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The invention concerns a liquid transfer device for an analysis apparatus with a liquid transfer cannula (5) and a capacitive liquid level detector to detect the immersion of the liquid transfer cannula (5) in an analysis liquid contained in a vessel. To reliably check if the liquid transfer cannula

The invention concerns a liquid transfer device for an analysis apparatus with a liquid transfer cannula (5) and a capacitive liquid level detector to detect the immersion of the liquid transfer cannula (5) in an analysis liquid contained in a vessel. To reliably check if the liquid transfer cannula (5) is submerged in the analysis liquid or immersed for example in foam it is proposed additionally that resistance is measured by a measurement section (16) in the liquid transfer cannula (5).

대표청구항 ▼

The invention concerns a liquid transfer device for an analysis apparatus with a liquid transfer cannula (5) and a capacitive liquid level detector to detect the immersion of the liquid transfer cannula (5) in an analysis liquid contained in a vessel. To reliably check if the liquid transfer cannula

The invention concerns a liquid transfer device for an analysis apparatus with a liquid transfer cannula (5) and a capacitive liquid level detector to detect the immersion of the liquid transfer cannula (5) in an analysis liquid contained in a vessel. To reliably check if the liquid transfer cannula (5) is submerged in the analysis liquid or immersed for example in foam it is proposed additionally that resistance is measured by a measurement section (16) in the liquid transfer cannula (5). said contact transfer pin has a lumen extending generally therethrough and has an orifice at a lower-most end thereof adapted to admit a quantity of fluid into said lumen by capillary action when said contact transfer pin is dipped into said source and further adapted to dispense a spot or dot of said fluid when said lower-most end is contacted with said target. 17. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 16 wherein each said lumen has a portion adjacent a respective one of each said orifice which is tapered in the direction of a respective one of each said orifice. 18. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 16 wherein each said contact transfer pin has a substantially cylindrical upper body portion and a substantially tapered lower body portion which is tapered inwardly in the direction of a respective one of each said lower-most end. 19. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 16 in combination with a wash station which comprises a vacuum system. 20. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 19 wherein said vacuum system comprises a plurality of cavities connected to a pump and adapted to receive said contact transfer pins. 21. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 20 wherein each said vacuum cavity has means adapted to substantially sealingly contact an upper body portion of each said contact transfer pin and/or a lower tapered body portion of each said contact transfer pin. 22. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 1 wherein said mount has a low friction surface finish. 23. A method of using the contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 1, comprising the steps: selectively and independently dipping one or more of said contact transfer pins in said source to collect a quantity of one or more liquids; and selectively and independently contacting one or more of said contact transfer pins with said target to deposit one or more of said liquids in a predetermined arrangement. 24. The method of claim 23 further comprising providing relative motion between said contact transfer tips and said source and/or said target. 25. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said contact transfer pins comprises a substantially V-shaped groove or notch adapted to provide an easy break point in the event of accidental hard jarring or excessive contact forces. 26. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said contact transfer pins is fabricated from a ceramic. 27. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 26 wherein at least one of said contact transfer pins is fabricated from alumina. 28. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said contact transfer pins is coated with a film or coating of hydrophobic material. 29. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 28 wherein said hydrophobic material is selected from the group: silicon nitride, silicon carbide and titanium nitride. 30. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 16 wherein each said lower-most end of each said contact transfer pin has an outer diameter of about 50 μm to about 400 μm. 31. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 16 wherein each said lower-most end of each said contact transfer pin has an outer diameter of about 400 μm to about 900 μm. 32. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said bases is removably attached to a respective one of said contact transfer pins. 33. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 1 wherein said mount comprises a bearing alignment sleeve and has a plurality of through holes arranged in a predetermined manner through which said contact transfer pins are slidingly fitted to align said contact transfer pins in a precise predetermined manner. 34. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 1 wherein said mount comprises brass with a low friction surface finish. 35. The contact-transfer dispensing system of claim 1 wherein t