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:
Jan. 25, 2005
Filed:
Mar. 22, 2000
Richard J. Barron, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Kirt R. Williams, Portola Valley, CA (US);
E. Nelson Fuller, Manchester, MI (US);
Harry A. Hunnicutt, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Richard J. Barron, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Kirt R. Williams, Portola Valley, CA (US);
E. Nelson Fuller, Manchester, MI (US);
Harry A. Hunnicutt, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Kelsey-Hayes Company, Livonia, MI (US);
Abstract
A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow in a fluid circuit. The microvalve device comprises a body having a cavity formed therein. The body further has first and second pilot ports placed in fluid communication with the cavity. The body also has first and second primary ports placed in fluid communication with the cavity. Each port is adapted for connection with a designated fluid source. A pilot valve supported by the body is movably disposed in the cavity for opening and closing the first and second pilot ports. An actuator is operably coupled to the pilot valve for moving the pilot valve. A microvalve is positioned by the fluid controlled by the pilot valve. The microvalve is a slider valve having a first end and a second end. The slider valve is movably disposed in the cavity for movement between a first position and a second position. The first end of the slider valve is in fluid communication with the first and second pilot ports when the first and second pilot ports are open. The second end of the slider valve is in constant fluid communication with the first primary port. When moving between the first and second positions, the slider valve at least partially blocks and unblocks the second primary port for the purpose of variably restricting fluid flow between the primary ports.