Valve assemblies including at least three chambers and related methods
US7753072B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 22, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87225
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A valve assembly may include a main housing and first and second electro-statically actuated valves. The main housing may define at least three chambers, with a first chamber configured to be coupled to a high pressure supply port, a second chamber configured to be coupled to an output port, and a third chamber configured to be coupled to a low pressure exhaust port. The first electro-statically actuated valve may be provided between the first and second chambers, and the first electro-statically actuated valve may allow or substantially block fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber responsive to a first electrical signal. The second electro-statically actuated valve may be provided between the second and third chambers, and the second electro-statically actuated valve may allow or substantially block fluid communication between the second chamber and the third chamber responsive to a second electrical signal. Related methods are also discussed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.