摘要 |
This invention provides a device comprising at least one diaphragm valve actuated by a hydraulic actuation system. The device comprises a fluidics layer, an actuation layer and an elastic layer sandwiched between the fluidics layer and the actuation layer. The diaphragm valve comprises: a valve inlet and valve outlet comprised in the fluidics layer; a valve seat; a diaphragm comprised in the elastic layer; and an actuator. The diaphragm is actuatable to move into contact or out of contact with the valve seat, thereby closing or opening the diaphragm valve. The actuator comprises: a hydraulic conduit; a translator; and an incompressible fluid contained within the hydraulic conduit, wherein the incompressible fluid communicates with the translator and with the diaphragm. Translation of the translator transmits pressure through the incompressible fluid to actuate the diaphragm. The invention also provides systems including elements to operate the device and methods of using the device. |