Patent ID: 6845962

Claim:
A microvalve actuator, comprising a body defining a generally planar first pressure boundary layer, a generally planar second pressure boundary layer, and at least one intermediate layer disposed between said first pressure boundary layer and said second pressure boundary layer, said at least one intermediate pressure boundary layer being sealingly fixed to said first pressure boundary layer and to said second pressure boundary layer, said intermediate pressure boundary layer defining stationary pressure boundary walls of a chamber bounded by said first pressure boundary layer, said second pressure boundary layer and said stationary pressure boundary walls of said at least one intermediate pressure boundary layer, said chamber containing an actuating member formed at least in part by said at least one intermediate pressure boundary for positioning a microvalve, said body further defining a pressure-reinforcing member extending between and being fixed to both said first pressure boundary layer and said second pressure boundary layer to resist movement of said first pressure boundary layer relatively away from said second pressure boundary layer if pressure in said chamber rises by reducing the surface areas of said first pressure boundary layer and said second pressure boundary layer that are continuously unsupported, said pressure-reinforcing member thus helping maintain the structural integrity of said body at a variety of pressures in said chamber.