We began manufacturing solenoid coils in 1940. Demand quickly led to the development of solenoid assemblies and ultimately to solenoid-operated pneumatic, fuel & hydraulic control valves for aircraft. The evolution of this technology is built into every valve we design, develop and manufacture.
The development of space exploration and nuclear power found us in a technological position to supply life support hardware for Gemini, Apollo and the Lunar Excursion Module, as well as reactor controls for the Navy's surface and undersea fleet.
A period of extensive aerospace involvement ensued in both commercial and military programs. Applications included:
- Aircraft pneumatic, hydraulic and fuel system controls
- Turbine engine fuel and compressor bleed pneumatic controls
- Anti-icing valves (high temperature pneumatic type)
- Missile, torpedo & other ordinance systems
In 1979, we acquired a line of solenoid-operated control valves from ITT Controls used in commercial and DOD programs and we continue to supply a sampling of these valves to those markets.
Around 1980, we aimed development towards the medical healthcare industry and began one of our most successful ventures ever with the launch of the Servoid® Valve, our patented suspended armature proportional flow control product. The Servoid® Valve helped to revolutionize the way critical-care and anesthesia ventilator manufacturers control volume and breath waveform, giving medical technicians the ability to respond to patients' needs faster and more effectively than ever before.
In the early 1990's, we recognized a need for the management of aggressive and corrosive liquids commonly found in bio-medical instruments and introduced our line of Inert Isolation Valves. This product line continues to grow and find new applications beyond the hemodialysis and blood chemistry markets for which it was originally designed.
In early 1994, we made an acquisition of the Futurecraft Corporation, a company with a long history of designing innovative space and aircraft products. The acquisition widened our range of aerospace product offerings, adding regulators, quick disconnect couplings, squib-actuated valves, fill and vent valves, check valves and relief valves, as well as complimenting SBC’s existing line of 2-way and 3-way solenoid valves.
The Servoid® Valve also found applications in aircraft technology. It is used to independently meter the flow of air and jet fuel in the emergency power turbine engine on military aircraft. In another application, it meters fuel to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) turbine engine.
Today we continue to design, develop and manufacture innovative products for several markets and industries. Our core operating principles are Collaborative Engineering & Continuous Improvement. We work closely with customers to provide unique products to exacting specifications and then work to continually improve in the areas of value, delivery & performance over the life of the program. These fundamentals continue to provide mutually beneficial results for both our customers and our company. If you would like more information on our history, Contact South Bend Controls.