With Slide Valves Patents (Class 84/155)
  • Patent number: 6049031
    Abstract: A magnetic valve uses neodymium magnets to maintain itself in a state, either closed or open. Upon applying electrical signals to a coil, the valve state is changed. In the open state fluid may readily flow through the valve, whereas the closed state uses one or more magnets to seal a valve member such that fluid flow is blocked. In the open state, the magnitude of the electrical signal can be varied to vary the effective size of the opening through which fluid may flow, thereby providing proportional control. Importantly, the valve is controllable by a computer using a MIDI card such that the valve is especially suitable for adapting a player piano to operate from a computer. Additionally, the valve may be used in a sprinkler system, a fire suppression system, or various other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Caulkins