US 6,713,022 B1 · Devices for biofluid drop ejection

Abstract

A biofluid drop ejection unit for ejecting biofluid drops. A biofluid drop ejection mechanism of such a unit includes a transducer, which generates energy used to emit the biofluid drop. Further provided is a reagent cartridge or biofluid containment area which holds the biofluid. The reagent cartridge or biofluid containment area is configured to hold low volumes of biofluid and to avoid contamination of the biofluid. The reagent cartridge or biofluid containment area is in operational connection with the drop ejection mechanism such that upon operation of the drop ejection mechanism, biofluid drops are emitted. The biofluid drop ejection mechanism is a high efficiency device, and may be configured as two separate pieces or as a single disposable unit.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A biofluid drop ejection unit for ejecting biofluid drops, the unit comprising:

a biofluid drop ejection mechanism having a transducer which generates energy used to emit biofluid drops;
and
a reagent cartridge composed of a biochemically inert material for holding a biofluid, isolated from the drop ejection mechanism to avoid contamination between the biofluid drop ejection mechanism and the biofluid of the reagent cartridge, the reagent cartridge designed to be held in a detachable operative connection with the drop ejection mechanism such that upon operation of the drop ejection mechanism, the biofluid is emitted as the biofluid drops, wherein the reagent cartridge is configured to be disposable and the biofluid ejection mechanism is configured to be reusable;
and
an interior chamber configured to receive the reagent cartridge.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Devices for biofluid drop ejection

Life of this patent

Devices for biofluid drop ejection

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20