Article for dispensing small volumes of liquid
US5957167A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/1037
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for handling and dispensing small volumes of liquid, and apparatus for carrying out the method, are disclosed. A small volume of liquid, which is retained within a fluid-dispensing member, is dispensed therefrom by accelerating, and then abruptly decelerating, the member. The abrupt deceleration causes the retained liquid to discharge. The discharged liquid may be directed toward a receiver. A micro volume liquid dispenser for practicing the method includes a plurality of fluid-dispensing members configured for aspiring and retaining a small liquid volume via capillary action. The dispenser further includes an actuator for moving/accelerating the fluid-dispensing members and for stopping/abruptly decelerating the fluid-dispensing members.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.