Fluid handling – Systems – Dividing into parallel flow paths with recombining
Reexamination Certificate
2006-01-03
2006-01-03
Hepperle, Stephen M. (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
Dividing into parallel flow paths with recombining
C251S065000, C251S129060
Reexamination Certificate
active
06981518
ABSTRACT:
A latching microregulator for regulating liquid flow on micro-scale levels comprises a substrate having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve element defining a valve chamber for opening and closing the inlet port, and an actuator assembly for actuating the valve element. The valve chamber is configured to contain a volume of fluid, and the inlet port and the outlet port are in fluid communication with the valve chamber to provide a liquid flow path through the chamber. The actuator assembly comprises a cantilever beam for moving the valve element between an open position and a closed position, an actuator, such as a piezoelectric element, for moving the cantilever beam, and a latch, such as a permanent magnet, for securing the cantilever beam in the closed position. A flow regulation system comprises a plurality of fluid channels of varied flow conductance and a plurality of latching microregulators for selectively blocking or allowing flow through each of the fluid channels.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3726296 (1973-04-01), Friedland et al.
patent: 4577658 (1986-03-01), Bosteels et al.
patent: 4684104 (1987-08-01), Micard
patent: 4828220 (1989-05-01), Hashimoto
patent: 5065978 (1991-11-01), Albarda et al.
patent: 5203537 (1993-04-01), Jacobs et al.
patent: 5593134 (1997-01-01), Steber et al.
patent: 5711346 (1998-01-01), Pieloth et al.
patent: 6047945 (2000-04-01), Grove et al.
patent: 6131879 (2000-10-01), Kluge et al.
patent: 6257548 (2001-07-01), Hiddessen et al.
patent: 6293516 (2001-09-01), Parsons et al.
Capanu et al. “Design Fabricatioin and Testing of a Bistable Electromagnetically Actuated Microvalve,”Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems. 9(2): 181-189 (Jun. 2000).
Lisec et al. “A Bistable Pneumatic Microswitch for Driving Fluidic Components,”Sensors and Actuators. A54: 746-749 (1996).
Vandelli et al. “Development of a MEMS Microvalve Array for Fluid Flow Control,”Journal of Micrelectromechanical Systems. 7(4):395-400 (Dec. 1998).
Böhm Sebastian
Bunner Bernard
Deshpande Manish
Gilbert John Richard
Cytonome, Inc.
Hanley Elizabeth A.
Hepperle Stephen M.
Lahive & Cockfield LLP
Laurentano Anthony A.
LandOfFree
Latching micro-regulator does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Latching micro-regulator, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Latching micro-regulator will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3580120