Magnetically-actuated fluid control valve

Claim 1

Hydraulic fluid pressure control valve apparatus comprising: a cylindrically shaped block-like valve body member provided with a substantially planar end wall having a fluid pressure inlet opening disposed centrally of said wall and a continuous recess formed in said end wall a spaced distance from said opening, an electrically energizable coil mounted in said recess, a cylindrically shaped block-like valve member also having a substantially planar end wall surface co-extensive with the planar end surface of said valve body member whereby said coextensive surfaces can be brought into a mated engagement one with the other, said valve member end wall further having a continuous extent sized to block said fluid pressure inlet opening when said members are mated, a valve casing for said members, said casing having inlet and outlet ports and said valve member being reciprocable within said casing into and out of said pressure blocking engagement with said valve body member, said valve and body members both being formed of a magnetic material whereby energization of said coil produces a magnetic circuit, means for exerting a predetermined force resiliently urging said valve member into a normally closed inlet-blocking disposition wherein said flushly mated end wall surfaces provide a continuous path for said magnetic circuit for holding said valve member in said inlet-blocking disposition against said inlet pressure, de-energization of said coil permitting said inlet fluid pressure to move said valve member for producing a gap the size of which is dependent upon the resistance which said predetermined force acting on the valve member offers to the force exerted by the lifting component of the inlet pressure as it flows radially outwardly of from said inlet opening, said predetermined force being a constant force regulated for permitting said valve member to move away from said valve body member a minimum amount for producing a gap no greater in size than is needed for permitting a free flow of said inlet fluid radially outwardly of the gap, and effluent means for receiving said radial flow.