Acoustic ejection of fluids using large F-number focusing elements
US6416164B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/14008
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and device for the acoustic ejection of fluid droplets from fluid-containing reservoirs using focusing means having an F-number greater than approximately 2. The droplets are ejected toward designated sites on a substrate surface for deposition thereon. In one embodiment, the device is comprised of: a plurality of reservoirs each adapted to contain a fluid; an ejector comprising a means for generating acoustic radiation and a large F-numbered means for focusing the acoustic radiation at a focal point near the fluid surface in each of the reservoirs; and a means for positioning the ejector in acoustically coupled relationship to each of the reservoirs. The invention is useful in a number of contexts, particularly in the preparation of biomolecular arrays.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.