Method of controlling microvalve actuator
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of controlling an actuator of a microvalve comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a controller for supplying a voltage to an actuator of a microvalve;
(b) providing an initial constant voltage from the controller to the actuator which is effective to actuate the microvalve; and
(c) providing a pulsed voltage from the controller to the actuator which is effective to continue the actuation of the microvalve.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
In a method of controlling an actuator of a microvalve, a controller is provided for supplying a voltage to the actuator. The controller provides an initial voltage to the actuator which is effective to actuate the microvalve. Then, the controller provides a pulsed voltage to the actuator which is effective to continue the actuation of the microvalve.
-
Citations
27 Claims
-
1. A method of controlling an actuator of a microvalve comprising the steps of:
-
(a) providing a controller for supplying a voltage to an actuator of a microvalve;
(b) providing an initial constant voltage from the controller to the actuator which is effective to actuate the microvalve; and
(c) providing a pulsed voltage from the controller to the actuator which is effective to continue the actuation of the microvalve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 26)
-
-
14. A controller for controlling an actuator of a microvalve comprising:
-
a logic circuit having an input port and an output port, the logic circuit being responsive to a trigger signal at the input port to generate a constant output signal at the output port for a predetermined amount of time after which the logic circuit generates a pulsed output signal at the output port; and
a normally open switch adapted to be connected between a power source and a microvalve actuator, the switch having a control port connected to the logic circuit output port and responsive to the output signal to close for the predetermined amount of time in order to provide an initial constant voltage to the microvalve actuator, and then to alternatingly open and close in response to the pulsed output signal in order to provide a pulsed voltage to the microvalve actuator. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27)
-
-
24. A method of operating a microvalve in a vehicle control system, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(a) providing a controller connected between a power source and a microvalve actuator;
(b) providing a constant voltage to the microvalve actuator upon the controller receiving a trigger; and
(c) providing a pulsed voltage to the microvalve actuator upon elapse of a predetermined time period. - View Dependent Claims (25)
-
Specification