Patent ID: 7063268
Filing Date: 2006-06-20
Classification: F04B,H05K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A device, comprising: an inlet fluid line, wherein the inlet fluid line has a cross sectional area of about 0.012 square inches or less; a valve housing including an inlet connected to the inlet fluid line, an outlet, and a fluid volume to allow fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet; an outlet fluid line connected to the outlet; a first niece of electro-active material connected to the valve housing; and circuitry electrically connected to the first piece of electro-active material to apply a first voltage across the first piece of electro-active material to cause the first piece of electro-active material to have a first shape that does not substantially restrict fluid flow through the fluid volume of the valve housing, and to apply a second voltage across the first piece of electro-active material to cause the first piece of electro-active material to have a second shape, the second shape that at least partially restricts the flow of fluid from the inlet through the fluid volume to the outlet.