Solenoid pump adapted for noiseless operation

In a solenoid-actuated fluid pump including means defining a pumping chamber having inlet and outlet ends movable means mounted within said pumping chamber and adapted for reciprocation in an axial direction about an at rest position between normal upper and lower limits under hydraulic load to pump fuel through the chamber, said movable means including an armature, a magentic coil associated with said armature and operable when energized to move said movable means, a source of current connectable with said coil for intermittently energizing the coil, magnetic circuit means defining a magnetic flux path around said coil when energized, said magnetic circuit including magnetic upper and lower gaps adjacent opposite ends of said armature, said flux path including first and second portions through said upper and lower gaps, respectively, said first portion having a rate of change in reluctance with upward armature movement greater than a simultaneous rate of change in reluctance of the second portion when said armature is below said preselected position and less than the simultaneous rate of change of the reluctance of the second gap when said armature is above said preselected position, and a magnetic member within said magnetic circuit above said upper gap, said member having a section adapted for magnetic saturation after initial upward movement of said armature beyond said at rest position of said armature.