Patent ID: 6854703

Claim:
An electromagnetic actuator, comprising: a tube having a proximal and a distal end; a coil disposed about said tube, said coil electrically connectable to a circuit configured to provide a current to said coil to generate a magnetic field and magnetic flux; a movable armature having a proximal and a distal end borne within said tube, said armature being at least partially circumscribed by said coil, said armature configured for magnetic coupling with said coil, said magnetic coupling urging said armature to move within said tube; said armature being configured to transmit a force imparted thereto by a magnetic flux output by said coil out of said electromagnetic actuator; and a flux adjustment element configured for movement within a magnetic flux output by said coil so as to increase a magnetic flux input to said armature upon movement of said flux adjustment element in a first direction and to decrease a magnetic flux input to said armature upon movement of said flux adjustment element in a second direction; wherein said flux adjustment element is externally disposed about said distal end of said tube adjacent said distal end of said armature.