Miniature latching valve
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United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Jun 1, 2004
Grant Date -
Nov 21, 2002
app pub date -
Apr 10, 2002
filing date -
Apr 10, 2001
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
An SMA actuated miniature latching valve for on and off control of fluid flow. A valve closure includes a poppet for opening and closing the fluid flow path. The poppet is operated responsive to an actuator mechanism which has SMA wires arranged to be actuated by electric resistant heating. Actuation causes different ones of the wires to contract and pull the poppet either toward or away from a valve seat. A latching mechanism comprising a conical spring operates between two bistable positions which hold the poppet either fully open or fully closed without further application of power to the actuators. A method of forming a secure mechanical and electrical connection between an SMA wire end and its support includes the steps of swaging a metal cone between a cone-shaped hole in the support and the wire end.
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