Automated pipetting apparatus having a combined liquid pump and pipette head system
Inventors
Williams, Jeff • Wilson, Kerry
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11549959-B2
Publication Date
2023-01-10
Expiration Date
Abstract
The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The technology still more particularly relates to automated devices for carrying out pipetting operations, particularly on samples in parallel, consistent with sample preparation and delivery of PCR-ready nucleotide extracts to a cartridge wherein PCR is run.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an automated, self-contained liquid dispenser configured for pipetting operations on samples and solutions stored in one or more receptacles. The dispenser includes a plurality of dispense heads, each configured to accept one pipette tip extending along a vertical direction when mounted, and each dispense head operates by controlling pressure in the dispense head. A valve associated with each dispense head controls when to reduce pressure, thereby causing a sucking operation, or to increase pressure, thereby causing a dispense operation.
The liquid dispenser further includes an air handler having a manifold that connects to a pump and includes a single gas-line within the manifold that splits into one or more lines within the manifold. Each line supplies gas to a separate dispense head or valve, and independently controllable valves selectively divert gas between the pump and the valves associated with each dispense head. This arrangement supports coordinated control of sucking and dispense operations for multiple dispense heads.
The dispenser is configured with vertical motion relative to a mounted portion, where a dedicated vertical motion motor controls the vertical position of the plurality of dispense heads. A mounting plate is coupled to a gantry for motion across an array of holders in an x-direction and motion along a given holder in a y-direction, with fewer than three degrees of translational freedom. A separate vertical motion assembly allows the plurality of dispense heads to move up and down relative to the array in a z-direction, and the vertical motion assembly comprises a linear motor.
Claims Coverage
The provided material contains two independent claims that cover a multi-head liquid dispenser. Across these independent claims, the coverage centers on independent sucking and dispense control via per-head valves, gas distribution via a manifold with a single gas-line splitting into separate lines, and coordinated motion using a gantry with constrained translational freedom plus a dedicated vertical motion assembly with a linear motor.
Per-head pressure switching between sucking and dispensing
A plurality of dispense heads, each having one pipette tip connection configured to accept one pipette tip extending along a vertical direction when mounted; and a valve associated with each dispense head, the valve configured to control operations of one of the plurality of dispense heads including controlling when to reduce pressure in the dispense head, thereby causing a sucking operation, or to increase pressure in the dispense head, thereby causing a dispense operation.
Single gas-line manifold splitting for separate dispense head supply
An air handler comprising a manifold configured to connect to a pump, wherein the manifold comprises a single gas-line within the manifold which splits into one or more lines within the manifold, each line to supply a separate dispense head of the plurality of dispense heads with gas; and a plurality of independently controllable valves configured to selectively divert gas between the pump and the valves associated with each dispense head, and thus to the plurality of dispense heads.
Dedicated vertical motion motor for dispense head vertical position
The liquid dispenser is configured to move to carry out pipetting operations on samples and solutions stored in one or more receptacles, wherein the plurality of dispense heads are configured to have vertical motion relative to a mounted portion of the liquid dispenser, wherein a dedicated vertical motion motor controls the vertical position of the plurality of dispense heads relative to the mounted portion.
Gantry motion with fewer than three degrees of translational freedom
A mounting plate coupled to a gantry for motion, wherein the gantry has fewer than three degrees of translational freedom, wherein the gantry allows motion of the liquid dispenser across an array of holders in an x-direction and motion in a direction along a given holder in a y-direction.
Separate vertical motion assembly using a linear motor
A separate vertical motion assembly configured to move the plurality of dispense heads vertically relative to the mounting plate coupled to the gantry, wherein the vertical motion assembly allows motion of the plurality of dispense heads up and down relative to the array of holders in a z-direction, wherein the vertical motion assembly comprises a linear motor.
Together, the independent claims require a multi-dispense-head liquid dispenser with valves that switch between pressure reduction and pressure increase, a manifold-based air handler using a single gas-line split to supply separate dispense heads or valves via independently controlled diversion, and coordinated motion that includes constrained gantry translation plus dedicated vertical motion for the dispense heads.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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