Drainage devices having self-clearing and flow resistance control capabilities, and microactuators for use therewith
US11918513B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2019 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K2099/0088
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Drainage devices have a self-clearing capability for reducing obstructions and a controllable flow restriction capability for controlling drainage flow, and microactuators for providing such capabilities. Such a microactuator includes a frame and an appendage anchored to the frame such that the frame supports the appendage, the frame at least partially surrounds the appendage, and the appendage is disposed in an opening or window defined by the frame. The appendage includes a platform and at least one beam that anchors the platform to the frame to enable the appendage to deflect out of a plane defined by the frame. The platform may include a ferromagnetic material that enables the appendage to deflect in response to an applied magnetic field.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.