Patent ID: 6708945
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: G05D

Abstract:
A flow rate control valve comprising:a first substrate having an electrode and a heating mechanism connected to said electrode; a second substrate having a flexible thin film flexibly bent by an expanding action of an expandable material expanded by a heating action of said heating mechanism, said first substrate and said second substrate closing an internal space filled with said expandable material; a third substrate having a sealing section confronting said flexible thin film, said second substrate being interposed between said first substrate and said third substrate; at least one pressure-detecting sensor detecting a pressure of said expandable material expanded by the heating action of said heating mechanism; and a control mechanism adjusting a spacing distance between said flexible thin film and said sealing section based upon a detection signal derived from said pressure-detecting sensor when said flexible thin film is flexibly bent by the expanding action of said expandable material.