Patent ID: 8807169

Claim:
A flow control system for use with a micropump for pumping a fluid comprising, in combination: a first body portion having a membrane-receiving inner surface, an inlet aperture in fluid communication with the micropump, and a mating surface disposed about the membrane-receiving inner surface; a membrane having a reinforcement annulus located along an outer peripheral edge of the membrane, wherein the reinforcement annulus is configured to be received by the first body portion membrane-receiving inner surface, and wherein an entire surface of the membrane is substantially dome shaped, and a portion of the membrane is oriented to be movable between a closed position, in sealable communication with the inlet aperture, and an open position, in spaced apart relation from the inlet aperture, the membrane being further oriented and sized to be biased in the closed position, and the membrane being configured to substantially maintain the dome shape in both the closed position and the open position; a second body portion having a membrane-receiving inner surface, an outlet aperture, and a mating surface disposed about the membrane-receiving inner surface and configured to mate with the mating surface of the first body portion; at least a portion of the membrane reinforcement annulus being positioned within the inner surface of the first body portion; and the first body portion mating surface being positioned and maintained in sealed relation with the second body portion mating surface; whereby operation of the micropump causes the fluid to (a) flow from the micropump to the first body inlet aperture, (b) exert a pressure sufficient to move the membrane from the closed position to an open position, and (c) flow around the outer peripheral edge of the membrane and through the second body outlet.