Apparatus and method for restricting fluid flow in a planar manifold

A method to restrict fluid flow in a planar manifold with one or more pneumatic channels, the method comprising:

• (a) positioning a forming pen that has a bit in close proximity to a surface of the planar manifold;
• and
• (b) advancing the forming pen towards and into the planar manifold so that the bit of the forming pen deforms the surface of the planar manifold, in order to restrict fluid flow in one of the pneumatic channels to a desired reduction rate, without affecting fluid flow in other pneumatic channels and without affecting the integrity of the pneumatic channels,
• wherein the desired reduction rate is 3:1 or higher.

A method to restrict fluid flow in a planar manifold with one or more pneumatic channels, the method comprising:

• recording a flow rate in a targeted pneumatic channel with the flow meter;
• pressing a forming pen onto the planar manifold;
• observing the flow rate drop in the targeted pneumatic channel;
• retracting the forming pen when the flow rate in the targeted pneumatic channel is a desired flow rate;
• recording the flow rate in the targeted pneumatic channel after the retraction of the forming pen.