Dual nest microplate spotter
AssigneeApplera Corporation
InventorDennis Lehto
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fluid distribution system comprises a table configured to engage at least two microplates and moveable in an X-Y plane and in a Z direction toward and away from the X-Y plane. The fluid distribution system can comprise a dispensing head that comprises a plurality of dispensing tips adapted to dispense fluid to one or more locations of a microplate. A plate-handling device is provided to selectively pick up and deposit, substantially simultaneously, two or more of the microplates. The fluid distribution system can further comprise an accessory carriage configured to engage a source of fluid and move the source of fluid into a position adjacent the dispensing head in position for the dispensing head to aspirate fluid from the source of the fluid.
Claims30
A fluid distribution system comprising:
- a table adapted to engage at least two microplates in a side-by-side arrangement, the table being movable in an X-Y plane and in a Z direction toward and away from the X-Y plane;
- and
- a dispensing head adapted to dispense fluids to at least one microplate while the at least one microplate is on the table.
A fluid distribution system, comprising:
- a track;
- a three-axis slide carriage, comprising at least two microplate holders, the slide carriage being mounted for movement along the track;
- a dispensing head fixed in position relative to the track and comprising a plurality of dispensing tips adapted to dispense fluids;
- and
- a plate-handling device comprising at least two sets of jaws, one set positioned above the other, wherein the plate-handling device is adapted to access a microplate disposed on one of the at least two microplate holders.
A fluid distribution system, comprising:
- a track;
- a three-axis slide carriage mounted for movement along the track, the three-axis slide carriage comprising at least one microplate holder and at least two non-parallel rails arranged in a fixed position with respect to one another;
- at least two linear motor-driven carriages each mounted for movement along the track and each engaged with a respective one of the at least two non-parallel rails;
- and
- a dispensing head positioned relative to the track and comprising a plurality of dispensing tips each adapted to dispense a fluid,
- wherein each rail is arranged at an angle relative to the track and the at least two linear motor-driven carriages are adapted to simultaneously move in the same direction, simultaneously move toward one another, and simultaneously move away from one another.
A method of distributing fluids to a plurality of microplates, comprising:
- moving at least two microplates on a table into relationship with a dispensing head comprising a plurality of dispensing tips adapted to dispense respective fluids, such that at least a first of the at least two microplates is positioned to receive fluid from the dispensing head and at least a second of the microplates is accessible by a plate-handling device;
- and
- dispensing fluid from the head to a plurality of locations in or on the first microplate while exchanging at least the second microplate with a new microplate using the plate-handling device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.