Inventors:
James M. Harris - Menlo Park CA, US
Michael Selser - Livermoe CA, US
Bradford A. Cozad - Newark CA, US
Albert K. Henning - Palo Alto CA, US
Assignee:
SMC Kabushiki Kaisha - Tokyo
International Classification:
F16K 31/02
Abstract:
Integrated micro-valve is formed to control fluid flow and pressure. The valve converts supplied energy to mechanical energy through a means for energy conversion resident above a flexible wall or membrane. In one embodiment a 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. Additional means for stiffening are added to the membrane to improve performance.