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:
Dec. 17, 2013
Filed:
Jan. 24, 2011
Richard Rosenthal, Mesa, AZ (US);
Thomas Lohkamp, Phoenix, AZ (US);
Robert Haines, Phoenix, AZ (US);
Richard Rosenthal, Mesa, AZ (US);
Thomas Lohkamp, Phoenix, AZ (US);
Robert Haines, Phoenix, AZ (US);
Fluke Corporation, Everett, WA (US);
Abstract
A control valve has a piezoelectric actuator substantially immersed in a fluid and a sealing mechanism configured to be in a closed position and an open position. The piezoelectric actuator is configured to distort in response to an applied voltage causing the sealing mechanism to transition between the closed position and the open position. In the open position, the sealing mechanism allows fluid to flow therethrough. In response to removing the applied voltage, the piezoelectric actuator returns to an undistorted position causing the sealing mechanism to close and prevent fluid from flowing therethrough. In at least one embodiment, the piezoelectric actuator is configured to contract due to the fluid pressure, and the tube is configured to contract due to the fluid pressure to compensate at least in part for the contraction of the piezoeletric actuator.