Parker-hannifin Corporation

Ldi Pneutronics Corporation

Andreas A Weiss

David P Cross

Andrew J Farkas

Robert F Irwin

Thomas R Londo

Charles C Schelberg, Jr

William C Klebusch

Richard L Dalton, Jr

William R Clark

Paul D Mercier

Jr Charles C Schelberg

An analytical system and method that enables more efficient transport of movable devices () among stations (). According to one aspect of the invention, the system and method permit operational timesharing of a transport mechanism () for the movable devices. According to another aspect of the invention, control of the transport mechanism is effected on an event-driven basis. The invention has particular application to an adaptive, motion and fluids system for automating the sample handling/management process associated with analytical processes and especially bioanalytical processes such as introducing samples into LC and HPLC systems.

Robotic handling system and method with independently operable detachable tools

A valve assembly includes a valve with a bobbin/valve body, a solenoid and a plunger. The bobbin/valve body is formed in one piece, and defines all of the valve's inlet/outlet ports and forms the entire support structure for the solenoid and the plunger. The valve may be connected to a manifold by press-fitting port nipples of the valve into corresponding channels in the manifold. The manifold is formed of a resilient, elastomeric material, and the port nipples include radial projecting barbs, which enable the valve to be fluidly-connected to the manifold without additional O-ring seals or other mechanical sealing devices. Fittings with barbs can likewise be press-fit in other channels of the manifold to connect the valve assembly with fluid lines or other components in the fluid system. The fittings can also be provided unitary with the manifold, and/or adhesively attached to the manifold and/or to the fluid lines and other components.

Solenoid valve and method for making same

A valve includes a bobbin/valve body, a solenoid and a plunger. The bobbin/valve body is formed in one piece, defines all of the valve's inlet/outlet ports and forms the entire support structure for the solenoid and the plunger. To assemble the valve, a plunger body is inserted into the bobbin/valve body through an end opening into a longitudinal bore and a spring positioned to bias the plunger body to a normally closed position. A pole piece is then inserted through the end opening into the longitudinal bore and attached to the bobbin/valve body. A solenoid coil is wound around a central cylindrical section of the bobbin/valve body, and terminal pins and a flux conductor are attached to the bobbin/valve body. The attachment of the pole piece, the terminal pins, and/or the flux conductor may be accomplished by press-fit and/or swage coupling techniques.

Multi-port solenoid valve and its assembly

Manifold for valve assembly

Valve and method of making the same

A solenoid-actuated toggle valve includes a valve housing enclosing a solenoid, a valve arm and a seal element. The solenoid includes an armature movable in the axial direction in an armature chamber. The valve arm has one end in the armature chamber which is connected to the armature in such a manner that the valve arm moves in the axial direction with respect to the armature, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Preferably, the connection comprises an elongated slot which is received around a narrow portion at the end of the armature. The valve arm extends through an opening in the housing to a valve chamber. The valve arm has a pivot axis at the opening which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the armature. The seal surrounds the opening to the valve chamber around the valve arm and has a sleeve which is received over the free end of the valve arm. When the valve arm pivots, the sleeve has surfaces which seal flush against the opening to inlet and outlet passages into the valve chamber.

Solenoid actuated toggle valve

The invention features a coupler that is substantially disposed around an armature, and is constructed to provide an axial force-transmitting relationship between a carrier and the armature for blocking and unblocking the passage of fluids between the first and second passages. The force-transmitting relationship is characterized by the carrier being capable of axial movement relative to the armature, while the carrier substantially following the motion of the armature for both blocking and unblocking the passage of fluids between the first and second passages. The coupler includes coaxially nested coupling and blocking springs that provide equal spring forces and are removed from the direct passage of fluid between the first and second fluid passages. The solenoid is reversible in orientation such that the electrical connectors can be situated on either the manifold face, or 180.degree. on the opposite face.

Controlling the flow of fluids using solenoid-actuated valves

Growing community of inventors

Nashua, NH, United States of America

Andreas A Weiss