Automatic liquid transfer optimization pipetting apparatus and method
AssigneeFormulatrix, Inc.
InventorsDavid Wikholm, Rasmus Lindblom
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An automatic liquid transfer optimization pipetting apparatus and method is disclosed. Namely, a liquid handling apparatus includes a pump supplying a nozzle (i.e., a pipette tip) via a conduit, one or more pressure sensors, and an electronic controller, and wherein the pipette tip is submerged in a liquid. Further, a method of automatic liquid transfer optimization pipetting includes the steps of actuating the pump to move a designated volume of liquid and then allowing the system to settle to a steady state after completion of pump actuation.
Claims19
A method of automatic liquid transfer optimization pipetting, comprising:
- providing an apparatus;
- comprising
- a pump;
- a pipette tip in fluid communication with the pump, the pipette tip comprising a conduit with a working air pressure relative to ambient pressure, the working air pressure having an upper threshold;
- a pressure sensor connected to the conduit, the pressure sensor being adapted to measure the working air pressure, the ambient pressure, and changes to the working air pressure caused by aspiration or dispensation of a liquid by the pipette tip;
- and
- a controller in electrical communication with the pump and the pressure sensor, wherein the controller receives input from the pressure sensor, commands a velocity of the pump, and maintains the working air pressure at or below the upper threshold by adjustment of the velocity of the pump during aspiration or dispensation of a liquid by the pipette tip,
- aspirating or dispensing a liquid in the conduit of the pipette tip;
- adjusting a velocity of the pump to limit the working pressure in the conduit of the pipette tip to a pressure level equal to or less than a maximum working pressure value during aspiration or dispensing of the liquid;
- actuating pump to displace a volume of air in the conduit, the volume of air corresponding to a desired volume of the liquid being aspirated or dispensed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.