Patent ID: 7559311

Claim:
A solenoid-operated valve device comprising: a valve disposed to be movable; a solenoid actuator designed to be supplied with electric power from a battery to operate on voltage substantially identical with that outputted from the battery to move said valve; and a controller working to energize said solenoid actuator in a selected one of a pre-energization mode and a main energization mode, in the pre-energization mode, said controller supplying an amount of the electric power to said solenoid actuator to energize said solenoid actuator to a degree which keeps said valve from moving, in the main energization mode, said controller supplying the electric power to said solenoid actuator to energize said solenoid actuator to a degree which moves said valve, said controller entering the pre-energization mode prior to the main energization mode to enhance action of said solenoid actuator in the main energization mode.