Solenoid with movement dampener

A solenoid having a controlled rate of motion, comprising:

• a solenoid housing having a channel disposed therein;
• a coil disposed around said channel for providing an electromagnetic force in response to a current being supplied therethrough;
• a solenoid plunger disposed within said channel and movable between a first position and a second position in response to the presence or absence of said electromagnetic force;
• a dampener housing in which is movably disposed a dampener plunger, said dampener plunger having a seal positioned therearound and cooperative with said dampener housing;
• and
• a link connecting said solenoid plunger to said dampener plunger whereby movement of said solenoid plunger produces a reciprocal movement of said dampener plunger;
• wherein said movement of said dampener plunger in response to said movement of said solenoid plunger to one of said first position or said second position creates an atmospheric pressure differential within said dampener housing which pressure differential acts to slow the rate of movement of said solenoid plunger.