A modular hand grenade design that permits the use of compressed powders such as A-5. In particular, the medium is used in a system and method of electrophoretic separation comprising the introduction of a sample to the medium, and applying an electric field across the medium. At least one actuator displaces at least one of the first and second devices relative to the other in response to a control signal. A method for manufacturing the gate operator and a folded gate assembly utilizing the gate operator are provided.