Abstract: A vacuum-keeping multistage vacuum-generating and vacuum-destructing valve includes a main body, which includes an introduction port, a vacuum port, a discharge port, and a vacuum-generating valve, in combination with a vacuum-destructing valve. The vacuum-destructing valve is arranged in combination with a flow conducting passage formed in the main body and connected to the vacuum port to allow a pressure fluid received through the introduction port to partly flow through the vacuum-destructing valve, and a vacuum-destructing two-port two-position valve is arranged in the flow conducting passage to increase flow rate of the pressure fluid passing therethrough to make a response of the vacuum port more sensitive in switching to a vacuum-destructing state. The ports of the main body are arranged in a detachable manner to increase service efficiency and ease part replacement. Two side seats are arranged to couple multiple such main bodies together to cope with complicated automatic processing operations.

Abstract: A method of producing a pulsatile jet flow from a substantially constant flow primary jet in a way that is mechanically efficient, easy to implement, and allows direct control over pulse duration and pulsing frequency is disclosed herein. The invention includes at least two components: (a) a constant flow fluid jet produced by any normal method (e.g., propeller) that can be directionally vectored fluidically, mechanically, or electromagnetically and (b) a nozzle with multiple outlets (orifices) through which the vectored jet may be directed. By alternately vectoring the jet through different outlets, a transient (pulsatile) flow at an outlet is obtained even with a substantially constant primary jet flow. Additionally, the nozzle outlets may be oriented in different directions to provide thrust vectoring, making the invention useful for maneuvering, directional control, etc.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a fluidic oscillator. The fluidic oscillator is configured to oscillate between a closed state and an open state. The fluidic oscillator comprises an oscillator conduit forming an oscillator chamber comprising an inlet and an outlet wherein the inlet and the outlet are configured to enable fluid flow through the oscillator chamber. An inner chamber of the oscillator chamber further includes a flexible element wherein a rate of fluid flow through the oscillator chamber results in a deformation in the flexible element. In other elements, the fluid oscillator further comprises two fluidic gates comprising a deformable chamber wherein changes in a control pressure of a control fluid in the deformable chamber results in a deformation in a volume of the oscillation chamber.

Abstract: Plastic microfluidic structures having a substantially rigid diaphragm that actuates between a relaxed state wherein the diaphragm sits against the surface of a substrate and an actuated state wherein the diaphragm is moved away from the substrate. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic structures formed with this diaphragm provide easy to manufacture and robust systems, as well readily made components such as valves and pumps.

Abstract: Plastic microfluidic structures having a substantially rigid diaphragm that actuates between a relaxed state wherein the diaphragm sits against the surface of a substrate and an actuated state wherein the diaphragm is moved away from the substrate. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic structures formed with this diaphragm provide easy to manufacture and robust systems, as well readily made components such as valves and pumps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a structure and a chamber within the structure. The structure has an input port and an output port. The chamber is configured to channel a fluid from the input port to the output port of the structure. A volume of the chamber is configured to change such that a frequency at which the fluid flows out of the output port changes at the output port.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for generation of monodisperse droplets and initiating a chemical reaction is provided. The microfluidic device includes a first input microchannel having a first dimension and including a first phase located therein. The device also includes a second input microchannel having a second dimension and including a second phase located therein. In accordance with the present disclosure, the second dimension is different from the first dimension and the first phase is immiscible in the second phase. A microchannel junction is also present and is in communication with the first input microchannel and the second input microchannel. The device further includes an output channel in communication with the microchannel junction and set to receive a monodisperse droplet. In the present disclosure, the difference in the first dimension and the second dimension creates an interfacial tension induced force at the microchannel junction which forms the monodisperse droplet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for manipulating a liquid in a channel, wherein a body, which forms a capillary intermediate space with respect to the channel wall, is moved in the channel and the channel is filled with liquid only up to the body. Preferably, the body can also bridge an area of the channel that cannot be wetted for the liquid.

Abstract: A system and method of injecting a chemical into a high pressure process stream without pumps or other active components. The system utilizes the differential pressure created by resistive losses of downstream components within a high pressure process stream. A bypass side stream is taken from an upstream pressure location and returned to the downstream side of the resistive inline process component. The chemical solution vessel is pressurized by the higher side of the pressure differential. The solution then passes through a flow controlling capillary tube exiting on the lower pressure differential side into the bypass stream. The high flow rate chemically diluted bypass stream then returns to the process stream at the lower differential process stream tie-in. The chemical solution is isolated from the process water pressuring the vessel by a movable separating device preventing mixing of the two fluids. The vessel can also be pressurized by gas.

Abstract: A microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve includes a microfabricated elastomer material having a flow through channel. The microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve also includes an elastomer flap attached to the elastomer material in the flow through channel. The elastomer flap forms a seal in the flow through channel to prevent fluid from flowing in a first direction through the flow through channel and to allow fluid flow in a second direction through the flow through channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow in a fluid flow path can include a chamber containing an expandable material, the expandable material being configured to expand out of the chamber into a portion of the fluid flow path so as to at least partially block the fluid flow path. The apparatus also can include at least one structure providing flow communication between the chamber and the fluid flow path. The at least one structure can be configured to pass the expandable material from the chamber to the portion of the fluid flow path during expansion so as to control a rate at which the expandable material expands into the portion of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A variable flow resistance system for use with a subterranean well can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, the chamber having at least two inlets, and a flow resistance which varies depending on proportions of the fluid composition which flow into the chamber via the respective inlet flow paths, and an actuator which varies the proportions. The actuator may deflect the fluid composition toward one of the inlet flow paths. A method of variably controlling flow resistance in a well can include changing an orientation of a deflector relative to a passage through which a fluid composition flows, thereby influencing the fluid composition to flow toward one of multiple inlet flow paths of a flow chamber, the chamber having a flow resistance which varies depending on proportions of the fluid composition which flow into the chamber via the respective inlet flow paths.

Abstract: A microactuator may be configured by activating a source of electromagnetic radiation to heat and melt a selected set of phase-change plugs embedded in a substrate of the microactuator, pressurizing a common pressure chamber adjacent to each of the plugs to deform the melted plugs, and deactivating the source of electromagnetic radiation to cool and solidify the melted plugs.

Abstract: A gas transfer unit includes a transfer path forming member; a gas transferring member; and a gas purifying member as defined herein, and in a case where exhaustion is performed through the first exhaust port, the transfer vanes are rotated at a first rotation number, and, in a case where exhaustion is performed through the second exhaust port, the transfer vanes are rotated at a second rotation number which is higher than the first rotation number.

Abstract: A fluidic actuator includes a basic arrangement having at least one cavity formed therein, an activatable substance within the cavity, and a deformable seal arrangement. The activatable substance, exemplarily an electrolyte, may be converted, at least partly, by suitable activation and thus cause a change in pressure in the cavity. The deformable seal arrangement serves for sealing the cavity. The seal arrangement includes an element containing paraffin and may be deformed when activating the activatable substance due to the change in pressure of the activatable substance. A corresponding method of manufacturing includes the following steps: providing the basic arrangement; forming a cavity, which is open on at least one side, in the basic arrangement; introducing the activatable substance into the cavity; and sealing the cavity using the deformable seal arrangement which includes an element containing paraffin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for manipulating a liquid in a channel, wherein a body, which forms a capillary intermediate space with respect to the channel wall, is moved in the channel and the channel is filled with liquid only up to the body. Preferably, the body can also bridge an area of the channel that cannot be wetted for the liquid.

Abstract: A gas flow of a gas pipe is indicated before an electromagnetic valve is actually opened, so that the electromagnetic valve can be prevented from being opened or closed by a wrong manipulation or hazards caused by undesired mixing of gases can be avoided so as to improve safety. The substrate processing apparatus includes a state detection unit configured to detect an opening/closing request state and an opening/closing state of a valve installed at a gas pipeline; and a indication unit configured to indicate a gas flow state of the gas pipeline predicted according to the opening/closing request state and a gas flow state of the gas pipeline when the valve is opened, in a way that each state is distinguished.

Abstract: A microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve includes a microfabricated elastomer material having a flow through channel. The microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve also includes an elastomer flap attached to the elastomer material in the flow through channel. The elastomer flap forms a seal in the flow through channel to prevent fluid from flowing in a first direction through the flow through channel and to allow fluid flow in a second direction through the flow through channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge with solution reservoir-pump chamber is disclosed. The microfluidic cartridge comprises a channel-chamber layer, a sealing layer, a printed circuit board bound with magnetoresistive biochip. The channel-chamber layer includes at least a waste reservoir, a reaction-detection chamber, a solution reservoir-pump chamber and a plurality of micro-channels. Said solution reservoir-pump chamber realizes both functions of solution reservoir and pump chamber in a single structure. Said sealing layer is sealed with said channel-chamber layer to form an integrated microfluidic system with at least a waste reservoir, a reaction-detection chamber, a solution inlet, a solution reservoir-pump chamber and a micro-channel. Said solution reservoir-pump chamber in the present invention consists of elastic objects inside for sealing and pumping. Under pressure, said elastic object propels solution in the reservoir into said reaction-detection chamber via channels of said plurality of micro-channels.

Abstract: Membrane valves and latching valve structures for microfluidic devices are provided. A demultiplexer can be used to address the latching valve structures. The membrane valves and latching valve structures may be used to form pneumatic logic circuits, including processors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device for the rapid detection of DNA, proteins or other molecules associated with a particular disease. The devices and methods of the invention can be used for the simultaneous diagnosis of multiple diseases by detecting molecules (e.g. amounts of molecules), such as polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) or proteins (e.g., antibodies), by measuring the signal of a detectable reporter associated with hybridized polynucleotides or antigen/antibody complex. In the microfabricated device according to the invention, detection of the presence of molecules (i.e. Polynucleotides, proteins, or antigen/antibody complexes) are correlated to a hybridization signal from an optically-detectable (e.g. fluorescent) reporter associated with the bound molecules. These hybridization signals can be detected by any suitable means, for example optical, and can be stored for example in a computer as a representation of the presence of a particular gene.

Abstract: A valve 25 includes: a passage 33 having a first passage 31 which communicates an atmosphere-communicating passage 24 and outside of a cartridge body 10, and a second passage 32 which branches from the first passage; an electrode 35 provided on a wall surface forming the second passage 32; an electrode 37 provided on a wall surface of a bottom wall lid forming the first passage 31; a driver IC 44 which applies a predetermined voltage selectively to one of these two kinds of electrodes 35, 37; an insulating film 36 provided on a surface of the electrode 35; and an insulating film 38 provided on a surface of the electrode 37. Accordingly, there is provided a valve which is capable of opening and closing a passage communicating two spaces separated from each other, which has no movable part, and which has a simple construction.

Abstract: A dispenser arrangement for fluidic dispensing control into a microfluidic component comprising an enclosed fluid holding area having a base portion and a top portion and a valve adapted to be movable between an open position and a closed position and positioned at least partially in the fluid holding area. The valve comprises an elongated hollow portion having a body and two ends adapted for fluid flow from the fluid holding area to the microfluidic component in the open position, a first opening on the body of the hollow portion positioned within the fluid holding area allowing fluid communication from the fluid holding area to the microfluidic component in the open position, a sealing portion connected to a first end of the hollow portion positioned within the fluid holding area adapted for sealing connection with the top portion of the fluid holding area in the closed position and a slant second opening at a second end of the hollow portion positioned outside of the fluid holding area.

Abstract: A microinjection device includes a pressure pump and a regulator that is connected to the pressure pump and that maintains constant pressure. A regulating chamber is connected to the regulator and an internal pressure of the regulating chamber is maintained to a predetermined pressure. A valve is connected to the regulating chamber and a hollow capillary is connected to the valve. An operator opens/closes the valve in the process of injecting material in a cell.

Abstract: A microfluidic connection comprising a carrier element having a microfluidic channel fixed between a feeding element and a backplate. The feeding element comprises a channel adopted for feeding a fluid into the microfluidic channel of the carrier element. The backplate comprises a recess arranged opposing the feeding element and comprising an elastic thrust piece.

Abstract: A fluidic device for performing assays can include control components such as vacuum pumps, gas pumps, “broken open valves,” and “self-close valves” for controlling the flow of fluids in the fluidic device. The vacuum pump can be used to pull a fluid in a specific direction in a channel, and the gas pump can be used to push a fluid in a specific direction in a channel. The broken open valve can be used to connect two separate regions at the control of a user, and the self-close valve can be used to automatically seal off a channel after passage of a fluid. The vacuum pumps, gas pumps, broken open valves, and self close valves can be made small in volume so that the fluidic device can be made as a small and portable device.

Abstract: A microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve includes a microfabricated elastomer material having a flow through channel. The microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve also includes an elastomer flap attached to the elastomer material in the flow through channel. The elastomer flap forms a seal in the flow through channel to prevent fluid from flowing in a first direction through the flow through channel and to allow fluid flow in a second direction through the flow through channel.

Abstract: A liquid control apparatus is used for controlling the movement of liquid in a microfluidic device having a flow channel for holding liquid. The apparatus comprises a vibration wave generating section for generating a vibration wave to be applied to the microfluidic device and a signal supplying section for supplying drive signals to the vibration wave generating section so as to oscillate in an oscillation mode selected from a transfer mode for moving liquid in a predetermined direction, a stop mode for stopping the movement of liquid, a mixing and/or agitation mode for mixing and/or agitating liquid and a localization mode for localizing a predetermined substance in liquid.

Abstract: In one embodiment as described in this section, an apparatus for mixing of microfluidic streams on a chip is presented, which comprises a micro-channel and a plurality of magnetic valves on the chip. A guiding magnet produces a proximal magnetic field gradient to exert a force on a bead in a cavity when placed at in a vicinity of the chip. The bead-cavity combination form a magnetic valve. In one embodiment, the mouth of the cavity is tapered so to prevent the magnetic bead from completely blocking the corresponding micro-channel section to enhance the mixing of microfluidic streams at the narrowed fluid path. In one embodiment, magnetically actuated valves direct the flow in a microfluidic system in one of several flow paths wherein the mixing characteristics of the paths are different.

Abstract: A dispenser arrangement for fluidic dispensing control into a microfluidic component comprising an enclosed fluid holding area having a base portion and a top portion and a valve adapted to be movable between an open position and a closed position and positioned at least partially in the fluid holding area. The valve comprises an elongated hollow portion having a body and two ends adapted for fluid flow from the fluid holding area to the microfluidic component in the open position, a first opening on the body of the hollow portion positioned within the fluid holding area allowing fluid communication from the fluid holding area to the microfluidic component in the open position, a sealing portion connected to a first end of the hollow portion positioned within the fluid holding area adapted for sealing connection with the top portion of the fluid holding area in the closed position and a slant second opening at a second end of the hollow portion positioned outside of the fluid holding area.

Abstract: Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention include switches that can be opened and closed to allow or block the flow of fluid through a channel in response to the pressure level in a gate of the switch. The microfabricated fluidic switches may be coupled together to perform logic functions and Boolean algebra, such as inverters, AND gates, NAND, gates, NOR gates, and OR gates. The logic gates may be coupled together to form flip-flops that latch signals. The present invention also includes microfabricated fluidic pressure multipliers that increase the pressure in a second chamber relative to a first chamber. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention also include high or low pressure sources. A pressure source of the present includes a pump coupled to a reservoir through unidirectional valves. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention may also include devices that perform analog functions such as switching regulator.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising an integrated circuit having a bonding surface bonded to a polymeric microfluidics platform. The microfluidic system comprises one or more microfluidics devices controlled by control circuitry in the integrated circuit. At least one of the microfluidic devices comprises a MEMS actuator positioned in a MEMS layer of the integrated circuit. The MEMS layer is covered with a polymeric layer which defines the bonding surface of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A system for monodispersed microdroplet generation and trapping including providing a flow channel in a microchip; producing microdroplets in the flow channel, the microdroplets movable in the flow channel; providing carrier fluid in the flow channel using a pump or pressure source; controlling movement of the microdroplets in the flow channel and trapping the microdroplets in a desired location in the flow channel. The system includes a microchip; a flow channel in the microchip; a droplet maker that generates microdroplets, the droplet maker connected to the flow channel; a carrier fluid in the flow channel, the carrier fluid introduced to the flow channel by a source of carrier fluid, the source of carrier fluid including a pump or pressure source; a valve connected to the carrier fluid that controls flow of the carrier fluid and enables trapping of the microdroplets.

Abstract: A micropump device including a first wafer and a second wafer attached to the first wafer. The first and second wafers are configured to define a chamber therebetween having a predetermined volume. A third wafer is attached to the second wafer to define an inlet section and an outlet section in fluid communication with the chamber. At least one of the second and third wafers are formed to define a moveable diaphragm configured to change the predetermined volume of the chamber for pumping a fluid between the inlet section and the outlet section.

Abstract: A fluid handling structure includes: an actuation area (03, 08) to control fluid flow within the structure; and a plurality of actuation components (09, 11, 12, 13) within the actuation area (03, 08); wherein the actuation area (63, 68) is constructed and arranged to activate or control each of the plurality of actuation components (09, 11, 12, 13). A fluid handling structure comprising: a fluid channel (204); and a deformable material (202); wherein the fluid channel is bounded, at least in part, by the deformable material (202). A fluidic device comprising: at least one channel (403) defining a path for the travel of an electromagnetic wave. A method of performing a function with an instrument, the method comprising: associating an insert with the instrument, the insert comprising one or more of program code, data, or commands, which enable performance of the function.

Abstract: An electroosmotic flow pump is filled with a driving liquid exhibiting electroosmotic phenomenon, and a transport liquid capable of noncontact movement through a valve as the driving liquid moves. Since only the driving liquid can pass through an electroosmotic material, even a transport liquid not exhibiting electroosmotic phenomenon can be transported by utilizing the electroosmotic flow pump. Consequently, the electroosmotic flow pump can transport any transport liquid stably so long as the driving liquid exhibits electroosmotic phenomenon.

Abstract: Plastic microfluidic structures having a substantially rigid diaphragm that actuates between a relaxed state wherein the diaphragm sits against the surface of a substrate and an actuated state wherein the diaphragm is moved away from the substrate. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic structures formed with this diaphragm provide easy to manufacture and robust systems, as well readily made components such as valves and pumps.

Abstract: Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention include switches that can be opened and closed to allow or block the flow of fluid through a channel in response to the pressure level in a gate of the switch. The microfabricated fluidic switches may be coupled together to perform logic functions and Boolean algebra, such as inverters, AND gates, NAND, gates, NOR gates, and OR gates. The logic gates may be coupled together to form flip-flops that latch signals. The present invention also includes microfabricated fluidic pressure multipliers that increase the pressure in a second chamber relative to a first chamber. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention also include high or low pressure sources. A pressure source of the present includes a pump coupled to a reservoir through unidirectional valves. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention may also include devices that perform analog functions such as switching regulator.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated fluidic systems and methods. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention include switches that can be opened and closed to allow or block the flow of fluid through a channel in response to the pressure level in a gate of the switch. The microfabricated fluidic switches may be coupled together to perform logic functions and Boolean algebra, such as inverters, AND gates, NAND, gates, NOR gates, and OR gates. The logic gates may be coupled together to form flip-flops that latch signals. The present invention also includes microfabricated fluidic pressure multipliers that increase the pressure in a second chamber relative to a first chamber. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention also include pressure sources. A pressure source of the present includes a pump coupled to a reservoir through unidirectional valves. The pressure source may be high pressure source or a low pressure source.

Abstract: A sample substrate for use in biological testing is provided having a first member defining at least one sample well and a second member including at least one sample well closure element. The at least one sample well closure element may be configured to substantially seal a corresponding sample well. Methods of filling the sample substrate are also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum producing device (1) possessing a principal suction nozzle unit (2) with a shut off valve (27) on the upstream side thereof and an additional suction nozzle unit (3) connected in parallel to the principal suction nozzle unit (2). While the supply of pressure medium for the principal suction nozzle unit (2) is controlled in a manner dependent on the negative pressure produced by controlling the shut off valve (27), the additional suction nozzle unit (3) remains (3) constantly in operation. This means that a complete build up of vacuum may be ensured in conjunction with a complete switching off of the principal suction nozzle unit (2) together with a resulting air economizing effect.

Abstract: A fluid amplifier is presented. The fluid amplifier comprises at least one control valve for controlling at least one of a first control fluid flow and a second control fluid flow. That is, the control valve has a movable element for selectively opening and closing at least one of the first control stream channel and the second control fluid flow channel. The control valve also includes a diaphragm for isolating the moveable element.

Abstract: A fluidic diverter valve includes valve element freely disposed within a valve bore. The valve bore has a cross sectional area that varies. As a result, the clearance between the valve element and an inner surface of the valve bore also varies. This variation in cross sectional area, and thus clearance, is such that a force of sufficient magnitude to move the valve element from a seated position is initially applied to the valve element, but the force on the valve element is reduced once it is moved from the seated position. Thus, the impact force upon attaining another seated position is reduced.

Abstract: A diverter valve includes a valve bore having a set of valve seats associated with each fluid outlet port. Each set of valve seats is at least partially separated from one another by a flow channel. The valve seat configuration increases the impact area for the valve element. As a result, the impact force upon seating against the valve seats is reduced. Moreover, by including flow channels between the sets of valve seats, the switching force and performance of the valve element is not adversely affected.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated fluidic systems and methods. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention include switches that can be opened and closed to allow or block the flow of fluid through a channel in response to the pressure level in a gate of the switch. The microfabricated fluidic switches may be coupled together to perform logic functions and Boolean algebra, such as inverters, AND gates, NAND, gates, NOR gates, and OR gates. The logic gates may be coupled together to form flip-flops that latch signals. The present invention also includes microfabricated fluidic pressure multipliers that increase the pressure in a second chamber relative to a first chamber. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention also include pressure sources. A pressure source of the present includes a pump coupled to a reservoir through unidirectional valves. The pressure source may be high pressure source or a low pressure source.

Abstract: An air-distribution system comprises a fluid device that enables deviation of a flow of air that traverses a main duct (6S; 6D) into a first secondary duct (7S, 7C) and a second secondary duct (7C, 7D), exploiting the Coanda effect. The system may be applied in vehicles in general, in particular motor vehicles, or for example in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated fluidic systems and methods. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention include switches that can be opened and closed to allow or block the flow of fluid through a channel in response to the pressure level in a gate of the switch. The microfabricated fluidic switches may be coupled together to perform logic functions and Boolean algebra, such as inverters, AND gates, NAND, gates, NOR gates, and OR gates. The logic gates may be coupled together to form flip-flops that latch signals. The present invention also includes microfabricated fluidic pressure multipliers that increase the pressure in a second chamber relative to a first chamber. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention also include pressure sources. A pressure source of the present includes a pump coupled to a reservoir through unidirectional valves. The pressure source may be high pressure source or a low pressure source.

Abstract: A vacuum producing device (1) possessing a principal suction nozzle unit (2) with a shut off valve (27) on the upstream side thereof and an additional suction nozzle unit (3) connected in parallel to the principal suction nozzle unit (2). While the supply of pressure medium for the principal suction nozzle unit (2) is controlled in a manner dependent on the negative pressure produced by controlling the shut off valve (27), the additional suction nozzle unit (3) remains (3) constantly in operation. This means that a complete build up of vacuum may be ensured in conjunction with a complete switching off of the principal suction nozzle unit (2) together with a resulting air economizing effect.

Abstract: A system for mixing first and second polymer melt flows and directing a mixed polymer melt flow to one and another downstream locations includes a control valve having an inlet port for receiving the first polymer melt flow, and a pair of outlet ports, and a fluidic valve for forming the mixed flow of the first and second polymer melt flows and directing the mixed flow to one of a plurality of downstream locations. The fluidic valve is provided with a primary supply port for receiving the second polymer melt flow, a pair of secondary supply ports which are fluid-connected with the primary supply port at a mixing intersection, and a plurality of discharge ports extending from the mixing intersection. Each discharge port directs the mixed flow of the first and second polymer melt flows to a respective downstream location. A pair of branch conduits is provided which fluid-connect one of the pair of outlet ports of the control valve to a respective one of the secondary supply ports of the fluidic valve.

Abstract: A maintenance-free valve for impeding the flow of fibers in a high velocity air-fiber stream. The valve has a rake-like construction to impede fiber flow when in the closed position. The valve has a plurality of closely-spaced, parallel tines attached to a rotatable shaft that is perpendicular to the tines. When closed, fibers collect on the tines of the rake valve, blinding the valve to further fiber flow. When opened, the fibers are dislodged from the tines such that they re-enter the air-fiber stream.