Abstract: A solenoid that has a small body and increased propulsion in a controlled range is provided. The solenoid is characterized by being provided with a bearing 40 formed of a nonmagnetic body, n (where n is a positive integer of zero or above) grooves 56 and n+1 tooth parts 58 that are adjacent to the grooves 56 and function as magnetic poles being provided in a facing surface 52 of a first upper yoke 54a, m (where m is a positive integer of zero or above) grooves 70 and m+1 tooth parts 72, 74 that are adjacent to the grooves 70 and function as magnetic poles being provided in a facing surface 55 of a second upper yoke 54b, n+1 grooves 56 and n+1 tooth parts 58, 59 that are adjacent to the grooves 56 and function as magnetic poles being provided in a surface 52 of the slider 36 that faces the first upper yoke 54a, and m grooves 76 and m tooth parts 78 that are adjacent to the grooves 76 and function as magnetic poles being provided in a surface 55 of the slider 36 that faces the second upper yoke 54b.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for operating a final control element has at least one solenoid which is arranged in a housing and acts upon an armature constructed of laminations oriented essentially toward control element. The control element may be a charge cycle valve. At least one lamination of the armature has at least one passage opening which forms a duct for transporting a medium.

Abstract: An electromagnetic brake interposed between a fixed housing and a rotating member. The electromagnetic brake includes a multiplate brake mechanism, a ringlike core member fixed through an annular brake guide inside the fixed housing, an exciting coil accommodated in an annular groove formed on the core member, and a ringlike armature member arranged radially outside of the core member. Each of the core member and the armature member has a plurality of tapering surfaces. The tapering surfaces of the core member are respectively complementary in shape to the tapering surfaces of the armature member. The electromagnetic brake further includes a cylindrical pressure member movable in a direction of pressing the multiplate brake mechanism. The cylindrical pressure member has one end fixed to the armature member and another end engaged with the multiplate brake mechanism.

Abstract: A moving core of a solenoid air valve has a flange portion arranged on a side of a fixed core, provided in a radially projecting manner and having a first diameter, and a shaft portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. Therefore, a sufficient area of magnetic pole is ensured around a rubber packing in the flange portion of the moving core. Consequently, the solenoid air valve structured such that an area of magnetic pole is sufficiently ensured even if the moving core is made thinner in order to ensure a volume of a coil body in reducing the solenoid air valve in size can be provided.

Abstract: A linear actuator has inner yokes, outer yokes forming gaps between themselves and the inner yokes, and a movable body provided with planar magnets in the gaps. Eight pieces each of the inner yokes and the outer yokes are arranged at equal angular intervals in a circumferential direction with planar faces of each of the inner yokes and the of the outer yokes being opposed to each other. The movable body has magnet retaining portions having a substantially triangular shape and placed between adjacent inner yokes and between adjacent outer yokes. A linear actuator having high magnetism usability can be structured using magnetic parts suitable for mass production.

Abstract: A valve actuating apparatus for providing proportional control of a fluid flow that includes a housing having a valve body with an inlet port and an outlet port. In one embodiment, the valve actuating apparatus also has a valve assembly including an armature, a movable fluid control member, and at least one spring biasing the armature into contact with the fluid control member. The valve actuating apparatus further includes a solenoid assembly having an electromagnetic coil and a pole piece. The pole piece and the armature define a gap that changes proportionally with the amount of current flowing through the electromagnetic coil. Fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port may proportionally increase or decreases as the gap increases or decreases. The valve actuating apparatus may further include a valve seat. The fluid control member may be in contact with the valve seat to inhibit fluid flow through the apparatus when the electromagnetic coil is not energized.

Abstract: Magnetic subassembly for electrical breaker apparatus, comprising a magnetic yoke (10), a fixed core (39) and a moveable core (30) sliding along an axis (X) inside an insulating sheath (20) under the action of an induction coil (25) arranged around the sheath (20). The moveable coil (30) possesses a radial annulus (33) separating a first part (31) and a second part (32) of different radial section, the magnetic yoke (10) comprises a radial face (11) perpendicular to the axis (X) with an opening (19) centred on the axis (X) and traversed by the first part (31) of the moveable core (30). The opening (19) comprises a fluted perimeter composed of a plurality (N) of teeth (17) directed towards the axis (X), hollow zones (15) situated between each tooth (17) accommodating an end of the insulating sheath (20).

Abstract: A control valve for controlling fluid flow in a hydraulic control unit of a vehicular brake system includes a valve seat. A sleeve is mounted on the valve seat. An armature core is slidably received in the sleeve. The sleeve includes a first ferromagnetic portion adjacent the valve seat, a second ferromagnetic portion, and an annular region defining an area of increased magnetic reluctance. A part of the first portion of the sleeve defines a radial magnetic pole for the generally radial flow of magnetic flux from the armature to the sleeve. A portion of the valve seat adjacent the armature defines an axial magnetic pole for the generally axial flow of magnetic flux from the armature to the valve seat. Together, the generally radial flow of flux and the generally axial flow of flux generate a force urging the armature from an open position toward a closed position when the coil is energized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a formed interface there between a magnetic core proximate an armature of an electromagnetically actuable device. A coil of the electromagnetically actuable device is selectively energized to draw the armature to the magnetic core. The formed interface is adapted to provide three contact areas in a triangular configuration at the mating surfaces of the armature and magnetic core which causes a minimal magnetic air gap and a stable interface there when the coil is energized. The formed interface overcomes the surface deformations of the armature and magnetic core to reduce vibration and noise.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in components such as servo-valves, regulators and injectors for stabilizing system oscillations. The apparatus includes an armature having at least one groove formed on an exterior surface thereof; a sleeve, the armature being movably disposed in the sleeve; and a spring member disposed in the at least one groove in the armature and in sliding contact with the sleeve wherein the spring member exerts a radially outwardly directed spring force against the sleeve. A method of stabilizing an electromagnetically operated actuator comprises providing an armature having at least one groove formed on an exterior surface thereof; providing a sleeve wherein the armature is movably disposed in the sleeve; and disposing a spring member in the at least one groove in the armature and in sliding contact with the sleeve whereby the spring member exerts a radially outwardly directed spring force against the sleeve.

Abstract: A proportionally-controllable solenoid including primary and secondary pole pieces that surround an armature axially movable along an axial channel within the pole pieces. The pole pieces are separated axially by an air gap and are conically tapered toward the gap. The leading and trailing faces of the armature are substantially orthogonal to its direction of travel to minimize radial parasitic forces on these faces. Further, the armature is also lengthened such that the trailing face is always outside the axial channel in the secondary pole piece at all points of axial travel to minimize the pull-back effect of axial flux vectors on the trailing face.

Abstract: A solenoid with improved pull-in and landing characteristics. As a solenoid armature closes toward contact with the pole faces of a yoke, a geometric redistribution of a constant total flux causes the force to increase with decreasing gap. Latching force at saturation is maximized when the latching contact area matches the tightest bottleneck in the flux path. The addition of ferromagnetic area not making latching contact preserves the maximum latching force, increases power efficiency for pulling at a distance, and increases the flux redistribution effect of increasing force with decreasing gap at constant flux. The extra constant-flux force change at small gaps may be abrupt, for a high deceleration followed by a quick passive force increase to latch with low impact, or gradual, for tight servo control and very low impact. Conductive material can provide selective inductive damping near latching. Armature mass can be kept low despite the extra ferromagnetic area.

Abstract: A DC electromagnet system used in an electrical switchgear, for example in a contactor having a driving coil, includes a fixed, C-shaped magnet yoke and a movable, rod-shaped armature. The yoke has a central web and two legs. The armature is guided in its displacement stroke by guide devices, the free end of the armature being directed toward the central web of the magnet yoke. There is a single working air gap between the free end of the armature and the center of the central web, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the armature. The ends of the yoke legs extend to the proximity of the armature and are separated from the armature, each forming a parasitic air gap.

Abstract: A spin-roll formed one-piece field core shell formed from a blank disc of sheet metal. The one-piece field core has an outer annular ring integral to and encircling a center axis of the disc and extending from a bottom external surface in a direction that is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the disc and parallel to the center axis of the disc. The core has an inner annular ring integral to and encircling a center axis of the disc, the inner annular axis is spaced radially inward from the outer annular ring and extends from the bottom external surface in a direction that is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the disc and parallel to the center axis of the disc. The one-piece field core also contains a mounting flange that encircles a center axis of the disc and extends in a perpendicular direction to a top external surface of the disc and parallel to the center axis of the disc.

Abstract: A load bearing valve body has an annular collector groove supplied by radial ports connected to an inlet in the end of the valve body. An annular sleeve type armature has a plurality of arcuate slots located thereon to axially valve the collector groove upon solenoid energization.

Abstract: An adjustable solenoid having an enclosure containing a winding through which a current is passed. The winding defines an area and a plunger is positioned at one end of the area with a mechanical biasing mechanism for providing a biasing force to the plunger, the mechanical biasing mechanism is secured to the plunger at one end and a support at the other end. A stator having a first threaded portion engaged within a threaded opening of the enclosure causes the stator to travel between a first position and a second position as a rotational force is applied to the stator.

Abstract: An electrically operated solenoid for controlling a valve mechanism, including a coil assembly, a magnetic armature defining a passage extending therethrough, a pole piece defining a passage extending therethrough generally aligned with the passage in the armature, and an actuator pin having a first portion disposed within the passage in the armature and a second portion extending through the passage in the pole piece for engagement with the valve mechanism. The actuator pin is engaged with the armature such that reciprocating movement of the armature correspondingly displaces the actuator pin to control operation of the valve mechanism. An adjustment screw is threadingly engaged within a threaded portion of the armature passage such that displacement of the adjustment screw correspondingly adjusts a position of the actuator pin relative to the armature along an actuation axis.

Abstract: A proportional solenoid-driven valve control assembly contains a moveable, magnetic armature positioned adjacent to one end of a fixed pole piece that protrudes from a solenoid bore and is supported by means of a pair of flat suspension springs adjacent to the one end of the bore. The movable armature is configured to provide two generally cylindrical radial magnetic flux paths. One flux path traverses a radial gap at one end of fixed magnetic pole piece that protrudes from the one end of the solenoid bore. The other flux path traverses a generally cylindrical gap between a rim portion of the armature and an inwardly projecting magnetic element of the solenoid housing. The two radially separate cylindrical gaps function as coaxial guide air-bushings for the moveable magnetic armature that prevent off-axis play between the moveable armature and the pole piece and the inwardly projecting magnetic element.

Abstract: The magnet system is part of a relay, which displays particularly low-noise switching. Components of the magnet system include a core unit (1), an armature (6) and a not represented coil, whereby the armature (6) is preloaded in an open position. The low-noise switching behavior is achieved in that the armature (6) is designed in such a manner that the armature pole face in the region of its front end (8a) in the closing direction is essentially perpendicular to a connecting line (16) towards the bearing edge (12). In addition, when the armature (6) is attracted, the core pole face (9) extends at least substantially parallel to the armature pole face (8). The arrangement according to the invention requires no additional parts for the purpose of noise reduction, resulting in a particularly simple and compact structure.

Abstract: A magnetic body case in a solenoid for an electromagnetic valve has a cylindrical skirt portion which surrounds a side face of a bobbin and a cap portion which covers one end face of the bobbin in an axial direction thereof, these skirt portion and cap portion are respectively formed individually, and the magnetic body case is assembled by coupling the cap portion to one end of the skirt portion in the axial direction.

Abstract: A DC electromagnet system used in an electrical switchgear, for example in a contactor having a driving coil, includes a fixed, C-shaped magnet yoke and a movable, rod-shaped armature. The yoke has a central web and two legs. The armature is guided in its displacement stroke by guide devices, the free end of the armature being directed toward the central web of the magnet yoke. There is a single working air gap between the free end of the armature and the center of the central web, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the armature. The ends of the yoke legs extend to the proximity of the armature and are separated from the armature, each forming a parasitic air gap.

Abstract: A solenoid assembly includes a solenoid having a magnetic circuit comprising stationary primary and secondary pole pieces and a moveable armature. The primary pole piece includes an inner cylindrical wall operable to define, with the armature, a fixed radial gap for the passage of magnetic flux, and a tapered outer wall operable to increase the mass of the pole piece through which flux may pass, as the armature moves axially within cylindrical inner wall, the primary pole piece further includes an inwardly tapered, conical portion that extends toward the armature which operates, with an associated conical portion on a periphery of the moveable armature, to substantially maintain the axial opening force on the armature by establishing a secondary gap for the passage of magnetic flux as the armature approaches the conical tapered portion of the cylindrical wall to compensate for the saturation of magnetic flux through the fixed air gap.

Abstract: The invention provides an electromagnetic clutch that effectively reduces the shock noise produced during the coupling of an armature plate and a drive rotor, and furthermore, has a laminated body that can be provided at a low cost as an essential constituent element. The armature plate 34 of the electromagnetic clutch is a laminated body that comprises a plurality of thin metal plates 41, a plurality of fastening tongues 45 project from the inner diameter side of the friction plate 42 on the friction surface side, and these fastening tongues 45 are bent and surround the other laminated thin metal plates 41 so as to fasten them.

Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a moving part, a plunger of magnetic material having one end facing an end face of the moving part, and a protrusion formed at the one end of the plunger and abutting on the end face of the moving part. During energization, a magnetic path is formed from a valve body to the moving part to produce an attraction force between the valve body and the moving part across a clearance. Magnetic flux running along the magnetic path becomes saturated at the protrusion.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch assembly for selectively connecting a source of rotative power with a driven component having an input shaft rotatable about a shaft axis features a driven member mounted for rotational movement about the shaft axis. The electromagnetic clutch assembly includes an armature disk constructed and arranged to be drivingly connected with the driven component. The armature disk is stamped within an annular portion thereof to provide oppositely facing convex and concave surfaces, and a frictional material is fixedly disposed within the concave configuration of the convex and concave surfaces. The friction material and the driven member have gripping surfaces, which interengage when a magnetic coil assembly is energized.

Abstract: A solenoid for an electromagnetic valve is provided with a bobbin on which a coil has been wound, a movable iron core fitted into an iron core hole of the bobbin and a fixed magnetic pole member attracting the movable iron core, the movable iron core has a main body portion with an even section fitted into the iron core hole, and a flange portion with an even section formed on a portion extending from the iron core hole of the main body distal end, and the ring has a first portion which is positioned on a distal end side and which has a large diameter hole in which the flange portion is fitted and a second portion which is positioned on a proximal end side and which has a small diameter hole in which the main body portion is fitted.

Abstract: A bi-directional latching actuator is comprised of an output shaft with one or more rotors fixedly mounted thereon. The shaft and rotor are mounted for rotation in a magnetically conductive housing having a cylindrical coil mounted therein and is closed by conductive end caps. The end caps have stator pole pieces mounted thereon. In one embodiment, the rotor has at least two oppositely magnetized permanent magnets which are asymmetrically mounted, i.e., they are adjacent at one side and separated by a non-magnetic void on the other side. The stator pole piece has asymmetric flux conductivity and in one embodiment is axially thicker than the remaining portion of the pole piece. An abutment prevents the rotor from swinging to the neutral position (where the rotor magnets are axially aligned with the higher conductivity portion of the pole piece). Thus, the rotor is magnetically latched in one of two positions being drawn towards the neutral position.

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: The invention relates to a resonant device comprising a mass/spring system composed of a main mass comprising at least one main mass element, and of at least one spring element (3). The device is one which comprises at least one additional mass (10) comprising at least one additional mass element (102) and a coupling device (204) able to couple the additional mass (10) to the main mass (1) and to decouple it therefrom, so as to modify the tuning frequency of the device.

Abstract: There is provided a solenoid for electromagnetic valve, which has a small size and large attraction force, and is excellent in economization. In the solenoid for electromagnetic valve, a stationary iron core 5, a movable iron core 6 and the center hole 4a of a bobbin 4 individually have an elliptic or substantially rectangular cross section. Further, a relation of d=(0.4 to 0.8) W is formed between a winding outer diameter W on a shorter axis or side of a coil 7 wound around the bobbin 4 and having an elliptic or rectangular cross section and a diameter “d” of virtual cylindrical iron core having the same cross sectional area as a coil inside cross sectional area S. Further, a ratio of a length “a” of a longer axis or side to a length “b” of the shorter axis or side is set to a range of 1.3≦a/b≦3.0 in the cross section of the stationary iron core 5 and the moving iron core 6.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic switch having a yoke which has the shape of a rotationally symmetrical cup on the base of which is arranged a permanent magnet. The flux of the permanent magnet is conducted via a core, which has a radial core flange, to the plate-shaped armature. For the operational air gap effective between the armature and the core and the yoke and the magnetic resistance WA thereof, the following relation applies in relation to the marginal air gap formed between the core flange and the yoke: WA<WR. As a result of the rotational symmetry with a yoke having the shape of a cup, it is possible to generate a high holding force for the armature with a small structural volume.

Abstract: An armature for a magnetic system of a switchgear, produced in the form of a one-piece sintered part, whose free design makes it possible to easily optimize the flux and mass and reduce production costs. The armature an H-shaped profile with lateral, plate-shaped pole faces which are interconnected by a central segment that guides the flux above and beneath a through-hole.

Abstract: An electromagnet includes a cylindrically shaped electric coil made of magnetic material and wound around a bobbin made of resin material and made of magnetic material, a cylindrically shaped case made of magnetic material and housing the electric coil, a yoke made of magnetic material for forming a magnetic circuit in cooperation with the case, with both longitudinal ends of the yoke facing the bobbin, and a plunger made of magnetic material and disposed in the inner peripheral of the yoke for moving by electromagnetic force in the longitudinal direction when current is supplied to the electric coil. The bobbin and the yoke are integrated with each other by resin forming, with the outer peripheral portion of the yoke facing the inner peripheral portion of the bobbin being subjected to grooved treatment in the longitudinal direction to form at least one groove and/or knurling treatment to form a knurled outer peripheral portion of the yoke.

Abstract: DC electromagnet comprising a magnetic circuit equipped with a yoke and a magnetic core fixed at its ends with vanes and capable of axial displacement. The magnetic core 21 is smooth and the vanes 22,23 are shrink fitted and fixed to the ends of the smooth core. One of the vanes 22 is fixed to the core in a reference position and is then put into contact with the associated flange 25 of yoke 14, and the other vane 23 is shrink fitted and pushed into an adjustable position determined by bringing the yoke 14 into contact with the other flange 26.

Abstract: A ball actuator 10 comprises a case 12 supporting a striker 14 with an energy storage spring 16, a control rod 18 movable in translation in a direction parallel to a geometric axis 19, detent balls 20 and control balls 22. When the rod is moved in translation by an electromagnetic relay 100, the control balls 22 escape and enable the detent balls 20 to be freed so that the striker 14 is released. Each control ball 22 is in contact with two detent balls 20 and with the rod 18 so that the forces applied to the rod 18 by the control balls 20 are much lower than the forces exerted by the striker 14 on the detent balls 22. A high-efficiency actuator is thus achieved requiring a low operating energy and with small overall dimensions.

Abstract: An armature for a selectively engageable and disengageable coupling and a method of making the armature are provided. The armature includes a substantially annular body that is disposed about a first axis. The body may be formed by stamping or fine-blanking. One side of the body is hardened through a nitriding process. A grinding wheel is then applied at an angle to the same side of the body along a diametrical line of the body extending perpendicular to the first axis. As a result, the body is configured so that the thickness of the body increases as the distance from the diametrical line increases. In particular, the thickness of the body varies along each cross-section taken along the line from a minimum thickness at the innermost portion of the cross-section to a maximum thickness at the outermost portion of the cross-section. The inventive armature reduces galling, and the resulting noise, that occur during burnishing of couplings incorporating the armature.

Abstract: The invention provides an electromagnetic clutch that effectively reduces the shock noise produced during the coupling of an armature plate and a drive rotor, and furthermore, has a laminated body that can be provided at a low cost as an essential constituent element. The armature plate 34 of the electromagnetic clutch is a laminated body that comprises a plurality of thin metal plates 41, a plurality of fastening tongues 45 project from the inner diameter side of the friction plate 42 on the friction surface side, and these fastening tongues 45 are bent and surround the other laminated thin metal plates 41 so as to fasten them.

Abstract: A valve for dispensing a viscous fluid, includes a valve body defining a fluid chamber and a stepped armature within the fluid chamber. The armature has a large diameter portion maintained spaced apart from an inner surface of the valve body, defining a first air gap therebetween, and a second, smaller diameter portion which engages an inner surface of the valve body, supporting the armature within the valve body and defining a second lower reluctance air gap. A solenoid coil energized by a peak and hold drive current produces an electromagnetic field for moving the armature relative to the magnetic pole piece and the valve body. The second portion of the armature becomes magnetically saturated during the peak portion of the drive current, causing magnetic flux to be diverted through the first portion of the armature.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for a variable force solenoid for controlling the flow of a fluid in a housing having a bore for receiving the fluid flow, at least one port for exhausting the fluid flow, and a seat extending between the port and the bore. The solenoid includes a valve member disposed in the housing. In a closed position, the valve member is engaged with the seat, preventing fluid flow from the bore to the port. In an open position, the valve member is not engaged with the seat, allowing fluid flow from the bore to the port. A subassembly is disposed in the housing and surrounds a portion of the valve member for moving the valve member to its closed position. The subassembly has a movable armature for engaging the valve member, an annular member for attracting the armature, and a gap defined between the armature and the annular member. The gap is maintained by engagement of the armature by the valve member. A coil is disposed in the housing radially outward from the subassembly.

Abstract: Electromagnetic actuator including a mobile magnetic member made up of stacked ferromagnetic plates and two fixed electromagnets for reciprocating the mobile magnetic member along a central axis. The ferromagnetic plates each have two opposite edges parallel to the central axis which are crimped to two rigid transverse strips. Elastomer bodies join each transverse strip to a fixed spacer.

Abstract: A proportional solenoid-driven valve control assembly contains a moveable, magnetic armature positioned adjacent to one end of a fixed pole piece that protrudes from a solenoid bore and is supported by means of a pair of flat suspension springs adjacent to the one end of the bore. The movable armature is configured to provide two generally cylindrical radial magnetic flux paths. One flux path traverses a radial gap at one end of fixed magnetic pole piece that protrudes from the one end of the solenoid bore. The other flux path traverses a generally cylindrical gap between a rim portion of the armature and an inwardly projecting magnetic element of the solenoid housing. The two radially separate cylindrical gaps function as coaxial guide air-bushings for the moveable magnetic armature that prevent off-axis play between the moveable armature and the pole piece and the inwardly projecting magnetic element.

Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve includes a valve body and a sleeve armature slidably mounted on the valve body for movement between a flow preventing position and positions away from the flow preventing position. In one embodiment, the sleeve armature and the valve body are configured and arranged to define flow diverters in fluid flow paths to provide flow balance. The movement of the sleeve armature between closed and open positions is controlled by first and second solenoid coils, and, the sleeve armature is maintained in the position to which it has been driven by residual magnetism. In another embodiment, a solenoid actuated valve includes a bias structure for urging the sleeve armature toward the closed position. The solenoid actuated fluid flow control valve is described with reference to an application for inflating inflatable restraints for an occupant of a vehicle.

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.

Abstract: An electromagnet having one or more coils wrapped around a plate-shaped core produces a uniaxial magnetic filed in the vicinity of a substrate surface for orienting a magnetic film deposited onto the substrate surface. Variations in the magnetic mass of the plate-shaped core or in the magnetic permeability of the core mass are made to reduce angular skew and to improve uniformity of the uniaxial magnetic field. The variations generally involve a reduction in magnetic mass or permeability near a center of the core with respect to a periphery of the core. Cavities of various sizes and shapes but having symmetry with a magnetic axis can be formed in the core for this purpose.

Abstract: A proportional solenoid-driven valve control assembly contains a moveable, magnetic armature positioned adjacent to one end of a fixed pole piece that protrudes from a solenoid bore and is supported by means of a pair of flat suspension springs adjacent to the one end of the bore. The movable armature is configured to provide two generally cylindrical radial magnetic flux paths. One flux path traverses a radial gap at one end of fixed magnetic pole piece that protrudes from the one end of the solenoid bore. The other flux path traverses a generally cylindrical gap between a rim portion of the armature and an inwardly projecting magnetic element of the solenoid housing. The two radially separate cylindrical gaps function as coaxial guide air-bushings for the moveable magnetic armature that prevent off-axis play between the moveable armature and the pole piece and the inwardly projecting magnetic element.

Abstract: A gas flow control valve for quietly regulating the flow of a gas. The valve includes first and second coaxially oriented elongate tubes of magnetic material and an elongate sleeve of nonmagnetic material coaxially connecting the tubes. An electric coil assembly is disposed around the sleeve. A cover of magnetic material is provided around the coil and is in contact with the tubes. A nozzle opening is disposed within the first tube and has a valve seat encircling the nozzle opening. An elongate armature is axially slidably disposed within the sleeve and the first and second tubes and is moveable between first and second positions. The armature has a first end with an elastomeric seal member which abuts the valve seat when the armature is in the first position thereof to block the flow of gas. The armature further includes a gas flow passageway extending axially to a second end thereof. An elastically yieldable member is provided for continually urging the armature toward the first position thereof.

Abstract: A switching device providing highly-reliable, frictionless, adjustment-free operation is described. Comprised of a comparatively small number of moving parts, the various aspects of the invention offer compact, cost-effective, reliable alternatives to their complex electromagnetic and costly solid-state counterparts. The main parts of the invention rely upon the principles of magnetic attraction and repulsion for the switching of a plurality of electrical contacts contained within the switching device. The flexibility inherent in the design of the invention permits the switching device to be configured in a variety of aspects, including the failsafe and latching designs described herein.

Abstract: An electro-magnetically operated valve which has a pole piece, an armature member mounted for movement relative to the pole piece, and an electro-magnetic device associated with the pole piece for effecting movement of the armature member between a first position spaced from the pole piece to a second position where the armature member contacts the pole piece, where at least a portion of the armature member and/or the pole piece has in or on a coating or layer of material having a higher mechanical hardness or a higher magnetic permeability than the material of the armature and/or pole piece.

Abstract: A solenoid includes a ferrofluid in gaps between the moving and stationary elements which ferrofluid reduces noise caused by activating a plunger positioned within the solenoid. A permanent magnet can be included as a solenoid element to increase magnetic field strength within the solenoid to retain the ferrofluid within the solenoid.

Abstract: A solenoid includes a ferrofluid in gaps between the moving and stationary elements which ferrofluid reduces noise caused by activating a plunger positioned within the solenoid. A permanent magnet can be included as a solenoid element to increase magnetic field strength within the solenoid to retain the ferrofluid within the solenoid. A cushion located between the plunger and a butt toward which it moves also reduces the noise, while the ferrofluid maintains a relatively high solenoid force relative to a solenoid with air gaps.