Actuator using magnetic forces to reduce frictional forces

A valve device that opens and closes a valve opening, comprising:

• a) a fixed valve;
• b) a movable valve that is positioned and designed to move from an open position to a closed position;
• and
• c) electromagnetic actuator means, having a shaft extending through the electromagnetic actuator means and having the movable valve coupled to an end of the shaft, for electromagnetically actuating the movable valve, via the shaft, between the open and closed positions by first displacing the movable valve away from relative contact with the fixed valve, rotating the movable valve to either the open or closed position, and then displacing the movable valve into relative contact with the fixed valve.

A valve device that opens and closes a valve opening, comprising:

• a) a movable valve that is positioned and designed to move from a first position to a second position that will open and close the valve opening;
• and
• b) an actuator that moves the movable valve between the open and closed positions including:
• b1) a shaft having a first and second end, and an axis extending longitudinally therethrough, the second end coupled to the movable valve;
• b2) a rotor, fixedly mounted circumferentially around the first end, and having a permanent magnet mounted adjacent to an electromagnet and spaced a first distance therefrom;
• and
• b3) a stator, having the electromagnet mounted thereon, and circumferentially mounted around the shaft that extends therethrough, the stator mounted between the rotor and the movable valve.