Festo Ag & Co

Festo Ag & Co. Kg

Oliver Ahrens

Wolfgang Benecke

Josef Binder

Frank J Langro

Frank Latino

Karl-Heinz Förster

Karl-Heinz F&ouml;rster

Otto Szenn

Wjatscheslaw Missal

Thomas Stärz

Thomas St&auml;rz

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the functional status of an electromagnetic valve having a solenoid and plunger including determining the electro-mechanical switching time of a valve based on characteristics of an electrical characteristic responsive to the solenoid; comparing the valve electro-mechanical switching time to a predetermined value; and generating a valve status signal dependant on the results of the comparison.

Method and apparatus for monitoring and determining the functional status of an electromagnetic valve

A circuit board, which includes one or more sensors, is integrated in a fluid control device, such as a valve manifold and a base plate. The fluid control device selectively directs a fluid used to control pneumatic or hydraulic equipment. The sensors are used to measure physical characteristics of the fluid, such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature. A flow sensor includes a paddle and a support member. The paddle is disposed at least partially in an orifice and is displaced in response to fluid flow. The support member positions the paddle in the orifice and includes a plurality of strain gauges. The strain gauges are disposed on only one side of the support member and are mechanically stressed in response to the paddle being displaced by the fluid flow.

Integrated fluid sensing device

A circuit board, which includes one or more sensors, is integrated in a fluid control device, such as a valve manifold and a base plate. The fluid control device selectively directs a fluid used to control pneumatic or hydraulic equipment. The sensors are used to measure physical characteristics of the fluid, such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature.

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Bremen, Germany

Oliver Ahrens