Multi-force actuator valve with multiple operating modes

Abstract

A multi-force actuator valve invention including a radially polarized permanent magnet, a pair of associated electromagnetic coils, a movable magnetically operated armature member, a valve located to be actuated by movement of the armature member, and mechanical force exerting means located and positioned to exert a force on the movable magnetically operated armature member. The multi-force actuator valve invention has electrical current control input means for supplying and controlling electrical current to the electromagnetic coils for controlling the movable magnetically operated armature member. The electrical current control input means for supplying and controlling electrical current to the electromagnetic coils for controlling the movable magnetically operated armature member has a plurality of types of controls that allow the multi-force actuator valve invention to operate or function as a plurality of types of valves such as a latching valve or a modulating valve. The electrical current control input means also has switching means for switching between the plurality of types of controls for permitting the multi-force actuator valve invention to be switched from one type of valve to another. In the preferred embodiments the electrical current control input means includes an H-bridge circuit and a modulating circuit.