Microelectromechanical flow control apparatus

Details Microelectromechanical flow control apparatus Microelectromechanical flow control apparatus

Filed on

2005-01-25

Date issued

2009-06-02

Examiner

Hepperle, Stephen M (Department: 3753)

Patent Class

Valves and valve actuation

SubClass

Electrically actuated valve

Other Related Categories

C138S040000, C417S413300

Type

Reexamination Certificate

Status

active

Patent number

07540469

Description

ABSTRACT:
A microelectromechanical (MEM) flow control apparatus is disclosed which includes a fluid channel formed on a substrate from a first layer of a nonconducting material (e.g. silicon nitride). A first electrode is provided on the first layer of the nonconducting material outside the flow channel; and a second electrode is located on a second layer of the nonconducting material above the first layer. A voltage applied between the first and second electrodes deforms the fluid channel to increase its cross-sectional size and thereby increase a flow of a fluid through the channel. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the fluid flow can be decreased or stopped by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the substrate. A peristaltic pumping of the fluid through the channel is also possible when the voltage is applied in turn between a plurality of first electrodes and the substrate. A MEM flow control assembly can also be formed by providing one or more MEM flow control devices on a common substrate together with a submicron filter. The MEM flow control assembly can optionally include a plurality of pressure sensors for monitoring fluid pressure and determining flow rates through the assembly.

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