Method for determining and verifying a microvolume of a sample liquid dispersed in droplets

US6220075A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Packard Instrument Company, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Roeland F. Papen · Guilford, US
• Richard E. Pelc · Florence, US
• Nicholas S. Chibucos · West Burlington, US
• Wilhelm Meyer · Krefeld, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 30, 1999
• Grant date: Apr 24, 2001
• Expiry date: Apr 30, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T436/2575
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A low volume liquid handling system is described which includes a microdispenser employing a piezoelectric transducer attached to a glass capillary, a positive displacement pump for priming and aspirating liquid into the microdispenser, controlling the pressure of the liquid system, and washing the microdispenser between liquid transfers, and a pressure sensor to measure the liquid system pressure and produce a corresponding electrical signal. The pressure signal is used to verify and quantify the microvolume dispensed and is used to perform automated calibration and diagnostics on the microdispenser.