Patent ID: 6551557
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: B01J,B01L,C40B,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A random access contact-transfer dispensing system for selectively transferring microfluidic quantities of at least one fluid from a source to at least one predetermined position of a target, comprising:a plurality of contact transfer pins arranged in a predetermined manner, each said contact transfer pin being adapted to collect fluid when dipped in said source and to deposit a quantity of said fluid when contacted with said target; a mount in which said contact transfer pins are slidingly mounted; a plurality of actuators each being associated with a respective one of said contact transfer pins for selectively raising or lowering each said contact transfer pin relative to said target and/or said source to independently operate each contact transfer tip; each said contact transfer pin being connected to a respective base with each said base positioned above said mount; and each said base comprising a magnetic material and each said actuator comprising a solenoid responsive to an actuation signal and mounted above a respective one of each said base for selectively raising or lowering each said base, thereby independently raising or lowering each said contact transfer pin.