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.

Abstract: In a preferred ball-valve construction, a valve body has spaced inlet and outlet ports on an axis of flow that is controlled by an interposed ball; the ball is rotatable about a body-fixed axis which intersects the axis of flow at the geometric center of the ball. In the closed condition of the valve, an annular valve-seat member associated with one of the ports has circumferentially sealed contact with the ball. The annular valve-seat member is guided for axial displaceability into and out of its engageability with the ball, and actuation of the valve utilized coordination of valve-seat displacement with ball rotation such that valve-seat engagement with the ball is only for the closed condition of the valve, and such that, valve-opening rotation of the ball can occur only while the annular valve-seat member is in axial-clearance relation with the ball. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device has a male section (20) and a female section (21). Each of the sections has two rotatable ball valve elements (30,31). A docking member (23,24) is mounted on each section to accomodate a misalignment of the flow passageways when the sections are brought together. When the sections are brought together, the ball valves automatically rotate sequentially from flow-preventing positions to flow-permitting positions.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device has a male section (20) and a female section (21). Each of the sections has two rotatable ball-valve elements (30,31). A docking member (23,24) is mounted on each section to accommodate a misalignment of the flow passageways when the sections are brought together. When the sections are joined together, the ball valves automatically rotate sequentially from flow-preventing positions to flow-permitting positions.