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.

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.

Abstract: A compact ball tap with 1 a water level switch which comprises a guide standpipe 5 vertically arranged in a tank T, a float 6 slidably installed on the guide standpipe 5, a valve 3, a lever 4 controlling an open-close action of the valve 3 connected with the float 6, and a water level switch 29 transmitting predetermined control signals when the float 6 shifts to a predetermined water level, wherein one float 6 is shared by the ball tap 1 and the water level switch 29.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator for actuating a valve installed in a hydraulic or compressed air system comprising a coil support which can be displaced by means of air space induction in a magnetically conducting housing on a magnetic cylinder composed of a permanent magnet and a cylinder pole disk. The invention is characterized in that the dimensions of the permanent magnet and the pole disk correspond to each other in such a way that the diameter of the front surface of the permanent magnet is at least the same size as the circumferential surface of a neighboring pole disk and that the width of the coil associated with the pole disk exceeds the width of the pole disk by the lift amplitude of the coil support.

Abstract: A ball valve having a magnetic seat sealing device comprises a valve body, a valve seat, a valve ball, a valve stem and a valve bonnet, wherein the valve seat is disposed within a valve body cavity of the valve body, the valve ball being rotatably disposed on the valve seat, the valve bonnet engaging the valve body to confine the valve body cavity, the valve stem passing through the valve bonnet and drivingly engaging the valve ball; and being characterized by comprising a magnetic seat sealing device that employs a magnetic mechanism to control the metal valve seat, so that when the ball valve is in a closed condition, the magnetic mechanism exerts a magnetic force to the metal valve seat to further tighten and seal the valve seat against the valve ball; and when the ball valve is in an open condition, the magnetic force is released to allow the metal valve seat to return its original position; whereby the metal ball valve can be operated by a low operative torque and maintaining superior sealing effect.

Abstract: A pressure-regulating device for use with a vapor reaction chamber, and methods of its use, are disclosed. In one embodiment according to the invention, the device comprises a magnetically-actuatable valve having an aperture, a plug containing a plug magnet within the valve, a magnet disposed around the valve and magnetically associated with the plug magnet, and an actuator associated with the magnet. The actuator moves the magnet to magnetically bias the plug magnet thereby moving the plug into and out of sealing engagement with the aperture and regulating pressure within the reaction chamber. Plug movement is achieved without interconnecting mechanical parts disposed through the body of the valve that provide surfaces on which adduct, from depositing vaporous by-product material, can accumulate. Since magnetic interaction moves the plug rather than mechanical parts attached to the valve body, build-up of adduct on the internal surfaces of the valve is reduced.

Abstract: A position controller including a position transmitter (9) and a control unit (13). The position transmitter detects the actual position of an actuator (7). The control unit (13) is arranged in an ignition-proof enclosure that is separate from the housing of the position transmitter (9). The interface (18) between the control unit (13) and the position transmitter (9) as well as the position transmitter (9) itself—which comprises a magnet (10) and a magnetoresistive sensor (50)—have an inherent electrical safety design.

Abstract: An improved non-actuated non-return valve, the valve including a non-magnetic valve body having a substantially hollow interior portion in communication with a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A mechanically biased flow check assembly is positioned within the substantially hollow interior portion, the mechanically biased flow check assembly being configured to permit a gas flow from the gas inlet to the gas outlet. A first magnetic member may be provided and be in communication with the mechanically biased flow check assembly within the substantially hollow interior portion. A second magnetic member detachably positioned adjacent an exterior portion of the valve body may be provided, wherein a magnetic field of the second magnetic member is configured to impart motion to the mechanically biased flow check assembly when positioned proximate the exterior portion of the valve body.

Abstract: The present invention is a control arrangement that includes a detent assist assembly for assisting a detent arrangement in holding a control device in a predetermined position. Additionally, the detent assist assembly serves as an actuator for a control valve operative with the control device. Further, the detent assist assembly provides tactile feedback to an operator through the control device. The present invention is a simple and efficient device for providing a detent assist with tactile feedback.

Abstract: An accommodation portion (53) is formed at a position where it faces a check valve member (42) through a chamber inlet (41a) of a check valve chamber (41). An opening means (51) is attached in the accommodation portion (53). This opening means (51) switches over between a valve opening position (Y) and a valve-opening cancellation position (X). A lock means (55) is attached between a peripheral wall of the accommodation portion (53) and the opening means (51). The lock means (55) changes over between a lock position (L) where it limits an advancement of the opening means (51) from the valve-opening cancellation position (X) and a lock cancellation position (M) where it allows the advancement. A valve-opening actuation means (60) is provided with a lock cancellation means (61). A magnetic force is made to occur between the lock cancellation means (61) and the lock means (55). The magnetic force changes over the lock means (55) to the lock cancellation position (M).

Abstract: A corrosion resistant, soft magnetic, ferritic steel alloy, a useful article made therefrom, and a method of using the alloy are described. The alloy has the following composition in weight percent. C 0.005-0.040 Mn  1.0 max. Si  1.0 max. P 0.050 max. S 0.020 max. Cr  27.0-30.0 Ni  0.35 max. Mo  0.35 max. Cu  0.35 max. Co  0.25 max. N 0.010-0.05 The balance is essentially iron and the usual impurities found in similar grades of ferritic stainless steels. In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there is disclosed a magnetic component for a magnetically actuated device such as a solenoid valve wherein the magnetic component is formed of the aforesaid alloy. In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, there is disclosed a solenoid valve that incorporates a movable magnetic core that is formed of the aforesaid alloy.

Abstract: This dispensing apparatus includes a shut-off valve having a magnetically actuated valve element. The valve element is moved into an open position by magnetic attraction from a magnet mounted to a movable actuator. The actuator is adapted to be raised by a liftable handle connected to the actuator or by application of an upward force applied by a bottle container to the actuator. In both cases, the valve element is moved vertically by the application of a vertical force to the actuator.

Abstract: A magnetic device is formed from a permanent magnet (12, 14) generating magnetic flux, and an armature (10) which can occupy either a first air gap in which the flux is in one direction, or a second air gap in which the flux is in the opposite direction, with a region of flux cancellation between the two air gaps. At least one electromagnet winding (36, 38) may be provided to which current can be supplied which when energised produces a magnetic flux in one direction or the other, depending on the direction of the current, the flux from the winding increasing the flux density in one of the air gaps and reducing the flux density in the other air gap. This effectively shifts the flux cancellation region towards or into one of the two air gaps so as to produce a flux density gradient extending from one air gap to the other, which will cause the armature to move into (or remain in) the air gap having the higher flux density, and continue to remain in that air gap after the current flow ceases.

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.

Abstract: A pressure (1) release valve is disclosed ideally for use on petrol tankers which can rollover in an accident. There is a requirement for such valves both to become sealed in the event of a rollover to prevent the escape of volatile and flammable fluid from within the tanker, and also to allow for the venting of gas above the fluid within the tanker under normal operating conditions. The valve comprises a movable plunger (24) and a fixed seat (32) which can move axially towards and away from each other to open and close the valve. One or other of valve seat and plunger is provided with magnetic inserts (23), while the alternate component is ferromagnetic so that magnetic attraction betwixt the two components acts to bias the valve towards a closed condition.

Abstract: A valve fastening structure of a reciprocating compressor is provided. The valve fastening structure of the reciprocating compressor includes a piston, which is combined with a moving magnet of a driving motor and is in a linear reciprocating motion inside a cylinder and in which a refrigerant channel is formed in the direction of the reciprocating motion, a suction valve arranged in the leading end of the piston, the suction valve for opening and shutting the refrigerant channel of the piston, and magnets inserted into and fixed to the leading end of the piston, the magnets for fixing the suction valve by magnetic force. It is possible to minimize dead volume in the cylinder and to easily control the stroke of the piston by establishing the suction valve as the cardinal point during the controlling of the stroke of the piston. Accordingly, the efficiency of the compressor is improved.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for releasing pressure from a system, which pressure relief valve typically includes a valve housing provided on a pressure relief conduit which receives pressure from the system. A valve opening establishes communication between the valve housing and the pressure relief conduit, and a substantially arcuate valve body is pivotally mounted in the valve housing for sealingly and slidably engaging the valve opening. Accordingly, the valve body is capable of pivoting between a first position to close the pressure relief conduit and a second position to open the pressure relief conduit as the valve body slidably traverses the valve opening. A bias mechanism biases the valve body in the closed position in such a manner that the valve body pivots from the closed position to the open position against the bias mechanism and opens the pressure relief conduit, responsive to a threshold pressure of the pressurized fluid impinging against the valve body in the pressure relief conduit.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow control device includes a fluidic chamber, a first and a second microfluidic channel, at least one sealing surface between the first and the second channels, and a floating element disposed within the chamber. The floating element is capable of intermittently engaging the sealing surface, and movement of the floating element affects fluid flow between the first channel and the second channel. The floating element may be moved by fluid pressure, gravity, or an applied force such as a magnetic field. Multiple flow control regions may be integrated into a flow control system.

Abstract: A valve which prevents the filling of a fluid container through a port (6) by an unauthorized party, and, at the same time, allows the filling of the container through the same port (6) by an authorized party. The valve is operated by an actuator means (10) which controls the fluid flow through the valve. The valve combines two major features: (1) operation of the actuator means (10) is by an encoded device (32) whose code is known only to the authorized party; (2) the actuator mean is sealed within the valve housing or container so that physical access to the actuator means (10) is restricted. This combination of features makes the valve tamper-proof and actuatable by authorized parties only. Also disclosed is a valve system and a method for preventing unauthorized access to a fluid container.

Abstract: This invention discloses an ornamental fountain wherein a fountain nozzle is made to discharge a pressurized stream of liquid, and a shutter prevents or allows the stream to exit.

Abstract: This dispensing apparatus includes a shut-off valve having a magnetically actuated valve element. The valve element is moved into an open position by magnetic attraction from a magnet mounted to a movable actuator. The actuator is adapted to be raised by a liftable handle connected to the actuator or by application of an upward force applied by a bottle container to the actuator. In both cases, the valve element is moved vertically by the application of a vertical force to the actuator.

Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly for controlling the flow of exhaust comprising a hollow elongated member, desirably in the form of an exhaust pipe or component thereof, having an open end, a flap associated with the open end and a spring having two ends. The flap is pivotable between a first position to close the open end and a second position to open the open end, and is adapted to pivot toward the second position when the exhaust gas within the elongated member achieves a predetermined pressure. One end of the spring is associated with the flap and the other end of the spring is associated with the elongated member along the length of the elongated member. The spring biases the flap toward the first position. The spring desirably extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated member when the flap is in the first position. The flap desirably includes a lateral edge having a hook and the one end of the spring is mounted to the hook.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body and, located therein, a valve member which can be moved between a first position, in which the valve is in a first operational mode, and a second position, in which the valve is in a second operational mode. The valve member has a rare earth magnet which, when the valve member is in either one of the two operational modes, causes the valve member to be magnetically biased against movement toward the other operational mode. The valve is provided with a device for generating a magnetic field sufficient for overcoming the magnetic bias in the first or second operational mode, so as to cause the valve member to move to the other of the operational modes.

Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a valve seat with a hole, a magnetically conductive hollow winding reel, an induction coil unit wound around the reel, a permanent magnet fixed on the reel, and a magnetically insulating vertical tube disposed within the reel. A moving core is biased by a spring to a lower limit position so as to close the hole, thereby preventing water flow though the hole. A magnetic fluid is filled within a sealed gap between the reel and the tube. When a forward current flows through the coil unit, the core is attracted by the magnet so as to move to an upper limit position, where the hole is open, thereby permitting the water flow through the hole. When the core is disposed at the upper limit position and when a reverse current flows through the coil unit, a magnetic repulsion force is created between the magnet and the core, thereby returning the core to the lower limit position with assistance from the spring.

Abstract: An improved non-actuated non-return valve, the valve including a non-magnetic valve body having a substantially hollow interior portion in communication with a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A mechanically biased flow check assembly is positioned within the substantially hollow interior portion, the mechanically biased flow check assembly being configured to permit a gas flow from the gas inlet to the gas outlet. A first magnetic member may be provided and be in communication with the mechanically biased flow check assembly within the substantially hollow interior portion. A second magnetic member detachably positioned adjacent an exterior portion of the valve body may be provided, wherein a magnetic field of the second magnetic member is configured to impart motion to the mechanically biased flow check assembly when positioned proximate the exterior portion of the valve body.

Abstract: A number of improved excess flow valves are disclosed wherein the flow around a magnet holding portion of the valve body is generally unrestricted to reduce the pressure drop across the valve. The valve is preferably also formed separately from its valve seat to reduce the complexity of the valve, and allow it to have less resistance to flow. The valve seat may be provided as a separate part, or may be provided in the conduit.

Abstract: A valve device comprising a stator 22 having a predetermined number of coils arranged with substantially equal intervals in peripheral directions of a stator core, a rotor having a plurality of permanent magnet magnetic poles 29 at positions corresponding to the coils on an outer peripheral surface of the stator 22, a current carrying means 37 commutating a direct current supplied from a power source through the rotor 28 and applying the current to the coils of the stator 22, a shaft member located in a center of the rotor 28 and being movable in a direction of the shaft in response to rotation of the rotor 28, and a valve member 45 opening and closing by movement of the shaft member 30 for providing excellent responsiveness of valve opening and closing operations.

Abstract: A solenoid valve (50) has a valve housing (51) with a valve slide (53) in which two magnets, with one pole (1) each, are inserted. The poles (1) each have a coil core (8, 9) which extends along a longitudinal axis (10) and in which in each case one armature tappet (17), which activates one end of the valve slide (53) with an activation end (27), is provided. Arranged on each armature tappet (17) is a magnet armature (23) which has two armature side faces (24, 25) which extend obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis (10). The coil core (8, 9) has two core side faces (12, 19) which extend parallel to one armature side face (24, 25) in each case.

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 far controlling the rotation of the rotating member wherein the rotation control mechanism includes permanent magnet structure supported by the valve-device main body 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the multifunctional urgent shutoff safety valve for preventing accidents such as gas explosion, fire, etc. in advance. It is installed at the gas supply path. The spool assembly run by earthquake accelerations in case of an earthquake of stronger than a fixed level shuts off the gas circulation path to stop gas supply, or the spool assembly shuts off the gas circulation path to stop gas supply when an excessive amount of gas is flowed out in a short time due to blowing-out of the rear end pipe of the present valve. In the configuration of the multifunctional urgent shutoff safety valve of the present invention, a permanent magnet, which is mounted on the upper end of the spool assembly installed at the valve room in the main body in the vertical state to pen and close the outlet port, is suspended apart from the bottom surface of the pendulum (acceleration sensor) at a fixed interval, when the valve outlet port is open.

Abstract: A latching-valve system (10) includes a piezoelectric transducer (44) mounted on its housing (16). To change the valve's state, a microcontroller (54) causes a valve driver (58) to drive current through the actuator's coil (12). It continues driving current through the coil (12) until the transducer's output reaches a magnitude characteristic of the disturbance that typically results when the actuator's armature (22) reaches the end of its travel. At that point, the microcontroller (54) stops driving current through the coil. If the characteristic sound does not occur within a predetermined duration, the microcontroller (54) causes a voltage-multiplier circuit (Q1, L1, D1) to increase the voltage that the valve driver (58) applies to the coil.

Abstract: A dual inlet backflow prevention valve for preventing mixture between two inlets. The dual inlet backflow prevention valve includes a tubular member having a first portion, a second portion and a middle portion. A first opening extends through the tubular member along a longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Each of the first and second portions defines an inlet duct. A second opening extends into a peripheral wall of the middle portion and into the opening and defines an outlet duct. A pair of saddles is positioned in the middle portion and spaced from each other. Each of the saddle has an aperture extending therethrough and being coaxial with the first opening. Each of the saddles comprises a magnetized material. A bearing is positioned in the middle portion and comprises a metal material. The bearing has a diameter greater than an inner diameter of the apertures in of the saddles.

Abstract: A pressure variable valve apparatus includes a mover constituted to be embedded in the body and movable linearly in B direction in a main body to change pressure for releasing closure of a valve flow path by a valve element, a fixed magnetic marker provided unmovably to the main body and a variable magnetic marker integrally formed with the mover. Meanwhile, a set pressure detecting apparatus includes a magnetic sensor and a supporter for supporting from outside of the body the magnetic sensor scannably in direction for moving the variable magnetic marker to provide detected output in accordance with positions of the fixed magnetic marker and the movable magnetic marker of the valve apparatus from the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: The invention described herein is an electrically operated rotary actuator. It is intended primarily for use with the axially rotated VOST valve in applications requiring remote or automatic valve operation, although it may have other applications. The actuator delivers 180 degrees of angular displacement to the rotating member of the VOST valve, as required to open or close the valve. It also effects a small axial displacement to provide seal separation during rotation to minimize seal wear. The actuator is designed to produce low friction and a high torque-to-mass ratio relative to existing actuators. Once operated by an electric signal, the actuator is designed to latch in either the open or closed position without holding current or other externally applied energy.

Abstract: Hydromagnetic Toilet Valve, constituted by a body, a magnet cluster, an assembly consisting of shaft with a closing gasket and a floater to open and close the valve; it uses three forces: magnetic, exerted by the floater with the tank's water level and the force of the exterior line pressure; we achieve a closure that does not permit water in or out, when the closing is done, it immediately turns into an anti-syphoon valve because it does not allow the liquid in the deposit to be dragged out by gravity in absence of water on the line. Upon finding vacuum the deposit indicates that water was used for a normal bowl discharge or because the liquid leaked by the drain pipe because of anomalies in the discharge system, this valve will supply only what's necessary to fill the toilet bowl and tank to do a required flush, this valve won't supply water if the knob is not actuated to open the valve, or the lever to perform the same function.

Abstract: The shut-off device is intended for refillable gas cylinders. In order to be sure that only authorized persons can refill the cylinder, the filling device comprises a non-return valve element (16) which prevents filling and which can only be neutralized using a special magnet (18).

Abstract: A ball valve having a magnetic seat sealing device comprises a valve body, a valve seat, a valve ball, a valve stem and a valve bonnet, wherein the valve seat is disposed within a valve body cavity of the valve body, the valve ball being rotatably disposed on the valve seat, the valve bonnet engaging the valve body to confine the valve body cavity, the valve stem passing through the valve bonnet and drivingly engaging the valve ball; and being characterized by comprising a magnetic seat sealing device that employs a magnetic mechanism to control the metal valve seat, so that when the ball valve is in a closed condition, the magnetic mechanism exerts a magnetic force to the metal valve seat to further tighten and seal the valve seat against the valve ball; and when the ball valve is in an open condition, the magnetic force is released to allow the metal valve seat to return its original position; whereby the metal ball valve can be operated by a low operative torque and maintaining superior sealing effect.

Abstract: A valve apparatus of a valve system includes a long-sized elastic member a base end portion of which is fixed and a front end portion of which is brought into contact with a valve element and a movable member capable of moving in B1 and B2 directions actually linearly along a longitudinal direction B of the elastic member between both end portions of the elastic member and having a fulcrum portion for flexing the elastic member in C direction between the both end portions of the elastic member. The movable member is constituted by a slider linearly moved in accordance with a mover of a linear step motor element or rotation of a rotor of a rotary type step motor element.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for clamping off a hose in a fluid system for biological liquids, in particular blood, which has a movably arranged closing member having a closing piece for clamping off the hose, having permanent magnetic holding device which is arranged and designed in such a manner that it can hold the closing member against a force in two different stable equilibrium positions, namely an open position and a closed position, without it being necessary to supply energy to the permanent magnetic holding device for the holding in the respective equilibrium position, and having actuation means in order to move the closed member out of the open position into the closing position.

Abstract: A description is given of a multiway valve, comprising a chamber, limited by two plane-parallel surfaces, into which chamber at least three feed or discharge ducts open out, the state of being open or closed of the ducts being affected by the positioning of a member comprising a permanent magnet, which member is moveable in two dimensions, accommodated inside the chamber, and which member can be made to interact in a sealing manner with one or more duct openings, and magnet actuating assemblies which are disposed stationarily around the chamber and comprise electromagnets with a soft iron core, which assemblies are designed to generate a magnetic field which attracts or repels the member for moving the member inside the housing.

Abstract: A control apparatus for pneumatic evacuation and/or water valves, operated by vacuum pressure and used for a vacuum sewerage system, particularly for pneumatically operated sanitary appliances, such as vacuum closets, urinals or wash basins. The control apparatus comprises an activating element, such as a push button, which is integrated in a housing and moved relative to this housing against a force to operate a control valve which comprises a valve disc and a valve piston and transmits vacuum pressure from a vacuum source to the evacuation and water valves. A compact control apparatus is provided which prevents continuous transmittal of vacuum to the evacuation and water valves if the activating element is maloperated. The piston of the control valve is moved by a diaphragm separating a first and a second chamber within the housing. The first chamber is connectable through the first control valve to the evacuation and/or water valves and is connected to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A control solenoid for solenoid valve, in particular for the control of watering systems, comprises a permanent magnet, an electric coil for the excitation of said magnet, a sliding piston for the control of the valve subject to the magnetic field produced by the magnet and electric connections of the solenoid to a control unit of the solenoid. The electric connections are made of “faston” type quick insertion connectors. The solenoid is made in two parts, a first internal part including the piston and the magnet is screwable onto the external casing of the solenoid valve and a second external part including the electric coil and the electric connectors is fixed to the first one in a removable way by a removable and re-insertable locking element.

Abstract: A magnet 18 is embedded within a lower portion of a valve element 13, and a magnet 21 is provided on a drive member 15 to achieve a magnetic coupling between the driver member 15 and the valve element 13. When the drive member 15 is driven upward to its uppermost end position shown in FIG. 2, the valve element 13 is also driven upward to its open position, whereby a valve section 13a is spaced from a valve seat 17 to open a channel 11, allowing a vessel 4 to be filled with a liquid. A detected portion in the form of a magnet 34 is embedded in the upper portion of the valve element 13, while a magnetic force detector 35 for detecting a magnetic force from the magnet 34 is provided. The arrangement allows the opening and closing operation of the valve element 13 to be detected accurately by means of the magnetic force detector 35.

Abstract: A latching-valve system (10) includes a piezoelectric transducer (44) mounted on its housing (16). To change the valve's state, a microcontroller (54) causes a valve driver (58) to drive current through the actuator's coil (12). It continues driving current through the coil (12) until the transducer's output reaches a magnitude characteristic of the disturbance that typically results when the actuator's armature (22) reaches the end of its travel At that point, the microcontroller (54) stops driving current through the coil. If the characteristic sound does not occur within a predetermined duration, the microcontroller (54) causes a voltage-multiplier circuit (Q1, L1, D1) to increase the voltage that the valve driver (58) applies to the coil.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a valve which is controlled by a magnetic actuator. More specifically, the actuator is a polarized, magnetic actuator, that is, a magnetic actuator containing both a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. The actuator can be an inexpensive commercial relay having a pivoting armature that pushes a compliant diaphragm against a valve seat to close the valve. Preferably, the armature is configured as a “see-saw,” such that as the valve is opened, an opposing end of the see-saw also displaces the diaphragm. In this manner, fluid pressure in a valve chamber is relatively constant, and there are no significant pressures which prevent the valve from opening and closing. The preferred application of the valve is to actively drive printer ink supply, such that ink can be selectively drawn using the valve from a remote ink supply into a local ink reservoir, mounted near a print head.

Abstract: In a device wherein a rotary shaft is provided in a pipe through which a fluid is passed, a butterfly valve is installed in the pipe, an actuator and an angle sensor are directly arranged on the outer end of the pipe of the rotary shaft, and angle control for adjusting an angle detection signal to a command value is performed to thereby adjust an amount of a fluid passing through the pipe. An actuator includes a rotor composed of a permanent magnet rotatably supported by the rotary shaft and has two magnetic poles, namely, N and S poles, and a stator composed of a winding wrapped around a cylindrical core formed of a soft magnetic member.

Abstract: A latching-valve system (10) includes a piezoelectric transducer (44) mounted on its housing (16). To change the valve's state, a microcontroller (54) causes a valve driver (58) to drive current through the actuator's coil (12). It continues driving current through the coil (12) until the transducer's output reaches a magnitude characteristic of the disturbance that typically results when the actuator's armature (22) reaches the end of its travel. At that point, the microcontroller (54) stops driving current through the coil. If the characteristic sound does not occur within a predetermined duration, the microcontroller (54) causes a voltage-multiplier circuit (Q1, L1, D1) to increase the voltage that the valve driver (58) applies to the coil.

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.

Abstract: An air pump nozzle has a receiving compartment with an open end where a handle is pivoted. The receiving compartment is provided at other end thereof with a holding mouth involuting a large diametric end of fish-eye through hole of an elastic holding member which is pressed against by a press member having a receiving hole in which a pushing member and a valve urging member are disposed. In operation, the inflation valve of the U.S. type is received in the through hole of the holding member. The handle is swiveled to force the pushing member to actuate the press member to press the holding member to deform so as to hold securely the inflation valve. The inflation valve is opened up by the valve urging rod which is pushed by the pushing member. The inflation valve of the French type passes the holding member to push the valve urging rod to a stop point. The holding member is deformed to hold securely the inflation valve which is opened up by the valve urging rod which is pushed by the pushing member.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus is proposed for clamping off a hose in a fluid system for biological liquids, in particular blood, which comprises a movably arranged closing member (3) having a closing piece (31, 31′) for clamping off the hose (10), comprising a permanent magnetic holding device (2) which is arranged and designed in such a manner that it can hold the closing member (3) against a force in two different stable equilibrium positions, namely an open position and a closing position, without it being necessary to supply energy to the permanent magnetic holding device (2) for the holding in the respective equilibrium position, and comprising actuation means (4; 4a, 4b; 33; 33) in order to move the closing member (3) out of the open position into the closing position.