Including Means To Establish Plural Distinct Current Levels (e.g., High, Low) Patents (Class 361/154)
  • Publication number: 20030026056
    Abstract: An actuator has an actuating element and an actuating drive with an electromagnet with a coil. An armature, which can be coupled to the actuating element, can move between a first contact surface on the electromagnet and a second contact surface. An initial current or a higher holding current flows through the coil until a time at which the armature plate is reliably in contact with the contact surface of the electromagnet. An operating state of high-speed current reduction is then selected, wherein the opposite polarity of the supply voltage in comparison to the initial current flow is applied to the coil. A holding current then flows through the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Torsten Aign, Jurgen Bastian, Thomas Burkhardt, Michael Kilger
  • Patent number: 6510037
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring an electromagnetic actuator having at least one electromagnet. This electromagnet acts on an armature, which is displaceable against the force of at least one pull-back spring, and is used for operating an actuator, in particular an electromagnetic actuator for operating a gas exchange valve on the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. In accordance with this method, the electric power of the magnet is controlled via an electric control system. The other electric power parameter, which depends on the controlled electric power parameter, serves as a monitoring parameter, and its curve in time is determined as an actual value, which is then compared with a theoretical value. This theoretical value is the curve in time preset in the control system to ensure correct functioning. In the case of a discrepancy between these two values, an adjustment signal is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: FEV Motorentechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20030010325
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for triggering a solenoid valve for injecting fuel into an internal combustion engine, the triggering phase of the solenoid valve being subdivided into a pull-up phase (TA), during which a valve needle of the solenoid valve is caused to open by a first current intensity (IA) flowing through a magnetic coil of the solenoid valve, and into a holding phase (TH) during which the valve needle is held in the open state by a second, lower current intensity (IH) flowing through the magnetic coil, and at least once at the beginning of the pull-up phase (TA), a booster phase (B1) being activated during which a pulse-shaped booster current (IBOOST) from a booster capacitor charged to a high voltage (UBOOST) flows through the magnetic coil; and is characterized in that during the triggering phase of the solenoid valve, a plurality of booster pulses (B1, B21, B22) are activated in succession, whose time position within the triggering phase is freely selectable (FIGS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Rolf Reischl, Andreas Eichendorf, Ulf Pischke, Juergen Eckhardt, Klaus Mueller
  • Patent number: 6504698
    Abstract: The device compares a voltage representative of the supply voltage of the electromagnet with two distinct inrush thresholds and a drop-out threshold. As soon as this voltage reaches one of the inrush thresholds, the device commands switching to an inrush phase of preset duration. The first inrush threshold is representative of a voltage of about 40 to 50% of the rated supply voltage of the electromagnet, whereas the second inrush threshold is representative of 70 to 85% of this voltage. The same control device can thus be used with both an under-voltage release and a shunt release or for a circuit breaker closing electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Ghislain Durif, Jean-Pierre Nereau, Mustapha Chelloug
  • Publication number: 20020189593
    Abstract: Providing an injector driving control apparatus that operates with minimum power consumption while ensuring linearity (proportionality between the current supply duration and fuel injection volume of the injector) in a wide fuel pressure range. Providing a coil current feedback circuit and controlling the current feedback duration according to fuel pressure after applying the current at a boost voltage. The present invention enables optimal control of the injector and hence, the improvement of its fuel injection volume characteristics (linearity) and the reduction of the heat generated in the injector driving control circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Makoto Yamakado, Noriyuki Maekawa, Kiyotaka Ogura, Kazutaka Hino, Tohru Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6493204
    Abstract: A circuit for actuating an ABS solenoid valve coil with a pulse width modulated voltage having a constant frequency and variable duty cycle. The coil current is a function of the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated voltage. By controlling the duty cycle, current saturation of the coil can be avoided to provide for a faster response upon deactuation of the coil. Feedback is included in the circuit to verify correct functioning of electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: David J. Glidden, Daniel D. Moore, Gary P. Whelan
  • Publication number: 20020179059
    Abstract: Driving circuitry for an electromagnetic fuel injection valve in which the holding current value is made variable to obtain a minimum necessary holding force from the holding current according to the fuel pressure is disclosed. The driving circuitry has a solenoid for driving the electromagnetic fuel injection valve, a capacitor charged by a high-voltage charge control part connected to a power supply, a switch circuit for on-off controlling a high-voltage current supplied from the capacitor to the solenoid in response to an injection command signal, and a holding current supply circuit for supplying a holding current from the power supply to the solenoid. When the holding current is supplied, a comparator circuit compares a voltage obtained by converting the value of electric current flowing through the solenoid by a resistor for detection and a voltage corresponding to a fuel pressure sensor signal, and the value of the holding current is varied according to an output signal from the comparator circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Tsuneaki Aoki, Atsushi Okada, Kazuhiro Yoneshige
  • Publication number: 20020167777
    Abstract: A control circuit is provided for use in an electromagnetic device with a coil where the electromagnetic device is actuated with an actuating current and held in an operative condition by a holding current with the holding current being significantly lower in magnitude than the actuating current. The control circuit includes first and second transistors wherein, during a powered mode, the first transistor is disposed in an on state and the second transistor is disposed in an off state, and, during a shorted mode, the first transistor is disposed in an off state and the second transistor is disposed in an on state. Additionally, a power source selectively communicates with the coil, and during a first time interval, the power source communicates with the coil in the powered mode and, during a second time interval, the power source is disconnected from the coil in the shorted mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Parisi, Judith L. Hannon
  • Publication number: 20020166541
    Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injection valve in an engine injects fuel by opening/closing a fuel flowing path with a valve element. A controller controls opening/closing of the fuel flowing path and changes magnetic force generated by a control coil driving the valve element so that the magnetic force is less during a valve open state-holding period than at an initial valve-opening time. The controller detects the voltage of a battery and applies the voltage fed from the battery to the control coil, while changing a time interval (Tc), for which current is passed through the control coil, based on the detected voltage, in order to change the magnetic force, without raising the voltage from the battery. The controller also detects increase/decrease of a pressing force on the valve element caused by fuel pressure and changes the time interval (Tc) accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Makoto Yamakado, Yoshio Okamoto, Nobukatsu Arai, Yuzo Kadomukai, Yoshiyuki Tanabe, Yasunaga Hamada, Yasuo Namaizawa, Hiromasa Kubo, Kenji Tabuchi
  • Publication number: 20020157650
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a circuit system for operating a solenoid valve (MV), particularly for actuating an electrohydraulic gas-exchange valve control, an injection valve, or an intake or exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine. To permit the simplest possible driving of the solenoid valve (MV), it is proposed that the solenoid valve (MV) be acted upon in a controlled manner in a cycle including three phases, in which in a pull-up phase, the solenoid valve (MV) is connected for a predefined time duration (T—1) to a first voltage (U—1) of predetermined magnitude for generating a pull-up current, in a holding phase is connected to a second voltage (U—2) of predetermined magnitude for generating a holding current, and in a de-energize phase is separated from both voltages (U—1, U—2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Herman Gaessler, Udo Diehl, Karsten Mischker, Rainer Walter, Juergen Schiemann, Christian Grosse, Volker Beuche, Stefan Reimer, Uwe Liskow
  • Patent number: 6473286
    Abstract: A driving apparatus for an electromagnetic valve comprises a conduction control circuit and a current-limit-value setting circuit. The conduction control circuit turns on and off an FET so that a conduction current flowing through the electromagnetic valve has a magnitude equal to a predetermined current limit value while a microcomputer is outputting a driving signal to the conduction control circuit. The predetermined current limit value is set at a first current limit value during a first predetermined period starting at a point of time the microcomputer outputs the driving signal. When the predetermined first period has lapsed, the predetermined current limit value is switched to a second current limit value for a second period. The second limit value is smaller than the first current limit value. A first off-time of the FET for attaining the first current limit value is set to be shorter than a second off-time of the FET for attaining the second current limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Itabashi, Masahiro Karami
  • Publication number: 20020148448
    Abstract: A method is described for operating a fuel injector for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, particularly for the direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, The fuel injector has a magnetic coil, an armature acted upon in a closing direction by a resetting spring, and a valve needle, frictionally connected to the armature, for actuating a valve-closure member which, together with a valve-seat surface , forms a sealing seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Hubert Stier, Norbert Keim
  • Patent number: 6457457
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electromagnetically operated actuator for a valve arrangement. The valve arrangement is responsive to an actuator armature. The actuator has a winding and is preferably of the two-stage lift type. The method includes applying a first, low voltage to the actuator, using a first voltage source, to generate a relatively low rate of current increase through the actuator winding, thereby to impart a force to the armature to cause the armature to move relatively slowly from a rest position to a first intermediate position. The method also includes applying a second, higher voltage to the actuator, using a second voltage source coupled to the first voltage source through a regeneration path, to generate a relatively high rate of current increase through the actuator winding, thereby to impart a force to the armature to cause the armature to move relatively quickly from the first intermediate position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc., Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Thomas Harcombe
  • Publication number: 20020126434
    Abstract: A controller for an electromagnetic actuator comprises a pair of spring acting in opposite directions, and an armature coupled to a mechanical element. The armature is connected to the springs and held in a neutral position given by the springs when the actuator is not activated. The actuator includes a pair of electromagnets for driving the armature between two end positions. The controller includes voltage application means for applying voltage to an electromagnet providing one end position for a first predetermined period so as to attract the armature to the end position. The controller also includes a peak current detector for detecting the peak of current flowing through the electromagnet in the first predetermined period. In accordance with the peak value, a decision means decides the application period of voltage that is to be applied to the electromagnet after the first application period has elapsed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidetaka Ozawa, Kenji Abe, Yoshitomo Kouno, Minoru Nakamura, Toshihiro Yamaki
  • Patent number: 6431155
    Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injection valve in an engine injects fuel by opening/closing a fuel flowing path with a valve element. A controller controls opening/closing of the fuel flowing path and changes magnetic force generated by a control coil driving the valve element so that the magnetic force is less during a valve open state-holding period than at an initial valve-opening time. The controller detects the voltage of a battery and applies the voltage fed from the battery to the control coil, while changing a time interval (Tc), for which current is passed through the control coil, based on the detected voltage, in order to change the magnetic force, without raising the voltage from the battery. The controller also detects increase/decrease of a pressing force on the valve element caused by fuel pressure and changes the time interval (Tc) accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Yamakado, Yoshio Okamoto, Nobukatsu Arai, Yuzo Kadomukai, Yoshiyuki Tanabe, Yasunaga Hamada, Yasuo Namaizawa, Hiromasa Kubo, Kenji Tabuchi
  • Patent number: 6411488
    Abstract: An on-board current control device comprising: a processing unit 1 operating a current command value from engine control information and driving control information, outputting a current basic pulse width modulating signal, and outputting a current adjusting pulse width modulating signal from current adjusting information; a current regulator 60 modulating the current basic pulse width modulating signal by the current adjusting pulse width modulating signal and generating a current command pulse width modulating signal; a smoothing filter 14 converting the current command pulse width modulating signal to a current command signal like a direct current; a comparator comparing the current command signal like the direct current with a current feed-back signal and outputting a signal corresponding to thus obtained deviation; an output transistor controlling a current value to a load by an output from the comparator; and a current detecting means 46 detecting the load current and generating the current feed-back si
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fumihiko Nishiwaki
  • Patent number: 6390037
    Abstract: Method for regulation of currents during phases of stoppage in electromagnetic actuators, for actuation of intake and exhaust valves in internal-combustion engines, in which an actuator is connected to a respective intake or exhaust valve which has a position, and includes a mobile unit, which is actuated magnetically in order to control the movement of the valve, a sensor which supplies a position signal which is representative of a present position of the mobile unit, and a first and a second electromagnet, which are disposed on opposite sides of the mobile unit, and receive respectively a first and a second current; the mobile unit being disposed in a position of stoppage during phases of stoppage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nicola Di Lieto, Gilberto Burgio, Roberto Flora
  • Patent number: 6373677
    Abstract: In a control circuit for controlling a coil current flowing in an electromagnetic coil (21a) connected to a power source (73), a current processing circuit (72, 75, 76, 77) is connected to the power source to process the coil current into a pulse current with a duty ratio. For adjusting the duty ratio in response to variation of a voltage of the power source, a ratio adjusting circuit (79, 80, 81) is connected to the power source and the current processing circuit. The electromagnetic coil is included in a displacement control valve for varying a displacement of a variable displacement compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6367719
    Abstract: The present device provides a fuel injector including a two-input, self-triggering monostable driver circuit for an electromechanical valve is disclosed. Upon receipt of an initiation signal, the driver circuit generates a predetermined current profile in a coil. A current sensing mechanism senses the current flowing through the coil, enabling a current threshold generator to detect a preset peak current threshold state. Upon detection of the preset peak current threshold state, the current threshold generator establishes a new hold current threshold state in the coil. A rapid decay generator forces a rapid transition from peak current to hold current within the coil. The hold current is maintained within preset hysteretic limits until the valve cycle is terminated by removing the initiation signal from the inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Danny Orlen Wright
  • Patent number: 6364281
    Abstract: A solenoid operated valve is controlled upon increasing energization for greater flow by incrementing by a small fraction of the maximum current a target current level for the desired flow for a short duration followed by energization at the target level. Upon decreasing energization for lesser flow, the valve is energized at a target current decremented by a small fraction of the maximum current for a short duration. The result is a nearly negligible hysteresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. DeLand, Andrew W. Westergaard, Kenneth J. Parker, Roger L. Kennedy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6359435
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining magnetic characteristics of an electrically controlled solenoid. The method includes providing an electronically controlled solenoid having an armature, a stator and a coil operatively associated with the stator. The armature, stator and coil define a magnetic circuit. The armature is spaced from the stator to define an air gap between the armature and the stator. Current to the coil is ramped in a generally linear manner over a period of time to define a known current curve. A resulting rate of change of flux in the magnetic circuit is observed and recorded at certain points along the current curve. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, flux in the magnetic circuit is ramped in a generally linear manner over a period of time to define a known flux curve. A resulting current in the coil is observed and recorded at certain points along the flux curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Perry Robert Czimmek, Danny Orlen Wright
  • Publication number: 20020014223
    Abstract: A method and device for driving an injector in an internal combustion engine in which a current wave which is variable over time, which comprises an initial section substantially of a pulse type and having a relatively high current intensity, an intermediate section during which the current intensity is rapidly reduced to substantially zero values and a final section having a substantially constant and relatively low current intensity, is caused to circulate through a control circuit of the injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Paolo Marceca, Luca Poggio, Michele Cagnoni, Piero Carbonaro, Andrea Nepote
  • Publication number: 20020005187
    Abstract: A control circuit for controlling solenoid valves for fuel metering in an internal combustion engine (banks I and II) includes a recharge circuit having a throttle coil in series with a diode and with a storage capacitor, as well as an FET power transistor connected in parallel with the series circuit of the diode and the storage capacitor. The solenoid valves of the individual banks are switched off during the rapid extinguishing with a voltage produced by the recharge circuit. To minimize the influence of the supply voltage, which comprises a wide range, the HS-FET is switched off during the rapid extinguishing phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Achim Herzog, Traugot Degler, Andreas Koch
  • Patent number: 6332455
    Abstract: A device for controlling fuel injection preventing the wasteful consumption of electric power and expanding the dynamic range for controlling the amount of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Sumida, Norihisa Fukutomi, Osamu Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6332454
    Abstract: A driving apparatus for an electromagnetic valve which supplies fuel to an engine comprises a conduction control circuit and a current-limit-value setting circuit. The conduction control circuit turns on and off an FET so that a conduction current flowing through a coil of the electromagnetic valve has a magnitude equal to a predetermined current limit value while a microcomputer is outputting a driving signal to the conduction control circuit. The predetermined current limit value used in the conduction control circuit is set at a first current limit value during a predetermined period starting at a point of time the microcomputer outputs the driving signal. When the predetermined period has lapsed, the predetermined current limit value is switched from the first current limit value to a second current limit value which is smaller than the first current limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Itabashi, Atsushi Yamada
  • Patent number: 6333843
    Abstract: A method for starting up an electromagnetic actuator operating an engine cylinder valve. The actuator has two spaced electromagnets, between which an armature, connected to the cylinder valve, is reciprocated against a restoring spring from a center position to lie against a magnet pole face. An ECU alternatingly supplies the electromagnets with a capturing current, the level of which is regulated as a function of the approach of the armature toward a pole face, as detected by a sensor assembly. A reference temperature is detected for the magnets, and, at a normal temperature, the armature starts oscillating due to the alternating energization of the electromagnets, and is brought into contact with a pole face. Or, at a low temperature level, one of the electromagnets is supplied with a high current pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: FEV Motorentechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Boie, Lutz Kather, Günter Schmitz, Frank Van der Staay, Günter Rudolf Feyerl
  • Patent number: 6324045
    Abstract: A digital two-step controller for an actuator element includes an A/D converter, an output driver and a control device with a memory. An analog measuring signal is received from the actuator, converted in the A/D converter into an actual digital value, and is input into a first region of the memory of the control device. The actual digital value which is input into the first region of the memory is compared with a theoretical digital value for the actuator, which value is stored in a second region. The output of the control device to the output driver is set to ZERO when the actual digital value is larger or equal to the theoretical digital value. The output of the control device to the output driver is set to ONE when the theoretical digital value is greater than the actual digital value. After a sampling period &Dgr;t, another analog measuring signal is received from the actuator and the regulation steps are repeated in an interrupt called in cycles and corresponding to the sampling interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Dietzel, Manfred Bek
  • Patent number: 6307376
    Abstract: An improved system and method for detecting solenoid-related faults in a solenoid-controlled actuator assembly. The system includes a processing circuit which controls a solenoid driver circuit for energizing and de-energizing the solenoid, a current sense circuit for sensing the current in the solenoid, and a power supply switching circuit for selectively connecting and disconnecting a supply voltage from the solenoid driver circuit. The processing circuit implements fault detection logic wherein the processing circuit senses the current in the solenoid and, if the sensed current exceeds a predetermined current value for a predetermined time period, disconnects the supply voltage from the solenoid driver circuit and measures the rate of voltage decay in the solenoid driver circuit to determine if an open circuit fault or a short circuit fault exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Alexander, David L. Wadas, Yei Dei Wang
  • Patent number: 6300733
    Abstract: A system for measuring and controlling solenoid armature position. The system determines inductive voltage in the drive winding of the solenoid, integrates that voltage to obtain flux, and uses the current/flux ratio to measure armature position. To overcome integration drift, the current/flux position measure is compared to an independent position measure, this comparison leading to a drift correction. In an embodiment maintaining a servo-controlled position, flux drift causes position drift and current drift, the latter providing an independent measure of position drift and flux drift, permitting drift correction. In a second embodiment, a high frequency component of the drive voltage (possibly from pulse width modulation) and a high frequency current measurement provide the independent measure of position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Gary E. Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 6295192
    Abstract: In a switchgear, by using a spring with a varying spring constant from closing to electrode opening as a loading spring, spring load in the opened electrode state is made smaller than a spring load in the closed electrode state to decrease the energy required from electrode closing up to electrode opening. Moreover, by using a spring in which a load in the opposite direction to a load in the closed electrode state works in the opened electrode state, the opened electrode state can be held securely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukimori Kishida, Kenichi Koyama, Hiroyuki Sasao, Kazuhiko Nishimiya, Yuichi Yamaji, Toshimasa Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6291911
    Abstract: In a power distribution system, synchronizing switchgear operations with an AC voltage or current waveform can be accomplished more precisely with a closed-loop feedback, microprocessor-based motion control design. By employing a closed-loop feedback, microprocessor-based design, switchgear contact position and velocity can be monitored and optimized in real time during a switching operation, thereby assuring a more accurate switching operation. Moreover, the closed-loop feedback design intrinsically compensates for the effects of such things as ambient temperature, AC waveform fluctuations, and changes in the physical condition of the switchgear. The closed-loop position feedback design is also capable of optimizing various transfer function parameters associated with the closed-loop feedback process, both during and subsequent to a switching operation, to further assure that switching operations are more accurately synchronized with the AC voltage or current waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Peter Dunk, John Francis Baranowski
  • Patent number: 6283095
    Abstract: A method and apparatus creating a two stage input to an integrated fuel pump of a fuel injector. The fuel pump has a reciprocating assembly for generating a fuel pulse and an actuating coil which induces linear motion of the reciprocating assembly. A nozzle is formed on the distal end of the injector for discharging fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. An energy controller coupled to the fuel pump generates an initial energy phase and a secondary energy phase in the actuating coil. The initial energy phase corresponds to an initial stage of movement of the reciprocating assembly. The initial stage of movement is associated with overcoming internal resistive forces initially present in the reciprocating assembly. The secondary energy phase corresponds to a secondary stage of movement of the reciprocating assembly wherein the initial resistive forces of the reciprocating assembly have been overcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Bombardier Motor Corporation of America
    Inventor: William R. Krueger
  • Patent number: 6271669
    Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter 41, capable of setting a voltage V41 of an offset value using information JS. At the time of an offset correction operation, the voltage V41 of the offset signal is sequentially varied to automatically set it to a value that is extremely close to a lower executable conversion limit Vbottom within the convertible range of the analog-to-digital converter. With this structure it is possible to provide a sensor circuit that is capable of preventing lowered precision with temperature variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 6262874
    Abstract: A circuit device for the regulation of the coil current flowing through a solenoid coil arrangement is proposed. It comprises a regulating means having a measuring arrangement for measuring the coil current and adapted to regulate the coil current in a manner dependent on the measured coil amperage, means for producing a attraction current, which regulated by clock pulse switching, flowing through the solenoid coil arrangement and a switching over means for reducing the coil current after elapse of an attraction time to a lower clock pulse switched hold current flowing until the end of a switch signal. The measuring arrangement is switched outside the freewheel circuit in which during the freewheel condition, existing in clock pulse switching intervals, of the solenoid coil arrangement the freewheel current flows. This means that the input voltage does not have to be adapted to the desired attraction current and the freewheel current does not produce any power loss in the measurement arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Kurt Stoll, Walter Suchy
  • Patent number: 6250286
    Abstract: A method and a device for driving at least one solenoid valve used for controlling the injection of fuel into an internal combustion engine. At the start of the driving (activation), the solenoid valve is supplied with a booster voltage that is elevated as compared to that used for the further driving. The energy and/or power output received by the solenoid valve at the start of the driving is able to be influenced as a function of the operating state of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Hoenig, Dirk Mentgen, Bernd Herrmann, Andreas Eichendorf, Hansjoerg Bochum, Ulf Pischke, Juergen Eckhardt, Reinhard Gantenbein, Jürgen Ulm
  • Patent number: 6246562
    Abstract: The control device comprises a holding coil, an electronic switch and a power supply circuit connected in series to the terminals of a supply voltage of the coil. A circuit for measuring the holding current is connected in parallel with the power supply circuit and comprises in series an additional electronic switch and a measuring resistor. The power supply circuit is thus supplied by the holding current flowing in the coil and the additional electronic switch is periodically closed to measure the holding current which is regulated by a microprocessor-based circuit controlling the two electronic switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SA
    Inventor: Ghislain Durif
  • Patent number: 6234150
    Abstract: A fuel injection control device expanding the dynamic range for controlling the amount of fuel and preventing the wasteful consumption of electric power. The device comprises fuel pressure regulator means 4 for adjusting the fuel pressure Pf, various sensors 3 inclusive of a fuel pressure sensor, injector drive means 5A for opening the valve body of an injector 2, and injection control means 1A for controlling the fuel pressure regulator means and the injector drive means depending on the operation conditions, wherein the injection control means 1A includes a holding current control unit 16A that variably sets the injector holding current iha depending on the fuel pressure in order to control the valve-opening time by controlling the exciting current ia and the excitation time of the injector, and variably sets the holding current to a minimum required value so that the holding current decreases with a decrease in the fuel pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsushi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6236552
    Abstract: A relay driving circuit comprises, in addition to an in-car battery, a low-voltage power supply outputting a voltage lower than an output voltage of the in-car battery and higher than a relay actuating voltage. The output voltage of the low-voltage power supply is applied to a coil of a relay. Alternatively, the output voltage of the in-car battery may be applied to each relay coil for turning on the relay contacts, then the output voltage of the low-voltage power supply is applied to maintain the turning-on state of the relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignees: Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Hattori
  • Patent number: 6226167
    Abstract: A proving switch is provided for an electromagnetic device for brakes and clutches having an energization coil energizable to attract an armature to a magnet body, the coil exhibiting increasing current flow therethrough upon application of an energization voltage thereacross, and exhibiting a momentary dip upon engagement of the armature and magnet body. Detection circuitry senses the current dip and provides a status signal in response thereto, confirming the engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventor: Steven F. Chmiel
  • Patent number: 6213099
    Abstract: A system for controlling a fuel injector in accordance with an injection control strategy for an engine includes programmable control logic to provide selectable threshold signals for comparator circuits and/or control logic configured to receive various control signals in the control circuit and determine one or more timing signals. The programmable control logic allows the drive circuit to be modified, without changing any hardware, to accommodate injectors having different characteristics and to change the pulse modulation strategy. The control logic that receives the control signals produces injection timing signals to allow enhanced monitoring and control over the fuel is injection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: George Tom Calvas, Robert J. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 6209513
    Abstract: An inductive load driving device in which the rise of load current at an initial stage of driving can be executed at high speed includes a plurality of step-up circuits (21, 31), for alternately applying a high voltage to the same inductive load within a predetermined period of time, to thereby allow each load current to rise at a high speed; a holding current output circuit (43), for applying a predetermined voltage to the same inductive load after the load current has risen, to thereby hold the load current at a predetermined value; a plurality of switching means (46, 47), adapted to be switched in such a manner that the respective outputs of the plurality of step-up circuits (21, 31) and the holding current output circuit (43) can be alternately connected to the same inductive load; and a control logic circuit (44), for switching the plurality of switching means (46, 47) in a predetermined sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Sakasai, Jiro Akagi, Daisuke Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6208498
    Abstract: A solenoid supply current value is predicted from a detected battery voltage, an operational fluid temperature, and the like, and a chopper ON time during chopping drive is reduced, and relatively, a chopper OFF time is increased by using, for example, a voltage correction coefficient which becomes smaller as the battery voltage becomes larger, or a temperature correction coefficient which is set smaller as the operational fluid temperature is smaller. Alternatively, an overexciting current of the solenoid is detected at least at two time points during overexcitation, and a termination time point of the overexcitation at which the overexciting current reaches a target overexciting current is predicted from the overexciting current value, and the overexcitation is terminated when the termination time point is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Jatco Transtechnology Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Ueda
  • Patent number: 6208497
    Abstract: Servo control using ferromagnetic core material and electrical windings is based on monitoring of winding currents and voltages and inference of: magnetic flux, a force indication; and magnetic gap, a position indication. Third order nonlinear servo control is split into nested control loops: a fast nonlinear first-order inner loop causing flux to track a target by varying a voltage output; and a slower almost linear second-order outer loop causing magnetic gap to track a target by controlling the flux target of the inner loop. The inner loop uses efficient switching regulation, preferably based on controlled feedback instabilities, to control voltage output. The outer loop achieves damping and accurate convergence using proportional, time-integral, and time-derivative gain terms. The time-integral feedback may be based on measured and target solenoid drive currents, adjusting the magnetic gap for force balance at the target current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Venture Scientifics, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph B. Seale, Gary E. Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 6191929
    Abstract: A control device includes a magnetic actuator, a final control element, a regulating unit and a measuring device. The magnetic actuator has a coil, a core, and an armature. The actuator is connected to the final control element. The measuring device determines an inductance value L of the coil and generates, as a function of the inductance value L, a first control signal by which a theoretical value of the amplitude of the current through the coil is changed to a holding value. When a pulse signal P is present, the current through the coil is regulated to the theoretical value by the regulating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Hoffmann, Richard Wimmer, Achim Koch
  • Patent number: 6188561
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a circuit for driving the excitation coil of an electromagnetically driven reciprocating pump used as an injection device, characterized by a circuit for driving the rotor excitation coil (600) which is connected to a power transistor (601) which is grounded via a measuring resistor (602), whereby the output of a comparator (603) is hooked on to the control input of the transistor (601), e.g. to the transistor base, and whereby a current setpoint is applied to the non-inverting input of the comparator (603). This setpoint is e.g. obtained from a microcomputer and the inverting input of the comparator (603) is connected to the side of the measuring resistor which is connected with the transistor (601).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ficht GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Heimberg
  • Patent number: 6188562
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the recognition of an armature drop off in an electromagnetically actuated device supplies an on/off controlled switching current to the solenoid coil of the device. A high level of current is caused to flow through the coil for attracting the armature, and reduced level of current is applied to the coil for holding the solenoid armature in its on position. If the armature should be caused to drop off from its on position by a mechanical shock, a transitory expansion in the period of the switching current occurs, due to the sudden decrease in magnetic circuit inductance. This increased switching current period is detected and compared to a predetermined threshold value. If the detected period exceeds the threshold value, it is recognized as an armature drop off, and corrective action can be taken immediately. An alternate embodiment detects a sudden increase in the holding current amplitude as an indicator of armature drop off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Danne Lutz, Holger Thies
  • Patent number: 6176212
    Abstract: In a method of controlling energisation of the coil of a motor vehicle starter contactor the coil is energised in a pick-up mode to close the contactor and then in a latching mode to hold the contactor closed. A voltage corresponding to the supply voltage of the electric motor of the starter is measured, a drop in this voltage corresponding to the closing of the contactor is detected, and the coil of the contactor is energised in latching mode after a predetermined time-delay from detection of the voltage drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventor: G{acute over (e)}rard Vilou
  • Patent number: 6175484
    Abstract: A circuit configuration wherein a plurality of solenoid driver circuits are all coupled together such that the high voltage supply associated with one driver circuit is connected in parallel with the high voltage supply of another driver circuit. Each driver circuit includes a high voltage select switch, a select switch, and a modulation switch, all of which switches are coupled to and controlled by an electronic controller such that back EMF created by the solenoid coil in each respective driver circuit can be recaptured by charging the high voltage supply associated with that driver circuit. This recaptured energy can then be utilized to not only provide current flow to the solenoid coil associated with that particular driver circuit, but such energy can likewise be utilized to recharge any plurality of the other high voltage supplies associated with the other driver circuits, even while the solenoid coils of such driver circuits are being powered by their respective high voltage supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Caruthers, Errol W. Davis, Chien C. Lee, William J. Love
  • Patent number: 6157095
    Abstract: A control circuit for controlling the current through an inductive load powered by a unipolar power source. The current through the inductive load is controlled by three electronic switches and a subcircuit. The switches provide three different voltage levels across the inductive load. The closing of the first switch supplies positive voltage across the load, thereby increasing the load current. Opening of the first switch and closing of the third switch disconnects the power source from the load and short circuits the inductive load resulting in zero voltage across the load. Opening of the third and first switches directs the inductive current through the subcircuit, developing a negative voltage across the load and thereby rapidly decreasing the inductive current. By controlling the load voltage between a positive and zero voltage and between a negative and zero voltage, the load current is changed quickly and efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Chandra Sekhar Namuduri
  • Patent number: 6154354
    Abstract: Disclosed are reliable DC circuits for operating latching solenoids at distances of up to several miles. The circuits allow the use of ordinary gauge buried copper wire without concern for possible deterioration of the wires from the galvanic effect of the inductive field created by the buried wires carrying the direct current. The circuits are simple, inexpensive to build, and extremely energy efficient, and provide an effective deterrent to lightning-induced damage. They significantly reduce the current required by the solenoid, and are compatible for use with battery operated systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: George Alexanian