초록 ▼

A multiple probe liquid handler includes a syringe pump assembly with multiple syringe pumps communicating with the probes. A carriage movable with respect to a fixed support base carries syringe pump pistons moving within syringe pump cylinders secured to the base. A drive system including a single

A multiple probe liquid handler includes a syringe pump assembly with multiple syringe pumps communicating with the probes. A carriage movable with respect to a fixed support base carries syringe pump pistons moving within syringe pump cylinders secured to the base. A drive system including a single drive motor has a single drive point connection to the carriage for moving the carriage and operating the syringe pumps in order to draw fluid into or discharge fluid from the multiple probes. A linear motion support assembly includes spaced rails attached to the support base and slides attached to the carriage and riding along the rails. The assembly includes two parallel rails and three slides, one riding along one rail and two riding along the other rail, providing an inexpensive yet imbalance tolerant three point support.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A syringe pump assembly for an automated liquid handler having a sample tray supporting an array of numerous sample containers and a plurality of probes movable into alignment with a like plurality of the sample containers, said syringe pump assembly comprising:a fixed su

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A syringe pump assembly for an automated liquid handler having a sample tray supporting an array of numerous sample containers and a plurality of probes movable into alignment with a like plurality of the sample containers, said syringe pump assembly comprising:a fixed support;a plurality of syringe pumps each adapted to be in pressure communication with one of the plurality of probes;each syringe pump including a pair of pumping members including a cylinder and piston slidable within said cylinder, said cylinders being parallel to one another;a carriage;one member of each pumping pair being secured to said fixed support and the other member of each pumping pair being secured to said carriage;power means including a single drive motor supported by said fixed support and connected to said carriage for providing a motive force at a single drive point for moving said carriage; anda mounting system for supporting said carriage on said fixed support for linear movement in a direction parallel to said cylinders;said mounting system including a pair of spaced apart guide rails mounted parallel to one another and to said cylinders and a plurality of slides riding along said rails;said rails being attached to one of said fixed support and said carriage, and said slides being attached to the other of said fixed support and said carriage;said plurality of slides including one slide riding along one of said rails and two slides riding along the other of said rails.