MECHANISM FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY METERING AND DISPENSING LIQUIDS

• US 3,696,971 A
• Filed: 09/24/1970
• Issued: 10/10/1972
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Pharmacia Diagnostics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Ernest Maclin
• Inventors: Maclin, Ernest
• Primary Examiner(s): Reeves, Robert B.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Martin, Larry
• Application Number:
  US05/075,109
• Time in Patent Office: 747 Days
• Field of Search: 222/130,183,205,335 73/425.4P,425.6 141/8,18,31,59,67,238 23/253,259
• US Class Current: 222/183
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/021 Pipettes, i.e. with only one conduit for withdrawing and redistributing liquids
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/1065 Multiple transfer devices

Abstract

A multiple liquid dispensing type pipette apparatus has a chamber having a body closed at the top by a cap and at its bottom by a base member. A plurality of pipettes extend through the base of the chamber such that their inner ends are spaced from the cap. A vacuum and pressure connection extends through the chamber whereby the pipettes may be filled with liquid from a source thereof under the influence of vacuum. After the pipettes are filled they may be discharged by venting the chamber to atmosphere and then purged by putting the dispensing chamber under air pressure. A liquid drain extends through the body of the chamber at a point not substantially above its base plate.

Claims

1. In a multiple liquid dispensing pipette apparatus, an enclosed chamber, a plurality of pipettes extending through a wall of said chamber, a vacuum and pressure connection with said chamber whereby pipettes may be filled with liquid from a source of such liquid under the influence of a source of vacuum, means of venting said chamber to said atmosphere whereby said pipettes may be discharged, means for supplying pressure into said chamber through said pressure connection whereby said pipettes may be positively purged of residual liquid, rack means for holding a plurality of containers in upright position for receiving liquid from said pipettes, a socket in said rack, and a hub on said chamber adapted to enter said socket for establishing registration between said pipettes and containers in said rack.

2. In a multiple liquid dispensing pipette apparatus, a chamber formed from rigid side walls and a removeable rigid cap closing the top of said side walls and a base plate closing the bottom of said side walls;

a base plate closing the bottom of said body, a plurality of pipettes extending through said base plate of said chamber, the inner ends of said pipettes being spaced from said cap and all opening in common to said chamber, a vacuum and pressure connection with said chamber whereby pipettes may be filled with liquid from a source of such liquid under the influence of a source of vacuum, means of venting said chamber to said atmosphere whereby said pipettes may be discharged and means for supplying pressure into said chamber through said pressure connection whereby said pipettes may be positively purged of residual liquid.

3. In a multiple liquid dispensing pipette apparatus, a chamber having a body, a cap closing the top of said body, a base plate closing the bottom of said body, a plurality of pipettes extending through said base plate of said chamber, the inner ends of said pipettes being spaced from said cap, a vacuum and pressure connection with said chamber whereby pipettes may be filled with liquid from a source of such liquid under the influence of a source of vacuum, means of venting said chamber to said atmosphere whereby said pipettes may be discharged, means for supplying pressure into said chamber through said pressure connection whereby said pipettes may be positively purged of residual liquid, and a liquid drain extending through the body of said chamber at a point not substantially above said base plate.