Abstract: A solenoid valve which includes a valve body having a central bore from which fluid passages radially extend. A valve spool is axially slidably captured within the valve body bore to control passage of fluid among the valve body passages. An electromagnetic variable force motor is mounted on the valve body and includes a housing of ferromagnetic construction with a pole piece of ferromagnetic construction coaxial with the valve spool and surrounded by an electrical coil. An armature comprising a ball of ferromagnetic construction is positioned coaxially with the pole piece in abutting engagement with the valve spool. A coil spring is positioned to engage the ball-armature and to urge the same axially away from the pole piece. The characteristic of magnetic attraction between the ball-armature and the opposing face of the pole piece as a function of separation therebetween is substantially identical with spring rate, both preferably being a linear function of ball-armature displacement.

Abstract: A solenoid valve which includes a valve body having a central bore from which fluid passages radially extend. A valve spool is axially slidably captured within the valve body bore to control passage of fluid among the valve body passages. An electromagnetic variable force motor is mounted on the valve body and includes a housing of ferromagnetic construction with a pole piece of ferromagnetic construction coaxial with the valve spool and surrounded by an electrical coil. An armature comprising a ball of ferromagnetic construction is positioned coaxially with the pole piece in abutting engagement with the valve spool. A coil spring is positioned to engage the ball-armature and to urge the same axially away from the pole piece. The characteristic of magnetic attraction between the ball-armature and the opposing face of the pole piece as a function of separation therebetween is substantially identical with spring rate, both preferably being a linear function of ball-armature displacement.

Abstract: A solenoid valve which includes a valve body having a central bore from which fluid passages radially extend. A valve spool is axially slidably captured within the valve body bore to control passage of fluid among the valve body passages. An electromagnetic variable force motor is mounted on the valve body and includes a housing of ferromagnetic construction with a pole piece of ferromagnetic construction coaxial with the valve spool and surrounded by an electrical coil. An armature comprising a ball of ferromagnetic construction is positioned coaxially with the pole piece in abutting engagement with the valve spool. A coil spring is positioned to engage the ball-armature and to urge the same axially away from the pole piece. The characteristic of magnetic attraction between the ball-armature and the opposing face of the pole piece as a function of separation therebetween is substantially identical with spring rate, both preferably being a linear function of ball-armature displacement.

Abstract: A solenoid valve which includes a valve body having a central bore from which fluid passages radially extend. A valve spool is axially slidably captured within the valve body bore to control passage of fluid among the valve body passages. An electromagnetic variable force motor is mounted on the valve body and includes a housing of ferromagnetic construction with a pole piece of ferromagnetic construction coaxial with the valve spool and surrounded by an electrical coil. An armature comprising a ball of ferromagnetic construction is positioned coaxially with the pole piece in abutting engagement with the valve spool. A coil spring is positioned to engage the ball-armature and to urge the same axially away from the pole piece. The characteristic of magnetic attraction between the ball-armature and the opposing face of the pole piece as a function of separation therebetween is substantially identical with spring rate, both preferably being a linear function of ball-armature displacement.

Abstract: A dispensing system for controlling and displaying information regarding self-service operation of each of a plurality of fuel dispensers in a gasoline station includes, in one embodiment, an operator console having a CRT display displaying the status of each of the dispensers as well as current and previous sales data and a data entry keyboard for entry of sales and other data together with switch means for arming dispensers for self-service operation and for actuating the system for displaying selective dispenser information. The CRT and data entry keyboard are coupled to a central control unit which includes a programmed memory central processing unit for handling data between the central control unit and each of a plurality of dispensers as well as dispenser communications interface circuits.