Pneumatic module
US6955337B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/5987
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pneumatic module includes an actuator assembly and a manifold. The actuator assembly includes a main body having a bore, an armature, overmolded primary and secondary plates, a coil and a frame. The manifold includes a valve seat, a control port and a supply port. When the actuator is in a de-energized state, the armature is forced against the valve seat by a spring, sealing off the supply port from the control port. When the actuator is in an energized state, current flows through the coil, thereby generating a magnetic field. The magnetic field forces the armature to move toward the primary plate, causing the valve seat becomes unsealed. Once the valve seat is unsealed, fluid flow is permitted between the supply port and the control port. The one end of the armature has an endcap to minimize mechanical noise generated by movement of the armature against the spring. The frame surrounding the actuator assembly has flanges extending from both ends. These flanges correspond to wells located within the manifold. The flanges and wells are configured such that when the flanges are inserted into the wells, the actuator assembly can be twisted and locked into the manifold without requir…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.