Multiple channel pipetting device

• US 5,915,284 A
• Filed: 11/26/1997
• Issued: 06/22/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cyberlab Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Cyberlab Incorporated
• Inventors: Meltzer, Walter C., Malvey, Edward J. III
• Primary Examiner(s): RAEVIS, ROBERT R
• Application Number:
  US08/980,082
• Time in Patent Office: 573 Days
• Field of Search: 73/863.32, 73/864.16, 73/864.17, 73/864.14, 422/100
• US Class Current: 73/864.17
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00315 Microtiter plates
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00369 in multiple or parallel arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/0217 of the plunger pump type medical syringes A61M
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/0227 Details of motor drive means B01L3/0231, B01L3/0234 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/0279 co-operating with positive ejection means
• CPC Class Codes: C40B 60/14 for creating libraries
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/1074 arranged in a two-dimensional array

Abstract

This invention is a multiple channel pipetting device for aspirating and dispensing volumes of liquid using disposable or non-disposable tips. The device is comprised of a main body made of a hard synthetic material with multiple channels and an associated ram plate activated by a four-quadrant synchronous drive. The drive assembly is mounted on four standoffs, and the ram plate moves up and down by the means of four lead screws moved with a synchronous fibrous belt moved with a motor. A moveable plate mounted to the bottom of the device to remove disposable tips is activated by a set of automated ejector plate arms. The entire device can be mounted in a self-contained housing or attached to another device allowing it to be moved.

Claims

1. A multiple channel pipetting device for dispensing and aspirating volumes of liquid comprising:

a main body having a plurality of holes bored therethrough;

a ram plate having a plurality of pistons mounted thereon which correspond to and engage said multiple holes;

a mounting plate attached to said ram plate, having a motor, and a drive mechanism attached thereto for driving said pistons and an ejector mechanism;

said ejector mechanism comprising;

an ejector arm attached to said ram plate which moves along a ramp and engages an ejector plate which is attached to said main body by a plurality of springs; and

a stationary post which engages a stand off located on said ejector arm to move said ejector arm along said ramp for engagement on to said ejector plate; and

whereby said ram plate with ejector arm moves down thereby causing said ejector plate to move and knock a plurality of pipette tips off said multiple pipetting device.

2. A process for dispensing or aspirating of liquids utilizing the device of claim 1, wherein said multiple pipetting device picks up a set of disposable tips in a home position;

said multiple pipetting device moves to a negative home position forcing said ejector arm down by pushing said stand- off connected to said ejector arm down said stationary post, said ejector arms are now positioned adjacent said multiple pipetting device to engage said ejector plate;

moving said ram plate with said ejector arm into an armed position down thereby engaging said ejector plate and causing said ejector plate to move and knock off a said plurality of pipette tips off said multiple pipetting device; and

moving said ram plate up forcing said ejector arm to move away from said multiple pipetting device allowing same to return to an initial position for picking up a new set of said multiple pipette tips.