Patent ID: 8443829

Claim:
A solenoid device comprising: a solenoid assembly comprising: a stator, a coil constructed and arranged to be energized to generate a magnetic field, the coil including and first retention structure, an armature and seal assembly comprising: an armature structure constructed and arranged to move with respect to the solenoid assembly during operation from a closed position to an open position in response to the magnetic field generated by the coil, a seal structure coupled with armature structure, the seal structure having a sealing edge constructed and arranged to seal with a component when the armature structure is in the closed position thereof, and second retention structure associated with the first retention structure, and a spring biasing the armature structure to the closed position, wherein the first and second retention structures are constructed and arranged to engage and retain the armature and seal assembly with respect to the stator assembly prior to installation of the device, and during both an upward and a downward operating stroke of the armature, the first and second retention structures are constructed and arranged so as not to engage each other.