The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 21, 2000
Filed:
Sep. 25, 1997
Applicant:
Inventors:
James M Harris, Saratoga, CA (US);
Bradford A Cozad, Newark, CA (US);
Dean Allyn Hopkins, Jr, San Jose, CA (US);
John S Fitch, Newark, CA (US);
Assignee:
Redwood Microsystems, Inc., Menlo Park, CA (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
F16K / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
251 11 ; 25112906 ; 338 23 ;
Abstract
Integrated, electrically operable micro-valves are formed to control fluid flow and pressure. These valves convert electrical energy to mechanical energy through an energy conversion device having a sealed cavity with a flexible wall. The sealed cavity contains a fluid that expands and contracts as it is heated or cooled, thus causing the flexible wall to move. Movement of this wall or membrane is used to move a valve element and dynamically control the opening or closing of a valve port over a predetermined range.