Patent ID: 6269846
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: B01J,B01L,B82Y,C40B,G01N,G02B,Y10T

Abstract:
A fluid deposit assembly mounted on a carrier for depositing minute drops of fluid at selected locations upon a substrate for creating a dense array of biological objects, comprising:a deposit device comprisinga deposit element having a diameter of 0.3 mm or less constructed and arranged to carry and deposit drops of fluid upon the substrate,stable lateral reference surfaces or surface portions exposed for engagement by the deposit element, the surfaces or surface portions being constructed and arranged to prevent X, Y displacement of the deposit element relative to the carrier when the deposit element is urged thereagainst,means for urging the deposit element substantially laterally against the reference surfaces or surface portions at least at the time that the deposit element approaches a substrate to deposit a fluid drop, the reference surfaces or surface portions and the means for urging cooperating to precisely position the deposit element in a precisely desired position as it contacts the substrate; anda mobile local device, comprising a surrounding surface cooperatively arranged with and larger than the deposit element, for limiting evaporation of the fluid at the deposit element.