Patent ID: 7047919

Claim:
Apparatus for operating a valve of an internal combustion engine, comprising: a first polarized type electromagnet comprising a permanent magnet and a winding; a second electromagnet comprising a winding; a spring; and a member connected to said valve, and displaceable by said first electromagnet, said second electromagnet and said spring to shift said valve to either an open position or a close position, and wherein said member is at a first position near said first electromagnet when said valve is in said closed position and held at said first position in the absence of a current in said winding of said first electromagnet, and at a second position near said second electromagnet when said valve is in said open position and held at said second position for a non-zero current in said winding of said second electromagnet; a detection means for detecting a failure in said winding of said first electromagnet or said winding of said second electromagnet; and a safety means for applying a current to said winding of a non-failing electromagnet permitting said valve to be placed in said closed position when said detection means detects said failure.