US 12,392,419 B2
Electromagnetically activated pipe valve
David Yakos, Bozeman, MT (US); Stephen Sanford, Bozeman, MT (US); and Robert K. Burgess, Sheridan, WY (US)
Assigned to MagDrive Technologies, Inc., Bozeman, MT (US)
Filed by MagDrive Technologies, Inc., Bozeman, MT (US)
Filed on Apr. 2, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/624,528.
Application 18/624,528 is a continuation in part of application No. 18/096,383, filed on Jan. 12, 2023, granted, now 11,976,742.
Prior Publication US 2024/0247731 A1, Jul. 25, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. F16K 31/08 (2006.01); F16K 1/14 (2006.01); F16K 31/04 (2006.01)
CPC F16K 31/043 (2013.01) [F16K 1/14 (2013.01); F16K 31/082 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An electromagnetically actuated valve system, comprising:
at least one valve blocking mechanism positioned within a pipe, wherein, in an open position, the at least one valve blocking mechanism substantially allows fluid flow through the pipe, and wherein, in a closed position, the at least one valve blocking mechanism substantially prohibits fluid through the pipe;
a valve stem mechanically coupled with the at least one valve blocking mechanism, such that rotation of the valve stem causes the at least one valve blocking mechanism to change between the open position, the closed position, and one or more semi-open positions between the open position and the closed position;
a center gear attached to a stop of the valve stem;
an actuator stem, connected to a plurality of planet gears, configured to intermesh with the center gear of the valve stem;
one or more permanent magnets embedded in indentations on an exterior of a magnetic carrier surrounding a section of the actuator stem, wherein the indentations have a rectangular profile;
a valve housing sealingly enclosing the at least one valve blocking mechanism, the valve stem, the actuator stem, the center gear, the plurality of planet gears, and the one or more permanent magnets, wherein the valve housing includes at least one magnetic containment chamber surrounding the one or more permanent magnets;
at least one electromagnet connected to an external surface of the at least one magnetic containment chamber; and
a controller electrically connected to the at least one electromagnet;
wherein the actuator stem includes an upper cylindrical portion connected with a lower base, with a plurality of prongs extending downwardly from the lower base;
wherein the magnetic carrier surrounds the upper cylindrical portion of the actuator stem, and wherein the plurality of planet gears are directly connected with the plurality of prongs;
wherein the controller alternates the at least one valve blocking mechanism between the open position, the closed position, and the one or more semi-open positions by activating the at least one electromagnet; and
wherein the magnetic containment chamber is formed from at least one substantially non-ferromagnetic material.