With Plunger-type Armature Patents (Class 335/255)
  • Patent number: 6392516
    Abstract: A latching solenoid includes a pole member, an armature movable relative to the pole member, a solenoid coil assembly for positioning the armature relative to the pole member, and a magnetic flux shunt structure. The shunt structure bridges the air gap between the pole face and the armature face, providing a low reluctance magnetic flux path between the pole member and the armature to increase the attractive force between the armature and the pole member. The shunt structure can be a saturation tip formed integrally with the armature or a separate flux shunt member configured as a ring which is fixed to the armature. The armature can be maintained latched by the effects of residual magnetism or by a permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: TLX Technologies
    Inventors: James R. Ward, Derek A. Dahlgren, Thomas J. Stobbs
  • Patent number: 6366189
    Abstract: A solenoid (1) comprising at least two stationary coils (2, 3), which are located axially beside each other and are current supplied at the same time, and at least one magnetically active element (4, 5), such as a permanent magnet or a soft iron part. The solenoid contains one inner and one outer magnetically active element (4, 5), of which at least one is composed of an essentially axially magnetized permanent magnet (4, 5). The coils are located between the elements (4, 5), so that they surround the inner element (4), and are arranged with mutually different current direction, and the coils and the elements (4, 5) are arranged around an essentially mutual axis center line (6), so that a magnetic field is obtained between the elements (4, 5) and this crosses the current supplied coils' (2, 3) wire essentially perpendicularly and gives rise to an axial power action between the coils and the elements, and at least one of the elements is axially movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Bengt-Allan Bergvall, Ulf Petersson
  • Patent number: 6352317
    Abstract: A solenoid coil inverted within a flux casing has at least one lead wire extending through a flux ring mounted in an end of the flux casing. The coil is coupled to a circuit board or overmolded lead frame which is positioned adjacent to a valve body with a solenoid valve sleeve extending through the circuit board or lead frame into the coil. A flexible coupling allows the coil to move relative to the circuit board or lead frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Ernest S. Blazic, Herbert L. Linkner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6344783
    Abstract: An electromagnet for actuating valves includes a sheath-like magnet housing encompassing a pole core forming a one-sided closure of the housing. The housing is connected to the pole core by an annular groove in its periphery, by an O-ring accommodated in the groove as a sealing element and by an annular groove in the magnet housing. The magnet housing forms bearing surfaces joined in positive fit to the inner walls of the annular groove and a sealing surface located on the O-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignees: Hydraulic-Ring GmbH, Hydac Electronic GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf J. Neuhaus, Kurt R. Stratil, Andreas Ehrenfels, Frank Kattler, Hans-Jurgen Pauly
  • Patent number: 6326873
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve drive (1) is proposed comprising a gas exchange valve (2), an actuator rod (3), an armature (4), a closing magnet (5), an opening magnet (6), a closing spring (7) and an opening spring (8). The valve drive (1) comprises means for establishing an equilibrium between the closing and opening springs (7, 8) which equilibrium is determined by symmetric energies of the closing and opening springs (7, 8) at a half stroke of the armature (4). These means are configured as an axially displaceable support (13) for the closing spring (7) on the cylinder head (11) of the internal combustion engine. The support (13) is made, for example, as a hydraulically lifting annular piston (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ina Walzlager Schaeffler oHG
    Inventor: Christof Faria
  • Patent number: 6315268
    Abstract: A solenoid for a hydraulic valve has an armature chamber having chamber walls. A pole core forms one of the chamber walls and has an axial central bore. An armature is slidably arranged in the armature chamber. The armature has a central receptacle. An armature piston is arranged in the central receptacle of the armature and extends through the axial central bore of the pole core. The armature piston consists of a nonmagnetic material. The armature piston acts on a valve member when moved by the armature piston. The armature piston is a tubular member formed of a piece of planar sheet metal and has a radially outwardly projecting anti-stick disc that defines a minimal axial spacing between the armature and the pole core. The radially outwardly projecting anti-stick disc is formed as a monolithic part of the tubular member by parts of the sheet metal being bent radially outwardly relative to the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventors: Marius Cornea, Hans-Ulrich Leutwein, Lorenz Lippert
  • Patent number: 6304161
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for operating a driven component includes first and second electromagnets having respective first and second pole faces oriented toward one another and defining a space therebetween; an armature disposed between the electromagnets and movable back and forth between the first and second pole faces in a direction of motion; a driving component attached to the armature for moving therewith as a unitary structure; and a resetting spring unit attached solely to the driving component or the driven component and exerting forces opposing movements of the armature caused by electromagnetic forces generated by the electromagnets. The resetting spring unit is in a relaxed state when the armature is in a mid position between the first and second pole faces and is in an armed state upon movement of the armature from the mid position in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: FEV Motorentechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schebitz, Ernst-Siegfried Hartmann, Jurgen Wahnschaffe, Hans Willi Goebel, Holger Lange
  • Patent number: 6292077
    Abstract: To provide an electromagnetic actuator, having a large stroke and capable of producing the maximum thrust at a retreated stroke end, which is simple in structure and easy to manufacture. The electromagnetic actuator comprises an electromagnetic coil 1, a magnetic frame 3 arranged on the periphery thereof, a movable iron core 5 slidable in a central hole 4 of the coil 1, a first sleeve 6 coupled with the magnetic frame 3 at one end side of the central hole 4 of the coil, and a second sleeve 7 coupled with the magnetic frame 3 at the other end side of the central hole 4. The second sleeve 7 is spaced from the first sleeve 6 with a space (A+C) in the axial direction, and has an end thereof opposing the first sleeve 6 extended to a position in close proximity to the movable iron core 5 when the movable iron core 5 is at the retreated stroke end, but without being substantially fitted thereon, and extended to a position apart therefrom by a micro-distance A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Masanori Kaizuka, Ryushiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6265957
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator comprises a fixed magnetic circuit made of ferromagnetic material and a movable assembly designed to slide axially between a rest position and an active position. Two return springs bias the movable assembly to its rest position, the second spring having a greater stiffness than the first one. An excitation circuit generates a magnetic flux which is designed, in inrush mode, to move the movable assembly from its rest position to its active position and, in holding mode, is sufficient to hold the movable assembly in the active position. In a first part of the axial travel of the movable assembly from its rest position to its active position, the action of the first spring is preponderant, whereas in the remaining travel up to the active position, the action of the second spring is preponderant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Pierre Baginski, Daniel Rota
  • Patent number: 6201461
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuable valve, in particular an injection valve for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines is provided. The actuable valve has a throttling point that joins a core and a connector part to one another. An annular insert that supports the throttling point in a radial direction is provided. The use of the annular insert makes it possible to utilize the advantages of the design of a valve tube with the throttling point, and at the same time creates the stability necessary for high-pressure valves. The annular insert is made from electrically nonconductive material or configured with an interruption at at least one point and mounted in an electrically insulated fashion. This prevents eddy currents, which have a negative effect on switching times, in the annular insert. The annular insert is located at least partially within an influence region of a magnetic field of a magnet coil, in the presence of a changing magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Eichendorf, Thomas Sebastian, Ralf Trutschel
  • Patent number: 6184766
    Abstract: A solenoid valve is composed of a bobbin wound with a coil, and a housing separated from the bobbin and having an input port, an output port and a discharge port. The bobbin incorporating the plunger and the housing incorporating the ball for switching over the channel and the valve rod are arranged via a plate in opposite positions, and are integrally formed by caulking claws of a case covering the bobbin into the housing and the plate. An engaged section is formed on an end face on the housing side of the bobbin, an engaged section is formed on an end face on the bobbin side of the housing, and engaging sections for bobbin positioning and housing positioning are formed on the plate. A relative relationship between the bobbin and the housing is maintained by engaging these engaging sections with the engaged sections of the bobbin and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Kojima, Hidekazu Himei
  • Patent number: 6175291
    Abstract: A magnet coil which receives an armature movable longitudinally with respect to the coil axis and having an armature rod. A support of the armature or of the armature rod in a core serves also for the guidance of the magnetic field, a direct support of the armature or of the armature rod on a surface of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Dipl- Ing. Wolfgang E. Schultz
    Inventors: Dieter Kleinert, Georg Scherer, Helmut Mang, Reinhard H{umlaut over (a)}ring, Manfred Hanka
  • Patent number: 6130595
    Abstract: An electromagnetic switch has a solenoid coil, a sleeve and a movable core which slides in the sleeve. A metal thin film is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the movable core by electroplating. The metal thin film is harder than the inner surface of the sleeve, and has high melting point and high smoothness. Accordingly, adhesive wear between the sleeve and the movable core is reduced, and sliding durability under high temperature is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Masami Niimi
  • Patent number: 6120114
    Abstract: A solenoid coil inverted within a flux casing has at least one lead wire extending through a flux ring mounted in an end of the flux casing. The coil is coupled to a circuit board or overmolded lead frame which is positioned adjacent to a valve body with a solenoid valve sleeve extending through the circuit board or lead frame into the coil. A flexible coupling allows the coil to move relative to the circuit board or lead frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Ernest S. Blazic, Herbert L. Linkner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6086042
    Abstract: A fluid resistant solenoid actuated valve having a unitary bobbin and valve housing. The unitary housing defining a valve seat connection assembly adjacent the fluid connection end. A portion of the bobbin housing being deformable upon application of a coil winding to secure a solenoid core placed in the housing. The coil having a pair of electrical leads extending over substantially the length of the coil. The coil and leads are encapsulated to provide fluid resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Wabash Magnetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell D. Scott, Dennis A. Dobnick
  • Patent number: 6076550
    Abstract: A solenoid comprising a solenoid coil having a longitudinal hole at the center of a bobbin made of a non-magnetic material and a coil winding wound around the peripheral wall of the bobbin. A yoke comprising a peripheral side plate, an upper end plate and a lower end plate all for the covering the outer peripheral surface and both end surfaces of solenoid coil, a pole core disposed at one end of the longitudinal hole and a plunger fitted slidably into the other end of the longitudinal hole. The solenoid further comprises a protrusion member for forming an irregular magnetic field, formed integrally at the center of the yoke, and a recess for fitting the protrusion member from the end surface of the peripheral wall of the bobbin formed in the peripheral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Hiraishi, Itsunao Koga, Hiroyuki Seki, Taisuke Houei, Takanobu Matsufuji, Yoshinori Nishimoto, Katsuhiro Kawahara
  • Patent number: 6078235
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for operating a setting member includes an electromagnet which has a housing provided with a recess having an opening; a yoke body having a surface constituting a pole face of the electromagnet; and a solenoid surrounding the yoke body. The yoke body and the solenoid are accommodated in the housing recess. An armature, to which the setting member is coupled, is guided for motions towards and away from the pole face in a space adjoining the electromagnet. The opening of the housing recess faces the space. A resetting spring exerts a force opposing a motion of the armature towards the pole face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: FEV Motorentechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Schebitz, Ulrich Muller, Enno Lohse, Martin Scheidt
  • Patent number: 6053473
    Abstract: A coupling means comprises a first retainer and a second retainer. The first and second retainers are fastened to a first annular groove and a second annular groove of a valve stem respectively, and they are fixed by an energizing action in the vertical direction effected by a second elastic member. The first retainer is energized upwardly by a first elastic member provided on a lower side of the first retainer, and it abuts against the lower surface of a projection of a plunger. In this arrangement, the plunger is displaced downwardly while pressing the first retainer. Thus, the valve stem is moved downwardly together with the first retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Shinobu, Kenichi Nomura, Takumi Kimura
  • Patent number: 6037851
    Abstract: On a known electromagnetic actuator for valve control of an internal combustion engine an armature (1) is moved by magnetic force between the pole faces (21, 31) of an opening magnet (2) and a closing magnet (3) to activate an intake/exhaust valve (5). Owing to the work that has to be done when the intake/exhaust valve (5) is opened in order to counteract the high internal gas pressure in the combustion chamber the opening operation takes longer than the closing operation. The disclosed actuator permits faster opening of the intake/exhaust valve (5), in that the magnetic force exerted by the opening magnet (2) is increased for large stroke lengths (d.sub.o) in comparison with the magnetic force exerted by the closing magnet (3) on the armature (1) in conjunction with the same stroke length (d.sub.s) by the provision of a two-section connecting sleeve (7) enclosing the space between the pole faces (21, 31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Temic Telefunken microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Gramann, Michael Nagel, Thomas Rockl, Rudolf Wilczek
  • Patent number: 6033189
    Abstract: An improved displacement control valve incorporated in a variable displacement compressor. The control valve includes a valve body and a solenoid for actuating the valve body. The coil of the solenoid is wound about a bobbin made of insulating synthetic resin. A base plate integrally protrudes from the bobbin. A pair of conducting plates are secured to the base plate. Each plate has a clamping block. The coil has a pair of terminal wires. Each terminal wire is secured to and electrically corrected to one of the clamping blocks. Each terminal wire is wound about a holder formed in each plate between the bobbin and the corresponding clamping block. A diode is secured to the holders and is connected in parallel with the coil. A pair of terminals of the diode are secured to the corresponding holders by soldering and crimping. The holders prevent tension in the terminal wires from being applied to electrical joints formed between the wires and the clamping blocks, which makes the valve more reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignees: Kabushikki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shintaro Miura, Ken Suitou, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Tetsuhiko Fukanuma, Hiroshi Kubo, Ryo Matsubara, Masatoshi Hiramatsu, Michiyasu Nosaka, Kazuhito Miyagawa, Shinya Miura, Mutsumi Yoshino
  • Patent number: 6003838
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic valve which includes a retaining member (2) that is pressure-tightly connected to a valve sleeve (3), a magnetic armature (8) which is axially movable in the valve sleeve, a valve closure member (9) corresponding with a valve seat member (16) being mounted on the magnetic armature, and a magnetic core (12) fixed in the retaining member (2) to transmit the magnetic flux of an electric valve coil (10) from the magnetic armature (8) to the retaining member (2) and to a yoke ring (11) which abuts on the valve sleeve (3) and the retaining member (2). The valve seat member (16) is attached directly to the end surface of the magnetic core (12) which is remote from the magnetic armature (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Erhard Beck
  • Patent number: 5996911
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve for use in fuel injection systems of compressed-mixture, externally ignited internal combustion engines has a core provided with a wear-resistant layer that has a greater layer thickness than a layer thickness of a wear-resistant layer of an armature facing the core. This greater layer thickness is present at least in an immediate contact area between the core and the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Gesk, Norbert Keim, Joachim Stilling
  • Patent number: 5917394
    Abstract: A solenoid switch 10 modified for higher current passage provides a case 20 containing an electromagnetic coil 30 within which slides a cylindrical post 50. A first stage 60 and a second stage 80, stacked on an open end of the case, each include electrically conductive disks which alternate between electrically conductive states, wherein electrical current is transported between opposed electrical conductors 40, and a nonconductive state wherein an open circuit exists between the conductors 40. An air inlet 82 and associated air outlet 83 allow the use of compressed air to cool the conductive disks. An optional third stage 100 provides a further conductive disk which further reduces electrical resistance and heat production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Michael J Fuchs
  • Patent number: 5912604
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator and an automatic recloser incorporating such actuator are disclosed. The actuator is shown to include a housing, a permanent magnet member, a coil, an armature, mounted to move axially within the housing between first and second positions, and a non-magnetic spacer. The armature, when in the second position, is spaced a distance from the housing by the spacer. The spacer is mounted to stop movement of the armature in the second position. In the preferred embodiment, the permanent magnet member includes a core and a number of magnet segments attached thereto. It is especially preferred for each of the permanent magnet segments to be arcuate shaped and that each segment be polarized substantially radially or in a direction parallel to the center radius of each segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian James Harvey, Aftab H. Khan, Robert A. Smith, James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 5905423
    Abstract: A permanent magnet armature solenoid has a tip formed of a non-magnetic material operably connected to a ferromagnetic insert which is firmly held to the end of the magnetic armature by the magnetic attraction between the insert and armature. The magnetic field of the armature holds the armature and the insert together as a single unit, even under high acceleration, deceleration and rapid movement of the armature. The insert is relatively small compared to the armature and the addition of the insert to the solenoid does not significantly adversely affect the performance of the solenoid. The insert is preferably formed of a magnetically susceptible metal such as iron, steel or stainless steel. Desirably, the tip is formed of a polymeric material and preferably of an elastomer so that the tip may be molded directly to the insert by conventional molding techniques to facilitate molding the non-magnetic tip onto the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Hoppe
  • Patent number: 5896076
    Abstract: An electromagnetic active vibration actuator configuration combines two modes of operation to obtain the advantages of long stroke and linearity of voice coil type actuators and high efficiency of dual-gap solenoid type actuators. A coaxial stator shell surrounds an axially vibratable armature. Either the stator or the armature can carry one or more coils and/or permanent magnets, however usually the magnets are located on the armature for their contribution to vibrating mass. Alternate coils and alternate magnets are made opposite in polarity, the stator armature pole pieces being held symmetrically staggered relative to the stator pole pieces by end springs or flexures that allow axial vibration when AC is applied to the coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Frederik T. van Namen
  • Patent number: 5894257
    Abstract: An electromagnetic trip for an electrical switch apparatus for protecting against short circuits, including a magnetic yoke (20), a tubular non-magnetic coil form (40) with axis X-X', open at both ends (42, 43), a control coil (50) wound around the form (40), a fixed core (60) and a movable core (70) which are housed in the respective ends (42, 43) of the form (40), the movable core (70) having an upper end (72) projecting outside the form (40), characterized in that the form (40), the coil (50), the fixed core (60) and the movable core (70) constitute a pre-assembled electromagnetic sub-assembly (10) intended to be introduced into the magnetic yoke (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventors: Patrick Roger, Robert Bet
  • Patent number: 5886607
    Abstract: The solenoid assembly comprises a frame having first and second sides with respective first and second frame apertures extending through the first and second sides. A coil assembly having a first end, a second end and a cavity extending between the first end and the second end. The coil assembly is received in the frame such that the cavity is substantially aligned with the first frame aperture. A plunger is slideably received through the first frame aperture in the frame and into the cavity of the coil assembly. A stop is engaged with an inner surface of the first frame aperture to secure the coil assembly in the frame such that the stop mates with a mating pole face of the plunger. A biasing member, such as a spring, can be positioned between the plunger and the stop, for biasing the plunger toward a de-energized position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: WPI Magnetic, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Ricker
  • Patent number: 5836001
    Abstract: A solenoid has a multistage telescoping plunger which together produce a single stroke. Each plunger stage has a separate air gap individually associated therewith. As the first air gap closes responsive to movement of a first telescoping plunger stage, a portion of the stator becomes magnetically saturated; however, magnetic material has moved with the first plunger stage in order to bridge the saturated position which switches the flux path to a second air gap via a second of the telescoping plunger stages. An advantage is that the solenoid has a long stroke with a high pulling force on both the initial and the final ends of a continuous stroke formed by the separate movements of the first and second plunger stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: MPC Products Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry D. Hielkman, Gary A. Sparks, David J. Treadwell
  • Patent number: 5821841
    Abstract: A microceramic linear actuator includes a unitary ceramic body which has been formed with an internal cavity; a piston mounted for linear movement within the internal cavity and having a micromagnet with first and second poles of opposite polarity, and at least one shaft attached to the micromagnet; a conductive coil embedded in the unitary ceramic body and having a first portion wound in a clockwise direction and disposed in operative relationship to the first pole of the micromagnet, and a second portion wound in a counterclockwise direction and disposed in operative relationship to the second pole of the micromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward P. Furlani, Dilip K. Chatterjee, Syamal K. Ghosh
  • Patent number: 5774033
    Abstract: Solenoid apparatus having a substantially cylindrical casing, an electro-magnetic coil, a plunger axially aligned and slideably mounted to the casing, a housing hermetically mounted to an end of the casing and a vacuum source operatively coupled to the external port. The plunger has a first end extending outside of the casing, a second end and an internal passage extending from the first end to the second end. The electro-magnetic coil is selectively energizeable for moving the plunger between a first position and a second position. The housing corresponds to the plunger second end to define an inner chamber which encloses the plunger second end. The housing includes an external port connected to the inner chamber so as to provide an unobstructed pathway from the external port to the first end of the plunger via the internal passage and the inner chamber regardless of whether the plunger is in the first position, the second position or therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Antonelli
  • Patent number: 5734310
    Abstract: A magnetic latching solenoid assembly comprises a bobbin having a central aperture formed therethrough along a central axis and having a solenoid coil wrapped therearound, and a metal polepiece secured at least partially within the bobbin. An at least partially metal armature is slidably movable within the central aperture. The polepiece includes a depression formed therein with a first flat formed at the bottom of the depression. The depression has a first wall formed at a first angle with respect to the central axis. The armature has a protruding portion for cooperation with the depression, the protruding portion having a second flat formed thereon for metal-to-metal engagement with the first flat, and having a second wall formed at a second angle greater than the first angle so that the first and second walls do not contact each other when the first and second flats are in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell E. Ankney, Joel F. Klein, Curtis W. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5708355
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electromagnetic actuator having at least one electromagnet and an armature that can be moved by generated magnetic forces in a direction counter to the force of a restoring spring associated with the electromagnet, with the armature acting on a control element. The supply of current to the electromagnet in order to initiate the armature movement is effected by a linear regulator that regulates the coil current to a constant value, via a control member, prior to the anticipated impact of the armature on the pole face of the electromagnet. An identifying signal for armature impact is derived from changes in the control variable of the regulator (control current or control voltage) when the armature impacts during the constant-current phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: FEV Motorentechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ekkehard Schrey
  • Patent number: 5687698
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve meters exhaust gas to the intake of an internal combustion engine. The valve includes an electromagnetic solenoid actuator having a magnetic circuit defined by a primary and a secondary pole piece. The pole pieces define an axial chamber in which is disposed an axially moveable armature and an associated valve member. The primary pole piece has a center pole member including a cylindrical inner wall which is open at a first end for receiving the armature. The armature and the cylindrical inner wall establish a fixed, radially extending primary air gap for flux passage while the outer wall extends in an outward taper from the first, open end of said center pole member and operates to increase the mass of the pole piece through which the magnetic circuit operates as the armature moves from the first, open end of the center pole member towards the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Noreen Louise Mastro, Jeffrey David Rohe
  • Patent number: 5652560
    Abstract: A method and solenoid assembly for extending the wear life of the solenoid. These include: enabling rotation of the solenoid plunger within the solenoid housing to expose a new solenoid plunger surface when solenoid plunger surface reaches a failure mode; reducing and/or eliminating side load on the solenoid; reducing the clearance or tolerance between the solenoid housing and the solenoid plunger to reduce solenoid wear; and a stop feature improvement with less stress concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. Carter, Geoffrey C. Williams, Philip A. Billings
  • Patent number: 5629660
    Abstract: An expansion valve (10) for heat transfer systems such as an air conditioning system, includes a control element (20) for controlling the flow rate of working fluid through the valve. The control element has a stem member (28) and movable member (42) movable on the stem member. Openings (38) to an internal passage (30) in the stem member are regulated by positioning the movable member to achieve regulated flow rate of refrigerant material through the valve. The movable member of the control element is moved by a plunger (24) of a proportional solenoid (22). The proportional solenoid has a magnetic flux circuit including a low permeance isolation tube (62) surrounding the plunger, which enables removal of the coil (76) and frame (78) of the solenoid from the valve. The solenoid further includes a variable permeance flux washer (69) the flux through which varies with plunger position, which is disposed from a gap (82) which provides an area of magnetic saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Richard L. Kenyon, Roger G. Riefler, Ashok G. Zopey
  • Patent number: 5626165
    Abstract: When an armature is displaced by application of a voltage to an electromagnetic coil, a second elastic member contracts in opposition to the restorative force of the second elastic member, wherein a washer, the second elastic member, and the armature are displaced integrally. The armature abuts against the washer, and thereafter a first elastic member is compressed in a direction to close the valve, the first elastic member being compressed in opposition to its restorative force, whereby a main valve body is separated from a valve seat. As a result, exhaust gas is introduced through an inlet port and communicates with an outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Hadsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Shinobu
  • Patent number: 5546064
    Abstract: A solenoid has an axially movable plunger having a plunger rod extending from it. The plunger rod has the capability of angular deflection relative to the axial movement of the plunger within the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Faisal K. Sallam, Gilbert Gardocki
  • Patent number: 5527117
    Abstract: Disclosed is a printing solenoid specifically adapted and improved for the printing of Braille dots and in particular interpoint Braille. A plunger and printing shaft are fixably mounted together and the combination mounted for slidable movement in a rear end cap and in a molded insert bearing between energized and deenergized positions. The plunger/printing shaft combination are located within a bobbin having an electric coil wound thereon. A tubular case encloses the coil and mounts a front bushing which in turn mounts the molded insert bearing. A rear flux washer is held in place between the bobbin by the rear end cap which is retained within the rear portion of the tubular case. During energization, the plunger and printing shaft combination move such that the shaft strikes a piece of paper to be imprinted with a Braille dot. Depending upon whether the dot is to extend away from the solenoid or towards the solenoid, an embossing ball or an embossing recess is used on the end of the printing shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Impact Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Roy
  • Patent number: 5460146
    Abstract: A valve for combining exhaust gas from an engine combustion chamber with engine intake gases. The valve includes a valve body having a gas inlet and a gas outlet connected by a throughpassage. A flow control member supported by the valve body regulates flow through the valve body throughpassage. A magnetic drive is supported for movement with respect to the valve body and coupled to the flow control member to regulate flow in the throughpassage. An electronically actuated field-generating solenoid moves the magnetic drive member to control flow through the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Alfred A. Frankenberg
  • Patent number: 5414398
    Abstract: An electromagnet valve has a housing having an end side, a magnet coil and a magnet armature received in the housing, a valve member, and a valve closing part provided at the end side of the housing and connected with the latter by a flange connection. The valve closing part has a valve seat which cooperates with the valve member, a pressure chamber surrounding the valve seat, and at least one pressure medium passage connected with the valve seat. The valve closing part is composed of injection molded synthetic plastic and has at an end side facing the housing a ring-shaped recess which surrounds the pressure chamber at a distance from the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Schumacher
  • Patent number: 5402300
    Abstract: A magnet is fixed to the inner surface of the ceiling of a cylinder-like yoke which is closed at the top, and a holding plate is attached to the yoke through a slider. A coil and collet are unitedly attached to the holding plate. When a current is passed through the coil, a force proportional to the current acts on the coil so that a constant load is applied to the collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuya Ikoma
  • Patent number: 5402093
    Abstract: A rod or stem of an armature for an electromagnet is composed of a synthetic resin which can be molded directly in the armature, preferably with an annular flange forming an anti-adhesion ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Thomas Magnete GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Gibas, Dieter Paul
  • Patent number: 5394131
    Abstract: The invention concerns a bistable magnetic drive with an assembled armature 3, 4 consisting of a high-grade, disk-shaped permanent magnet 3 with two appropriately shaped pole pieces 4,4' and displaceable sideways off the coil 1 transversely to its axis inside an electromagnetic annular pole-piece Rp between two electromagnetic stop pole-pieces 5, 5'. The invention describes illustrative embodiments and applications of this drive as an excursion and oscillating magnet, further a circuit for DC operation. A capacitor circuit furthermore allows mono-stable operation. The advantages are a lightweight armature, high efficiency, bilateral operation, versatility and simplicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Cornelius Lungu
  • Patent number: 5386205
    Abstract: An improvement to an electro-magnetically actuated piston has a first magnetic core and a second magnetic core. There is an electro-magnet coil for magnetically coupling the first and the second magnetic cores. The coil moves the first and second magnetic cores relatively, one to another. In the improvement itself the first and the second magnetic cores each comprise non-conductive core material or an array of a multiplicity of lamination plates. The non-conductive core material or each of the lamination plates are configured to receive a portion of the electro-magnet coil. The nonconductive core material or array of lamination plates encloses the coil and contains the magnetic field produced by the coil when the coil is energized. When the non-conductive core material or lamination plates of the first and second magnetic cores are in juxtaposition, the result is to generally isolate any magnetic materials adjacent the lamination plates from the magnetic flux produced when the coil is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: William C. Burt
    Inventors: William C. Burt, Winfield W. Salisbury
  • Patent number: 5304971
    Abstract: A high speed solenoid valve that has a housing with an inlet and outlet that are typically connected to a pneumatic system to control the flow of air across the valve. The solenoid has a first magnetic core coaxial with an armature. Wrapped around the first core is a coil that is connected to a source of power. The coil emits a magnetic flux when current flows through the coil. Adjacent to the coil is a second magnetic core that is attached at one end to the first core and spaced from the opposite end of the first core by a first bushing. Attached to the armature is a magnetic plate that is adjacent to the spaced apart ends of the first and second cores. When the coil is energized, the magnetic flux flows through the magnetic cores and plate, pulling the plate toward the cores and moving the armature from a first to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventors: Oded E. Sturman, Benjamin Grill, Walter L. Harrison
  • Patent number: 5301895
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solenoid including an electrically conductive coil and a plunger located axially within the coil. The plunger is moved in an axial direction within the coil when the coil is energized. The motion of the plunger in the axial direction in the coil at a position such that, when the plunger is moved to the position by energizing the coil, the force exerted by the plunger is linear with respect to the electric power supplied to the coil.The present invention also provides yarn tensioning apparatus employing a number of yarn tensioning devices using such a solenoid. A control system, including a special device for sensing the tension exerted on the yarn, allows each of the yarn tensioning devices in the apparatus to be individually and automatically controlled. The present invention also provides a method for individually controlling the tension exerted on each yarn either manually or automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Intronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Sheehan, Joseph L. Magner
  • Patent number: 5302930
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve has a housing, a coil having a coil body and arranged in the housing, a pole element, a flux conducting element, a magnet armature cooperating with the coil body through the pole element and the flux conducting element. The flux conducting element is bracket shaped and arranged for position-accurate fixing and mounting of the coil, the coil body, and the pole element in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Brehm, Kurt Gensheimer, Bernd Groll, Erwin Krimmer
  • Patent number: 5303012
    Abstract: An actuator is provided with a position sensing system which comprises a permanent magnet, a saddle plate, a sole plate and the magnetically sensitive component. The magnet and the magnetically sensitive component are disposed between the saddle plate and the sole plate which are spaced apart for these purposes. A moveable plunger is arranged to move along an axis relative to a stationary stop member. A first magnetic circuit is provide which comprises the permanent magnet, the saddle plate, the sole plate, the stop member and the moveable plunger. A second magnetic circuit is provided which comprises the magnet, the saddle plate, the sole plate and a magnetically sensitive component such as a Hall effect element. In addition, an adjustment means can be provided within the second magnetic circuit to change the reluctance of that circuit for adjustment purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelm H. Horlacher, Harry S. Kuhlman, III
  • Patent number: 5238202
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solenoid including an electrically conductive coil and a plunger located axially within the coil. The plunger is moved in an axial direction within the coil when the coil is energized. The motion of the plunger in the axial direction in the coil at a position such that, when the plunger is moved to the position by energizing the coil, the force exerted by the plunger is linear with respect to the electric power supplied to the coil.The present invention also provides yarn tensioning apparatus employing a number of yarn tensioning devices using such a solenoid. A control system, including a special device for sensing the tension exerted on the yarn, allows each of the yarn tensioning devices in the apparatus to be individually and automatically controlled. The present invention also provides a method for individually controlling the tension exerted on each yarn either manually or automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Intronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Sheehan, Joseph L. Magner