| Abstract: | A freeze-thaw valve and a method of micro-machining the freeze-thaw valve
is provided and includes a valve housing, wherein the valve housing
defines a housing cavity and includes a housing inlet, a housing vent, a
capillary tubing inlet and a capillary tubing outlet. A valve body is
provided, at least a portion of which is lithographically constructed,
wherein the valve body includes a refrigerant inlet, a refrigerant outlet
and an expansion chamber. The expansion chamber is disposed to
communicate the refrigerant inlet with the refrigerant outlet and
includes a restriction region having a flow restriction. Additionally,
the valve body is disposed within the housing cavity to form an
insulating channel between the valve housing and the valve body. |