Patent ID: 7719394

Claim:
A linear solenoid, comprising: a) a hollow bobbin having a first end and a second end; b) a first pole member disposed within said hollow bobbin, proximate to said first end of said hollow bobbin; c) a second pole member disposed within said hollow bobbin, proximate to said second end of said hollow bobbin, with said first and said second pole members spaced-apart; d) a plunger slidably mounted relative to said pole members, with said plunger having a first end and a second end; e) a first electro-magnet coil disposed on said bobbin; f) a first permanent magnet mounted on said plunger, with said first permanent magnet attracted and latched to a selected one of said pole members until said first electro-magnet coil is energized so as to allow said permanent magnet to be repelled from said selected one of said pole member and be attracted and latched to the previously unselected pole member; g) a first flange, with said first flange connected to said first end of said bobbin; h) a second flange, with said second flange connected to said second end of said bobbin; and i) a second electro-magnet coil, with said second electro-magnet coil disposed on said bobbin; wherein said bobbin is free of flanges between said first flange and said second flange.