Schools''gender gap concern now is boys

A solenoid operated plunger device is provided of the type in which a plunger is arranged to be forced by magnetic attraction into a coil upon energization thereof. Movably interposed between the plunger and a socket therefor is an auxiliary magnetic body. A guide rod of magnetic material attached to one end of the auxiliary magnetic body extends through the socket to the exterior thereof, and a spring engages the externally projecting part, the spring urging the auxiliary magnetic body against the socket. Upon energization of the coil, the auxiliary magnetic body against the socket. Upon energization of the coil, the auxiliary magnetic body is initially driven toward the plunger, and when it abuts against the plunger, both are integrally driven to the socket. The socket and the auxiliary magnetic body have concave and convex surfaces, respectively, which can fit each other, thereby increasing the area of contact therebetween.