Patent ID: 8434516

Claim:
A three position solenoid operated valve comprising: an elongate cylindrical valve housing having an axial through bore defining an interior chamber, a port end of said chamber comprising an end port and a plurality of axially spaced side openings defining a plurality of side ports, and an axial opposite end comprising a sleeve end receivable in a solenoid, in use; a valve member movable in said chamber at the port end between a neutral position and a select distance to opposite first and second actuated positions for selectively controlling fluid flow between said end port and said side ports; a solenoid plunger operatively connected to the valve member and moveable in said interior chamber at the sleeve end for positioning the valve member using a pull force or a push force; and first and second springs in the valve housing for normally maintaining the valve member in the neutral position and for creating a non-symmetrical force pattern for pull and push movement of the valve member, wherein both of the springs always oppose one of the push or pull movement over the select distance and both of the springs oppose the other of the push or pull movement in stages over the select distance.