Method and system for dispensing precise reagent volumes

Abstract

A method and system for dispensing small volumes of liquid reagents is provided. The system includes a sequence of one, two, or three or more sensors, attached to a conduit, which send an electronic signal indicating the presence or lack of fluid in the conduit. The sensors can sense the leading edge of a fluid in a conduit, often called the leading meniscus. The sensors are connected to a microprocessor capable of recording the time the leading meniscus passes each sensor. The microprocessor can also calculate the time difference between the sensors, and at a constant flow rate, determine the speed of the fluid in the conduit and proportionally, depending on the diameter of the conduit, calculate the flow rate within the conduit. The microprocessor can also control the pump to cause the fluid to flow for a specific period of time so that a known discrete volume can be dispensed from the conduit. The microprocessor can also control a pump allowing the leading meniscus to be positioned accurately within the conduit.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.