutting off fluid. The electromagnetic apparatus includes a frame unit, a through unit, a coil unit, a rotor, a casing, a shaft and a casing. The frame unit is coaxially contained in the piping or a housing forming the flow path of a fluid. The through unit has one or more through holes to form one or more flow paths through the frame unit. The coil unit is placed in the frame unit to generate an electromagnetic force. The rotor is placed to face the frame unit to selectively open and close the flow paths through interaction with the electromagnetic force generated in the coil unit. The shaft supports the rotor, and a casing supports the frame unit and forms the appearance of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jin-Soo Seol, Hee-Seung Kim
  • Patent number: 6766824
    Abstract: The valve comprises a flexible resilient valve member which is positioned in a flexible fluid line in a fluid-tight relationship therewith. An actuating element, such as a ring-shaped member, surrounds the valve member, and an actuating coil is positioned adjacent the ring member. An electrical control signal energizes the coil in operation, producing a magnetic field which moves the actuating element to deform the valve member, opening the valve. Termination of the electrical signal permits the valve member to return to its normal closed position arrangement. A feedback control system is provided for the valve which includes providing pre-established limits on time and volume of fluid delivery. Determinations are successively made as to whether such limitations have been met, and the control valve is closed when one such limitation has been met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Richard K. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6755114
    Abstract: An air pulser is provided which can intermittently form pulse air by continuously supplying compressed air. The interior of the body is partitioned into an air supply chamber and an air exhaust chamber by a diaphragm. An air blast cylinder opened and closed by the diaphragm is provided in the air supply chamber. In the air exhaust chamber, a valve plate having a valve hole and comprising a magnetic member is provided to partition it into a first chamber and a second chamber. A valve body with a permanent magnet is movably mounted in the second chamber. Compressed air can be continuously fed into the air supply chamber to open the valve body due to an increase in pressure in the first chamber, thereby exhausting compressed air in the air exhaust chamber through an air exhaust port, and to deform the diaphragm toward the air exhaust chamber due to a drop in pressure in the air exhaust chamber, thereby discharging compressed air in the air supply chamber through the air blast cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Kanekita Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Onoe
  • Patent number: 6729368
    Abstract: A shut off valve is provided for use in an aircraft lavatory system during maintenance sanitizing operations. The shut off valve includes an inlet passage in intermittent fluid communication with an outlet passage and a magnetic flapper body movable between a rest position and a seal position between said inlet passage and said outlet passage. The flapper body is moved by a magnetic actuator whereby upon placing said magnetic actuator within the proximity of the flapper body, the flapper body is moved from the rest position and, with the assistance of fluid flow within the valve, into the seal position, thus, preventing fluid communication between the inlet passage and the outlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Transdigm, Inc.
    Inventor: Hung Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20040079911
    Abstract: A number of improved excess flow valves are disclosed wherein pressure drop is optimized through the device to maximize efficiency while minimizing shut-off flow rates. Flow restrictions are minimized throughout the valve structure and maximized across a valve closure plate, eliminating flow restriction variations caused by orientation of the valve components. A magnet having radially opposing poles optimizes the magnet's attractive force relationship with the valve plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Donald S. Glover, James Scanlon, Michael Klein, Mark Koeroghlian
  • Patent number: 6715475
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation EGR valve is provided. The exhaust gas recirculation valve has a housing, a closure member, and an electrical actuator. The electrical actuator includes a first core, a magnetic member, a second core, and a bobbin assembly supporting a coil aligned along the longitudinal axis. The bobbin assembly is coupled to the closure member. The bobbin assembly, including the coil, is movable within a generally toroidal volume. A force balance closure assembly is coupled to the coil assembly. Methods of actuating an EGR valve and of assembling a bobbin assembly are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Incorporated
    Inventor: John Cook
  • Publication number: 20040051065
    Abstract: A dual-magnet valve unit having a first master magnet ring assembly with an outer casing slidably contained within an outer housing that forms a chamber with the casing of the master magnet ring assembly and a second, slave magnet disk assembly with an outer tube and a poppet member in the form of a cone and displaceable within the inner transport fluid conduit, the inner transport fluid conduit having a valve seat contactable by the cone of the poppet member to block fluid flow through the fluid conduit in one position of the slave magnet disk assembly and displaceable from the cone to pass fluid flow through the fluid conduit in an opposite position of the slave magnet disk assembly, the master magnet ring assembly being displaced by selective supply of a motive fluid to the chamber to displace the master magnet ring assembly from one position to another, which automatically displaces the slave magnet ring assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: John P. Petro, Donald Burch, Jeremy F. Mayer
  • Publication number: 20040051064
    Abstract: The device comprises:
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: ELBI INTERNATIONAL S.P.A.
    Inventor: Danilo Beraldo
  • Patent number: 6705346
    Abstract: A solenoid valve, in particular, for a refrigerating machine, includes a valve body with an inlet and two outlets, a valve element that can be moved in the valve body between two end positions corresponding respectively to different switching positions of the solenoid valve, at least one permanent magnet for holding the valve element in the respectively assumed end position, and a magnet coil for exerting on the valve element a magnetic force effecting a shift into the respective other end position. The valve body and the magnet coil are accommodated in two compartments of a housing, and the at least one permanent magnet is held in a receptacle on a wall of the housing in a fashion facing a middle position of the valve element situated between the two end positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Kordon
  • Patent number: 6702249
    Abstract: A pressure-variable valve device which is adapted to be embedded in the human body and which is capable of changing a difference in pressure between an inlet-side and an outlet-side duct, the valve device including a rotating member capable of rotating around a central axis in directions to vary a set pressure for a valve, and a rotation control mechanism for controlling the rotation of the rotating member, wherein the rotation control mechanism includes permanent magnet structures supported by the valve-device main body so as to be capable of making a linear reciprocal translation in directions, and displacement transmission mechanisms, for rotating the rotating member in the direction corresponding to the direction of the translation of the permanent magnet structures. A set-pressure adjusting device includes a magnetic field generating mechanism which generates a magnetic field in which the permanent magnet structures cause the rotating member to rotate in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Ito
  • Patent number: 6695004
    Abstract: A magnetic automatic stop valve formed in a container of a medical fluid administration system has one magnetic element located in a float and another magnetic element located proximate a valve seat. As the fluid level in the container decreases, the magnetic field established between the float and the valve seat eventually overcomes the buoyancy of the float in the fluid and attracts the float into the valve seat at which position the flow of fluid from the container is stopped. The float is formed of two identical halves each of which has one half of an internal post. When joined together to make the float, the internal post is fully formed and extends from one end of the float to the other. One magnetic element is slid over the post during manufacture and is free to slide from one end of the float to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Alaris Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Raybuck
  • Patent number: 6691740
    Abstract: A self-holding type solenoid-operated valve comprises a single coil which is wound around a bobbin in one direction, a movable iron core which is disposed coaxially with a fixed iron core, a first spring which urges the movable iron core away from the fixed iron core, and an annular permanent magnet which is installed to a portion at which an end of the fixed iron core and an end of the movable iron core are opposed to one another. The annular permanent magnet partially surrounds the outer circumferential surfaces of the fixed iron core and the movable iron core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masami Yoshida, Noriya Sasaki, Masato Hosoi
  • Publication number: 20040025949
    Abstract: A magnetic device is formed from a permanent magnet generating magnetic flux, an armature which can occupy two positions between four poles and an electromagnet winding to which current can be supplied to produce a magnetic flux in one direction or the other, the flux from the winding causing the armature to move into one position and continue to remain in that position after the current flow ceases. The device can be incorporated into a fluid valve to act as a drive for opening and closing the valve. It may also serve as the drive for opening and closing electrical contacts. Monostable operation can be achieved by locating a magnetic flux shunt at one end of the armature travel. A holding solenoid may be incorporated. A pivoting armature in a fluid tight chamber comprises a fluid flow controlling device. It can adopt either of two home positions in contact with two magnetic poles and is retained by magnetic flux from a permanent magnet. Fluid can flow into and out of the chamber via a first passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Wladyslaw Wygnaski
  • Publication number: 20040021107
    Abstract: A valve member is located in a passage through which fluid passes. The valve member selectively opens and closes the passage. The valve member is supported by a support member formed a magnetic material. An electromagnetic driving mechanism attracts the support member with magnetic force. The electromagnetic driving mechanism is located outside the passage. When attracting the support member, the electromagnetic driving mechanism selectively opens and closes the passage with the valve member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitotoshi Kimura, Izumi Nozawa