Patent ID: 7249529
Filing Date: 2007-07-31
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A sample handling tool, comprising: a body; a first number of capillaries mounted to the body, each of the capillaries constructed and arranged to remove material from a work area and deposit material on a work area; a first number of valves, each valve associated with a corresponding capillary and controlling flow for the capillary; and a valve controller constructed and arranged to control each of the valves by providing a maximum of a second number of signals to the valves, the second number being less than the first number; wherein the valve controller is adapted to control the valves to individually control flow for each capillary, and wherein the plurality of capillaries and corresponding valves are arranged in an M×N array with control groups of valves arranged in rows and drive groups of valves arranged in columns.