Patent ID: 7106493
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: F15C,F16K,G02B,G03F

Abstract:
1. A valve for selectively opening or closing a passage comprising in combination: a. a semiconductor substrate having at least a first aperture formed therein to provide a first passage, said semiconductor substrate generally lying in a plane; b. a first gate element movably supported upon said semiconductor substrate, said first gate element having a first position covering said first aperture to block said first passage, and said first gate element having a second position exposing said first aperture to open said first passage, said first gate element extending generally parallel to the plane of said semiconductor substrate, and wherein said first gate element incorporates a small permanent magnet; and c. a first actuator secured to said semiconductor substrate and cooperating with said first gate element for selectively moving said first gate element between its first position and its second position, and wherein said first actuator includes an electromagnet for repelling or attracting said first gate element.