Patent ID: 6523560
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: B81B,F15C,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A microvalve comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, said second layer being disposed between said first layer and said third layer;said first layer having a first port therethrough, said third layer having a second port theretrough, and said second layer having a flow area defined therein and positioned so that a fluid flows through said first port, said flow area, and said second port in the absence of an obstruction to flow; said second layer having a displaceable member and at least one actuator disposed relative to a first end portion of said member to displace said member in a plane parallel to said second layer, said member being displaceable to selectively and proportionally place a second end portion of said member at a position between an open and a closed position relative to at least one of said first and second ports; said first layer having a first pressure-equalizing contour in fluid communication with a first face of said second end portion and in fluid communication with said first port; said third layer having a second pressure-equalizing contour in fluid communication with a second face of said second end portion and in fluid communication with said first port; and said first and second pressure-equalizing contours each having sufficient depth and length that a fluid filling said first and second pressure-equalizing contours during use provides a pressure force on said first face that counteracts a pressure force on said second face as said second end portion of said member is displaced.