Patent ID: 8202494
Filing Date: 2012-06-19
Classification: G01N,H01J

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for generating a fraction from a liquid sample, the apparatus comprising: (a) a capillary tube including a capillary tip, the capillary tube mounted within a support tube; (b) a moveable element which comprises the capillary tube and the support tube and which further comprises a stop member and a solenoid core, wherein the stop member and the solenoid core each are mounted to the support tube such that the moveable element moves as a unit along a line defined by the support tube and such that the support tube passes entirely through the stop member and the solenoid core; (c) an actuating means for displacing the moveable element and connected thereto, the actuating means comprising a solenoid which activates the solenoid core; and wherein the stop member is located to limit the travel of the moveable element, whereby, in use, actuation of the actuation means displaces the moveable element from a first position to a second position, wherein in reaching the second position the moveable element is made to abuts the stop member, which rapidly decelerates the moveable element and the capillary tube, to promote the separation of a droplet from the tip of the capillary tube.