Patent ID: 6367766
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
A proportional flow valve comprising:a valve body including an inlet, an outlet, and a valve seat defining an orifice therebetween; a seal movable towards and away from the valve seat to a fully open position, a closed position, and partially open positions therebetween, a solenoid assembly through which current is applied and which includes a pole piece, and an armature assembly movable at least partially within the solenoid assembly when current is applied to the solenoid assembly; wherein the solenoid assembly moves the armature assembly towards the pole piece in proportion to the flow of current through the solenoid assembly; wherein the armature assembly abuttingly engages the seal in the open positions to hold the seal away from the valve seat at a distance inversely proportional related to the applied current; and wherein the seal is in the fully open position when the solenoid assembly is non-energized.