Piezoelectric dispenser with a longitudinal transducer and replaceable capillary tube

Abstract

A dispenser and methods for transferring liquids are disclosed. The dispenser may include a capillary tube with tip having an aperture, a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the capillary tube at a location. Actuation of the piezoelectric actuator causes a pressure wave to propagate along the capillary tube toward the tip such that radial motion at the location is transmitted as distally extending axial motion of the tip, thereby causing a droplet of a predetermined volume to be ejected from the aperture. In some embodiments, the capillary tube has a modulus of elasticity in a range which dampens acoustical noise from the actuation and provides single drop stability over a range of drop sizes.

Description

Background technique [0001] The disclosed embodiments generally relate to systems and methods for acquiring and dispensing predetermined volumes of liquid, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to systems and methods for dispensing and delivering small volumes, typically volumes in the form of individual droplets or droplets. Piezoelectric devices and methods for fluids in the picoliter to nanoliter range. [0002] Conventional piezo dispensing devices have a tube that is usually completely surrounded by and coupled to a piezo actuator to produce droplets. Activation of the piezoelectric actuator transmits sound pressure into and through the liquid in the tube. The sound pressure propagates through the liquid and reaches the dispensing opening of the tube. This causes droplets to be ejected from the device. [0003] Such conventional devices have several disadvantages. One disadvantage is that the operation of such conventional devices is highly dependent on the char...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This allows the tube to be removed and replaced for subsequent use

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