Fluid valves having cantilevered blocking films

摘要

A cantilever 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 port plate positioned in spaced apart relationship to the aperture plate. A flexible film or strip is attached at its first end between the aperture and port plates and is unattached so that it is free to move between the aperture and port plates at its second end. Valve action is provided by use of a single switching electrode for moving the flexible film between an aperture blocking position and an aperture open position, with the switching electrodes positioned adjacent to the port plate.