Patent ID: 6056269
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: F15C,F16K

Abstract:
A microminiature device for controlling the flow of a fluid comprising:a substrate made of silicon having an external surface and a valve seat, such external surface having a circular recess encompassing the valve seat, the substrate having a flow channel therein for carrying fluid opening onto the valve seat; anda diaphragm made of silicon with a major surface thereof secured the external surface of the substrate, the opposing major surface of the diaphragm facing away from the substrate having a noncircular recess therein providing a noncircular reduced thinness portion of the diaphragm, the major surface of the diaphragm at of the noncircular reduced thinness portion being planar and covering the circular recess, the major surface acting as valve face for the valve seat in a closed position to stop the flow of fluid in the flow channel and in an open position to allow flow of fluid in the flow channel.