Showing papers on "Solenoid published in 1994"

Case Studies in Superconducting Magnets: Design and Operational Issues

Abstract: SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNET TECHNOLOGY.- ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS.- MAGNETS, FIELDS, AND FORCES.- CRYOGENICS.- MAGNETIZATION.- STABILITY.- AC AND OTHER LOSSES.- PROTECTION.- SOLENOID EXAMPLES, HTS MAGNETS & CONCLUDING REMARKS.

A fuel injector with an integrated spark plug for a direct injection type engine

Abstract: A fuel injector with an integrated spark plug for a direct injection type engine capable of adequate fuel injection and adequate spark discharge, even if it becomes very hot because the end part of device is exposed in a combustion chamber and a spark discharge is induced there. An electric conductor is disposed along the central axis, and the electric conductor is electrically coupled with a cable for supplying electric current for the spark discharge. A needle valve made of conductive material is electrically coupled with the electric conductor through a return spring made of conductive material and is reciprocally moved by a solenoid. A needle housing made of conductive material receives the needle valve and has a nozzle for injecting fuel and a center electrode at its end. A grounding electrode is disposed near the center electrode. Insulators are disposed outside of the electric conductor. Out side of the insulators, an outer cylinder is disposed, which is composed of inner wall which adheres to the insulators and outer wall which is placed outside of the inner wall at a uniform clearance which is used as a fuel passage. A connector assembly for connecting a fuel line and an electric cable for supplying electric current to the solenoid is attached to the outer cylinder.

Electrolytic gas producer method and apparatus

Abstract: Electrolytic gas producer apparatus is provided wherein a water inlet has a pressure sensor and solenoid valve control passes water through a filter by pump to a reservoir. Cell chambers maintain electrolyte by supply pump and solenoid valve delivering to the cell via solenoid valves responsive to a level sensor. Gas outlet apertures extend into a polling manifold via solenoid valves and thence to a wash tank. The gas is removed from the tank via a manifold to a vacuum pump which draws the gas through a first filter including a drain line and a secondary filter for residual moisture removal. After the pump the gas passes under water in a flashback arrester filled with metal mesh. The gas then travels to a moisture removing filter and delivery pumps for delivery via intermediate solenoid valves, an outlet manifold, and final solenoid valves which control delivery to an electronically monitored outlet flashback arrester comprising infrared sensors to detect and signal a flashback condition.

Proportional control of a solenoid actuator

Abstract: Solenoids are nonlinear actuating devices normally used in a switching mode. This paper proposes a dual rate cascade control for converting a switching solenoid into a proportional actuator. A fast inner loop current controller and a slower PID outer loop trajectory controller are employed, A simple static nonlinear map is used to partially linearise the system. This method results in a proportional actuator which is effective and practical. >

Electrically operated parking brake system

Abstract: A parking brake system is provided which includes a dual solenoid operated valve (20) located in series with the emergency brake control valve (18) of a hydraulically operated brake system The dual solenoid valve is operable to either one of two mechanical detent positions (38) so that positioning of the valve is retained in the event of loss of power The dual solenoid valve is controlled by the vehicle operator from the transmission console (40) and removes fluid pressure from the brakes when actuated to a PARK position An electronic control unit (46) is provided for sensing the speed of the vehicle and the pressure in the hydraulic line to the brakes and provides a PARK enabling signal when the vehicle speed is below a predetermined amount When a gear is selected at the console the dual solenoid valve is actuated to a position permitting fluid pressure, to be applied to the brakes and effectively returns control of the brakes to the emergency brake control device A pressure sensor (48) is provided in the line (16) to the brakes and is used to provide feedback to the driver and to control transmission shifting

Lighting device for a bicycle

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a lighting device which is adapted for use with a wheel bicycle and which includes a magnet mounted to one of the wheels and a housing mounted to the bicycle frame. A solenoid inside the housing has a winding and a core closely mounted to the wheel. A lamp is electrically connected to the solenoid winding so that light is emitted as a result of the magnet passing by the solenoid core as the bicycle wheel rotates. The electrical system includes storage elements which accumulate an excess of electrical energy during wheel rotation to thereby allow light to be emitted after the bicycle has come to a stationary position and until the excess has been used up.

Air flow recorder, generator and analysis system for inhalation device testing and modeling

Abstract: An air flow device for use in recording, analyzing, replicating, and generating breathing patterns. A piping structure provides receipt and transfer of pressurized gas through the device. The piping structure has a source connection for receiving a single constant source of pressurized gas. Aspirators are connected to the piping structure for receiving pressurized gas from the source connection and for selectively creating an output pressurization comprising a positive pressure gas flow and a negative pressure gas flow at a proportional solenoid valve. A balancing valve is connected to the piping structure for controlling and calibrating the output pressurization of the aspirators. A control system provides control of the aspirators, the balancing valve, and a solenoid valve. A solenoid valve is mechanically connected to the piping structure with pneumatic input and output connections and electronically connected to the control system with data input and output connections. The solenoid valve provides patterned pneumatic flow between the aspirators and a system model according to air flow commands received by the solenoid from the control system. The system model, in one embodiment, is a breath actuated inhaler device.

On the magnetic field of an infinitely long helical line current

Abstract: This paper presents the calculation of the low-frequency magnetic field of an infinitely long helical solenoid. Helical solenoids can be applied, e.g., to investigate superconducting coils, twisted wires and the levitation of molten metals. With the aid of a series expansion of the reciprocal distance between the observation point and a variable point of the line current, which is a substitute for the spatial current distribution, the magnetic vector potential is calculated. This approach makes is possible to express also the magnetic field in the form of a series. Explicit formulas for the magnetic field inside and outside the solenoid are developed which include modified Bessel functions and their derivatives. Some properties of the magnetic field are shown. >

Water-supply valve of a washing machine

Abstract: Disclosed is a water-supply valve of a washing machine in which the consumption of electric power can be minimized in opening and closing the valve to supply water into and block off the water supply into a washing tub of the washing machine. In the water-supply valve, an actuator rod is elevated against downward biasing force of a spring by a magnetic force of the first solenoid generated by applying an electric current thereto, and then is retained at its uppermost position by the attractive force of the permanent magnet. And, the actuator rod starts to be lowered by a magnetic force of the second solenoid generated by applying an electric current thereto, and is retained at its lowermost position by the downward biasing force of the spring.

Method for fabricating solenoid device for electromagnetic valves

Abstract: A method for fabricating a molded solenoid device which is encased in an insulating synthetic resin shell, in which a resilient sealing cover member of an electrically insulating material is fitted on each one of a couple of solenoid coil terminals which are projected from a solenoid coil bobbin. The sealing cover members on the respective coil terminals are brought into intimate contact with inner edges of coil terminal escape holes in a mold in which a solenoid assembly is to be molded, thereby forming tight seals around the coil terminals in the coil terminal escape holes while a molten synthetic resin material is being introduced into the mold cavity around the solenoid assembly.

Two stage natural/LP gas convertible pressure regulator valve with single servo controller

Abstract: A convertible two-stage pressure regulator in which a main valve regulates fluid flow between an inlet and outlet in response to a control pressure produced by a servo regulator valve, the control pressure depending on outlet pressure and the force provided by a regulator spring to a diaphragm carrying a servo regulator valve closure element Compression of the regulator spring is controlled by a solenoid armature in a plunger assembly which is selectively positionable by a selector knob to obtain higher or lower regulator spring force Adjustable stops provide for individual adjustment of low and high outlet pressures for each of two pressure ranges Substantially identical air gaps in the magnetic circuit of the solenoid are provided for both pressure ranges by a magnetic pole piece in the plunger assembly which extends beyond the solenoid coil in one direction and a solenoid armature which extends beyond the solenoid coil in the opposite direction

Control system for controlling gas fuel flow

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately controlling gas fuel flow to a combustion device is provided to control gas flow to a burner of the combustion device. A variable orifice solenoid operated valve serves as a control element. The valve includes a poppet having a fixed control surface at an end received in an insert element having a variable control surface. The poppet has a plurality of positions within the insert element, including a full open position and a full closed position. Maximum fuel flow is measured in the full open position and minimum fuel flow is measured in the full closed position. Intermediate partially open positions are adjustable by a signal of an electronic controller connected to the solenoid valve operating as a function of actual and desired temperature of the combustion device.

Control system for agricultural vehicle and calibration method for such control systems

Abstract: A hitch assembly control system is provided in which signals representative of battery voltage are used to generate a correction factor that is applied to control signals to a hitch actuator circuit to improve consistency in control. In an alternative embodiment, a correction factor is generated from signals representative of electrical parameters of solenoid coils included in the actuator circuit and this correction factor is applied to control signals to the actuator circuit. Also provided is a calibration method for a vehicle control system in which certain physical and electrical parameters of the vehicle and the control system are measured and stored during a calibration sequence for later use in the control of an implement coupled to an attachment member of the vehicle. A control method for a vehicle is also provided in which correction factors are generated from measurements of battery voltage or a solenoid coil parameter, and applied to control signals generated by a control circuit.

Miniaturized solenoid operated trip device

Abstract: A solenoid operated circuit breaker trip device has a base defining a guide channel (38) and an actuator (32) that slides in the guide channel and interacts with a contact breaking mechanism (24) having a trip bar (36) operable to make or break electrical contacts. A spring (34) biases the actuator toward the trip bar. A solenoid (28) on the base electromagnetically displaces a plunger (62) along a linear path and is coupled to a trigger (26) having a latching surface (46) that holds or releases the actuator. The guide channel runs parallel to the path of the plunger, adjacent the solenoid. The trigger is L-shaped and pivoted on a pivot pin (52) between two legs (54,56) of its L-shape, on an axis transverse to the path of the plunger. One of the two trigger legs (56) is coupled to the plunger, and the other (54) has an engagement surface that is moved behind a complementary surface (44) of the actuator to selectively block its displacement. The base can be a slotted frame attached to the solenoid or a molded housing having an interior cavity for receiving the solenoid. A return spring (84) urges the trigger toward the latching position.

Solenoid drive circuit

Abstract: A solenoid drive circuit comprises a timing circuit which activates a voltage control circuit causing a voltage regulator to reduce the voltage output by the driver circuit from a high initial level to a lower holding level sufficient for the solenoid to remain energized. The timing circuit comprises a resistor and capacitor in parallel and the duration of the initial higher voltage output is inversely proportional to the input voltage level. The timing circuit activates a transister in the control circuit changing the equivalent resistance between the adjustment terminal of the voltage regulator and ground thereby causing a reduction in the output voltage.

Circuit Breaker Trip Solenoid Having Over-Travel Mechanism

Abstract: For a circuit breaker a trip solenoid assembly is provided for initiating separation of a pair of contacts within the circuit breaker. The trip solenoid assembly incorporates a solenoid having a metal sleeve with a plunger that moves reciprocatingly within the metal sleeve. A cap is disposed at one end of the plunger having a tab extending therefrom with a tab aperture therein. The plunger has a slot defined by a pair of prongs for receiving the tab, the pair of prongs each have a plunger aperture therein. A retaining pin located within the cap aperture and the plunger apertures retains the cap on the plunger together. The retaining pin retains the cap to the plunger in such a way as to allow the cap and the plunger to have relational movement with respect to each other. A compression spring is positioned between the solenoid and the retaining pin for biasing the plunger in a direction away from the solenoid so that when the solenoid is energized the plunger will move in a direction away from the solenoid.

Dual-latching solenoid-actuated valve assembly

Abstract: A tube-type shutoff valve is electrically positioned to its open or closed position by a concentric electromagnetic solenoid. The valve is dual latching in that the armature of the solenoid maintains the sliding tube of the valve in an open or closed position by means of permanent magnets which are effective when current is not supplied to the solenoid. The valve may also be actuated manually.

Electrohydraulic fan control

Abstract: An electrohydraulic fan control system includes an engine, a hydraulic pump, hydraulic lines, a hydraulic cooling fan, and a solenoid controlled hydraulic valve. The engine includes an electronic control circuit which generates a control signal based on various temperature sensors which is used by the hydraulic valve to control the speed of the cooling fan.

Valve timing controller for use with internal combustion engine

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is equipped with a valve timing controller capable of minimizing the electric power consumption and frictional wear of elements. The valve timing controller can vary the valve timing of valves. A camshaft is moved axially forwardly or rearwardly by electrically energizing an outer solenoid clutch or a brake releasing solenoid, respectively. An axial movement of the camshaft results in a change in valve timing. With the exception of a transient period during which the valve timing is being varied, both the brake releasing solenoid and the outer clutch are electrically deenergized to thereby reduce the electric power consumption, and both of them are maintained out of contact with a displaceable disc 13 to thereby reduce frictional wear thereof.

Method and apparatus of vehicle transmission control by assured minimum pulse width

Abstract: Pulse frequency modulation is used to control brakes and clutches 10 which are operated by fluid pressure actuators 22 controlled by electrically actuated solenoid valves 28. Short pulse periods for all duty cycles are generated by feedback from the solenoid valve 28 or from the actuator 22. In one circuit an electrical control 30 triggers a flip-flop 38 which starts solenoid current. Solenoid movement results in back-emf and its effects on the solenoid flux field or current is detected and used as a feedback signal to reset the flip-flop 38 to thereby turn off the current as soon as the valve 28 is operated. In another circuit, a computer control 30' emits a command for a certain pulse period. Actuator pressure or position is monitored to produce a feedback signal to the computer. If the signal is not received, the pulse period is increased for the next pulse command so that a sufficient pulse period will be found. If the magnitude of the actuator response exceeds a threshold, the pulse period is decreased for the next pulse command. Pulse width modulation may also be improved by the same technique for minimizing the pulse period at the lowest duty cycles and yet assuring actuation.

Self-holding type solenoid valves

Abstract: A self-holding type solenoid valve has an exciting coil 1 and an exciting circuit that switches the direction of flow of exciting current passing through the coil. When a positive exciting current flows through the coil, a movable iron core is attracted to a stationary iron core and held in the attracted position by a self-contained permanent magnet. When a reversed current flows through the coil, a return spring releases the movable iron core away from the stationary iron core.

Circuit breaker remote closing operator

Abstract: A remote closing operator is positioned within a circuit breaker enclosure to allow remote operation of the circuit breaker operating mechanism to open and close the circuit breaker contacts. A pair of solenoids are employed to control the state of the contact closing springs. The first solenoid is energized to initially release the contact closing springs and the second solenoid is energized to interrupt the flow of current to the first solenoid.

Parking brake system

Abstract: An automatic parking brake system for a vehicle with an electric starter motor with a conventional solenoid and also a modified contactor assembly that is used to selectively activate the motor and set the wheel brake of a vehicle. An additional solenoid is used to activate the same modified contactor assembly that activates the starter motor and the rotational movement is transmitted through a gear assembly to a reciprocating teethed bar that in turn causes a linear pulling force to set the brake assembly typically found in one or more of a vehicle's wheels. The system is selectively ignited by a switch that could be part of the ignition switch and it also includes a tension detector that interrupts the pulling action on the wheel brake after if reaches a predetermined maximum, typically when the wheel brake is set. Other switches in series are used to condition the operation of the pulling force to the occurrence or absence of certain conditions to ensure the proper functioning of the system, and visual or audio alarms are included to alert a user to such malfunctions. A spring assembly is adapted to return the teethed bar to its original position when the additional solenoid is deactivated.

Apparatus for limiting horsepower output of an engine and method of operating same

Abstract: A horsepower limiting engine control limits the maximum engine horsepower output during operating conditions that might result in torque outputs that are greater than the transmission component ratings. The control includes an electronic controller connected to solenoid driver circuitry, an engine speed sensor and a gear selector. The solenoid driver circuitry energizes a solenoid in response to an engine speed less than a first predetermined engine speed value. The solenoid causes a moveable stop to retract permitting the engine to produce full rated power. The electronic controller causes the solenoid circuitry to de-energize and extend the moveable stop in response to the engine speed exceeding a second predetermined engine speed value and the gear selector being in a predetermined position.

Conductor designs for the ITER toroidal and poloidal magnet systems

Abstract: The superconductors for the ITER will utilize the cable-in-conduit Nb/sub 3/Sn strands. The protection and stability requirements for the coils require that the operating currents will be at the 50 kA level and that the cables are composed of hundreds of strands. The design features for the toroidal field solenoid conductors are given, together with their expected performance characteristics. The expected critical properties are given as well as the results of stability and quench computations. The status of the conductor development and testing program is summarised and conductor R&D plans for the future are outlined. >

Arrangement of solenoid valves, a central plug and a printed circuit board on a control housing of an automatic shift device of a toothed-wheel variable-speed gearbox

Abstract: In an arrangement of solenoid valves, a central plug and a printed circuit board on a control housing of a shift device of a toothed-wheel variable-speed gearbox, the printed circuit board which secures the central plug via a receptacle is clamped in directly on the control housing with the involvement of retainers for the solenoid valves.

PWM multiplexed solenoid driver

Abstract: This invention relates to driving solenoid and motor loads while providing the means for fast turn on and fast turn off. Many applications including automotive fuel injector drivers, Anti-Skid Braking (ABS) solenoid and motor drivers, and other electro-mechanical motion control require the ability to quickly turn on or off a number of devices. The invention utilizes a bridge architecture to drive the loads and to turn on and off individual devices. The invention employs a diode and a switch for each device controlled plus a single master diode and a single master switch. The invention thereby reduces the number of components needed to control N devices to 2*N+2 from prior art half bridge circuit 4*N. Novel techniques and algorithms are used to multiplex the single master switch and control multiple inductive devices. The system provides redundant control and error checking means to preclude single point failure mechanisms.

Anti-hijacking and theft prevention device for motor vehicles

Abstract: An anti-hijacking and theft prevention device for motor vehicles having a fuel restricting solenoid valve assembly including an interchangeable solenoid operated fuel restricting valve and a circuit for operating the system. The solenoid operated fuel restricting valve is installed in the vehicle's fuel line. When the ignition key is inserted into the ignition switch of a vehicle and turned to the "on" position and the engine is started, a timer will start to count down from a predetermined period of time. If the system is not disabled by activating a hidden switch during the count down period, the solenoid operated fuel restricting valve moves from an open position to a closed position. The solenoid valve has a small valve orifice which allows only a small restricted amount of fuel to flow through the valve assembly in the fuel line. While the amount of fuel is sufficient to keep the engine from stalling, the vehicle will be capable of a speed of no more than 5 to 10 miles per hour.

Magnetic latching solenoid

Abstract: This invention discloses a D.C. magnetic latching solenoid that retains a moving armature in a first or second position by means of a pair of magnets, thereby having a zero-power requirement after actuation. The first or second position is selected by reversing the polarity of the D.C. voltage which is enough to overcome the holding power of either magnet and transfer the armature to an opposite position. The coil is then de-energized.

Shift solenoid functional test strategy for an automatic transmission control system having electronic shift controllers

Abstract: A diagnostic strategy for an automatic transmission having electronic shift control solenoids for controlling application and release of clutches and brakes during the establishment and disestablishment of torque ratios in multiple-ratio gearing for the transmission wherein provision is made for developing diagnostic data that detects failure modes due to a faulty shift solenoid by using predetermined failure modes stored in the RAM portion of a microprocessor and comparing those known failure modes to the actual performance of the shift solenoids.