Abstract:
A fluid flow regulator has a body defining a tapered central passageway. A ferrous or magnetic ball is disposed within the central passageway and may be biased to a predetermined location within the passageway by a spring. An electromagnet is disposed at one end of the passageway. Varying electrical power to the electromagnet attracts or repels the ball thereby moving it to different locations within the tapered passageway to vary the flow through the passageway.
Abstract:
An in-line or in situ filter is disclosed for filtering fluid flowing through a hydraulic system, and particularly an automotive hydraulic system. The filter has a magnetic base with a central opening at its outlet end and a seat with a central opening at its inlet. The base and the seat are joined by a cylindrical filter element made of a magnetically susceptible mesh screen material. A spring within the filter element biases a ball against the central opening of the seat normally sealing off the opening and forcing fluid to flow through the filter element to be filtered before exiting through the central opening of the base. If the mesh screen becomes clogged, backpressure forces the ball away from the seat against the bias of the spring to allow fluid to bypass the filter element and flow directly through the filter. In the process, ferrous debris entrained within the fluid flow continues to be captured by attraction to the magnetic base and the magnetized filter element.
Abstract:
A fluid flow regulator has a body defining a tapered central passageway. A ferrous or magnetic ball is disposed within the central passageway and may be biased to a predetermined location within the passageway by a spring. An electromagnet is disposed at one end of the passageway. Varying electrical power to the electromagnet attracts or repels the ball thereby moving it to different locations within the tapered passageway to vary the flow through the passageway.
Abstract:
An in-line or in situ filter is disclosed for filtering fluid flowing through a hydraulic system, and particularly an automotive hydraulic system. The filter has a magnetic base with a central opening at its outlet end and a seat with a central opening at its inlet. The base and the seat are joined by a cylindrical filter element made of a magnetically susceptible mesh screen material. A spring within the filter element biases a ball against the central opening of the seat normally sealing off the opening and forcing fluid to flow through the filter element to be filtered before exiting through the central opening of the base. If the mesh screen becomes clogged, backpressure forces the ball away from the seat against the bias of the spring to allow fluid to bypass the filter element and flow directly through the filter. In the process, ferrous debris entrained within the fluid flow continues to be captured by attraction to the magnetic base and the magnetized filter element.