Patent ID: 6609698
Filing Date: 2003-08-26
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
In an electromagnetic actuator comprising:A) a solenoid coil; B) an armature housing that forms an armature pocket; C) a flexible membrane so secured at a mouth of the pocket as to form with the armature housing a substantially fluid-tight armature chamber that contains the armature; D) a substantially incompressible fluid disposed in the armature chamber, and E) an armature including ferromagnetic material and disposed in the armature pocket for movement therein between retracted and extended armature positions in response to magnetic force exerted on the ferromagnetic material as a result of current flow through the solenoid coil, the armature so engaging the flexible membrane as to cause it to deform outward when the armature travels to its extended armature position, the armature cooperating with the incompressible fluid to fill the armature chamber and forming an interior passage, internal to the armature, through which the incompressible fluid flows as the armature moves between its extended and retracted armature positions.