Apparatus and method for dispensing or aspirating fluid
US10639662B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 2016 |
| Grant date | May 5, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N35/1016
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method dispenses and/or aspirates a predetermined volume of fluid from a chamber. The chamber includes a lower portion containing fluid and an upper portion containing gas. The method includes measuring an initial pressure in the upper portion and introducing or evacuating a known quantity of gas into or out of the upper portion. The volume of gas in the upper portion is determined based on the volume of gas introduced or evacuated from the upper portion and a measured change in pressure in the upper portion. An upper portion target pressure that will dispense or aspirate a predetermined volume of fluid is determined. A controllable valve is opened while the pressure in the upper portion of the chamber is monitored. Once the target pressure is reached, the predetermined volume of fluid has been dispensed or aspirated, and the controllable valve is then closed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.