Abstract: A system for positioning a seal member on a movable valve stem. The system includes an O-ring surrounding a lower portion of a movable valve stem. A snap-on retaining collar is pushed into place along the valve stem. A lower edge of the collar contacts the O-ring. The interaction between the snap-on collar and the O-ring prevents the O-ring from flexing outwardly and becoming dislodged from the valve stem. The snap-on retaining collar can be formed from various materials, such as but not limited to plastic.

Abstract: A solenoid valve has a valve body with an inlet, an outlet and a valve chamber therebetween. A valve member is selectively engagable with the valve chamber for controlling the flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. A solenoid assembly is mounted upon the valve member for moving the valve member to control the flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The solenoid assembly includes a solenoid and a frame for holding the solenoid. The solenoid assembly is connected to the valve body such that the frame is rotatable and slidable away from the valve body to permit access to and slidable removal of the solenoid from the valve member.

Abstract: A solenoid assembly includes a solenoid having a coil provided with a passageway and a plunger movable within the passageway upon application of electrical power to the coil. A frame holds the solenoid and includes a backstop movably mounted in the frame extending into the coil passageway. The backstop is selectively engaged by the plunger such that the backstop and the plunger are subjected to an impact therebetween. A resilient dampening element is positioned between the frame and the backstop for cushioning the impact between the backstop and the plunger.

Abstract: A solenoid assembly includes a solenoid having a coil provided with a passageway and a plunger movable within the passageway upon application of electrical power to the coil. A frame holds the solenoid and includes a backstop movably mounted in the frame extending into the coil passageway. The backstop is selectively engaged by the plunger such that the backstop and the plunger are subjected to an impact therebetween. A resilient dampening element is positioned between the frame and the backstop for cushioning the impact between the backstop and the plunger.

Abstract: A solenoid valve has a valve body with an inlet, an outlet and a valve chamber therebetween. A valve member is selectively engagable with the valve chamber for controlling the flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. A solenoid assembly is mounted upon the valve member for moving the valve member to control the flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The solenoid assembly includes a solenoid and a frame for holding the solenoid. The solenoid assembly is connected to the valve body such that the frame is rotatable and slidable away from the valve body to permit access to and slidable removal of the solenoid from the valve member.

Abstract: A magnetic latching switch includes a housing having mounted therein a movable electrical control structure normally retained in a first position with a stationary electrical lug structure. The electrical control structure and the electrical lugs are held together by a retaining system including a magnetic arrangement contacted by a biasing arrangement for providing a magnetic biasing force. A diaphragm assembly is movable into direct contact with the magnetic arrangement in response to a predetermined counteracting force exerting an operating force which overcomes the magnetic biasing force, and enables the biasing system to move the contact structure to a second position with the stationary lugs.

Abstract: A relay has a pair of fixed contacts, a pair of movable contacts adapted to be engaged and disengaged with the fixed contacts, and a solenoid having a coil and a plunger movable into and out of the solenoid, the plunger having an outer end operably connected to the movable contacts. The relay can maintain either of two stable positions in the absence of power to the coil, the two positions being a contact open or magnetically latched position and a closed or unlatched position. The invention is improved by a ball joint arrangement interconnecting the plunger and the movable contacts to enable wiping of the contacts on closure to remove thin film tarnish caused by oxidation of the Nobel metal contacts and to produce a torsional force which facilitates breaking of welds on opening. An insulator surrounds the movable contacts for cooling the arcing and magnetic fields are oriented with respect to the current in the contacts in a manner that applies a force on the current in the direction of the insulator.

Abstract: A solenoid valve has a valve body with an inlet and an outlet and a valve seat therebetween. A valve member is selectively engageable with the valve seat for controlling the flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. A biasing device is engageable with the valve member for holding the valve member against the valve seat. A solenoid assembly is mounted upon the valve member for moving the valve member away from the valve seat. A mounting arrangement is interposed between and connects the valve body and the solenoid assembly in a rotary, frictional engagement.

Abstract: An electromagnetic, pulse width modulated control device includes a solenoid powered by a varying supply voltage and having an actuator movable from an extended position to a pulled in position by a first power level and into a hold in position by a second power level less than the first power level. A pulse width modulated circuit is connected with the solenoid and is responsive to the varying supply voltage for adjusting the pulse width accordingly so as to provide a substantially constant second power level applied to the solenoid to maintain the hold in position.