Patent ID: 7011378
Filing Date: 2006-03-14
Classification: B81B,F15C,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A microvalve comprising: a first layer, a second layer defining a flow area, and a third layer, the second layer disposed between the first layer and the third layer, the first layer defines a first port therethrough and at least one of the first layer and the third layer defines a second port therethrough to permit fluid flow from the first port to the second port through the flow area defined in the second layer, a first member defined by the second layer; a displaceable structure attached to the first member and including a first end and a second end; and a first actuator defined by the second layer and operatively coupled to the displaceable structure through the first member to displace the second end of the displaceable structure in a plane parallel to the second layer between an open state and a closed state relative to one of the first and second ports; a second member defined by the second layer and attached to the displaceable structure; second electrical contacts formed through the third layer and coupled to the second actuator for providing a second electrical control signal to the second actuator;