Abstract: A doser valve with a seat comprising at least one axially located slot from an outer surface of the seat and at least one radial/tangential extending passage in fluid communication with the at least one axially located slot and an exit passage out of the seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid droplet ejecting apparatus that may cool, with a simple configuration, drive sections of piezoelectric elements. Namely, the liquid droplet ejecting apparatus has head modules that use piezoelectric elements to eject ink droplets, driver ICs that drive the piezoelectric elements, a ventilation unit that delivers dry air to the environs of the piezoelectric elements via a gas delivery passage disposed therein in order to dehumidify the environs of the piezoelectric elements, a branch tube that branches from the gas delivery passage and blows onto the driver ICs some of the air that has been delivered, and a duckbill valve that is disposed in the branch tube. Here, the ventilation unit that delivers the dry air in order to dehumidify the environs of the piezoelectric elements also cools the driver ICs, so the driver ICs can be cooled with a simple configuration.

Abstract: A method for controlling a displacement in the thickness direction of the contraction-type gel actuator having an effect of contraction in the thickness direction by applying a voltage between an anode and a cathode between which a gel which includes a dielectric polymeric material is interposed, which includes performing feedback control of an applied voltage, with a sampled value of a displacement when the applied voltage acts on the contraction-type gel actuator, according to the following equation (1): E=kp(xd?x)+Ed??(1) In the equation, xd represents a target displacement of the contraction-type gel actuator; Ed represents an applied voltage with respect to the target displacement xd obtained by the linear approximation of the applied voltage and the displacement from a measured result of the displacement in accordance with the applied voltage of the contraction-type gel actuator; and kp represents a proportional gain.

Abstract: A piezoelectric valve whose assembly work can be efficiently performed. A piezoelectric valve according to this invention includes a valve main body having a gas pressure chamber which receives compressed gas supplied from the outside, a plate which is disposed inside the valve main body and is fixed to the valve main body, and actuators each of which has a valve element, a piezoelectric element generating, in the form of a displacement, driving force required for operation of the valve element, and a displacement magnification mechanism for magnifying a displacement of the piezoelectric element and causing the magnified displacement to act on the valve element, are fixed to each of two surfaces of the plate, and are disposed inside the valve main body together with the plate.

Abstract: A shaft sealing device switches a sealing state and an unsealing state of a fluid, with high sealing performance maintained, because no abrasion accompanies movement of a sealing material or a sealing member, enabling feeding a fluid at a predetermined flow rate, and adjusts the expanding rate of the sealing material with the quantity of an external electric signal and accordingly adjusts the contact face pressure to enable controlling the amount of leakage of the fluid highly precisely, so that it can be used for all applications. The shaft sealing device includes a shaft sealing body formed of a macromolecular material and made expansible or contractible, or deformable, through external electrostimuli applied to a shaft sealing portion disposed in a device body, and flow passages disposed in the shaft sealing portion for feeding the fluid leaked due to the expansion or contraction, or the deformation, of the shaft sealing body.

Abstract: Power-efficient actuator apparatus and methods. In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly utilizes a shape memory alloy (SMA) filament driven by an electronic power source to induce movement in the underlying assembly to actuate a load (e.g., water valve). In addition, a circuit board is included which allows the actuator assembly to be readily incorporated or retrofit into a wide range of systems such that the signal characteristics of the supply line can, among other applications, be conditioned in order to protect the SMA filament. Furthermore, the circuit board can also readily be adapted for use with “green” power sources such as photovoltaic systems and the like. Methods for manufacturing and utilizing the aforementioned actuator assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve for metering a flowing medium, in particular a fluid, having a metering opening situated in the fluid flow and surrounded by a valve seat, a valve needle that controls the metering opening and that has a closing head that works together with the valve seat to close and release the metering opening, a piezoelectric actuator that acts on the valve needle to release the metering opening, and an elastic resetting element that acts on the valve needle to close the metering opening. To minimize the required stroke of the piezoelectric actuator for a required stroke of the closing head of the valve needle, the point of action of the resetting element on the valve needle is situated on or close to the end of the valve needle that bears the closing head.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance device 10 includes: a mask 13 having an expiratory hole 13a; an expiratory valve 15 provided in the mask 13, for opening and closing the expiratory hole 13a; and a control unit 17 for performing overall control on the entire device. The mask 13 and the expiratory valve 15 together form an opening and closing device. The expiratory valve 15 is deformable by deformation of a piezo element 15a. The expiratory valve 15 is disposed on an inner surface 13f so that a deformation direction thereof, i.e., a thickness direction thereof, extends along the inner surface 13f of the mask 13 and a side surface 15m slides along the inner surface 13f by the deformation thereof.

Abstract: A valve device is formed with a through-channel and a field generating device. A fluid which can be influenced by a field is provided in the through-channel and the field generating device is configured to act on the field-influenced fluid in the through-channel by way of a field. At least one adjustment device is provided with which the field that is active in the through-channel can be adjusted. A portion of the cross-sectional area of the through-channel can be adjusted, the portion being exposed to a field of a specific intensity so that the through-channel can also only partly be exposed to a field of a specific intensity. Thus, the through-channel, as seen in the direction of the flow, can be divided into regions of different flow resistance, whereby characteristic curves, which were previously attained only with difficulty, are easily obtained when using the valve device in a damper, for example.

Abstract: A piezoelectric valve has a body with an input passage and an output passage each configured to connect to a fluid flow system, a flow control member movable with respect to the valve seat between a fully open position and a closed position and a piezoelectric motor directly connected to the flow control member. The piezoelectric motor has a piezoelectric resonator in which two orthogonal vibrational modes across a length and a width of the piezoelectric resonator are excited, a working element and one or more contact sites providing frictional contact between the working element and the piezoelectric resonator. One of the working element and the piezoelectric resonator is connected to the flow control member and configured to move relative to the other of the working element and the piezoelectric resonator due to the frictional contact, thereby moving the flow control member.

Abstract: A method for determining the actual start of injection is performed by an actuating device for a piezo fuel injection valve and includes the following steps. First, a test injection is carried out with such a short actuation duration that a start of shut-off takes place at a time so early that the nozzle needle does not reach the open end position. Said time is predefined by the actuation and is therefore precisely known. Next, the closing time of the nozzle needle is then determined by measurement and evaluation of an electrical variable of the piezo direct drive. Once the closing time and the time of the start of shut-off are known, the actual start of injection is calculated back from the closing time via the start of shut-off. This permits an adequately precise determination of the actual injection quantity in almost every operating state of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A piezoelectric valve stably supplies gas even for a long gas ejection time, with a high responsivity to opening the valve, is provided. The piezoelectric valve, including a gas-pressure-chamber for receiving a compressed gas supplied from outside, a gas-discharge-channel through which the compressed gas is discharged from the gas-pressure-chamber, comprises: a valve body disposed in the gas-pressure-chamber and opens/closes the gas-discharge-channel; a piezoelectric element for producing a driving force to move the valve body as a displacement; a displacement-enlarging-mechanism for enlarging the displacement of the piezoelectric element to act on the valve body; and a driving unit having a signal-generating-unit for generating a signal comprising a pre-pulse and a main pulse and provides the signal generated by the signal-generating-unit to a driving circuit as an input signal to apply a driving voltage to the piezoelectric element to make the piezoelectric element expand and drive the valve body open.

Abstract: A valve assembly for switching and/or regulating a medium flow of an aerospace engine includes a drive, a valve and a flexible separator element. The drive includes one or more electrically actuatable actuators, which change their length in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the valve assembly when a control voltage is applied to the actuators. The valve includes a valve piston, which can be moved back and forth along the longitudinal axis by the drive and which has a valve member. The flexible separator element delimits a working space of the valve from the drive, as a result of which the medium, which flows through the valve or is present in the working space, is hermetically separated from the drive.

Abstract: A valve device is provided with a contraction-type high polymer gel actuator which laminates slab-like negative plates and mesh-like positive plates alternately and interleaves high polymer gel between each negative plate and each positive plate, and with a first and a second valve mechanisms driven by the gel actuator. The direction of deformation of expansion and contraction of the high polymer gel actuator is the same as the driving direction of the first valve mechanism and perpendicular to the driving direction of the second valve mechanism. The valve device is composed in such a way as to switch opening and closing of a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage simultaneously by means of deformation of expansion and contraction by controlling voltage applied to the high polymer gel actuator. This allows to compose a valve device that can open and close plural oil passages at an identical timing.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus and a program are disclosed herein. A flow control apparatus includes a piezoelectric element coupled to a valve element configuring a flow regulating valve and that works the valve element to regulate a flow, a driving circuit that applies a voltage to the piezoelectric element to drive the piezoelectric element, an accepting means for accepting a target flow, and an output means for outputting a signal corresponding to the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element to the driving circuit, to change the flow so as to coincide with the target flow. When the target flow is changed, the output means transiently outputs a signal corresponding to a voltage value different from a target voltage value corresponding to the target flow after the change, and then the output means outputs a signal corresponding to a voltage change converging at the target voltage value.

Abstract: A pump devoid of mobile mechanical parts and including a tank with a sleeve for dispensing fluid that remains fully open, but of which an inside capillary is too thin to allow for dispensing of fluid when idle. Recourse is therefore made to a resonator device with a piezoelectric exciter, that produces vibrations, in particular bending, of the sleeve to oblige the fluid to flow through it at a determined flow rate that depends on characteristics of the pump and of excitation. The assembly can be miniaturized and used as an implantable device, for example for treatment of hearing pathologies, to deliver a drug, or, in certain embodiments, also take samples of ambient fluid. A remote energy supply is possible.

Abstract: A microvalve includes a base plate including a surface, a recessed area provided within the surface, a first fluid port provided within the recessed area, and a first sealing structure extending about the first fluid port. The microvalve also includes a cover plate including a surface, a recessed area provided within the surface, a second fluid port provided within the recessed area, and a second sealing structure extending about the second fluid port. An intermediate plate is disposed between the base plate and the cover plate and includes a displaceable member that is movable between a closed position, wherein the displaceable member cooperates with the sealing structures to prevent fluid communication between the fluid ports, and an opened position, wherein the displaceable member does not cooperate with at least a portion of the sealing structures to prevent fluid communication between the fluid ports.

Abstract: A pressure control apparatus for a supercritical fluid according to the present invention includes: a valve comprising; a valve chamber provided in a midway of a channel through which a supercritical fluid passes; and an electrically-operated valve element located in the valve chamber; a pressure detection member for detecting the pressure of the supercritical fluid in the channel on an upstream or downstream side of the valve chamber; an open/close control member for controlling the pressure detected by the pressure detection member to be a target pressure; and a valve-opening rate adjustment member for adjusting the valve-opening rate when the valve is opened based on the state of the supercritical fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for self-calibrating control of gas flow. The gas flow rate is initially set by controlling, to a high degree of precision, the amount of opening of a flow restriction, where the design of the apparatus containing the flow restriction lends itself to achieving high precision. The gas flow rate is then measured by a pressure rate-of-drop upstream of the flow restriction, and the amount of flow restriction opening is adjusted, if need be, to obtain exactly the desired flow.

Abstract: An implantable device controls the movement of fluid to an inflatable portion of a gastric band. The implantable device includes a body. The body has an inlet, an outlet and a valve seat positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The body defines a fluid passage from the inlet to the outlet. The implantable device also includes a diaphragm. The diaphragm has one or more edges coupled to the body. The diaphragm is made of an elastomeric material and capable of being moved between a closed position that blocks the valve seat and does not allow the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet and an open position that does not block the valve seat and allows the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A micro-valve includes an orifice plate including an orifice and a cantilevered beam coupled in spaced relation to the orifice plate and moveable between positions where the orifice is closed and opened by the cantilevered beam. The cantilevered beam includes one or more piezoelectric layers that facilitate bending of the cantilevered beam in response to the application of one or more electrical signals to the one or more piezoelectric layers. In response to respective application and termination of the one or more electrical signals to the one or more piezoelectric layers the cantilevered beam either: moves from a starting position spaced from the orifice plate toward the orifice plate and returns back to the starting position spaced from the orifice plate; or moves from a starting position adjacent the orifice plate away from the orifice plate and returns back to the starting position adjacent the orifice plate.

Abstract: A valve for metering a fluid (liquid or gaseous medium), in particular, a fuel injector for internal combustion engines, having a valve housing, an actuator accommodated in the valve housing and acting on a valve member, an electrical connector accessible on the outside of the valve housing, and an electrical supply lead that produces an electrical connection from the connector to the actuator and has two lead strands, each having a flexible strand section.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a mini-scale microfluidic valve including a valve housing disposed at a fluid dispensing orifice of a mini-scale microfluidic system dispensing nozzle. The valve housing comprises a base member having a base member orifice that aligns with the fluid dispensing orifice to provide a fluid dispensing pathway through which a system-fluid is dispensed from the system dispensing nozzle to an external ambient environment. The housing additionally comprises an open valve channel exposed to the external ambient environment and intersecting the fluid dispensing pathway. The valve further includes a liquid-film movably disposed within the open valve channel such that the liquid-film is exposed to the external ambient environment. The liquid-film comprises a substantially non-volatile, immiscible liquid, and a valve control subsystem structured and operable to control movement of the liquid-film within the open valve channel to selectively cover and uncover the base member orifice.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piezoelectric drive, in particular for microvalves. The drive comprises a deformation layer coupled on one side to a piezoelectric layer, which is provided with at least one pair of electrodes, made of two electrodes of opposite polarities, to provide electricity. According to the invention, both electrodes of opposite polarities of the pair of electrodes are arranged together on the side of the piezoelectric layer facing away from the deformation layer. The invention also relates to a microvalve comprising at least one valve channel and a membrane that opens or closes the valve channel, where the membrane simultaneously forms the deformation layer of such a piezoelectric drive.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a valve comprising a valve body; an orifice disposed within the valve body; a fluid flow restraining member located at a first location of the orifice, the fluid flow restraining member pivotable between a closed position and an open position; an extending member connected to, and moveable in pivotable synchronization with, the fluid flow restraining member; and a shape memory alloy element attached to the extending member and the valve body, the shape memory alloy element causing a pivotal movement of the extending member between positions corresponding to the open and closed positions responsive to a change in temperature of the shape memory alloy element.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling liquid flow wherein the apparatus comprises an orifice and an adjacent flexible diaphragm separated from each other by a gap through which a liquid flows. The diaphragm is sufficiently flexible to vary the gap thereby controlling the rate of liquid flowing through the orifice or to provide a positive liquid shutoff of liquid flowing through the orifice. A method for controlling liquid flow through the apparatus comprises flexing said diaphragm to vary a size of the gap to control the rate of liquid flowing through the orifice or to provide a positive liquid shutoff of liquid from flowing through the orifice.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for the movement of an object along an axis of motion comprises two clamping elements and a drive element disposed between the two clamping elements which enables a relative movement of the two clamping elements along the axis of motion. Each clamping element comprises a base body and two clamping jaws, wherein a piezo-actuator is disposed between the base body and at least one of the two clamping jaws, which can produce a clamping force acting on the object which is directed transversely to the axis of motion. The base bodies of the two clamping elements are connected by at least two expansible elements. The drive element comprises a further piezo-actuator, which enables the relative displacement of the two clamping elements along the axis of motion. The drive mechanism is suitable for application in a micro-valve.

Abstract: A staging valve arrangement is described that comprises an arrangement of electrically driven staging valves that are located, in use, in the high temperature core zone of an engine. Each staging valve may comprise a housing having an inlet, a pilot flow outlet and a mains flow outlet, a valve member movable between a closed position in which the mains flow outlet is closed and an open position in which the mains flow outlet is open, a motor operable to drive the valve member for movement, and a cooling arrangement.

Abstract: Improving the accuracy of the flow rate of a valve in a fluidic delivery device in which a desired flow rate may be achieved by varying the duty cycle of the valve. The flow rate of fluid delivery from the valve over its lifetime is stabilized by minimizing the voltage OPENING time of the valve to account for valve and piezoelectric actuator drift. Also, the valve OPENING time of one or more fluidic parameters that impact on the flow rate delivery by the valve and differ among fluidic delivery devices is compensated to optimize the flow rate accuracy.

Abstract: A valve device includes an oil path that is formed such that a hydraulic fluid flows therethrough, a ball valve that opens and closes the oil path, and a contraction-type PVC gel actuator including a plurality of planar cathode plates, a plurality of mesh-like anode plates, and PVC gel layers. The cathode plates and the anode plates are alternately stacked one on top of the other with the PVC gel layers sandwiched therebetween. With expansion or contraction deformation of the contraction-type PVC gel actuator, the ball valve is driven so as to close or open the oil path. The cathode plates and the anode plates included in the contraction-type PVC gel actuator are interconnected using the belt-like wiring portions. Thus, an integrated unit of the plurality of cathode plates and an integrated unit of the plurality of anode plates are formed.

Abstract: The positioning of the actuating drive in a fuel injector with a piezoactuator (2) that is screwed into the housing (1) of the fuel injector is performed by applying a voltage (U) to the piezoactuator (2) that corresponds to a given idle stroke (h), and the surface grinding of the housing (3) and base plate (4) of the piezoactuator (2) when voltage is applied. Between the housing (1) of the fuel injector and the housing (3) of the piezoactuator (2), there is also provided a compensation collar (9) of a suitable thickness.

Abstract: A valve (100) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The valve (100) comprises a body (102) including a plurality of ports (204, 205, 206). The valve (100) also comprises a valve actuator (150) positioned within the body (102). The valve actuator (150) includes a slider (110) and one or more shape memory alloy elements (112a, 112b). The one or more shape memory alloy elements (112a, 112b) are coupled to at least one side (113, 114) of the slider (110). The slider (110) is movable between a first position and at least a second position upon energizing at least one of the shape memory alloy elements (112a, 112b) of the one or more shape memory alloy elements (112a, 112b) in order to actuate the valve (100).

Abstract: A piezoelectric valve comprising: a valve main body formed in which are a gas pressure chamber that takes in compressed gas supplied from the outside as well as a gas release channel through which the compressed gas is released from the gas pressure chamber; a valve body placed in the gas pressure chamber to open and close the gas release channel; a piezoelectric element that generates, in the form of displacement, a driving force needed to operate the valve body; at least one displacement amplification mechanism that amplifies a displacement of the piezoelectric element and causes it to act upon the valve body; and a driving means for applying voltage to the piezoelectric element in order to drive the valve body to open the valve and thereby open the gas release channel; wherein such piezoelectric valve is characterized in that the driving means applies voltage to the piezoelectric element in multiple stages so as to suppress fluctuation in the amount of gas ejected from the gas release channel when the valv

Abstract: A magnetic latching solenoid comprises a housing, a moveable magnetically permeable member, a stationary magnetic assembly, a counter flux generator; and, a spring. A substantially equal extent of the moveable magnetically permeable member and stationary magnetic assembly along results in an air gap interface being essentially mid-way between the opposite axial extremities of the moveable magnetically permeable member and stationary magnetic assembly, thereby enhancing an attracting force of a permanent magnet that comprises the stationary magnetic assembly. In an example embodiment, the stationary magnetic assembly comprises a pole member which is adjustably positionable to minimize air gaps.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes: a shape memory substrate having a shape memory polymer matrix and a plurality of particles embedded in the shape memory polymer matrix, the shape memory polymer matrix being thermally transformable from a temporary shape to an original shape, the particles being made from a magnetically coercive material; and a microfluidic chip attached sealingly to the shape memory substrate and defining a microfluidic channel. The shape memory polymer matrix is indented inwardly to form an indented space in fluid communication with the microfluidic channel when the shape memory polymer matrix is heated to transform from the temporary shape to the original shape.

Abstract: A piezo valve actuated by an electric voltage. The piezo valve includes a valve body having at least one port for introducing a fluid therethrough, an internal chamber communicating with the port, at least one valve seat for allowing the fluid to pass therethrough, and a circuit board for supplying an electric voltage; a valve unit opening or closing the valve seat of the valve body; a piezo plate bending-strained to either of opposite sides in response to the electric voltage, thus moving the valve unit; and a fastener fastening an end of the piezo plate to the valve body in a state in which a position of the piezo plate can be adjusted. Because the end of the piezo plate is fastened by the fastener, it is possible to fasten the piezo plate in a state in which the fastened position of the piezo plate can be adjusted.

Abstract: A control valve has a piezoelectric actuator substantially immersed in a fluid and a sealing mechanism configured to be in a closed position and an open position. The piezoelectric actuator is configured to distort in response to an applied voltage causing the sealing mechanism to transition between the closed position and the open position. In the open position, the sealing mechanism allows fluid to flow therethrough. In response to removing the applied voltage, the piezoelectric actuator returns to an undistorted position causing the sealing mechanism to close and prevent fluid from flowing therethrough. In at least one embodiment, the piezoelectric actuator is configured to contract due to the fluid pressure, and the tube is configured to contract due to the fluid pressure to compensate at least in part for the contraction of the piezoeletric actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve comprising a valve housing having a valve inlet and outlet, a valve seat arranged in the direction of flow of the fluid between the valve inlet and outlet, a closure means which is movably arranged in the valve housing, and has a first side and a second side, wherein the closure means closes off the valve seat tightly when the valve is in the closed state, a balancing opening for producing a pressure compensation between the first side and the second side of the closure means, and at least one control actuator, wherein the control actuator closes off the balancing opening of the closure means in a closed position and frees the balancing opening of the closure means in an open position so that the closure means frees the valve seat as a result of a pressure compensation via the balancing opening.

Abstract: A fuel injector valve (1) of a piston engine, which comprises a fuel chamber (3) for the fuel to be injected, a valve needle (9) for guiding the fuel injection from the fuel chamber (3) into the cylinder (4) of the engine, a spring (10) for pressing the valve needle (9) towards the closed position, and a piezoelectric actuator (11) for guiding the valve needle (9). Additionally, the injector valve (1) comprises a drawbar (22), which is loosely coupled to the valve needle (9), a second drawbar (23), which is attached to the piezoelectric actuator (11) and loosely coupled to the drawbar (22), and that the injector valve (1) comprises a second spring (24) fitted in connection with the drawbar (22) for pressing the valve needle (9) towards the closed position and a third spring (25) fitted in connection with the second drawbar (23) for pressing the valve needle (9) towards the closed position.

Abstract: An improved microvalve is described. The microvalve includes a corresponding actuation aperture in an actuation aperture layer. A control fluid flows through the actuation aperture. The flow of the control fluid is controlled by an electric field typically applied via a charge distribution near an actuation aperture layer. In one embodiment, the electric field may adjust the opening and closing of the actuation aperture thereby controlling the flow of the control fluid. In a second embodiment, the control fluid is an electrorheological fluid where the electric field controls the viscosity of the ER fluid thereby controlling fluid flow through the actuation aperture. In both embodiments the flow of the control fluid controls stretching of a flexible membrane formed along the wall of a conduit through which a fluid to be controlled flows. The stretching of the flexible membrane controlling the flow of the main fluid to be controlled.

Abstract: It is introduced a miniaturizable actuation device based on piezoelectric flexural transducer element, which can be fabricated easily and cost effective, for use in a fluid valve or other devices, the actuation device being suited to perform reproducible actuation deflections fast and precisely, uneffected by disturbing influences due to temperature changes and mechanical deformations of the housing. The actuation device according to the invention includes a fluid bearing 5 with a first surface 7, which is associated with the flexural transducer element 2, a second surface 8, which is associated with the housing 15, and a flowable power transmitting fluid 6 between the surfaces, to transmit the reaction forces and—moments resulting from the actuatro deflection from the flexural transducer element 2 to the housing 15.

Abstract: A microactuator may be configured by activating a source of electromagnetic radiation to heat and melt a selected set of phase-change plugs embedded in a substrate of the microactuator, pressurizing a common pressure chamber adjacent to each of the plugs to deform the melted plugs, and deactivating the source of electromagnetic radiation to cool and solidify the melted plugs.

Abstract: A fuel pressure regulation system for a motor vehicle includes a fuel pressure regulator in communication with an electronic control device (ECU). The regulated pressure of the fuel pressure regulator can be varied by applying electrical signals from the ECU. According to one embodiment, a length of a spring is adjusted to vary the regulated fuel pressure. According to another embodiment, a viscosity of a fluid is adjusted to vary the pressure.

Abstract: A fluid transportation device includes a valve supporting module, a first fluid transportation module and a second fluid transportation module. Through the valve supporting module, the first fluid transportation module and the second fluid transportation module may be combined together in a side-by-side arrangement or a vertically-stacked arrangement. The combination of the first fluid transportation module and the second fluid transportation module can increase the flow rate and the pumping head of transporting the fluid. Moreover, the combination of two fluid transportation modules of the present fluid transportation device can be synchronously or asynchronously actuated to increase the flow rate and the pumping head of transporting the fluid. Since the additional coupling mechanism is omitted, the fabricating cost of the present fluid transportation device is largely reduced, and the overall volume of the present fluid transportation device is reduced to comply with the miniaturization requirement.

Abstract: A fluid jet device including a fluid chamber with variable capacity and a capacity varying section adapted to vary the capacity of the fluid chamber in response to supply of a drive signal. A drive waveform section making the capacity varying section operate so as to compress the capacity of the fluid chamber and a restoring drive waveform section making the capacity varying section operate to restore the capacity of the fluid chamber before compressing the capacity in a signal waveform. The drive signal supply section controls supply content of the drive signal to provide a restoring period adapted to restore a steady state of the fluid flowing toward an inside of the fluid chamber in a period from when the compressing drive waveform section in the drive signal is supplied to when a subsequent compressing drive waveform section is supplied.

Abstract: A fluid injection valve having an inlet which is set up to receive fluid from a supply line and is connected to a chamber, a fluid outlet which is connected to the chamber, is set up to allow fluid to flow out of the fluid injection valve and has a valve arrangement having a valve seat and a valve element, wherein the valve element is set up to perform opening and closing movements relative to the valve seat, a linear actuator which is set up to move the valve element relative to the valve seat, and a spring arrangement which exerts on the valve element a force which is dependent on the fluid pressure prevailing in the chamber.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive pressure regulating system includes a magnetostrictive valve that incorporates a magnetostrictive actuator with at least one current-carrying coil disposed thereabout. A pressure force sensor, in fluid communication with the fluid exiting the valve, includes (i) a magnetostrictive material, (ii) a magnetic field generator in proximity to the magnetostrictive material for inducing a magnetic field in and surrounding the magnetostrictive material wherein lines of magnetic flux passing through the magnetostrictive material are defined, and (iii) a sensor positioned adjacent to the magnetostrictive material and in the magnetic field for measuring changes in at least one of flux angle and flux density when the magnetostrictive material experiences an applied force that is aligned with the lines of magnetic flux. The pressure of the fluid exiting the valve causes the applied force.

Abstract: A polymer actuator is capable of being utilized for any of various drive sources, and the amount of deformation of the polymer actuator can particularly be used also for a valve or shaft-sealing device. The polymer actuator includes a power driver deformed upon receiving electro stimuli and electrodes disposed on the upper and lower surface sides of the power driver in an opposite manner for applying positive and negative electro stimuli to the power driver in a planar fashion. The electrodes have different stimuli application regions to have different electrical field distributions for causing distribution of stress generated in the power driver to be eccentrically located on one of positive and negative sides, thereby bending and deforming the power driver onto a side on which the opposite stimuli application regions do not exist.

Abstract: Provided is a microvalve having a magnetic wax plug which includes a micro fluidic structure having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a magnetic wax plug provided at a predetermined 5 section where the inlet portion and the outlet portion meet, existing in a solid state, melted at a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature, and reversibly moving along a magnetic field, so as to control flux of a fluid through the micro fluidic structure, a heating portion provided corresponding to the section and heating the magnetic wax plug to be melted, and a magnetic field 10 application portion selectively applying a magnetic field to a position where the melted magnetic wax plug arrives.

Abstract: In an example, an apparatus, such as a microfluidic assembly, can include or can include using a channel including a valve seat, a valve film configured to adjust position with respect to the valve seat, and a first electrode configured to actuate the valve film electrostatically to adjust the position of the valve film to control a flow of a fluid in the channel laterally across the valve seat, the flow in a direction substantially parallel to the film.