초록 ▼

A bistable valve useful for paper handling applications is disclosed. The valve can be batch fabricated in two dimensional valve arrays, with each valve in the array being controlled by passive matrix addressing. Typically, each valve includes a valve housing having an aperture plate defining an ape

A bistable valve useful for paper handling applications is disclosed. The valve can be batch fabricated in two dimensional valve arrays, with each valve in the array being controlled by passive matrix addressing. Typically, each valve includes a valve housing having an aperture plate defining an aperture therethrough, and an opposing plate positioned in spaced apart relationship to the aperture plate. A flexible film or strip is attached at its first end to the aperture plate and at its second end to the opposing plate. Valve action is provided by use of at least two switching electrodes for moving the flexible film between an aperture blocking position and an aperture open position, with at least one of the switching electrodes positioned adjacent to the aperture plate and at least one of the switching electrodes positioned adjacent to the opposing plate. To reduce unswitched movement when the switching electrode bias is reduced or not present, at least two electrostatic or mechanical catches are used.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [9.] A valve comprisinga valve defining an aperture therethrough,a flexible film attached to the valve to alternately switch between an aperture blocking position and an aperture open position,a switching electrode for applying an electrostatic switching force to move the flex

[ What is claimed is:] [9.] A valve comprisinga valve defining an aperture therethrough,a flexible film attached to the valve to alternately switch between an aperture blocking position and an aperture open position,a switching electrode for applying an electrostatic switching force to move the flexible film between the aperture blocking position and an aperture open position, anda catch for reducing unswitched movement of the flexible film in both the aperture blocking position and the aperture open position, the catch maintaining a catch force less than the electrostatic switching force applied by the switching electrode.