Abstract: A proportional valve includes an actuator, having a first magnet element and a second magnet element that are energized by wire coils; a non-magnetic carrier in which the first magnet element and the second magnet element are mounted; a first spring beam to which the non-magnetic carrier is suspended adjacent to the first magnet element, and a second spring beam to which the non-magnetic carrier is suspended adjacent to the second magnet element; and a flux frame that conducts magnetic field lines through the actuator. When the wire coils are energized, a magnetic field is created which causes the non-magnetic carrier to move against a valve operator to move a valve poppet away from the closed position against a valve seat, thereby opening the valve. The first and second spring beams restrain the movement of the non-magnetic carrier to an arc of sufficient radius that said movement is quasi-linear.

Abstract: A proportional valve includes a valve assembly including a valve body that houses a valve operator. The valve body defines an inlet and an outlet for a fluid flow through the valve body. The valve operator has a longitudinal axis and includes a poppet that is moveable along the longitudinal axis between a closed position and an open position.