Passively addressable fluid valves having S-shaped blocking films
US5897097A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87249
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A bistable valve useful for paper handling applications is disclosed. The valve can be batch fabricated in two dimensional valve arrays, with each valve in the array being controlled by passive matrix addressing. Typically, each valve includes a valve housing having an aperture plate defining an aperture therethrough, and an opposing plate positioned in spaced apart relationship to the aperture plate. A flexible film or strip is attached at its first end to the aperture plate and at its second end to the opposing plate. Valve action is provided by use of at least two switching electrodes for moving the flexible film between an aperture blocking position and an aperture open position, with at least one of the switching electrodes positioned adjacent to the aperture plate and at least one of the switching electrodes positioned adjacent to the opposing plate. To reduce unswitched movement when the switching electrode bias is reduced or not present, at least two electrostatic or mechanical catches are used.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.