Abstract: A solenoid includes a pole member of a magnetic material, the pole member including a pole end portion having a pole surface, an armature adapted for movement relative to the pole member between first and second positions and a coil assembly for positioning the armature relative to the pole member. A magnetic shunt structure, which is located adjacent to a pole surface of the pole member, includes at least one magnetic shunt member of a magnetically permeable material, bridging at least a portion of the air gap between the pole face and the armature face, when the armature is spaced apart from the pole member, to provide a low reluctance magnetic flux path between the pole member and the armature, increasing the attractive force between the armature and the pole member. The shunt member can be configured as a ring, as a washer, or as a combination of both a ring and a washer.

Abstract: A latching solenoid includes a pole member, an armature movable relative to the pole member, a solenoid coil assembly for positioning the armature relative to the pole member, and a magnetic flux shunt structure. The shunt structure bridges the air gap between the pole face and the armature face, providing a low reluctance magnetic flux path between the pole member and the armature to increase the attractive force between the armature and the pole member. The shunt structure can be a saturation tip formed integrally with the armature or a separate flux shunt member configured as a ring which is fixed to the armature. The armature can be maintained latched by the effects of residual magnetism or by a permanent magnet.

Abstract: A valve for dispensing a viscous fluid, includes a valve body defining a fluid chamber and a stepped armature within the fluid chamber. The armature has a large diameter portion maintained spaced apart from an inner surface of the valve body, defining a first air gap therebetween, and a second, smaller diameter portion which engages an inner surface of the valve body, supporting the armature within the valve body and defining a second lower reluctance air gap. A solenoid coil energized by a peak and hold drive current produces an electromagnetic field for moving the armature relative to the magnetic pole piece and the valve body. The second portion of the armature becomes magnetically saturated during the peak portion of the drive current, causing magnetic flux to be diverted through the first portion of the armature.

Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve includes a valve body and a sleeve armature slidably mounted on the valve body for movement between a flow preventing position and positions away from the flow preventing position. In one embodiment, the sleeve armature and the valve body are configured and arranged to define flow diverters in fluid flow paths to provide flow balance. The movement of the sleeve armature between closed and open positions is controlled by first and second solenoid coils, and, the sleeve armature is maintained in the position to which it has been driven by residual magnetism. In another embodiment, a solenoid actuated valve includes a bias structure for urging the sleeve armature toward the closed position. The solenoid actuated fluid flow control valve is described with reference to an application for inflating inflatable restraints for an occupant of a vehicle.

Abstract: A proportional actuator for proportional control includes a saturation tip formed on the movable armature the solenoid coil is a step-wound coil, providing clearance for the saturation tip, allowing the coaxial diameters the magnetic pole piece and of the armature to be increased for an actuator of a given size so that the amount of force which can be produced by this type of magnetic circuit is related to the coaxial diameters of the magnetic pole piece and the armature, the configuration of the armature provides significantly higher magnetic force attraction between the magnetic pole piece and the armature because of the increased coaxial diameters of the armature and the pole piece. In addition, because of the increased diameter of the armature, the surface area of the armature that is exposed to the saturation tip is increased, thereby increasing the amount of flux that is coupled to the magnetic pole piece by the saturation tip.