Inventors:
Gordon Robertson - Elkton MD, US
Assignee:
Archivex LLC - Baltimore MD
International Classification:
B01L 3/02, G01N 1/10, G01N 21/00
US Classification:
422100, 422 67, 422 681, 422 8205, 436164, 436180, 7386332, 73864, 7386401
Abstract:
An apparatus for accurately dispensing small volumes of liquid from a cartridge having a substantially cylindrical body and a sliding piston and a dispensing tip, wherein an initial starting state is established by electro-optically sensing the position of the liquid meniscus in the dispensing tip, and by adjusting the motion of the piston according to the output of said sensing means. A means for detaching the liquid drop adhering to the dispensing tip by imparting sufficient acceleration to the dispensing tip that the surface tension bond is overcome which substantially improves the accuracy of dispensing small volumes of liquid from the cartridge.