Patent ID: 6783732
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: B01D,B01L,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for avoiding cross-contamination due to pendent drops of fluid hanging from a plurality of discharge conduits disposed in an array above a corresponding array of receiving wells, comprising:(i) a carriage configured to carry said discharge-conduit array and adapted for linear reciprocal motion in either of two directions along a first, generally horizontal, axis from a neutral position whereat said arrays are substantially axially aligned; and (ii) a vertical positioning assembly supporting said discharge-conduit array for linear movement along a second, generally vertical, axis between (a) a lowered position whereat said discharge conduits extend down into respective receiving wells, (b) an elevated position whereat said discharge conduits clear said receiving wells, and (c) a touch-off position intermediate of said lowered and elevated positions where pendent drops hanging from said discharge conduits contact respective sidewalls of respective ones of said receiving wells upon said linear reciprocal motion.