Apparatus for dispensing a predetermined volume of a liquid
US6401769B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/1044
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for dispensing a predetermined volume of a liquid (18) comprises a reservoir (12) for the liquid, a channel (13) provided with an outlet (16) for conveying the liquid (18) from the reservoir to the outlet, and means for generating a pulse of gas. The apparatus is arranged such that the flow of gas causes a predetermined volume of liquid to be ejected from the outlet. The outlet comprises a pair of openings in the channel which face one another, the liquid being retained between the openings by surface tension in the absence of a flow of gas. The gas flow is directed towards one of said openings in use. The apparatus may be used to dispense volumes of a liquid reagent in the range 1 nl to 2 &mgr;l. The apparatus avoids contamination of the liquid, and dispensing head construction allows devices to be low cost disposable units. The apparatus is less sensitive to liquid viscosity than existing devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.