US 11,543,037 B2 · Metastable state of dual latching valves

Abstract

A dual latching microvalve is capable of a metastable state, wherein a one or more complete flow paths are open, before switching to another state that allows only an inlet or outlet valve to be open at any time on any fluid path. One valve mechanism uses a cam to alternately open and close two valves, with an external force applying pressure to move one valve arm onto a resting position on the cam, thereby opening the closed valve and provided an uninterrupted flow path through the dual latching microvalve. The metastable state provides, for example, a means to prime the pump before operation, such as pumping of insulin into a patient. When released from the metastable state, the dual latching microvalve operates in a fashion whereby opening of both valves simultaneously is prevented, thereby protecting the patient from injury.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A method for providing flow through a single flow path using a dual latching valve operable in a metastable state, wherein the dual latching valve comprises a first tube and adjacent first arm to form a first valve, and a second tube and adjacent second arm to form a second valve, the method comprising the steps of:

a) applying a first force to either of the first or second arms, wherein the dual latching valve is placed into the metastable state during which fluid may pass in the single flow path through both the first and second valves;
b) applying a second force to either of the first or second arms, wherein the dual latching valve is removed from the metastable state, and wherein at least one of the first and second valves in the single flow path is closed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Metastable state of dual latching valves

Life of this patent

Metastable state of dual latching valves

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24