Robotic system having positionally adjustable multiple probes
US6672344B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/2575
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An array of probes is provided wherein the probes are maintained in place in bores extending through a housing by a friction force applied to the probes. The friction force can be overcome by another force applied to the probes, thereby allowing the probes to move to a new position within the bore. In one embodiment, the probes contain an internal conduit through which liquid samples are introduced into the probes. Thereafter, the probes are moved to contact a substrate surface to move the probes to a new position, the configuration of which replicates the substrate surface configuration. The housing is then raised a predetermined distance to allow sample to be accurately deposited on the substrate surface from a desired height above the substrate surface. The probes are then returned to their original position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.