Abstract: Metered dispensing of a microfluidic amount of fluid from a reservoir comprises a pressure device which applies a discharge pressure for fluid ejection via a discharge line through a valve arrangement. The valve device has a first valve with a minimum closing time and a second valve with a minimum opening time. A control device provides control signals for operation for metered dispensing of the amount of fluid as follows: a shortened minimum opening time for freeing the discharge line for the fluid flow, which time is shorter than the minimum opening time of the second valve; and a shortened minimum closing time for closing the discharge line for the fluid flow, which time is shorter than the minimum closing time of the first valve. Furthermore, a hand-held device for locally piercing human or animal skin is disclosed.

Abstract: A valve is provided with multiple ports joining multiple fluid conduits leading between fluid sources and fluid destinations. A central hub manifold or other control element resides within a body supporting the ports, and can rotate relative to the valve body. Fluid flow paths within the central hub or other control element are selectively aligned or not aligned with the ports. The valve indicates which ports are open or closed by providing unique marks adjacent the ports corresponding with being open or closed. When the positive marks are visible, such as through windows in a rotating structure fixed to the central hub or other control element, the corresponding ports are open. When the negative marks are visible, such as through other windows in the rotating structure, the corresponding ports are closed.

Abstract: A rotary valve with ports connected to housing. A first valve body rotatably positioned in a housing flow chamber has a fluid pathway that connects a first and/or second port to the flow chamber in a first rotational position, and prevents flow from the first and/or second port in a second rotational position. A second valve body rotatably positioned in the flow chamber has at least one fluid pathway that connects a third and/or fourth port to the flow chamber in a first rotational position, and prevents flow from the third and/or fourth port in a second rotational position of the second valve body. An actuator positions of the first and second valve bodies, and includes an epicyclic gear arrangement for driving the second valve body such that movement of the actuator shaft that rotates the first valve body results in only a partial movement of the second valve body.