Patent ID: 6948697

Claim:
An electromagnetic actuator, comprising: a solenoid coil and an armature housing constructed and arranged to receive a ferromagnetic armature including a distal part, a membrane secured with respect to said armature housing and arranged to enclose at least partially said distal part to seal armature fluid within an armature pocket providing a volume for said armature fluid, wherein displacement of said distal part displaces said membrane with respect to a valve passage controlled by said actuator, an actuator base arranged with a pilot body member and said membrane to provide a valve comprising said valve passage, said valve including a valve seat arranged for contact with said membrane, and an armature port providing a fluid passage to enable flow of said armature fluid between said distal part and a proximal part of said armature thereby enabling rapid linear movement of said armature with respect to said armature housing during opening and closing of said valve passage, wherein said armature fluid is enclosed within said volume during said movement.