James D Spear

US Patent:

7578481, Aug 25, 2009

Filed:

Feb 25, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/066176

Inventors:

Gregory H. Smith - Placentia CA, US
James D. Spear - Orange CA, US
Fernando C. Teran - Placentia CA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

F16K 31/02
B64G 1/40

US Classification:

2441711, 2441722, 25112904, 25112905, 25112906, 25112915, 361160

Abstract:

A digital programmable driver for a solenoid valve comprises at least one valve driver circuit for opening and closing the valve and a controller capable of sending an output signal to the valve driver circuit. The valve driver circuit comprises a power switch for providing current to the valve in order to open the valve. The output signal sent by the controller directs the power switch of the valve driver circuit to provide current to the valve, thereby causing the valve to open. The controller receives a plurality of parameter values, and responsive to the plurality of parameter values, calculates a rise time, a pull-in duty cycle, a fall time, and a hold duty cycle so as to modify the output signal sent to the valve driver circuit. The plurality of parameter values comprises valve resistance, valve inductance, supply voltage, valve pull-in current, valve hold current, and valve pull-in time.