Patent ID: 6590267
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: B81B,F15C,F16K,H01H

Abstract:
A MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) valve driven by electrostatic forces, comprising:a substrate defining a generally planar surface having an aperture therethrough; a substrate electrode disposed upon said substrate; a non-hinged, moveable membrane generally overlying said substrate electrode and said aperture, the membrane comprising an electrode element and a biasing element, wherein the moveable membrane includes a fixed portion attached directly to the generally planar surface of said substrate and a flap-like distal portion extending from the fixed portion, the distal portion being biased to at least partially curl in a non-actuated state and moveable with respect to said substrate electrode; and at least one resiliently compressible dielectric layer disposed between said substrate electrode and said membrane electrode element, wherein said moveable membrane responds to a voltage differential established between said substrate electrode and said moveable membrane electrode to move said membrane toward said aperture to seal said aperture so as to prevent flow therethrough.