The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 02, 2000
Filed:
Nov. 19, 1998
Donald J Benson, Columbus, IN (US);
Laszlo D Tikk, Columbus, IN (US);
David L Buchanan, Westport, IN (US);
Byron J Bunker, Columbus, IN (US);
Cummins Engine Company, Inc., Columbus, IN (US);
Abstract
A solenoid actuated valve assembly is provided which achieves accurate control of valve movement while maximizing valve seat life. Specifically, the solenoid actuated flow control valve assembly includes a valve plunger, a solenoid actuator including a coil and an armature, and an armature overtravel feature for permitting continued movement of the armature relative to the valve plunger from an engaged position into a disengaged position when the valve plunger reaches a closed position. The armature overtravel feature includes an overtravel biasing spring for returning the armature from the disengaged position to the engaged position prior to subsequent energization of the actuator coil. As a result, the overtravel feature minimizes the mass impacting the valve seat thereby extending valve seat life while, importantly, avoiding lost motion in the armature during the next actuation cycle thereby minimizing valve response time. The flow control valve also includes an armature protecting feature for minimizing armature wear by preventing the armature from contacting the valve plunger and an armature stop.