Patent ID: 7564332

Claim:
A solenoid, comprising: a first magnetic member moveable along an axis and having an outer diameter; a second magnetic member having an inner diameter, wherein the first magnetic member is operable to be at least partially co-axially disposed within the second magnetic member; a third magnetic member wherein the third magnetic member is selectively operable to engage with and be at least partially disposed within the first magnetic member, wherein said first, second, and third magnetic members define a single path for magnetic flux and said third magnetic member and said second magnetic member are axially spaced apart such that said single path of magnetic flux flows parallel to said axis between at least said second magnetic member and said third magnetic member; and a coil member, wherein the coil member is co-axially disposed about the outer diameter of the first magnetic member, wherein the first magnetic member is selectively operable to urge toward the second magnetic member when the coil member is energized.