Patent ID: 6505812
Filing Date: 2003-01-14
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
A valve assembly comprising:a) a body including, an inlet port, an outlet port, a valve seat having a passageway connecting the inlet and the outlet ports; b) a valve member movable along an axis extending through the passageway of the valve seat to close and open the passageway; c) an armature of magnetic material fixed to the valve member; d) an electrical solenoid winding coaxially surrounding the armature and extending along the axis, wherein energizing the winding controls fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet ports; e) a fluid-tight bellows positioned to apply a force to the valve member in opposition to a force applied to the valve member by the fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet ports; f) a pressure balancing passageway connecting the inlet port to the bellows; g) a housing received over the solenoid winding and having a flange received against the valve body; h) a seal positioned between the flange of the housing and the valve body; and i) a collar secured in a continuous manner to the valve body over the housing flange, thereby securing the housing to the valve body and applying sealing forces to the seal in a substantially even manner.