Patent ID: 6068010
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: B64G,F02K,F05D,F15C,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A micromachined microvalve, comprising:a. a valve housing defining an interior space, a fluid entrance, and a fluid exit;b. a selectively energizable magnet;c. an armature comprising a ferromagnetic material, the armature disposed within the interior space and displaceable therein between the fluid entrance and the fluid exit in response to the presence or absence of a magnetic field from the energized magnet, said armature being sized relative to said interior space such that, during a portion of said displacement, a clearance is established between the entire outer surface of said armature and said inner surface of said valve housing;d. a permanent magnet for urging the armature in a direction opposite to the direction in which the armature is responsive to the energized magnet, said permanent and selectively energizable magnets being positioned relative to said valve housing to maintain said armature in a predetermined transverse alignment relative to the direction of said displacement throughout said clearance-established portion of said displacement; ande. a valve seat disposed between said armature and said fluid entrance or said fluid exit effective to seal the fluid entrance or the fluid exit when the armature is displaced into fluid sealing abutting relationship with the entrance or the exit.