Abstract: The present invention relates to etched disc stack filters and particularly to such filters in which the etched discs include multiple arms in which are etched flow channels for the passage of a medium to be filtered and the removal or separation of a contaminant. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the etched discs may have an overall shape that is circular and may have filtering arms which radially extend from the center of each disc to the exterior border of the disc. The filtering arms may separate inlet and outlet openings. End caps may be attached at the ends of the disc stack and these end caps may have openings corresponding to the inlet and outlet openings in the discs in the disc stack.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated valve system for controlling fluid flow through a first conduit and a second conduit. A first sealing structure associated with the first conduit is moveable in response to a magnetic force to an open position and spring biased toward a closed position. The closed position prevents fluid flow through the first conduit. A second sealing structure associated with the second conduit is moveable in response to a magnetic force in a second direction, substantially opposite to the first direction, to an open position and biased toward a closed position. The closed position prevents fluid flow through the second conduit. A magnetic actuator assembly is constructed and arranged to actuate the first and second sealing assemblies substantially simultaneously by moving the first and second sealing structures in the first and second directions, respectively.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated valve system for controlling fluid flow through a first conduit and a second conduit. A first sealing structure associated with the first conduit is moveable in response to a magnetic force to an open position and spring biased toward a closed position. The closed position prevents fluid flow through the first conduit. A second sealing structure associated with the second conduit is moveable in response to a magnetic force in a second direction, substantially opposite to the first direction, to an open position and biased toward a closed position. The closed position prevents fluid flow through the second conduit. A magnetic actuator assembly is constructed and arranged to actuate the first and second sealing assemblies substantially simultaneously by moving the first and second sealing structures in the first and second directions, respectively.

Abstract: A modular subsystem of a fluidic system is formed by assembling a set of chemically etched sheets of material. The modular subsystem includes mechanical, electrical, and fluidic components. A plurality of sheet members is provided. Respective ones of the sheet members are etched to form portions of mechanical, electrical, and fluidic components. A set of the sheet members are attached to each other to form a modular subsystem comprising the mechanical, electrical, and fluidic components. The resulting modular subsystem is assembled from a set of chemically etched sheets of material, and comprises a set of sheet members attached to each other. Each sheet member within the set is etched so that the mechanical, electrical, and fluidic components are formed when the sheet members are attached to each other.