Latching micro-regulator
US7134639B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2005 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87314
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A latching microregulator for regulating liquid flow on micro-scale levels comprises a substrate having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve element defining a valve chamber for opening and closing the inlet port, and an actuator assembly for actuating the valve element. The valve chamber is configured to contain a volume of fluid, and the inlet port and the outlet port are in fluid communication with the valve chamber to provide a liquid flow path through the chamber. The actuator assembly comprises a cantilever beam for moving the valve element between an open position and a closed position, an actuator, such as a piezoelectric element, for moving the cantilever beam, and a latch, such as a permanent magnet, for securing the cantilever beam in the closed position. A flow regulation system comprises a plurality of fluid channels of varied flow conductance and a plurality of latching microregulators for selectively blocking or allowing flow through each of the fluid channels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.