Showing papers on "Solenoid published in 1986"

Electromagnetic fuel injector

Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injector comprising a fixed iron core, a solenoid formed by winding a coil around the fixed iron core, a coil holder fixed to the solenoid, an injector casing surrounding the solenoid and the coil holder and formed of a material having high magnetic permeability, a movable iron core inserted between the fixed iron core and the injector casing, a compression spring normally biasing the movable iron core toward an injection nozzle of the injector, a valve body connected at its base to the movable iron core and formed with a flange at a base portion thereof, a stopper adapted to abut against the flange of the valve body and restrict a movable range, a valve housing incorporated in a front portion of the injector casing and slidably supporting the valve body, the valve housing being formed at its front end portion with a valve seat adapted to abut against the valve body, and a radiation member closely fitted on an outer periphery of the injector casing. A connection member may be provided connecting a plurality of injectors mounted on cylinders in a multi-cylinder engine for radiating heat generated in the injectors.

Illuminated feather-touch solenoid actuated vehicle day/night mirror

Abstract: A rear view mirror mounted either interiorly or exteriorly of a vehicle which incorporates a unique structure providing an illuminated, feather-touch, bar switch for actuating a solenoid to change the mirror from day-to-night and night-to-day positions by utilizing a single finger, feather-touch operation. The mirror also includes a map light or lights located along the lower edge thereof with the map light or lights being actuated by a feather touch switch or switches and icluding a downwardly facing fresnel lens to direct a light beam for easy map reading and a shield or baffle to prevent light rays from entering the eyes of the vehicle operator. A mechanical memory switch and push/pull solenoid may be utilized as an alternative to magnetically latched solenoid and circuitry therewith.

Variable lift electromagnetic valve actuator system

Abstract: A housing on the cylinder head of an engine operatively supports an upper solenoid and a tubular lower solenoid such that therein working pole faces are opposed to each other for operatively effecting movement of an armature fixed to the free stem end of a poppet valve having its stem extending up through the lower solenoid. Upper and lower springs each have one end thereof positioned in the upper and lower solenoids, respectively, and the lower solenoid has an actuator operatively connected thereto to effect axial position of the lower solenoid relative to the upper solenoid, while the upper solenoid has a lash adjuster operatively associated therewith.

Fault detection circuit

Abstract: In a solenoid fuel injection system, an output transistor (16) receives switching signals to control through current therein which is provided to a solenoid fuel injection coil (11) in series with a current sensing resistor (17). A current control circuit (12) provides pulse width modulation control of solenoid current by monitoring the voltage across the sensing resistor. The fault detection circuit provides separate fault signals for short circuits at either the first or second end terminals (E, H) of the solenoid coil. Separate voltage comparators (18, 23) monitor voltages at the first and second end terminals, and separate delay timers (20, 25) effectively gate the comparator outputs to indicate actual detected short circuits. Each of the fault detection signals sets a fault latch (22) which then acts to reduce current through the output transistor and coil. The fault latch is periodically reset. For a fault detection, the output transistor is protected from excessive current resulting from a short circuit at one end terminal (H). The transistor and coil are also protected from a short circuit at the other end terminal (E) which results in the lack of a current sense signal causing the controller (12) to attempt to maintain the output transistor constantly on.

Solenoid driver control unit.

Abstract: A solenoid driver control circuit for use with solenoids, the circuit including a current sense unit (12) for providing a current sense signal and a solenoid drive unit (13) for selectively allowing current to flow through the solenoid (11) from a power source (14). The circuit also includes a threshold comparator unit (17) for comparing threshold signals with the current sense signal and for providing an output signal that can control the solenoid drive unit (13), a minimum threshold unit (18) for providing a minimum threshold, a maximum threshold unit (19) for initially providing a maximum threshold until a peak current flow through the solenoid (11) has been established, a first timing unit (21) to periodically provide increased threshold signals for specified durations of time, and a second timing unit (41) for initially providing an increased minimum threshold signal at the outset of a control cycle. The device provides a minimum current flow through the solenoid (11) at all times during a control cycle and utilizes time control to realize the desired solenoid current waveform.

Electromagnetically-actuated positioning system

Abstract: Apparatus and method for control of actuator anchor plate release time in spring-biased electromagnetically-actuated positioning systems for gas exchange valves in internal combustion engines in which a ferromagnetic actuator anchor plate is moved back and forth between two actuating solenoids. Pursuant to the invention, the poles of the solenoid core and the anchor plate are separated by a member which may be formed of an electrically-nonconductive, paramagnetic or diamagnetic layer, or an air gap. This provides magnetic resistance in the magnetic circuit which reduces generation and propagation of eddy currents in the anchor plate. The magnetic field can decay more rapidly upon cut-off of current to the solenoid coil. The release time of the anchor plate from the actuating solenoid is thereby diminished, and more accurate valve dwell timing is achieved for improved engine performance.

Dual limit solenoid driver control circuit

Abstract: An improved dual limit solenoid driver control circuit is disclosed in which solenoid current is sensed and provided as an input to two separate comparators (24, 25). Each comparator receives, during a solenoid pull-in (initial) period (T 1 ), fixed maximum and minimum reference threshold levels which determine the maximum and minimum current limits (I max , I min ) for solenoid current during initial pull-in excitation. Subsequently during a hold period T 2 following the pull-in period, each of the comparators receives different maximum and minimum thresholds so as to establish holding solenoid current limits (H max , H min ). The outputs of the compartors are connected as inputs to a set/reset flip flop (32) whose output controls the operation of a solenoid driver circuit (15). A monostable multivibrator (33) reacts to an initial control pulse (41) to produce a predetermined pull-in time pulse (43) that results in the maximum and minimum pull-in solenoid current limits. The comparator thresholds are provided by a fixed resistor divider circuit (27, 29, 31) which receives a pull-in signal from the monostable multivibrator. The pull-in period (T 1 ) is independent of the sensed solenoid current, and the switching thresholds are fixed and independent of the magnitude of the solenoid current during the pull-in and hold periods. The above configuration provides improved performance and stability, and is readily implemented with just a few components.

Solenoid activation circuitry using high voltage

Abstract: Solenoid activation circuitry utilizing a high voltage for energizing a low voltage solenoid from a low voltage source of power comprising a capacitor having first and second terminals with the second terminal being connected to ground. A converter is provided having an input and an output. The input of the converter is adapted to be connected to the low voltage source of power and the output of the converter is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor. A device is provided for sensing the voltage on the first terminal of the capacitor to ascertain when the voltage on the first terminal of the capacitor has reached a predetermined high voltage which is substantially above that of the low voltage of the power source. A switch is provided and is adapted to be connected to the solenoid for causing the capacitor to discharge into the solenoid when the predetermined high voltage has been reached on the capacitor to overcome the initial air gap in the solenoid to move the solenoid to an actuated position.

Proportional electro-hydraulic pressure control valve

Abstract: A proportional electro-hydraulic pressure control valve incorporates a pressure sensor in its valve body and the hydraulic fluid pressure in a pressure detecting fluid path provided in the valve body is delivered as an electric signal output by the pressure sensor. The pressure detecting fluid path is connected to a hydraulic fluid inlet port directly or through a restrictor or alternately the fluid path is connected to a pressure detecting port separated from both of the hydraulic fluid inlet port and a hydraulic fluid outlet port. The electric signal output from the pressure sensor is utilized to provide a numerical display of the controlled pressure or to effect the feedback control of a solenoid drive current through a closed loop.

Refrigeration system having periodic flush cycles

Abstract: A microprocessor (200) controlled system for use in a refrigeration system which includes a plurality of pulse controlled solenoid flow control valves (38) suitable for use as expansion valves. A pulse width modulated control signal is generated for cyclically opening and closing the flow through the solenoid expansion valve (38). The duty cycle of the pulsed control signal determines the average flow rate through the valve (38). The microprocessor (200) controls, periodically, the opening of each expansion valve (38) to permit full flow therethrough to flush any accumulated compressor lubrication oil logged in any associated evaporator coils (214-215).

Method and apparatus for controlling the solenoid current of a solenoid valve which controls the amount of suction of air in an internal combustion engine

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the solenoid current of a solenoid valve which controls the amount of suction air in an internal combustion engine. A solenoid current control valve is calculated and a present time value of solenoid current is detected after which a deviation between the present time solenoid current and the solenoid current control value is calculated. A correction value for the present time solenoid current control value is calculated based upon the deviation and a corrected solenoid current control value is determined as a function of the present time solenoid current control value and the correction value.

Oil filter apparatus and method for deep oil pressure cooking apparatus

Abstract: Cooking oil is contained within a pressurized pot having a radiant heat to raise the oil temperature to the cooking temperature An oil reservoir is located adjacent and below the pot, with a releasable cover for addition of oil and a low temperature heater The pot has a bottom prefilter with a perforated basket A drain line connects the prefilter reservoir with two series connected solenoid valves A micron filter is connected by a fill line to a fill pipe of the pot and between the solenoid valves A pump unit in the fill line moves the oil through the system A low volume of oil is used for cooking of product, and advantageously is approximately in the ratio of less than two pounds to one pound of product Oil absorbed by the product is periodically replaced with fresh oil from the reservoir Filtering and adding of oil is in various sequences during the multiple batch cooking process Filtering of the cooking oil may be after each couple of batches, by opening one valve while the other is and energizing the pump to circulate the oil from the pot through both filters The operator monitors the oil level to provide fresh oil from the reservoir by reversely operating the valves from the filtering cycle

Actuator for remote devices or the like

Abstract: In order to render an actuator which is capable of selectively operating two remotely arranged latches or the like devices highly compact, the device is provided with a reversible motor, a reduction gear and a clutch arrangement which includes a solenoid coil. In some embodiments the clutch includes a two stage arrangement which permits a small power economical solenoid arrangement to be used. The invention further features the use of a compact reduction gear which includes two ring gears and stepped pinion gears.

Electronic card receiving device and ejection mechanism

Abstract: When an electronic card is inserted into the device, a first reject plate is pressed to elongate first and second coil springs to anchor the card. When no writing or reading ROM and RAM of the card, electric current instantaneously flows through a solenoid to cause a stopper stopping a second reject plate to rotate through a slight angle so as to disengage the stopper from a front end of the second reject plate. As a result, the second reject plate is depressed by the second coil spring. At the same time, a reject arm provided on the second reject plate moves a reject oblique surface of a card latch to move the card latch through a slight angle to lower a card guide, so that the card is pushed by the first coil spring out of the device. In this manner, the card is not pushed out during writing or reading and hence contents of the card are not damaged. A solenoid requires only a force for moving the stopper through a small distance. The small solenoid and a little power are sufficient to operate the device. As the card is pushed out by the first coil a sufficient pushing device is obtained, so that the device can be used for many years without fatigue of the device.

Valve operating system

Abstract: The system is particularly suitable for controlling a solenoid valve SV1 having two stable operating positions in accordance with programmed `on` and `off` periods set at a 24 hour timer 10. The valve typically in one position connects a gas supply to a regulator ensuring the latter then supplies gas at a higher pressure; and in the other position connects the regulator to atmosphere through a vent stack so that the regulator then supplies gas at a lower pressure. The system is powered by 3 volt batteries B1, B2 and has extremely lower current consumption giving a battery life of 5-6 years. The solenoid 18 is energised briefly by voltage pulses fed from a capacitor C5 via a reversing switch 16. Automatic battery voltage checking is incorporated.

Carriage latch for a disc drive incorporating inertial lock-up

Abstract: A dynamic latching mechanism for a disc drive includes a latch rotatable about a pivot which captures an extension on the carriage. The latch is mounted in a frame directly attached to the disc drive housing. A spring loaded plunger normally is biased against the latch to hold it in place and thus restrain the carriage after the extension has been captured and power removed. A solenoid withdraws the plunger and allows release of the carriage. A brake plate is provided sliding on the plunger. A protrusion which extends from the latch frame and thus the disc drive housing cooperates with an edge of the brake plate. In the event of sudden shock to the housing, the shock force is transmitted to the protrusion which tilts the brake plate, freezing the plunger against the latch and preventing the latch from releasing from the extension on the carriage, so that the carriage is properly restrained even in the event of a significant shock.

Solenoid surface coils in magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: A nonplanar solenoidal surface radiofrequency coil is used as a receiver with a conventional transmitter coil in a magnetic resonance imaging system. The improved signal-to-noise ratio, compared with that of conventional fixed saddle or solenoid receiver coils, permits higher resolution imaging and thinner image sections. In addition, the problem of signal dropoff that occurs in deep structures with planar and other noncircumferential surface coils is eliminated. Solenoid surface coils are particularly useful in imaging deep structures in anatomic regions that do not fit standard head and body coils, such as the neck, knees, and other smaller body parts.

Pulse controlled solenoid valve with food detection

Abstract: A flood detection means for use with a solenoid expansion valve in a refrigeration system is disclosed. The flood detection means responds to the temperature differential across the evaporator coil for throttling down the flow rate through the expansion valve when the temperature differential is less than a temperature threshold. When the temperature differential is greater than the threshold, the valve resumes normal operations from the throttled down condition.

Power steering system with hydraulic reaction

Abstract: A power steering system which includes a fluid source that supplies pressure fluid of a constant flow rate, a fluid motor for supplementing manual steering torque, a servo-valve for distributing fluid to the fluid motor, and a reaction device for applying hydraulic reaction or feeling to a starting wheel in accordance with fluid pressure applied thereto. A magnetic control valve having a solenoid therein is connected to the reaction device to vary fluid pressure applied thereto in a predetermined range of pressures in accordance with vehicle operating condition. A mechanism for controlling the fluid pressure applied to reaction device at a predetermined pressure in the predetermined range of pressure even when the current supplied to the solenoid becomes abnormal is incorporated in the magnetic control valve.

Solenoid-actuated mechanical interlock for a motor controller

Abstract: A solenoid actuated mechanical interlock is provided for the draw-out type circuit breaker mechanism of a motor control center. The interlock is formed by the plunger of the solenoid engaging a slot in the bellcrank mechanism of the draw-out unit. Electric circuitry controls operation of the solenoid so that the plunger is controllably extended and retracted to prevent or permit operation of the bell crank under certain conditions.

Emergency manual actuation mechanism for a solenoid

Abstract: An emergency manual actuation mechanism for a conventional solenoid having a plunger with one end connected to an external apparatus, such as a diesel engine fuel pump, in which energization of the solenoid coil retracts the plunger axially; the mechanism comprises a non-magnetic retraction rod that extends into the solenoid housing in alignment with the solenoid plunger and is axially movable from a normal position disengaged from the plunger to an intermediate position at which a mechanical connection is completed between the rod and the plunger. Further axial or rotary movement of the retraction rod to a retraction position drives the plunger to its retracted position, simulating energization of the solenoid coil. Retainer means hold the retraction rod and the solenoid plunger at their retracted positions.

Security device and method

Abstract: Relative movement of members (10,11) of a lock is normally obstructed by an element (14) which can be moved by a solenoid (18) entirely into a recess in one of the members so that the one (11) and the obstructing element (14) can turn together relative to the other member (10) and solenoid. The arrangement may be used to prevent turning of a key-receiving member relative to a housing or as a clutch between two members mounted rotatably in a housing.

Fuel injection system for diesel engines

Abstract: In the electronically controlled fuel-injection system for Diesel engines, the injector comprises a pilot solenoid valve (14) and an injector needle (4) of differential cross-section S1 - S2 - S3, of which the upper part of cross-section S1 forms a needle control piston (44) forming an integral part of the needle. The pilot solenoid valve (14) is a solenoid ball valve (22), and the closing force of the needle (4) is exerted directly and solely by means of the pressure of the fuel on the total upper cross-section S1 of the needle when the pilot solenoid valve (14) is in the deenergised state. The invention makes it possible to obtain a very high accuracy of the closing and opening moments of the needle.

Liquid dispenser with automatic shut-off

Abstract: A drink dispenser assembly used for filling receptacles when placed into a position to receive liquid dispensed from a nozzle comprises a valve which is controlled by a solenoid connected to an electric circuit, a switch operated at the will of the operator to actuate the electric circuit and the solenoid to open the valve and initiate a filling cycle, an assembly operative to suspend the receptacle below the nozzle, and an arm positioned proximate the receptacle when the receptacle is placed into a position to receive liquid, the arm operative to sense the filled condition of the receptacle and deactuate the electric circuit and the solenoid to close the valve and terminate the filling cycle.

Failure detecting apparatus of a control unit for a vehicle

Abstract: A control unit for use in a vehicle includes a failure detecting apparatus for detecting failures of solenoids which are used for various kinds of controls of the vehicle. The failure detecting apparatus includes a solenoid driving circuit which sequentially supplies currents to the solenoids, and includes an input circuit which receives an output signal from each solenoid which operates normally. When a solenoid doesn't operate normally, no output signal is returned. Therefore, a control circuit of the apparatus detects the absence of the output signal from such solenoid and thereby determines that this solenoid is defective. When the failure of a solenoid is thus detected, the control circuit outputs an alarm signal to the alarm indicator through the alarm driving circuit, the alarm signal identifying the defective solenoid. A light emitting diode corresponding to the defective solenoid may then be lit to visually indicate the failure.

Fermion-solenoid interactions: vacuum charge and scattering theory

Abstract: Properties of the Dirac Hamiltonian for fermions in two space dimensions, interacting with a solenoid, are studied in the case of a finite solenoid radius and in the zero-radius limit. The asymmetric part of the Hamiltonian's spectral density is explicitly expressed in terms of the fermion's scattering phase shifts, and the convergence of the partial-wave expansion is examined. The spectral asymmetry, or equivalently the anomaly, is related to scattering amplitudes at high energy and can be easily evaluated using the eikonal approximation. A generalization to higher dimensions is briefly outlined.

The Brooks inductor: a study of optimal solenoid cross-sections

Abstract: The Brooks inductor solves a problem, first studied by Maxwell and Gauss, of obtaining the greatest possible inductance with a given piece of wire. A simple procedure, presented graphically and algebraically, facilitates rapid design of air-cored solenoids to required inductance and current loadings. Calculations show that if the winding cross-section is not restricted to rectangles, as assumed hitherto, inductance values may be raised by about 1% above the Brooks limit.

Apparatus for controlling a hydraulic single acting cylinder

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a hydraulic single acting cylinder has first and second solenoid operated valves disposed in a supply line through which a working fluid is supplied to a working chamber defined in the cylinder which a piston is disposed, a third solenoid operated valve disposed in a return line through which the working fluid returns from the working chamber to a hydraulic tank, and a control unit for controlling the first to third solenoid operated valves. The second and third solenoid operated valves are solenoid operated proportional pressure control valves so that the piston speed can be regulated.

Sheet feeding apparatus with cooperating endless belts

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a first elongated drive belt assembly (52) which is driven by, and is pivotable about the axis of, a first drive shaft (86) mounted adjacent one end of this assembly (52), and a second elongated drive belt assembly (50) which is mounted in coopertive relationship with respect to the first belt assembly (52) and which is driven by, and pivotable about the axis of, a second drive shaft (72) spaced inwardly from both ends of the second belt assembly (52). The two belt assemblies (50, 52) are pivotally movable under the control of a single solenoid between closed positions in which the belt assemblies are in cooperative relationship with respect to each other for feeding a sheet therebetween towards an exit solt (26), and open positions in which the cooperating surfaces of the belt assemblies (50, 52) are spaced apart to facilitate the entry of a sheet between the belt assemblies (50, 52) at an entry location (169).

Electromagnetically-actuated positioning mechanisms

Abstract: A solenoid insulation system for an electromagnetic positioning mechanism for reciprocating valve actuators which are shifted between two positions by means of actuating solenoids and are maintained under load between their operating positions by a spring system. In the operational state, the locus of equilibrium of the spring system is determined by an adjusting solenoid which may be integral with or closely adjacent to the actuating solenoid(s). Pursuant to the invention, the adjusting solenoid's magnetic field is decoupled to the greatest possible degree from that of the actuating solenoids. In this manner, uncontrolled operating states of the actuating solenoid are avoided. Decoupling insulation is provided by suitable air gap(s), diamagnetic or paramagnetic material, or constructing the core of the adjusting solenoid from material different than the actuating solenoid, e.g., transformer sheet and sintered ferrite core material respectively.