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:
Jul. 17, 2001
Filed:
Nov. 02, 1999
Leonard W. Jenski, Roselle, IL (US);
Kevin G. Nowobilski, Orland Hills, IL (US);
Bay E. Estes, Palatine, IL (US);
Ranco Incorporated of Delaware, Wilmington, DE (US);
Abstract
A driver circuit for a latching type valve is provided which utilizes an electronic switch assembly to provide the dual polarity necessary to actuate the latching type valve to both its open and closed states. The driver circuitry includes a microprocessor and a slope detector circuit for monitoring the coil current used to energize the valve solenoid to determine when the valve armature has moved to its fully actuated position. The driver circuit preferably utilizes power MOSFET devices in the switch assembly configured into an H-bridge to drive the solenoid coil. Advantageously, the user of power MOSFET devices eliminates the necessity for a current sense resistor in the control circuitry, thereby decreasing power dissipation and increasing efficiency of the drive circuit, thereby prolonging the battery life used to drive the valve. A pulse of fixed duration may be utilized to transition the valve to an OFF position, or a second slope detector may be implemented to control the transition to the OFF position in like manner. Monitoring of the actual time required to actuate the valve may be utilized to signal low battery voltage or a failed valve, if desired.