TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED VARIABLE FLUIDIC RESISTANCE DEVICE

摘要

A thermally controlled variable restrictor device provides variable restriction of fluid flow by temperature-induced viscosity changes. The thermally controlled variable restrictor device allows fast variable fluid control by employing a thermo-electric heater-cooler in intimate contact with a fluid channel containing a fluid thereby effecting rapid viscosity changes in the flowing fluid. The permeability and flow rate of fluids through the variable restrictor device can be manipulated by changing the temperature of a restriction element.