Abstract:
A microvalve device (825) for controlling fluid flow in a fluid circuit. The microvalve device comprises a body (842) having a cavity (844, 846) formed therein. An electronically controlled automatic transmission, comprising a microvalve device selectively operable to control passage of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the source to the one of a hydraulically operated brake band and a hydraulically operated clutch to operate the one of a hydraulically operated brake band and a hydraulically operated clutch.
Abstract:
Multifluidic devices and methods are provided for enhancing detection of a diffusion pattern formed by particles diffusing between at least two fluid streams (I) parallel laminar flow such that an interface is formed between them by increasing the dimension of the streams in the diffusion direct. This may be accomplished by flowing the streams through a transforming turn, or by flowing the streams through a channel having diverging walls. Devices and methods are also provided for enhancing diffusion between two streams comprising changing the interface between said streams from a narrow interface to a broad interface.
Abstract:
A device for sensing fluid movement within a microfluidic channel which uses feedback to control its operation. The device measures electric parameters to interpret fluidic parameters such as flow speed, and the presence or absence of fluid within the channel.
Abstract:
An implantable beneficial agent infusion device (1) featuring a unique energy recovery circuit (37) and a deflectable energy storing member such as a piezo-electric membrane (21) is disclosed. The circuit and deflectable energy storing member cooperate to permit electrical energy employed to activate the member to be at least partially recovered. In a preferred embodiment, the deflectable energy storing member is connected to a seal (22) which is opened to permit the delivery or infusion of a pre-determined amount of a beneficial agent to a patient when the member is deflected or actuated through the application of a sufficiently high voltage thereacross. Charge stored on or in the deflectable energy storing member as a result of the voltage being applied thereacross is recovered by a novel circuit when the deflectable energy storing membrane is permitted to return to its non-actuated state or position.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an electro-mechanical component (10), consisting of a polymer body (12) which has a mechanically active part containing a spring (14a, 14b) and a frame (18) and of a metallic layer (30) which encompasses the springs in a substantially complete manner, in order to mechanically stabilise the latter. The electro-mechanical component can be an acceleration sensor, a rotational speed sensor, a microvalve, a micropump, a pressure sensor or a force sensor. In comparison to electro-mechanical components which are produced by silicon technology, the electro-mechanical component allows a drastic reduction in the cost of its production, as simple injection moulding and/or stamping technology can be used in place of the expensive silicon technology.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method of controlling flow of liquids in a micro channel structure. It comprises providing in said micro channel structure plugs (34) of polymer material in said structure, said polymer material in a first state blocking said channel from liquid flow, and in a second state providing a free path-way (32) for liquid flow. Energy is selectively applied so as to cause said polymer to enter a desired one of said first or second states. It also relates to a micro channel valve system, comprising a plurality of such plugs (34). Additionally it comprises a chemical reactor, comprising a plurality of micro chambers interconnected by micro channels, having a valve system according to the invention.
Abstract:
A micromachined fluid control apparatus includes a micromachined boiler (52) with a thermally conductive housing that has a housing exterior surface and a housing interior surface. The housing interior surface defines an interior void that has a fluid (62) positioned within it. A heat source (54) is incorporated with the housing exterior surface. The heat source (54) selectively generates heat that is conducted through the thermally conductive housing so as to selectively expand the fluid (62) in a predetermined manner. A load resistor (64) may be positioned within the thermally conductive housing. Current may be driven through the load resistor (64) in a predetermined manner to further control the selective expansion of the fluid (62).
Abstract:
A micro-valve (10) for fluid applications has been developed using the micro-fabrication technologies of bulk micro-machining, and LIGA high aspect ratio machining. Coupled with a magnetic micro-actuator (32), the operation of this micro-valve (10) has been demonstrated for the control of liquids.
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 (120) having a sealed cavity (100) with a flexible wall (200). The sealed cavity (100) contains a fluid (130) that expands and contracts as it is heated or cooled, thus causing the flexible wall (200) to move. Movement of this wall (200) or membrane is used to move a valve element (300) and dynamically control the opening or closing of a valve port (400) over a predetermined range.
Abstract:
A microvalve for regulating a fluid flow has a valve base body (10) with a valve opening (12; 40) and a sealing edge, and a valve plate (14) with fluid passages (16; 60). The valve plate (14) is movable in the perpendicular direction in relation to the valve base body (10), so that in a first position the valve plate (14) closes the valve opening (12; 40) and in a second position it is vertically spaced away from the valve opening (12; 40), defining a cross-section of flow through the valve opening (12; 40) and the valve plate (14) determined by the distance between the sealing edge and the valve plate (14). The contour of the sealing edge (42) of the valve opening (12; 40) is selected in such a way that the sealing edge (42) is longer than the sealing edge (39) of a square-shaped valve opening of the same surface area.