Multi-fluid, variable sequence, zero dead volume valve and system

A system for selectively supplying and removing fluids from a chamber having an inlet and an outlet comprising:

• a first valve member having first, second, third, fourth, and fifth ports spaced apart from one another, said first port communicating with a first supply container for a first fluid, said second port communicating with a second supply container for a second fluid, said third port communicating with a first effluent container for said first fluid, said fourth port communicating with a second effluent container for said second fluid, and said fifth port communicating with a third supply container for a purging fluid;
• a second valve member which sealingly engages with the first valve member and has sixth and seventh ports that communicate with the inlet and outlet, respectively, of said chamber;
• said ports being configured and located so that said second valve member is movable relative to said first valve member sequentially between:
• a first position in which said first port communicates with said sixth port while said third port communicates with said seventh port;
• a second position in which said first port does not communicate with said sixth port but said fifth port communicates with said sixth port while said third port communicates with said seventh port;
• a third position in which said second port communicates with said sixth port while said fourth port communicates with said seventh port;
• and
• a fourth position in which said second port does not communicate with said sixth port but said fifth port communicates with said sixth port while said fourth port communicates with said seventh port.

A system for selectively providing fluids to an enclosed material object comprising:

• a chamber for enclosing said material object, said chamber having an inlet and an outlet:
• a first valve member having first, second, third, fourth, and fifth ports spaced apart from one another, said first port communicating with a first supply container for a first fluid, said second port communicating with a second supply container for a second fluid, said third port communicating with a first effluent container for said first fluid, said fourth port communicating with a second effluent container for said second fluid, and said fifth port communicating with a third supply container for a purging fluid;
• a second valve member which sealingly engages with the first valve member and has sixth and seventh ports that communicate with the inlet and outlet, respectively, of said chamber;
• said ports being configured and located so that said second valve member is movable relative to said first valve member between:
• a first position in which said first port communicates with said sixth port while said third port communicates with said seventh port;
• a second position in which said first port does not communicate with said sixth port but said fifth port communicates with said sixth port while said third port communicates with said seventh port;
• a third position in which said second port communicates with said sixth port while said fourth port communicates with said seventh port;
• and
• a fourth position in which said second port does not communicate with said sixth port but said fifth port communicates with said sixth port while said fourth port communicates with said seventh port;
• a drive for moving said first and second valve members sequentially between said first, second, third and fourth positions.