Patent attributes
An electrically controlled proportional valve provides for precise control of armature movement using an armature which is positioned at the center of the valve by centering leaf springs. The armature is supported and biased axially by angled leaf springs that support the armature in an orbital fashion. These angled orbital leaf springs support the armature for elastic movement in the axial direction, and hold it biased against a first port, so that the armature functions as a valve element, which normally closes that port. A magnet coil is positioned so that when an electrical current passes through the coil, it exerts a force on the armature which overcomes the bias of the orbital leaf springs and draws the armature away from the first port and toward the magnet coil.