Method and apparatus for controlling and detecting the position of a solenoid-operated valve element
US5995356A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02D2041/2075
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling a solenoid-operated valve element are provided. The valve element is movable between first and second end positions, and is urgable toward the first end position by magnetic attraction caused by activation of the solenoid and is normally urged toward the second end position. The method further enables detection of the time at which the valve element returns to the second end position from the first end position after deactivation of the solenoid. The method includes activating the solenoid by sending current from a current source through the solenoid to urge the valve element to the first end position, deactivating the solenoid by disconnecting the solenoid from the current source so that the valve element is urged toward the second end position, reconnecting the second end of the solenoid to the second pole of the current source a predetermined time after the solenoid is deactivated such that remaining energy in the solenoid generates a measuring current, and measuring the measuring current to detect a first predetermined characteristic change in the measuring current which occurs when the valve element has returned to the second end position…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.