Patent ID: 7226034
Filing Date: 2007-06-05
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
1. A solenoid operated valve comprising: an inlet; an outlet; a valve seat in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet; a valve member slidably mounted for movement in a direction aligned with, but perpendicular to the plane of the valve seat; a lever having one end pivotally connected with the valve member and a pivotal end that is operable for moving the valve member between its closed and open positions; a solenoid actuated member having first and second surfaces for engaging the pivotal end of the lever to move the valve member between its closed and open position, the first and second surfaces being separated by a spacing such that the first and second surfaces alternately engage the lever, wherein the spacing is sufficient to enable the solenoid actuated member to establish momentum between disengagement by the first surface with the lever and engagement by the second surface with the lever, wherein when the valve member is closed said momentum provides an impact force directly to the lever and indirectly to the valve member, which impact force is effective to overcome the pressure holding the valve member closed against the valve seat and cause the valve member to open; and a spring for resiliently biasing the solenoid actuated member so that the first surface engages the pivotal end of the lever to move the valve member to a closed position against the valve seat when the solenoid is not energized, wherein energizing the solenoid initiates movement of the solenoid actuated member so that the first surface disengages from the pivotal end of the lever and momentum is generated before the second surface of the solenoid actuated member engages the pivotal end of the lever to move the valve member to an open position.