Method and device for creating a temperature gradient among a plurality of temperature gradient structures

A method of controlling creation of a temperature gradient among a plurality of temperature gradients, said method comprising steps of:

• creating a plurality of temperature gradients in a plurality of interrelated temperature gradient structures, each of said temperature gradient structures comprising:
• a first layer of conductive material having a first surface, an opposing second surface and having electrical resistive properties;
• a second layer of material having a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein said first surface of said second layer being adjacent said second surface of said first layer;
• a power supply with first and second electrical terminals, said first electrical terminal being electrically coupled to said first surface of said first layer;
• and
• a switch device having at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal, said input terminal being coupled to said second electrical terminal of said power supply and said output terminal of said switch device being electrically coupled to said temperature gradient structure at a location that permits resistive heating of said first layer, wherein when said switch is closed, an electrical current flows through said first layer to heat said first layer via resistive heating and create a temperature gradient between said second surface of said heated first layer and said first surface of said second layer;
• and
• controlling the operation of said plurality of switch devices by a control unit, wherein said control unit controls said switch devices to create a selected temperature gradient.