SEALABLE MICROVALVE THAT CAN BE REPEATEDLY OPENED AND SEALED

摘要

A substantially leak-free, sealable microvalve that can be repeatedly opened and sealed is presented. The resealable microvalve includes a block with a through via and a sealing plate. The gap between the block and the sealing plate is sealed by a sealing material. The sealing material can be melted when heat is applied and can be solidified when heat is absent. To close the resealable microvalve, heat is applied by flowing a current through a resistive heater and an actuator brings the block and the sealing plate into a contacting position. By removing the heat, the sealing material is solidified and creates a sealed state. To open the resealable microvalve, heat is applied to the sealing material. When the sealing material melts, the actuator moves the block and the sealing plate into a spaced apart position.

主权项

1. A resealable microvalve comprising:
first and second plates in facing relationship, wherein at least one of the first and second plates is capable of movement from a first spaced apart position to a second contacting position, the first plate comprising a through via; a first wetting element disposed on the first plate and surrounding the through via; a second wetting element disposed on the second plate in facing relationship with the first wetting element; a sealing material disposed on one or both of the first and second wetting elements, the sealing material capable of reversible melt and solidification and of wetting the first and second wetting elements when in a molten state; and a heating element in thermal communication with the sealing material, wherein the heating element is positioned on at least one of the first and second plates; wherein at least one of the first and second plates is supported on a leak-proof structure; wherein a surface of the first plate surrounding the first wetting element has a non-wetting interaction with the sealing material, and wherein a surface of the second plate surrounding the second wetting element has a non-wetting interaction with the sealing material.