Abstract: A solenoid is provided having a simplified construction which minimizes the expense of manufacture and which gives precise, uniform and reliable performance. The solenoid includes a bobbin defining an armature bore and including a collar portion of substantially less axial length than the bore. The collar portion defines a passage of reduced transverse dimension relative to the remainder of the bore. The solenoid's plunger fits closely in the collar portion of the bore and loosely in the remainder of the bore. The collar portion, thus, minimizes the "chatter" or lateral movement of the plunger and the remainder of the bore accommodates any deformations that may occur during manufacture.

Abstract: A solenoid is provided having a simplified construction which gives precise, uniform and reliable performance. The solenoid includes a base member which supports a bobbin. The bobbin is a one-piece, integrally molded unit with a hexagonal bore that extends through its entire length and a resilient retainer or catch that extends over and partially closes the bore at one end of the bobbin but flexes to admit a plunger. The catch and a plug in the bore at the opposite end of the bobbin confine the plunger between predetermined limits. The plunger has a hexagonal cross section sized to fit closely into the bore, allowing sliding movement of the plunger in the bore and preventing rotation of the plunger. The bobbin supports a coil that produces the magnetic flux to move the plunger longitudinally in the bore of the bobbin.

Abstract: An actuator having an armature plate urged to a stable position by a spring and which may be held in another stable position by a permanent magnet. Application of an appropriate current pulse to a coil within the actuator reduces the flux flow through and the magnetic force on the armature sufficiently to release the armature to the former stable position under the influence of the spring. Two magnetic circuits, one of which includes a non-working air gap, are employed, the non-working air gap serving to maintain a flux path, of a predetermined maximum reluctance, for the permanent magnet when the armature plate is in the former stable position.