Importance

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Abstract

A self-latching solenoid valve assembly including a valve body having a pressurized air supply inlet port for communicating with a source of pressurized air and at least one cylinder port. A valve member is supported in the valve body so as to be movable between predetermined positions to selectively direct pressurized air from the inlet port to at least one cylinder port. A biasing member is employed to move the valve member in one direction and a solenoid assembly is used to move the valve member in an opposite direction. The solenoid assembly includes a housing with a solenoid coil supported therein and a fixed ferromagnetic pole piece having a passage extending therethrough with a pushpin movably supported in the passage. A ferromagnetic latch is also supported by the housing and spaced from the pole piece. A permanent magnet is disposed between the latch and the pole piece. The magnet is movable toward the pole piece under the influence of an electromagnetic flux generated by a pulse of current generated through the coil in one direction thereby driving the permanent magnet against the pushpin to move the valve member to one predetermined position. In addition, the permanent magnet is also movable away from the pole piece and toward the latch under the influence of an electromagnetic flux generated by a pulse of current flowing through the coil in an opposite direction. When this occurs, the biasing member moves the valve member to another predetermined position. A control circuit for changing the direction of the current through the coil is also disclosed.

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First Claim