An addressable valve system is described wherein a plurality of valves are
embedded into a single, compact valve block. Each valve comprises a
piston moving in a bore in the block. A magnet embedded in the piston is
positioned within a coil. When energized, the coil attracts the magnet
and the plunger upwards away from a valve seat. Magnetic shields disposed
between the pistons provide magnetic isolation between the pistons and
simultaneously apply a closing force to the pistons by drawing the
magnets downward towards the valve seat. When energized, the coils
overwhelm the closing force and open the valves. Electronics for the
valve block and the coils are provided on a circuit board overlying the
pistons and bores. The electronics provide addressability of the valves
and automatically generate "pick" and "hold" timing whereby the initial
motivating force (voltage) applied to the current is higher to get the
valves moving quickly when valve is first commanded to open. After a
brief period of time, the coil voltage is lowered to a level that
provided a lower maintaining force to keep the valve open.