Logic element switches flows of low pressure process control fluid in fluidics assemblies. Device operates both electrically and fluidically and is controlled by passing permanent magnet or electromagnet over elements, thus providing proximity switching functions

Makowski, M. J.

Mangion, C.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

1972	 B72-10011 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
Ames Research Center 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield,' Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Off i ce, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Ferromagnetic-Fluid Logic Devices 
The ferromagnetic-fluid logic element depicted 
schematically in the diagram utilizes the motion of 
a captive plug of ferromagnetic fluid to switch flows 
of low-pressure process-control fluid in fluidics assem-
blies. The field, sustained by the permanent magnet, 
Inputs Process Fluid 
Process Fluid Control Ports 
traps the ferromagnetic fluid and makes it cohesive 
so as to prevent its migration into the control chan-
nels. Electromagnets are used to move the ferro-
magnetic-fluid slug so as to open or close control-fluid 
channels and thus to provide the desired logic or 
valving function. It is also possible to move the slug 
with a process-fluid signal introduced axially to the 
slug's motion or by an overpressurization at one 
control port and a corresponding lowering of pres-
sure at another. Thus, it is possible to operate the 
logic element both electrically and fluidically.
Logic elements of this type can be controlled by 
passing a permanent magnet or an electromagnet over 
them thus providingj'proximity" switching functions 
similar to magnetic "reed" type switches; when oper-
ated in this way, a completely closed fluid logic 
system can be used to control machines or other 
devices. Because ferromagnetic fluids can be moved 
magnetically, the fluid control device described above 
can be considered to be more reliable than devices 
in which fluid flow is switched by mechanical means. 
The device exhibits memory, for a short-duration 
electrical signal switches the ferromagnetic-fluid slug 
from one position to another. 
Note: 
No additional documentation is available. Specific 
questions, however, may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Ames Research Center 
Moffett Field, California 94035 
Reference: B72-1001 1 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: M. J. Makowski and
C. Mangion of
TRW Systems Group, TRW, Inc. 
under contract to
Ames Research Center 
(ARC-10503) 
Process Fluid Controlled Outputs 	 Ferromagnetic Fluid
Actuation 
Permanent Magnet	 Electromagnet 
is Electromagnet	 Process Fluid\	 . 
Control Port
Category 06 
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Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
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Ferromagnetic-fluid logic devices

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