Patent ID: 6926246

Claim:
A method of setting and actuating an adjustable micro valve, the micro valve having a base element having a base plate face and at least two passages for the flow of fluid, at least one array of actuating members made of a SMA material arranged on the base plate face, the method comprising the steps of: placing each of the actuating members adjacent to one of the at least two passages; cooling the array of actuating members made of SMA material, to a temperature equal or below the temperature at which a transformation from austenitic to martensitic state occurs so that the entire array of SMA actuating members is either fully or partially in the martensitic state; selecting at least one of the actuating members corresponding to a pre-determined opening pressure or resistance to flow; and heating individually each of the actuating members except the previously selected member to a temperature equal to or above the temperature at which a transformation from the martensitic state to the austensitic state occurs.