Integrated electrically operable micro-valve
US6149123A · kind A · utility
53Cited by
15References
12Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K2099/0086
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Integrated, electrically operable micro-valves are formed to control fluid flow and pressure. These valves convert electrical energy to mechanical energy through an energy conversion device having a sealed cavity with a flexible wall. The sealed cavity contains a fluid that expands and contracts as it is heated or cooled, thus causing the flexible wall to move. Movement of this wall or membrane is used to move a valve element and dynamically control the opening or closing of a valve port over a predetermined range.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.