Liquid transfer

Abstract

A liquid transfer device (1) comprises: a reservoir (40) for containing a liquid; a dispenser (20) for dispensing the liquid; a pump (30) for pressurizing the liquid; a housing (10) for accommodating a portion of the reservoir and the pump; and a controller (50) for driving the dispenser and the pump. The liquid transfer device is arranged to operate in:-a first mode in which the liquid transfer device generates individual droplets of liquid only using the dispenser, or-a second mode in which the liquid transfer device generates a flow of liquid only using the pump, or-a third mode in which the liquid transfer device generates a flow of liquid only using the pump. The liquid transfer device generates a jet of liquid droplets using both the dispenser and the pump.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to liquid transfer, such as liquid transfer in an analytical instrument. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a liquid transfer device for transferring a liquid, for example, from a container to an analytical instrument. Background Art

[0002] In many scientific and technological fields, it is desirable to transfer a known quantity of liquid from a first location to a second location, such as from a sample reservoir to an analytical instrument. Such instruments can be, for example, spectrometers. There are various types of spectrometers, such as mass spectrometers and optical spectrometers. The required liquid volume, flow rate, and type of liquid delivery (droplets, drips, streams, jets) vary significantly between different types of analytical instruments.

[0003] In some applications, it is desirable to transfer the liquid in a dispersed form. Depending on the required flow rate, the liquid transfer can be in the form of a specific number of individual monodisperse droplets or a continuous stream of droplets. Similar requirements also arise when preparing particulate matter by dispersion and desolvation of solutions (e.g., in the chemical and biochemical industries).

[0004] U.S. Patent No. US 9,892,900 (Thermo Fisher Scientific) discloses a liquid injection device that is capable of loading a liquid containing a sample and ejecting at least some of the liquid containing the sample in the form of droplets or a jet that subsequently breaks up into droplets.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. US 3,902,083 discloses a pulsed droplet ejection system that includes an electroacoustic transducer coupled to a liquid.

[0006] The devices of the prior art have the following disadvantages: Generally, many different devices are required to provide many different liquid transfer rates. Sometimes, the required liquid transfer rate is extremely low, about a few microliters per minute (μL / min), which usually requires special equipment.

[0007] Liquid transfer can not only involve transferring a liquid from a container to an analytical device, but also involve transferring a liquid between various types of containers or surfaces. Thus, liquid transfer can involve transferring a liquid from a first container to a second container by withdrawing a fluid from the first container and depositing the fluid in the second container, the containers being spaced apart and not connected by a fluid conduit. For this type of liquid transfer, a manually operated pipette has traditionally been used. However, a manually operated pipette is time-consuming and may not achieve the required accuracy, especially for small volumes and low flow rates. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To overcome these and other problems of the prior art, the present disclosure provides a liquid transfer device for transferring a liquid, the liquid transfer device comprising:

[0009] - A reservoir for containing the liquid,

[0010] - A dispenser for dispensing the liquid,

[0011] - A pump for pressurizing the liquid,

[0012] - A housing for accommodating the pump, and

[0013] - A controller for driving the dispenser and the pump, wherein the liquid transfer device is arranged to operate in the following modes:

[0014] - A first mode, in which the liquid transfer device uses only the dispenser to produce individual liquid droplets, or

[0015] - A second mode, in which the liquid transfer device uses only the pump to produce a liquid stream, or

[0016] - A third mode, in which the liquid transfer device uses both the dispenser and the pump to produce a jet of liquid droplets.

[0017] By combining the dispenser and the pump in a single liquid transfer device and by allowing the dispenser and the pump to be used either combinatorially or individually, a range of liquid transfer modes and / or liquid transfer volumes can be provided by a single device.

[0018] Thus, the liquid transfer device can engage only the dispenser to produce individual droplets. Similarly, the liquid transfer device can engage only the pump to produce a liquid stream. By engaging both the dispenser and the pump, the liquid transfer device can produce a jet of droplets. Thus, the controller can be configured to engage the dispenser and / or the pump, for example, in response to a suitable control signal. The controller can also be configured to cause the dispenser and / or the pump to produce different liquid delivery speeds. The liquid transfer device can be configured such that the dispenser and the pump operate on the same reservoir and thus on the same body of liquid.

[0019] Although the reservoir or receptacle can have various shapes, the reservoir or receptacle can be elongate. A substantially elongate shape allows the reservoir to be accessed by various components of the liquid transfer device, such as the dispenser and the pump. In some embodiments, only a portion of the reservoir can be elongate. In some embodiments, the reservoir can be constituted by a conduit or capillary. Thus, a conduit for transferring liquid within the device can also be used for storing liquid.

[0020] The reservoir can extend through the dispenser to the pump and optionally into the pump. Thus, the reservoir can extend from its open end at one end of the dispenser to the opposite end of the dispenser where the pump is located. The reservoir can then extend further into the pump and, in some embodiments, even through the pump. Although the reservoir can be straight, the reservoir can include at least one curve in its longitudinal direction. The diameter of the reservoir can be substantially constant or variable. For example, the diameter of the reservoir at or in the pump can be greater than the diameter at or in the dispenser.

[0021] The reservoir can have a nozzle at the end of the dispenser. The nozzle can be formed to produce droplets, streams, or jets of a desired size. At least a portion of the reservoir can be received in the housing.

[0022] The dispenser can be a piezoelectric dispenser, preferably a front-loaded piezoelectric dispenser. However, other types of dispensers can also be used, such as electromechanical dispensers.

[0023] The pump can be configured to alternately provide overpressure and underpressure. This allows the device to suck in and dispense liquid. The pump can be a displacement pump, preferably an air displacement pump. The pump can be arranged as a metering pump for metering liquid transfer.

[0024] The pump can be a piezoelectric pump. However, other types of pumps can also be used, such as pumps provided with a conventional type of motor configured to provide rotation and / or translation.

[0025] The liquid transfer device can further include a flow meter disposed between the dispenser and the pump. In some embodiments, the flow meter can be disposed in the dispenser.

[0026] The liquid transfer device can further include an orifice for supplying liquid to the reservoir, the orifice preferably being provided with a valve. In addition to the open end or the nozzle, such an orifice also allows liquid to be supplied to the reservoir without using the nozzle.

[0027] The reservoir can have an outer diameter of less than 2 mm, preferably about 1 mm. However, an outer diameter greater than 2 mm is also possible, such as greater than 5 mm or greater than 10 mm.

[0028] The reservoir can have a nozzle with an inner diameter in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm, preferably in the range of 30 μm to 100 μm. However, depending on the specific application, nozzles with larger inner diameters can also be used. Thus, nozzles with an inner diameter greater than 100 μm can be used, such as greater than 0.5 mm or greater than 1.0 mm.

[0029] The liquid transfer device can be a handheld device. Thus, the size and weight of the device can be selected in such a way that the device can be operated while being held. The liquid transfer device can have a weight of less than about 100 g, preferably less than about 50 g, for example less than about 30 g. This allows the liquid transfer device to be easily used as a handheld device. As described above, a liquid transfer device with a low weight (mass) can also be advantageously used, for example, in an autosampler or for a movable arm, such as a robotic arm.

[0030] The liquid transfer device can have a length of less than about 25 cm, preferably less than about 20 cm, more preferably less than about 15 cm. The liquid transfer device can have a cross-section (or thickness) of less than about 7.5 cm, preferably less than about 5 cm, more preferably less than 3 cm.

[0031] The liquid transfer device can further include a controller and / or a driver for controlling and / or driving at least one of the dispenser and the pump. The controller can be configured to activate at least one of the dispenser and the pump in response to a control input.

[0032] The liquid transfer device can further include a battery, such as a rechargeable battery, for powering the dispenser, the pump, the driver, and / or the controller. However, the liquid transfer device can also be powered by an external power source via a cable.

[0033] The present disclosure also provides a software program product that allows a processor to control the pump and / or the driver of the liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0034] The present disclosure additionally provides an analysis system that includes at least one liquid transfer device as described above. The analysis system can include a spectrometer and an optional autosampler. The spectrometer can be a mass spectrometer or an optical spectrometer. Thus, the present disclosure also provides a spectrometer, such as a mass spectrometer or an optical spectrometer, that includes a liquid transfer device as described above.

[0035] The present disclosure also provides the use of the liquid transfer device as described above. Description of the Drawings

[0036] Figures 1A to 1C A cross-sectional view schematically showing an exemplary embodiment of a liquid transfer device according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view schematically showing another exemplary embodiment of a liquid transfer device according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 3A andFigure 3B Schematically shows the exterior of an embodiment of a liquid transfer device according to the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Schematically shows side and front views of a loading station including a liquid transfer device according to the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 Schematically shows a perspective view of an autosampler including a liquid transfer device according to the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 Schematically shows a method according to the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0042] The present disclosure provides a liquid transfer device for transferring a liquid, for example, from a vial to an analytical instrument (such as a spectrometer), or between vials, or between analytical instruments. The liquid transfer device of the present disclosure can additionally or alternatively be used in an autosampler and / or a loading station. The liquid transfer device of the present disclosure can be a handheld device and / or can be incorporated into an analytical system, such as an analytical system including a mass spectrometer or an optical spectrometer, and / or an analytical system including an autosampler and / or a loading station.

[0043] It will be apparent from the following description that the synergistic action of a piezoelectric dispenser and a pump is utilized to provide a liquid transfer device that can be used at a wide range of fluid delivery rates.

[0044] The liquid transfer device is arranged to operate in the following modes: a first mode in which the liquid transfer device generates individual liquid droplets using only the dispenser, or a second mode in which the liquid transfer device generates a liquid stream using only the pump, or a third mode in which the liquid transfer device generates a liquid droplet jet using both the dispenser and the pump.

[0045] Although the following description relates to a liquid transfer device having a single reservoir, a single dispenser, and a single pump, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Thus, the liquid transfer device according to the present disclosure can include two, three, or more reservoirs. A single dispenser and a single pump can transfer the liquid of two or more reservoirs. Alternatively or additionally, two or more dispensers and / or two or more pumps can transfer the liquid of a single reservoir. Thus, in some embodiments having multiple reservoirs, each reservoir can be provided with a dedicated dispenser and a dedicated pump.

[0046] In Figure 1A an exemplary embodiment of a liquid transfer device according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. Figure 1AThe liquid transfer device 1 includes a housing 10, a dispenser 20, a pump 30, a reservoir 40, a driver 50, a battery 60, and a controller 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir or receiver 40 is elongated and may be constituted by a capillary. Figure 1A The reservoir 40 of the is provided with a tapered section 42 near its open end 41. This tapered section 42 is used to provide a narrow liquid flow (liquid droplets, streams or jets), while allowing the reservoir to have sufficient capacity as the reservoir is wider over most of its length. It should be noted that the opposite end 43 of the reservoir 40 is closed in some embodiments, but may be open in other embodiments. In Figure 1A the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the reservoir 40 is received in the housing 10. Additionally, in this exemplary embodiment, the pump 30, the driver 50, and the battery 60 are received in the housing 10.

[0047] Figure 1A The dispenser 20 of the is also tapered. Specifically, Figure 1A the dispenser 20 has a frustoconical shape. However, in some embodiments, the dispenser 20 is not tapered, or is only tapered over a portion of its length, for example, another portion is tubular. The dispenser may extend from the housing 10, but may also be arranged within the housing.

[0048] The dispenser 20 is provided with one or more transducers 21, and the one or more transducers may be piezoelectric elements. The one or more transducers 21 may constitute a tubular transducer assembly, and the tubular transducer assembly may be at least partially but preferably entirely arranged within the dispenser 20.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more transducers 21 are arranged within the housing 10, spaced apart from the open end 41 of the reservoir 40. In Figure 1A the embodiment, the dispenser portion of the housing 10 extends beyond the main portion of the housing 10 by a distance L. In the example of FIG. 1, the length L is approximately one-third of the total length of the dispenser 20. In other embodiments, the length L may be greater or smaller. Thus, a length L that is close to zero or substantially equal to zero is also feasible. In the illustrated embodiment, the tapered section or tip 42 extends beyond the frustoconical dispenser section 20.

[0050] As shown, the pump 30 may surround a portion of the reservoir 40. The pump 30 may be provided with an electric motor or may be a piezoelectric pump. The pump 30 itself may be known.

[0051] The driver 50 is connected to the dispenser 20 and the pump 30 to open and close the dispenser and / or the pump.

[0052] The battery 60 can be configured to supply power to the dispenser 20, the pump 30, the driver 50, and the controller 70. The battery 60 can be a rechargeable battery and / or can be replaceable.

[0053] The controller 70 can be capable of controlling the amplitude and / or frequency of the vibration of the dispenser, and / or the pump speed. The controller can include a single-chip control unit and / or a microprocessor with an associated memory.

[0054] The controller 70 can include one or more buttons that can be pressed by an operator. Alternatively or additionally, the control panel 70 can form an interface with another device (such as an autosampler), and the control panel can receive control commands from the other device. The controller 70 can be connected to the driver 50.

[0055] Figure 1B The embodiment of Figure 1A is similar to the embodiment of Figure 1B except for the diameter or cross-section of the reservoir 40. It can be seen that

[0056] Figure 1C The reservoir 40 of Figure 1A and Figure 1B has a varying diameter (except for the nozzle 42), which increases within the pump section 30, thus increasing the volume of the reservoir. The nozzle 42 extends from the dispenser 20. Figure 1C In the embodiment of Figure 1C the nozzle section 42 is longer and wider and leads to a widened straight section of the reservoir 40. It will be clear that Figure 1B the reservoir of Figure 1B has a larger volume than the reservoir of Figure 1A and the reservoir of

[0057] Figure 2 The liquid transfer device 1 of Figure 2 also includes a housing 10, a dispenser 20, a transducer 21, a pump 30, a reservoir 40, a driver 50, a battery 60, and a controller 70. In addition,

[0058] In Figure 2In embodiments, the reservoir 40 not only extends through the dispenser 20 and at least partially through the pump 30, but also through the flowmeter 80 disposed between the dispenser 20 and the pump 30. As described above, the reservoir 40 may be elongate. The reservoir may be constituted by a conduit for transporting and / or containing liquid. In other embodiments, the reservoir 40 may not be elongate and may be relatively wide, as exemplified by, for example, Figure 1B and Figure 1C to increase the volume of liquid that can be handled during a single use of the liquid dispensing device.

[0059] The reservoir 40 can be used to temporarily store liquid. To this end, the pump 30 can be arranged to reduce the air pressure in the reservoir 40 in order to suck the liquid into the reservoir. Conversely, the pump 30 can be arranged to increase the air pressure and / or the liquid pressure in the reservoir 40 in order to discharge the liquid from the reservoir. In some embodiments, the reservoir 40 may be provided with an air duct and an associated orifice (not shown) leading to the outside of the housing 10 to allow air to be sucked.

[0060] In Figure 3A and Figure 3B an example of the exterior of the liquid dispensing device of the present disclosure is shown. The liquid dispensing device 1 is shown as including a housing 10, a dispenser or dispenser section 20 extending from the housing 10, and a conical section or tip 42 of a reservoir (40 in FIGS. 1 and Figure 2 ) extending from the dispenser 20. The housing 10 is provided with a control panel of the controller 70. For example, indicator lights 71 and 72, which are green and red respectively, may be provided on the housing 10. The housing may contain at least a pump, a driver, and a battery.

[0061] Figure 3B The liquid dispensing device 1 of Figure 3A also has a housing 10, a dispenser 20, and a conical reservoir section 42 extending from the dispenser 20. The housing is provided with a controller interface 75. Figure 3B Embodiments of

[0062] The loading station 100 in Figure 4A the front view in Figure 4BShown in the side view. The loading station 100 is shown to include a base 101, a main body 102 mounted on the base 101, a control panel 103 mounted on the main body 102, and a support member 104 extending from the main body 102. The support member 104 is arranged to hold the liquid transfer device 1. The loading station 100 can be connected to a power supply 120. In addition, the loading station 100 can be connected to a data network, either by wire or wirelessly, for exchanging data with a computer. The control panel 103 can include a screen such as a touch screen and / or an actual or virtual keyboard. The base 101 is arranged to support at least one vial 150, which can contain a fluid sample. The side view is the best.

[0063] The support member 104 can be movably mounted on the main body 102 such that the distance between the support member and the base 101 can vary. Specifically, the support member 104 can be arranged to move downward to insert the liquid transfer device 1 into the vial 150 and move upward to retract the liquid transfer device 1 from the vial 150. For this purpose, one or more motors and / or springs can be arranged within the main body 102 and / or the support member 104.

[0064] As Figure 4B shown, the support member 104 can be provided with a first arm 108 for mounting a camera 110 and an optional second arm 109 for mounting a light source 111. The camera 110 and the light source 111 are arranged at approximately the same height as the dispenser ( Figure 3A 20 in) of the liquid dispensing device 1, specifically at approximately the same height as the tapered section (42 in FIG. 3) of the reservoir of the liquid dispensing device, such that the camera image includes the fluid surface and / or the ejected droplets. The loading station can also include at least one position sensor for determining the position of the liquid dispensing device relative to the base. The loading station can also include a sample identification unit, which can include a barcode reader and / or an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag reader.

[0065] The camera 110 and the light source 111 (the light source can be a stroboscope) can be provided for:

[0066] 1) Controlling the state of the dispenser surface (to facilitate loading and maintenance / fault diagnosis), and / or

[0067] 2) Characterizing the droplets (their size, rate, and direction).

[0068] Thus, point 2) is an alternative way to specify the liquid flow rate (which is the product of the droplet volume and the repetition frequency); the rate and direction are free supplements for monitoring constant droplet generation conditions.

[0069] Therefore, as Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs shown, the fluid dispensing device 1 of the present disclosure can be used to withdraw fluid samples from vials 150. Similarly, the fluid dispensing device 1 of the present disclosure can be used to inject fluid samples into vials.

[0070] Although the use of the fluid dispensing device 1 of the present disclosure in the loading station 100 is shown in Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the use of the fluid dispensing device 1 of the present disclosure is not limited to the loading station, but extends to handheld use and use in an autosampler, as Figure 5 illustrated.

[0071] Figure 5 An exemplary autosampler including a liquid transfer device according to the present disclosure is shown. The autosampler 200 is shown to include a base 201, a body 202, and a support 204 extending from the body 202. The liquid transfer device 1 according to the present disclosure is mounted on the support 204. A first arm 208 and a second arm 209 extend from the support 204. A camera 210 is mounted on the first arm 208, while a lamp 211 is mounted on the second arm 209. The autosampler 200 is connected to a computer (PC) 260.

[0072] A number of vials 250 can be arranged on the base 201. In the example shown, a target object 230 is also arranged on the base 201. The target object 230 can be a reservoir into which a liquid sample is to be deposited or a plate on which a liquid sample is to be deposited.

[0073] The support 204 can be arranged to move away from (upward) or towards (downward) the base 201.

[0074] In Figure 6 , the operation of the liquid transfer device according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. The controller 50 of the liquid transfer device can control the operation.

[0075] According to the present disclosure, the liquid transfer device is arranged to operate in the following modes:

[0076] - A first or droplet mode, in which the liquid transfer device uses only the dispenser to produce individual liquid droplets, or

[0077] - A second or stream mode, in which the liquid transfer device uses only the pump to produce a liquid stream, or

[0078] - A third or combined mode, in which the liquid transfer device uses both the dispenser and the pump to produce a jet of liquid droplets.

[0079] Accordingly, the method of operation 600 begins at 601 and receives an input. The input, which may include a control signal, may be received from a control panel (70 in FIG. 1) on the device, or from a remote device such as an analytical device to which the liquid control device is connected, either by wire or wirelessly. The input may include a direction, a volume, a flow rate, and / or a form (such as droplets, streams, jets).

[0080] If the input refers to droplets (610), only the dispenser (611) is activated. If the input corresponds to a liquid stream (620), only the pump (621) is activated. If the input corresponds to a droplet jet (630), both the dispenser and the pump are engaged (631).

[0081] Accordingly, based on the input, the controller activates only the dispenser (611), or only the pump (621), or both the dispenser and the pump (631). This allows the liquid to be transferred in various ways.

[0082] It should be noted that the input may additionally include information regarding the liquid flow rate (mm 3 / s or μL / min) and the flow direction (introducing liquid or dispensing liquid). This allows the liquid to be dispensed at various speeds. The flow rate in the first mode is the product of the droplet volume and the droplet repetition frequency. The droplet volume may be measured appropriately.

[0083] Switching from the first mode to the second or third mode may be performed at a predefined liquid flow rate within the following ranges:

[0084] a) < 50 μL / min,

[0085] b) < 10 μL / min,

[0086] c) < 5 μL / min,

[0087] d) < 1 μL / min,

[0088] e) < 500 nL / min,

[0089] f) < 100 nL / min.

[0090] The predefined flow rate may be determined during a calibration process, preferably automatically, and optionally using optical measurements of the droplets.

[0091] The liquid transfer device may be used in at least two positions:

[0092] - A dispensing position, for example, in or above a target object such as a MALDI (matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization) plate, an ETA-AA (electrothermal atomization-atomic absorption) furnace, or a gas adapter connected to an ICP (inductively coupled plasma) torch; and

[0093] - Loading positions, such as in or above a sample reservoir, which may include:

[0094] ο An initial, zero or top position, such as above the sample reservoir, and

[0095] ο A loading / rinsing position, such as in the sample reservoir (or just above it).

[0096] When a loading station is used, both positions may be in the station. Alternatively, only the loading position is in the loading station and the dispensing position is elsewhere, such as directly at an analytical instrument (such as a spectrometer).

[0097] When only the loading position of the loading station is used, the following operating steps may be given as an example of a loading station implementation:

[0098] 1. Manually move the liquid transfer device, for example, to the loading position of the station;

[0099] 2. The liquid transfer device is in the holder of the loading station, in the initial or zero position. Its battery or supercapacitor may be charged. This state may be automatically sensed by a sensor (such as an optocoupler) and communicated to the controller.

[0100] 3. The holder is moved down (Z-axis movement), either manually or by a motorized stage, until the tip of the liquid transfer device contacts the liquid in the reservoir. A capacitance or pressure sensor may be used to automatically detect the liquid level;

[0101] 4. The holder is moved further down, for example, by about 2 mm and then stopped, so that the tip of the liquid transfer device is immersed in the liquid;

[0102] 5. A certain amount of liquid is aspirated into the liquid transfer device. This amount is usually slightly larger than the amount to be dispensed. This amount may be set manually or automatically using information that may be calculated based on the path of the syringe plunger travel or measured by a liquid flowmeter;

[0103] 6. The holder is moved up to the initial (zero) position;

[0104] 7. Optionally, test droplets may be dispensed in this position. The droplet size may be measured and any required adjustments may be made by the controller or the operator to achieve the desired droplet characteristics.

[0105] 8. The loaded state may be indicated by a visual and / or audible and / or digital "ready" signal;

[0106] 9. The liquid transfer device is moved to the dispensing position, such as a MALDI target, an ETA-AA furnace or an ICP-MS gas transfer member;

[0107] 10. Dispense a desired amount of liquid onto / into a target object. The amount can be calculated based on the measured droplet size and fill frequency, or can be measured by a liquid flow meter.

[0108] The tip of the liquid transfer device can be replaced or rinsed one or more times between the dispensing step and the loading step. Any aspirated rinse liquid can be dispensed into a waste container or waste line. The dispensing location can be in the loading station. The liquid transfer device can be moved into the dispensing position by rotation and / or translation. The controller can store all the required information in a non-volatile memory. The controller can be configured to cause the loading station to automatically perform some or all of the above or other steps. Alternatively or additionally, the controller can be configured to provide auditory and / or visual cues or instructions to the operator.

[0109] The liquid transfer device can be used for sample preparation (such as automated protein digestion, labeling, dispensing, etc.) for a wide range of applications: metabolomics, proteomics, protein characterization, translational research, etc., especially for small sample volumes such as in single cell analysis. However, the use of the liquid transfer device is not limited thereto.

[0110] The present disclosure also provides a software program product that is configured to control the actuator of the liquid transfer device. Thus, the software program product can be configured to cause the actuator to perform the method according to the present disclosure.

[0111] Those skilled in the art should understand that the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and many additions and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid transfer device for transferring liquid, the liquid transfer device comprising: - a reservoir for containing the liquid, - a dispenser for dispensing the liquid, - a pump for pressurizing the liquid, - a housing for accommodating the pump, and - a controller for driving the dispenser and the pump, wherein the liquid transfer device is arranged to operate in the following modes: - a first mode, in which the liquid transfer device generates individual liquid droplets using only the dispenser, or - a second mode, in which the liquid transfer device generates a liquid stream using only the pump, or - a third mode, in which the liquid transfer device generates a jet of liquid droplets using both the dispenser and the pump.

2. The liquid transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir is elongated.

3. The liquid transfer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reservoir extends through the dispenser to the pump.

4. The liquid transfer device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the reservoir has a nozzle at the end of the dispenser.

5. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser is a piezoelectric dispenser, preferably a preloaded piezoelectric dispenser.

6. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump is configured to alternately provide overpressure and underpressure.

7. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump is a displacement pump, preferably an air displacement pump.

8. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump is arranged for metering liquid transfer.

9. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump is a piezoelectric pump.

10. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, the liquid transfer device further comprising a flow meter arranged between the dispenser and the pump.

11. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, the liquid transfer device further comprising an orifice for supplying liquid to the reservoir, the orifice preferably being provided with a valve.

12. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir has an outer diameter of less than 2 mm, preferably approximately 1 mm.

13. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir has a nozzle with an inner diameter in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm, preferably in the range of 30 μm to 100 μm.

14. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, the liquid transfer device further being arranged to operate in a suction mode, in which the liquid transfer device suctions liquid.

15. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, the liquid transfer device being a handheld device.

16. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid transfer device has a weight of less than about 100 g, preferably less than about 50 g, and more preferably less than about 30 g.

17. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid transfer device has a length of about 25 cm, preferably less than about 20 cm, and more preferably less than about 15 cm.

18. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid transfer device further comprises a controller.

19. The liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid transfer device further comprises a battery for powering the dispenser, the pump, the driver, and / or the controller.

20. A software program product that allows a processor to control the pump and / or the driver of the liquid transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims.

21. An analysis system comprising at least one liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

22. The analysis system according to claim 21, wherein the analysis system comprises a mass spectrometer and / or an optical spectrometer.

23. The analysis system according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the analysis system comprises an autosampler.

24. The analysis system according to claim 21, wherein the analysis system comprises a loading station.

25. Use of the liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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