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US 2013/0074944 A1Published application
Methods and Apparatuses for Releasably Fastening Pins
AssigneeIntegenX Inc.
InventorEzra Van Gelder
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present technology relates to pins that are used for moving liquid samples from source wells into target wells. A releasable fastening mechanism simplifies calibration of positions (e.g., vertical positions) of the pins relative to a frame releasably holding the pins.
Claims28
A method comprising:
- moving a frame movably holding at least one hollow bore pin having a liquid dispensing tip, such that the liquid dispensing tip of the at least one hollow bore pin moves into a respective well of a set of target wells, and the liquid dispensing tip makes contact with a bottom surface of the respective well;
- continuing to move the frame after the liquid dispensing tip makes contact, such that the at least one hollow bore pin moves to a particular position within a range of positions relative to and permitted by the frame;
- and
- fastening the at least one hollow bore pin to the frame at the particular position of the at least one hollow bore pin relative to the frame.
1 more element
An apparatus comprising:
- at least one hollow bore pin having a liquid dispensing tip;
- a frame movably holding the at least one hollow bore pin within a range of positions relative to the frame;
- and
- a releasable fastening mechanism coupled to the frame and having a first mode in which the at least one hollow bore pin is movable within the range of positions relative to the frame and a second mode in which the at least one hollow bore pin is fixed at a particular position in the range of positions relative to the frame.
1 more element
An apparatus comprising:
- a base;
- a frame and pin assembly coupled to the base and comprising a frame movably holding an array of hollow bore pins, wherein each of the hollow bore pins has a liquid dispensing tip and is within a range of positions relative to and permitted by the frame;
- and
- a releasable fastening mechanism coupled to the frame and having a first mode in which each of the hollow bore pins is movable within the range of positions relative to the frame and a second mode in which each of the hollow bore pins is fixed at a particular position in the range of positions relative to the frame;
- and
- a motor configured to move the frame in X, Y, and Z directions relative to the base.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.