Patent ID: 8241228
Filing Date: 2012-08-14
Classification: A61B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A millimeter scale or microscale hydraulic or pneumatically actuated device, comprising: a. a device body including an inlet for receiving a fluid flow and a passage for directing the fluid flow along a desired path through the body; b. an actuation mechanism functionally connected to the fluid flow path which undergoes a desired mechanical movement in response to fluid flow in the passage; wherein the device body and actuation mechanism include a fabrication position relative to each other that provides a spacing between a first portion of the actuation mechanism relative to a first portion of the device body that is at least as large as a minimum feature size; wherein the device body and actuation mechanism include a working range, which is displaced from the fabrication positions, in which the first portion of the actuation mechanism moves relative to the device body during normal operation of the device, and wherein the first portion of the actuation mechanism is inhibited by one or more mechanical components from returning to the fabrication position during normal operation of the device.