Valves and valve actuation – Electrically actuated valve
Patent
1998-01-08
2000-07-18
Shaver, Kevin
Valves and valve actuation
Electrically actuated valve
251331, F16K 3106, F16K 700
Patent
active
060895349
ABSTRACT:
A variable fluid flow valve is disclosed. The valve can be batch fabricated in two dimensional valve arrays, with all valves in the array being controlled in parallel to achieve high flow rates without increasing response time. Typically, each valve includes a valve housing having an aperture plate defining an elongated aperture therethrough, and an opposing plate positioned in spaced apart relationship to the aperture plate. In one embodiment a flexible film or strip is attached at its first end to the aperture plate and at its second end to the opposing plate. In another embodiment of the invention, the flexible film is attached at only one end and is free to move at the other end. In both types of valves, valve action is provided by using electrodes to variably move the flexible film from an aperture blocking to an aperture non-blocking position. The flexible film may be moved in a continuously variable manner or a discretely variable manner, depending upon the electrode configuration. Binary valves in matrixes may also be used with the elongated opening.
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Biegelsen David K.
Cheung Patrick C. P.
Jackson Warren B.
Peeters Eric
Burtzlaff Robert A.
Keasel Eric
Shaver Kevin
Xerox Corporation
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