A hydraulic actuator for an internal combustion engine

A camless intake/exhaust valve for an internal combustion engine that is controlled by a solenoid actuated fluid control valve. The control valve has a pair of solenoids that move a spool. Energizing one solenoid moves the spool and valve into an open position. The valve spool is maintained in the open position by the residual magnetism of the steel valve housing and spool even when power is no longer provided to the solenoid. Energizing the other solenoid moves the spool and valve to a closed position without providing a de-magnetizing force to the first solenoid. The solenoids are digitally latched by short digital pulses provided by a microcontroller. The valve is therefore opened by providing a digital pulse of a short duration to one of the solenoids and closed by a digital pulse that is provided to the other solenoid.