Piezo-electric actuated multi-valve manifold
US7040349B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87885
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus controls flow of a fluid from at least one inlet port to at least one outlet port. A support has a rigid, non-flexible portion, at least one pivotable relatively rigid, non-flexible, folded-back arm portion extending from the rigid portion, at least one surface connected to folded-back arm portion for movement relative to the support, and a rigid, non-flexible force transfer member operably positioned for driving the pivotable folded-back arm portion with a loss of motion of less than 40%. An electrically operated actuator operably engages between the rigid portion and the force transfer member to pivot the folded-back arm portion in response to an electrical activation of the actuator. A manifold includes a fluid passage communicating with at least one valve seat and operably engageable with respect to at least one corresponding valve body for movement between a closed position and an opened position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.