Abstract: A valve assembly (10) comprising a valve member (14) having surfaces (70, 72, 74, 76, 78) radially sized and axially situated to provide an axial sealing force to insure leakfree operation. When the valve member (14) is in a supply position, the sum of fluid forces imposed on the radial surfaces is positive towards supply position, and, when the valve member (14) is a nonsupply position, the sum of fluid forces imposed on the radial surfaces is positive towards the nonsupply position. The valve assembly (10) is compatible with a piezo-type actuator (18) that provides lift-shift forces early in its stroke. Once movement of the valve member (14) has been initiated by the actuator (18), the fluid forces can be relied upon to complete the shift and seal the valve member (14) against the corresponding seat (40/42).

Abstract: A valve assembly (10) comprising a valve member (14) having surfaces (70, 72, 74, 76, 78) radially sized and axially situated to provide an axial sealing force to insure leakfree operation. When the valve member (14) is in a supply position, the sum of fluid forces imposed on the radial surfaces is positive towards supply position, and, when the valve member (14) is a nonsupply position, the sum of fluid forces imposed on the radial surfaces is positive towards the nonsupply position. The valve assembly (10) is compatible with a piezo-type actuator (18) that provides lift-shift forces early in its stroke. Once movement of the valve member (14) has been initiated by the actuator (18), the fluid forces can be relied upon to complete the shift and seal the valve member (14) against the corresponding seat (40/42).

Abstract: An electrically-operated plunger-type valve assembly includes a housing, an electromagnetic actuator and a plunger assembly, which is positioned in the housing and supported for movement in the housing. The valve assembly includes a biasing member, which applies a force to the plunger assembly to close the communication between inlet and outlet ports to thereby close the valve assembly. The actuator generates a magnetic field to move the plunger assembly against the biasing member force to move the plunger assembly to control the valve. The plunger assembly includes a seal that seals the communication passage to close the valve when the plunger assembly is moved to its closed position. Pressurized fluid in the inlet port causes the seal to radially seal against the communication passage, which reduces the required biasing member spring force and reduces the energy needed to move the plunger assembly.

Abstract: An electrically-operated three-way plunger-type solenoid valve assembly includes a housing, a valve seat insert provided in the housing, an electromagnetic actuator, and an exhaust port body, which extends into a sleeve passage of the electromagnetic actuator. A non-magnetic member is positioned in the sleeve passage of the electromagnetic actuator and includes an orifice in communication with an exhaust passage of the exhaust port body. A plunger is positioned in the non-magnetic member and supported for reciprocal axial movement in the non-magnetic member. A biasing member is provided which applies a spring force to the plunger, with the electromagnetic actuator generating a magnetic field having sufficient magnitude to move the plunger against the force of the biasing member. In this manner, the electromagnetic actuator selectively moves the plunger to control the communication between inlet and outlet openings of the valve to open and closed the valve.

Abstract: A combination of an apparatus or an extrusion for lengthwise movement of the elongate metal extrusion. The extrusion having therein a lengthwise cavity which has a central portion and two pockets disposed on opposite sides of and opening into the central portion. The apparatus has a tool disposed in the cavity and supported for eccentric rotation about an axis extending perpendicular to the direction of movement of the extrusion, the tool having abrading points which are spaced angularly about its centerline and which engage and physically roughen a surface in one of the pockets. The degree of eccentricity is adjustable. In a variation, the apparatus effects movement of a first member having two pegs which engage angled slots in a second member supporting a tool in the extrusion cavity, the tool being moved rectilinearly into and out of engagement with the extrusion surface in a manner physically roughening the surface.