Patent ID: 8348231

Claim:
A solenoid device comprising: a solenoid assembly comprising: a stator, and a coil constructed and arranged to be energized to generate a magnetic field, an armature and seal assembly comprising: an armature structure constructed and arranged to move with respect to the solenoid assembly from a closed position, defining a working gap area between the coil and a portion of the armature structure, to an open position in response to the magnetic field generated by the coil, the armature structure including a proximal end and a distal end, and a seal structure coupled with proximal end of the 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 a spring biasing the armature structure to the closed position, wherein the armature and seal assembly includes pressure balancing structure constructed and arranged to provide a pressure balance between the working gap area and an area defined adjacent to 1) the sealing edge, and 2) the distal end of the armature structure, wherein the pressure balancing structure comprises: a first port extending axially through the seal structure and the armature structure, a second port in communication with and extending transversely from the first port, the second port extending to a periphery of the stem portion such that under certain conditions, the second port can communicate with the working gap area and a passage, external of the armature, communicating the working gap area with the area defined adjacent to the distal end of the armature.