US 11,938,733 B2
Systems and methods for sealing micro-valves for use in jetting assemblies
William A. Buskirk, Albany, OR (US); Steven E. Flego, Portland, OR (US); Charles C. Haluzak, Philomath, OR (US); John Whitlock, Pittsburgh, PA (US); Eric R. Miller, Seattle, WA (US); and Glenn J. T. Leighton, South Yorkshire (GB)
Assigned to Matthews International Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA (US)
Filed by Matthews International Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA (US)
Filed on Oct. 24, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/972,181.
Application 17/972,181 is a continuation of application No. 16/407,695, filed on May 9, 2019, granted, now 11,479,041.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/670,280, filed on May 11, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2023/0294399 A1, Sep. 21, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B41J 2/14 (2006.01); B41J 2/175 (2006.01); F16K 31/00 (2006.01); F16K 99/00 (2006.01); F16K 11/02 (2006.01)
CPC B41J 2/14282 (2013.01) [B41J 2/14201 (2013.01); B41J 2/14233 (2013.01); B41J 2/17596 (2013.01); F16K 31/004 (2013.01); F16K 99/0048 (2013.01); B41J 2202/05 (2013.01); F16K 11/022 (2013.01); F16K 99/0007 (2013.01); F16K 2099/0092 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A micro-valve comprising:
an orifice plate including a first surface and a second surface, the orifice plate comprising an orifice extending from the first surface to the second surface;
an actuating beam disposed in spaced relation to the orifice plate, the actuating beam including a base portion and a cantilevered portion, the base portion separated from the orifice plate by a predetermined distance, the cantilevered portion extending from the base portion towards the orifice such that an overlapping portion thereof overlaps the orifice wherein the actuating beam is movable between a closed position and an open position; and
a sealing structure comprising:
a valve seat surrounding the orifice,
a sealing member disposed at the overlapping portion of the cantilevered portion, and
a first sealing blade extending form the sealing member towards the valve seat, wherein the first sealing blade is substantially annular in shape and, wherein the first sealing blade comprises a tip, on a distal end from the sealing member, which provides a focal point for a downward force supplied by the actuating beam to the valve seat when closed.