Abstract: A waste outlet fitting for use in tubs, sinks and basins. A magnetic plug is mounted in the waste outlet which can be rotated between open and closed positions through the use of a rotatable magnetic located proximate to the plug. The magnetic is rotatable by use of a remotely located handle employing cable, wire or rods for connecting the handle and magnetic.

Abstract: In producing a semiconductor device by annealing with laser light irradiation, while a linear laser light is scanned in a direction perpendicular to a line, the annealing is performed for a semiconductor material. In this state, since an anneal effect in a beam lateral direction corresponding to a line direction is 2 times or more different than that in the scanning direction, a plurality of semiconductor elements are formed along a line direction in which the linear laser light is irradiated. Also, a line direction connecting the source and drain region of a thin film transistor is aligned to the line direction of the linear laser light.

Abstract: An improved rotary servovalve system employs a rotary magnetic solenoid having an armature that includes at least one permanent magnet. The armature is rotatable relative to a stator formed as an electromagnet which is energizable to create alternative electromagnetic fields having opposite polarities from each other. When deenergized, the stator allows the armature to return to a neutral, null position from positions of extreme rotation in opposite angular directions due to the magnetic force of the permanent magnet of the armature. The armature is coupled to carry a movable valve element in angular rotation therewith, so that flow through the servovalve of the system can occur in alternative directions. Also, the valve element is biased toward a position in which all of the valve ports are closed when power is removed from the rotary solenoid.

Abstract: A water supply shutoff valve system is used with a fluid storage tank, such as a hot water heater, to automatically shut off the water supply to the storage tank as a result of leak containment which in turn causes a magnetic float to rise and consequently produce the mechanical force necessary to release and close a spring loaded water supply valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing liquids, such as viscous liquids used during the manufacture of electronic component assemblies. The apparatus includes a valve body having a liquid passage with a valve seat and an outlet. A needle is mounted for reciprocating movement between open and closed positions in the liquid passage and with respect to the valve seat to dispense liquid from the outlet. An armature is connected for reciprocating movement with the needle and a magnetic element is mounted outside the liquid passage and movable between a first position that attracts the armature and moves the needle into the open position and a second position at which the armature and the needle are forced to the closed position by way of a return spring. An actuator is operatively connected to the magnetic element to move the magnetic element between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A gap part is formed between a magnetic plate and a moving core in a solenoid part, a magnetic fluid whose viscosity is increased by the influence of the magnetic force is filled in the gap part, the viscosity of the magnetic fluid is increased by the influence of the magnetic force when the solenoid is energized, and the speed of a moving core to be attracted by a fixed core is reduced.

Abstract: A liquid level control unit having a permanent magnet mechanism for translating displacements of a displaces element in the liquid of a container to an actuator device that actuates a control system for a regulated device such as a supply water control valve in a boiler system the control unit utilizing concentrically positioned annular magnet assemblies that are separated by a tube to shield the environment of one magnet assembly from the other.

Abstract: A solenoid valve comprises a first coil, a plunger, a first and a second opening in the valve, and a latching mechanism placed in association with the first opening. The latching mechanism causes latching, with a predetermined latching force, of the plunger to the first opening, and energization of the first coil along a predetermined first polarity causes at least a reduction of the latching force. The plunger has a first end towards the first opening and a second end towards the second opening, and a magnetic field extensor extends a first pole of the magnetic field produced by the first coil to the first end of the plunger. The extensor comprises a hollow cylindrical ferrous member terminated by a ferrous endpiece and is movable, with the plunger, relative to the first opening.

Abstract: An airflow control valve for a clean room having a duct section with a damper positioned within the duct. The damper being capable of an adjustment from an open position to a closed position. The opening and closing of the duct is accomplished through a magnetic coupling such that the duct can remain sealed during operation. The airflow control valve includes a sensor for measuring the airflow rate, so that the duct can be adjusted to maintain one or more predetermined flow rate set-points.

Abstract: A proportional variable force solenoid fluid control 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 includes an armature in engagement with a fluid pressure control valve and movable in response to electrical current applied to a solenoid disposed on a coil bobbin in a solenoid housing and a coil spring for biasing the armature in a direction to establish a valve fluid pressure response to current level supplied to the solenoid. A plurality of axially magnetized permanent magnet segments each having an inner arcuate magnet surface facing the armature are provided to collectively provide a permanent magnetic field that cooperates with the electromagnetic field of the energized coil to move the armature.

Abstract: A switch-over device which is useful for a gas insufflation device using liquid gas includes at least two inflow channels each blockable by a valve and at least one outflow channel for alternate removal of a fluid medium from a plurality of containers. The device has a switch-over piston movably mounted in a housing and comprising a base member which has at each end a valve closure member in a form of a body of rotation. The switch-over piston is driven by a pressure difference between the fluid media and connects one of the inflow channels to the outflow channel in each of two switching positions. A working chamber accommodates the switch-over piston, with sealing elements being provided for closing off the inflow channels in a pressure tight manner when the switch-over piston is in the correspondingly closed position and for dividing the working chamber into two portions sealed off from each other.

Abstract: A pressure relief latching solenoid valve includes one or more axially magnetized permanent magnets disposed proximate a pole piece with the axial magnetization direction of the magnet aligned in a manner to maintain the armature in either the first or second position after the electrical current pulse to the solenoid is terminated so as to provide bistable first and second armature positions that can be maintained without solenoid energization and that can be changed from one position to the other by an electrical current pulse to the solenoid. The armature can control movement of a ball valve of a fluid circuit such that the first and second armature positions correspond to closed and open positions of the ball valve. The closed position provides a maximum fluid pressure in the circuit and the open position provides a preset lower fluid pressure. A spring resides in a passage in the armature and has a preselected spring rate and spring preload.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device including a body generally having an actuator cavity and a liquid passage. A valve seat element is connected to the body and a valve stem is mounted for movement within the body with respect to the valve seat element. Inner and outer magnetic elements are disposed around the periphery of the valve stem to couple the valve stem to the valve actuator. The inner magnetic element is connected to the valve stem for movement with the valve stem within the body. The outer magnetic element is connected with an actuator and is slidable within the body in response to, for example, pressurized air being applied against the actuator. The magnetic elements couple the valve stem to the actuator and eliminate the need for a dynamic seal between the valve stem and body.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve which opens and closes passages for fluid by moving movable valve elements by means of attraction of an electromagnet includes movable valve elements having fluid passages and disposed inside a cylindrical electromagnet. The movable valve elements are disposed in the fluid passage inside the electromagnet so that supply and exhaust of fluid and switching between two directions can be performed.

Abstract: A dual check valve backflow prevention apparatus of lightweight, compact construction which provides low flow losses and which maintains a small positive pressure differential under static flow conditions via use of a magnetic valve closure mechanism. The apparatus comprises a main valve housing which contains two check valve assemblies. Each check valve assembly has a clapper valve which uses a low friction magnetic pull closure force and drip tight seals in the forward flow direction for maintaining a small positive pressure differential under static conditions. The magnetic bias for the closure force is preferably located in the center of the flow stream. An additional closure force may be provided by a spring or gravity assistance.

Abstract: A rotary solenoid valve for controlling pressurized fluid in a vehicular hydraulic system includes a housing having a bore. A valve body is mounted in the bore. The valve body includes an axial bore in fluid communication with a supply port, an output port, and a reservoir port. Each of the ports in the valve body is also in fluid communication with a corresponding fluid passage formed in the housing. A rotor is received in the axial bore of the valve body. The rotor includes at least one flat having a predetermined length so that the flat is in fluid communication with the ports in the valve body. An upper stator is mounted on the valve body about the rotor. A coil is mounted about the upper stator for generating a magnetic field to selectively rotate the rotor. Rotation of the rotor directs fluid through the valve between various ports as desired.

Abstract: A miniaturized solenoid valve is provided which is suitable for integration in an electric or electronic control circuit by it being built up on a printed circuit board. The valve has a narrow elongated housing (10) with a fluidic space (26) at one longitudinal end, and a solenoid drive (12, 14) at the opposite longitudinal end. Soldering pins protrude from the base surface of the housing, which are electrically connected to the solenoid (12) of the solenoid drive. The fluidic connections are easily accessible from the top side of the housing (10).

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 self-latching solenoid valve assembly including a valve body having a pressurized air supply inlet port for communicating with a source of pressurized air and at least one cylinder port. A valve member is supported in the valve body so as to be movable between predetermined positions to selectively direct pressurized air from the inlet port to at least one cylinder port. A biasing member is employed to move the valve member in one direction and a solenoid assembly is used to move the valve member in an opposite direction. The solenoid assembly includes a housing with a solenoid coil supported therein and a fixed ferromagnetic pole piece having a passage extending therethrough with a pushpin movably supported in the passage. A ferromagnetic latch is also supported by the housing and spaced from the pole piece. A permanent magnet is disposed between the latch and the pole piece.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for varying the flow area of a conduit (12). The apparatus comprises a flap (14) mounted in said conduit (12) which is off-center pivotally mounted to pivot in response to flow of fluid (F) through said conduit (12). The apparatus (10) also includes biasing means associated with the flap to rotationally urge the flap against the action of the flow (F).

Abstract: A flapper-type gas valve automatically closable by accelerations characteristic of earthquakes. The arm is held up in the "valve open" position by a magnet attracting a soft ferromagnetic armature. The armature can be displaced to release the flapper to close the valve, either by seismic accelerations or manually by novel magnetic means--the latter for testing or for non-seismic emergencies. The latter employ movable permanent magnets or electromagnets. Additional magnets are provided to hold the valve closed. Indicating means on the flapper shaft can be viewed through a window to see the valve status--open or closed. The electromagnetic modification provides remote status indication via a magnetically-actuated switch.

Abstract: An electrical actuator (11, 85) comprises a magnetically permeable stator body (13) and a permanently magnetic rotor body (17) which is pivotable relative to the stator body (13) through a limited angle of rotation (.phi.). The stator body (13) exerts a magnetostatic torque (T.sub.MS) on the rotor body (17) and comprises electrical energizing means (29) for exerting an electromagnetic torque (T.sub.EM) on the rotor body (17). T.sub.EM is substantially proportional to a value (I) of an electrical current through the energizing means (29) and depends on .phi. in accordance with a first function of .phi., while T.sub.MS depends on .phi. in accordance with a second function of .phi..According to the invention, said first function is substantially different from said second function, while it is true for each position of equilibrium of the rotor body (17), in which the resultant T.sub.R of T.sub.EM and T.sub.MS is zero for a predetermined value I, that T.sub.R has a positive value if .phi. decreases and T.sub.

Abstract: A central vacuum system particularly adapted to collect and dispose of hair from hair cutting and from pet grooming. The system includes an automatic arrangement for collecting and dumping accumulated hair or other material. A housing includes an inlet for receiving air and an air pump for expelling air from the housing, with filters between the inlet and air pump. A disposal opening is provided at the lower end of the housing for dumping accumulated material. A hinge is mounted on the housing adjacent to said disposal opening. A cover and extended arm are mounted on said hinge for rotation between a collection position with the cover over the disposal opening and an open position for dumping. A counterweight is mounted on the arm for maintaining the cover over the disposal opening when less than a predetermined weight of material rests on said cover within said housing and for allowing the cover to rotate away from the disposal opening when a greater weight of material is present.

Abstract: A submersible pump is disclosed for use in a body of liquid such as a well or sump. The pump has an air intake port and an air outlet port, as well as a liquid intake port and a liquid discharge tube. A valve mounted within the pump selectively permits the pump's chamber to communicate with either the air intake port or the air discharge port. When liquid enters the pump's chamber, the air displaced by the incoming liquid is permitted by the valve to escape via the air outlet port. When the pump's chamber is sufficiently full of liquid, the valve closes off the air outlet port and permits compressed air to enter the pump's chamber via the air inlet port in order to force the accumulated liquid out the liquid discharge tube. A float in the pump's chamber rises and falls with the level of liquid in the chamber to actuate the valve.

Abstract: A self actuating valve (10) including a housing (12) and a flow control member (14), and magnetic material (16, 17) integral with the housing (12) and the flow control member (14), respectively, with at least one of the magnetic material (16, 17) being permanently magnetized. The housing (12) includes a flow control chamber (18) and first, second, and third ports (20, 22, 24) connected to the chamber (18). The flow control member (14) is mounted in the chamber (18) for movement between first and second positions. In the first position, the member (14) blocks flow between the first and second ports (20, 22), blocks flow between the first and third ports (20, 24) and allows flow between the second and third ports (22, 24). In the second position, the member (14) allows flow between the first and second ports (20, 22) and blocks flow to the third port (24) from both the first port (20) and the second port (22).

Abstract: A fire hydrant security system for mounting on a standpipe of a fire hydrant wherein the hydrant has a mounting surface with holes therethrough and a bonnet mounted on the mounting surface, the bonnet surrounding a valve operating spindle assembly. The system includes a security gap which is surrounded by a protective collar spaced from the security cap to define an annular gap. An operating tool having a socket which fits into the gap and surrounds the security cap is used to couple the security cap to the valve operating spindle to open the fire hydrant. The protective collar is preferably made of forged ductile iron and is bolted to the fire hydrant by being bolted to a mounting surface on the standpipe or by being secured by bolts to the bonnet. The security cap is thus protected from blows by sledge hammers wielded by vandals and water thieves.

Abstract: An improved float valve assembly is provided for regulating water inflow to a purification module of a water purification system, such as a reverse osmosis purification module or the like. The float valve assembly is mounted within a reservoir for receiving and storing relatively purified water produced by the purification module, and includes a valve unit defining a vertically extending flow path from a tap water source to the purification module. A primary float carried on a float arm responds to rising and falling water level within the reservoir for respectively closing and opening a primary banjo valve mounted along the flow path. An over-center switch provides snap-action closure of the primary valve in response to rising water level, and the primary float is mounted on the float arm for a limited range of lost motion to accommodate this snap-action valve closure.

Abstract: A seismic safety valve has a housing with a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fluid passageway interconnecting the inlet and outlet. A recess is formed inside the housing along the fluid passageway, with a valve seat located adjacent to and below the recess. A valve member, made of a magnetic material, is in the fluid passageway and movable between a first position in the recess and a second position on the valve seat. The valve member closes the fluid passageway in the second position and opens the fluid passageway in the first position. The recess supports the valve member so that the valve member is movable from the recess upon the housing being subjected to a predetermined amount of seismic activity under forces generated by the predetermined amount of seismic activity and gravity. At least one electromagnet is on the housing outside of the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A latching coil valve device is provided, comprising a body providing an inlet and an outlet; an actuatable valve unit connecting said inlet to said outlet, and latching mechanisms for latching the actuatable valve unit in open or closed positions, respectively. The actuatable valve unit comprises a solenoid and a pilot operated valve comprising a primary valve member and a pilot valve member. The solenoid comprises a coil assembly and a plunger assembly. Energizing the coil of the solenoid moves the plunger to open and close the valve. The latching mechanism for latching the actuatable valve unit in the open position comprises a permanent magnet and the latching mechanism for latching the actuatable valve unit in the closed position comprises a coil spring. Only a momentary pulse of voltage needs to be applied to the coil of the solenoid in order open or close the valve. Once in the opened or closed positions, the permanent magnet or the coil spring, respectively, latches the valve.

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.

Abstract: A microvalve and microthruster are provided. Both include a housing with an interior in which an armature can travel and abut a valve seat to provide an electromagnetic valve. The armature acts as a valve body that is maintained in a or normally closed position by a permanent magnet, and is opened by interaction with a selectively activatable electromagnet. A microthruster is provided by fashioning the valve discharge as a nozzle, preferably of a material that is permanently and selectively magnetizable, so that the nozzle functions as the permanent magnet and which magnetism can be adjusted to assure proper opening and closing of the valve portion. The valve body is guided without any sliding fit mechanism and is suitable for controlling gas or liquid fluid flows.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a fuel system having a fuel pump (13) for supplying fuel through a variable orifice flow metering valve (15) to an engine main fuel control (45), the control (45) controlling the fuel pressure differential across the orifice of the metering valve (15). A head sensor includes a movable diaphragm (51), a bypass valve (47) for diverting fuel from the fuel pump away from the metering valve (15), and a coupling between the diaphragm (51) and the bypass valve (47) whereby the bypass valve (47) opens and closes in response to diaphragm (51) motion. The metering valve orifice fuel pressure differential is applied across the diaphragm (51) so that a valve spool (55) may open and close to maintain the pressure differential across the metering valve (15) substantially constant. A bias spring (54) normally biases the spool (55) closed.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting is provided having a housing part (5) and an exit part (6) containing the exit channel (7), wherein in the housing part (5) a mixer tap (11) for mixing cold and warm fluid and for controlling the flow rate is positioned and is actuatable between a closed final position and an opened final position by a control rod (10) connected to an actuating lever (8), wherein an electrically controllable valve (14) is fitted downstream of the mixer tap (11) by the means of which a fluid emanating from the mixer tap (11) before entering into the exit channel is guided, wherein the electrically control valve (14) by the means of a control electronic circuit (39) is connected to a proximity sensor (37) and, wherein the electrically controllable valve (14) additionally can be controlled mechanically by means of the actuating lever (8) via the control rod (10), wherein a lever arrangement (12) is provided between the control rod (10) and the electrically controllable valve (14) which mechanically is adjustin

Abstract: A bubbler container assembly particularly adapted for use in vapor generating systems comprising a main outer vessel, an inner bubbler vessel, a carrier gas inlet and a vapor outlet such that the inner bubbler vessel is contained within the main outer vessel and the bubbler container assembly is constructed so as to self-meter an incoming supply of vaporizable liquid during the introduction of a carrier gas and extraction of resulting vapor. Preferably, the system further provides for magnetic induced centering and positioning of the inner buoyant bubbler vessel, fluid temperature sensing and control, connection of a fluid makeup supply, carrier gas inlet supply, and vapor extraction outlet.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a cold water storage vessel mounted on an interior side of a door of the refrigerator. The vessel has a valve for opening and closing a water outlet thereof. A manually actuable lever mounted on the door is actuable by a user to discharge water. By actuating the lever, a magnetic force causes the valve to open. The magnetic force can be imposed by a first permanent magnet which is caused to approach a second permanent magnet disposed on the valve to repel the second magnet and thereby open the valve. Alternatively, a permanent magnet disposed on the valve can be repelled by a magnetic force of a stationary electromagnet which is energized by actuation of the lever.

Abstract: A check valve is described which employs a magnetic biasing component, disposed external to the valve body, to exert force on a poppet, at least a portion of which is ferrous. In a "normal" mode of operation, the poppet is urged against the inlet end surface of the cavity by the basing component, and moves away from the inlet end surface of the cavity to permit fluid flow from an inlet port to an outlet (downstream) port once a differential cracking pressure is achieved. In a "bidirectional" or "purge" mode of operation, the biasing component is positioned adjacent the outlet end of the valve body to retain the poppet in an open position, away from the inlet end surface of the cavity. The bi-directional capability of the disclosed check valve is beneficial for welded installation and cyclic purging of systems, and allows for a full vacuum to be achieved because the effect of cracking pressure is eliminated.

Abstract: An air intake device has a base seat, a hollow main body disposed on the base seat, and a hollow cover seat disposed on the hollow main body. An intake guide pipe is connected to the connection pipe. A plurality of L-shaped plates are disposed in the hollow cover seat. An upper magnet is disposed in the hollow cover seat. A lower magnet is disposed in the hollow main body. The lower magnet has a taper lower portion. The hollow main body has an upper interior, an inner thread, a lower interior, a lower groove, and an upper groove. A hollow adjustment screw is inserted in the hollow main body. The hollow adjustment screw has a center hole and an annular recess receiving a seal ring. The base seat receives an air cleaner.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flow control apparatus includes a fluid flow conduit, a magnetic membrane, and a plurality of discrete sources of selectably variable magnetic fields, such as electromagnets, arranged in an ordered array, to drive the membrane in a desired manner to control the flow of fluid in the conduit. The membrane can preferably be driven between two extreme positions wherein the flow of fluid in the conduit is totally unrestricted in the rest position of the membrane and wherein the flow is highly restricted or stopped completely in the maximum deformation of the membrane radially inward.

Abstract: A proportional variable force solenoid valve comprises a non-magnetic housing having a solenoid and a permanent magnet armature movable by the solenoid in response to current applied to the solenoid, a coil compression spring for biasing the armature in a direction to establish a valve fluid pressure response to solenoid current, and a valve housing closure engaging the spring and permanently deformed to position the closure relative to the spring in a manner to adjust the valve response. The size of the valve is reduced by providing a permanent magnet armature of reduced length having a flat outermost axial end which is engaged by the spring. A plate spring retainer is disposed on the flat axial end of the permanent magnet armature and is received with clearance in an enlarged longitudinal bore region of the solenoid coil bobbin.

Abstract: An automatic drain valve for discharging accumulations of fluids and foreign materials from a fluid handling system. The drain valve (10) comprises a reservoir (14) defining a reservoir volume (15) and a thru-port (28), in fluid communication with the reservoir volume (15), that defines an inlet (30) and terminates in a drainage valve (82) for flowthrough communications with a fluid handling system. An actuating mechanism selectively actuates a valve operator. In the preferred embodiment, a pilot valve (41) is mounted in the reservoir (14) for selectively communicating pressurized air to a valve operator (57), such that the valve operator selectively opens and closes the drainage valve (82) communicating with the outlet (88) of the reservoir (14) for selectively draining the reservoir. The pilot valve (41) includes a sensor tube (42) which defines a valve seat (44) and includes a magnetized valve plug (46) for selectively engaging the valve seat (44), the valve plug (46) having a selected magnetic polarity.

Abstract: An activating system is provided for a heart valve having a seat (1) and at least one pivoting flap (2a, 2b) mounted on the seat (1). The activating system includes at least one mobile magnetic element (4) connected with said flap (2a, 2b) and at least one fixed magnetic element (3) on the seat (1), with the magnetic elements (3, 4) producing interacting fields that create a force which is exerted on said flap (2a, 2b) during its opening and/or closing movements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromotive adjustment device with a rotor (9) comprising a magnetized rotary body (8) and with a single-strand, electrically excitable U-shaped stator (11) whose legs (13, 14) form the pole shoes (26, 27) and whose yoke (15) interconnects the two legs (13, 14) and acts as a support for the exciter coil (16), the angular position of the rotor (9) being adjustable by means of the stator current, while the maximum range of the angle of rotation of the rotor is smaller than 180.degree.. Such adjustment devices can be used in particular for the adjustment of a throttle plate in the suction line of an internal combustion engine.

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.

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.

Abstract: A pilot valve is operated by a solenoid formed by a coil wound around a non-magnetic spool that has a bore. A rare earth permanent magnet is inside the bore adjacent one end and abuts a flux concentrator farther inside the bore. A plunger is slidably located within the bore biased away from the flux concentrator by a spring and projects out another end of the bore. An enclosure of magnetic material completes a magnetic flux path around the solenoid and has an aperture though which the plunger projects. The pilot valve includes a cage of rigid non-magnetic material which abuts the enclosure and has a recess which supports the plunger out of contact with the housing. The plunger selectively opens and closes a pilot tube through the cage to operate a diaphragm the responds by engaging a primary valve seat to control the flow of fluid through a valve body.

Abstract: A solenoid valve has a biasing member for generating biasing force and a permanent magnet for generating magnetic force. When both the biasing force and the magnetic force act on a movable member, the direction of the biasing force opposes the direction of the magnetic force. Therefore, the position of the movable member is determined based on the balance between the biasing force and the magnetic force. As a result, even when the solenoid coil is not excited, a valve member moving together with the movable member stays apart from the valve seat by a predetermined distance to maintain an open fluid channel.

Abstract: A seismically triggered valve is designed to shut off gas supply during an earthquake. A valve member is pivoted within a valve body, the valve member being mechanically movable to the open position. A magnet is fixed to the valve member, and a ferromagnetic ball is free on a concave surface. The center of the concave surface is aligned with the magnet; but, when the valve is shaken, the ball moves and releases the magnet. The valve member moves by gravity, but is assisted by a spring bias towards the closed position. A control rod can engage the valve member to open the valve, and can mechanically close the valve if desired. Further, a bleed passage connecting the valve body with the outlet is controlled by the control rod selectively to bleed off pressure within the valve body. The valve body is formed integrally. with an open top, and the sensor is received within the open top to close the top and properly locate the sensor.

Abstract: A seismically triggered valve is designed to shut off gas supply during an earthquake. A valve member is pivoted within a valve body, the valve member being mechanically movable to the open position and movable by gravity to the closed position. A magnet is fixed to the valve member, and a ferromagnetic ball is free on a concave surface. The center of the concave surface is aligned with the magnet; but, when the valve is shaken, the ball moves and releases the magnet so the valve member closes by gravity. The valve body is formed integrally with an open top, and the sensor is received within the open top to close the top and properly locate the sensor. The valve can be closed at will by moving the ball off center, for example by a plunger, or by magnetically attracting the ball. To prevent inadvertent closing of the valve, baffles direct the incoming fluid away from the loose edge of the valve member.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided for controlling the flow of a fluid. The apparatus (10) includes a housing (12) having an inlet port (14), an outlet port (16), and a bypass port (18). A throughput block (26) is contained within the housing (12). The throughput block (26) has a number of cylinders (28) formed therein. A number of pistons (34) are received within the cylinders (28). Each piston (34) can move within a corresponding cylinder (28) between a first position and a second position. En the first position, the piston (34) prevents fluid communication between the inlet port (14) and the outlet port (16) and allows fluid communication between the inlet port (14) and the bypass port (18). In the second position, the piston (34) prevents fluid communication between the inlet port (14) and the bypass port (18) and allows fluid communication between the inlet port (14) and the outlet port (16).

Abstract: An electromagnetic micro-actuator includes a coil for generating a magnetic field which acts on a movable element at least partially made of a magnetic material, and a magnetic circuit to drive the magnetic flux towards a gap closable by the motion of the movable element.