Electromagnetically actuated valve

An electromagnetically actuated valve comprising:

• at least one pair of electromagnetic elements, each pair of electromagnetic elements including an upper electromagnetic element and a lower electromagnetic element, said elements each having an annular horizontal cross-section defining a central chamber, and a substantially arc-shaped vertical cross-section, wherein said arc-shaped cross-section defines a central channel, and further wherein said central channels of said upper and lower electromagnetic elements are in facing relationship to each other;
• at least one core element, said core element having an annular horizontal cross-section and being disposed intermediate said central channels of at least one pair of said electromagnetic elements;
• a coil disposed within the central channel of each of said electromagnetic elements;
• a valve stem disposed within the central chamber of the electromagnetic elements;
• a spring disposed within the central chamber of the electromagnetic elements, said spring biasing said electromagnetic elements in a neutral position;
• and
• a connecting plate, said connecting plate connecting said core elements to said valve stem;
• wherein applying current to the coil in the upper electromagnetic element causes the valve to close, and interrupting the current to the coil in the upper electromagnetic element and applying current to the coil in the lower electromagnetic element causes the valve to open.

An electromagnetic actuator comprising:

• at least one pair of electromagnetic elements, each pair of electromagnetic elements including an upper electromagnetic element and a lower electromagnetic element, said elements each having an annular horizontal cross-section defining a central chamber, and a substantially arc-shaped vertical cross-section, wherein said arc-shaped cross-section defines a central channel, and further wherein said central channels of said upper and lower electromagnetic elements are in facing relationship to each other;
• at least one core element, said core element having an annular horizontal cross-section and being disposed intermediate said central channels of at least one pair of said electromagnetic elements;
• a coil disposed within the central channel of each of said electromagnetic elements;
• an actuator rod disposed within the central chamber of the electromagnetic elements, said actuator rod being connected to an external load;
• a spring disposed within the central chamber of the electromagnetic elements, said spring biasing said electromagnetic elements in a neutral position;
• and
• a connecting plate, said connecting plate connecting said core elements to said actuator rod;
• wherein sequentially applying current to the upper and lower electromagnets at a resonant frequency causes the actuator to resonate so as to actuate the external load.