Patent ID: 7309056
Filing Date: 2007-12-18
Classification: F15C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A micro-valve, comprising: a fluid guiding structure containing a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port; a fluid communication channel, formed within the fluid guiding structure, fluidically coupling the fluid inlet port to the fluid outlet port; an intermediary port, formed within the fluid communication channel, the fluid inlet port being fluidically coupled to the fluid outlet port valve through the intermediary port; a cantilever element, moveably positioned proximate to the intermediary port within the fluid communication channel; an energy conversion body for actuating the micro-valve defining a chamber enclosing a working fluid and a heater, the energy conversion body being at least partially formed of a semiconductor material, the energy conversion body including a flexible membrane mechanically coupled to the cantilever element through a first pedestal; and a means for stiffening positioned on the flexible membrane between the first pedestal and the fluid inlet port, such that the means for stiffening encounters the cantilever early in the actuation cycle.