Apparatus and methods for liquid sample handling based on capillary action
US7488604B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/2575
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention comprises a removable capillary tip insert which provides for replacement of an individual capillary in the dispensing head of an automated liquid handling apparatus. In some embodiments, the insert has been designed to accept variable capillary lengths while maintaining a constant length protruding from the insert. In a preferred embodiment, the removable capillary insert of the invention comprises a head adapted to accept an insertion tool and tapered to seat in the dispense head; a shaft with external threads which form a threaded collar that permits the insert to be screwed into the dispense head; a lumen running internally from the proximal to the distal ends of the head and shaft which forms a hollow interior in the insert in which a capillary resides; and a capillary tube of user-selected liquid capacity. One embodiment, without limitation, comprises a molded plastic part with an integral capillary tube. Other embodiments comprise dispensing heads with various configurations of capillary inserts and methods for automated liquid dispensing using the same.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.