Patent ID: 9121824
Filing Date: 2015-09-01
Classification: B01L,B81B,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for establishing a fluidic and electrical interface to a microfluidic chip having a top surface and at least two wells opening to the top surface, comprising: a microchip tray for receiving and holding said microfluidic chip; an electrical bus adapted for electrical communication with at least one voltage source and at least one electronic measurement device; a microchip tray slide adapted for receiving said microchip tray and placing said microchip into electrical communication with said electrical bus and for reversibly securing said microchip tray and said microchip in electrical communication therewith; a fluid manifold assembly for providing chosen fluids to said microchip and for aspirating the chosen fluids from the wells of said microchip, said fluid manifold assembly comprising: a fluid manifold mounting plate for holding said fluid manifold; a pushrod having a first end and a second end, the first end of said pushrod affixed to said fluid manifold mounting plate; a pivoted rocker arm for driving said pushrod toward or away from said microchip; a cam for causing said rocker arm to pivot; a motor for rotating said cam; and at least one spring for causing said pushrod to follow said rocker arm and said rocker arm to follow said cam; whereby said fluid manifold is disposed a chosen distance from said microchip for establishing fluid communication between said at least two liquid dispensing tubes and said at least two liquid aspiration tubes and the at least two wells, and at greater than the chosen distance for electrical measurements.