Threaded sleeve assembly

Claim 1

In an electrically operated valve comprising a body having inlet and outlet ports with inlet and outlet orifices in a threaded cup-like recess centered upon an axis, the inlet and outlet orifices providing for passage of fluid between the inlet and outlet ports, at least one orifice being perpendicular and centered upon the axis, the cup-like recess accommodating a sleeve member extending along said axis, the sleeve member containing a plunger of magnetic material having a closure member for closing the orifice located on the axis, and an electrical coil surrounding said sleeve member for actuating said plunger, wherein the improvement comprises: a sleeve member comprising a tubular section having an enlarged first end integrally formed with the remainder of the tubular section and a second end, the enlarged end being formed with external threads which mate with the threads in the cup-like recess in the body, said tubular section being a nonmagnetic material which is screwed into said cup-like recess, said enlarged first end having a gasket seat for compressing a gasket between the cup-like recess and said sleeve member; a stop welded to said second end of said tubular section forming a pressure seal, said stop comprising a magnetic material; and a flux plate comprising a magnetic material located about said sleeve member, between said electrical coil and said body, wherein said flux plate, said stop and said plunger form a path of low magnetic reluctance.