Patent ID: 7306869

Claim:
An electrostatically-actuated shutter for use with a fuel cell system, comprising: (A) a first electrode held at a first voltage said first electrode having at least one opening therein; (B) a second electrode held at a second voltage, that is different than said first voltage, and said second electrode having at least one opening therein; (C) a diaphragm disposed between said first electrode and said second electrode, said diaphragm having openings therein that correspond with the openings in said second electrode, and which do not correspond with the openings in said first electrode; (D) a driver coupled to said diaphragm that adjusts the voltage of said diaphragm such that when the driver sets a voltage for said diaphragm, the diaphragm is attracted to the fixed electrode having a different voltage, and when said diaphragm is drawn to said second electrode, its openings align with the openings of said second electrode to create apertures through which gases and vapors can flow; (E) an additional diaphragm of a configuration such that it seals over the openings of the electrode to which it is drawn when said driver applies a predetermined voltage to close the shutter; and (F) an exit port through which gases and vapors are delivered from said shutter, wherein said diaphragm and said additional diaphragm are each coupled to separate drivers that each apply a voltage to establish a predetermined voltage differential to draw its respective diaphragm to the desired electrode in order to open and close the shutter.