| 摘要 |
<p>An actuator (18) operates an upper plate assembly (14) which holds a plurality of metal rods (40), such that all the rods are moved together along parallel longitudinal axes into respective tubes (42). The plurality of tubes (42) is held by a lower plate assembly (16), a different tube (42) for each rod (40). Liquid (sample fluid) is drawn into the individual tubes (42) by the actuator (18) raising the upper plate assembly (14) with respect to the lower plate assembly (16) and hence causing the rods (40) to simultaneously traverse the length of the respective tubes from the distal ends of the tubes (42) to the proximal ends of the tubes (42). The collected liquid is dispensed by the actuator (18) lowering the upper plate assembly (14) such that the metal rods (40) are simultaneously lowered into the corresponding tubes (42). The rods (40) are lowered very rapidly and stopped abruptly. This imparts sufficient velocity to the collected sample fluid within the tubes (42) such that the samples under inertia separate from and cleanly exit the distal ends of the tubes. As such, low volume (microvolume) dispenses are enabled in a manner free of sample contact with the target (receiving) tray (58).</p> |
