Bi-stable two-port valve

A method of controlling an electronically switchable, bi-stable two-port valve, the method comprising:

• providing an electronically switchable, bi-stable two-port valve having a sleeve, a first pole piece having air flow passages formed therethrough and a first wire-wound coil mounted therein and connected to a source of electrical power, a second pole piece having air flow passages formed therethrough and a second wire-wound coil mounted therein and connected to the source of electrical power, wherein the first pole piece is mounted in a first end of the sleeve and the second pole piece is mounted in a second end of the sleeve, and a permanent magnet defining an armature and movably mounted between the first and second pole pieces;
• applying an electric current to the first wire-wound coil to magnetize the first pole piece, thus causing the armature to move toward the first pole piece and to an open position;
• removing the electric current from the first wire-wound coil;
• and
• subsequently applying an electric current to the second wire-wound coil to magnetize the second pole piece, thus causing the armature to move toward the second pole piece and to a closed position;
• wherein the armature includes a substantially disk shaped body having a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and a longitudinally extending bore formed therethrough, and wherein an axially extending member is attached within the longitudinally extending bore and includes a first axially extending portion that extends outwardly from the first planar surface and a second axially extending portion that extends outwardly from the second planar surface.