Dual piezoelectric fluid jet transfer valve

Abstract

A dual piezoelectric fluid jet transfer valve having two opposing piezoelectric tubes that can carry fluid. One end of each tube is clamped to provide cantilever action. The free ends of the tubes are in alignment when they are unenergized or when both are energized to the same magnitude and polarity. Then flow occurs across the gap at the free ends. The free ends of the tubes will be out of alignment when one tube is energized and the other not, or when both are energized to different magnitudes and/or polarity. Then flow will be discontinued across the gap at the free ends. By using two opposing and separate tubes, it is possible to use a single or dependent sources of energization. Easier opening therefore will result, since less deflection is required of each tube to attain misalignment. Further, two independent sources of energization may be used, which can provide outputs of various polarities and magnitudes, to attain a "balanced bridge" effect. That is, only when there is no unbalance of magnitude or polarity of the sources of energization, will flow occur between the free ends.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.