Abstract:
A novel fluid delivery system includes a mounting panel, where the mounting panel includes channels that define the flow of fluid between any flow-control components mounted on the mounting panel. The mounting panel comprises a top plate and a bottom plate, and the channels are carved out of the underside of the top plate and are enclosed by the bottom plate. In a complex fluid delivery system having many fluid channels, the mounting panel may include one or more interior panels with additional channels carved out of the interior plates to accommodate all routing paths. The channels run in two or more directions to connect two or more gas/channel sticks together.
Abstract:
A method for producing a corrosion-resistant channel in a wetted path of a silicon device enables such device to be used with corrosive compounds, such as fluorine. A wetted path of a MEMS device is coated (210) with either an organic compound resistant to attack by atomic fluorine or a material capable of being passivated by atomic fluorine. The device is then exposed to a gas that decomposes into active fluorine compounds (220) when activated by a plasma discharge. One example of such a gas is CF 4 , an inert gas that is easier and safer to work with than volatile gases like CIF 3 . The gas will passivate the material (if applicable) and corrode any exposed silicon. The device is tested (230) in such a manner that any unacceptable corrosion of the wetted path will cause the device to fail. If the device operates properly, the wetted path is deemed to be resistant to corrosion by fluorine or other corrosive compounds, as applicable.
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 novel fluid delivery system includes a mounting panel, where the mounting panel includes channels that define the flow of fluid between any flow-control components mounted on the mounting panel. The mounting panel comprises a top plate and a bottom plate, and the channels are carved out of the underside of the top plate and are enclosed by the bottom plate. In a complex fluid delivery system having many fluid channels, the mounting panel may include one or more interior panels with additional channels carved out of the interior plates to accommodate all routing paths. The channels run in two or more directions to connect two or more gas/channel sticks together.
Abstract:
A method for achieving high flow in valves with small actuation distance is described. A detailed description for a silicon microvalve is provided. An algorithm is described for designing optimized valves.
Abstract:
A method for achieving high flow in valves with small actuation distance is described. A detailed description for a silicon microvalve is provided. An algorithm is described for designing optimized valves.
Abstract:
A method for producing a corrosion-resistant channel in a wetted path of a silicon device enables such device to be used with corrosive compounds, such as fluorine. A wetted path of a MEMS device is coated with either (1) an organic compound resistant to attack by atomic fluorine or (2) a material capable of being passivated by atomic fluorine. The device is then exposed to a gas that decomposes into active fluorine compounds when activated by a plasma discharge. One example of such a gas is CF4, an inert gas that is easier and safer to work with than volatile gases like CIF3. The gas will passivate the material (if applicable) and corrode any exposed silicon. The device is tested in such a manner that any unacceptable corrosion of the wetted path will cause the device to fail. If the device operates properly, the wetted path is deemed to be resistant to corrosion by fluorine or other corrosive compounds, as applicable.
Abstract:
A force or pressure transducer (200) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the transducer (200) has a substrate (230), a dielectric material (220), disposed on the substrate (230), a spacing member (240), and a resilient element (210) disposed on the dielectric material (220) and the spacing member (240). A portion of the resilient element (210) is separated from the dielectric material (220), and a portion of the resilient element (210) is in contact with the dielectric material (220). The contact area between the resilient element (210) and the dielectric material (220) varies in response to movement of the resilient element (210). Changes in the contact area alter the capacitance of the transducer (200), which can be measured by circuit means.
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.