Abstract:
A low power switching valve array employing two or more actuated microvalves that are arranged to accommodate any desired number of inlets and any desired number of outlets. Fluid entering one of inlets may be directed to any one or more of the outlets. In one illustrative embodiment, a valve body may have a valve array inlet, and two or more pumping chambers defined within the valve body. Each of the two or more pumping chambers have an inlet in fluid communication with the valve array inlet. In another illustrative embodiment, a valve body may have a valve array outlet, and two or more pumping chambers defined within the valve body. Each of the two or more pumping chambers have an outlet in fluid communication with the valve array outlet.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to microvalves, and more particularly to microvalves arranged in switching arrays.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Many industrial, commercial, aerospace, military and other applications depend on reliable valves for fluid (liquid and/or gas) handling. In a chemical plant, for example, valves are often used to control the flow of fluid throughout the facility. Likewise, in an airplane, valves are often used to control air and fuel delivery, as well as some of the hydraulic systems that drive the control surfaces of the airplane. These are just a few examples of the many applications that can depend on reliable valves for fluid (liquid and/or gas) handling.  
         [0003]     In some instances, there is a need for providing reliable switching using arrays of valves. A need remains for improved switching valve arrays, and in particular, a need remains for low power and micro-scale switching arrays.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0004]     The present invention pertains to a low power switching valve array that can employ two or more electrostatically actuated microvalves that are arranged to accommodate a desired number of inlets and a desired number of outlets. In some configurations, fluid entering one or more inlets may be directed to a desired one or more of the outlets, depending on the desired application.  
         [0005]     In one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, an electrostatically actuated switching valve array is provided that includes a valve body, a first chamber having a first inlet and a first outlet defined within the valve body, and a first diaphragm disposed within the valve body. The first diaphragm may have a first or rest position in which fluid flow to the first outlet is restricted, and a second or electrostatically actuated position in which fluid flow to the first outlet is permitted.  
         [0006]     A second chamber having a second inlet and a second outlet is also defined within the valve body. A second diaphragm is disposed within the second chamber. The second diaphragm has a first or rest position in which fluid flow to the second outlet is restricted, and a second or electrostatically actuated position in which fluid flow to the second outlet is permitted. In this illustrative embodiment, a valve array inlet is in fluid communication with the first inlet and the second inlet. In other embodiments, a valve array outlet is in fluid communication with the first outlet and the second outlet.  
         [0007]     In some instances, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are adapted to be independently actuate in order to selectively prevent fluid entering the valve array inlet from exiting the first outlet and the second outlet, to permit the fluid to exit from one of the first outlet or the second outlet, or to permit the fluid to exit through both the first outlet and the second outlet.  
         [0008]     In some illustrative embodiments, the valve body has a first surface and a second opposing surface. The valve array inlet(s) may be located on the first surface. In some instances, the first inlet and the second inlet are also located on the first surface. In other cases, the first inlet and/or the second inlet are located on the second surface.  
         [0009]     In some embodiments, the first chamber may include a first normally open port positioned within the first chamber such that fluid entering the first chamber exits through the first normally open port when the first diaphragm is positioned to restrict fluid from entering the first outlet. In some embodiments, the first diaphragm may have at least one aperture positioned to permit fluid to flow from the first inlet to the first normally open port when the first diaphragm is positioned to restrict fluid from entering the first outlet.  
         [0010]     The second chamber may also include a second normally open port positioned within the second chamber such that fluid entering the second chamber exits through the second normally open port when the second diaphragm is positioned to restrict fluid from entering the second outlet. In some embodiments, the second diaphragm may also have at least one aperture positioned to permit fluid to flow from the second inlet to the second normally open port when the second diaphragm is positioned to restrict fluid from entering the second outlet.  
         [0011]     In some embodiments, the first chamber may include a first pressure control port positioned such that fluid entering the first chamber is prevented from exiting the first pressure control port. The first diaphragm may be configured to prevent fluid from passing from the first inlet to the first pressure control port, if desired. Likewise, the second chamber may also include a second pressure control port positioned such that fluid entering the second chamber is prevented from exiting the second pressure control port. The second diaphragm may be configured to prevent fluid from passing from the second inlet to the second pressure control port.  
         [0012]     The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The Figures, Description and Examples which follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0013]     The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a switching valve array in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates the switching valve array of  FIG. 1 , shown in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic top view of a four valve switching array in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a switching valve array in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5 a  diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a switching valve array in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6 a  diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a switching valve array in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7 a  diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a switching valve array in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8 a  diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a switching valve array in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 9 a  diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a switching valve array in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 10 a  diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a switching valve array in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 11 a  diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a switching valve array in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0025]      FIG. 12 a  diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a switching valve array in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0026]     While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.  
       DESCRIPTION  
       [0027]     The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered in like fashion. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Although examples of construction, dimensions, and materials are illustrated for the various elements, those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that may be utilized.  
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a valve array  10  having a valve body  12 . Valve body  12  has a first side  14  and a second opposing side  16 . As illustrated, first side  14  is on the bottom while second side  16  is on the top. This arrangement is arbitrary, as it is contemplated that valve array  10  may function equally well regardless of orientation. A first chamber  18  has a first inlet  20  and a first outlet  22 . A second chamber  24  has a second inlet  26  and a second outlet  28 . Valve body  12  includes a valve array inlet  30  that is fluid communication with first inlet  20  and second inlet  26  through a channel  32 .  
         [0029]     Valve body  12  may be constructed of any suitable semi-rigid or rigid material, such as plastic, ceramic, silicon, etc. In one illustrative embodiment, valve body  12  is constructed by molding a high temperature plastic such as ULTEM™ (available from General Electric Company, Pittsfield, Mass.), CELAZOLE™ (available from Hoechst-Celanese Corporation, Summit, N.J.), KETRON™ (available from Polymer Corporation, Reading, Pa.), or some other suitable material.  
         [0030]     First chamber  18  includes an electrostatically actuated diaphragm  34  that can be actuated by applying a voltage between an electrode (not illustrated) within or on diaphragm  34  and an electrode  36  placed along an opposite side of first chamber  18  along, for example, surface  38 . In  FIG. 1 , diaphragm  34  is seen in its rest, or relaxed position. As will be discussed more fully with respect to  FIG. 3 , diaphragm  34  can be electrostatically actuated to a position in which diaphragm  34  is electrostatically pulled proximate surface  38 , thereby permitting fluid entering first inlet  20  to pass through to first output  22 .  
         [0031]     Diaphragm  34  may be biased such that it returns to its rest position absent electrostatic actuation. In some instances, it is contemplated that first chamber  18  may include a second electrode (not illustrated) positioned such that diaphragm  34  may also be electrostatically actuated into its rest position.  
         [0032]     In some instances, electrode  36  may include one or more dielectric layers (not shown) to prevent shorting between electrode  36  and the electrode disposed within or on diaphragm  34 . Electrode  36  may be formed of any suitable material using any suitable technique.  
         [0033]     Diaphragm  34  may be formed of any suitable material. In some instances, diaphragm  34  may be formed of a material having elastic, resilient, flexible or other elastomeric properties. In some cases, diaphragm  34  may be formed of a generally compliant material. In particular, diaphragm  34  may be formed of a polymer such as ULTEM™ (available from General Electric Company, Pittsfield, Mass.), KAPTON™ (available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours &amp; Co., Wilmington, Del.), KALADEX™ (available from ICI Films, Wilmington, Del.), MYLAR™ (available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours &amp; Co., Wilmington, Del.), or any other suitable material. The diaphragm may be sandwiched between the upper body portion and the lower body portion in a lamination process, if desired.  
         [0034]     In the illustrative embodiment, first chamber  18  also includes a first normally open port  40 . In some instances, first normally open port  40  helps diaphragm  34  more readily move within first chamber  18 . In some cases, first normally open port  40  permits first chamber  18  to operate as a three way valve. In some instances, first normally open port  40  may provide for recycle by recycling the fluid back to the input port  30 .  
         [0035]     When diaphragm  34  is in its rest position, sealing first outlet  22 , fluid entering through first inlet  20  is permitted to exit through first normally open port  40 . When diaphragm  34  has been actuated to its actuated position, first normally open port  40  is sealed and fluid exits through first outlet  22 .  
         [0036]     Second chamber  24  is configured similarly to first chamber  18 . Second chamber  24  includes an electrostatically actuated diaphragm  42  that can be actuated by applying a voltage between an electrode (not seen in this Figure) within or on diaphragm  42  and an electrode  44  placed along an opposite side of second chamber  24  along surface  46 . In  FIG. 1 , diaphragm  42  is illustrated in its rest, or relaxed position, but diaphragm  42  can be electrostatically actuated to a position in which it is proximate surface  46 , thereby permitting fluid entering second inlet  26  to pass through to second output  28 . In some instances, electrode  44  may include one or more dielectric layers (not shown) to prevent shorting between electrode  44  and the electrode disposed within or on diaphragm  42 .  
         [0037]     In the illustrative embodiment, second chamber  24  also includes a second normally open port  48 . In some instances, second normally open port  48  helps diaphragm  42  more readily move within second chamber  24 . In some cases, second normally open port  48  permits second chamber  24  to operate as a three way valve. In some instances, second normally open port  48  may provide for recycling, as discussed above.  
         [0038]     When diaphragm  42  is in its rest position, sealing second outlet  28 , fluid entering through second inlet  26  is permitted to exit through second normally open port  48 . When diaphragm  42  has been actuated to its actuated position, second normally open port  48  is sealed and fluid exits through second outlet  28 .  
         [0039]     It can be seen that a fluid entering valve array inlet  30  may pass through channel  32  and may, depending on the positions of diaphragm  34  and diaphragm  42 , take one or more of four possible exit routes from valve array  10 .  
         [0040]     While not illustrated in  FIG. 1 , it is contemplated that a third valve chamber could be positioned in fluid communication with valve array inlet  30  and could be actuated between a position in which fluid entering the third valve chamber is permitted only to pass to first inlet  20  and a position in which fluid entering the third valve chamber is permitted only to pass to second inlet  26 .  
         [0041]     In  FIG. 2 , it can be seen that diaphragm  34  and diaphragm  42  have both been actuated into their actuated positions. In this position, diaphragm  34  blocks fluid flow through first normally open port  40  but permits fluid entering through first inlet  20  to exit through first outlet  22 . Similarly, diaphragm  42  blocks fluid flow through second normally open port  48 , but permits fluid entering through second inlet  26  to exit through second outlet  28 . It should be recognized, however, that diaphragm  34  and diaphragm  42  can be independently actuated.  
         [0042]     In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , valve array  10  includes only two valve chambers (first chamber  18  and second chamber  24 ). However, it is contemplated that a valve array may be provided that includes any desired number of valve chambers. The valve chambers may be arranged in linear layout (as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), or in a rotary layout in which a plurality of inputs surround a central output, or perhaps a plurality of outputs surround a central input. Any other suitable layout may also be used, as desired.  
         [0043]      FIG. 3  diagrammatically shows a top view of a valve array  50  that has a central valve array inlet  52  surrounded by a first valve chamber  54 , a second valve chamber  56 , a third valve chamber  58  and a fourth valve chamber  60 . Construction of each valve chamber may be considered similar to that discussed with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and thus valve chambers  54 ,  56 ,  58  and  60  are each considered to have an input (not illustrated) in fluid communication with central valve array inlet  52  via channels  62 ,  64 ,  66  and  68 , respectively. Fluid entering through central valve array inlet  52  may be directed to exit through any of first outlet  70 , second outlet  72 , third outlet  74  or fourth outlet  76  by electrostatically actuating the appropriate diaphragm or diaphragms.  
         [0044]      FIG. 4  is similar to  FIG. 1 , in which a valve array  78  includes a valve body  80  having a first side  82  and a second opposing side  84 . First chamber  18  and second chamber  24 , as discussed previously, are defined within valve body  80 . In  FIG. 4 , however, valve array inlet  86  is disposed on the second opposing side  84 , while first outlet  22  and second outlet  28  are disposed on the first side  86 . In some instances, packaging requirements and perhaps desired performance characteristics may impact which side first outlet  22 , second outlet  28  and valve array inlet  86  are disposed. In the illustrative embodiment, a channel  88  fluidly connects valve array inlet  86  with first inlet  20  and second inlet  24 . Operation of first chamber  18  and second chamber  24  are as discussed with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 5  diagrammatically illustrates a valve array  90  having a valve body  92 . Valve body  92  has a first side  94  and a second opposing side  96 . First chamber  18  and second chamber  24 , as discussed previously, are defined within valve body  92 . In  FIG. 5 , valve body  92  is configured to include a single valve body outlet  98  and two inlets, a first valve body inlet  100  and a second valve body inlet  102 . First valve body inlet  100  is in fluid communication with first inlet  20  while second valve body inlet  102  is in fluid communication with second inlet  26 .  
         [0046]     First outlet  22  and second outlet  28  are in fluid communication with valve body outlet  98  through a channel  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, first valve body inlet  100  and second valve body inlet  102  are disposed along the second opposing side  96 , while valve body outlet  98  is disposed along the first side  94 . As discussed, it is contemplated that packaging and other requirements may dictate the position of the individual components.  
         [0047]     Valve array  90  is configured that a first fluid entering through valve body inlet  100  will pass through first inlet  20  into first chamber  18 . Depending on the position of diaphragm  34 , the fluid will either exit through first normally open port  40 , or will exit first outlet  22  and will then pass through channel  104  and exit through valve body outlet  98 . Similarly, a second fluid entering through valve body inlet  102  will pass through second inlet  26  into second chamber  24 . Depending on the position of diaphragm  42 , fluid will either exit through second normally open port  48  or will exit second outlet  28  and will the pass through channel  104  and exit through valve body outlet  98 .  
         [0048]     Thus, it should be recognized that valve array  90  is configured to selectively pass a first fluid while preventing flow of a second fluid, permit a second fluid to flow while preventing flow of a first fluid, or to mix the first and second fluids into a combined fluid exiting through valve body outlet  98 . It should be recognized that any of first fluid exiting through first normally open port  40  or any of the second fluid exiting through second normally open port  48  may, in some cases, be recycled, similar to that discussed above.  
         [0049]      FIG. 6  diagrammatically illustrates a valve array  106  that includes a valve body  108  having a first side  110  and a second side  112 . First chamber  18  and second chamber  24 , as discussed previously, are defined within valve body  108 . Valve body  108  includes, similarly to valve body  92  ( FIG. 5 ), first valve body inlet  100  and second valve body inlet  102 . First valve body inlet  100  is in fluid communication with first inlet  20 , while second valve body inlet  102  is in fluid communication with second inlet  26 . Valve body  108  includes a valve body outlet  114 .  
         [0050]     First outlet  22  and second outlet  28  are in fluid communication with valve body outlet  114  through channel  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, first valve body inlet  100 , second valve body inlet  102  and valve body outlet  114  are all disposed along second opposing side  112 . As discussed, it is contemplated that packaging and other requirements may dictate the desired position of the individual components.  
         [0051]     Valve array  106  is configured that a first fluid entering through valve body inlet  100  will pass through first inlet  20  into first chamber  18 . Depending on the position of diaphragm  34 , the fluid will either exit through first normally open port  40  or will exit first outlet  22  and will then pass through channel  104  and exit through valve body outlet  114 . Similarly, a second fluid entering through valve body inlet  102  will pass through second inlet  26  into second chamber  24 . Depending on the position of diaphragm  42 , fluid will either exit through second normally open port  48  or will exit second outlet  28  and will the pass through channel  104  and exit through valve body outlet  114 .  
         [0052]     Thus, it should be recognized that valve array  106  is configured to selectively pass a first fluid while preventing flow of a second fluid, permit a second fluid to flow while preventing flow of a first fluid, or to mix the first and second fluids into a combined fluid exiting through valve body outlet  114 . It should be recognized that any of first fluid exiting through first normally open port  40  or any of the second fluid exiting through second normally open port  48  may, in some cases, be recycled, similar to that discussed above.  
         [0053]      FIG. 7  diagrammatically illustrates a valve array  116  that includes a valve body  118  having a first side  120  and a second opposing side  122 . A first valve body inlet  124  and a second valve body inlet  126  are disposed along the second opposing side  122 . First chamber  18  and second chamber  24 , as discussed previously, are defined within valve body  118 . First valve body inlet  124  is in fluid communication with first inlet  20 , while second valve body inlet  126  is in fluid communication with second inlet  26 .  
         [0054]     Valve array  116  is configured such that a first fluid entering through valve body inlet  124  will pass through first inlet  20  into first chamber  18 . Depending on the position of diaphragm  34 , the fluid will either exit through first normally open port  40  or will exit first outlet  22  and will then enter a channel  128 . Similarly, a second fluid entering through valve body inlet  126  will pass through second inlet  26  into second chamber  24 . Depending on the position of diaphragm  42 , fluid will either exit through second normally open port  48  or will exit second outlet  28  and will enter channel  128 .  
         [0055]     Channel  128  leads to a vertical channel  130  and a horizontal channel  132 , which is in fluid communication with a third inlet  134  of a third chamber  136  and a fourth inlet  138  of a fourth chamber  140 . Third chamber  136  has a third outlet  142  while fourth chamber  140  has a fourth outlet  144 .  
         [0056]     Third chamber  136  includes an electrostatically actuated diaphragm  146  that is actuated by applying a voltage between an electrode present within or on diaphragm  146  and an electrode  148 . A third normally open port  150  may help diaphragm  146  move and may, particularly in applications directed to gaseous fluids, permit third chamber  136  to function as a three-way valve. Third normally open port  150  may also provide for a recycle function. Third normally open port  150  may be considered as including a fluid outlet not illustrated in this diagrammatic cross-sectional view, or may be closed off if desired.  
         [0057]     Fourth chamber  140  includes an electrostatically actuated diaphragm  152  that is actuated by applying a voltage between an electrode present within diaphragm  152  and an electrode  154 . A fourth normally open port  156  may help diaphragm  152  move and may, particularly in applications directed to gaseous fluids, permit fourth chamber  140  to function as a three-way valve. Fourth normally open port  156  may also provide for a recycle function. Fourth normally open port  156  may be considered as including a fluid outlet not illustrated in this diagrammatic cross-sectional view, or may be closed off if desired.  
         [0058]     As can be seen, any fluid that passes through first chamber  18  or second chamber  24  will pass through channel  128  into channel  130  and then into channel  132 , which is in fluid communication with third inlet  134  and fourth inlet  138 . Thus, the fluid will enter third chamber  136  and fourth chamber  140 .  
         [0059]     Fluid entering third chamber  136  will, depending on the position of diaphragm  146 , either exit through third normally open port  150  or will pass through third outlet  142 . Similarly, fluid entering fourth chamber  140  will, depending on the position of diaphragm  152 , either exit through fourth normally open port  156  or will pass through fourth outlet  144 .  
         [0060]     It can be seen that valve array  116  provides for a number of possible permutations. For example, a fluid entering first valve body inlet  124  may exit first normally open port  40 , third normally open port  150 , fourth normally open port  156 , third outlet  142  and/or fourth outlet  144 . Similarly, fluid entering second valve body inlet  126  may exit second normally open port  48 , third normally open port  150 , fourth normally open port  156 , third outlet  142  and/or fourth outlet  144 . In some cases, this illustrative embodiment may be adapted to perform a multiplexer function. That is, the fluid entering the first valve body inlet  124  and the fluid entering the second valve body input  126  may be multiplexed between the third outlet  142  and the forth outlet  144 . More generally, other embodiments can be provided for performing other logic functions, as desired.  
         [0061]      FIG. 8  diagrammatically illustrates a valve array  158  that includes a valve body  160  having a first side  162  and a second opposing side  164 . Valve body  160  includes a valve body inlet  166 , a first valve body outlet  168  and a second valve body outlet  170 . First valve body outlet  168  is disposed adjacent a first chamber  174  while second valve body outlet  170  is disposed adjacent a second chamber  176 .  
         [0062]     As illustrated, valve body inlet  166 , first valve body outlet  168  and second valve body outlet  170  are all disposed along the second opposing side  162  of valve body  160 , although this is not required. As discussed, it is contemplated that packaging and other requirements may dictate the position of the individual components.  
         [0063]     First chamber  174  includes an electrostatically actuated diaphragm  178  and an opposing electrode  180 . Diaphragm  178  may be actuated by applying a voltage between an electrode present within or on the diaphragm  178  and electrode  180 . Similarly, second chamber  176  includes an electrostatically actuated diaphragm  182  and an opposing electrode  184 . Diaphragm  182  may be actuated by applying a voltage between an electrode present within or on the diaphragm  182  and electrode  184 .  
         [0064]     First chamber  174  also includes a first pressure control port  186  while second chamber  178  includes a second pressure control port  188 . First pressure control port  186  and second pressure control port  188  may be provided to help diaphragms  178  and  182 , respectively, flex, but do not provide fluid egress. In some instances, first pressure control port  186  and second pressure control port  188  may be open to atmosphere or some other control pressure, as desired. Valve array  158  is configured to accommodate any fluid, including conductive fluids, particularly since the fluid does not enter the space between diaphragm  178  and electrode  180  (first chamber  174 ) or between diaphragm  182  and electrode  184  (second chamber  176 ).  
         [0065]     First chamber  174  includes a first inlet  190  while second chamber  176  includes a second inlet  192 . Valve body inlet  166  is in fluid communication with a channel  172  that is itself in fluid communication with first inlet  190  at one end and with second inlet  192  at an opposing end.  
         [0066]     If diaphragm  178  of first chamber  174  is in its relaxed or rest position, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , no fluid will flow into first chamber  174 . However, if diaphragm  178  has been electrostatically actuated into an actuated position in which diaphragm  178  moves toward first pressure control port  186 , fluid will be allowed to pass through to first valve body outlet  168 .  
         [0067]     Similarly, if diaphragm  182  of second chamber  180  is in its relaxed or rest position, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , no fluid will flow into second chamber  180 . However, if diaphragm  182  has been electrostatically actuated into an actuated position in which diaphragm  182  moves toward second pressure control port  188 , fluid will be allowed to pass through to second valve body outlet  170 .  
         [0068]     It can be seen, therefore, that fluid entering valve body inlet  166  may be permitted to pass only through first valve body outlet  168 , to pass only through second valve body outlet  170 , to pass through both first valve body outlet  168  and second valve body outlet  170 , or to not pass through valve array  158  at all.  
         [0069]      FIG. 9  diagrammatically illustrates a valve array  194  having a valve body  196  that includes a first side  198  and a second opposing side  200 . First chamber  174  and second chamber  176 , as discussed previously, are defined within valve body  196 . Valve array  194  is identical to valve array  158  (see  FIG. 8 ), with the exception that valve array  194  includes a valve array inlet  202  that is disposed on the first side  200  of valve body  196 . Otherwise, valve array  194  functions identically to that discussed previously with respect to valve array  158  of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0070]      FIG. 10  diagrammatically illustrates a valve array  204  including a valve body  206  that has a first side  208  and a second opposing side  210 . A first valve body inlet  212  and a second valve body inlet  214  are disposed along the second opposing side  210  of valve body  206 . A valve body outlet  216  is disposed along the first side  208  of valve body  206 . First chamber  174  and second chamber  176 , as discussed previously, are defined within valve body  206 .  
         [0071]     First valve body inlet  212  is in fluid communication with a channel  218 , which is itself in fluid communication with first inlet  190 . Second valve body inlet  212  is in fluid communication with a channel  220 , which is itself in fluid communication with second inlet  192 .  
         [0072]     It can be seen that fluid entering through first valve body inlet  212  will pass through channel  218 . If diaphragm  178  of first chamber  174  is in its relaxed or rest position, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , no fluid will flow into first chamber  174 . However, if diaphragm  178  has been electrostatically actuated into an actuated position in which diaphragm  178  moves toward first pressure control port  186 , fluid will be allowed to pass through to a first outlet  222 . The fluid may then pass through a channel  224  and then exit through valve body outlet  216 .  
         [0073]     Similarly, if diaphragm  182  of second chamber  180  is in its relaxed or rest position, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , no fluid will flow into second chamber  180 . However, if diaphragm  182  has been electrostatically actuated into an actuated position in which diaphragm  182  moves toward second pressure control port  188 , fluid will be allowed to pass through to a second outlet  226 . The fluid may then pass through channel  224  and then exit through valve body outlet  216 .  
         [0074]      FIG. 11  diagrammatically illustrates a valve array  228  including a valve body  230  having a first side  232  and a second opposing side  234 . First chamber  174  and second chamber  176 , as discussed previously, are defined within valve body  230 . Valve array  228  is identical to valve array  204  (see  FIG. 10 ), with the exception that valve array  228  includes a valve array outlet  236  that is disposed on the second opposing side  234  of valve body  230 . Valve array outlet  236  is in fluid communication with channel  224 . Otherwise, valve array  228  functions identically to that discussed previously with respect to valve array  204  of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0075]      FIG. 12  diagrammatically illustrates a valve array  238  includes a valve body  239  that has a first side  240  and a second opposing side  242 . A first valve body inlet  244  and a second valve body inlet  246  are disposed along second opposing side  242 . First chamber  174  and second chamber  176 , as discussed previously, are defined within valve body  240 . First valve body inlet  244  is in fluid communication with a channel  248 , which is itself in fluid communication with first inlet  190 . Second valve body inlet  246  is in fluid communication with a channel  250 , which is itself in fluid communication with second inlet  192 .  
         [0076]     It can be seen that fluid entering through first valve body inlet  244  will pass through channel  248 . If diaphragm  178  of first chamber  174  is in its relaxed or rest position, as illustrated, no fluid will flow into first chamber  174 . However, if diaphragm  178  has been electrostatically actuated into an actuated position in which diaphragm  178  moves toward first pressure control port  186 , fluid will be allowed to pass through to a first outlet  252 , pass through a channel  254 , then into a channel  256  and then into a channel  258 .  
         [0077]     Similarly, if diaphragm  182  of second chamber  180  is in its relaxed or rest position, as illustrated, no fluid will flow into second chamber  180 . However, if diaphragm  182  has been electrostatically actuated into an actuated position in which diaphragm  182  moves toward second pressure control port  188 , fluid will be allowed to pass through to a second outlet  260 , pass through channel  254 , then into channel  256  and then into channel  258 .  
         [0078]     Channel  258  is in fluid communication with a third inlet  262  of a third chamber  264  and a fourth inlet  266  of a fourth chamber  268 . Third chamber  264  has a third outlet  270  while fourth chamber  268  has a fourth outlet  272 . Third chamber  264  includes an electrostatically actuated diaphragm  274  that is actuated by applying a voltage between an electrode present within or on diaphragm  274  and an electrode  276 . A third pressure control port  278  may be provided to help diaphragm  274  flex or move under applied pressure. Likewise, fourth chamber  268  includes an electrostatically actuated diaphragm  280  that is actuated by applying a voltage between an electrode present within diaphragm  280  and an electrode  282 . A fourth pressure control port  284  may be provided to help diaphragm  280  flex or move under applied pressure. Third pressure control port  278  and fourth pressure control port  284  may each be considered as including a fluid outlet not illustrated in this diagrammatic cross-sectional view.  
         [0079]     It will be appreciated that any fluid that reaches channel  258  may or may not exit valve array  238 . If diaphragm  274  of third chamber  264  is in its relaxed or rest position, as illustrated, no fluid will flow into third chamber  264 . However, if diaphragm  274  has been electrostatically actuated into an actuated position in which diaphragm  274  moves toward third pressure control port  278 , fluid will pass into third chamber  264  and then exit through third outlet  270 .  
         [0080]     Similarly, if diaphragm  280  of fourth chamber  268  is in its relaxed or rest position, as illustrated, no fluid will flow into fourth chamber  268 . However, if diaphragm  280  has been electrostatically actuated into an actuated position in which diaphragm  280  moves toward fourth pressure control port  284 , fluid will pass into fourth chamber  268  and then exit through fourth outlet  272 .  
         [0081]     It is instructive to note that if “A” equals the actuation of the first diaphragm  178 , “B” equals the actuation of the second diaphragm  182 , “C” equals the actuation of the third diaphragm  274 , “D” equals the actuation of the fourth diaphragm  280 , Out 1  equals the output flow of the third output  270 , and Out 2  equals the output flow of the fourth output  272 , this illustrative embodiment may be used to implement the function Out 1 =(A or B) and (C), and Out 2 =(A or B) and (D), where the activation of “A” allows the flow through the first valve body inlet  244 , and activation of “B” allows the flow through the second valve body inlet  246 . This is only illustrative of some logic functions that can be implemented with the present invention. Other logic function may be also be implemented to suit a desired application.  
         [0082]     The invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples described above, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as set out in the attached claims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures, including any plurality of arrayed valves, to which the invention can be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of the instant specification.