Patent ID: 6483688
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: F16K,H01F

Abstract:
A circuit for controlling a pneumatic valve, said control circuit comprising:a solenoid having a coil and a permanent magnet, said coil having a first end and a second end; a first switching circuit electrically connected to said first and second ends of said coil to allow a current to pass therethrough in a first direction to move said permanent magnet in a first axial direction thereby biasing a valve member in a first direction; a second switching circuit electrically connected to said first and second ends of said coil to allow a current to pass therethrough in a second direction to move said permanent magnet in a second axial direction thereby allowing the valve member to be biased in a second direction; and said first switching circuit including a first bipolar junction transistor connected to said first end of said coil and a second MOSFET transistor connected to said second end of said coil, said second circuit including a third bipolar junction transistor connected to said first end of said coil and a second MOSFET transistor connected to said second end of said coil.