Microvolume liquid handling system
US6422431B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/2575
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In one embodiment, a microvolume liquid handling system includes a microdispenser employing a piezoelectric transducer attached to a glass capillary, a positive displacement pump for priming and aspiring transfer 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 of transfer liquid dispensed and is used to perform automated calibration and diagnostics on the microdispenser. In another embodiment of the microvolume liquid handling system, a system reservoir is connected with tubing to a pressure control system for controlling the liquid system pressure in the system reservoir. The system reservoir is coupled to one or more microdispenser through a distribution tube having a branched section for each microdispenser. In this embodiment, each microdispenser is coupled to its own flow sensor and which enables a system controller to respectively measure and control the flow of liquid in each dispenser.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.