Patent ID: 6709604
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: B81B,B81C,F15C,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of forming a micro check valve comprising:etching a support substrate to form a valve seat having a top surface; forming an orifice in the support substrate dimensioned to direct flow of fluid out from the top surface of the valve seat; depositing a first polymer layer over the top surface of the valve seat covering said orifice; patterning the first polymer layer; depositing a second polymer layer over the patterned first polymer layer; and patterning the second polymer layer to form, along with the first polymer layer, a deflectable membrane, said deflectable membrane including a membrane cap anchored by a plurality of S-shaped twist-up tethers, the membrane cap being vertically displaceable from the top surface in response to fluid flow through the orifice.