Methods and apparata for precisely dispensing microvolumes of fluids
US6874699B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/1041
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices and methods for depositing fluids on substrates in patterns of spots, lines, or other features use a nozzle, which is preferably configured similarly to a micropipette, having a piezoelectric crystal or other ultrasonic actuator coupled to one of its sides. The nozzle may be charged via capillary action by dipping it into a well containing the fluid to be deposited, and may then be positioned over a desired area of a substrate, at which point activation of the ultrasonic actuator at ultrasonic frequencies will eject the fluid onto the substrate. The needle may subsequently be dipped into a well of rinsing fluid for cleaning. Spots or lines on the order of 5 micrometers width may be generated, making the invention particularly suitable for use in biological applications such as microarray production and in microelectronics applications such as the printing of organic circuitry.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.