Patent ID: 6523570
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A valve assembly, comprising:a valve having i) a bobbin/valve body defining a common port, a normally closed port, and a normally open port, port nipples projecting outwardly away from one side of the body in parallel relation to one another, a longitudinal bore within the body, and respective passageways between the longitudinal bore and the three ports; ii) a selectively energizeable solenoid to produce a magnetic field; and iii) a plunger including a plunger body which moves within the bore in response to energization/deenergization of the solenoid between a first position whereat the passageway to the normally closed port is sealed from the longitudinal bore and the passageway to the normally open port communicates with the longitudinal bore, and a second position whereat the passageway to the normally closed port communicates with the longitudinal bore and the passageway to the normally open port is sealed from the longitudinal bore; and a manifold including channels aligned with the port nipples such that each port nipple is received within a respective channel, the manifold formed of a resilient material and the channels dimensioned such that the port nipples are press-fit in the respective channels and provide a fluid-tight seal, without the need for mechanical seal devices.