Primary pole piece for a solenoid actuator

A solenoid actuator comprising:

• a) a primary pole piece;
• and
• b) a secondary pole piece,
• wherein at least one of said primary and secondary pole pieces includes a flange portion and an inner skirt portion extending axially from said radial flange portion, and
• wherein said inner skirt portion includes a plurality of axially-extending elements separated by axially-extending inlets interrupting the terminal edge of said inner skirt portion, such that said inner skirt portion is of non-uniform axial length from said radial flange portion.

A poppet valve assembly comprising:

• a) a valve body including a valve seat;
• b) a valve stem extending into said valve body and supportive of a valve head for mating with said valve seat;
• c) an actuator operationally connected to said valve body and having an armature connected to said valve stem for linear actuation thereof,
• wherein said actuator includes a primary pole piece and a secondary pole piece, and
• wherein at least one of said primary and secondary pole pieces includes a flange portion and an inner skirt portion extending axially from said flange portion, and
• wherein said inner skirt portion includes a plurality of axially-extending elements separated by axially-extending inlets interrupting the terminal edge of said inner skirt portion, such that said inner skirt portion is of non-uniform axial length from said radial flange portion.