Patent ID: 7328882
Filing Date: 2008-02-12
Classification: F15C,F16K

Abstract:
1. A valve, comprising: a housing that defines a cavity; an inlet port in fluid communication with the cavity; an outlet port in fluid communication with the cavity; a fluid path within the cavity that extends between the inlet port and the outlet port, the fluid path having a cross-sectional area; a diaphragm positioned in the cavity, at least part of the diaphragm defining at least part of the fluid path; at least three electrodes for use in electrostatically actuating at least part of the diaphragm between at least three stable positions, wherein each stable position results in a different cross-sectional area of the fluid path, and wherein the different cross-sectional areas are sized such that fluid can flow between the inlet port and the outlet port in at least two of the stable positions; wherein, in at least one of the stable positions, the diaphragm is in a generally planar configuration; and wherein at least two of the three or more electrodes are fixed relative to the diaphragm and spaced side-by-side from one another in a lateral direction, and at least one of the at least three electrodes is fixed relative to the housing.