Fluidic control: clamped membrane structure

An apparatus comprising:

• a flexible membrane that is positioned at a juncture in a channeled layer, wherein the membrane is configured to deform between an open position allowing fluid flow across the juncture and a closed position inhibiting flow across the juncture;
• the channeled layer which includes a shim portion including a material that is dimensioned to limit the amount of compression appliable to the membrane, wherein the shim portion is positioned along a same plane as the membrane in the open position;
• a transmission housing layer that is positioned over the membrane and over the channeled layer;
• and
• a fastening member that secures the channeled layer, the membrane, and the transmission housing layer, wherein the fastening member applies compression to a portion of the membrane and to the shim portion.