초록 ▼

Improved magnetostrictive materials are combined in a novel arrangement to provide a transducer of the electromechanical type particularly suited for the precise control of fluid flow. An embodiment according to this invention comprises a valve assembly having a discharge ported, cylindrical housing

Improved magnetostrictive materials are combined in a novel arrangement to provide a transducer of the electromechanical type particularly suited for the precise control of fluid flow. An embodiment according to this invention comprises a valve assembly having a discharge ported, cylindrical housing of a material exhibiting positive magnetostriction, a plunger of a material exhibiting negative magnetostriction disposed within the housing, the plunger provided with a tapered nose initially in close fitment within the discharge port to restrain the flow of fluids, and means to create a magnetic field around the assembly. As the materials are exposed to the magnetic field the housing expands relative to the contracting plunger, causing the plunger to separate from close, seated fitment within the discharge port, thereby allowing flow through the port. One of the materials may be selected from a non-magnetostrictive material. An alternative embodiment according to this invention comprises a magnetostrictive member interconnected to a plate slidably disposed within a conduit, said plate having an aperture adapted for alignment with the interior conduit passageway, and means to create a magnetic field around the magnetostrictive member. As the member is exposed to the magnetic field, the plate aperture is adjusted within the conduit passageway to control the flow of fluids.

대표청구항 ▼

A magnetostrictive valve for control of the flow of fluids, comprising: a conduit having a passageway for flow; means for varying the amount of flow within the passageway, including a plate slidably disposed transversely to the conduit and having at least one aperture positionable in communication w

A magnetostrictive valve for control of the flow of fluids, comprising: a conduit having a passageway for flow; means for varying the amount of flow within the passageway, including a plate slidably disposed transversely to the conduit and having at least one aperture positionable in communication with the passageway; means for producing a magnetic field; magnetostrictive control means external to the conduit and isolated from the flow; the control means being made from one or more alloys of iron and one or more rare earth metals; connecting means to interconnect said magnetostrictive control means means to the flow varying means, whereupon producing a magnetic field about the magnetostrictive control means, the plate aperture is adjusted with respect to the passageway thereby controlling the flow of fluids through the conduit, feedback control means adapted to adjust the magnetic field about the magnetostrictive control means; a flow sensor adapted to generate an output value representative of the actual flow through the conduit; and immobile flow comparator means to compare a value representative of a desired flow through the conduit with said output value to produce a signal to regulate said feedback control means, whereby the plate aperture is adjusted with respect to the passage to establish and maintain a desired flow through the passageway.