Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an airfoil comprising a trailing edge, a first fluidic outlet, and a first fluid supply. The trailing edge can have a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. The first fluidic outlet can be positioned on one of the first or second surfaces. The first fluid supply can be configured to eject a fluid out of the first fluidic outlet to alter an aerodynamic load experienced by the airfoil.

Abstract: A light fixture includes a lamp having a light source, a petal mechanism having a plurality of petals moveable between an open position and a closed position, and a petal actuator coupled to the petal mechanism to controllably move the petals of the petal mechanism between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A disk stack repair insert includes a first replacement disk segment defining a first groove pattern comprising first grooves; and a second replacement disk segment defining a second groove pattern comprising second grooves, the first replacement disk segment coupled to the second replacement disk segment, wherein the first groove pattern and the second groove pattern define a fluid passageway therebetween.

Abstract: In some examples, a conduit system includes a conduit defining a conduit lumen configured to provide a flow path for a fluid between a container and a medical machine. A flexible member secured to the conduit is configured to substantially occlude (e.g., close) the conduit lumen when deformed by a force acting on the flexible member toward the lumen. The conduit system includes a clamp head configured to pass through an opening defined by the conduit and exert the force on the flexible member, such that the flexible member occludes the conduit lumen. In examples, the conduit is substantially rigid conduit configured to provide a relatively constant geometry and/or flow path for the discharge of a nozzle.

Abstract: A double-roller hose pressing apparatus for a peristaltic pump is provided. Two sides of a working hose (3) in the peristaltic pump are respectively provided with a set of flexible-rolling rollers (2) configured for pressing hose, and the two sets of rollers (2) are arranged in relative positions to clamp the working hose (3) during operation.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one valve provided to a tube in a bioprocess flow system, said method comprising the steps of: —controlling the at least one valve to be in a first state, which is an open state when a flow through the tube should be allowed; —controlling the at least one valve to be in a second state during some parts of a process run in the system, said second state is a closed state were a first closing force is provided; and—controlling the at least one valve to be in a third state during some parts of a process run in the system, said third state is a closed state were a second closing force is provided which is a higher force than the first closing force.

Abstract: A dense phase pump has two housings that are attached together using a single releasable fastener. The fastener can be released to allow the two housings to be separated thereby providing access to replaceable components. The replaceable components may include one or more pinch valves or one or more barrier elements. A pinch valve for a dense phase pump has a shape or profile for aligning the pinch valve when the pinch valve is installed in a pinch valve body. The pinch valve optionally has two end flanges, with each end flange having a shaped periphery. The two end flanges may have the same size and shape so that the pinch valve can be installed in either of two orientations that are inverse. A dense phase pump has a pump chamber that can be purged by purge gas that enters the pump off-axis from a purge path axis.

Abstract: A flow measurement assembly that includes a production string and a flow meter fluidically coupled to the production string. The flow meter includes a variable Venturi tube attached to and configured to flow production fluid received from the production string. The variable Venturi tube includes an end fixed to the production string and at least one Venturi throat. The flow meter also includes an actuator configured to move the variable Venturi tube with respect to the fixed end. The flow meter includes a processor communicatively coupled sensors coupled to the variable Venturi tube. The processor determines, based on a first fluid parameter and the second fluid parameter received from the sensors, at least one of a mass flow rate of the production fluid, a density of the production fluid, a viscosity of the production fluid, or a coefficient of discharge of the production fluid.

Abstract: A fluidic device comprises a channel, a gate, and one or more additional elements. The channel is configured to transport a fluid from a source to a drain. The gate includes a chamber with an adjustable volume that affects fluid flow within the channel by displacing a wall of the channel toward an opposite wall of the channel based in part on fluid pressure within the chamber exceeding a threshold pressure. A high pressure state of the gate corresponds to a first chamber size and a first flow rate of the fluid. A low pressure state of the gate corresponds to a second chamber size that is smaller than the first chamber size and a second flow rate that is greater than the first flow rate. The additional elements are configured to reduce the threshold pressure past which the chamber decreases the cross-sectional area of the channel.

Abstract: A passive tube closure valve comprising an elongated body extending along a first axis made of a shape memory alloy with a threshold contraction along the first axis at a threshold temperature. The closure valve further comprises a passageway extending along a second axis different from the first axis shaped to surround a conduit line extending along the second axis. The closure valve further includes a first modifying structure on a first portion of the passageway and a second modifying structure on a second portion of the passageway opposite the first modifying structure. Contraction of the elongated body can cause the first modifying structure and the second modifying structure to move towards each other; where movement of at least one of the first modifying structure or the second modifying structures can be configured to modify the conduit line.

Abstract: A valve assembly for instruments and/or guide wires for use as access/tool port includes a cannula attached to a valve housing with a through hole. Elastic valve members are housed in the valve housing for sealing the through hole either when no device is inserted, or when a specific device with a compatible cross section is inserted. A further sealing arrangement is housed in the valve housing. The further sealing arrangement is extendable within the valve housing to selectively reduce the width of the through hole from a non-sealed configuration where one generic device or a group of generic devices, not necessarily having the same size and/or shape, can be inserted into and/or removed from the through hole, to a sealed configuration where the sealing arrangement seals the through hole with the generic device or the group of generic devices inserted into the through hole.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for preventing fluid exchange between the interior and exterior of containment enclosures such as process-, hazard-, and research-enclosure systems generally, gloveboxes, containment systems, isolation systems, confinement systems, cleanrooms, negative air systems, and positive air system areas while simultaneously providing material transfer into and out of the enclosures. The invention also provides a method for transporting material into or out of a containment structure.

Abstract: A pressure-relief device includes a housing, a through-line, a feed-line connection, and a discharge-line connection. The housing comprises a housing wall that defines a chamber in an interior of the housing. The through-line, which extends, at least in sections, through the chamber and is configured for connection to the media line via the feed-line connection and the discharge-line connection, includes a through-wall that is formed, at least in part, from an elastically deformable material. A controller causes an inner pressure within the chamber to transition between a production pressure and a relief pressure that is less than the production pressure.

Abstract: A control system is provided to restrict the flow rate of blood in a venous line 12 of a perfusion system 1 comprising a reservoir 10 supplied by the venous line 12 and supplying an outgoing line 22. The control system comprises an outgoing flow sensor 32 configured to determine an outgoing flow value indicative of the outgoing flow rate in the outgoing line 22, and a controller configured to process the outgoing flow value and to determine if the outgoing flow value exceeds a pre-set pairing threshold.

Abstract: A urodynamic investigation apparatus for receipt of urine from a bladder is provided. The apparatus is characterized by a tubular element, first and second fittings, and a sleeve element, for select passage of urine there through, within the tubular element. The tubular element is characterized by opposing first and second end portions, and a port. The fittings are adapted to be received by the opposing end portions of the tubular element so as to delimit an apparatus chamber. The sleeve element, suspended between the fittings within the chamber, has collapsed and open configurations. The collapsed configuration is indicative of a no urine flow condition, and the open configuration indicative of a urine flow condition, with the sleeve element urine flow condition being a function of pressure applied to the chamber via the port of the tubular element.

Abstract: A flowmeter (5) is provided having a sensor assembly (10) connected to meter electronics (20), wherein the sensor assembly (10) comprises at least one driver (104) and at least one pickoff (105) and a variably modulated conduit (300) configured to change a flow area (304) therein.

Abstract: A dense phase pump has two housings that are attached together using a single releasable fastener. The fastener can be released to allow the two housings to be separated thereby providing access to replaceable components. The replaceable components may include one or more pinch valves or one or more barrier elements. A pinch valve for a dense phase pump has a shape or profile for aligning the pinch valve when the pinch valve is installed in a pinch valve body. The pinch valve optionally has two end flanges, with each end flange having a shaped periphery. The two end flanges may have the same size and shape so that the pinch valve can be installed in either of two orientations that are inverse. A dense phase pump has a pump chamber that can be purged by purge gas that enters the pump off-axis from a purge path axis.

Abstract: A fluid mixing device includes a fluid mixing unit, a concentration measurement unit, a mixing ratio control unit controlling a mixing ratio of different fluid components in the fluid mixing unit based on a concentration of a mixed fluid measured by the concentration measurement unit, a flow rate measurement unit, and a flow rate control unit controlling a flow rate of the mixed fluid based on the flow rate of the mixed fluid measured by the flow rate measurement unit. The concentration measurement unit, the flow rate measurement unit, and the flow rate control unit are arranged on the downstream side of the fluid mixing unit. A flow passage of the concentration measurement unit, a flow passage of the flow rate measurement unit, and the elastic tube of the flow rate control unit are arranged to extend along a flow passage axis on a line with each other.

Abstract: A delivery catheter including a valve body having a closeable valve opening for introducing a medical device in insertion direction into, in particular, a blood vessel, the valve opening, when a medical device is not introduced, tapering in the insertion direction, and a sealing section, which in a closed position at least in sections is subject to a pretension, directly adjoins the taper, so that the sealing section, when a medical device is introduced, is actuated from the closed position into an open position in such manner that the sealing section encloses the medical device in a substantially fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: The disclosed fluidic device may include (1) a channel configured to transport fluid from a source to a drain and (2) a gate configured to modulate fluid flow through the channel. The gate may modulate fluid flow by bending a gate actuation membrane that alternates between an initial configuration that does not interfere with a cross section of the channel and a bent configuration that causes the cross section to reversibly compress. The gate actuation membrane may include an undulation that facilitates the bending of the gate actuation membrane.

Abstract: A bin and method of use for containment and delivery of particulate materials has: a) a housing; b) a particulate materials support plate within the housing, the support plate having a porous structure allowing air flow therethrough; c) the support plate having a central area elevated away from the bottom of the housing and surrounding sides; d) an air flow area between the bottom of the housing and the support plate; e) a particle drop region surrounding the sides of the support plate; and f) a sealing and opening component within the particle drop region that seals and opens a particle drop path between the support plate and the side walls of the housing. The sealing and opening component has an expanded position when sealing the particle drop region and is in a retracted position when opening the particle drop region to particulate material passage.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus and method is disclosed. Systems include an in-line or linear bladder apparatus array configured to expand to collect a charge of fluid, and contract to assist with fluid delivery and dispensing. The bladder array is disposed within a chamber of pressure control fluid common to exterior surfaces of each bladder in the bladder array. Simultaneously, some bladders within the array of linear bladders can be dispensing fluid or maintaining fluid while some bladders are collecting fluid. A given filtration rate can be less than a dispense rate and thus the system herein compensates for filter-lag that often accompanies fluid filtering for microfabrication, while providing a generally linear configuration that reduces chances for defect creation. With multiple bladders, multiple different types of fluid can be readied for selective dispense.

Abstract: A powder jet device (10) for dispensing a dental material comprises a nozzle head (12) comprising a discharge nozzle. The powder jet device (10) further comprises a housing (14) comprising a valve portion (28), which is connected to the nozzle head (12) and is adapted to receive a valve member (16), and a chamber portion (30) comprising at least a first chamber (32) for storing a powder material. The chamber portion (30) comprises a proximal end (34) located adjacent the valve portion (28), a distal end (36) located away from the valve portion (28) and a fluid channel (38) extending from the distal end (36) substantially to the proximal end (34) into the chamber. The powder jet device (10) further comprises a valve member (16) disposed within the valve portion (28).

Abstract: This invention describes novel design and construction method for inflatable, pressure intensifier equipment that can be used for processing composites structures. The equipment can be used as a manufacturing and processing platform wherever low pressure and high temperature inputs are required in an enclosed volume.

Abstract: Embodiments include tubular diaphragm valves with a preformed mechanical closure point and optionally concave or convex convolution areas located near the flanges. These mechanical closure points and convolution areas give the embodiments an extended operational life, as compared to that of conventional cylindrical diaphragms.

Abstract: An endoscope overtube includes a flexible tubular member and a hub assembly provided at the proximal end of the tubular member. The hub assembly includes an elastic sleeve seal cuff extending about the inner surface of a body member of the hub. The ends of seal cuff are coupled to the body member. An inflation line extends into the body member in communication with the outer surface of the seal cuff. When fluid is pressurized through the inflation line, the cuff is distended inward to reduce the size of the opening through the port such that the cuff forms a seal about an endoscope received through the hub. The body member is preferably coupled to each of the flexible tubular member and to the elastic seal cuff using a snap-fit engagement of parts such that no fasteners, welds, glues, etc. are necessary for securing the hub assembly together.

Abstract: A fluid conduit arrangement includes a reservoir containing a pressurized gas therein. An outer rigid conduit in communication with the reservoir contains a first working fluid under pressure from the pressurized gas within a closed system defined by the reservoir and the outer rigid conduit. An inner flexible conduit is provided for conducting a second working fluid therethrough upon application of a supply pressure. The inner flexible conduit is disposed within the outer rigid conduit, and is subjected to the pressurized first working fluid in surrounding relationship therewith. Relative differences between the pressurized first working fluid and the second working fluid enable the inner flexible conduit to either expand and permit free flow of the second working fluid therethrough, or collapse and evacuate flow of the second working fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A collapsible casing device, comprising an insert housing, said insert housing having an outer surface and an inner surface, said outer surface fluidly isolated from an external environment, said inner surface having a profile, and a connection between said outer surface and said inner surface, wherein said connection is capable of fluidly connecting to a tubular element; a deformable insert, said deformable insert having an inner surface and an outer surface, said outer surface fitting within said profile of said insert housing, said inner surface capable of containing a fluid and having a first inner diameter, said deformable insert having properties that are conducive to deformation; an explosive material that generates a pressure pulse in response to an activation signal, said explosive material having an inner surface and an outer surface and a composition, said outer surface fitting within said profile of said insert housing, said inner surface external to said outer surface of said deformable insert; a

Abstract: A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a flow splitter for separating mobile phase outflow from a first dimension liquid analysis system into first and second liquid split outlet flows. Volumetric flow rate control of the split outlet flows is provided by a flow control pump which withdraws one of the split outlet flows from the flow splitter at a controlled withdrawal flow rate to define the other split outlet flow rate as the difference between the outflow rate from the first dimension system and the withdrawal flow rate. In this manner, accurate and consistent flow division can be accomplished, which is particularly useful for multi-dimensional liquid analysis.

Abstract: A technique facilitates performance of seismic profiling, such as three-dimensional vertical seismic profiling. A downhole acquisition system is provided with acoustic receivers designed to receive acoustic source signals. The firing of acoustic source signals is synchronized with the downhole acquisition system. Additionally, the firing of two or more acoustic source signals is controlled to provide simultaneous or nearly simultaneous timing of one acoustic source signal with respect to another acoustic source signal. A processing system is used to acquire and process a data stream of the initial shot and a data stream of the additional shot occurring simultaneously or nearly simultaneously.

Abstract: A pressure-driven valve is disclosed. The valve includes a housing and a flow control portion disposed within the housing. The housing includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The flow control portion has a first side subject to fluid flow pressure in a fluid flow channel, and a second side subject to an outlet pressure representative of pressure at the fluid outlet. The flow control portion is deformable to increase and decrease flow through the fluid flow channel based on pressure differentials between the fluid flow pressure, a tube pressure, and the outlet pressure. In some instances, the flow control portion comprises a flow control membrane and a radially-fluctuating pressure tube attached to the periphery of the membrane.

Abstract: Dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed, in some embodiments, that involve treating a tissue site with reduced pressure, wherein the dressing includes a dressing reduced-pressure indicator that allows one to ascertain that the reduced pressure applied at the dressing is greater than a threshold reduced pressure. The dressing reduced-pressure indicator may include a moving member that is adapted to move under reduced pressure and a visual indicator associated with the moving member. Another embodiment uses an electro-mechanical indicator to provide a powered visual alert or audible alert or another output signal. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A squeeze-off apparatus and method for at least partially locally interrupting the flow of a fluid in a resilient tube or pipe are described. Tubes may be accessed from a single direction, thereby eliminating the need for significant excavation around a buried tube. Squeeze-off is performed using a pair of jaws which close in a parallel manner, the closed distance between the jaws being adjustable depending on the wall thickness of the tubing, thereby permitting the tube to remain integral for at least one such crimping and release cycle. Embodiments of the squeeze-off apparatus may be locked in place once the tube is crimped, thereby permitting the flow to be reduced or shut off without continued application of force to the crimping jaws of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conduit for transferring milk. The conduit is provided with at least one flexible wall, which divides the conduit into at least one milk duct and at least one secondary duct. The milk duct and the at least one secondary duct extend along a longitudinal axis of the conduit, it being possible for the at least one milk duct to be substantially emptied by pressing through filling the at least one secondary duct.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to occluders and, in particular, to occluders for use in medical infusion systems. In one aspect, the occluder contains one or more tubes through which fluid can flow, and the occluder can be automatically controlled to allow or at least partially prevent fluid flow. In some cases, the occluder may be constructed and arranged to fail (e.g., due to loss of power) in a “closed” position, i.e., a position that at least partially prevents fluid flow. In addition, in one embodiment, the occluder may be manually overridden, even when in a failed state, by a user. For instance, in the event of a power failure, a user may be able to manually override the occluder to remove tubing from the occluder. Such occluders may find use, for example, in medical devices such as hemodialysis machines, medical infusion pumps, plasmapheresis devices, and the like.

Abstract: A pneumatic pinch valve having a main body, a piston supporting a plunger, and a detachable headpiece for receiving a portion of compressible tubing between the plunger and a contoured surface of the headpiece is disclosed. A first safety cap which may restrict access to the plunger when the valve is operated and a manual override handle which may open the plunger are also provided. The pneumatic pinch valve is opened by the injection of gas through an air inlet port to a pneumatic chamber. The headpiece and plunger are configured to compress a portion of flexible tubing in a manner which reduces or eliminates damage to the tubing even after repeated open/close cycles. Further, the pinch valve may be installed onto an existing process system without disruption of fluid flow. Also disclosed is a manual version of the pinch valve.

Abstract: A programmable fluidic device for generating droplets with resolutions of micrometer in size and milliseconds in generation timing is provided. The programmable fluidic device has a valve forming a droplet cutter, which contains a fluid deflectable membrane capable of controlling the flow of a dispensing fluid from a fluidic dispensing channel. The programmable fluidic device is able to perform temporal control over the droplet generation independent from the size control.

Abstract: A filling channel opening and closing device, which is used in a liquid product filling apparatus, including an opening and closing control unit that includes a flexible tube and a chamber enclosing the flexible tube in a gastight manner, a gas supply and exhaust device that collapses and restores the flexible tube by supplying pressurized gas into the chamber and exhausting the gas from the chamber, and a control device that controls the timing of supply and exhaust of the gas of the gas supply and exhaust device.

Abstract: A pinch-type isolation valve (10) is provided having an integrated, on-board reservoir (42) for storing a pressurized fluid capable of effecting the collapse of an internal sleeve (32) upon actuation of the valve. Valve (10) comprises an outer wall 16 and an inner wall (30) which define the pressurized gas reservoir (42). An actuator assembly (14) is provided to cause and direct a flow of pressurized gas from the reservoir (42) into a gas-receiving chamber (39) defined between the inner wall (30) and sleeve (32).

Abstract: A flexible valve that includes a flexible sleeve inserted in a fluid line and made with two circumferential folds, two opposite slides located between the folds displaceably in phase opposition and extending crosswise of the sleeve, and a mechanism for displacing the slides between open an closed positions. A sleeve section connects the two folds, and a closing section made on the sleeve section is supported by the slides. The flexible valve according to the invention has a longer service life and a shorter installation length than hitherto known. It is suitable for use as stop valve in the drain line from a toilet in a railway carriage, in which it can be continuously kept in the closed position without applying energy, and it is furthermore safeguarded against impurities getting out into and fouling the surrounding environment in the railway carriage.

Abstract: A squeeze-off apparatus and method for at least partially locally interrupting the flow of a fluid in a resilient tube or pipe are described. Tubes may be accessed from a single direction, thereby eliminating the need for significant excavation around a buried tube. Squeeze-off is performed using two pairs of jaws which close in a parallel manner, the closed distance between the jaws being adjustable depending on the wall thickness of the tubing, thereby permitting the tube to remain integral for at least one such crimping and release cycle. Embodiments of the squeeze-off apparatus may be locked in place once the tube is crimped, thereby permitting the flow to be reduced or shut off without continued application of force to the squeeze-off jaws of the apparatus.

Abstract: A hollow tubular element is inserted in the descending aorta. The caudad end contains a pressure sensitive passive or preferably, hydraulically or electrically activated, unidirectional valve. A flexible diaphragm situated in a rigid shell affixed over an opening in the element wall divides the shell interior into first and second variable volume chambers. The first chamber opens to the artery. A continuously operating electrical pump is connected to the second chamber through a closed hydraulic system including a multi-valve chamber. The valves regulate fluid flow to the second chamber in accordance with electrical signals from the heart. Fluid flow is directed to the second chamber during cardiac diastole and away from the second chamber during cardiac systole, causing the device to function in a counterpulsation mode. The work of the heart is decreased and coronary blood flow is increased to promote the formation of new coronary collateral channels and the perfusion of the heart itself.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve body (1, 2), a tube (3) made of an elastomer extending through the inside of the valve body, and a roller (23) and a pressing surface (14) disposed facing each other across the tube (3). The roller (23) can be brought close to the pressing surface (14) to collapse the tube (3) between the roller (23) and pressing surface (14) and close the flow passage in the tube (3), and the roller (23) can be moved along the tube (3) to make a collapsed position where the tube (3) is collapsed by the roller (23) and the pressing surface (14) move along the flow passage axis of the tube (3) while maintaining the flow passage in the closed state.

Abstract: A pneumatic pinch valve assembly having a lever, a piston supporting a pressing piece, and a fluid tube receiving space formed between the lever and the pressing piece for receiving fluid tubes is disclosed. Air is introduced into a cavity to actuate the piston in order to pinch a fluid tube between the lever and the pressing piece to intercept a fluid flow through the tube. A pinching action control feature is located between the piston and the pressing piece and is used to protect the fluid tube by limiting one or more amounts of compression of the fluid tube during operation. The amount of compression of the fluid tube is able to be adjusted so that the fluid tube is not easily deteriorated during long-time operation.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for regulating a hydraulic restriction system. In general, the methods and devices can allow for non-invasive pressure control using a flow control mechanism. The flow control mechanism can be disposed between an implantable restriction device and a fluid source and include an adjustable, variably-sized fluid communication member in fluid communication with the restriction device and the fluid source. The geometry of the fluid communication member can control a rate of fluid flow between the restriction device and the fluid source, thereby also regulating a rate at which a pressure of fluid within the restriction device changes. Alternatively, the fluid flow control mechanism can include a biasing mechanism that can control the rate of fluid flow between the restriction device and the fluid source.

Abstract: An automatic safety occluder provides an occluder for an infusion set that is biased in a closed position until an electrical signal is received that causes the occluder to open. Should the occluder fail to be installed correctly, or if power is removed, the occluder will return to its biased closed position, preventing free flow. The occluder may also be placed in an integrated unit such that the automatic safety occluder may attach to the tubing as a unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for performing parallel chemical experiments. The system comprises an array of parallel flow through reactors each comprising a reaction chamber, a reactor inlet and a reactor outlet connected to the reactor chamber. Downstream of each reactor a corresponding active pressure regulating arrangement is provided for actively regulating the reactor pressure. The pressure regulating arrangement comprises a passage for reactor effluent with an inlet connected to the reactor outlet and an outlet for discharging reactor effluent at a reduced pressure with respect to the reactor pressure.

Abstract: A filling channel opening and closing device, which is used in a liquid product filling apparatus, including an opening and closing control unit that includes a flexible tube and a chamber enclosing the flexible tube in a gastight manner, a gas supply and exhaust means that collapses and restores the flexible tube by supplying pressurized gas into the chamber and exhausting the gas from the chamber, and a control means that controls the timing of supply and exhaust of the gas of the gas supply and exhaust means.

Abstract: A pinch valve has a hose-like valve member with a flexible peripheral wall adjacent to whose outer periphery two diametrally opposite pinch elements are arranged able to be moved toward and away from one another with a greater or lesser pinching of the peripheral wall while performing an operating movement athwart the valve member longitudinal axis. An annular actuating ring coaxially surrounding the valve member may act on the pinch elements for causing the operating movement. The actuating ring is placed in a working space surrounded radially from the outside by a peripheral valve housing wall and is able to be acted on by drive means separate from the actuating ring with a drive force controlling the actuating movement.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.