Patent ID: 7188931
Filing Date: 2007-03-13
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A normally closed fluid microvalve for controlling a pressurized fluid comprising: (a) a chamber, formed in a substrate, and having a fluid flow port; (b) opposing anchor edges supported from the substrate; (c) a deformable element attached to the opposing anchor edges and having a central portion urged sealably against the fluid flow port, the deformable element constructed as a planar lamination including a first layer of a first material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion and a second layer of a second material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion, the deformable element having anchor portions adjacent the anchor edges and the central portion between the anchor portions wherein the flexural rigidity of the anchor portions is substantially less than the flexural rigidity of the central portion; and (d) apparatus adapted to apply a heat pulse to the deformable element, causing a sudden rise in the temperature of the deformable element, the deformable element bowing in a direction away from the fluid flow port, opening the fluid flow port permitting the pressurized fluid to flow through the fluid flow port, and then relaxing, sealing the fluid flow port as the temperature decreases thereof.