Apparatus and method for restricting fluid flow in a planar manifold
US6457236B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49776
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention refers to a novel apparatus and method to restrict pneumatic flow in a planar manifold. A forming tool of specific geometry is pressed into a planar manifold causing the pneumatic channel inside to collapse onto itself in a predictable and controllable way, therefore restricting the fluid flow in the pneumatic channel. The geometry of the forming tool is provided with angles and radii so that the planar manifold is not ripped during the pressing operation. Further, the geometry limits the deformed area so that distortion of adjacent pneumatic channels, and the potential for springing leaks between layers is minimized. In a preferred embodiment, the tooling also provides flow measurement while the forming tool is pressed into the planar manifold at a specific orientation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.