Aspiration-dispensing apparatus and associated methods

Abstract

A controller configured to control one or more of suction and dispensing of a primary fluid by a suction-dispensing apparatus, the suction-dispensing apparatus comprising a secondary fluid in working communication with the primary fluid, wherein the controller is configured to: receive measurement signaling of a monitored flow parameter of the secondary fluid; determine a suctioned or dispensed primary fluid volume based on the received measurement signaling using calibration data defining a relationship between the suctioned or dispensed primary fluid volume and the monitored flow parameter of the secondary fluid; and control primary or secondary fluid flow based on the determined volume to suction or dispense a particular primary fluid volume.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the aspiration and dispensing of fluids, and to an apparatus and associated method for controlling the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Existing aspiration-dispensing systems rely on time to monitor and control the aspiration or dispensing volume of a fluid. However, as flow rate varies with pressure, physical properties of the conduit and viscosity of the fluid (amongst other factors), this approach is inaccurate and can result in fluid wastage.

[0003] The apparatus and method disclosed herein can help address this problem. SUMMARY

[0004] In light of the above, according to a first aspect, there is provided a controller configured to control one or more of the aspiration and dispensing of a primary fluid by an aspiration-dispensing apparatus, the aspiration-dispensing apparatus comprising a secondary fluid in working communication with the primary fluid, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0005] receive measurement signalling of a monitored flow parameter of the secondary fluid;

[0006] determine an aspirated or dispensed primary fluid volume based on the received measurement signalling using calibration data defining a relationship between the aspirated or dispensed primary fluid volume and the monitored flow parameter of the secondary fluid; and

[0007] control primary or secondary fluid flow based on the determined volume to aspirate or dispense a particular primary fluid volume.

[0008] The aspiration-dispensing apparatus can be configured to aspirate or dispense a primary fluid volume in the range of millilitres or below.

[0009] The monitored flow parameter of the secondary fluid can comprise a secondary fluid displacement volume, and the controller can be configured to:

[0010] determine when the particular primary fluid volume has been aspirated or dispensed based on the secondary fluid displacement volume reaching a first predefined threshold; and

[0011] terminate primary or secondary fluid flow based on the determination.

[0012] The controller can be configured to:

[0013] determine a sudden change in the monitored flow parameter of the secondary fluid or a measurement of the monitored flow parameter above or below a second predefined threshold based on the received measurement signalling; and

[0014] Based on the determination, the primary or secondary fluid flow rate will be terminated.

[0015] The controller can be configured to generate a notification indicating a sudden change detected or a measurement result that is above / below a second predefined threshold.

[0016] The suction-dispensing device may include a flow meter configured to measure monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid, a pressure regulator configured to adjust the pressure of the secondary fluid, and a valve configured to limit the flow rate of the primary or secondary fluid, and the controller may be configured to:

[0017] The flow meter receives measurement signals of the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid to enable determination of the volume of the primary fluid being pumped or distributed; and

[0018] The pressure regulator and the valve are controlled based on the determined volume of primary fluid being drawn or distributed to control the primary or secondary fluid flow rate.

[0019] The controller can be configured to generate calibration data that defines the relationship between the primary fluid volume that is pumped or distributed and the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid.

[0020] The controller can be configured to generate the calibration data by:

[0021] Control the pressure regulator and the valve to draw or distribute one or more known primary fluid volumes;

[0022] Receive from the flow meter the corresponding measurement results of the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid corresponding to the one or more known primary fluid volumes; and

[0023] The one or more known primary fluid volumes are correlated with the corresponding measurements of the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid.

[0024] The controller can be configured to associate the plurality of known primary fluid volumes with the plurality of corresponding measurements of the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid by generating one or more of a lookup table, graph, and equation that defines the relationship between the two.

[0025] The controller can be further configured to distribute the specific primary fluid volume by controlling the primary or secondary fluid flow rate as follows:

[0026] Control the pressure regulator and the valve to draw a known primary fluid volume;

[0027] Control the pressure regulator and the valve to cyclically and incrementally distribute the pumped primary fluid according to the recorded distribution quantity; and

[0028] The circulation volume is determined based on the known primary fluid volume and the recorded number of distribution cycles.

[0029] Each allocation cycle can have a known duration, and the controller can be further configured to:

[0030] The allocation duration required to allocate the specific primary fluid volume is determined based on the circulation duration and the circulation volume; and

[0031] Control the pressure regulator and the valve to distribute the primary fluid for a determined duration.

[0032] The controller can be further configured to:

[0033] Calculate the cycle volume for multiple different cycle durations; and

[0034] The cycle volume is correlated with the duration of each cycle to generate additional calibration data.

[0035] The controller can be configured to associate the loop volume with each loop duration by generating one or more of a lookup table, graph, and equation that define the relationship between the two.

[0036] The controller can be further configured to:

[0037] The additional calibration data is used to determine the required cycle duration for distributing the specific primary fluid volume; and

[0038] Control the pressure regulator and the valve to allocate the primary fluid for a determined cycle duration.

[0039] According to another aspect, a suction-dispensing device is provided, which includes any of the controllers described herein.

[0040] The suction-dispensing device may further include a flow meter circuit system and a valve circuit system, the flow meter circuit system being configured to convert the output signal of the flow meter into the received measurement signal, and the valve circuit system being configured to interface the valve with the controller.

[0041] The suction-dispensing device may include multiple primary fluid channels and multiple corresponding secondary fluid channels. The primary fluid can flow into or out of the suction-dispensing device through the multiple primary fluid channels. The multiple corresponding secondary fluid channels are connected to the corresponding primary fluid channels to provide the working communication between the primary fluid and the secondary fluid.

[0042] Each primary or secondary fluid channel may include a filter configured to prevent the primary fluid from contacting the flow meter.

[0043] The plurality of primary fluid channels may be connected to a common primary manifold, which is configured to receive and contain the primary fluid drawn through the plurality of primary fluid channels.

[0044] Each primary fluid channel may include a tip configured to receive and contain the primary fluid drawn through the respective primary fluid channel.

[0045] The tip can be a pipette tip used for one or more of aspiration (e.g., aspiration tip) and dispensing (e.g., dispensing tip). The tip can be configured for single use (i.e., disposable tip) or multiple use (i.e., reusable tip). Disposable tips can be used to reduce contamination between different single fluid samples.

[0046] The primary manifold or tip may have a capacity sufficient to accommodate the primary fluid volume required for multiple distribution cycles.

[0047] The plurality of secondary fluid channels can be connected to a common secondary manifold, which is configured to interface the plurality of secondary fluid channels with the pressure regulator.

[0048] The primary fluid can be a liquid and the secondary fluid can be a gas.

[0049] According to another aspect, a method is provided for controlling one or more of the suction and distribution of a primary fluid via a suction-distribution device, the suction-distribution device including a secondary fluid in operative communication with the primary fluid, wherein the method includes:

[0050] Receive measurement signals for the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid;

[0051] The volume of primary fluid pumped or distributed is determined using calibration data based on received measurement signaling, wherein the calibration data defines the relationship between the volume of primary fluid pumped or distributed and the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid; and

[0052] The primary or secondary fluid flow rate is controlled based on the determined volume to draw or distribute a specific primary fluid volume.

[0053] According to another aspect, a suction-dispensing device is provided as basically described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and as shown in the drawings.

[0054] Unless explicitly stated or understood by a person skilled in the art, the steps of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed.

[0055] Corresponding computer programs for implementing one or more of the methods disclosed herein (which may or may not be recorded on a carrier) are also within this disclosure and are covered by one or more of the described exemplary embodiments.

[0056] This disclosure includes one or more corresponding aspects, exemplary embodiments, or features, individually or in various combinations, whether specifically stated or not (including those claimed). Corresponding means for performing one or more of the discussed functions are also within this disclosure.

[0057] The above invention is intended to be illustrative and non-limiting only. Attached Figure Description

[0058] The description will now be given only by way of example and with reference to the accompanying diagram, in which: -

[0059] Figure 1 A suction-dispensing device including a head assembly and a control assembly is schematically shown;

[0060] Figure 2 The calibration data for the dispensing operation of the suction-dispensing device is shown graphically.

[0061] Figure 3a A front view of the head assembly is shown;

[0062] Figure 3b A cross-section of the head assembly is shown;

[0063] Figure 4 The flow meter sub-assembly of the control assembly is shown schematically;

[0064] Figure 5a A front view of the non-contact valve-tip subassembly is shown.

[0065] Figure 5b A front view of the contact valve-tip subassembly is shown.

[0066] Figure 5c An exploded view of the contact valve-tip subassembly is shown;

[0067] Figure 5d A cross-section of the contact valve-tip subassembly is shown;

[0068] Figure 6 A method for controlling a suction-dispensing device is illustrated in flowchart form; and

[0069] Figure 7 A computer-readable medium comprising a computer program configured to control, execute, or enable is schematically illustrated. Figure 6 The method. Detailed Implementation

[0070] As previously described, this disclosure relates to apparatus and associated methods for controlling the aspiration and / or dispensing of fluids. Specifically, but not exclusively, the apparatus and associated methods can be configured to control the aspiration and / or dispensing of fluids in the milliliter volume range or below (e.g., microfluidics). This may be applicable to industries such as life sciences, healthcare, agri-food technology, and the environment.

[0071] The embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings, described later, are provided with reference numerals corresponding to similar features of the previously described embodiments. For example, feature number 1 may also correspond to numbers 101, 201, 301, etc. These numbered features may appear in the figures, but may not be directly referenced in the description of these particular embodiments. These are still provided in the drawings to aid in understanding other embodiments, particularly with respect to features of similar previously described embodiments.

[0072] Figure 1 A suction-dispensing device is schematically illustrated, comprising a head assembly 101 and a control assembly 102, which are in fluid communication 103 with each other via one or more fluid connectors 104 during use. The head assembly 101 is configured to suction and / or dispense primary fluid under the control of the control assembly 102. To achieve this control, the suction-dispensing device includes a secondary fluid in working communication with the primary fluid. In this context, the expression "working communication" can be understood to mean that the secondary fluid is in direct or indirect (e.g., through an intermediate component such as a piston) contact with the primary fluid such that a flow rate of the secondary fluid causes a corresponding flow rate of the primary fluid, and vice versa.

[0073] In some instances, the aspiration-dispensing device may include a single primary fluid channel 105 and a single secondary fluid channel 406, through which primary fluid can flow into or out of the aspiration-dispensing device, and the single secondary fluid channel may be connected to the primary fluid channel 105 to provide working communication between the primary and secondary fluids. However, in other instances, the aspiration-dispensing device may include multiple primary fluid channels 105 and multiple corresponding secondary fluid channels 406. The latter may be useful when the aspiration-dispensing device is used to aspirate from or dispense into multiple fluid containers, such as a multi-well plate or tape for parallel processing of multiple samples.

[0074] The control assembly 102 itself includes a pressure regulator 107, a flow meter subassembly 108, and a controller 109. The pressure regulator 107 is configured to regulate the pressure of the secondary fluid to facilitate its flow. In this example, the pressure regulator 107 is divided into two distinct parts: a suction pressure regulator 107a, which provides negative pressure (or vacuum) to the flow meter subassembly 108 for suction of the primary fluid; and a distribution pressure regulator 107b, which provides positive pressure to the flow meter subassembly 108 for distribution of the primary fluid. In other examples, the suction pressure regulator 107a and the distribution pressure regulator 107b may be replaced by a single pressure regulator providing both positive and negative pressure. As described in more detail below, the flow meter subassembly 108 includes a flow meter 410 configured to monitor flow parameters of the secondary fluid.

[0075] Controller 109 is configured to control one or more of the primary fluid intake and distribution by head assembly 101. To achieve this, controller 109 receives measurement signals from flow meter 410 for monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid. Then, controller 109 uses calibration data that defines the relationship between the volume of primary fluid being drawn or distributed and the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid, and uses the received measurement signals to determine the volume of primary fluid being drawn or distributed (i.e., controller 109 monitors the volume being drawn / distributed substantially in real time). Based on this determined / monitored volume, controller 109 controls the primary or secondary fluid flow rate to draw or distribute a specific volume of primary fluid. The primary or secondary fluid flow rate can be controlled by controlling pressure regulator 107 and / or by valve 511 configured to limit the primary or secondary fluid flow rate. Valve 511 can be located within head assembly 101 (i.e., for limiting primary fluid flow rate) or control assembly 102 (i.e., for limiting secondary fluid flow rate).

[0076] Controller 109 may include a processor and a memory storing computer program code, the memory and computer program code being configured, together with the processor, to cause controller 109 to perform the described functions. The processor may be configured for general operation of the pump-dispensing device by providing signaling to and receiving signaling from other components to manage their operation. The memory may be configured to store computer code configured to perform, control, or enable operations of the pump-dispensing device. The memory may also be configured to store settings of other components. The processor may access the memory to retrieve component settings in order to manage the operation of other components. The processor may be a microprocessor, including an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The memory may be a temporary storage medium such as volatile random access memory. Alternatively, the storage medium may be a permanent storage medium such as a hard disk drive, flash memory, or non-volatile random access memory. Additionally or alternatively, controller 109 may include a suitable logic circuit system configured to perform the described functions.

[0077] The monitored flow parameters for the secondary fluid may include the secondary fluid displacement volume. In this case, the controller 109 is configured to determine when the specific primary fluid volume has been pumped or dispensed based on the secondary fluid displacement volume reaching a first predefined threshold, and to terminate the primary or secondary fluid flow rate based on the determination. However, the monitored flow parameters are not limited to the secondary fluid displacement volume. Other suitable examples include the pressure and velocity of the secondary fluid (or a combination of two or more of these parameters).

[0078] Therefore, unlike existing systems, the volume of primary fluid pumped or dispensed is determined and controlled based on the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid, rather than exclusively depending on time. In this way, the volume pumped or dispensed is less dependent on the variable characteristics of the equipment or the primary fluid, resulting in higher accuracy and less waste. The method of this invention also facilitates the automation of pumping or dispensing operations, thereby reducing human error and calibration time.

[0079] In addition to determining and controlling the volume of primary fluid being pumped or distributed, monitoring the flow parameters of secondary fluid has other uses. For example, once all primary fluid has been pumped or distributed (excluding the pumped dead volume), the monitored flow parameters may change abruptly. This is because the flow characteristics and therefore displacements of different fluids often differ. This is particularly noticeable when there is a change of state from liquid to gas (or vice versa) and can be used to indicate the flow of primary fluid from the source container or head assembly 101. In this case, controller 109 can be configured to terminate the flow of primary or secondary fluid based on the determination of a sudden change in the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid, thereby interrupting the pumping or distribution operation. Controller 109 can also be configured to generate a notification indicating the detected sudden change for the benefit of the user of the pumping-distribution equipment.

[0080] As components of the suction-dispensing equipment wear out or fail, the monitored flow parameters may also undergo detectable changes. This could occur, for example, due to pressure changes caused by system leaks. Here, the controller 109 can be configured to terminate primary or secondary fluid flow if the measured flow parameter is higher or lower than a second predefined threshold, allowing for inspection and repair / replacement of the relevant components. Similar to the detection of sudden changes in the monitored flow parameters, the controller 109 can also be configured to generate a notification indicating that the monitored flow parameter is higher or lower than the second predefined threshold, alerting the user that maintenance of the suction-dispensing equipment may be necessary.

[0081] While the primary fluid is typically a liquid and the secondary fluid is typically a gas, aspiration-dispensing devices are not limited to this. For example, both the primary and secondary fluids can be liquids, provided that the secondary fluid does not mix with the primary fluid or cause a chemical or biological change in the primary fluid. In this regard, the primary fluid can be water, and the secondary fluid can be a hydrophobic liquid such as oil (or vice versa). Furthermore, when the primary fluid is a liquid and the secondary fluid is a gas, the gas should be sufficiently inert and insoluble in the primary fluid so as not to cause a chemical or biological change in the primary fluid or a pressure change that could affect calibration. Ideally, the primary and secondary fluids will also exhibit sufficiently different flow parameters so that the outflow of the primary fluid can be detected based on a sudden change in the flow parameters during the dispensing operation. Examples of primary fluids include biological or nucleic acid samples (such as human, plant, or animal biological materials or genetic samples), chemicals, and reagents (such as nucleic acid sample preparation reagents, molecular biology reagents, and polymerase chain reaction reagents). For example, aspiration-dispensing devices can be used to aspirate and / or dispense saliva samples being tested for diseases such as COVID-19. The viscosity and consistency of saliva samples collected in the field may vary, but the device of this invention is well-suited for such primary fluids because primary fluids do not rely on time to monitor and control the volume aspirated or dispensed. Aspiration-dispensing devices can also be used with primary fluids, such as oligonucleotide synthesis reagents and genome sequencing samples, as well as reagents for generating oligonucleotides. Examples of secondary fluids include air, helium, nitrogen, and argon.

[0082] As described above, controller 109 uses calibration data to determine / monitor the volume of primary fluid being pumped or dispensed. The calibration data defines the relationship between the volume of primary fluid being pumped or dispensed and the flow parameters of the secondary fluid. This can be generated by controller 109 for each type of primary fluid. To generate calibration data, controller 109 can be configured to control pressure regulator 107 and / or valve 511 to pump or dispense one or more known primary fluid volumes and receive (from flow meter 410) corresponding measurements of the flow parameters of the secondary fluid corresponding to the one or more known primary fluid volumes. Controller 109 can then correlate the one or more known primary fluid volumes with the corresponding measurements of the flow parameters of the secondary fluid for subsequent pumping or dispensing operations by, for example, generating one or more of a lookup table, graph, and equation defining the relationship between the two.

[0083] However, in practice, the suction and dispensing operations can be calibrated separately. This is because the suction of primary fluid using a suction-dispensing device is independent of fluid viscosity, while the dispensing of primary fluid may not be. Regarding suction, controller 109 can initiate the calibration process by controlling pressure regulator 107 and valve 511 to suction primary fluid from a source container containing an unknown volume of primary fluid until a sudden change in the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid is detected. This sudden change in the monitored flow parameters indicates that head assembly 101 has suctioned as much primary fluid as possible and is now suctioning air (or another ambient gas). Any primary fluid remaining in the source container is referred to as “suction dead volume.” This is the volume of primary fluid that head assembly 101 cannot suction from the source container due to physical limitations such as the size and shape of the source container relative to the size and shape of the tip 512 of head assembly 101. The suctioned primary fluid is then dispensed as waste.

[0084] Then, before the controller 109 pumps the primary fluid, a known calibration volume V1 of the primary fluid is added to the source container (which still holds the pump dead volume of the primary fluid) until a sudden change in the monitored flow parameter is detected as described above. If the monitored flow parameter is the secondary fluid displacement volume V2, the pump calibration gain value G can be determined using the measurement of the secondary fluid displacement volume V2 and any pre-existing gain value G0, according to the following equation:

[0085]

[0086] The secondary fluid displacement volume V2 measured during any subsequent suction operation can then be multiplied by the suction calibration gain value to provide a more accurate measurement of the primary fluid suction volume.

[0087] Fluid viscosity affects the flow rate of primary fluid out of the tip 512 of the head assembly, and thus the length of time valve 511 needs to open to dispense a specific volume of primary fluid. Therefore, controller 109 can be configured to generate further calibration data for the dispensing operation. In this regard, controller 109 can initially control pressure regulator 107 and valve 511 to aspirate a known volume of primary fluid. This can be achieved by either terminating the aspiration operation using calibration data generated for the aspiration operation once the known volume has been aspirated, or by aspirating all primary fluid from the source container minus the aspiration dead volume as described above.

[0088] Once a known volume has been pumped, controller 109 then incrementally distributes the pumped primary fluid through a recorded number of distribution cycles until a sudden change in the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid is detected. This sudden change in the monitored flow parameters indicates that head assembly 101 has distributed as much primary fluid as possible and is now distributing air (or another secondary fluid). Any primary fluid remaining in head assembly 101 is referred to as the “distribution dead volume.” This is the volume of primary fluid that head assembly 101 cannot distribute from the system. In practice, controller 109 can incrementally distribute the pumped primary fluid by periodically opening valve 511 for a known duration (or “valve opening time”). Controller 109 then determines the cycle volume (i.e., the distribution volume of primary fluid for each distribution cycle) by dividing the known volume of the primary fluid by the recorded number of distribution cycles. This data can then be used during future distribution operations to distribute a specific volume of primary fluid using multiple distribution cycles. In this case, controller 109 determines the distribution duration required to distribute the specific volume of primary fluid by dividing the specific volume by the cycle volume and multiplying it by the cycle duration. The controller then controls the pressure regulator 107 and / or valve 511 to distribute the fluid for a duration determined by the primary fluid duration. The controller 109 can be further configured to calculate the circulation volume for multiple different circulation durations and correlate the circulation volume with the circulation duration in the form of a lookup table, graph, and / or equation defining the relationship between the two.

[0089] Figure 2 An example of additional calibration data for experimental dispensing operations of a suction-dispensing device is shown. During this experiment, water and air were used as primary and secondary fluids, respectively, and the head assembly 101 had eight primary fluid channels 105, each including a tip 512 through which primary fluid was aspirated and dispensed. For each tip 512, a circulation volume was determined for five different circulation durations and then plotted as a graph. The data shows that the circulation durations (“valve opening times”) varied slightly between the tips 512, but each tip 512 exhibited an approximately linear relationship. This data can then be used during future dispensing operations to dispense a specific primary fluid volume using a single dispensing cycle. In this case, the controller 109 determines the required circulation duration for dispensing a specific primary fluid volume by reading, interpolating, or extrapolating additional calibration data. The controller then controls the pressure regulator 107 and / or valve 511 to dispense the primary fluid for the determined circulation duration.

[0090] like Figure 1As shown, the head assembly 101 includes a number of additional components, which will now be described. In this example, the head assembly 101 includes a plurality of primary fluid channels 105 (eight instead of a single primary fluid channel 105), each primary fluid channel having a valve-tip subassembly 113 through which primary fluid flows into or out of the suction-dispensing device. The valve-tip subassembly 113 itself includes a tip 512 and a valve 511, the valve being configured to restrict the flow of primary fluid therethrough. The plurality of primary fluid channels 105 are connected to a common primary manifold 114, which is configured to receive and contain primary fluid drawn through the respective valve-tip subassemblies 113. In this respect, the primary manifold 114 may have a capacity sufficient to contain the volume of primary fluid required to accommodate multiple dispensing cycles from each primary fluid channel 105.

[0091] The head assembly 101 further includes a valve cover 115 configured to protect the valve-tip subassemblies 113 from damage, a removable manifold cover 116 configured to facilitate cleaning of the underlying common primary manifold 114, and a manifold mount 117 configured to mechanically secure the head assembly 101 to another object. This latter feature helps ensure that the primary fluid passage 105 maintains a fixed orientation (e.g., substantially vertical in use) between consecutive suction or dispensing operations for greater consistency. The head assembly 101 also includes a valve circuitry configured to interface the valve 511 of each valve-tip subassembly 113 with a controller 109 of the control assembly 102. In this example, the valve circuitry includes a circuit board 118 and a wired connection 119 between the circuit board 118 and the controller 109, but a wireless connection could be used instead. The circuit board 118 may include indicator lights (or LEDs) indicating the open or closed state of each valve 511.

[0092] Figure 3a and 3b The front view and cross-sectional view of the head assembly 101 are shown. Figure 3b The cross section in Figure 3a The indicated line AA is cut. Various components are as described above regarding... Figure 1 As described, and therefore indicated by the corresponding reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0093] Figure 4The flow meter subassembly 108 of the control assembly 102 is schematically shown. In this example, the flow meter subassembly 108 includes a plurality of secondary fluid channels 406 (eight instead of a single secondary fluid channel 406), which are connected via a plurality of corresponding fluid connectors 104 to a corresponding primary fluid channel 105 of the head assembly 101. The plurality of secondary fluid channels 406 are also connected to a common secondary manifold 420 of the flow meter subassembly 108, which is configured to interface the plurality of secondary fluid channels 406 with a pressure regulator 107 via a pressure inlet 421.

[0094] The flow meter subassembly 108 further includes a corresponding flow meter 410 and a flow meter circuitry 422, the flow meters being configured to independently monitor the flow parameters of the secondary fluid within each of the different secondary fluid channels 406, and the flow meter circuitry being configured to convert the output signal of each flow meter 410 into measurement signals suitable for use by the controller 109. Additionally, each secondary fluid channel 406 includes a filter 423 configured to prevent primary fluid from contacting the flow meter 410 and potentially damaging the flow meter (although these filters may be located within the primary fluid channel 105 or, alternatively, within the fluid connector 104 between the primary fluid channel 105 and the secondary fluid channel 406). While it is unlikely that primary fluid will flow into the secondary fluid channel 406 where the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid are used to control the suction and distribution of the primary fluid, the filter 423 serves as a safety feature should it occur. The specific filter required will depend on the type of primary fluid. For example, a hydrophobic filter can be used when the primary fluid is water, and an oleophobic filter can be used when the primary fluid is oil.

[0095] Figure 5a A non-contact valve-tip subassembly 113 is shown for head assembly 101. As described above, primary fluid enters and exits head assembly 101 through valve-tip subassembly 113. In this example, valve-tip subassembly 113 includes a tip 512, a valve 511, and a spindle 524. Tip 512 provides a metering orifice that regulates the rate of primary fluid flow using pressure according to Bernoulli's principle, but does not contact the fluid container to which the primary fluid is dispensed during dispensing operations (hence "non-contact"). Valve 511, as indicated by controller 109, restricts the flow rate of primary fluid through it (typically between an open and closed state), while spindle 524 allows access to tip 512 and valve 511 to facilitate their maintenance or replacement.

[0096] Figure 5b-d shows the front view, exploded view, and cross-sectional view of the contact valve-tip subassembly 525, respectively. Figure 5d The cross section in Figure 5b The indicated line BB is cut off. The contact valve-tip subassembly 525 includes a tip 528, an O-ring 526, a valve 511, a spindle 524, and a valve-to-tip connector 527. The spindle 524 and... Figure 5a Similar to the spindle in the design, valve-to-tip connector 527 is used to connect valve 511 to tip 528, and O-ring 526 seals valve-to-tip connector 527 to provide a fluid-tight connection. Figure 5a Unlike the valve-tip subassembly 113, this tip 528 is configured to disrupt the surface of the primary fluid in the fluid container during dispensing operations (hence the term "contact"). Furthermore, the tip 528 is configured to receive and contain the aspirated primary fluid, and in some cases, may have a capacity sufficient to accommodate a certain volume of primary fluid required to hold multiple dispensing cycles. Therefore, Figure 5b The -d tip 528 eliminates the need for a shared primary manifold 114 and manifold cap 116 in the head assembly 101. With this change in mind, each fluid connector 304 can be directly connected to the valve 511 of the contact valve-tip subassembly, instead of... Figure 3b The manifold cover 316 of the head assembly 301.

[0097] Now will be provided Figure 1 A more detailed description of the suction and distribution modes of the suction-dispensing device is provided below. In suction mode, controller 109 sends an "start" signal to suction pressure regulator 107a and valve circuitry to open valve 511 of valve-tip subassembly 113 and apply negative pressure to pressure inlet 421 of common secondary manifold 420. This causes secondary fluid to flow from primary fluid passage 105 through fluid connector 104 to secondary fluid passage 406. The secondary fluid flow causes primary fluid to be drawn in through tip 512 and into common primary manifold 114. During this process, the secondary fluid flow through secondary fluid passage 406 is monitored by a corresponding flow meter 410, whose output signal is converted by flow meter circuitry 422 into appropriate measurement signals for controller 109. Controller 109 monitors the volume of primary fluid drawn in based on the measurement signals and calibration data, and terminates secondary fluid flow once the required volume of primary fluid has been drawn in. The secondary fluid flow is terminated by sending a “stop” signal to the suction pressure generator 107a and the valve circuit system to close valve 511 of the valve-tip subassembly 113 and eliminate the negative pressure applied to the pressure inlet 421 of the common secondary manifold 420.

[0098] In the distribution mode, controller 109 sends an "start" signal to distribution pressure regulator 107b and valve circuitry to open valve 511 of valve-tip subassembly 113 and apply positive pressure to pressure inlet 421 of common secondary manifold 420. This causes secondary fluid to flow from secondary fluid channel 406 through fluid connector 104 to primary fluid channel 105. The secondary fluid flow causes primary fluid to be distributed out of common primary manifold 114 and through tip 512. Primary fluid can be distributed in a single (longer) distribution cycle or incrementally over multiple (shorter) distribution cycles. During this process, the secondary fluid flow through secondary fluid channel 406 is monitored by the corresponding flowmeter 410, whose output signal is converted by flowmeter circuitry 422 into appropriate measurement signals for controller 109. Controller 109 monitors the distributed primary fluid volume based on the measurement signals and calibration data, and terminates secondary fluid flow once the required volume of primary fluid has been distributed. The secondary fluid flow is terminated by sending a “stop” signal to the distribution pressure generator 107b and the valve circuit system to close valve 511 of the valve-tip subassembly 113 and eliminate the positive pressure applied to the pressure inlet 421 of the common secondary manifold 420.

[0099] Figure 6 The main steps 629-632 of a method for controlling one or more of the suction and distribution of primary fluids using the suction-dispensing apparatus described herein are illustrated. As shown, the method typically includes: receiving a measurement signal of a monitored flow parameter of a secondary fluid 629; determining, based on the received measurement signal, a volume of primary fluid 630 to be suctioned or dispensed using calibration data, the calibration data defining a relationship between the volume of primary fluid being suctioned or dispensed and the monitored flow parameter of the secondary fluid; controlling the flow rate of the primary or secondary fluid 631 based on the determined volume; and suctioning or dispensing, 632, a specific volume of primary fluid.

[0100] Figure 7 A computer / processor-readable medium 733 providing a computer program is illustrated schematically. The computer program may include computer code configured to execute, control, or implement... Figure 6 One or more of method steps 629-632. In this example, the computer / processor-readable medium 733 is an optical disc such as a digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or a compressed optical disc (CD). In other embodiments, the computer / processor-readable medium 733 can be any medium 733 that has been programmed in a manner that performs the functions of the present invention. The computer / processor-readable medium can be a removable storage device such as a memory stick or memory card (SD, mini SD, micro SD, or nano SD).

[0101] The applicant hereby discloses individually each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, such that, to the ordinary knowledge of one skilled in the art, such features or combinations can be performed as a whole based on this specification, regardless of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problem disclosed herein; and without limiting the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that the disclosed aspects / embodiments may consist of any such individual features or combinations of features. Given that various modifications are possible within the scope of this disclosure, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A controller configured to control one or more of the suction and distribution of a primary fluid via a suction-dispensing device, said suction-dispensing device comprising: The secondary fluid is in working communication with the primary fluid; A flow meter configured to measure the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid; A pressure regulator configured to adjust the pressure of the secondary fluid; and a valve configured to limit the flow rate of the primary or secondary fluid, wherein the controller is configured to: Calibration data is generated that defines the relationship between the volume of primary fluid pumped or distributed and the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid, by means of the following: Control the pressure regulator and the valve to draw or distribute one or more known primary fluid volumes; Receive from the flow meter the corresponding measurement results of the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid corresponding to the one or more known primary fluid volumes; as well as Associate the one or more known primary fluid volumes with the corresponding measurements of the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid; Receive measurement signals of the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid from the flow meter; Based on the received measurement signaling, the generated calibration data is used to determine the volume of fluid pumped or dispensed in a single operation; and Based on the determined volume, the pressure regulator and the valve are used to control the primary or secondary fluid flow rate to draw in or distribute a specific volume of primary fluid. The monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid include the secondary fluid displacement volume, and the controller is configured to: The timing of when the specific primary fluid volume has been aspirated or allocated is determined based on the secondary fluid displacement volume reaching a first predefined threshold; and Based on the determination, the primary or secondary fluid flow rate will be terminated.

2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the suction-dispensing device is configured to suction or dispense a single fluid volume within or below the milliliter volume range.

3. The controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is configured to: Based on the received measurement signaling, determine a sudden change in the monitored flow parameter of the secondary fluid or a measurement result showing the monitored flow parameter being higher or lower than a second predefined threshold; and Based on the determination, the primary or secondary fluid flow rate will be terminated.

4. The controller of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to generate a notification indicating a detected sudden change or a measurement result that is above / below the second predefined threshold.

5. The controller of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to associate the plurality of known primary fluid volumes with the plurality of corresponding measurements of the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid by generating one or more of a lookup table, graph, and equation defining the relationship between the two.

6. The controller of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the primary or secondary fluid flow rate based on a determined volume to draw a specific primary fluid volume, and wherein the controller is further configured to distribute the specific primary fluid volume by controlling the primary or secondary fluid flow rate as follows: Control the pressure regulator and the valve to draw a known primary fluid volume; Control the pressure regulator and the valve to cyclically and incrementally distribute the pumped primary fluid according to the recorded distribution quantity; and The circulation volume is determined based on the known primary fluid volume and the recorded number of distribution cycles. Each allocation cycle has a known duration, and the controller is further configured to: The allocation duration required to allocate the specific primary fluid volume is determined based on the circulation duration and the circulation volume; and The pressure regulator and the valve are controlled to allocate the specific primary fluid volume for a determined allocation duration.

7. The controller according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to control the primary or secondary fluid flow rate based on a determined volume to pump a specific primary fluid volume, and wherein the controller is further configured to: The specific primary fluid volume is distributed by controlling the primary or secondary fluid flow rate as follows: Control the pressure regulator and the valve to draw a known primary fluid volume; The pressure regulator and the valve are controlled to cyclically and incrementally distribute the pumped fluid in a recorded manner; as well as The circulation volume is determined based on the known primary fluid volume and the recorded number of distribution cycles. Repeat these steps for multiple different cycle durations; The cycle volume is correlated with the duration of each cycle to generate additional calibration data; Using the additional calibration data, determine the cycle duration required to allocate a specific single fluid volume; and The pressure regulator and the valve are controlled to distribute a specific primary fluid volume over a defined cycle duration.

8. The controller of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to associate the loop volume with each loop duration by generating one or more of a lookup table, graph, and equation that defines the relationship between the two.

9. A suction-dispensing device comprising a controller according to any of the preceding claims, the suction-dispensing device including a secondary fluid in operational communication with a primary fluid during use.

10. The suction-distribution apparatus of claim 9, wherein the suction-distribution apparatus further comprises a flow meter configured to measure the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid, a pressure regulator configured to adjust the pressure of the secondary fluid, and a valve, a flow meter circuit system, and a valve circuit system configured to limit the flow rate of the primary fluid or the secondary fluid, the flow meter circuit system being configured to convert the output signal of the flow meter into the received measurement signal, and the valve circuit system being configured to interface the valve with the controller.

11. The suction-dispensing device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the suction-dispensing device includes a plurality of primary fluid channels and a plurality of corresponding secondary fluid channels, the primary fluid being able to flow into or out of the suction-dispensing device through the plurality of primary fluid channels, and the plurality of corresponding secondary fluid channels being connected to the corresponding primary fluid channels to provide working communication between the primary fluid and the secondary fluid.

12. The suction-dispensing apparatus of claim 11, wherein, when subordinate to claim 10, each primary or secondary fluid channel includes a filter configured to prevent the primary fluid from contacting the flow meter.

13. The suction-dispensing apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein the plurality of primary fluid channels are connected to a common primary manifold, the common primary manifold being configured to receive and contain the primary fluid suctioned through the plurality of primary fluid channels.

14. The suction-dispensing apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein each primary fluid channel includes a tip configured to receive and contain the primary fluid suctioned through the respective primary fluid channel.

15. The suction-dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, when dependent on claim 9, the plurality of secondary fluid channels are connected to a common secondary manifold, the common secondary manifold being configured to interface the plurality of secondary fluid channels with the pressure regulator.

16. The suction-dispensing device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the primary fluid is a liquid and the secondary fluid is a gas.

17. A method for controlling one or more of the suction and distribution of a primary fluid via a suction-distribution device, the suction-distribution device comprising a secondary fluid in operational communication with the primary fluid, and a flow meter configured to measure monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid; A pressure regulator configured to adjust the pressure of the secondary fluid; and a valve configured to limit the flow rate of a primary or secondary fluid, wherein the method includes: Calibration data is generated that defines the relationship between the volume of primary fluid pumped or distributed and the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid, by means of the following: Control the pressure regulator and the valve to draw or distribute one or more known primary fluid volumes; Receive from the flow meter the corresponding measurement results of the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid corresponding to the one or more known primary fluid volumes; and Associate the one or more known primary fluid volumes with the corresponding measurements of the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid; Receive measurement signals of the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid from the flow meter; Based on the received measurement signaling, the generated calibration data is used to determine the volume of fluid pumped or dispensed in a single operation; and Based on the determined volume, the pressure regulator and the valve are used to control the primary or secondary fluid flow rate to draw in or distribute a specific volume of primary fluid. Wherein, the monitored flow parameters of the secondary fluid include the secondary fluid displacement volume, and the method further includes: Based on the secondary fluid displacement volume reaching a first predefined threshold, it is determined when the specific primary fluid volume has been aspirated or allocated; and Based on the determination, the primary or secondary fluid flow rate will be terminated.

18. A computer program comprising computer code configured to perform the method of claim 17.

Images