Abstract: A control valve includes a magnetic pole member. An armature is slidably supported relative to the magnetic pole member for movement between a fully open position and a closed position. A biasing spring is disposed between the magnetic pole member and the armature for forcing the armature away from the magnetic pole member. A coil is placed about the magnetic pole member and the armature for inducing a magnetic field for moving the armature toward the magnetic pole member. One of either of the magnetic pole member or the armature has a recess for non-contactingly receiving the other when the armature moves between the fully open and closed positions. The control valve can be embodied as a normally open valve or a normally closed valve. The use of dual lateral poles and triple lateral poles create a flat magnetic force versus travel curve thereby allowing for greater proportional control of the valve.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve body, a flux tube, and a winding. The body defines first and second passageways, and a circular opening is defined in the second passageway providing fluid communication between the passageways. The flux tube has a closed end, an open end, and a hollow armature receiving section. The open end is in fluid communication with the first passageway. A spherical armature is disposed in the armature receiving section for reciprocating movement between a closed position sealing against the circular opening to prevent communication between the passageways and an open position spaced apart from the opening permitting communication between the passageways. The winding is disposed about the flux tube for electromagnetically positioning the armature. The flux tube forms a fluid tight pressure boundary between the winding and the passageways. A spring urges the armature toward one of the open position and the closed position.