Multi-functional piezo actuated flow controller
US9678050B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2001/2241
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Multi-functional piezo-actuated flow control systems and methods for use in gas exchange analysis systems such as photosynthesis measurement systems. A fluid valve assembly module includes a housing structure including a plurality of ports and a plurality of fluid passageways interconnecting the ports, and a plurality of piezo-actuated valves in fluid communication with the fluid passageways, each valve including a piezo element that controls flow along a passageway, wherein the passageways and valves are arranged within the housing structure so as to define a fluid control module, which includes a flow swapping component, a flow splitting component and a flow pressurization component. The flow swapping component has first and second inlets and first and second output ports and is configured to receive a first fluid flow at the first inlet and a second fluid flow at the second inlet and in a first operational mode to direct the first fluid flow to the first output port and the second fluid flow to the second output port, and in a second operational mode to direct the first fluid flow to the second output port and the second fluid flow to the first output port. The flow splitting co…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.