Patent ID: 7608221

Claim:
Multi-channel metering device comprising displacement devices ( 1 , 2 ) for displacing a plurality of air columns, a plurality of holders ( 6 ) each which comprises a shank ( 7 ) for releasable connection to a pipette tip, a connector ( 9 ) and a connecting channel extending from a free end of the shank ( 7 ) to the connector ( 9 ), flexible pipes ( 19 ) which connect the displacement devices ( 1 , 2 ) to the connectors ( 9 ), a guide ( 14 ) on which the holders ( 6 ) may be displaced with shanks ( 7 ) aligned parallel to one another and perpendicular to the guide ( 14 ), abutment surfaces ( 10 , 11 ) on the faces of the holders ( 6 ) facing one another, two pins ( 12 , 13 ) projecting from the holders ( 6 ), oriented perpendicular to the guide ( 14 ) and the shanks ( 7 ), round chain links ( 16 ) arranged on the pins ( 12 , 13 ) of adjacent holders ( 6 ), a free space existing between the pins ( 12 , 13 ) and the rounded portions of the round chain links ( 16 ), when the abutment surfaces ( 10 , 11 ) of the adjacent holders ( 6 ) bear against one another, and a drive device ( 20 ) which engages at least one of two outer holders ( 6 ) and by means of which the holders ( 6 ) may be pushed apart and pushed together along the guide ( 14 ).