Patent ID: 7735803

Claim:
A solenoid valve system, comprising: a stem member; a solenoid system operably connected to said stem member, said solenoid system having a housing and a seal member contained in said housing of said solenoid system, wherein said housing has an area defining an aperture formed in a surface thereof, at least a portion of the stem member received in the aperture; said seal member axially disposed about the stem member, wherein a surface of the seal member is adjacent to a surface of the housing, wherein the seal member is operable to prevent the ingress of fluids between said valve stem and said seal member into the solenoid system; an axial throughbore formed as part of said seal member, at least a portion of said stem member extending through said axial throughbore; a textured portion having one or more grooves formed on an inner surface of said axial throughbore, wherein said textured portion contacts said stem member and creates a low friction seal between said seal member and said valve stem that provides a seal between said seal member and said valve stem, and low friction movement of said valve stem relative to said seal member; a lubricant disposed in an area selected from the group consisting of an area between the stem member and the seal member, an area between the surface of the seal member and the housing, and combinations thereof, said one or more grooves being operable to aid in the retention of said lubricant in the area between the inner surface of said axial throughbore of said seal member and an outer surface of said stem member; and a biasable member urging the seal member towards the housing, said biasable member being in contact with said seal member.