Three dimensional micro-fluidic pumps and valves

A system for pumping micro-fluidic amounts, said system comprising:

• a first, a second and a third valve system, said second valve system disposed between said first and said third valve system, and said first, second and third valve systems each comprising:
• a substrate;
• at least one micro-fluidic channel disposed in a microchannel layer atop said substrate;
• a conformable layer disposed on said micro-fluidic layer;
• a receiving cavity disposed within said at least one micro-fluidic channel;
• and
• at least one occluding member disposed within said conformable layer, and configured to be received by said receiving cavity so as to occlude said micro-fluidic channel when depressed by an actuator;
• said first second and third valve systems being disposed upon a common micro-fluidic chamber, such that said first and said third valve systems define a pump chamber, and said receiving cavity of said second valve system defines a pump volume such that said second valve system provides pressure forcing fluid from said pumping chamber.

A method of pumping micro-fluidic amounts, said method comprising:

• Opening a upstream valve to fill a pump chamber defined by a downstream and said upstream valve in a micro-fluidic channel;
• Sealing said upstream valve by depressing an occluding member in a upstream micro-fluidic receiving cavity disposed in said micro-fluidic channel;
• Opening said downstream valve;
• Depressing a compression valve disposed down stream from said upstream valve and proximal to said upstream valve thereby forcing fluid from said pump chamber;
• and
• Closing said downstream valve.