A solenoid actuator is described. The solenoid actuator comprises an armature, pole piece(s), electromagnet coil(s) arranged, in response to energisation, to cause travel of the armature between first and second positions along a direction of travel, permanent magnet(s) positioned and orientated for latching the armature in at least the first position when the armature is in the first position and spring(s) arranged to bias the armature. The solenoid actuator can be operated to provide partial lift.

A solenoid actuator is described. The solenoid actuator comprises an armature, pole piece(s), electromagnet coil(s) arranged, in response to energization, to cause travel of the armature between first and second positions along a direction of travel, permanent magnet(s) positioned and orientated for latching the armature in at least the first position when the armature is in the first position and spring(s) arranged to bias the armature. The solenoid actuator can be operated to provide partial lift.

Methods and systems are provided for periodically activating a vehicle engine such that issues that may occur responsive to engine inactivity, such as rust and the sticking of components of the valve train, may be prevented. In one example, a vehicle engine increment off timer is used to monitor a duration wherein the vehicle engine has not been active, and responsive to expiration of the timer, spinning the engine unfueled in reverse while concurrently activating an onboard pump to direct air and fuel vapor to be stored in a fuel vapor canister. In this way, periodic engine lubrication operations may be conducted that do not require the use of fueled engine operation, thereby improving fuel economy and reducing undesired evaporative emissions.

An apparatus for controlling operation of an electromagnetically-activated actuator includes an activation controller that is one of integrated within a connector assembly of the actuator and integrated into a power transmission cable in close proximity to the actuator. The activation controller comprises a control module configured to generate an actuator command signal, and an actuator driver comprising a bi-directional current driver. The actuator driver is configured to receive the actuator command signal from the control module and generate an activation command signal for controlling the direction and amplitude of the current provided to the actuator.

An electromagnetic actuator includes an electrical coil and a high permeability magnetic flux path. The magnetic flux path includes a magnetic core, an armature and a flux return structure. The electromagnetic actuator further includes a flux sensor which is integrated within the actuator and is configured to detect a magnetic flux within the high permeability magnetic flux path.

An apparatus with a circuit arrangement having four actuatable switching elements and three output connections for actuating two magnetic actuator coils. A first switching element is connected between a first supply voltage connection for a high potential of a supply voltage source and a first output connection. A second switching element is connected between the first supply voltage connection and a second output connection. A third switching element is connected between a third output connection and a second supply voltage connection for low potential of the supply voltage source. A fourth switching element is connected between the second output connection and the second supply voltage connection. A magnetic actuator arrangement is electrically connected to the circuit arrangement via lines and includes two magnetic actuator coils and three actuator connections.

An apparatus for closed loop operation of a solenoid-activated actuator includes an external control module and a power source which are electrically and operatively coupled to an activation controller of the actuator. The external control module and the power source are located externally to the actuator. The apparatus further includes an activation controller which is integrated within the body of the actuator. The activation controller includes a control module and an actuator driver and is configured to communicate with the external control module and to receive electrical power from the power source. The apparatus additionally includes at least one sensor device which is integrated within the body of the actuator and is electrically and operatively coupled to the activation controller. The at least one sensor device is configured to measure one or more parameters during operation of the actuator and the measured parameters are provided as feedback to the activation controller.