Liquid dispenser with manifold mount for modular, independently actuated pipette channels

Abstract

Liquid dispensers with manifold mounts for modular, independently actuated pipette channels. Automated pipetting systems and methods are disclosed for aspirating and dispensing fluids, particularly biological samples. In one aspect, a liquid dispenser includes a manifold and one or more pipette channels. The manifold includes a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and a plurality of passages. Each passage includes an electrical connector, a port of the pressure channel, and a port of the vacuum channel. The pipette channels can be modular. Each pipette channel includes a single dispense head and is selectively and independently coupleable to any one of the plurality of passages. In some aspects, a valve in the pipette channel is in simultaneous fluid communication with the pressure port and the vacuum port of the manifold. In response to a control signal received through the electrical connector of the manifold, the valve selectively transfers gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the dispense head.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application 2017800311252, filed on February 17, 2017, entitled "Liquid dispenser with manifold mount having modularly actuated pipette channels".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims preference to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 340296, filed May 23, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 409695, filed October 18, 2016, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The techniques described herein generally relate to systems and methods for controlling fluid handling operations associated with liquid dispensing operations of fluids, including samples, particularly multiple biological samples. The techniques relate to automated aspiration systems for performing various aspiration and dispensing operations. Background Technology

[0005] Diagnostic testing of biological samples is helpful in the healthcare industry's efforts to rapidly and effectively diagnose and treat diseases. Clinical laboratories performing such diagnostic tests receive hundreds or thousands of samples daily due to increasing demand. The challenge of managing such large volumes of samples has been addressed through the automation of sample analysis. Automated sample analysis is typically implemented using automated analyzers, which are usually self-contained systems that perform multi-step processing of biological samples to obtain diagnostic results.

[0006] Understanding that the sample processing flow is broken down into several key steps, it is desirable to consider multiple approaches to automate the management of potentially large numbers of samples. For example, for biological samples, once removed from a patient, they must be in a form suitable for process control. In some cases, this process control involves DNA amplification, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or other suitable techniques to amplify the vector of interest. Clinical trial laboratories also have automated clinical analyzers that perform different process controls. Therefore, there is a need for sample preparation for diagnostic tests using a universal liquid handling system that can be easily customized and implemented in different types of analyzers.

[0007] Sample preparation is, to some extent, labor-intensive due to the required quantity of liquids, such as reagents, and the need for multiple liquid transfers (e.g., pipetting). Therefore, automated pipetting devices are needed, particularly those capable of handling multiple samples in parallel.

[0008] The discussion in the background section is included to illustrate the background of the invention described herein. This is not an admission that any material referenced is publicly available, known, or belongs to general common knowledge prior to the priority date of any claim.

[0009] Throughout the specification and claims of this application, the word “comprising” and its variations, such as “including” and “having”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integrals, or steps. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The liquid dispenser described herein includes a manifold comprising a pressure channel; a vacuum channel; a plurality of pressure transverse channels, each starting at the pressure channel and terminating at an outer surface of the manifold; and a plurality of vacuum transverse channels, each starting at a vacuum channel and terminating at an outer surface of the manifold. The liquid dispenser includes one or more pipette channels coupled to the manifold, each pipette channel including a dispensing head, a pressure port configured to receive gas under pressure from a pressure transverse channel, a vacuum port configured to receive gas under vacuum from a vacuum transverse channel, and a valve in fluid communication with both the pressure port and the vacuum port, the valve being operable to selectively transfer gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the dispensing head. The liquid dispenser includes an electrical connection configured to transmit a control signal from the manifold to the one or more pipette channels, the operation of each valve being regulated independently of any other valve by the control signal transmitted from the manifold.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of one or more pipette channels is selectively and independently coupled to a manifold. In some embodiments, for each pipette channel, a dispensing head is coupled to a pipette tip, wherein the dispensing head is configured to draw liquid into the pipette tip when a valve transfers gas under vacuum to the dispensing head, and wherein the dispensing head is configured to dispense liquid from the pipette tip when a valve transfers gas under pressure to the dispensing head. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a single dispensing head. In some embodiments, each valve is configured to selectively dispense gas under pressure and gas under vacuum from a pressure port and a vacuum port, respectively, to a single dispensing head. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion does not move relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold, and the second portion moves relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, a valve is enclosed within the first portion, a dispensing head is coupled to the second portion, and a conduit connecting the valve and the dispensing head is configured to move within the first portion when the second portion moves relative to the first portion. In some embodiments, the pressure channel includes a first end and a second end terminating at an inlet pressure port, wherein the inlet pressure port is connected to an external source of gas under pressure, and the vacuum channel includes a first end and a second end terminating at an inlet vacuum port, wherein the inlet vacuum port is connected to an external source of gas under vacuum. In some embodiments, the manifold receives gas under pressure and gas under vacuum only through the inlet pressure port and the inlet vacuum port, respectively. In some embodiments, the electrical connection is further configured to transmit an electrical signal from the manifold to one or more pipette channels, each pipette channel being actuated independently of any other pipette channel by the electrical signal transmitted from the manifold. In some embodiments, each of the one or more pipette channels receives a control signal and an electrical signal only through an electrical connection with the manifold. In some embodiments, each valve is a three-way solenoid valve. In some embodiments, each valve is a low-pressure solenoid valve. In some embodiments, each valve is a solenoid valve with a rated pressure of less than 10 psi. In some embodiments, at least one pipette channel further includes a magnetic brake. In some embodiments, the magnetic brake is configured to reduce the free fall of the dispensing head of at least one pipette channel in the event of loss of an electrical signal from the manifold. In some embodiments, at least one pipette channel further includes a ball screw configured to move the dispensing head of at least one pipette channel vertically relative to the manifold. In some embodiments, at least one pipette channel further includes a coupling configured to reduce misalignment of the ball screw. In some embodiments, the gas supplied to the pressure port of the respective pipette channel through each pressure transverse channel is at the same pressure as the gas supplied through each of the other pressure transverse channels.In some embodiments, the manifold further includes a second pressure channel comprising a plurality of pressure lateral channels, wherein a pressure port of each of a first plurality of pipette channels is coupled to a pressure lateral channel of the first pressure channel, wherein a pressure port of each of a second distinct plurality of pipette channels is coupled to a pressure lateral channel of the second pressure channel, and wherein the manifold supplies gas under pressure to the first plurality of pipette channels at a first pressure and simultaneously supplies gas to the second plurality of pipette channels at a second distinct pressure. In some embodiments, each pipette channel is configured to be selectively mounted to the manifold by two screws. In some embodiments, the two screws are captive to the pipette channel. In some embodiments, at least one pipette channel includes one or more pins configured to align with one or more openings in the manifold. In some embodiments, the one or more pins engage with one or more openings in the manifold before an electrical connector on the pipette channel and an electrical connector on the manifold engage. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes one or more O-rings configured to provide a seal between each pipette channel and the manifold. In some embodiments, the one or more O-rings are captured in a dovetail groove in each pipette channel. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser includes a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to a manifold, wherein the first pipette channel includes different calibration settings for dispensing. In some embodiments, the two or more pipette channels have different dispensing heads. In some embodiments, a pressure lateral channel and a vacuum lateral channel are not coupled to the pipette channels, and the liquid dispenser further includes a sealing plate configured to close a pressure lateral channel and a vacuum lateral channel of the manifold not coupled to the pipette channels. In some embodiments, the pressure channel and the vacuum channel are physically and fluidly isolated from each other within the manifold. In some embodiments, the manifold includes a single pressure channel and a single vacuum channel. In some embodiments, for each pipette channel, a valve is configured to be in fluid communication with both the pressure channel and the vacuum channel of the manifold simultaneously, the valve being operable to selectively transfer gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the dispensing head. In some embodiments, each pipette channel further includes a conduit having a first end terminating at the valve and a second end terminating at the dispensing head, wherein the conduit is configured to guide gas from the valve to the dispensing head. In some embodiments, the conduit is the sole pneumatic connection between the valve and the dispensing head. In some embodiments, the conduit is configured to bend as the dispensing head moves vertically relative to the manifold. In some embodiments, the conduit is surrounded by a housing of a pipette channel. In some embodiments, for each pipette channel, the valve does not move relative to the manifold as the dispensing head moves relative to the manifold. In some embodiments, each pipette channel further includes a second valve that moves relative to the manifold together with the dispensing head.In some embodiments, the operation of each second valve is regulated independently of any other second valve by a control signal transmitted from the manifold. In some embodiments, the second valve is configured to control the suction and dispensing operations of the dispensing head. In some embodiments, the second valve is a solenoid valve. In some embodiments, the dispensing head performs a suction operation when the valve transfers gas under vacuum to the dispensing head, wherein the dispensing head performs a dispensing operation when the valve transfers gas under pressure to the dispensing head, and wherein the second valve is configured to control the volume of liquid suctioned and dispensed by the dispensing head during the suction and dispensing operations, respectively. In some embodiments, the dispensing head performs a suction operation when the valve transfers gas under vacuum to the dispensing head, wherein the dispensing head performs a dispensing operation when the valve transfers gas under pressure to the dispensing head, and wherein the second valve is configured to control the timing of the suction and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, each second valve is actuated independently of any other second valve by an electrical signal transmitted from the manifold. In some embodiments, each pipette channel is configured to be coupled to and disconnected from the manifold independently of another pipette channel coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, each dispensing tip is vertically movable relative to the manifold independently of another dispensing tip coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, each of the one or more pipette channels is modular. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels include a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold, wherein the first pipette channel is calibrated with a first setting related to the volume of aspiration and dispensing operations, and the second pipette channel is calibrated with a second different setting related to the volume of aspiration and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels include a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold, wherein the first pipette channel is calibrated with a first setting related to the pressure of aspiration and dispensing operations, and the second pipette channel is calibrated with a second different setting related to the pressure of aspiration and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, the first and second pipette channels are calibrated before being coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, one or more pipette channels include a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel, wherein the pressure port and vacuum port of the first pipette channel have the same orientation as the pressure port and vacuum port of the second pipette channel. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel have one or more different sizes. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel are configured to perform different functions simultaneously. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser has three pipette channels coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser has five pipette channels coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a pipette tip sensor configured to detect whether a pipette tip is engaged with the dispensing head.In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a sensor configured to detect when the vertical movement of the dispensing head is obstructed. In some embodiments, one or more pipette channels include two or more pipette channels, wherein each valve in the two or more pipette channels is configured to be independently actuated to selectively transfer pressurized or vacuumed gas from the manifold to each dispensing head.

[0012] This article provides methods for distributing and pumping fluids. The method includes: providing a manifold including a vacuum channel and a pressure channel; providing one or more pipette channels, each pipette channel including a dispensing head, a vacuum port, a pressure port, and an independently controlled valve in fluid communication with both the vacuum port and the pressure port; selectively engaging the one or more pipette channels to the manifold, wherein selective engagement includes connecting each vacuum port of the one or more pipette channels to the vacuum channel of the manifold, and connecting each pressure port of the one or more pipette channels to the pressure channel of the manifold; transmitting a control signal from the manifold to a first pipette channel of the one or more pipette channels to independently control the operation of the independently controlled valve, thereby selectively directing either a vacuum gas or a pressurized gas received through the vacuum port and pressure port of the first pipette channel to the dispensing head of the first pipette channel; and performing aspiration and dispensing operations through the first pipette channel, the aspiration and dispensing operations including drawing fluid or dispensing fluid from the independently controlled valve of the first pipette channel in response to either the vacuum gas or the pressurized gas, respectively, in the dispensing head of the first pipette channel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method includes selectively engaging a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel with a manifold; transmitting a control signal from the manifold to the second pipette channel to independently control the operation of the independently controlled valve, thereby selectively guiding vacuum gas or pressurized gas received through the vacuum port and pressure port of the second pipette channel to the dispensing head of the second pipette channel; and performing aspiration and dispensing operations through the second pipette channel, the aspiration and dispensing operations including, respectively, in response to the reception of vacuum gas or pressurized gas, aspirating or dispensing a second fluid from the independently controlled valve of the second pipette channel in the dispensing head of the second pipette channel. In some embodiments, the aspiration and dispensing operations of the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel occur simultaneously. In some embodiments, the aspiration and dispensing operations of the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel occur independently. In some embodiments, the second pipette channel aspirates while the first pipette channel is dispensing. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel aspirate different volumes of fluid simultaneously. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel simultaneously dispense different volumes of fluid. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel simultaneously aspirate a certain volume of fluid at different pressures. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel simultaneously dispense a certain volume of fluid at different pressures. In some embodiments, an independently controlled valve of the first pipette channel transfers gas under pressure, while an independently controlled valve of the second pipette channel transfers gas under vacuum. In some embodiments, the independently controlled valve of the first pipette channel starts or stops gas transfer independently of the independently controlled valve of the second pipette channel. In some embodiments, the method includes selectively engaging the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel with the manifold, wherein the valve of the first pipette channel transfers gas under pressure to the dispensing head of the first pipette channel, while the valve of the second pipette channel transfers gas under vacuum to the dispensing head of the second pipette channel, thereby dispensing fluid through the dispensing head of the first pipette channel and aspirating fluid through the dispensing head of the second pipette channel. In some embodiments, the pressure channel includes a plurality of pressure lateral channels, and the vacuum channel includes a plurality of vacuum lateral channels, wherein each pipette channel is configured to connect to a pressure lateral channel and a vacuum lateral channel when selectively engaged to a manifold. In some embodiments, the manifold includes a plurality of passages, each passage including a pressure lateral channel and a vacuum lateral channel, wherein selective engagement includes engaging a pipette channel to any one of the plurality of passages.In some embodiments, the method includes sequentially aspirating fluid in response to receiving gas under vacuum in a dispensing head of a first pipette channel, and dispensing the fluid in response to receiving gas under pressure in the dispensing head. In some embodiments, the method includes coupling a single source of gas under pressure and a single source of gas under vacuum to the manifold. In some embodiments, the pressure channel terminates at an inlet pressure port, and the vacuum channel terminates at an inlet vacuum port, wherein the manifold receives gas under pressure and gas under vacuum only through the inlet pressure port and the inlet vacuum port, respectively. In some embodiments, the pipette channels receive gas under pressure and gas under vacuum only through the pressure port and the vacuum port, respectively. In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting an electrical signal from the manifold to one or more pipette channels, each pipette channel being actuated independently of any other pipette channel by the electrical signal transmitted from the manifold. In some embodiments, each of the one or more pipette channels receives a control signal and an electrical signal only through an electrical connection to the manifold. In some embodiments, the method includes reducing the free fall of the dispensing head by a magnetic brake in the event of loss of the electrical signal. In some embodiments, selectively engaging the first pipette channel with the manifold includes aligning one or more pins of the pipette channel with one or more openings of the manifold. In some embodiments, selectively engaging the first pipette channel with the manifold includes tightening one or more locking screws of the pipette channel. In some embodiments, selectively engaging the first pipette channel with the manifold includes compressing a seal between the first pipette channel and the manifold. In some embodiments, the seal is a locking O-ring of the pipette channel. In some embodiments, the method includes selectively guiding pressurized gas and vacuum gas received through pressure ports and vacuum ports of the first pipette channel to a dispensing head of the first pipette channel via a conduit. In some embodiments, the conduit is the only pneumatic connection between the valve and the dispensing head. In some embodiments, the conduit is configured to bend as the dispensing head moves vertically. In some embodiments, the fluid includes a liquid. In some embodiments, the fluid includes a gas.

[0014] The liquid dispenser described herein includes a manifold comprising a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and multiple passages, each passage including an electrical connector, a port to the pressure channel, and a port to the vacuum channel; and one or more pipette channels, each pipette channel including a single dispensing tip and configured to be coupled to the electrical connector, the pressure port, and the vacuum port of any one of the multiple passages.

[0015] In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a valve configured to selectively dispense pressurized gas and vacuum gas from a pressure port and a vacuum port, respectively, to a single dispensing tip. In some embodiments, each of the one or more pipette channels is coupled to one of a plurality of passages, and wherein, for each pipette channel, operation of the valve is independently controlled by a signal transmitted to the valve via an electrical connector in one of the passages coupled to the pipette channel. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is stationary relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold, and the second portion is movable relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the valve is enclosed in the first portion, the dispensing tip is coupled to the second portion, and a conduit connecting the valve and the dispensing tip is configured to move within the first portion when the second portion moves relative to the first portion. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes an electrical connector, a pressure port, and a vacuum port. In some embodiments, the electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port in any pipette channel are configured to be coupled to the electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port in any of the plurality of passages, respectively. In some embodiments, when the electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port in one or more pipette channels are coupled to the manifold, the electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port in one or more pipette channels do not move relative to the manifold. In some embodiments, when one or more pipette channels are coupled to the manifold, a single dispensing tip in one or more pipette channels moves relative to the manifold. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser includes a plurality of pipette channels, wherein each of the plurality of channels is configured to be coupled to any one of the plurality of pipette channels. In some embodiments, the pressure channel and the vacuum channel are physically and fluidly isolated from each other within the manifold. In some embodiments, the manifold includes a single pressure channel and a single vacuum channel. In some embodiments, each pipette channel is configured to selectively couple and disconnect the electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port in any one of the plurality of channels. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of channels is oriented transversely through the pressure channel. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of channels is oriented transversely through the vacuum channel. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels include a plurality of pipette channels, wherein at least one of the plurality of pipette channels is coupled to one of the plurality of passages, and wherein at least one of the plurality of passages is not coupled to one of the plurality of pipette channels. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser includes a housing configured to seal a pressure port and a vacuum port in at least one passage not coupled to one of the plurality of pipette channels.In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser includes only one pipette channel, wherein the pipette channel is coupled to one of a plurality of passages, and wherein each of the remaining passages in the plurality of passages is not coupled to the pipette channel. In some embodiments, each passage includes a single port to a pressure passage and a single port to a vacuum passage. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser includes a first pipette channel coupled to a first passage in the plurality of passages and a second pipette channel coupled to a second passage in the plurality of passages, wherein a single dispensing tip of the first pipette channel aspirates fluid while a single dispensing tip of the second pipette channel dispenses fluid. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels include two pipette channels having different calibration settings related to the pressure of the gas in the dispensing tip during aspiration and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels include two pipette channels having different calibration settings related to the volume of fluid aspirated and dispensed during aspiration and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels include two pipette channels having different calibration settings related to the rate of aspiration and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, one or more pipette channels include a plurality of pipette channels, wherein at least two of the plurality of pipette channels are identical. In some embodiments, one or more pipette channels include a plurality of pipette channels, wherein at least two of the plurality of pipette channels are different. In some embodiments, the at least two different pipette channels have one or more different sizes. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a valve operable to control the flow rate of gas within each pipette channel. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a valve operable to control aspiration and dispensing operations of a single dispensing tip in the pipette channel. In some embodiments, each of the one or more pipette channels is selectively and independently coupled to a manifold. In some embodiments, a pressure channel includes a first end and a second end terminating at an inlet pressure port, wherein the inlet pressure port is connected to an external source of gas under pressure, and a vacuum channel includes a first end and a second end terminating at an inlet vacuum port, wherein the inlet vacuum port is connected to an external source of gas under vacuum. In some embodiments, the manifold receives gas under pressure and gas under vacuum only through the inlet pressure port and the inlet vacuum port, respectively. In some embodiments, the electrical connector in each of the plurality of pathways is configured to transmit an electrical signal from the manifold to a pipette channel, and each pipette channel is configured to be actuated by the electrical signal transmitted from the manifold independently of any other pipette channel coupled to the manifold when coupled to the manifold.In some embodiments, each of one or more pipette channels is coupled to the manifold, and each of the one or more pipette channels receives control and electrical signals only through an electrical connector on which a corresponding pipette channel is coupled. In some embodiments, at least one pipette channel further includes a magnetic brake. In some embodiments, the magnetic brake of at least one pipette channel is configured to reduce the free fall of a single dispensing tip in the at least one pipette channel in the event of loss of electrical signal. In some embodiments, the at least one pipette channel further includes a ball screw configured to move a single dispensing tip in the at least one pipette channel vertically relative to the manifold. In some embodiments, the at least one pipette channel further includes a coupling configured to reduce misalignment of the ball screw. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser includes a plurality of pipette channels coupled to the manifold, and the pressure channel supplies gas under pressure to all pipette channels coupled to the manifold at the same pressure. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser includes a plurality of pipette channels coupled to the manifold, and the vacuum channel supplies gas under vacuum to all pipette channels coupled to the manifold at the same pressure. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser includes a plurality of pipette channels coupled to the manifold, and the manifold is operable to supply gas under pressure to a first group of pipette channels at a first pressure, and simultaneously supply gas to a second different group of pipette channels at a second different pressure. In some embodiments, each pipette channel is configured to be selectively mounted to the manifold by two screws. In some embodiments, the two screws are tightened into the pipette channel. In some embodiments, at least one pipette channel includes one or more pins configured to align with one or more openings of the manifold. In some embodiments, the one or more pins engage one or more openings of the manifold before an electrical connector engages the pipette channel. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes one or more O-rings configured to provide a seal between each pipette channel and the manifold. In some embodiments, the one or more O-rings are captured in a dovetail groove in each pipette channel. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels include a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel includes a calibration setting for dispensing that differs from that of the second pipette channel. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel have different dispensing tips. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser includes a sealing plate configured to close one port to the pressure channel and one port to the vacuum channel of the manifold.In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a valve configured to selectively dispense gas under vacuum and gas under pressure from a vacuum port and a pressure port, respectively, to a single dispensing head. Each pipette channel also includes a conduit having a first end terminating at the valve and a second end terminating at the dispensing head, and wherein the conduit is configured to transfer gas from the valve to the dispensing head. In some embodiments, the conduit is the sole pneumatic connection between the valve and the dispensing head. In some embodiments, the conduit is configured to bend as the dispensing head moves vertically relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the valve does not move vertically relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold, and wherein the conduit is configured to bend within a housing of the pipette channel as the dispensing head moves vertically relative to the manifold. In some embodiments, the conduit and the valve are enclosed within a first housing of the pipette channel, and the dispensing head is coupled to a second housing of the pipette channel surrounding a second valve. In some embodiments, the conduit is enclosed within a housing of the pipette channel. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a valve configured to selectively dispense gas under vacuum and gas under pressure from a vacuum port and a pressure port, respectively, to a single dispensing head, and wherein each pipette channel also includes a second valve configured to move with the dispensing head when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the operation of each second valve is regulated independently of any other second valve by a control signal transmitted from the manifold. In some embodiments, the second valve is configured to control the aspiration and dispensing operations of the dispensing head. In some embodiments, the second valve is a solenoid valve. In some embodiments, the second valve is configured to control the amount of liquid aspirated or dispensed by the dispensing head. In some embodiments, the second valve is configured to control the timing of the liquid aspirated or dispensed by the dispensing head. In some embodiments, each second valve is actuated independently of any other second valve by an electrical signal transmitted from the manifold. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a valve configured to selectively dispense gas under pressure and gas under vacuum from a pressure port and a vacuum port, respectively, to the single dispensing head, and wherein each valve is a three-way solenoid valve. In some embodiments, each pipette channel is configured to be coupled to and disconnected from the manifold independently of another pipette channel coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels include a plurality of pipette channels coupled to the manifold, wherein each dispensing tip of the plurality of pipette channels is vertically movable relative to the manifold independently of another dispensing tip coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels are modular. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels include a plurality of identical pipette channels.In some embodiments, one or more pipette channels include a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold, wherein the first and second pipette channels are calibrated to aspirate and dispense a volume of liquid, and wherein the first pipette channel includes a volume calibration setting different from the volume calibration setting of the second pipette channel. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels include a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold, wherein the first and second pipette channels are calibrated to aspirate and dispense liquid at a certain pressure, and wherein the first pipette channel includes a pressure calibration setting different from the pressure calibration setting of the second pipette channel. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels include a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel, each of the first and second pipette channels including a pressure port and a vacuum port, and wherein the pressure port and vacuum port of the first pipette channel have the same orientation as the pressure port and vacuum port of the second pipette channel. In some embodiments, the first and second pipette channels have one or more different dimensions. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel simultaneously perform different functions. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser has three pipette channels coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser has five pipette channels coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, each dispensing head is independently movable in the vertical direction relative to the manifold when coupled to the manifold via its respective pipette channel. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a pipette tip sensor configured to detect whether a pipette tip engages with the dispensing head. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a sensor configured to sense when the vertical movement of the dispensing head is impeded. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser includes two or more pipette channels coupled to the manifold, wherein each valve in the two or more pipette channels is configured to be independently actuated to selectively transfer pressurized or vacuumed gas from the manifold to each dispensing head.

[0016] The system described herein includes a manifold comprising a pressure channel; a vacuum channel; a pressure sub-channel beginning at the pressure channel and terminating at an outer surface of the manifold; and a vacuum sub-channel beginning at the vacuum channel and terminating at an outer surface of the manifold. The system includes a pipette channel coupled to the manifold, a pressure port, a vacuum port, and a valve. The pipette channel includes a single dispensing head. The pressure port is configured to receive pressurized gas from the pressure sub-channel of the manifold, and the vacuum port is configured to receive vacuumed gas from the vacuum sub-channel of the manifold. The valve is in fluid communication with both the pressure port and the vacuum port and is operable to selectively transfer pressurized gas and vacuumed gas to the dispensing head. The system includes an electrical connection configured to transmit control signals from the manifold to the pipette channel, thereby specifically regulating the operation of the valve by means of the control signals transmitted from the manifold.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system includes a second pipette channel not coupled to the manifold, wherein the second pipette channel is the same as the pipette channel coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the system includes a second pipette channel not coupled to the manifold, wherein the second pipette channel is different from the pipette channel coupled to the manifold. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1A A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the liquid dispenser according to the first embodiment;

[0019] Figures 1B-4 This is a view of the liquid dispenser according to the second embodiment;

[0020] Figure 5-34D This is a view of a liquid dispenser according to a third embodiment;

[0021] Figure 35-55 This is a view of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment;

[0022] Figures 56-57 This is a view of a liquid dispenser according to the fifth embodiment;

[0023] Figures 58-60 Views according to the third embodiment;

[0024] Figures 61-64 Views according to the fourth embodiment;

[0025] Figures 65A-65B A view representing the manifold. Detailed Implementation

[0026] As will be apparent from the context of this specification and from the knowledge of those skilled in the art, any feature or combination of features described herein is included within the scope of this disclosure, and it is assumed that the features included in any such combination are not inconsistent with each other. Furthermore, any feature or combination of features may be specifically excluded from any embodiment of this disclosure. For the purpose of summarizing this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of this disclosure have been described herein. It should be understood, of course, that not all of these aspects, advantages, or features are necessarily presented in any particular embodiment of this disclosure.

[0027] It should be understood that the embodiments provided herein are by way of example and not by way of limitation. While exemplary embodiments have been described, the following detailed description is intended to cover all modifications, substitutions, and equivalents of the embodiments that may fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a liquid dispenser 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A This is an illustrative diagram and is not drawn to scale. The liquid distributor 1 includes a manifold 2 having a pressure channel 4 for conveying gas under pressure and a vacuum channel 5 for conveying gas under vacuum. The manifold 2 includes a plurality of pressure transverse channels 6, each of which begins at the pressure channel 4 and terminates at the outer surface of the manifold 2, as shown below. Figure 1A As shown. The manifold 2 includes a plurality of vacuum transverse channels 7, each vacuum transverse channel 7 starting from the vacuum channel 5 and terminating at the outer surface of the manifold 2, as shown. Figure 1A As shown. The pressure channel 4 includes a first end and a second end terminating at an inlet pressure port 4B. The inlet pressure port is connected to an external source of gas under pressure. The vacuum channel 5 includes a first end and a second end terminating at an inlet vacuum port 5B. The inlet vacuum port is connected to an external source of gas under vacuum. The pressure channel 4 and the vacuum channel 5B are physically and fluidly isolated from each other within the manifold 2. In some embodiments described herein, the end of the pressure transverse channel 6 terminating at the outer surface of the manifold 2 is referred to as the port to the pressure channel 4, and the end of the vacuum transverse channel 7 terminating at the outer surface of the manifold 2 is referred to as the port to the vacuum channel 5.

[0029] The liquid dispenser 1 includes one or more pipette channels. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid dispenser includes three pipette channels, namely pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C. Each pipette channel is designed to be selectively coupled to and selectively disconnected from the manifold 2. Figure 1AThese represent pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C that are selectively coupled to or selectively disconnected from manifold 2. Any pipette channel 8A, 8B, or 8C can be selectively coupled to a passage 3 of manifold 2 and selectively disconnected from that passage 3, independent of the state of any other pipette channel. Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, or 8C includes a dispensing head 9 designed to perform dispensing and aspiration operations. Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, or 8C includes a pressure port 10 designed to receive pressurized gas from a pressure transverse channel 6. Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, or 8C includes a vacuum port 11 designed to receive vacuumed gas from a vacuum transverse channel 7. Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, or 8C includes a valve 12 that is in fluid communication with both the pressure port 10 and the vacuum port 11. The valve 12 is operable to selectively transfer pressurized gas and vacuum gas to the dispensing head 9. The valve 12 is designed to guide pressurized gas to the dispensing head. The valve 12 is designed to dispense vacuum gas to the dispensing head 9. The valve 12 is designed to transfer either pressurized or vacuum gas to the dispensing head 9, while simultaneously supplying pressurized and vacuum gas via the manifold 2. For each pipette channel 8A, 8B, 8C, the dispensing head 9 is coupled to a pipette tip (not shown). The dispensing head 9 is designed to dispense liquid from the pipette tip when the valve 12 transfers pressurized gas to the dispensing head 9. The dispensing head 9 is designed to draw liquid into the pipette tip when the valve 12 transfers vacuum gas to the dispensing head 9.

[0030] The liquid dispenser 1 includes an electrical connector 13 located on the manifold 2, which is designed to transmit control signals from the manifold 2 to pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C. The operation of each valve 12 is regulated independently of any other valve 12 by the control signal transmitted from the manifold 2. Each independent control valve 12 is housed in a pipette channel. This independent control valve 12 selectively transfers gas under pressure and gas under vacuum, at least in part, based on the control signal. When the corresponding pipette channel (pipette channel 8A, 8B, or 8C) with the independent control valve 12 is coupled to the manifold 2, each independent control valve 12 is simultaneously connected to both the pressure channel 4 and the vacuum channel 5B.

[0031] As described above, each of the pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C is selectively and independently coupled to the manifold 2. In some embodiments, the manifold 2 includes a plurality of passages 3, each passage 3 including a pressure lateral passage 6 and a vacuum lateral passage 7. Each passage includes an electrical connector 13. During installation, each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C selectively engages with a passage among the plurality of passages 3. In some embodiments, each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C selectively engages with any one of the plurality of passages 3. Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C includes a single dispensing tip 9. In some embodiments, each passage 3 may be defined by one or more of the following features: a single pressure lateral passage 6, a single vacuum lateral passage 7, an electrical connector 13, a single pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C, a single dispensing tip 9 coupled to the passage 3, etc.

[0032] Figure 1A This diagram shows a cross-sectional view of pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C. Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C includes a corresponding electrical connector 14. In addition to control signals, the electrical connectors 13 and 14 are designed to transmit electrical signals from manifold 2 to pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C. Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C is actuated independently of any other pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C by the electrical signals transmitted from manifold 2. In some embodiments, each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C includes a cable 15 that transmits control and electrical signals from the electrical connector 14 to one or more components of pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable 15 transmits control and electrical signals from the electrical connector 14 to valve 12. Cable 15 may continue from valve 12 to dispensing head 9, or another cable may be used to connect the electrical connector 14 to dispensing head 9. Other configurations are contemplated. Numerous signals can be transmitted via electrical connectors 14 in pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C. Valve 12 can be controlled by control signals, but other components can also be controlled. In some embodiments, electrical connector 14 is considered a backplane connector. Electrical connector 14 may be integrally formed with the circuit board of pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C. Valve 12 may be connected to the circuit board, for example, via one or more cables. Pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C may include cables connecting the circuit board to another circuit board located above the dispensing head 9. The dispensing head 9 is then connected to this second circuit board via another set of cables. Liquid dispenser 1 may include any number of cables and circuit boards required to perform the functions described herein.

[0033] Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, 8C includes a conduit 16. The conduit 16 has a first end terminating at a valve 12 and a second end terminating at a dispensing head 9. The conduit 16 is designed to guide gas from the valve 12 to the dispensing head 9. In some embodiments, the conduit 16 is the sole gas connection between the valve 12 and the dispensing head 9. The conduit 16 is completely enclosed within the housing of the pipette channels 8A, 8B, 8C. Figure 1A As shown, the catheter 16 is designed to bend with the vertical movement of the dispensing head 9. The dispensing head 9 is shown in different vertical positions to illustrate the independent vertical movement of the dispensing head 9 relative to the portion of the pipette channel 8A, 8B, 8C that engages with the passage 3. The catheter 16 bends as needed within the pipette channels 8A, 8B, 8C as the dispensing head 9 travels up and down.

[0034] In some cases, for example Figure 1A As shown, the number of passages 3 on manifold 2 exceeds the number of pipette channels. System 1 may include one or more sealing plates, such as sealing plate 17, configured to seal portions of manifold 2 that are not coupled to pipette channels. For example, a sealing plate 17 may be configured to couple to one passage 3 of manifold 2 and seal a pressure transverse channel 6 and a vacuum transverse channel 7 of passage 3 to which sealing plate 17 is coupled. System 1 includes two sealing plates 17, each configured to seal a pressure transverse channel 6 and a vacuum transverse channel 7 in one passage 3. When each of the three pipette channels 8A, 8B, 8C and each of the two sealing plates 17 is coupled to one passage 3 of manifold 2, each of the pressure transverse channels 6 and each of the vacuum transverse channels 7 is sealed relative to the surrounding environment. Only the inlet pressure port 4B and the inlet vacuum port 5B are open relative to the surrounding environment. As described above, an external source of gas under pressure can be coupled to manifold 2 at the pressure inlet port 4B, and an external source of gas under vacuum can be coupled to manifold 2 at the vacuum inlet port 5B. In some cases, system 1 may include a sealing plate (not shown) configured to seal the pressure transverse passage and the vacuum transverse passage in more than one passage.

[0035] Embodiments of valve 12 described herein may include a three-way solenoid valve. Valve 12 may include very few parts and has few wear points. A non-limiting exemplary valve 12 is composed of… Bullet production (Part number BV309A-CC1-00 or VC309A-CD1-00). Valve 12 can be implemented as a three-way normally closed or three-way universal valve. The operational benefits of valve 12 include one or more of the following: shorter impact with high offset force, balanced lift valve, and precise reliability. Valve 12 can be installed without fasteners. Valve 12 is unaffected by pressure fluctuations. The solenoid valve can be isolated from contaminated air. Valve 12 can be supplied with a voltage of 12VDC or 24VDC. Valve 12 can operate on a variety of fluids, including compressed air, vacuum, and / or inert gases. The pressure range is from vacuum to 120 PSI. Valve 12 can operate as a selector valve, where gas under pressure enters port #3 and gas under vacuum enters port #1. Although an embodiment of valve 12 has been described herein with reference to the background of a three-way solenoid valve, other types of valves may also be implemented.

[0036] Figure 1B-4 This diagram shows a view of a liquid dispenser 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The liquid dispenser 100 includes a manifold 102 having a front side 104, a back side 106, and a side edge 108. The manifold 102 is configured to receive one or more pipette channels 110, each pipette channel 110 accommodating various components for aspiration and dispensing operations. Each pipette channel 110 has a front side 112, a back side 114, and a side edge 116.

[0037] The liquid dispenser 100 is modular, thus allowing for flexibility and versatility in arranging one or more pipette channels 110 relative to the manifold 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the front side 112 of the pipette channel 110 includes a pipette module 120. The pipette module 120 includes a pipetting mechanism that uses air under vacuum and pressurized air to draw in and dispense fluid from the pipette tip 122. A non-limiting example of the pipette tip 122 is an air-driven OEM channel pipette, trademarked as [trademark name missing]. (Part number PCNC-0061-00). The pipette tip 122 may be disposable. Each pipette module 120 may include a tip adapter 118, wherein each tip adapter 118 is configured to receive the pipette tip 122. The pipette tip 122 may be attached to the tip adapter 118, for example, by Z-direction movement of the pipette module 120 relative to the pipette tip 122. The pipette tip 122 may be removed from the tip adapter 118, for example, by movement of the pipette module 120 relative to a pipette peeler (not shown). The liquid dispenser 100 may include individually attached or removed pipette tips 122. The back side 114 of the pipette channel 110 is configured to be reversibly connected to or mate with the front side 104 of the manifold 102, as described herein.

[0038] In this embodiment, manifold 102 is configured to receive up to five pipette channels 110. Manifold 102 may receive fewer than five pipette channels, for example, one, two, three, or four pipette channels, and is therefore advantageously customizable by the operator based on their specific liquid dispensing requirements. While the liquid dispenser 100 shown in FIG. 1 has the capability to receive a maximum of five pipette channels 110, other configurations are contemplated. Liquid dispenser 100 may be configured to receive up to one pipette channel, two pipette channels, three pipette channels, four pipette channels, five pipette channels, six pipette channels, seven pipette channels, eight pipette channels, nine pipette channels, ten pipette channels, eleven pipette channels, twelve pipette channels, thirteen pipette channels, fourteen pipette channels, fifteen pipette channels, sixteen pipette channels, seventeen pipette channels, eighteen pipette channels, nineteen pipette channels, twenty pipette channels, etc. One or more pipette channels 110 may be removed from manifold 104. In some embodiments, one pipette channel 110 may be removed without removing another pipette channel 110. For example, one pipette channel 110 may be removed and replaced without removing another pipette channel 110 from manifold 102.

[0039] The mating configuration between the pipette channel 110 and the manifold 102 can have any configuration known in the prior art. Figure 1B-4 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the liquid dispenser 100 includes one or more pins (not visible in this view). In the illustrated embodiment, each pipette channel 110 has a pin near the top of the pipette channel 110 and a pin near the bottom of the pipette channel 110. The pins guide alignment between the back side 114 of the pipette channel 110 and the front side 104 of the manifold 102. The pins may be dowel pins. The manifold 102 may include a corresponding groove (not shown) for receiving each pin. The groove may include a beveled edge to facilitate insertion of the pin. In some embodiments, the manifold 102 may include at least one mark (not shown) to facilitate alignment of the edge of the pipette channel 110 with the manifold 102. In some embodiments, the manifold 102 has at least one edge (e.g., a top edge, a bottom edge, etc.) aligned with a corresponding edge (e.g., a top edge, a bottom edge, etc.) of the pipette channel.

[0040] Pipette channels 110 may include one or more fasteners 124. In some embodiments, these fasteners 124 are tightening screws. In the illustrated embodiment, each pipette channel 110 has a fastener 124 near the top of the pipette channel 110 and a fastener 124 near the bottom of the pipette channel 110. In some embodiments, these fasteners 124 may be positioned near a pin. In some embodiments, the fasteners 124 are screwed in such that an operator can securely fasten the pipette channel 110 to the manifold 102. In some embodiments, the fasteners 124 and pins securing the pipette channel 110 to the manifold 102 can be easily adjusted and / or removed by an operator without affecting the operation or connection of another pipette channel 110 cooperating with the manifold 102. In one example, a faulty, adjustable, or periodically servicing or tested first pipette channel 110 can be removed by an operator without affecting the operation or connection of any other pipette channel 110 cooperating with that manifold 102. In some cases, the operator seamlessly replaces the first (now removed) pipette channel 110 with the second pipette channel by connecting the second pipette channel to the manifold 102 by means of a pin in the position previously occupied by the first (now removed) pipette channel 110.

[0041] The pipette channel 110 can be fixed in place to the manifold 102. The manifold 102 can be coupled to a robotic arm (not shown) that can move the manifold 102 in space. The movement of the robotic arm can have six degrees of freedom. For example, the robotic arm may include one translational degree of freedom, two translational degrees of freedom, three translational degrees of freedom, one rotational degree of freedom, two rotational degrees of freedom, three rotational degrees of freedom, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the manifold 102 is coupled to a bench (not shown) of an automated sample analysis system. The bench may include a rod or rail that allows the manifold 102 to move along the X-axis (“X direction”) of the automated sample analysis system. The bench may include a rod or rail that allows the manifold 102 to move along the Y-axis (“Y direction”) of the automated sample analysis system. Such relative movement can be accomplished by any suitable mechanical motion device, such as, but not limited to, a transmission, or rack and pinion assembly, or lead screw, or belt drive, or linear motor. In some embodiments, the manifold 102 can move along the Z-axis (“Z direction”) of the automated sample analysis system. In another embodiment, movement of the manifold 102 in the Z direction is avoided.

[0042] In some embodiments, movement in the Z direction is provided via the pipette channel 110. Module 120 may include a flange 126. The flange 126 may be fixedly attached to a coupling 128. The coupling 128 is movable along a track 130. Movement of the coupling 128 causes module 120 to move in the Z direction relative to the track 130. The track 130 is fixedly attached to a base 132 of the pipette channel 110. The base 132 of the pipette channel is stationary relative to the manifold 102. Movement of the coupling 128 causes module 120 to move in the Z direction relative to the base 132 of the pipette channel 110. Movement of the coupling 128 causes module 120 to move in the Z direction relative to the manifold 102.

[0043] Figure 3 Indicates along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the liquid dispensing head 100 is obtained from line 3-3 in the figure. In some embodiments, the coupling 128 may be coupled to a nut 134 including a bore. A plurality of ball bearings are arranged around the bore located inside the nut 134, which reduces friction when interacting with the ball screw 136. In some embodiments, the coupling 128 may be integrally formed with the nut 134 configured to interact with the ball screw 136. In other embodiments, a lead screw (not shown) is screwed into the bore 134 and the bore interacts with the lead screw. The ball screw 136 may be rotated by a motor 138. The ball screw 136 may be coupled to a bearing 140. The bearing 140 allows the ball screw 136 to rotate without translation. As the ball screw 136 rotates (in this embodiment, by the motor 138), the coupling 128 translates along the ball screw 136. The coupling 128 is guided in the Z direction along a track 130. Rotation of the ball screw 136 in the first direction causes the coupling 128 to translate downward along the track 130. Rotation of the ball screw 136 in the second opposite direction causes the coupling 128 to translate upward along the track 130.

[0044] Module 120 includes mechanisms for providing aspiration and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, a sample is introduced into the system solely through the pipette tip 122. Movement of coupling 128 allows the pipette tip 122 to descend into the container, thereby aspirating and / or dispensing a sample or other fluid. After aspirating or dispensing a sample or other fluid from the container, movement of coupling 128 allows the pipette tip 122 to rise above the container, thereby moving the pipette tip 122 to another location, for example, above a second container in an automated sample analysis system.

[0045] The suction and dispensing operations of module 120 can be partially controlled by the application of air pressure or vacuum. Manifold 102 may include an inlet pressure port 142. Manifold 102 may include an inlet vacuum port 144. The inlet pressure port 142 may be located on the front side 104, back side 106, or side 108 of manifold 102. The inlet vacuum port 144 may be located on the front side 104, back side 106, or side 108 of manifold 102. Figures 1B-4 In one embodiment, the pressure inlet port 142 and the vacuum inlet port 144 are located on the front side 104 of the manifold 102, but other configurations are expected.

[0046] Manifold 102 includes a pressure passage 146 and a vacuum passage 148. Pressure passage 146 is in fluid communication with an inlet pressure port 142. In some embodiments, inlet pressure port 142 provides the sole entrance to pressure passage 146. Pressure passage 146 drains into one or more pressure transverse passages 150 described herein. In some cases, inlet pressure port 142 may seal pressure passage 146. Vacuum passage 148 is in fluid communication with an inlet vacuum port 144. In some embodiments, inlet vacuum port 144 provides the sole entrance to vacuum passage 148. Vacuum passage 148 drains into one or more vacuum transverse passages 152 described herein. In some cases, inlet vacuum port 144 may seal vacuum passage 148. In some manufacturing methods, pressure passage 146 and / or vacuum passage 148 are formed by drilling a hole from one side 108 of manifold 102 toward the other side 108 of manifold 102. In some embodiments, the hole is a through hole. The hole may be plugged or otherwise sealed at side 108 of manifold 102. The transverse channel can be a sub-channel of any shape, which is at least partially connected to the pressure channel or vacuum channel. The transverse channel can be at any angle relative to the pressure channel or vacuum channel, including 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, and 90 degrees, etc. The term transverse channel does not imply that the transverse channel must form a 90-degree intersection with the pressure channel or vacuum channel.

[0047] The pressure inlet port 142 can be connected to a pressurized gas source (not shown) via a conduit (not shown). This pressurized fluid, such as pressurized gas, can travel from the pressure inlet port 142 through a pressure channel 146. The pressure channel 146 can supply pressurized gas to each pipette channel 110 connected to the manifold 102.

[0048] Similarly, the vacuum inlet port 144 can be connected to a vacuum source (not shown) via a conduit (not shown). Gas in the vacuum channel 148 can be supplied with a vacuum through the vacuum inlet port 144 and the vacuum source. The vacuum channel 148 can supply a vacuum to each pipette channel 110 connected to the manifold 102. The pressure channel 146 and the vacuum channel 148 can be parallel orifices through the manifold 102, as shown. The pressure inlet port 142 and the vacuum inlet port 144 can have standard connectors, such as industry-standard connectors that mate with suitable pneumatic conduits.

[0049] Reference Figure 4 Pressure channel 146 is shown extending through manifold 102. Pressure channel 146 is connected to pressure transverse channel 150. Pressure transverse channel 150 extends from pressure channel 146 in manifold 102 to base 132 of pipette channel 110. Pressure transverse channel 150 extends from the front side of manifold 102 to the back side of pipette channel 110. Pressure transverse channel 150 may be perpendicular to pressure channel 146.

[0050] Similarly, a vacuum channel 148 is shown passing through manifold 102. Vacuum channel 148 connects to a vacuum transverse channel 152. Vacuum transverse channel 152 extends from vacuum channel 148 in manifold 102 to the base 132 of pipette channel 110. Vacuum transverse channel 152 extends from the front side of manifold 102 to the back side of pipette channel 110. Vacuum transverse channel 152 may be perpendicular to vacuum channel 148. In some embodiments, a pipette channel 110 may be removed from liquid dispenser 100 (e.g., disconnected from the front side 104 of manifold 102). It may be necessary to cover the corresponding currently exposed pressure transverse channel 150 and vacuum transverse channel 152. For example, if a pipette channel 110 is removed, a user may install a cover plate (not shown) that covers the exposed pressure transverse channel 150 and vacuum transverse channel 152. The cover plate may include a pin near the top of the cover plate and a pin near the bottom of the cover plate. The sealing plate may include fasteners 124 near the top and bottom of the sealing plate. Other mechanisms configured to cover one or more of the pressure transverse channel 150 and vacuum transverse channel 152 are expected to include seals, plugs, adhesives, etc. The pressure transverse channel 150 and vacuum transverse channel 152 may be sealed such that one or more pipette channels 110 can be removed without adversely affecting the aspiration and dispensing operations of the other pipette channel 110 that mates with manifold 102.

[0051] As described herein, the pipette channel 110 is modular, allowing it to be reverse-mounted to and disconnected from the manifold 102. A pressure lateral channel 150 and a vacuum lateral channel 152 are configured within the manifold 102. When the pipette channel 110 is fixed to the front side 104 of the manifold 102, the pressure lateral channel 150 associated with each pipette channel 110 spans the distance between a pressure channel 146 and a pressure port 156 on the back side 114 of the pipette channel 110. When the pipette channel 110 is fixed to the front side 104 of the manifold 102, the vacuum lateral channel 152 associated with each pipette channel 110 spans the distance between a vacuum channel 148 and a vacuum port 157 on the back side 114 of the pipette channel 110. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser 100 includes one or more features to improve the seal between the pipette channel 110 and the manifold 102. In some embodiments, the O-ring 154 seals the fluid connection (e.g., for gas transfer) between the pipette channel 110 and the manifold 102. The O-ring 154 may be positioned close to the pressure transverse channel 150 and the vacuum transverse channel 152.

[0052] The embodiment of the pressure channel 110 disclosed herein includes an independently actuable solenoid valve 158 configured to control gas flow from manifold 102 to module 120 of pressure channel 110. When a pipette channel mates with manifold 102, a pressure transverse channel 150 and a vacuum transverse channel 152 in manifold 102 are respectively connected to the solenoid valve 158 of the corresponding pipette channel 110. The solenoid valve 158 may be located within a base 132 of pipette channel 110. The solenoid valve 158 serves as a selector between vacuum and pressure.

[0053] In a first position, solenoid valve 158 directs pressurized fluid (e.g., a pressurized gas) from pressure transverse channel 150 through conduit 160. Conduit 160 extends from solenoid valve 158 to module 120. In this first position of solenoid valve 158, conduit 160 supplies pressurized fluid to module 120. In some embodiments, the pressurized fluid may act on a piston located within module 120 to dispense fluid from pipette tip 122. In some embodiments, module 120 may include a second valve (not shown) configured to control aspiration or dispensing operations. The second valve may be a solenoid valve. The second valve employs pressure and / or vacuum to control the aspiration or dispensing operations. Module 120 may include a flow sensor to determine the amount aspirated or dispensed.

[0054] In the second position, solenoid valve 158 directs fluid under vacuum (e.g., gas under vacuum) from vacuum transverse channel 152 through conduit 160. In other embodiments, gas under vacuum is directed through a second conduit 162. Conduit 162 extends from solenoid valve 158 to module 120. In this second position of solenoid valve 158, conduit 160 (or conduit 162, depending on the embodiment) supplies gas under vacuum to module 120. For example, gas under vacuum may be supplied to a second valve located within module 120 to draw fluid into pipette tip 122.

[0055] Solenoid valve 158 is integrally formed within the base 132 of pipette channel 110. Advantageously, if a solenoid valve in a single pipette channel 110 located in liquid dispenser 100 fails, requires repair, testing, inspection, or any other processing requiring access to solenoid valve 158, the entire pipette channel 110 with the affected solenoid valve 158 can be removed from liquid dispenser 100 and replaced with another pipette channel 110. This pipette channel 110 forms a seal with manifold 102, thereby allowing pressure and / or vacuum to be transmitted from manifold 102 to pipette channel 110. When the pin is aligned with the manifold during installation of pipette channel 110, pressure transverse channel 150 and vacuum transverse channel 152 create continuous pathways for gas under pressure and gas under vacuum. Pipette channel 110 and manifold 102 are pneumatically connected via pressure transverse channel 150 and vacuum transverse channel 152. A pneumatic connection can be a physical connection formed when the pipette channel 110 and the manifold 102 are engaged.

[0056] Manifold 102 may be a pneumatic manifold that supplies both vacuum and pressurized fluid to each pipette channel 110. In some embodiments, a pneumatic solenoid valve 158 is integrally formed in each pipette channel 110 and serves as a selector between vacuum and pressure. Pneumatic conduits are reduced or eliminated through the integrally formed modular passages within the manifold 102 and pipette channels 110 of this disclosure. The integrally formed passages can be sealed at the interface between the manifold 102 and the pipette channels 110 by an O-ring. The conduit between the solenoid valve 158 and the pipette channel 110 can be eliminated by providing the solenoid valve 158 within the base 132 of the pipette channel 110.

[0057] The pipette channel 110 can form an electrical connection with the manifold 102. This electrical connection may include the physical connection formed when the pipette channel 110 mates with the manifold 102. For example... Figure 3As shown, a pipette channel 110 may include an electrical connector 166 located on the back side 114 of the pipette channel 110. This electrical connector 166 may be coupled to a circuit board 168 within the pipette channel 110. Each pipette channel 110 may include a circuit board 168 and a corresponding electrical connector 166. A manifold 102 may include one or more electrical connectors 170 located on the front side 104 of the manifold 102. Each electrical connector 170 is configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding circuit board 168 within the pipette channel 110 that mates with the manifold 102. The electrical connector 170 may be considered a liner connector. The manifold 102 may include a circuit board 172. The electrical connectors 166, 170 allow communication of electrical and control signals between the manifold 102 and the pipette channel 110. As described herein, the control signals may be data signals designed to control one or more operations of the pipette channel 110. The electrical signals may include power to components of the pipette channel 110, such as AC / DC power. Electrical connectors 166 and 170 allow communication of electrical signals between circuit boards 168 and 172. Circuit boards 168 and 172 may be printed circuit boards. The mating electrical connectors 166 and 170 eliminate or reduce the cabling and / or connections required to form an electrical connection between manifold 102 and pipette channel 110. Module 120 may include circuit board 164. Circuit board 164 may be associated with aspiration and dispensing operations. Circuit boards 164, 168, and / or 172 may be electrically connected. In some embodiments, circuit boards 164 and 168 are physically connected via ribbon cable 176. Ribbon cable 176 may extend along coupling 128 at the interface between pipette channel 110 and module 120. Ribbon cable 176 may transmit control signals and electrical signals. In some embodiments, movement in the Z direction of pipette tip 122 engaged with module 120 is controlled by features accommodated in pipette channel 110, for example, by circuit board 168. The z-axis control hardware may be located within the pipette channel, for example, on circuit board 168. In some embodiments, circuit board 164 serves as an interconnected board and also includes capacitive sensing circuitry.

[0058] Manifold 102 may include one or more additional electrical connectors 174. Figure 1B-4In this embodiment, the manifold includes three electrical connectors 174. The electrical connectors 174 may include different configurations and shapes to accommodate different electrical connections. The electrical connectors 174 may include an Ethernet connection. This Ethernet connection can provide signals to circuit boards 168, 172. The electrical connectors 174 may include a power connector. When the pipette channel 110 mates with the manifold 102, the power connector can provide power to the motor 138 and solenoid valve 158 located within each pipette channel 110. The electrical connectors 174 may include a module connection. This module connection can control module 120, for example, control the aspiration and dispensing operations of module 120. Other electrical connectors 174 are contemplated. One or more electrical connectors 174 may be located on the front side 104, back side 106, or side 108 of the manifold 102. In the illustrated embodiment, all electrical connectors 174 are located on the front side 104 of the manifold 102. In some embodiments, the number of electrical connectors 174 is not dependent on the number of pipette channels 110. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, regardless of the maximum number of pipette channels 110 that the manifold 102 can receive, it includes three electrical connectors 174.

[0059] The pipette channel 110 may be designed to receive internal wiring and conduits. The pipette channel 110 may accommodate conduits 160, 162 extending from the solenoid valve 158 to the module 120. The pipette channel 110 may include a ribbon cable 176 that transmits electrical and control signals. The electrical signals may include signals from an electrical connector 174. The ribbon cable 176 may extend from the electrical connector 166 on the back side 114 of the pipette channel 110 to the module 120. Conduits 160, 162 (if included), and the ribbon cable 176 may each include a bend 178. The bends 178 in the conduits 160, 162, and ribbon cable 176 are shown in... Figure 4 The upward position of the bends 178 in the conduits 160, 162, and ribbon cable 176 corresponds to the upward position of the module 120. As the module 120 moves downward, the bends 178 in the conduits 160, 162, and ribbon cable 176 move downward within the base 132 of the pipette channel 110. The bends 178 in the conduits 160, 162, and ribbon cable 176 can be received within a recess 180 in the base 132 of the pipette channel 110.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, five pipette channels 110 are located to the left of the electrical connector 174, the pressure inlet port 142, and the vacuum inlet port 144. The embodiment of the manifold 102 described herein can be configured to receive additional pipette channels 110, which may increase the width of the manifold in the X direction. Reducing the number of pipette channels 110 configured to be received by the manifold 102 may reduce the width of the manifold 102 in the X direction. The pipette channels 110 may be configured to align pipette tips 122. The distance between adjacent pipette tips 122 may be configured to accommodate the spacing of associated containers for aspiration and dispensing operations. In the illustrated embodiment, the center-to-center spacing of each pipette tip 122 is 18 mm. The center-to-center spacing of the associated containers is 9 mm. Thus, in this non-limiting arrangement, the pipette tips 122 may engage all other containers (e.g., a first subset of containers) in a first position. The liquid dispenser 100 can move 9 mm to the right or left in the X direction to engage all other containers (e.g., containers of the second subset).

[0061] In embodiments not shown, the features of manifold 102 may be incorporated into a plurality of pipette channels 110 permanently fixed in an adjacent stack configuration, thereby eliminating manifold 102. An electrical connector 166 in each pipette channel 110 may be located on a side 116 of the pipette channel 110 to transmit signals to and from adjacent pipette channels 110. A pressure channel 146 may extend through the stacked pipette channels 110. A vacuum channel 148 may extend through the stacked pipette channels 110. One or more O-rings 154 may seal the pressure channel 146 and / or vacuum channel 148 between the stacked pipette channels 110. As described herein, the pressure channel 146 and vacuum channel 148 may be connected to a pressure lateral channel 150 and a vacuum lateral channel 152.

[0062] The embodiments described herein advantageously enable independent movement of each of the plurality of modules 120 along the Z-axis, thereby allowing each of the plurality of samples to be independently and simultaneously aspirated and dispensed within the liquid dispenser 100. In configurations including more than one pipette channel, each of the plurality of pipette channels includes an independently actuable coupling 128 that moves along a ball screw 136, thereby causing module 120 (independent of the other modules 120) to translate relative to the base 132 of the pipette channel 110.

[0063] The embodiments described herein also advantageously reduce the number of pneumatic conduits to modular, independently actuated pipette channels. Multiple independently operating pipette channels 110 positioned adjacent to each other typically require multiple pneumatic conduits extending from a common pneumatic pressure and vacuum source to each pipette channel 110. This common pneumatic pressure and vacuum source can be a remotely mounted solenoid valve manifold. This remotely mounted solenoid valve manifold makes wiring conduits to each pipette channel 110 difficult. In such an arrangement, the pneumatic conduits extending to each pipette channel 110 would be visible and lengthy. Multiple pneumatic conduits can impede movement, for example, the movement of the liquid dispenser along the bench. A remotely mounted solenoid valve manifold would require even longer conduits, or multiple segments of conduit, to traverse from the remotely mounted solenoid valve manifold to each pipette channel 110. In contrast, the liquid dispenser described herein reduces the pneumatic conduits to two connected to manifold 102: one pneumatic conduit (not shown) connected to pressure port 142 and another pneumatic conduit (not shown) connected to vacuum port 144. Pressurized gas and vacuum gas are supplied to each pipette channel 110 via pressure channel 146 and vacuum channel 148, respectively. This eliminates separate pneumatic conduits to each pipette channel 110. In other embodiments, separate pneumatic conduits are provided to each pipette channel 110. In some embodiments, a detachable pneumatic conduit 160, 162 is provided inside each pipette channel 110 that connects module 120 to solenoid valve 158. Such an embodiment remains advantageous compared to systems employing remotely mounted solenoid manifolds because conduits 160, 162 are very short and are inherently contained within pipette channels 110 and module 120.

[0064] Advantageously, the embodiments described herein also reduce electrical connections to modular, independently actuated pipette channels. Multiple independently operating pipette channels 110 positioned adjacent to each other typically require multiple cables extending from a common controller to each pipette channel 110. The embodiments described herein reduce the cables to three electrical connectors 174 connected to the manifold 102. Each pipette channel 110 is electrically connected to the electrical connector 174. For example, signals from an Ethernet connection are sent to each of the multiple pipette channels 110 interchangeably mating with the manifold 102. In another example, signals from a modular connection are sent to each module 120 of the multiple pipette channels 110 interchangeably mating with the manifold 102. This eliminates separate cables to each pipette channel 110. In other embodiments, separate electrical connections are provided to each pipette channel 110.

[0065] The embodiments described herein also eliminate the pneumatic conduit between the solenoid valve 158 and the pipette channel 110. Typically, a separate pneumatic solenoid manifold is mounted close to the pipette channel 110. A pneumatic conduit connects the solenoid manifold to each pipette channel 110. In contrast, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the solenoid valve 158 is integrally formed within the pipette channel 110. Each pipette channel 110 may include the solenoid valve 158. This eliminates a separate solenoid manifold and the associated pneumatic conduit extending from the separate solenoid manifold to each pipette channel 110. In other embodiments of this disclosure, the solenoid valve 158 is not located within the pipette channel 110. The solenoid valve may be located in the manifold 102. A pneumatic lateral passage, similar to that described above, may connect the solenoid valve in the manifold 102 to a channel in the pipette channel 110 that mates with the manifold 102. In these alternative embodiments, the pneumatic conduit is also eliminated because when the pipette channel 110 mates with the manifold 102, a pneumatic lateral channel is formed between the manifold 102 and the modular, independently actuable pipette channel 110.

[0066] One advantage of some of the embodiments described herein includes independent operation of each pipette channel 110. In some embodiments, each pipette channel 110 can independently control the Z-motion of the pipette module 120. In some embodiments, each pipette channel 110 can independently control the aspiration and / or dispensing operations of the pipette module 120. In some embodiments, each pipette module 120 is controlled independently. In some embodiments, two or more pipette modules 120 can move simultaneously in the same or different operations. In some embodiments, each pipette channel 110 includes one or more solenoid valves 158 selected between vacuum and pressure. In some embodiments, a second valve within the module 120 independently controls the aspiration and dispensing operations.

[0067] Another advantage of some of the embodiments described herein includes a smaller overall package size. The modular pipette channels 110, 210, 310, 410 described herein can be compact. In a non-limiting example, a single pipette channel 110, 210, 310, 410 according to this disclosure has a width of 0.689 inches (or 17.5 mm) in the X direction, a depth of 7.020 inches (or 178.3 mm) in the Y direction, and a height of 13.228 inches (or 336 mm) in the Z direction. Embodiments of manifolds 102, 202, 302, 402 described herein can be compact. In a non-limiting example, manifold 202 according to this disclosure has a width of 3.8583 inches (or 98 mm) in the X direction, a depth of 2.0472 inches (or 52 mm) in the Y direction, and a height of 15.1969 inches (or 386 mm) in the Z direction. In a non-limiting example, manifold 402 according to this disclosure has a width of 3.295 inches (or 83.7 mm) in the X direction, a depth of 0.8268 inches (or 21 mm) in the Y direction, and a height of 13.2283 inches (or 336 mm) in the Z direction. Modules 120, 220, 320, and 420 can be compact. In a non-limiting example, modules 120, 220, 320, and 420 according to this disclosure have a width of 0.6693 inches (or 17 mm) in the X direction, a depth of 3.0551 inches (or 77.6 mm) in the Y direction, and a height of 10.2441 inches (or 260.2 mm) in the Z direction, including tip adapters 118, 218, 318, and 418. As a result of the compact nature of the pipette channels, manifolds, and modules described herein, the length of catheters and / or wiring can be reduced. In some embodiments, the switching between vacuum and pressure can be completed more quickly because the solenoid valve 158 is close to the module 120.

[0068] Another advantage of the embodiments described herein includes the modularity of the pipette channels 110. One or more pipette channels 110 can be removed and / or replaced without removing one or more adjacent pipette channels 110. In some embodiments, individual pipette channels 110 can be quickly swapped out.

[0069] refer to Figure 1B-4 The advantages described above for the liquid dispenser 100 can also be applied to other liquid dispensers of this disclosure, such as liquid dispenser 1, liquid dispenser 200, liquid dispenser 300, liquid dispenser 400 and liquid dispenser 500, which are described in detail below.

[0070] Figure 5-3View 4 shows a view of a liquid dispenser 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The liquid dispenser 200 may include features substantially similar to those described above for the reference liquid dispenser 100. For example, the liquid dispenser 200 may include the features of a manifold 202 having a front side 204, a back side 206, and a side edge 208. The liquid dispenser 200 may include the features of one or more pipette channels 210 having a front side 212, a back side 214, and a side edge 216. The liquid dispenser 200 may include the features of a module 220 having a flange 226, a coupling 228, a pipette tip 222, and a tip adapter 218. The liquid dispenser 200 may include the features of a rail 230 and a base 232. The liquid dispenser 200 may include the features of a nut 234 configured to interact with a ball screw 236, a motor 238, and a bearing 240. Liquid dispenser 200 may include features of a pressure inlet port 242, a vacuum inlet port 244, a pressure channel 246, a vacuum channel 248, a pressure lateral channel 250, a vacuum lateral channel 252, a pressure port 256, a vacuum port 257, and one or more O-rings 254. Liquid dispenser 200 may include features of a solenoid valve 258 and one or more conduits 260, 262. Liquid dispenser 200 may include features of a connector 266 for a pipette channel 210 and a circuit board 268. Liquid dispenser 200 may include features of a connector 270 for a manifold 202 and a circuit board 272. Liquid dispenser 200 may include features of a circuit board 264 for module 220. Liquid dispenser 200 may include features of an electrical connector 274. Liquid dispenser 200 may include features of a ribbon cable 276, a bend 278, and a notch 280. Liquid dispenser 200 may include any of the features of the liquid dispensers described herein.

[0071] In this non-limiting embodiment, the inlet pressure port 242 and inlet vacuum port 244 of the liquid dispenser 200 are located on the back side 206 of the manifold 202. The electrical connector 274 is also located on the back side 206 of the manifold 202. The embodiment of the liquid dispenser described herein with this configuration advantageously reduces the width of the liquid dispenser 200 along the X direction. The length of the circuit board 264 of module 220 in the Z direction can be less than... Figure 1B-4 The length of the embodiment. Circuit board 264 and module 220 may be enclosed in a housing.

[0072] The liquid dispenser 200 may include a mechanism configured to eject a single pipette tip from a plurality of pipette tips 222, such as Figures 30-31As shown. The liquid dispenser may include a tip eject motor 282. The tip eject motor 282 may be connected to a translation sleeve 284 that is a portion of the packaged tip adapter 218. The tip eject motor 282 is rotatable, applying a downward force to the sleeve 284, thereby moving it relative to the tip adapter 218 in the Z direction. The downward force on the sleeve 284 overcomes the frictional engagement between the pipette tip 222 and the tip adapter 218, causing the pipette tip 222 to eject or disengage from the tip adapter 218.

[0073] Liquid dispenser 200 may include features for detecting whether pipette tip 222 engages with module 220. Liquid dispenser 200 may include sensor 286. In some embodiments, sensor 290 is a REED sensor that detects a magnetic field. Components associated with pipette tip 222 (e.g., sleeve 284) may include magnet 286. Pipette tip 222 is engaged when motor 238 drives the entire module 220 downward to engage pipette tip 222. In this embodiment, motor 238 is a master z-axis motor. When module 220 engages pipette tip 222, sleeve 284 translates upward from contact with pipette tip 222, thereby allowing pipette tip 222 to engage tip adapter 218. To engage pipette tip 222, module 220 translates downward in the Z-direction and pushes pipette tip 222 downward until pipette tip 222 resiliently latches, forms a friction fit, or otherwise engages tip adapter 218. When pipette tip 222 is mounted on module 220 and cannula 284 is in the first "engaged" position, magnet 286 is against sensor 290. Pipette tip 222 can pop out as described herein. Pipette tip 222 may accidentally detach during operation of liquid dispenser 200. In such a case, cannula 284 and magnet 286 fall downwards in the Z direction under the influence of gravity, positioning magnet 286 further away from sensor 290 than when cannula 284 was in the first "engaged" position and before pipette tip 222 detached. Sensor 290 can indicate whether pipette tip 222 is engaged with cannula 284 based on the distance between sensor 290 and magnet 286. Sensor 290 can determine the presence of pipette tip 222 on tip adapter 218.

[0074] Liquid dispenser 200 may include features providing capacitive sensing. Capacitive sensing is performed via circuitry located on a small board (not shown) on module 220. This board is connected to tip adapter 218 via wires, cables, or flexible circuitry. The circuitry changes when tip adapter 218 comes into contact with a liquid or other object. Tip adapter 218 may be electrically insulated from the rest of module 220, except for the wires connected to the circuit board. Liquid dispenser 200 may include other features for determining liquid level (e.g., the level in a pipette tip). Capacitive sensing circuitry may determine the height or distance of module 220 relative to a container containing a sample to be dispensed or aspirated in the Z direction. Liquid dispenser 200 may be configured to sense or receive signal indications and, in some cases, store information about height in the Z direction, such as the height of the associated container. Liquid dispenser 200 may be configured to sense or receive signal indications and, in some cases, store information about multiple heights associated with different containers. Liquid dispenser 200 may return to the stored height during aspiration and dispensing operations. Other embodiments of the liquid dispensers described herein, such as, but not limited to, liquid dispenser 100, liquid dispenser 300, liquid dispenser 400, and liquid dispenser 500, may also include capacitive sensing features.

[0075] The liquid dispenser 200 may include features that provide magnetic braking (e.g., hysteresis braking), such as Figure 34A and Figure 34B As shown. The ball screw 236 may include or be coupled to a disc 294. The ball screw 236 may include a coupling portion 237. Figure 34A In the middle, coupling portion 237 is screwed in. Coupling portion 237 can be inserted into the threaded hole of disc 294. Coupling portion 237 can be inserted into the threaded hole of bearing 239. Bearing 239 facilitates alignment between ball screw 236 and disc 294. Figure 34B In this embodiment, the coupling portion 237 includes one or more recesses. In some embodiments, the disk 294 includes one or more protrusions designed to engage the recesses. In some embodiments, the disk 294 includes a mechanism designed to couple the coupling portion 237 to the disk 294. Other configurations for coupling the ball screw 236 and the disk 294 are contemplated. In some embodiments, the ball screw 236 and the disk 294 are rotatably coupled such that rotation of the ball screw 236 causes rotation of the disk 294.

[0076] The bearing 239 or other portion of the pipette channel 210 may include a disk 296. The disk 296 may include one or more magnets 298. In some embodiments, the multiple magnets 298 in the disk 296 may have the same magnetic poles. In some embodiments, the magnets 298 in the disk 296 have opposite magnetic poles. In some embodiments, the magnets 298 in the disk 296 have alternating magnetic poles. In some embodiments, adjacent magnets 298 may have opposite magnetic poles. The disk 294 may be a hysteresis disk. In some embodiments, only the disk 296 includes magnets 298. During rotation of the ball screw 236 under the influence of the motor 238, the motor 238 overcomes the magnetic force generated by the magnetic interaction of the disks 294 and 296. When the motor 238 stops, the magnets 298 in the disk 296 are attracted to the disk 294. The magnetic force is sufficient to apply torque to the ball screw 236, thereby reducing and / or preventing rotation of the ball screw 236. The magnetic force is large enough to reduce and / or prevent the coupling 228 from falling freely along the track 230 in the event of power loss to the pipette channel 210. Other embodiments of the liquid dispensers described herein, such as, but not limited to, liquid dispensers 100, 300, 400, and 500, may also include magnetic braking features. Figure 34B The illustration shows a modified design in which disk 296 may be coupled to or integrally formed with block 299. Block 299 may anchor disk 296 to pipette channel 210. Block 299 may include attachments coupled by pins or fasteners. The attachment may include one or more curved corners. Block 299 may be polygonal or generally polygonal. In the illustrated embodiment, block 299 is a diamond with rounded corners.

[0077] Figure 34C and Figure 34D Other features of the liquid dispenser are indicated. The ball screw 236 is rotatable by the motor 238. The coupling 228 may include a nut having a bore 229. In some embodiments, a plurality of ball bearings (not shown) are arranged around the bore 229 located inside the nut, which reduces friction when interacting with the ball screw. The ball bearings are rotatable within a helical notch of the ball screw 236. As an example, as the ball screw 236 rotates, the ball bearings travel around the notch of the ball screw 236 and within the notch in the nut. When the ball bearings reach the top of the nut, they are fed downwards into a channel in the coupling 228 (not shown) and toward the bottom of the nut. The ball screw 236 may rotate in the opposite direction, causing the ball bearings to be fed upwards into the channel in the coupling 228. Figure 34C and Figure 34D This indicates how coupling 228 is attached to ball screw 236. Figure 34C and Figure 34DIt also describes how the motor 238 and the ball screw 236 are coupled. In some embodiments, the pipette channel 210 may include an integrally formed ball screw assembly, which may include one or more of the motor 238, encoder, and ball screw 236. In some embodiments, the motor 238 and encoder are coupled as components or integrally formed.

[0078] Figure 34C This refers to shaft coupling 241. Shaft coupling 241 couples the shaft of ball screw 236 and the shaft of motor 238. Shaft coupling 241 allows for a certain degree of misalignment between the ball screw 236 and the motor 238. Shaft coupling 241 causes misalignment between the shafts of ball screw 236 and motor 238. Shaft coupling 241 allows for misalignment at certain angles. Shaft coupling 241 may be designed to actuate axial misalignment between ball screw 236 and motor 238. In some embodiments, shaft coupling 241 may allow misalignment of 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, 12 degrees, 13 degrees, 14 degrees, 15 degrees, between 0 and 5 degrees, between 0 and 10 degrees, etc.

[0079] The liquid dispenser 200 may include one or more bearings 245. The bearings 245 may support the ends of the ball screw 236. The bearings 245 may include a set of mating angular contact bearings. The bearings 245 may support the ball screw 236 in both radial and axial directions. In some embodiments, the bearings 245 allow the ball screw to rotate without translation. In some embodiments, the bearings 245 reduce axial misalignment between the motor 238 and the ball screw 236.

[0080] As described herein, coupling 228 may include portions that interact with ball screw 236 and portions that interact with track 230. Figure 34D Examples of these two components are shown. In some embodiments, coupling 228 may be a floating coupling, allowing the connection between track 230 and ball screw 236 to self-adjust or float. The floating coupling provides flexibility to avoid tangling in the event that track 230 and ball screw 236 are not precisely aligned. In some embodiments, bearings support the ball screw radially and axially. In some embodiments, one or more bearings are integrally formed with motor 238. In other embodiments, one or more bearings are components separate from motor 238.

[0081] The embodiments of the magnetic brake described herein advantageously limit undesirable movement of the pipette tip. Another advantage is that the magnetic brake limits damage to the pipette tip. Furthermore, the embodiments of the magnetic brake described herein advantageously provide high actuation accuracy. Yet another advantage is that the magnetic brake allows controlled movement of the pipette tip relative to the container. In some embodiments, the magnetic brake functions to limit movement of the pipette tip. In some embodiments, the force generated by the magnetic brake limits downward or upward movement of the module 220 when the motor 238 stops.

[0082] Figure 35-55 This diagram shows a view of a liquid dispenser 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The liquid dispenser 300 may include features substantially similar to those described above for liquid dispensers 100 and 200. For example, the liquid dispenser 300 may include the features of a manifold 302 having a front side 304, a back side 306, and a side edge 308. The liquid dispenser 300 may include the features of one or more pipette channels 310 having a front side 312, a back side 314, and a side edge 316. The liquid dispenser 300 may include the features of a module 320 having a flange 326, a coupling 328, a pipette tip (not shown, but similar to pipette tips 122, 222), and a tip adapter 318. The liquid dispenser 300 may include the features of a rail 330 and a base 332. The liquid dispenser 300 may include the features of a nut 334 configured to interact with a ball screw 336, a motor 338, and a bearing 340. Liquid dispenser 300 may include features of an inlet pressure port 342, an inlet vacuum port 344, a pressure channel 346, a vacuum channel 348, a pressure lateral channel 350, a vacuum lateral channel 352, a pressure port 356, a vacuum port 357, and one or more O-rings 354. Liquid dispenser 300 may include features of a solenoid valve 358 and one or more conduits 360, 362. Liquid dispenser 300 may include features of a connector 366 and a circuit board 368 for a pipette channel 310. Liquid dispenser 300 may include features of a connector 370 and a circuit board 372 for a manifold 302. Liquid dispenser 300 may include features of a circuit board 364 for a module 320. Liquid dispenser 300 may include features of an electrical connector 374. Liquid dispenser 300 may include features of a ribbon cable 376, a bend 378, and a notch 380. Liquid dispenser 300 may include features of ejecting a pipette tip including a tip eject motor 382 and a sleeve 384. The liquid dispenser 300 may include any of the features of the liquid dispenser described herein.

[0083] In this non-limiting embodiment, the pipette module 320 is mounted adjacent to the side 316 of the pipette channel 310 along the X-axis of the liquid dispenser 300. Embodiments of the liquid dispenser described herein with this configuration advantageously reduce the depth of the pipette channel 310 along the Y-axis. Embodiments of the liquid dispenser described herein with this configuration can increase the width of the pipette channel 310 along the X-axis. The back side 314 of the pipette channel 310 is configured to mate with the front side 304 of the manifold 302, as described herein.

[0084] Figure 39 This is an exploded view of manifold 302. The suction and dispensing operations of module 320 can be partially controlled by the application of gas pressure or a gas under vacuum. Manifold 302 may include an inlet pressure port 342. Manifold 302 may include an inlet vacuum port 344. The inlet pressure port 342 may be located on the front side 312 of manifold 302. The inlet vacuum port 344 may be located on the front side 312 of manifold 302. The inlet pressure port 342 and the inlet vacuum port 344 may be enclosed in a housing as shown. An electrical connector 374 may be located on the front side 312 of manifold 302. The electrical connector 374 may also be enclosed in a housing as shown.

[0085] The pressure channel 346 and vacuum channel 348 within manifold 302 may be non-linear, for example, having one or more bends or curves along the length of the channel, such as, but not limited to, L-shaped or U-shaped channels. The pressure transverse channel 350 and vacuum transverse channel 352 within manifold 302 may also be non-linear. The pressure channel 346 and vacuum channel 348 may extend from the inlet pressure port 342 and the inlet vacuum port 344 to the pressure transverse channel 350 and vacuum transverse channel 352, respectively. The pressure channel 346, vacuum channel 348, pressure transverse channel 350, and vacuum transverse channel 352 may be designed in any manner to align with the pressure port 356 and vacuum port 357 of pipette channel 310.

[0086] Manifold 302 is configured to receive one or more pipette channels 310. The liquid dispenser 300 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to receive one pipette channel 310, but other configurations are contemplated. The pipette channel 310 can be secured to manifold 302 in place, for example, by means of pins 324, during operation of the pipette module 320. A pressure inlet port 342 can supply pressurized gas to a pressure transverse channel 350. A vacuum inlet port 344 can supply vacuum gas to a vacuum transverse channel 352.

[0087] The pipette module 320 is mounted near the side 316 of the pipette channel 310. A flange 326 and a coupling 328 may be configured to receive this configuration. In some embodiments, the flange 326 and / or coupling 328 are perpendicular to the module 320. The flange 326 may be fixedly attached to the coupling 328. The coupling 328 is movable along a track 330. Movement of the coupling 328 causes the module 320 to move relative to the track 330 in the Z direction. The track 330 is fixedly attached to the base 332 of the pipette channel 310. The base 332 of the pipette channel is stationary relative to the manifold 302. Movement of the coupling 328 causes the module 320 to move relative to the base 332 and the manifold 302 of the pipette channel 310 in the Z direction. The coupling 328 may interact with a ball screw 336, as described herein with reference to other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0088] Figures 56-57 This refers to a liquid dispenser 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Liquid dispenser 400 may include features substantially similar to those described above for liquid dispensers 100, 200, and 300. For example, liquid dispenser 400 may include the features of a manifold 402 having a front side 404, a back side 406, and a side edge 408. Liquid dispenser 400 may include the features of one or more pipette channels 410 having a front side 412, a back side 414, and a side edge 416. Liquid dispenser 400 may include the features of a module 420 having a flange 426, a coupling 428, a pipette tip 422, and a tip adapter 418. Liquid dispenser 400 may include the features of a rail 430 and a base 432. Liquid dispenser 400 may include the features of a nut configured to interact with a ball screw, a motor 438, and a bearing. Liquid distributor 400 may include features of a pressure inlet port, a vacuum inlet port, a pressure channel, a vacuum channel, a pressure lateral channel, a vacuum lateral channel, a pressure port, a vacuum port, and one or more O-rings. Liquid distributor 400 may include features of a solenoid valve and one or more conduits. Liquid distributor 400 may include features of a connector and circuit board for pipette channel 410. Liquid distributor 400 may include features of a connector and circuit board for manifold 402. Liquid distributor 400 may include features of a circuit board for module 420. Liquid distributor 400 may include features of an electrical connector. Liquid distributor 400 may include features of a ribbon cable, bends, and notches. Liquid distributor 400 may include any of the features of the liquid distributors described herein.

[0089] Although some features were not included Figures 56-57Exemplary embodiments of these features are shown above for liquid dispensers 1, 100, 200, and 300. For example, nuts, ball screws, bearings, pressure inlet ports, vacuum inlet ports, pressure channels, vacuum channels, pressure lateral channels, vacuum lateral channels, pressure ports, vacuum ports, one or more O-rings, solenoid valves, one or more conduits, manifold connectors, manifold circuit boards, module circuit boards, electrical connectors, ribbon cables, bends, and notches are not shown. Figures 56-57 As shown, but it is understood that exemplary embodiments of these features have been described above with reference to liquid dispensers 1, 100, 200 and 300 and are applicable to liquid dispenser 400.

[0090] In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser 400 may include a pipette channel 410 similar to pipette channel 210. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser 400 may include a manifold 402 similar to manifold 302. The manifold 402 is configured to receive one or more pipette channels 410. An access to a pressure port 442 may supply pressurized gas to one or more pressure transverse channels. An access to a vacuum port 444 may supply vacuumed gas to one or more vacuum transverse channels.

[0091] Exemplary liquid dispenser according to this disclosure

[0092] Figures 58-60 This is a view showing the liquid dispenser 200 operable to be coupled to robot 500. In this embodiment, robot 500 is a separate robotic component used to perform various functions within a diagnostic testing system, such as picking up PCR plates in this exemplary diagnostic testing system. Robot 500 carries the liquid dispenser 200. In some embodiments, robot 500 does not control the movement of the liquid dispenser. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser 200 and robot 500 are coupled to a robotic platform (not shown) with three degrees of freedom. These degrees of freedom may include movement in the X direction, movement in the Y direction, and rotational movement. Figure 58 In the middle, column 600 can be connected to a robot platform (not shown). Any liquid dispenser described herein can be operatively coupled to robot 500. Manifolds 102, 202, 302, 402 can be coupled to a robotic arm of robot 500 that allows the manifold to move in space. The robotic arm's motion can have six degrees of freedom. For example, the robotic arm may include one translational degree of freedom, two translational degrees of freedom, three translational degrees of freedom, one rotational degree of freedom, two rotational degrees of freedom, three rotational degrees of freedom, or any combination thereof.

[0093] Figures 61-64This is an internal view showing some features of the liquid dispenser 300 as described above. The pipette channel 310 may be designed to receive internal wiring and conduits. The pipette channel 310 may include conduits 360, 362 extending from the solenoid valve 358 to the module 320. The pipette channel 310 may include a ribbon cable 376 transmitting electrical and control signals. The ribbon cable 376 may extend from a connector 366 to the module 320. Conduits 360, 362 and the ribbon cable 376 may each include a bend 378. The bend 378 is shown in the diagram. Figure 61 The downward position of the bends 378 in conduits 360, 362 and ribbon cable 376 corresponds to the downward position of module 320. The bends 378 are shown in the downward position. Figure 62 In the upward position, the upward position of the bend 378 corresponds to the upward position of the module 320. As the module 320 moves downward in the Z direction along the track 330, the bend 378 in the conduits 360, 362 and the ribbon cable 376 moves downward within the base 332 of the pipette channel 310. The bend 378 can be received within a recess 380 in the base 332 of the pipette channel 310.

[0094] In some embodiments, the movement of the pipette tip engaged with module 320 in the Z direction relative to manifold 302 is controlled by features accommodated in pipette channel 310. Module 320 may include flange 326. Flange 326 may be fixedly attached to coupling 328. Coupling 328 is movable along track 330. Movement of coupling 328 in the Z direction causes module 320 to move in the Z direction relative to track 330. Movement of coupling 328 in the Z direction causes module 320 to move in the Z direction relative to base 332 of pipette channel 310.

[0095] Coupling 328 may include a nut 334. Nut 334 is configured to interact with ball screw 336. Nut 334 may include a ball bearing that reduces friction when interacting with ball screw 336. In other embodiments, nut 334 is screwed and interacts with a lead screw (not shown) instead of the ball screw 336 of this embodiment. Ball screw 336 may be rotated by motor 338. As ball screw 336 rotates, coupling 328 translates along ball screw 336. Coupling 328 is guided along track 330 in the Z direction. Rotation of ball screw 336 in a first direction causes coupling 328 to translate downward in the Z direction along track 330. Rotation of ball screw 336 in a second opposite direction causes coupling 328 to translate upward in the Z direction along track 330.

[0096] Other features of the liquid dispenser described in this article

[0097] The liquid dispenser described herein can be configured to perform pipetting operations in parallel, wherein each pipette channel acts independently to aspirate and dispense liquid. Each pipette channel has the capability to move its corresponding pipette tip along the z-axis of the liquid dispenser independently of the movement of another pipette tip mounted in the liquid dispenser. Therefore, the liquid dispenser described herein is an assembly of pipette channels that cooperate to perform such pipetting operations on solutions. Thus, the liquid dispenser can typically pick up and dispense pipette tips as needed, drawing a large volume of liquid upward into the pipette tip and dispensing that large volume of liquid from the pipette tip. The movement and operation of the liquid dispenser are typically controlled by a processor, enabling automated aspiration operations. Advantageously, the liquid dispenser can be configured to align the pipette tip with, for example, the inlet of a container or cylinder.

[0098] Advantageously, the liquid dispenser can be configured such that the module circuit board, sensors (e.g., but not limited to sensors that detect the presence of the pipette tip and sensors that detect the force acting on the pipette tip during pipetting), tip ejection motor, sleeve, pipette tip, and other items move as units of the module, thereby minimizing the number of control lines that move through the instrument during use, reducing the possibility of such control lines becoming tangled during the movement of the module, and increasing the possibility of the module maintaining communication with other components fixed at various points within the preparation or diagnostic device, such as the base of the pipette channel and manifold.

[0099] The arrangement of components in the accompanying drawings is for convenience only, and those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations are possible depending on environmental and other factors. Electrical components, including motors, pumps, and valves, can receive instructions from a processor (not shown). The processor may be located on or away from the liquid dispenser.

[0100] Embodiments of the liquid dispenser described herein may also include a sensor configured to sense when vertical movement of the module is impeded and to provide a suitable signal directly to a processor (not shown) or indirectly via a printed circuit board. The sensor may be mounted on the module or on another component of the pipette channel.

[0101] Optionally included within the liquid dispenser is a scanner (not shown). This scanner can be configured to read information (e.g., but not limited to, sample and patient information) from one or more containers holding the liquid, such as a container, sample catheter, reagent holder, microfluidic tube, or any other container. The scanner can be directly electrically connected (not shown) to the processor or indirectly electrically connected via a printed circuit board.

[0102] The embodiments of the liquid dispenser described herein include pneumatic solenoid valves, but other valves are contemplated. These valves may be associated with each pipetting channel and are used, for example, to control the operation of each module by controlling when depressurization occurs, thereby performing aspiration operations, or by controlling when pressurization occurs, thereby performing dispensing operations. Each valve is connected to the module (including in fluid communication with the module) via one or more internal conduits extending from the valve to the module.

[0103] The manifold of the liquid dispenser described herein can be connected to a pump (not shown) via air lines or conduits (not shown) extending to the pressure inlet and vacuum inlet ports. As described herein, the pressure inlet and vacuum inlet ports are connected to ports in the pipette channels via one or more channels and lateral channels in the manifold. The ports in the pipette channels supply pressurized gas and vacuum gas to valves located within the pipette channels. Each pipette channel includes an independently controllable solenoid valve that selectively diverts air from the pump to the module associated with the pipette channel, and thus to the corresponding pipette tip.

[0104] The operation of the liquid dispenser is typically controlled via one or more circuit boards (PCBs), including circuit board 164 located within module 120. Additionally, the PCB may receive electrical signals from electrical connectors (including electrical connector 170). Thus, the suction and dispensing operations can be precisely controlled via signals from the PCB, resulting in accurate volume control. In some embodiments, calibration of the liquid dispenser is required to determine the amount of time required to push or pump gas to dispense or pump a desired amount of liquid. Thus, according to one example, the time between valve opening and closing, controlled by a signal, is known and can be incorporated into the control software. The liquid dispensing operation can be controlled by hardware and software located within the liquid dispenser. In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing operation can be controlled by hardware and software located within module 120.

[0105] Module 120 may include a second valve, as described herein. Module 120 may include a pump (not shown) and a motor (not shown) for controlling its operation. In some embodiments, the pump includes a translational plunger controlled by a stepper motor, which receives electrical signals and / or control signals as input. Module 120 may include any hardware and / or software configured to perform suction and dispensing operations.

[0106] The above embodiments have been provided by way of example, and this disclosure is not limited to these examples. Numerous variations and modifications of the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the foregoing description, without excluding each other. Furthermore, other combinations, omissions, substitutions, and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the content of this disclosure. Therefore, this research and development solution is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0107] The advantage of the pipette channels described herein is their modular design, making them compatible with any number of manifolds and modules. In the illustrated embodiments, a manifold may include one or more portions for receiving a pipette channel. A portion on a manifold that receives a single pipette channel can be considered a passage. Each manifold may include one or more passages (e.g., one passage, two passages, three passages, four passages, five passages, six passages, multiple passages, etc.). In some embodiments, the manifold includes two or more passages. In some embodiments, each passage is adjacent to another passage. In some embodiments, each passage is configured to receive a pipette channel in a single orientation.

[0108] In some embodiments, each pathway is configured to receive any of a plurality of pipette channels. As an example, a pipette channel initially located in one pathway may be moved to another pathway. In some embodiments, each pathway is configured to receive a specific pipette channel. As an example, a pipette channel configured to perform only aspiration and dispensing operations on reagents may be received in one or more specific pathways of a manifold. The reagent may be aspirated and dispensed from the catheter, which contains only the reagent and not a sample swab (e.g., a swab tip). As another example, a pipette channel configured to perform only aspiration and dispensing operations on samples may be received in one or more specific pathways of a manifold. The sample may be aspirated and dispensed from the catheter, which includes the sample and a sample swab (e.g., a swab tip). A particular advantage is the ability of the manifold to accommodate one type of pipette channel in a first passage (e.g., a pipette channel configured to aspirate and dispense fluid from a reagent catheter) and a second type of pipette channel in a second passage (e.g., a pipette channel configured to aspirate and dispense fluid from a sample catheter). In one example described more specifically below, the pipette channel configured to perform aspiration and dispensing of fluid in a reagent catheter requires that the associated pipette tip be coupled to the tip adapter with a force less than that experienced by the pipette channel configured to perform aspiration and dispensing of fluid in a sample catheter.

[0109] In some embodiments, a passage may be defined by one or more structures on the manifold. The passage may be defined by one or more openings in a fastener configured to receive a pipette channel. The passage may be defined by one or more openings in a pin configured to receive a pipette channel. The passage may be defined by an electrical connector configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding electrical connector in a pipette channel that mates with the manifold. In some embodiments, the passage may include only one electrical connector. The passage may be defined by a pressure channel configured to be pneumatically connected to a corresponding pressure transverse channel in a pipette channel that mates with the manifold. In some embodiments, the passage may include only one pressure channel. The passage may be defined by a vacuum channel configured to be pneumatically connected to a corresponding vacuum transverse channel in a pipette channel that mates with the manifold. In some embodiments, the passage may include only one vacuum channel.

[0110] In some embodiments, a passage may be configured to accommodate one or more components of a liquid dispenser. The passage may be defined by a location configured to accommodate a pipette channel. In some embodiments, each passage is configured to accommodate a single pipette channel. In some embodiments, a passage is configured to accommodate only one pipette channel. The passage may be defined by a location configured to accommodate a module. In some embodiments, each passage is configured to accommodate a single module. In some embodiments, a passage is configured to accommodate only one module.

[0111] In some embodiments, a passage and one or more components of a liquid dispenser housed thereon can be considered a single unit. In some embodiments, the unit may be functionally defined. The unit may be defined by its ability to perform aspiration and dispensing operations. Two units of the liquid dispenser may perform the same aspiration and dispensing operations simultaneously. Two units of the liquid dispenser may perform different aspiration and dispensing operations simultaneously. Two units of the liquid dispenser may perform the same aspiration and dispensing operations simultaneously. Two units of the liquid dispenser may independently control the aspiration and dispensing operations. Two units of the liquid dispenser may include two modules that independently perform aspiration and dispensing operations. Two units of the liquid dispenser may independently control movement in the z-direction. Two units of the liquid dispenser may include two valves that can independently select between vacuum and pressure. In one example, the unit includes a manifold passage and a selectively receiving component housed in the passage. The selectively receiving component may include a pipette channel, a pipette module, a pipette channel coupled to the pipette module, or a sealing plate.

[0112] Advantageously, embodiments of the systems and methods described herein include the ability to control the movement of a liquid dispenser, and in some cases, the ability to control the movement of certain components of the liquid dispenser independently of other components. In the illustrated embodiments, each pipette channel coupled to the manifold moves as a unit with the manifold. In some embodiments, the manifold is movable in the X direction along its width. Movement of the manifold in the X direction causes movement of each pipette channel coupled to the manifold in the X direction. In some embodiments, the manifold is movable in the Y direction along its thickness. Movement of the manifold in the Y direction causes movement of each pipette channel coupled to the manifold in the Y direction. In some embodiments, the manifold is movable in the Z direction along its height. Movement of the manifold in the Z direction causes movement of each pipette channel coupled to the manifold in the Z direction. In some embodiments, the pipette channels are movable in the Z direction independently of the movement of the manifold. In some embodiments, the pipette channels coupled to the manifold are movable in the Z direction in the same direction as the movement of the manifold. In some embodiments, the pipette channels coupled to the manifold are movable in the Z direction in the opposite direction to the movement of the manifold.

[0113] In some embodiments, it is advantageous to be able to place the manifold in any of a variety of bench systems without modification or very minor alterations to the manifold itself. In some embodiments, the manifold is coupled to a bench controlled by one or more strip drivers. In some embodiments, the bench is controlled by one or more stepper motors. In some embodiments, the bench is controlled by one or more linear motors. In one example, the liquid dispenser system includes three manifolds, each mounted to separate tracks configured to travel along the Y-axis of the system. In such embodiments, linear motors advantageously allow multiple manifolds mounted on separate Y-axis tracks to move along the same X-axis track. In some embodiments, it is advantageous that linear motors allow three manifolds mounted on three separate Y-axis tracks to move along the same X-axis track.

[0114] In some embodiments, the pipette channel is calibrated for a specific function. In some embodiments, the pipette channel is configured to be shaped or designed for a specific function. In some embodiments, the pipette channel is configured for a specific pathway configuration. The pipette channel governs the pathway in which the pipette channel is located. In some embodiments, two pipette channels coupled to a manifold have the same calibration settings. In some embodiments, two pipette channels connected to a manifold have different calibration settings. In some embodiments, two pipette channels in two or more liquid dispensers have the same calibration settings. In some embodiments, two pipette channels in two or more liquid dispensers have different calibration settings.

[0115] In some embodiments, an advantage is the ability to select between two pipette channels by different volume-related calibration settings. The manifold may include one pipette channel with a selected calibration setting, multiple pipette channels configured with the same selected calibration setting, or multiple pipette channels configured with different selected calibration settings. As an example, a pipette channel may be calibrated to dispense a smaller volume than another pipette channel installed in the same manifold. As another example, a pipette channel may be calibrated to dispense a larger volume than another pipette channel installed in the same manifold. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is installed in a pipette channel configured to dispense 1 mL of liquid. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is installed in a pipette channel configured to dispense 5 mL of liquid. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is installed in a pipette channel configured to dispense 0.5 mL to 1 mL of liquid. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is installed in a pipette channel configured to dispense 1 mL to 5 mL of liquid. Based on the specific liquid dispensing requirements of the manifold-equipped system, multiple pipette channels can be selected and installed into the manifold, each independently configured to dispense a specific volume or a range of volumes.

[0116] In some embodiments, an advantage is the ability to select between two pipette channels with different pressure-related calibration settings. The manifold may include a single pipette channel with a selected calibration setting, multiple pipette channels configured to have the same selected calibration setting, or multiple pipette channels configured with different calibration settings. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is mounted in a pipette channel configured to dispense liquids below 500 mbar. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is mounted in a pipette channel configured to dispense liquids between 250 mbar and 750 mbar. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is mounted in a pipette channel configured to dispense liquids less than 750 mbar. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is mounted in a pipette channel configured to dispense liquids less than 500 mbar. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is mounted in a pipette channel configured to dispense liquids less than 250 mbar. In some embodiments, a pressure is set via a pressure controller. The pressure controller can provide vacuum and pressure to the manifold. The pressure controller can provide instructions to control the vacuum and pressure supplied to the manifold. In some embodiments, gas at the same pressure is supplied to all pipetting channels coupled to a single manifold. For example, the system may include a pressure controller that supplies gas to the manifold and supplies gas at the same pressure to all pipetting channels coupled to the manifold. The pressure controller may vary the pressure of the gas supplied to all pipetting channels coupled to the manifold.

[0117] Figures 65A-65BAn embodiment of manifold 600 is described herein, and its features can be used in combination with any manifold described herein. In some embodiments, manifold 600 is designed to provide gas at a first pressure to a first set of pipette channels coupled to a single manifold, and simultaneously provide gas at a second, different pressure to a second, different set of pipette channels coupled to the same single manifold. Several ways are available to implement the configuration to provide gas at varying pressures. For example, the system may include two or more separate pressure controllers that simultaneously provide gas at different pressures to the same single manifold. Other configurations are possible. Instead of a pressure inlet and a vacuum inlet, multiple pressure inlets and / or multiple vacuum inlets may be provided. For example, in some embodiments, two pressure sources and two vacuum sources are provided, connected to corresponding inlets, such as pressure inlet 602, pressure inlet 604, vacuum inlet 606, and vacuum inlet 608 of manifold 600. Each pressure source is connected to a single pressure channel, and each vacuum source is connected to a single vacuum channel, such that the manifold has two pressure channels 612, 614 and two vacuum channels 616, 618. The manifold is branched so that a first pressure source and a first vacuum source supply gas to a first set of passages in the manifold. A second pressure source and a second vacuum source supply gas to a second, different set of passages in the manifold. The manifold can be divided in various combinations. In some embodiments, pipette passages receiving gas from the same pressure channel and the same vacuum channel are adjacent. The lateral channels for the coordination of the vacuum and pressure channels, namely pressure lateral channel 620 and vacuum lateral channel 622, can be located in the same positions as in other embodiments described herein. The lateral channels 620 and 622 can be located in the same positions regardless of the number or location of the pressure and vacuum channels within the manifold.

[0118] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the manifold includes a first pressure channel that is physically and fluidly isolated from a second pressure channel, both of which are physically and fluidly isolated from a vacuum channel in the manifold. A valve in the pipette channel is coupled to the first pressure channel, the second pressure channel, and the vacuum channel, and is designed to switch between the channels to transfer gas at a first pressure from the first pressure channel, gas at a higher second pressure from the second pressure channel, or gas under vacuum to the dispensing head. In some embodiments, the valve in the pipette channel may be designed to switch between two or more vacuum channels in the manifold. Thus, in some embodiments, the valve in the pipette channel may be designed to switch between three or more channels providing gas under pressure and / or gas under vacuum. In some embodiments, to allow each valve to switch between three channels, the pipette channel includes two solenoid valves located in each pipette channel to dispense gas under pressure or gas under vacuum. The selection of the three gas sources includes, but is not limited to, two pressure sources and one vacuum source; one pressure source and two vacuum sources, etc. For two pressure sources and two vacuum sources, the pipette channels may include three solenoid valves located in each pipette channel to dispense gas under pressure or gas under vacuum. The manifold may be coupled to other types of pressure sources that separately supply gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the valves in the two or more pipette channels. Multiple pipette channels, each independently configured to dispense liquids at different pressures or pressure ranges, may be selected and installed into the manifold based on the specific liquid dispensing requirements of the system in which the manifold is installed.

[0119] In some embodiments, an advantage is the ability to select between two pipette channels using different speed-related calibration settings. The manifold may include a single pipette channel with a selected calibration setting, multiple pipette channels configured to have the same selected calibration setting, or multiple pipette channels configured to have different selected calibration settings. As an example, a pipette channel may include calibration for faster aspiration and dispensing operations (e.g., for high-speed operations) than other pipette channels. As an example, a pipette channel may include calibration for slower aspiration and dispensing operations than other pipette channels.

[0120] In some embodiments, an advantage is the ability to select between two pipette channels by different force-related calibration settings. The manifold may include a single pipette channel with a selected calibration setting, multiple pipette channels configured with the same selected calibration setting, or multiple pipette channels configured with different selected calibration settings. As an example, a pipette channel may be calibrated to engage or disengage the pipette tip with a greater force than another pipette channel mounted in the same manifold. In a non-limiting embodiment, a first pipette channel interacting with one or more samples is configured to engage the pipette tip with a greater force, thereby preventing accidental disengagement of the pipette tip from the tip adapter due to a swab within the sample catheter. In another non-limiting embodiment, a second pipette channel interacting with a reagent in the reagent catheter is configured to engage the pipette tip with a smaller force than the first pipette channel, because the second pipette channel will not interact with objects in the reagent catheter that could accidentally disengage the pipette tip, such as a sample swab.

[0121] In some embodiments, an advantage lies in the ability to select between two pipette channels through different configurations. As an example, the two pipette tips may have different configurations related to different sized pipette tip adapters. The manifold may include one pipette channel with a selected calibration setting, multiple pipette channels configured with the same selected calibration setting, or multiple pipette channels configured with different selected calibration settings. In some embodiments, the two pipette channels may include different tip adapters. As an example, the pipette channel may include a larger tip adapter than the other pipette channel for a larger pipette tip. As another example, the pipette channel may include more features than another, lower-cost pipette channel. As yet another example, the two pipette channels may have pipette modules with different configurations, such as... Figure 35 As shown, the pipette module 320 is installed along the X-axis of the liquid dispenser 300 adjacent to the side 316 of the pipette channel 310.

[0122] In some embodiments, an advantage lies in the ability to design a liquid dispenser configured to accommodate two or more pipette channels with different characteristics, such as, but not limited to, different calibration settings or configurations. In some embodiments, the two or more different pipette channels may have electrical connectors of the same configuration designed to mate with the manifold's electrical connectors. In some embodiments, the two or more different pipette channels may have pneumatic connections of the same configuration. In some embodiments, the two or more different pipette channels may have one or more different dimensions (e.g., height, thickness, width). In some embodiments, the two or more different pipette channels may have different modules. In some embodiments, the two or more different pipette channels may accommodate pipette tips of different sizes. In some embodiments, the two or more different pipette channels may have different tip adapters. In some embodiments, the two or more different pipette channels may be calibrated to dispense fluid in different ways, such as, but not limited to, being calibrated to dispense different volumes of fluid or being calibrated to dispense fluid at different pressures. In some embodiments, the two or more different pipette channels are configured to be accommodated in any passage of the manifold.

[0123] In some embodiments, an advantage is the ability to design manifolds comprising two or more different passages, each configured to accommodate the same pipette channel. In some embodiments, the two or more different passages may have electrical connectors of the same configuration located within the passage. In some embodiments, the two or more different passages may have pneumatic connections of the same configuration. In some embodiments, the two or more different passages may have one or more different dimensions (e.g., height, thickness, width). In some embodiments, an advantage is the ability to design manifolds comprising two or more different passages, each configured to accommodate a pipette channel different from the pipette channels installed in the other passages.

[0124] In some embodiments, an advantage lies in the ability to design systems comprising two or more different liquid dispensers with different manifolds having certain common features and certain different features. In one example, one passage in each of the two or more different manifolds may have an electrical connector with the same configuration located within the passage. In another example, one passage in each of the two or more different manifolds may have a pneumatic connection with the same configuration. In some embodiments, one passage in each of the two or more different manifolds in the same system may have one or more different dimensions (e.g., height, thickness, width).

[0125] In some embodiments, an advantage lies in the ability to design manifolds configured to accommodate a specific number of pipette channels. In one embodiment, the liquid dispenser includes one pipette channel, but may also be configured to include more than one pipette channel. In another embodiment, the liquid dispenser is configured to include only one pipette channel. In another embodiment, the liquid dispenser includes three pipette channels, but may also be configured to include more than three pipette channels. In yet another embodiment, the liquid dispenser is configured to include only three pipette channels. In still another embodiment, the liquid dispenser includes five pipette channels, but may also be configured to include more than five pipette channels. In yet another embodiment, the liquid dispenser is configured to include only five pipette channels.

[0126] In some embodiments, an advantage is the ability to control gas flow via a valve located within the pipette channel. In the illustrated embodiment, the pipette channel includes an independently actuable solenoid valve. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve is a low-pressure solenoid valve. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve is rated less than 30 psi. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve is rated less than 20 psi. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve is rated less than 10 psi. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve is rated between 5 and 10 psi. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve is rated between 1 and 15 psi. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve is rated between 1 psi and 20 psi. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve is optimized for low-pressure applications. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve includes a diaphragm seal. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve includes a flexible seal. In the illustrated embodiment, the solenoid valve is located within the housing of the pipette channel. The solenoid valve is configured to control the flow of gas from the manifold to the module of the pipette channel. The solenoid valve serves as a selector between vacuum and pressure.

[0127] In some embodiments, an advantage is the ability to control aspiration and dispensing operations within the pipette channel. In some embodiments, the module of the pipette channel may include a second valve configured to control aspiration and dispensing operations. This second valve uses pressure and vacuum from a solenoid valve of the pipette channel to control the aspiration or dispensing operation. Advantageously, in some systems described herein, each module installed in a manifold has simultaneous access to pressure. In some systems described herein, each installed module has simultaneous access to vacuum. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a separate air line connecting the module to the solenoid valve of that pipette channel. The air line described herein can receive any suitable gas, such as, but not limited to, ambient air or nitrogen. In the illustrated embodiment, the separate line connecting the module to the solenoid valve is enclosed within a housing of the pipette channel. In some embodiments, this separate line provides pressure and vacuum from the manifold to the module.

[0128] In some embodiments, it is advantageous that each module includes an independent coupling to the manifold. In the illustrated embodiment, each pipette channel includes a single module. In the illustrated embodiment, each module is coupled to a single passage in the manifold. As described herein, each passage may include an independent electrical connection for that module. As described herein, each passage may include an independent pneumatic connection for that module.

[0129] In some embodiments, an advantage lies in the ability to have a system that can be tailored for a specific process. The system described herein can be adapted to laboratory requirements. As an example, the system can be adjusted based on the number of liquid dispensers used. In some embodiments, the system may include one liquid dispenser, two liquid dispensers, three liquid dispensers, four liquid dispensers, five liquid dispensers, six liquid dispensers, seven liquid dispensers, eight liquid dispensers, nine liquid dispensers, ten liquid dispensers, and so on. In some embodiments, each liquid dispenser includes a single manifold. In some embodiments, each manifold includes one or more pipette channels. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a single pipette module.

[0130] The system described herein can be advantageously designed by allowing the user to select the number of liquid dispensers and the number of pipette channels. The two liquid dispensers in the system can have the same number of pipette channels (e.g., a system comprising two liquid dispensers, each with one pipette channel; a system comprising two liquid dispensers, each with two pipette channels; a system comprising two liquid dispensers, each with three pipette channels; a system comprising two liquid dispensers, each with four pipette channels; or a system comprising two liquid dispensers, each with five pipette channels, etc.). The two liquid dispensers in this system can have different numbers of pipette channels (e.g., systems including combinations of liquid dispensers with one pipette channel and liquid dispensers with two, three, four, or five pipette channels; systems including combinations of liquid dispensers with two pipette channels and liquid dispensers with three, four, or five pipette channels; systems including combinations of liquid dispensers with three, four, or five pipette channels; systems including combinations of liquid dispensers with four and five pipette channels, etc.).

[0131] In some embodiments, an advantage is that two or more liquid dispensers in the system can perform the same function. In some usage methods, the two or more liquid dispensers in the system can receive instructions from a processor. The two or more liquid dispensers in the system can receive the same instructions to perform the same method. As an example, the two or more liquid dispensers can move in the same motion pattern. As an example, the two or more liquid dispensers can perform the same method within the same time period. As an example, one or more pipette channels of the two or more liquid dispensers can perform the same aspiration and dispensing operations.

[0132] In some implementations, an advantage is the ability to enable two or more liquid dispensers of the system to perform different functions. The two or more liquid dispensers of the system may receive instructions from a processor. The two or more liquid dispensers of the system may receive different instructions to implement different methods. As an example, one liquid dispenser of the system may interact with one or more biological samples from one or more patients contained in a sample catheter. Another liquid dispenser of the system may interact with one or more reagents contained in a sample catheter. The two or more liquid dispensers of the system may include different calibration settings, as described herein. As an example, the liquid dispenser of the system interacting with one or more biological samples may be calibrated to require a greater force to engage and disengage the pipette tip than the liquid dispenser of the system interacting with one or more reagents. The advantage is that this greater force reduces pipette tip disconnection due to swabs within the sample catheter. In some embodiments, the pipette channel interacting with one or more biological samples may require a force of at least 5 lbs to engage or disengage the pipette tip to a tip adapter. In some embodiments, the pipette channel interacting with one or more biological samples may require a force of at least 10 lbs to engage or disengage the pipette tip to a tip adapter. In some embodiments, the pipette channel interacting with one or more reagents contained in the reagent catheter may require less than 5 pounds of force to engage or disengage the pipette tip from the tip adapter. In some embodiments, the pipette channel interacting with one or more reagents contained in the reagent catheter may require less than 10 pounds of force to engage or disengage the pipette tip from the tip adapter.

[0133] The liquid dispenser described herein can be advantageously tailored for a specific process. In some embodiments, the two pipette channels coupled to the manifold are similar or identical. As an example, two or more pipette channels in the liquid dispenser may perform the functions described herein (e.g., two pipette channels interact with one or more samples in a sample catheter, two pipette channels interact with one or more reagents in a reagent catheter, etc.). As another example, the two or more pipette channels of the liquid dispenser may have the same shape or configuration. As yet another example, the two or more pipette channels of the liquid dispenser may have the same calibration settings.

[0134] In some embodiments, the two pipette channels coupled to the manifold have different characteristics. As an example, the two or more pipette channels of the liquid dispenser may perform different functions (e.g., a pipette channel interacts with one or more samples in a sample catheter, and a pipette channel coupled to the same manifold interacts with one or more reagents in a reagent catheter). As another example, the two or more pipette channels of the liquid dispenser may be configured to have different calibration settings. The pipette channel interacting with one or more biological samples in the sample catheter may be calibrated to engage and disengage the pipette tip with a greater force than the pipette channel of the liquid dispenser interacting with one or more reagents in the reagent catheter. As yet another example, the two or more pipette channels of the liquid dispenser may have different shapes or configurations. As yet another example, the liquid dispenser may have pipette channels for mixing purposes.

[0135] The processor in the system described herein can transmit instructions relating to pipette channels and passages. In some embodiments, the processor transmits instructions to each passage and the component coupled to that passage, independently of instructions transmitted to another passage of the manifold. In some embodiments, the processor transmits instructions simultaneously to two or more passages and the components coupled to those two or more passages. In some embodiments, the system may require identification of each pipette channel installed in the manifold. In some embodiments, the system may require identification of each pipette channel installed in the manifold and the corresponding passage to which each pipette channel is installed.

[0136] In some embodiments, the processor transmits instructions that instruct one or more pipette channels coupled to the manifold to transfer a sample from one container to another. In some embodiments, the instructions employ one of the pipette channels of a liquid dispenser to transfer a reagent from one container to another. The instructions may include: instructions to transfer a sample from a sample container to a reagent holder using a pipette channel; instructions to transfer a sample from a sample container to a microfluidic network using a pipette channel; instructions to guide a sample from a sample container to one or more additional containers using a pipette channel; instructions to contact a pipette tip with a sample; instructions to contact a pipette tip with a reagent; instructions to position a pipette tip in a container; and instructions to disconnect or discard a used pipette tip and engage an unused pipette tip. In various embodiments, the computer program product includes computer-readable instructions thereon for operating one or more liquid dispensers. In some embodiments, the computer program product includes computer-readable instructions thereon for causing the system to perform various aspiration and dispensing operations.

[0137] The liquid dispenser described herein identifies pipette channels coupled to a manifold. In some embodiments, it is advantageous that the liquid dispenser can perform verification and validation of the pipette channels coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, it is advantageous that the liquid dispenser can instruct a single pipette channel among two or more pipette channels based on information obtained during the verification and validation process. In some embodiments, it is advantageous that the liquid dispenser can identify which(s) of the manifold passages have a pipette channel installed in that passage. In some embodiments, it is advantageous that the liquid dispenser can instruct one of two or more passages based on information regarding which(s) have a pipette channel installed in that passage.

[0138] The liquid dispenser described herein advantageously reduces downtime. Downtime may require the system to cease operation and power to be disconnected. Power to the system can be disconnected for any number of reasons, including but not limited to: improper operation of the liquid dispenser (or components thereof); routine maintenance; conversion of a pipette channel installed in the manifold to a pipette channel with different characteristics; or alteration of the calibration settings of a pipette channel already installed in the manifold. As an example, replacing a pipette channel of the liquid dispenser described herein can be done in less than 1 minute. In some uses, replacing a pipette channel of the liquid dispenser can be done in less than 5 minutes. In some uses, replacing a pipette channel of the liquid dispenser can be done in less than 3 minutes. In contrast, replacing a dispensing head in a conventional liquid dispenser may involve connecting and disconnecting pneumatic connections, electrical connections, and / or hardware connections. Replacing a dispensing head in a conventional liquid dispenser can take more than one hour. The advantage is a reduction in downtime of more than 95%. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser described herein is configured to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser described herein is configured to be quickly repaired so that it can operate for nearly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

[0139] In some embodiments, a method of replacing a pipette channel may include loosening one or more fasteners. In some embodiments, the fasteners are two screws. In some embodiments, the two screws are fastening screws. An advantage is that the screws remain in the pipette channel, which prevents screw loss. An advantage is that the screws remaining in the pipette channel prevents the use of incorrect hardware. An advantage is that the fastening screws increase the speed of pipette channel replacement. In some embodiments, a method of replacing a pipette channel may include withdrawing the pipette channel from the manifold. In some embodiments, a method of replacing a pipette channel may include removing one or more pins from the pipette channel in the manifold.

[0140] In some embodiments, a method of replacing a pipette channel may include aligning one or more pins of the replaced pipette channel with a manifold. In some embodiments, the one or more pins comprise two pins. In some embodiments, the one or more pins engage with a corresponding opening of the manifold. In some embodiments, aligning the one or more pins of the replaced pipette channel also aligns one or more electrical connectors of the pipette channel with one or more electrical connectors of the manifold. In some embodiments, the one or more pins extend beyond the electrical connectors of the pipette channel in the y-axis direction. As an example, refer to... Figure 47The advantage is that the pins of the pipette channel engage the manifold before the electrical connector of the pipette channel engages the manifold. The advantage is that the one or more pins prevent damage to the electrical connector. In some embodiments, aligning one or more pins of the replacement pipette channel also aligns one or more pneumatic connections of the pipette channel to the manifold. In some embodiments, aligning one or more pins of the replacement pipette channel also aligns the pressure channel of the manifold within the pressure transverse channel of the pipette channel. In some embodiments, aligning one or more pins of the replacement pipette channel also aligns the vacuum channel of the manifold within the vacuum transverse channel of the pipette channel. In some embodiments, replacing a pipette channel may include pushing the pipette channel toward the manifold. In some embodiments, replacing a pipette channel may include screwing in two screws. In some embodiments, screwing in two screws further includes compressing two or more O-rings. The advantage is that the O-rings enhance the seal between the pressure channel of the manifold and the pressure transverse channel of the pipette channel. The advantage is that the O-rings enhance the seal between the vacuum channel of the manifold and the vacuum transverse channel of the pipette channel.

[0141] The embodiments of the liquid dispenser described herein advantageously allow for the blocking of features in a manifold passage when it is not in use. In some embodiments, when a pipette passage is not installed in the passage, a sealing plate may be disposed in the manifold passage to block or seal features in the passage. The sealing plate may include one or more pins. The sealing plate may include one or more screws. The sealing plate may cover a pneumatic connection of the passage, thereby closing or sealing the pneumatic connection. The sealing plate may cover one or more electrical connectors of the passage. The advantage is that the sealing plate prevents damage to features in the passage when they are not in use. In some applications, the sealing plate is installed for prototyping. In some applications, the sealing plate is installed for troubleshooting. In some applications, the sealing plate may be installed to determine whether other passages of the manifold are in operation. In some applications, one or more sealing plates may be installed to isolate passages.

[0142] The system described herein enables the liquid dispenser to be easily and quickly reconfigured. As an example, if one or more pipette channels are inoperable, the liquid dispenser can be reconfigured. In some embodiments, a sealing plate can be used in place of one or more pipette channels. The sealing plate limits pressure loss in the manifold's pressure channels. The sealing plate limits vacuum loss in the manifold's vacuum channels. The sealing plate enables operation of a liquid dispenser with one or more remaining pipette channels.

[0143] In some embodiments, an advantage is the ability to rearrange the remaining pipette channels relative to the manifold. In some embodiments, two or more pipette channels perform different functions. An advantage is that the user can remove the pipette channel performing the function and replace it with a sealing plate. An advantage is that the user can move the pipette channel performing the first function to another location, such as another passage of the manifold, to perform a second different function.

[0144] In some embodiments of the pipette channel described herein, the O-ring is captive. This has the advantage of keeping the O-ring within the pipette channel, preventing its loss. Another advantage is that retaining the O-ring within the pipette channel prevents the use of incorrectly sized O-rings. The captive O-ring also increases the speed of pipette channel replacement. In some embodiments, the pipette channel includes a dovetail-groove O-ring recess. In some embodiments, the diameter of the opening of the O-ring recess is smaller than the diameter of the O-ring. In some embodiments, the opening of the O-ring recess includes one or more tapered protrusions that engage with the larger diameter of the O-ring once it is positioned within the O-ring recess.

[0145] The system described herein significantly reduces the likelihood of incorrect connection of the electrical connector between the pipette channel and the manifold, and reduces the risk of damage to the electrical connector. In the illustrated embodiment, when the pins of the pipette channel are aligned, the electrical connector of the pipette channel automatically aligns with the electrical connector of the manifold.

[0146] In some embodiments, the advantage is a significant reduction in the likelihood of incorrectly connecting pipette channels to a power source. In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold connects to one or more external sources (e.g., an Ethernet connector, a power connector, a pipette connectivity connector). In the illustrated embodiment, one or more pipette channels are connected to an external source via the manifold. In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold includes an internal system for assigning these connections to each of the pipette channels. In contrast, conventional liquid dispensers may include separate power sources for each dispensing tip or pipette. For example, a conventional liquid dispenser with five pipettes may have five or more separate power sources. During installation or repair, these separate power sources may be connected to the wrong pipette or not connected to any pipette. The advantage is a reduction in the likelihood of incorrectly connecting a power source to one or more pipette channels.

[0147] In some embodiments, the advantage is that it greatly reduces the possibility of incorrectly connecting the pneumatic connection between the pipette channel and the manifold. In the illustrated embodiment, when the pins of the pipette channel are aligned, the pneumatic connection of the pipette channel automatically aligns with the manifold. In the illustrated embodiment, when the pins of the pipette channel are aligned, the pressure transverse channel of the pipette channel automatically aligns with the pressure channel of the manifold. In the illustrated embodiment, when the pins of the pipette channel are aligned, the vacuum transverse channel of the pipette channel automatically aligns with the vacuum channel of the manifold.

[0148] In some embodiments, the advantage lies in significantly reducing the likelihood of incorrect pneumatic source connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold connects to one or more external gas sources (e.g., via an inlet pressure port and an inlet vacuum port). In the illustrated embodiment, one or more pipette channels are connected to pressure and vacuum via the manifold. In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold includes an internal system for distributing pressure and vacuum to each of the pipette channels. In contrast, conventional liquid dispensers may include separate pneumatic sources independently connected to each dispensing head or pipette. For example, a conventional liquid dispenser with five pipettes may have five separate pressure sources and / or five separate vacuum sources. During installation or repair, these separate pneumatic sources may be connected to the wrong pipette or not connected to any pipette. The advantage is a reduced likelihood of incorrectly connecting a pneumatic source to one or more pipette channels.

[0149] The system described herein has the advantage of allowing pre-assembled modular pipette channels to be provided to end users. In the illustrated embodiment, the pipette channel surrounds a solenoid valve that controls whether pressurized or vacuum gas is supplied to the module of the pipette channel. In the illustrated embodiment, the pipette channel surrounds a second valve, such as a solenoid valve, to control aspiration and dispensing operations within the module. In some embodiments, it is advantageous that the pre-assembled modular pipette channel can be returned to the manufacturer. Advantageously, the system described herein enables troubleshooting of faulty or non-functional pipette channels separated from the manifold. In some cases, troubleshooting can be performed on pipette channels that have been removed from the manifold while aspiration and dispensing operations continue with the remaining pipette channels installed in the manifold. In a non-limiting example, a faulty or non-functional pipette channel is removed from the manifold in one minute or less, and a new pipette channel (or endplate) is installed in the currently empty passage of the manifold in one minute or less. Therefore, in some implementations of the system described herein, the liquid dispenser may experience downtime of 2 minutes or less to replace a faulty or non-functional pipetting channel.

Claims

1. A liquid dispenser, characterized in that... include: A manifold includes a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and multiple passages, each passage including an electrical connector, a pressure port to the pressure channel, and a vacuum port to the vacuum channel; as well as One or more pipette channels, each capable of independently controlling aspiration and / or dispensing operations, each pipette channel including a single dispensing tip and configured to be coupled to the electrical connector, the pressure port, and the vacuum port of any one of the plurality of channels.

2. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pipette channel includes a valve configured to selectively dispense pressurized gas and vacuum gas from the pressure port and vacuum port, respectively, to the individual dispensing head.

3. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the one or more pipette channels is coupled to one of the plurality of passages, and wherein, for each pipette channel, the operation of the valve is independently controlled by a signal transmitted to the valve through the electrical connector in the one passage to which the pipette channel is coupled.

4. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pipette channel includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion does not move relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold, and the second portion moves relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold.

5. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pipette channel includes a corresponding electrical connector, a corresponding pressure port, and a corresponding vacuum port.

6. The liquid dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that, The corresponding electrical connector, the corresponding pressure port, and the corresponding vacuum port of any pipette channel are configured to be coupled to the electrical connector, the pressure port, and the vacuum port of any one of the plurality of channels, respectively.

7. The liquid dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port of one or more pipette channels are coupled to the manifold, the corresponding electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port of the one or more pipette channels do not move relative to the manifold.

8. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, comprising a plurality of pipette channels, wherein each of the plurality of channels is configured to be coupled to any one of the plurality of pipette channels.

9. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure channel and the vacuum channel are physically and fluidly isolated from each other within the manifold.

10. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The manifold includes a single pressure channel and a single vacuum channel.

11. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pipette channel is configured to selectively couple and disconnect with the electrical connector, the pressure port, and the vacuum port of any of the plurality of channels.

12. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of pathways is transverse to the orientation of the pressure channel.

13. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of pathways is transverse to the orientation of the vacuum channel.

14. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more pipette channels include a plurality of pipette channels, wherein at least one of the plurality of pipette channels is coupled to one of the plurality of pathways, and wherein at least one of the plurality of pathways is not coupled to a pipette channel among the plurality of pipette channels.

15. The liquid dispenser of claim 14, further comprising a housing configured to seal the pressure port and the vacuum port of at least one passage of the plurality of pipette channels not coupled to the pipette channels.

16. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, comprising only one pipette channel, wherein the pipette channel is coupled to one of the plurality of channels, and wherein each of the remaining channels of the plurality of channels is not coupled to the pipette channel.

17. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each passage includes a single port to the pressure passage and a single port to the vacuum passage.

18. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, comprising a first pipette channel coupled to a first channel of the plurality of channels and a second pipette channel coupled to a second channel of the plurality of channels, wherein a single dispensing head of the first pipette channel aspirates fluid while a single dispensing head of the second pipette channel dispenses fluid.

19. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more pipette channels include two pipette channels having different calibration settings related to the pressure of the gas in the dispensing head during aspiration and dispensing operations.

20. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more pipette channels include two pipette channels having different calibration settings related to the volume of fluid aspirated and dispensed during aspiration and dispensing operations.

21. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more pipette channels include two pipette channels having different calibration settings related to the speed of aspiration and dispensing operations.

22. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more pipette channels include a plurality of pipette channels, wherein at least two of the plurality of pipette channels are identical.

23. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more pipette channels include a plurality of pipette channels, wherein at least two of the plurality of pipette channels are different.

24. The liquid dispenser according to claim 23, characterized in that, At least two different pipette channels have one or more different sizes.

25. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pipette channel includes a valve operable to control the flow rate of gas within each pipette channel.

26. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pipette channel includes a valve operable to control the aspiration and dispensing operations of the individual dispensing head within the pipette channel.

27. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the one or more pipette channels is selectively and independently coupled to the manifold.

28. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure channel includes a first end and a second end terminating at an inlet pressure port, wherein the inlet pressure port is connected to an external source of gas under pressure, and the vacuum channel includes a first end and a second end terminating at an inlet vacuum port, wherein the inlet vacuum port is connected to an external source of gas under vacuum.

29. The liquid dispenser according to claim 28, characterized in that, The manifold receives gas under pressure and gas under vacuum only through the pressure inlet port and the vacuum inlet port, respectively.

30. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical connector of each of the plurality of pathways is configured to transmit an electrical signal from the manifold to a pipette channel, and each pipette channel is configured to be excited by the electrical signal transmitted from the manifold independently of any other pipette channel coupled to the manifold when coupled to the manifold.

31. The liquid dispenser according to claim 30, characterized in that, Each of the one or more pipette channels is coupled to the manifold, and each of the one or more pipette channels receives control signals and electrical signals only through the electrical connector of the passage on which the corresponding pipette channel is coupled.

32. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one pipette channel further includes a magnetic brake.

33. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, comprising a plurality of pipetting channels coupled to the manifold, wherein the pressure channel supplies gas under pressure to all pipetting channels coupled to the manifold at the same pressure.

34. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, comprising a plurality of pipetting channels coupled to the manifold, wherein the vacuum channel supplies gas under vacuum to all pipetting channels coupled to the manifold at the same pressure.

35. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, comprising a plurality of pipette channels coupled to the manifold, wherein the manifold is operable to supply gas under pressure to a first set of pipette channels at a first pressure, and simultaneously supply gas to a second different set of pipette channels at a second different pressure.

36. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pipette channel is configured to be selectively installed into the manifold via two screws.

37. The liquid dispenser according to claim 36, characterized in that, The two screws are fastened to the pipette channel.

38. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one pipette channel includes one or more pins configured to align with one or more openings of the manifold.

39. The liquid dispenser according to claim 38, characterized in that, Before the electrical connector engages the pipette channel, the one or more pins engage the one or more openings of the manifold.

40. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pipette channel includes one or more O-rings configured to provide a seal between each pipette channel and the manifold.

41. The liquid dispenser according to claim 40, characterized in that, The one or more O-rings are captured in the dovetail groove in each pipette channel.

42. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more pipette channels include a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold.

43. The liquid dispenser according to claim 42, characterized in that, The first pipette channel includes a calibration setting for dispensing that differs from that of the second pipette channel.

44. The liquid dispenser according to claim 42, characterized in that, The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel have different dispensing heads.

45. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a sealing plate configured to close one port of the pressure passage to the manifold and one port of the vacuum passage to the manifold.

46. ​​The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pipette channel includes a valve configured to selectively distribute gas under vacuum and gas under pressure from the vacuum port and the pressure port, respectively, to the individual dispensing head, wherein each pipette channel further includes a conduit having a first end terminating at the valve and a second end terminating at the dispensing head, and wherein the conduit is configured to transfer gas from the valve to the dispensing head.

47. The liquid dispenser according to claim 46, characterized in that, The conduit is the only pneumatic connection between the valve and the dispensing head.

48. The liquid dispenser according to claim 46, characterized in that, The catheter is configured to bend as the dispensing head moves vertically relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold.

49. The liquid dispenser according to claim 46, characterized in that, When the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold, the valve does not move vertically relative to the manifold, and the conduit is configured to bend within the housing of the pipette channel when the dispensing head moves vertically relative to the manifold.

50. The liquid dispenser according to claim 46, characterized in that, The conduit and the valve are enclosed in a first housing of the pipette channel, and the dispensing head is coupled to a second housing of the pipette channel that encloses the second valve.

51. The liquid dispenser according to claim 46, characterized in that, The catheter is enclosed within the outer shell of the pipette channel.

52. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pipette channel includes a valve configured to selectively distribute gas under vacuum and gas under pressure from the vacuum port and the pressure port, respectively, to the single dispensing head, and wherein each pipette channel further includes a second valve configured to move together with the dispensing head when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold.

53. The liquid dispenser according to claim 52, characterized in that, The operation of each second valve is regulated independently of any other second valve by a control signal transmitted from the manifold.

54. The liquid dispenser according to claim 52, characterized in that, The second valve is configured to control the suction and dispensing operations of the dispensing head.

55. The liquid dispenser according to claim 52, characterized in that, The second valve is a solenoid valve.

56. The liquid dispenser according to claim 52, characterized in that, The second valve is configured to control the amount of liquid drawn or dispensed by the dispensing head.

57. The liquid dispenser according to claim 52, characterized in that, The second valve is configured to control the timing of the liquid drawn or dispensed by the dispensing head.

58. The liquid dispenser according to claim 52, characterized in that, Each second valve is activated independently of any other second valve by an electrical signal transmitted from the manifold.

59. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pipette channel includes a valve configured to selectively distribute pressurized gas and vacuum gas from the pressure port and the vacuum port, respectively, to the single dispensing head, and wherein each valve is a three-way solenoid valve.

60. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pipette channel is configured to be coupled to and disconnected from the manifold independently of another pipette channel coupled to the manifold.

61. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more pipette channels include a plurality of pipette channels coupled to the manifold, wherein each dispensing tip in the plurality of pipette channels is movable vertically relative to the manifold independently of another dispensing tip coupled to the manifold.

62. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more pipette channels are modular.

63. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more pipette channels include multiple identical pipette channels.

64. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more pipette channels include a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold, wherein the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel are calibrated to aspirate and dispense a certain volume of liquid, and wherein the first pipette channel includes a volume calibration setting that is different from the volume calibration setting of the second pipette channel.

65. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more pipette channels include a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold, wherein the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel are calibrated to aspirate and dispense liquid at a certain pressure, and wherein the first pipette channel includes a pressure calibration setting that is different from the pressure calibration setting of the second pipette channel.

66. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more pipette channels include a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel, each of the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel including a corresponding pressure port and a corresponding vacuum port, wherein the corresponding pressure port and the corresponding vacuum port of the first pipette channel have the same orientation as the corresponding pressure port and the corresponding vacuum port of the second pipette channel.

67. The liquid dispenser according to claim 66, characterized in that, The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel have one or more different sizes.

68. The liquid dispenser according to claim 66, characterized in that, The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel perform different functions simultaneously.

69. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid dispenser has three pipetting channels coupled to the manifold.

70. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid dispenser has five pipetting channels coupled to the manifold.

71. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, When each dispensing head is coupled to the manifold via its corresponding pipette channel, the dispensing head is able to move independently in the vertical direction relative to the manifold.

72. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pipette channel includes a pipette tip sensor configured to detect whether the pipette tip engages with the dispensing head.

73. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pipette channel includes a sensor configured to sense when the vertical movement of the dispensing head is obstructed.

74. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising two or more pipette channels coupled to the manifold, wherein each valve in the two or more pipette channels is configured to be independently actuated to selectively transfer gas under pressure or under vacuum from the manifold to each dispensing head.

75. A system for liquid dispensing, characterized in that... include: Manifolds, which include: Pressure channel Vacuum channel, A pressure sub-channel, which begins at the pressure channel and terminates at the outer surface of the manifold. A vacuum subchannel that begins at the vacuum channel and terminates at the outer surface of the manifold; A pipette channel coupled to the manifold, the pipette channel comprising: Single allocation header, A pressure port, configured to receive pressurized gas from the pressure sub-channel of the manifold. A vacuum port, configured to receive vacuum gas from the vacuum sub-channel of the manifold, and A valve, which is in fluid communication with both the pressure port and the vacuum port, is operable to selectively transfer gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the distribution head. The pipette channels are configured to independently control aspiration and / or dispensing operations; and An electrical connection is configured to transmit control signals from the manifold to the pipette channel, thereby specifically regulating the operation of the valve by means of the control signals transmitted from the manifold.

76. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 75, further comprising a second pipette channel not coupled to the manifold, wherein the second pipette channel is identical to the pipette channel coupled to the manifold.

77. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 75, further comprising a second pipette channel not coupled to the manifold, wherein the second pipette channel is different from the pipette channel coupled to the manifold.

78. A system for liquid dispensing, characterized in that... include: Manifolds, which include: Pressure channel Vacuum channel, Multiple pressure transverse channels, each pressure transverse channel starting at the pressure channel and terminating at the surface of the manifold, and Multiple vacuum transverse channels, each vacuum transverse channel beginning at the vacuum channel and terminating at the surface of the manifold; and Multiple pipette channels, each of the multiple pipette channels including: Single allocation header, A pressure port, configured to receive pressurized gas from a pressure transverse channel, and A vacuum port, configured to receive gas under vacuum from a vacuum transverse channel. Each of the plurality of pipette channels is configured to be selectively and independently coupled to the manifold; and Each of the plurality of pipette channels is configured to independently control aspiration and / or dispensing operations.

79. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 78, characterized in that... The pressure channel and the vacuum channel are physically and fluidly isolated from each other within the manifold.

80. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 79, characterized in that... Each of the plurality of pipette channels includes a valve.

81. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 80, comprising three pipette channels.

82. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 80, comprising five pipette channels.

83. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 80 further includes a pipette tip sensor configured to detect whether a pipette tip engages with the dispensing head.

84. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 80, further comprising a sealing plate configured to close a pressure lateral passage and a vacuum lateral passage of the manifold not coupled to a pipetting channel.

85. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 78, characterized in that... Each of the plurality of pipette channels includes a valve configured to selectively distribute pressurized gas and vacuum gas from the pressure port and the vacuum port, respectively, to the individual dispensing head.

86. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 85, further comprising one or more components configured to provide a seal between each of the plurality of pipette channels and the manifold.

87. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 86, further comprising the plurality of pipette channels and an electrical connector on the manifold.

88. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 87, characterized in that... When each of the plurality of pipette channels is coupled to the manifold, the individual dispensing head of each of the plurality of pipette channels is movable.

89. A system for liquid dispensing, characterized in that... include: Manifolds, which include: Pressure channel Vacuum channel, Multiple pressure transverse channels, each pressure transverse channel starting at the pressure channel and terminating at the surface of the manifold, and Multiple vacuum transverse channels, each vacuum transverse channel beginning at the vacuum channel and terminating at the surface of the manifold; and Two or more pipette channels, each of the two or more pipette channels comprising: Single allocation header, A pressure port, configured to receive pressurized gas from a pressure transverse channel, and A vacuum port, configured to receive gas under vacuum from a vacuum transverse channel. When a corresponding pipette channel of the two or more pipette channels is coupled to the manifold, the pressure port and the vacuum port of the corresponding pipette channel of the two or more pipette channels have a fixed relationship with the manifold, and the aspiration and dispensing operations of the two or more pipette channels are configured to occur independently.

90. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 89, characterized in that... The manifold includes a single pressure channel and a single vacuum channel.

91. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 89, characterized in that... Each of the two or more pipette channels includes a first valve and a second valve.

92. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 89 further includes a sensor configured to sense when vertical movement of the individual dispensing head is obstructed.

93. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 89 further includes an electrical connector at the interface between the manifold and the corresponding pipette channel.

94. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 89, characterized in that... The individual dispensing head of each of the two or more pipette channels is movable relative to the pressure port and the vacuum port.

95. A system for liquid dispensing, characterized in that... include: Manifolds, which include: Pressure channel Vacuum channel, Multiple pressure transverse channels, each pressure transverse channel starting at the pressure channel and terminating at the surface of the manifold, and Multiple vacuum transverse channels, each vacuum transverse channel beginning at the vacuum channel and terminating at the surface of the manifold; and Multiple pipette channels, each of the multiple pipette channels including: Single allocation header, A pressure port, configured to receive pressurized gas from a pressure transverse channel, and A vacuum port, configured to receive gas under vacuum from a vacuum transverse channel. Each of the plurality of pipette channels is configured to be coupled to any one of the plurality of pressure lateral channels, and The aspiration and dispensing operations of the multiple pipette channels are configured to occur independently.

96. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 95, characterized in that... Each of the plurality of pipette channels includes a valve configured to dispense gas under pressure or under vacuum into the individual dispensing head.

97. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 95, characterized in that... Each of the plurality of pipette channels is independently coupled to the manifold.

98. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 95, characterized in that... The individual dispensing head is configured to move relative to another portion of the pipette channel.

99. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 95 further includes a pipette tip sensor configured to detect whether a pipette tip is engaged.

100. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 95, further comprising a sealing plate configured to close a pressure transverse channel among the plurality of pressure transverse channels and a vacuum transverse channel among the plurality of vacuum transverse channels.

101. The system for liquid dispensing according to claim 95, further comprising an electrical connector configured to allow transmission of control signals.

102. A liquid dispenser, characterized in that... include: A manifold includes a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and multiple passages, each passage including an electrical connector, a pressure port to the pressure channel, and a vacuum port to the vacuum channel; and One or more pipette channels, each of the one or more pipette channels including a single dispensing tip, and each of the one or more pipette channels being detachably coupled to the electrical connector, the pressure port, and the vacuum port of one of the plurality of channels, and the single dispensing tip of each of the one or more pipette channels being movable relative to the manifold independently of another dispensing tip coupled to the manifold for independent aspiration and / or dispensing operations.

103. The liquid dispenser according to claim 102, characterized in that... Each of the one or more pipette channels includes a valve configured to dispense gas under pressure or under vacuum into the single dispensing head.

104. The liquid dispenser according to claim 102, characterized in that... Each of the one or more pipette channels includes a first portion that is immovable relative to the manifold and a second portion that includes the single dispensing head that is movable relative to the manifold.

105. The liquid dispenser of claim 102, comprising a plurality of pipette channels, wherein each of the plurality of channels is configured to be coupled to any one of the plurality of pipette channels.

106. The liquid dispenser of claim 102, comprising a plurality of pipetting channels, a first pipetting channel coupled to a first channel of the plurality of channels, and a second pipetting channel coupled to a second channel of the plurality of channels, wherein the single dispensing tip of the first pipetting channel aspirates fluid while dispensing fluid through the single dispensing tip of the second pipetting channel.

107. The liquid dispenser according to claim 102, characterized in that... The one or more pipette channels include a plurality of pipette channels, and at least two of the plurality of pipette channels have different heights, thicknesses or widths.

108. The liquid dispenser according to claim 102, characterized in that... Each of the one or more pipette channels is independently coupled to the manifold.

109. The liquid dispenser according to claim 102, characterized in that... Each of the one or more pipette channels includes a valve configured to dispense gas under vacuum or under pressure to the single dispensing head.

110. A liquid dispenser, characterized in that... include: A manifold includes a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and multiple passages, each passage including an electrical connector, a pressure port to the pressure channel, and a vacuum port to the vacuum channel; and One or more pipette channels, each of the one or more pipette channels including a single dispensing tip, and each of the one or more pipette channels being detachably coupled to the electrical connector, the pressure port, and the vacuum port of a separate channel of the plurality of channels, and the single dispensing tip of each of the one or more pipette channels being movable independently relative to the manifold for independent aspiration and / or dispensing operations.

111. The liquid dispenser according to claim 110, characterized in that... Each of the one or more pipette channels includes a valve configured to dispense gas under pressure or under vacuum into the single dispensing head.

112. The liquid dispenser according to claim 110, characterized in that... Each of the one or more pipette channels includes a first portion that is immovable relative to the manifold and a second portion that includes the single dispensing head that is movable relative to the manifold.

113. The liquid dispenser of claim 110, comprising a plurality of pipette channels, wherein each of the plurality of channels is configured to be coupled to any one of the plurality of pipette channels.

114. The liquid dispenser of claim 110, comprising a plurality of pipette channels, a first pipette channel of the one or more pipette channels being coupled to a first passage of the plurality of passages, and a second pipette channel of the one or more pipette channels being coupled to a second passage of the plurality of passages, and the single dispensing tip of the first pipette channel simultaneously aspirates fluid while dispensing fluid through the single dispensing tip of the second pipette channel.

115. The liquid dispenser according to claim 110, characterized in that... The one or more pipette channels include a plurality of pipette channels, and at least two of the plurality of pipette channels have different heights, thicknesses or widths.

116. The liquid dispenser according to claim 110, characterized in that... Each of the one or more pipette channels is independently coupled to the manifold.

117. The liquid dispenser according to claim 110, characterized in that... Each pipette channel includes a valve configured to dispense gas under vacuum or under pressure to the individual dispensing head.

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