Variable stop syringe
AssigneeCoulter Electronics, Inc.
InventorsBruce J. Hodgins, Ivan K. Saltz, Guenter Ginsberg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A variable stop syringe for automatically selecting, aspirating and dispensing one of a desired plurality of fluid volumes. The variable syringe includes a plurality of stops in an array each of which defines a particular fluid volume. The array selectively is moved to position the desired stop in the fully aspirated position of the syringe plunger. The stop positions are coded and automatically may be read to select the desired syringe stop for the particular volume of fluid desired to be aspirated and dispensed. The completely dispensed and the fully aspirated positions of the plunger, as well as the speed of the plunger operation, may be monitored to ensure that the plunger is operating properly.
Claims19
A method of aspirating and dispensing one of a plurality of predetermined fluid volumes from a fluid supply comprising:
- selecting one of the fluid volumes;
- moving a plunger stop corresponding to said selected fluid volume into a fully aspirated position;
- driving a syringe plunger coupled to the fluid supply from a rest or fully dispensed position to the fully aspirated position defined by said plunger stop to aspirate said selected fluid volume;
- and
- driving said plunger from the fully aspirated position to said fully dispensed position to dispense said selected fluid volume.
An apparatus adapted to selectively aspirate and dispense one of a plurality of predetermined fluid volumes when coupled to a fluid supply comprising:
- means for selecting one of the fluid volumes;
- plunger stop means;
- means for moving said plunger stop means into a fully aspirated position corresponding to said selected fluid volume;
- syringe plunger means;
- means for driving said syringe plunger means from a rest or fully dispensed position to a fully aspirated position defined by said plunger stop means;
- and
- means for driving said syringe plunger means from the fully aspirated position to said fully dispensed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.