Automated Apparatus and Methods for Dispensing Fluids into Microplates Utilizing Microwell Covers

摘要

Automated apparatus and methods for dispensing fluids into microplates utilizing microwell covers, the covers comprising open portions to allow a pipette access to one or more wells and impermeable portions which prevent the fluids from getting into wells shielded by the impermeable portion. The open portions and impermeable portions are preferably arranged and sized to align with alternating rows of wells in a particular microplate. Preferred covers are movably positioned on the microplate. Automated dispensing apparatus for use with microplates and microwell covers comprises a programmable controller, and suitable interfaces which allow the apparatus to be programmed, and which control a dispensing head such that pipettes are moved in the desired manner in order to take advantage of the protective features of the microwell covers. The apparatus also preferably comprises at least one transfer mechanism for moving a cover relative to a microplate at a dispensing station.

主权项

1. An automated laboratory apparatus for dispensing fluid into wells of a microplate, said apparatus comprising:
a fluid dispenser comprising at least one dispensing tip; a transfer mechanism for moving microwell covers relative to microplates at a predetermined dispensing station; a programmable controller operatively linked to said transfer mechanism and causing said transfer mechanism to move a microwell cover relative to a microplate at a dispensing station in order to reposition the microwell cover on the microplate.