Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dispensing portions of viscous material, such as the viscous materials used to form crystals of membrane proteins or soluble proteins. A liquid under pressure is used to divide the viscous materials into portions. The divided viscous material portions can optionally be deposited into are receptacle.

Abstract: Integrated, electrically operable micro-valves are formed to control fluid flow and pressure. These valves convert electrical energy to mechanical energy through an energy conversion device having a sealed cavity with a flexible wall. The sealed cavity contains a fluid that expands and contracts as it is heated or cooled, thus causing the flexible wall to move. Movement of this wall or membrane is used to move a valve element and dynamically control the opening or closing of a valve port over a predetermined range.

Abstract: A thernopneumatic valve comprises a fluid channel plate defining a fluid port. A diaphragm plate is attached to the fluid channel plate. The diaphragm plate includes a displaceable diaphragm to selectively obstruct the fluid port of the fluid channel plate. A thermal isolating heater is connected to the diaphragm plate. The thermal isolating heater includes a thermal isolating heater body with a heating surface, a perimeter wall defining an extended axial cavity to confine a thermopneumatic working fluid that is used to control the position of the displaceable diaphragm, and a diaphragm obstruction structure to limit the motion of the displaceable diaphragm into the extended axial cavity.

Abstract: A genus of integrated valves having an integrated actuator with a thin, flexible membrane formed of silicon driven by pressure of a fluid trapped in a cavity formed by bonding a first and second die. The cavity has a resistor formed therein through which current is driven to cause the pressure to rise and the flexible membrane to flex. Movement of membrane is used to drive a valve element to a position where it unblocks a port to open the valve. This genus includes species such as ultra clean embodiments where a containment barrier keeps ultra clean processing gases confined to a wetted area having materials and bonding agents selected so as to be chemically compatible with the materials and conditions in the wetted area. Low leak species include a compliant material for a valve seat which is deformed by a ridge surrounding a port in the closed position. It is this port which is blocked and unblocked by movement of the valve element to close and open the valve.