Patent ID: 6276663
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
A system for controlling the flow of a fluid, comprising:a housing having a bore for receiving the fluid flow, at least one port for exhausting the fluid flow, and a seat extending between the port and the bore;a valve member disposed in the housing, wherein in a closed position the valve member is engaged with the seat, preventing fluid flow from the bore to the port, and in an open position the valve member is not engaged with the seat, allowing fluid flow from the bore to the port;a movable armature disposed in the housing for engaging and moving the valve member to its closed position;an annular member surrounding a portion of the valve member;means for selectively producing a magnetic flux for attracting the armature to the annular member, thereby moving the valve member toward the closed position; anda gap defined between the armature and the annular member, wherein the gap is maintained by engagement of the armature by the valve member.