A modular liquid dispenser with multiple independently activated pipette channels.

Abstract

An automated pipetting system and method for aspirating and dispensing fluids is disclosed. [Solution] In one feature, the liquid dispenser comprises a manifold and one or more pipette channels. The manifold comprises a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and a plurality of lanes. Each lane comprises an electrical connector, a port to the pressure channel, and a port to the vacuum channel. The pipette channels may be modular. Each pipette channel has a single dispensing head and can be selectively and independently coupled to any one of the plurality of lanes. In some features, a valve in the pipette channel is simultaneously in fluid communication with the pressure port and the vacuum port of the manifold. The valve selectively directs the gas under pressure and the gas under vacuum to the dispensing head in response to a control signal received via the electrical connector of the manifold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Description of Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 340,296, filed May 23, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 409,695, filed October 18, 2016. These provisional applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] [Technical Field] The technology described herein generally relates to systems and methods for controlling fluid processing operations related to liquid dispensing operations of fluids containing samples, particularly a plurality of biological samples. The technology relates to an automated pipetting system for performing various suction and dispensing operations.

Background Art

[0003] Diagnostic tests of biological samples are useful for activities in the medical industry for quickly and effectively diagnosing and treating diseases. Clinical laboratories that perform such diagnostic tests already receive hundreds to thousands of samples daily, but the demand is still increasing. The challenge of managing such a large number of samples is assisted by the automation of sample analysis. Automated sample analysis is typically performed by an automated analyzer, which is generally a self - contained system that performs a multi - step process on biological samples to obtain diagnostic results.

[0004] It is desirable to understand that the sample flow can be broken down into several key steps and to consider ways to automate as many of these steps as possible. For example, biological samples extracted from patients must be placed in a form suitable for the processing method. In some cases, the processing method involves DNA amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or other appropriate techniques to amplify the vector of interest. Clinical laboratories also have various automated clinical analyzers that perform various processing methods. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare samples for diagnostic testing with a universal liquid handling system that can be easily customized and implemented in various types of analyzers.

[0005] Sample preparation is partly labor-intensive (involving a lot of work) due to the number (types) of liquids required, such as multiple reagents, and the need for multiple liquid transfer operations (e.g., pipetting). Therefore, there is a need for automated pipetting devices, especially those that can operate on multiple samples in parallel.

[0006] The discussions in the relevant "Background Art" sections of this specification are included for the purpose of explaining the nature of the inventions described herein. This should not be construed as an admission that any of the circumstances mentioned were publicly disclosed, known, or common general knowledge prior to the priority date with respect to any part of the claims.

[0007] Throughout this specification and the claims, the term “comprise” and its derivatives such as “comprising” and “comprises” are not intended to exclude other additives, ingredients, integers, or processes. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0008] A liquid dispenser described herein comprises a manifold having a pressure channel, a vacuum channel, a plurality of pressure cross channels, and a plurality of vacuum cross channels, each pressure cross channel beginning at the pressure channel and ending on the outer surface of the manifold, and each vacuum cross channel beginning at the vacuum channel and ending on the outer surface of the manifold. The liquid dispenser further comprises one or more pipette channels coupled to the manifold, each pipette channel comprising a dispensing head, a pressure port configured to receive gas under pressure from one pressure cross channel, a vacuum port configured to receive gas under vacuum (vacuum force on the gas) from one vacuum cross channel, and a valve that is in fluid communication with the pressure port and the vacuum port simultaneously, the valve being operable to selectively direct the gas under pressure and the gas under vacuum to the dispensing head. The liquid dispenser further comprises an electrical connection configured to transmit control signals from the manifold to the one or more pipette channels, and the operation of each valve is controlled independently of any other valve by the control signals transmitted from the manifold.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the one or more pipette channels is selectively and independently coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, for each pipette channel, the dispensing head is coupled to a pipette tip and is configured to draw liquid into the pipette tip when the valve directs gas under vacuum to the dispensing head, and to dispense liquid from the pipette tip when the valve directs gas under pressure to the dispensing head. In some embodiments, each pipette channel has a single dispensing head. In some embodiments, each valve is configured to selectively distribute gas under pressure and gas under vacuum from the pressure port and the vacuum port to the single dispensing head, respectively. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a first portion that does not move relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold, and a second portion that moves relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the valve is enclosed within the first portion, the dispensing head is coupled to the second portion, and a tube 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 has first and second ends ending at an inlet pressure port, the inlet pressure port being connected to an external source of gas under pressure, and the vacuum channel has first and second ends ending at an inlet vacuum port, the inlet vacuum port being connected to an external source of gas under vacuum.In some embodiments, the manifold only receives gas under pressure and gas under vacuum through the inlet pressure port and the inlet vacuum port, respectively. In some embodiments, the electrical connection is further configured to transmit electrical signals from the manifold to the one or more pipette channels, and each pipette channel is powered independently of any other pipette channel by the electrical signals transmitted from 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 rated at less than 10 psi. In some embodiments, at least one pipette channel further has a magnetic brake. In some embodiments, the magnetic brake is configured to reduce the free fall of the dispense head of the at least one pipette channel in the event of loss of electrical signals from the manifold. In some embodiments, at least one pipette channel further has a ball screw configured to move the dispense head of the at least one pipette channel perpendicular to the manifold. In some embodiments, the at least one pipette channel further has a coupling configured to reduce misalignment of the ball screw. In some embodiments, the gas supplied to the pressure port of each pipette channel by each pressure cross channel is at the same pressure as the gas supplied by each of the other pressure cross channels of the plurality of pressure cross channels. In some embodiments, the manifold further has a second pressure channel comprising a plurality of pressure cross channels, wherein the pressure port of each of the first plurality of pipette channels is coupled to one pressure cross channel of the first pressure channel, and the pressure port of each of the second different plurality of pipette channels is coupled to one pressure cross channel of the second pressure channel, and 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 different pressure.In some embodiments, each pipette channel is configured to be selectively attached to the manifold using two screws. In some embodiments, the two screws are trapped in the pipette channel. In some embodiments, at least one pipette channel has one or more pegs configured to align with one or more openings in the manifold. In some embodiments, the one or more pegs engage with the one or more openings in the manifold before the electrical connector on the pipette channel engages with the electrical connector on the manifold. In some embodiments, each pipette channel has 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 trapped in a dovetail groove of each pipette channel. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser further comprises a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold, the first pipette channel including different calibration settings for dispensing. In some embodiments, two or more pipette channels have different dispensing heads. In some embodiments, one pressure cross channel and one vacuum cross channel are not coupled to the pipette channel, and the liquid dispenser further includes a blanking plate configured to close the one pressure cross channel and the one vacuum cross channel of the manifold that are not coupled to the pipette channel. 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 has a single pressure channel and a single vacuum channel. In some embodiments, for each pipette channel, the valve is configured to fluidly communicate with the pressure channel and the vacuum channel of the manifold simultaneously and is operable to selectively direct the gas under pressure and the gas under vacuum to the dispense head.In some embodiments, each pipette channel further has a tube having a first end ending at the valve and a second end ending at the dispense head, the tube configured to guide gas from the valve to the dispense head. In some embodiments, the tube is the only air connection between the valve and the dispense head. In some embodiments, the tube is configured to bend when the dispense head moves perpendicular to the manifold. In some embodiments, the tube is enclosed by an outer housing of the pipette channel. In some embodiments, for each pipette channel, the valve does not move relative to the manifold when the dispense head moves relative to the manifold. In some embodiments, each pipette channel further has a second valve that moves with the dispense head relative to the manifold. In some embodiments, the operation of each second valve is controlled 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 directs gas to the dispensing head under vacuum, and the dispensing head performs a dispensing operation when the valve directs gas to the dispensing head under pressure, and the second valve is configured to control the amount of liquid drawn in and dispensed by the dispensing head during the suction and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, the dispensing head performs a suction operation when the valve directs gas to the dispensing head under vacuum, and the dispensing head performs a dispensing operation when the valve directs gas to the dispensing head under pressure, and the second valve is configured to control the timing of the suction and dispensing operations.In some embodiments, each second valve is powered independently of any other second valve by the electrical signal transmitted from the manifold. In some embodiments, each pipette channel is configured to be coupled to and uncoupled from the manifold independently of other pipette channels coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, each dispense head is movable perpendicular to the manifold independently of other dispense heads 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 have a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold, the first pipette channel being calibrated with a first setting for the amount for aspiration and dispensing operations, and the second pipette channel being calibrated with a second different setting for the amount for aspiration and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels have a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold, the first pipette channel being calibrated with a first setting for pressure for aspiration and dispensing operations, and the second pipette channel being calibrated with a second different setting for pressure for aspiration and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel are calibrated before they are coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels have a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel, the pressure port and the vacuum port of the first pipette channel having the same orientation as the pressure port and the vacuum port of the second pipette channel. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel have one or more different dimensions. 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 has a pipette tip sensor configured to detect whether or not a pipette tip is engaged with the dispensing head. In some embodiments, each pipette channel has a sensor configured to detect when the vertical movement of the dispensing head is obstructed. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels have two or more pipette channels, and each valve of the two or more pipette channels is configured to be activated independently to selectively direct gas under pressure or gas under vacuum from the manifold to each dispensing head.

[0010] A method for dispensing and aspirating a fluid is provided herein. The method comprises the steps of: providing a manifold including a vacuum channel and a pressure channel; providing one or more pipette channels; selectively engaging the one or more pipette channels with the manifold; transmitting a control signal from the manifold to a first pipette channel of the one or more pipette channels; and performing aspiration and dispensing operations by the first pipette channel, wherein each pipette channel has a dispensing head, a vacuum port, a pressure port, and an independent control valve in simultaneous fluid communication with the vacuum port and the pressure port, and the selective engagement step is performed by the one or more pipette channels The process includes connecting each vacuum port of the manifold to the vacuum channel of the manifold, and the operation of the independent control valve is independently controlled by the transmission of the control signal to selectively direct the gas under vacuum or under pressure received through the vacuum port and pressure port of the first pipette channel to the dispensing head of the first pipette channel, and the aspiration operation and the dispensing operation include the steps of aspirating the fluid or dispensing the fluid in response to the reception of the gas under vacuum or under pressure from the independent control valve of the first pipette channel to the dispensing head of the first pipette channel.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of selectively engaging the first pipette channel or the second pipette channel with the manifold, transmitting a control signal from the manifold to the second pipette channel, and performing a suction and dispensing operations by the second pipette channel, wherein the operation of the independent control valve is independently controlled by the step of transmitting the control signal to selectively direct the gas under vacuum or under pressure received through the vacuum port and pressure port of the second pipette channel to the dispensing head of the second pipette channel, and the suction and dispensing operations include the steps of aspirating a second fluid or dispensing a second fluid in response to the reception of gas under vacuum or under pressure from the independent control valve of the second pipette channel to the dispensing head of the second pipette channel, respectively. In some embodiments, the suction and dispensing operations of the first and second pipette channels are performed simultaneously. In some embodiments, the aspiration and dispensing operations of the first and second pipette channels are performed independently. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel dispenses simultaneously with the aspiration of the second pipette channel. In some embodiments, the first and second pipette channels simultaneously aspiration different amounts of fluid. In some embodiments, the first and second pipette channels simultaneously dispense different amounts of fluid. In some embodiments, the first and second pipette channels simultaneously aspiration a certain amount of fluid at different pressures. In some embodiments, the first and second pipette channels simultaneously dispense a certain amount of fluid at different pressures. In some embodiments, the independent control valve of the first pipette channel directs gas under pressure simultaneously with the independent control valve of the second pipette channel directing gas under vacuum.In some embodiments, the independent control valve of the first pipette channel starts or stops the gas directing operation independently of the independent control valve of the second pipette channel. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of selectively engaging the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel with the manifold, such that the valve of the second pipette channel directs gas under vacuum to the dispensing head of the second pipette channel, while the valve of the first pipette channel directs gas under pressure to the dispensing head of the first pipette channel, so that the dispensing head of the second pipette channel aspirates fluid while the dispensing head of the first pipette channel dispenses fluid. In some embodiments, the pressure channel includes a plurality of pressure cross channels, and the vacuum channel includes a plurality of vacuum cross channels, and each pipette channel is configured to connect to one pressure cross channel and one vacuum cross channel when the pipette channel is selectively engaged with the manifold. In some embodiments, the manifold has a plurality of lanes, each lane including one pressure cross channel and one vacuum cross channel, and the selective engagement step includes engaging one pipette channel with one of the plurality of lanes. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of sequentially drawing fluid in response to gas reception under vacuum at the dispensing head of the first pipette channel and dispensing the fluid in response to gas reception under pressure at the dispensing head. In some embodiments, the method further comprises coupling a single gas source under pressure and a single gas source under vacuum to the manifold. In some embodiments, the pressure channel terminates with an inlet pressure port, and the vacuum channel terminates with an inlet vacuum port, and the manifold simply receives gas under pressure and gas under vacuum through the inlet pressure port and the inlet vacuum port, respectively. In some embodiments, the pipette channel simply accepts gas under pressure and gas under vacuum through the pressure port and the vacuum port, respectively.In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of transmitting an electrical signal from the manifold to the one or more pipette channels, each pipette channel being powered 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 only a control signal and an electrical signal via the manifold and the electrical connection. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of reducing the free fall of the dispensing head in the event of loss of electrical signal via a magnetic brake. In some embodiments, the step of selectively engaging the first pipette channel with the manifold includes the step of aligning one or more pegs of the pipette channel with one or more openings of the manifold. In some embodiments, the step of selectively engaging the first pipette channel with the manifold includes the step of fastening one or more capture screws of the pipette channel. In some embodiments, the step of selectively engaging the first pipette channel with the manifold includes the step of compressing a seal between the first pipette channel and the manifold. In some embodiments, the seal is a trapping O-ring of the pipette channel. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of selectively guiding a gas under pressure and a gas under vacuum, received through the pressure port and the vacuum port of the first pipette channel, through a tube to the dispense head of the first pipette channel. In some embodiments, the tube is the only air connection between the valve and the dispense head. In some embodiments, the tube is configured to bend when the dispense head moves vertically. In some embodiments, the fluid includes a liquid. In some embodiments, the fluid includes a gas.

[0012] A liquid dispenser described herein comprises a manifold including a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and a plurality of lanes, and one or more pipette channels, each lane including an electrical connector, a port to the pressure channel, and a port to the vacuum channel, and each pipette channel including a single dispensing head and configured to be coupled to the electrical connector, the pressure port, and the vacuum port of any one of the plurality of lanes.

[0013] In some embodiments, each pipette channel has a valve configured to selectively distribute gas under pressure and gas under vacuum from the pressure port and vacuum port to the single dispense head, respectively. In some embodiments, each of the one or more pipette channels is coupled to one of the multiple lanes, and for each pipette channel, the operation of the valve is independently controlled by a signal transmitted to the valve via an electrical connector of the lane to which the pipette channel is coupled. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes a first portion that does not move relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold, and a second portion that moves relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the valve is enclosed within the first portion, and the dispense head is coupled to the second portion, and a tube connecting the valve and the dispense head 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 of each pipette channel are configured to connect to the electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port of any one of the plurality of lanes, respectively. In some embodiments, the electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port of one or more pipette channels do not move relative to the manifold when the electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port of the one or more pipette channels are connected to the manifold. In some embodiments, the single dispensing head of one or more pipette channels moves relative to the manifold when the one or more pipette channels are connected to the manifold.In some embodiments, the fluid dispenser comprises a plurality of pipette channels, and each lane of the plurality of lanes 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 has a single pressure channel and a single vacuum channel. In some embodiments, each pipette channel is configured to selectively couple to and uncouple to the electrical connector, the pressure port, and the vacuum port of any one of the plurality of lanes. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of each lane of the plurality of lanes is oriented to cross the pressure channel. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of each lane of the plurality of lanes is oriented to cross the vacuum channel. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels comprise a plurality of pipette channels, and at least one pipette channel of the plurality of pipette channels is coupled to one lane of the plurality of lanes, and at least one lane of the plurality of pipette channels is not coupled to a pipette channel of the plurality of pipette channels. In some embodiments, the fluid dispenser further comprises a cover configured to seal the pressure port and the vacuum port of at least one lane that is not coupled to a pipette channel of the plurality of pipette channels. In some embodiments, the fluid dispenser includes only one pipette channel, the pipette channel is coupled to one lane of the plurality of lanes, and each of the remaining lanes of the plurality of lanes is not coupled to a pipette channel. In some embodiments, each lane includes a single port to the pressure channel and a single port to the vacuum channel.In some embodiments, the fluid dispenser includes a first pipette channel connected to a first lane of the plurality of lanes, and a second pipette channel connected to a second lane of the plurality of lanes, wherein the single dispensing head of the first pipette channel aspirates fluid at the same time that the single dispensing head of the second pipette channel dispenses fluid. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels have two pipette channels having different calibration settings related to the pressure of the gas in the dispensing head between the aspiration and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels have two pipette channels having different calibration settings related to the amount of fluid aspirated and dispensed between the aspiration and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels have two pipette channels having different calibration settings related to the speed of the aspiration and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels include a plurality of pipette channels, at least two of which are identical. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels comprise a plurality of pipette channels, at least two of which are different. In some embodiments, the at least two different pipette channels have one or more different dimensions. In some embodiments, each pipette channel has a valve operable to control the flow of gas within each pipette channel. In some embodiments, each pipette channel has a valve operable to control the aspiration and dispensing of a single dispensing head of the pipette channel. In some embodiments, each of the one or more pipette channels is selectively and independently coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the pressure channel has first and second ends ending in an inlet pressure port, the inlet pressure port being connected to an external source of gas under pressure, and the vacuum channel has first and second ends ending in an inlet vacuum port, the inlet vacuum port being connected to an external source of gas under vacuum.In some embodiments, the manifold simply receives gas under pressure and gas under vacuum through the inlet pressure port and the inlet vacuum port, respectively. In some embodiments, the electrical connector of each lane of the plurality of lanes is configured to transmit an electrical signal from the manifold to one pipette channel, and each pipette channel is configured to be powered independently of other pipette channels coupled to the manifold by the electrical signal transmitted from the manifold when coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, each of the one or more pipette channels is coupled to the manifold, and each of the one or more pipette channels simply receives control signals and electrical signals through the electrical connector of the lane to which each pipette channel is coupled. In some embodiments, at least one pipette channel further has a magnetic brake. In some embodiments, the magnetic brake of the at least one pipette channel is configured to reduce the free fall of a single dispensing head of the at least one pipette channel in the event of loss of electrical signal. In some embodiments, at least one pipette channel further has a ball screw configured to move a single dispensing head of the at least one pipette channel perpendicular to the manifold. In some embodiments, the at least one pipette channel further has a coupling configured to reduce misalignment of the ball screw. In some embodiments, the fluid dispenser includes a plurality of pipette channels coupled to the manifold, and the pressure channel provides pressurized gas to all pipette channels coupled to the manifold at the same pressure. In some embodiments, the fluid dispenser includes a plurality of pipette channels coupled to the manifold, and the vacuum channel provides gas under vacuum to all pipette channels coupled to the manifold at the same pressure. In some embodiments, the fluid dispenser includes a plurality of pipette channels coupled to the manifold, and the manifold is operable to provide gas under pressure to a first set of pipette channels and simultaneously provide gas to a second different set of pipette channels at a second different pressure. In some embodiments, each pipette channel is configured to be selectively attached to the manifold using two screws. In some embodiments, the two screws are captured in the pipette channel. In some embodiments, at least one pipette channel has one or more pegs configured to align with one or more openings in the manifold. In some embodiments, the one or more pegs engage with the one or more openings in the manifold before an electrical connector engages with the pipette channel. In some embodiments, each pipette channel has 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 trapped in a dovetail groove of each pipette channel. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels have a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel includes a different calibration setting for dispensing than the second pipette channel. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel have different dispensing heads. In some embodiments, the fluid dispenser further comprises a blanking plate configured to close one port of the manifold to the pressure channel and one port to the vacuum channel.In some embodiments, each pipette channel has a valve configured to selectively distribute gas under vacuum and gas under pressure from the vacuum port and the pressure port to the single dispense head, respectively, and each pipette channel further has a tube having a first end ending at the valve and a second end ending at the dispense head, the tube configured to direct gas from the valve to the dispense head. In some embodiments, the tube is the only air connection between the valve and the dispense head. In some embodiments, the tube is configured to bend when the dispense head moves perpendicular to the manifold when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold, the valve does not move perpendicular to the manifold, and the tube is configured to bend within the housing of the pipette channel when the dispense head moves perpendicular to the manifold. In some embodiments, the tube 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 that encloses a second valve. In some embodiments, the tube is enclosed within an outer housing of the pipette channel. In some embodiments, each pipette channel has a valve configured to selectively distribute gas under vacuum and gas under pressure from the vacuum port and the pressure port to the single dispensing head, respectively, and each pipette channel further has 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 controlled 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 operation 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 drawn in or dispensed by the dispense head. In some embodiments, the second valve is configured to control the timing of the liquid drawn in or dispensed by the dispense head. In some embodiments, each second valve is powered independently of any other second valves by the electrical signal transmitted from the manifold. In some embodiments, each pipette channel has a valve configured to selectively distribute gas under pressure and gas under vacuum from the pressure port and the vacuum port to the single dispense head, respectively, and each valve is a three-way solenoid valve. In some embodiments, each pipette channel is configured to be coupled to and uncoupled from the manifold independently of other pipette channels coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels have a plurality of pipette channels coupled to the manifold, and each dispense head of the plurality of pipette channels is movable perpendicular to the manifold independently of other dispense heads coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels are modular. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels have multiple identical pipette channels. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels have a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold, the first and second pipette channels are calibrated to aspirate and dispense a certain amount of liquid, and the first pipette channel has a different volume calibration setting than the second pipette channel. In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels have a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold, the first and second pipette channels are calibrated to aspirate and dispense liquid at a certain pressure, and the first pipette channel has a different pressure calibration setting than the second pipette channel.In some embodiments, the one or more pipette channels have a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel, each having a pressure port and a vacuum port, and 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 dimensions. In some embodiments, the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel 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 dispense head is independently movable perpendicular to the manifold when the dispense head is coupled to the manifold via its respective pipette channel. In some embodiments, each pipette channel has a pipette tip sensor configured to detect whether a pipette tip is engaged with the dispense head. In some embodiments, each pipette channel has a sensor configured to detect when the vertical movement of the dispense head is obstructed. In some embodiments, the manifold is further coupled with two or more pipette channels, each of which valves is configured to be activated independently to selectively direct gas under pressure or gas under vacuum from the manifold to each dispense head.

[0014] A system disclosed herein comprises a manifold having a pressure channel, a vacuum channel, a pressure subchannel beginning in the pressure channel and ending on the outer surface of the manifold, and a vacuum subchannel beginning in the vacuum channel and ending on the outer surface of the manifold. The system comprises a pipette channel coupled to the manifold, the pipette channel having a single dispense head, a pressure port configured to receive gas under pressure from the pressure subchannel of the manifold, a vacuum port configured to receive gas under vacuum from the vacuum subchannel of the manifold, and a valve that is in fluid communication with the pressure port and the vacuum port simultaneously, the valve being operable to selectively guide gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the dispense head. The system comprises an electrical connection configured to transmit a control signal from the manifold to the pipette channel, the operation of the valve being exclusively controlled by the control signal transmitted from the manifold.

[0015] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a second pipette channel not coupled to the manifold, wherein the second pipette channel is identical to the pipette channel coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a second pipette channel not coupled to the manifold, wherein the second pipette channel is different from the pipette channel coupled to the manifold. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1A] This is a schematic diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0017] [Figure 1B] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to a second embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0018] [Figure 5] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 23]This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 24] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 25] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 26] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 27] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 28] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 29] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 30] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 31] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 32] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 33] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 34A] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 34B] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 34C] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Figure 34D] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the third embodiment.

[0019] [Figure 35] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 36] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 37] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 38] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 39] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 40] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 41] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 42] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 43] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 44] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 45] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 46] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 47] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 48] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 49] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 50] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 51] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 52] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 53] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 54] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 55] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fourth embodiment.

[0020] [Figure 56] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 57] This is a diagram of a liquid dispenser according to the fifth embodiment.

[0021] [Figure 58] This is a diagram of the third embodiment. [Figure 59] This is a diagram of the third embodiment. [Figure 60] This is a diagram of the third embodiment.

[0022] [Figure 61] This is a diagram of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 62] This is a diagram of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 63] This is a diagram of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 64] This is a diagram of the fourth embodiment.

[0023] [Figure 65A] This is a diagram of a manifold. [Figure 65B] This is a diagram of a manifold. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Any feature or combination of features described herein is included within the scope of this disclosure, provided that the features in such combination are not inconsistent with each other, as would be apparent from the context, the description, and the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Any feature or combination of features may also be specifically excluded from any embodiment of this disclosure. For the purpose of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the disclosure are described herein. However, it should be understood that not all such aspects, advantages, or features are present in any particular embodiment of this disclosure.

[0025] It should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are illustrative and not limiting. The intent of the following detailed description is to discuss exemplary embodiments, but should be construed as encompassing all modifications, substitutions, and equivalents of embodiments that may fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a liquid dispenser 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A is a schematic diagram and is not drawn to scale. The liquid dispenser 1 comprises a manifold 2 having a pressure channel 4 for delivering gas under pressure and a vacuum channel 5 for delivering gas under vacuum. As shown in Figure 1A, the manifold 2 includes a plurality of pressure cross channels 6, each pressure cross channel 6 starting at a pressure channel 4 and ending on the outer surface of the manifold 2. As shown in Figure 1A, the manifold 2 also includes a plurality of vacuum cross channels 7, each vacuum cross channel 7 starting at a vacuum channel 5 and ending on the outer surface of the manifold 2. The pressure channel 4 includes a first end and a second end ending at an inlet pressure port 4B. The inlet pressure port 4B is connected to an external source of gas under pressure. The vacuum channel 5 includes a first end and a second end ending at a vacuum pressure port 5B. The inlet vacuum port 5B is connected to an external source of gas under vacuum. The pressure channel 4 and the vacuum channel 5 are physically and fluidly isolated from each other within the manifold 2. In some embodiments described herein, the end of the pressure cross channel 6 that ends on the outer surface of the manifold 2 is referred to as a port to the pressure channel 4, and the end of the vacuum cross channel 7 that ends on the same outer surface of the manifold 2 is referred to as a port to the vacuum channel 5.

[0027] 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 selectively bind to and selectively detach from the manifold 2. Figure 1A illustrates the pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C before they are selectively bound to the manifold 2, or after they have been selectively detached from the manifold 2. Any one of the pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C may selectively bind to and detach from one lane 3 of the manifold 2, independently of the state of any other pipette channels. Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C includes a dispensing head 9 designed to perform dispensing and aspiration operations. Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C includes a pressure port 10 designed to receive gas under pressure from a single pressure cross channel 6. Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C also includes a vacuum port 11 designed to receive gas under vacuum from a single vacuum cross channel 7. Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C includes a valve 12 that is in fluid communication with both the pressure port 10 and the vacuum port 11 simultaneously. The valve 12 is operable to selectively redirect (divert) gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the dispense head 9. The valve 12 is designed to direct gas under pressure to the dispense head 9. The valve 12 is also designed to distribute gas under vacuum to the dispense head 9. The valve 12 is also designed to redirect either gas under pressure or gas under vacuum to the dispense head 9 while gas under pressure and gas under vacuum are supplied simultaneously by the manifold 2. In each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C, a dispense head 9 is connected to a pipette tip (not shown). The dispense head 9 is designed to dispense liquid from the pipette tip when the valve 12 directs gas under pressure to the dispense head 9.The dispense head 9 is designed to draw liquid into the pipette tip when the valve 12 directs gas to the dispense head 9 under vacuum.

[0028] The liquid dispenser 1 includes an electrical connector 12 on the manifold 2, designed to transmit control signals from the manifold 2 to pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C. The operation of each valve 12 is controlled independently of the other valves 12 by the control signals transmitted from the manifold 2. Each independently controllable valve 12 is housed within a pipette channel. The independently controllable valve 12 selectively directs gas under pressure and gas under vacuum, at least partially based on the control signals. Each independently controllable valve 12 has simultaneous access to the pressure channel 4 and the vacuum channel 5 when the respective pipette channels (pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C) having the independently controllable valve 12 are connected to the manifold 2.

[0029] 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 has a plurality of lanes 3, each lane 3 containing one pressure cross channel 6 and one vacuum cross channel 7. Each lane contains an electrical connector 13. During installation, each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C is selectively engaged to one of the lanes 3. In some embodiments, each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C is selectively engaged to any one of the lanes 3. Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C has a single dispensing head 9. In some embodiments, each lane 3 may be defined by one or more of the following features: a single pressure cross channel 6, a single vacuum cross channel 7, an electrical connector 13, a single pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C, and a single dispensing head 9 coupled thereto, etc.

[0030] Figure 1A shows cross-sectional views 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, electrical connectors 13 and 14 are further designed to transmit electrical signals from manifold 2 to pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C. Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C is powered independently of the other pipette channels 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 signals 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 (sends) control signals and electrical signals from the electrical connector 14 to the valve 12. The cable 15 can continue from the valve 12 to the dispensing head 9, or another cable may be used to connect the electrical connector 14 to the dispensing head 9. Other configurations are also possible. Many signals can be transmitted via the electrical connectors 14 of the pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C. The valve 12 can be controlled by a control signal, but other components can be controlled in the same way. In some embodiments, the electrical connectors 14 are considered to be backplane connectors. The electrical connectors 14 can be integrated into the circuit boards of the pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C. The valve 12 can be connected to the circuit boards via one or more cables. The pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C may include cables connecting their circuit boards to another circuit board above the dispense head 9. In this case, the dispense head 9 is connected to the other (second) circuit board via another set of cables. The liquid dispenser 1 may include any number of cables and circuit boards necessary to perform the functions described herein.

[0031] Each pipette channel 8A, 8B, and 8C has a tube 16. The tube 16 has a first end ending at a valve 12 and a second end ending at a dispense head 9. The tube 16 is designed to guide gas from the valve 12 to the dispense head 9. In some embodiments, the tube 16 is the only air connection between the valve 12 and the dispense head 9. The tube 16 is completely enclosed inside the outer housing of the pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C. As shown in Figure 1A, the tube 16 is designed to bend when the dispense head 9 moves vertically. The dispense head 9 is shown in various vertical positions to demonstrate the independent vertical movement of the dispense head 9 relative to the portion of the pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C engaged with lane 3. The tube 16 bends within the pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C as needed when the dispense head 9 moves up and down.

[0032] In some cases, as shown in Figure 1A, there are more lanes 3 on the manifold 2 than pipette channels. System 1 may include one or more blanking plates, such as blanking plates 17 configured to seal portions of the manifold 2 that are not connected to pipette channels. For example, one blanking plate 17 may be configured to connect to one lane 3 of the manifold 2 to seal one pressure cross channel 6 and one vacuum cross channel 7 of the lane 3 to which the blanking plate 17 is connected. System 1 includes two blanking plates 17, each configured to seal a pressure cross channel 6 and a vacuum cross channel 7 of one lane 3. When each of the three pipette channels 8A, 8B, and 8C, and each of the two blanking plates 17, are connected to one lane 3 of the manifold 2, each of the pressure cross channels 6 and each of the vacuum cross channels 7 are sealed to the ambient environment. Only the inlet pressure port 4B and the inlet vacuum port 5B are open to the ambient environment. As described above, an external gas source under pressure may be coupled to the manifold 2 at the inlet pressure port 4B, and an external gas source under vacuum may be coupled to the manifold 2 at the inlet vacuum port 5B. In some cases, system 1 may include a blanking plate (not shown) configured to seal two or more lane pressure cross channels and vacuum cross channels.

[0033] Embodiments of valve 12 described herein may include a three-way solenoid valve. Valve 12 may have very few parts and few wear points. A non-limiting example of valve 12 is the Bullet Valve® by Mac® (part numbers BV309A-CC1-00 or VC309A-CD1-00). Valve 12 may be implemented as a three-way normally closed valve or a three-way universal valve. The operational advantages of valve 12 include one or more of the following: short stroke with high shift force, balanced poppet valve performance, and precise reliability. Valve 12 may be mounted without fasteners. Valve 12 may be made unaffected by pressure fluctuations. The solenoid may be isolated from contaminated air. Valve 12 may be supplied with a voltage of 12VDC or 24VDC. Valve 12 may actuate to a variety of fluids, including compressed air, vacuum, and / or inert gases. The pressure range can be from vacuum to 20 psi. Valve 12 can operate as a selector valve, allowing gas to enter port #3 under pressure and port #1 under vacuum. Although embodiments of valve 12 are described herein in relation to a three-way solenoid valve, other types of valves may be implemented.

[0034] Figures 1B to 4 show a diagram of a liquid dispenser 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The liquid dispenser 100 comprises a manifold 102 having a front section 104, a rear section 106, and side sections 108. The manifold 102 is configured to receive one or more pipette channels 110, each pipette channel 110 housing various components used in aspiration and dispensing operations. The pipette channel 110 has a front section 112, a back section 114, and side sections 116.

[0035] The liquid dispenser 100 is modular, which allows for flexibility and versatility in arranging one or more pipette channels 110 on the manifold 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the front surface 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 fluid from the pipette tip 122 and dispense it. A non-limiting example of a pipette tip 120 is the Air Driven OEM Channel Pipettor (part number PCNC-0061-00) by Seyonic®. The pipette tip 122 may be disposable. Each pipette module 120 may include a tip adapter 118, each tip adapter 118 configured to receive a pipette tip 122. The pipette tip 122 can be attached to the tip adapter 118, for example, by moving the pipette module 120 in the Z direction relative to the pipette tip 122. The pipette tip 122 can be removed from the tip adapter 118, for example, by moving the pipette module 120 relative to a pipette stripper (not shown). The liquid dispenser 100 may include the independent attachment or removal of the pipette tip 122. The rear portion 114 of the pipette channel 110 is configured to reversibly connect to or mate with the front portion 104 of the manifold 102, as described herein.

[0036] In this embodiment, the manifold 102 is configured to accept up to five pipette channels 110. The manifold 102 can accept fewer than five pipette channels, such as one, two, three, or four, and can be customized to the operator's advantage based on the operator's specific liquid dispensing requirements. The liquid dispenser 100 shown in Figure 1 has the ability to accept up to five pipette channels 110, but other configurations are also possible. The liquid dispenser 100 may be configured to accept up to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 pipette channels, etc. One or more pipette channels 110 can be removed from the manifold 104. In some embodiments, one pipette channel 110 can be removed without removing another pipette channel 110. For example, one pipette channel 110 can be removed and replaced without removing another pipette channel 110 from the manifold 102.

[0037] The fitting configuration between the pipette channel 110 and the manifold 102 can have any configuration known in the art. In the non-limiting embodiments shown in Figures 1B to 4, the liquid dispenser 100 includes one or more pegs (not visible in the figures). In the illustrated embodiments, each pipette channel 110 has a peg near the top of the pipette channel 110 and a peg near the bottom of the pipette channel 110. The pegs can guide the alignment between the back 114 of the pipette channel 10 and the front 104 of the manifold 102. The pegs may be dowel pins (knock pins). The manifold 102 may include corresponding slots (not shown) for receiving each of the pegs. The slots may include chamfered edges to facilitate the insertion of the pegs. In some embodiments, the manifold 102 may include at least one marking (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., top edge, bottom edge) that aligns with the corresponding edge (e.g., top edge, bottom edge) of the pipette channel.

[0038] A pipette channel 110 may include one or more fasteners 124. In some embodiments, the fasteners 124 are retaining threads. In the illustrated embodiments, 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, the fasteners 124 may be located near a peg. In some embodiments, the fasteners 124 are threaded so that an operator can securely fasten the pipette channel 110 to the manifold 102. In some embodiments, the fasteners 124 and pegs that secure the pipette channel 110 to the manifold 102 are easily adjustable and / or removable by an operator without affecting the operation or connection of another pipette channel 110 that is mated with the manifold 102. In one example, a first pipette channel 110 that is malfunctioning, requires adjustment, or needs routine maintenance or inspection may be removed by the operator without affecting the operation or connection of other pipette channels 110 mated to the manifold 102. In some cases, the operator smoothly replaces the first (now removed) pipette channel 11 with the second pipette channel by connecting the second pipette channel to the manifold 102 using the peg in the position previously occupied by the first (now removed) pipette channel 110.

[0039] The pipette channel 110 can be fixed in place on the manifold 102. The manifold 102 may be coupled to a robotic arm (not shown) that can move the manifold 102 in space. The movement of the robotic arm may have six degrees of freedom. For example, the robotic arm may have 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 gantry (not shown) of an automated sample analysis system. The gantry may include bars or rails that allow the movement of the manifold 102 along the X-axis ("X direction") of the automated sample analysis system. The gantry may also include bars or rails that allow the movement of the manifold 102 along the Y-axis ("Y direction") of the automated sample analysis system. Such relative motion can be achieved by any suitable mechanical moving device, including, but not limited to, gear systems, rack and pinion assemblies, lead screws, belt drives, or linear motors. In some embodiments, the manifold 102 is movable along the Z-axis ("Z-direction") of the automated sample analysis system. In other embodiments, movement of the manifold 102 in the Z-direction is prevented.

[0040] In some embodiments, movement in the Z direction is provided by the pipette channel 110. The 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 Z-direction movement of the module 120 relative to the track 130. The track 130 is fixedly attached to the 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 Z-direction movement of the module 120 relative to the base 132 of the pipette channel 110. Movement of the coupling 128 causes Z-direction movement of the module 120 relative to the manifold 102.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispenser 100 along the line 3-3 in Figure 2. In some embodiments, the coupling 128 can be coupled to a nut 134 containing a bore. Multiple ball bearings are arranged around the bore in the nut 134 to reduce friction when interacting with the ball screw 136. In some embodiments, the coupling 128 may be integral with the nut 134 configured to interact with the ball screw 136. In other embodiments, the bore 134 is threaded and interacts with a lead screw (not shown). The ball screw 136 can be rotated by a motor 138. The ball screw 136 may be coupled to a bearing 140. The bearing 140 can rotate the ball screw 136 without translation. When the ball screw 136 is rotated (by the motor 138 in this embodiment), the coupling 128 translates (moves parallel) along the ball screw 136. The coupling 128 is guided in the Z direction along the track 130. Rotation of the ball screw 136 in the first direction translates the coupling 128 downward along the track 130. Rotation of the ball screw 136 in the second opposite direction translates the coupling 128 upward along the track 130.

[0042] Module 120 includes a mechanism that provides aspiration and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, the sample is introduced into the system simply via a pipette tip 122. Movement of the coupling 128 allows the pipette tip 122 to be lowered into the container to aspiration and / or dispense the sample or other liquid. After aspiration or dispensing the sample or other liquid in the container, movement of the coupling 128 allows the pipette tip 122 to be lifted above the container, thereby moving the pipette tip 122 to another location above, for example, a second container in an automated sample analysis system.

[0043] The suction and dispensing operations of module 120 can be partially controlled by the application of pneumatic 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 can be located at the front 104, rear 106, or side 108 of manifold 102. The inlet vacuum port 144 can be located at the front 104, rear 106, or side 108 of manifold 102. In the embodiments of Figures 1B to 4, the inlet pressure port 142 and the inlet vacuum port 144 are located at the front 104 of manifold 102, but other configurations are also possible.

[0044] The manifold 102 includes a pressure channel 146 and a vacuum channel 148. The pressure channel 146 is in fluid communication with an inlet pressure port 142. In some embodiments, the inlet pressure port 142 provides the sole inlet to the pressure channel 146. The pressure channel 146 exits to one or more pressure cross channels 150 as described herein. In some cases, the inlet pressure port 142 can seal the pressure channel 146. The vacuum channel 148 is in fluid communication with an inlet vacuum port 144. In some embodiments, the inlet vacuum port 144 provides the sole inlet to the vacuum channel 148. The vacuum channel 148 exits to one or more vacuum cross channels 152 as described herein. In some cases, the inlet vacuum port 144 can seal the vacuum channel 148. In some manufacturing methods, the pressure channel 146 and / or vacuum channel 148 are formed by drilling a bore from one side 108 of the manifold 102 toward the other side 108 of the manifold 102. In some embodiments, the bore is a through-hole. The bore can be plugged or otherwise sealed at the side 108 of the manifold 102. A cross-channel can be a subchannel of any shape that connects at least partially to the pressure channel or vacuum channel. The cross-channel can form any angle with the pressure channel or vacuum channel, including 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, and 90 degrees, etc. The term cross-channel does not necessarily imply that the cross-channel forms a 90-degree intersection with the pressure channel or vacuum channel.

[0045] The inlet pressure port 142 may be connected to a pressurized gas source (not shown) via piping (not shown). A pressurized fluid, such as a pressurized gas, can move from the inlet pressure port 142 through the pressure channel 146. The pressure channel 146 can supply pressurized gas to each pipette channel 110 connected to the manifold 102.

[0046] Similarly, the inlet vacuum port 144 may be connected to a vacuum source (not shown) via piping (not shown). The gas in the vacuum channel 148 may be supplied under vacuum via the inlet vacuum port 144 and the vacuum source. The vacuum channel 148 can supply gas under vacuum to each pipette channel 110 connected to the manifold 102. The pressure channel 146 and the vacuum channel 148 may be parallel holes passing through the manifold 102, as shown. The inlet pressure port 142 and the inlet vacuum port 144 may have standard connectors, such as industry standard connectors that mate with suitable pneumatic piping.

[0047] Referring to Figure 4, the pressure channel 146 is illustrated to extend through the manifold 102. The pressure channel 146 is connected to the pressure cross channel 150. The pressure cross channel 150 extends from the pressure channel 146 in the manifold 102 to the base 132 of the pipette channel 110. The pressure cross channel 150 extends from the front of the manifold 102 to the rear of the pipette channel 110. The pressure cross channel 150 may be perpendicular to the pressure channel 146.

[0048] Similarly, the vacuum channel 148 is shown extending through the manifold 102. The vacuum channel 148 is connected to the vacuum cross channel 152. The vacuum cross channel 152 extends from the vacuum channel 148 in the manifold 102 to the base 132 of the pipette channel 110. The vacuum cross channel 152 extends from the front of the manifold 102 to the rear of the pipette channel 110. The vacuum cross channel 152 may be perpendicular to the vacuum channel 148. In some embodiments, one pipette channel 110 may be removed from the liquid dispenser 100 (e.g., disconnected from the front 104 of the manifold 102). The corresponding exposed pressure cross channel 150 and vacuum cross channel 152 may need to be covered. For example, if one pipette channel 110 is removed, the user may install a blanking plate (not shown) to cover the exposed pressure cross channel 150 and vacuum cross channel 152. The blanking plate may include a peg near its top and a peg near its bottom. The blanking plate may also include a fastener 124 near its top and a fastener 124 near its bottom. Other mechanisms are also conceivable that cover one or more pressure cross channels 150 and vacuum cross channels 152, including seals, plugs, adhesives, etc. The pressure cross channels 150 and vacuum cross channels 152 may be sealed such that one or more pipette channels 110 can be removed without adversely affecting the aspiration and dispensing operations of other pipette channels 110 that are mated with the manifold 102.

[0049] As described herein, the pipette channels 110 are modular and allow to be reversibly fixed to and disconnected from the manifold 102. Pressure cross channels 150 and vacuum cross channels 152 are components within the manifold 102. The pressure cross channel 150 associated with each pipette channel 110 extends from the distance between the pressure channel 146 and the pressure port 156 on the back 114 of the pipette channel 110 when the pipette channel 110 is fixed to the front 104 of the manifold 102. The vacuum cross channel 152 associated with each pipette channel 110 extends from the distance between the vacuum channel 148 and the vacuum port 157 on the back 114 of the pipette channel 110 when the pipette channel 110 is fixed to the front 104 of the manifold 102. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser 100 includes one or more features to improve the sealing performance between the pipette channel 110 and the manifold 102. In some embodiments, an 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 located near the pressure cross channel 150 and the vacuum cross channel 152.

[0050] Embodiments of the pressure channel 110 described herein include individually activated solenoid valves 158 configured to control the flow of gas from the manifold 102 to the module 120 of the pressure channel 110. One pressure cross channel 150 and one vacuum cross channel 152 of the manifold 102 are connected to the solenoid valves 158 of the corresponding pipette channel 110 when the pipette channel 110 is coupled to the manifold 102. The solenoid valves 158 may be located within the base 132 of the pipette channel 110. The solenoid valves 158 act as a selector between vacuum and pressure.

[0051] In the first position, the solenoid valve 158 guides a pressurized fluid, such as a gas under pressure, from the pressure cross channel 150 through the tube 160. The tube 160 extends from the solenoid valve 158 to the module 120. In the first position of the solenoid valve 158, the tube 160 supplies the pressurized fluid to the module 120. In some embodiments, the pressurized fluid can act on a piston in the module 120 to dispense fluid from the pipette tip 122. In some embodiments, the module 120 may include a second valve (not shown) configured to control the suction or dispensing action. The second valve may be a solenoid valve. The second valve uses pressure and / or vacuum to control the suction or dispensing action. The module 120 may include a flow sensor to determine the amount suctioned or dispensed.

[0052] In the second position, the solenoid valve 158 guides a vacuum downstream body, such as a gas under vacuum, through the vacuum cross channel 152 via the tube 160. In other embodiments, the gas under vacuum is guided through the second tube 152. The second tube 162 extends from the solenoid valve 158 to the module 120. In the second position of the solenoid valve 158, the tube 160 (or tube 162, depending on the implementation) supplies the gas under vacuum to the module 120. For example, the gas under vacuum may be supplied to the second valve in the module 120 to draw fluid into the pipette tip 122.

[0053] The solenoid valve 158 is integrated into the base 132 of the pipette channel 110. Advantageously, if a solenoid valve in a single pipette channel 110 of the liquid dispenser 100 malfunctions and requires maintenance, testing, inspection, or any other processing requiring access to the solenoid valve 158, the entire pipette channel 110 containing the affected solenoid valve 158 can be removed from the liquid dispenser 110 and replaced with another pipette channel 110. The pipette channel 110 forms a seal with the manifold 102 so that pressure and / or vacuum can be transmitted from the manifold 102 to the pipette channel 110. When the peg is aligned with the manifold during installation of the pipette channel 110, the pressure cross channel 150 and the vacuum cross channel 152 form continuous paths for gas under pressure and gas under vacuum. The pipette channel 110 and the manifold 102 form a pneumatic connection via a pressure cross channel 150 and a vacuum cross channel 152. This pneumatic connection may be a physical connection formed when the pipette channel 110 engages with (interlocks with) the manifold 102.

[0054] Manifold 102 may be a pneumatic manifold for supplying fluid under vacuum and pressurized fluid to each pipette channel 110. In some embodiments, a pneumatic solenoid valve 158 is integrated within each pipette channel 110 and functions as a selector between vacuum and pressure. Pneumatic piping is reduced or eliminated by the integrated modular routing within the manifold 102 and pipette channels 110 of the present invention. The integrated routing may be sealed with O-rings at the interface between the manifold 102 and the pipette channels 110. Piping between the solenoid valve 158 and the pipette channels 110 may be eliminated by positioning the solenoid valve 158 within the base 132 of the pipette channel 110.

[0055] The pipette channel 110 can form an electrical connection with the manifold 102. This electrical connection may include a physical connection formed when the pipette channel 110 mates (bites) with the manifold 102. As shown in Figure 3, the pipette channel 110 may include an electrical connector 166 on its back surface 114. The 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. The manifold 102 may include one or more electrical connectors 170 on its front surface 104. Each electrical connector 170 is configured to electrically connect to the corresponding circuit board 168 of the pipette channel 110 that mates (bites) with the manifold 102. The electrical connector 170 can be thought of as a backplane connector. The manifold 102 may include a circuit board 172. Electrical connectors 166, 170 may allow communication of electrical and control signals between the manifold 102 and the pipette channel 110. As described herein, control signals may be data signals designed to control one or more operations of the pipette channel 110. Electrical signals may include power to the components of the pipette channel 100, such as AC / DC electricity. Electrical connectors 166, 170 may allow communication of electrical signals between circuit boards 168, 172. Circuit boards 168, 172 may be printed circuit boards. Mating electrical connectors 166, 170 can eliminate or reduce the electrical cables and / or connections required to form an electrical connection between the manifold 102 and the 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 a ribbon cable 176. The ribbon cable 176 may extend along a coupling 128 at the interface between the pipette channel 110 and the module 120.The ribbon cable 176 can transmit control signals and electrical signals. In some embodiments, the Z-axis movement of the pipette tip 122 engaged with module 120 is controlled by a feature located within the pipette channel 110, which is controlled, for example, by a circuit board 168. The z-axis control hardware may be located within the pipette channel, for example, on the circuit board 168. In some embodiments, the circuit board 164 functions as an interconnection board and includes capacitive sensing circuitry.

[0056] The manifold 102 may include one or more additional electrical connectors 174. In Figures 1B to 4, the manifold includes three electrical connectors 174. The electrical connectors 174 may include various forms and shapes to accommodate various electrical connections. The electrical connectors 174 may include Ethernet® connections. Ethernet® connections can provide signals to circuit boards 168 and 172. The electrical connectors 174 may include power connectors. Power connectors can supply power to motors 138 and solenoid valves 158 in each of the pipette channels 110 when they are mated to the manifold 102. The electrical connectors 174 may include module connections. Module connections can control modules 120, for example, the suction and dispensing operations of module 120. Other electrical connectors 174 are also possible. One or more electrical connectors 174 may be located on the front 104, rear 106, or side 108 of the manifold 102. In the illustrated embodiment, all electrical connectors 174 are located on the front 104 of the manifold 102. In some embodiments, the number of electrical connectors 174 does not depend on the number of pipette channels 110. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, three electrical connectors 174 are included regardless of the maximum number of pipette channels 110 that the manifold 102 can accept.

[0057] The pipette channel 110 may be designed to accommodate internal wiring and piping. The pipette channel 110 can accommodate tubes 160 and 162 extending from the solenoid valve 158 to module 120. The pipette channel 110 may include a ribbon cable 176 for transmitting electrical and control signals. The electrical signals may include signals from an electrical connector 174. The ribbon cable 176 may extend from an electrical connector 166 on the back surface 114 of the pipette channel to module 120. Tubes 160, 162 (if included) and ribbon cable 176 may each include bends 178. The bends 178 in tubes 160, 162 and ribbon cable 176 are shown in the upper position in Figure 4. The upper position of the bends 178 in tubes 160, 162 and ribbon cable 176 corresponds to the upper position of module 120. As module 120 moves downward, the bent portions 178 of tubes 160, 162 and ribbon cable 176 move downward within the base 132 of pipette channel 110. The bent portions 178 of tubes 160, 162 and ribbon cable 176 can be accommodated within the groove 180 of the base 132 of pipette channel 110.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, five pipette channels 110 are located to the left of the electrical connector 174, the inlet pressure port 142, and the inlet vacuum port 144. The implementation of the manifold 102 described herein may be configured to accept additional pipette channels 110, which may increase the width of the manifold in the X direction. Conversely, reducing the number of pipette channels 110 configured to accept the manifold 102 may decrease the width of the manifold 102 in the X direction. The pipette channels 110 may be arranged so that pipette tips 122 are aligned. The distance between adjacent pipette tips 122 may be designed to adapt to the spacing of the associated containers for aspiration and dispensing operations. In the illustrated embodiment, the pipette tips 122 are 18 mm apart from center to center. The associated containers are 9 mm apart from center to center. Thus, in this non-limiting arrangement, the pipette tips 122 can act on each of the other containers in the first position (e.g., a first subset of containers). The liquid dispenser 100 can be moved 9 mm to the right or left in the X direction to act on each of the other containers (e.g., a second subset of containers).

[0059] In embodiments not shown, the feature portion of the manifold 102 may be incorporated into a plurality of pipette channels 110 permanently fixed in an adjacent stacked configuration, thereby eliminating the manifold 102. An electrical connector 166 of each pipette channel 110 may be located on the side 116 of the pipette channel 110 to communicate signals with adjacent pipette channels 110. A pressure channel 146 may extend through the stacked pipette channels 110. A vacuum channel 148 may also extend through the stacked pipette channels 110. One or more O-rings 154 can seal the pressure channel 146 and / or vacuum channel 148 between the stacked pipette channels 110. The pressure channel 146 and vacuum channel 148 may be connected to a pressure cross channel 150 and a vacuum cross channel 152, as described herein.

[0060] The embodiments described herein advantageously allow independent movement of each of the multiple modules 120 along the Z-axis, and permit independent and simultaneous aspiration and dispensing of each of the multiple samples within the liquid dispenser 100. In embodiments including multiple pipette channels, each of the multiple pipette channels includes an individually operable coupling 128 that moves along a ball screw 136 to move the module 120 in parallel with respect to the base 132 of the pipette channel 110 (independently of the other modules 120).

[0061] Embodiments described herein also advantageously reduce the pneumatic tubing to modular, individually operable pipette channels. Operating multiple pipette channels 110 adjacent to each other independently typically requires multiple pneumatic tubes from a common pneumatic and vacuum source to each pipette channel 110. The common pneumatic and vacuum source may be a remotely mounted solenoid valve manifold. A remotely mounted solenoid valve manifold makes it difficult to route piping to each pipette channel 110. In such a configuration, the pneumatic tubing leading to each pipette channel 110 is visible and cumbersome. Furthermore, the multiple pneumatic tubes may interfere with the movement of liquid dispensers along the gantry, etc. A remotely mounted solenoid valve manifold requires much longer tubing or multiple tubing sections to extend from the remotely mounted solenoid valve manifold to each pipette channel 110. In contrast, the liquid dispenser described herein reduces the pneumatic tubing to two pneumatic tubes connecting to the manifold 102: one pneumatic tube (not shown) connecting to the inlet pressure port 142 and one pneumatic tube (not shown) connecting to the inlet vacuum port 144. Each pipette channel 110 is supplied with pressurized gas and gas under vacuum via the pressure channel 146 and the vacuum channel 148, respectively. This eliminates the need for separate pneumatic piping to each pipette channel 110. In other embodiments, separate pneumatic piping is provided to each pipette channel 110. In some embodiments, separate pneumatic tubes 160, 162 are provided inside each pipette channel 110, connecting the module 120 to the solenoid valve 158. Such embodiments are still advantageous over systems using a remotely mounted solenoid manifold because the piping 160, 162 is very short and self-contained within the pipette channels 110 and module 120.

[0062] Embodiments described herein also advantageously reduce the electrical connections to modular, individually operable pipette channels. Operating multiple pipette channels 110 adjacent to each other independently typically requires multiple electrical cables from a common controller to each pipette channel 110. Embodiments described herein reduce the electrical cables to three electrical connectors 174 connected to the manifold 102. Each pipette channel 110 is electrically connected to an electrical connector 174. For example, signals from an Ethernet® connection are sent to each pipette channel 110 that interchangeably mate with the manifold 102. In another example, signals from a module connection are sent to each module 120 of multiple pipette channels 110 that interchangeably mate with the manifold 102. This eliminates the need for separate cable connections to each pipette channel 110. In other embodiments, separate electrical connections are provided to each pipette channel 110.

[0063] Embodiments described herein also eliminate pneumatic piping between the solenoid valve 158 and the pipette channels 110. Typically, a separate pneumatic solenoid manifold may be mounted adjacent to the pipette channels 110, with pneumatic piping connecting the solenoid manifold to each pipette channel 110. In contrast, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the solenoid valve 158 is integrated (built into) the pipette channels 110. Each pipette channel 110 may contain the solenoid valve 158. This eliminates the separate solenoid manifold and the associated pneumatic piping from the separate solenoid manifold to each pipette channel 110. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the solenoid valve 158 is not located within the pipette channels 110. The solenoid valve may be located within the manifold 102. A pneumatic cross-channel similar to the one described above can connect a solenoid valve in the manifold 102 to a channel in the pipette channel 110 coupled to the manifold 102. In these alternative embodiments, a pneumatic cross-channel is formed between the manifold 102 and the modular, individually operable pipette channel 110 when the pipette channel 110 is coupled to the manifold 102, thus eliminating the need for pneumatic piping.

[0064] One advantage of some embodiments described herein is the independent operation of each pipette channel 110. In some embodiments, each pipette channel 110 can independently control the Z movement of the pipette module 120. In some embodiments, each pipette channel 110 can independently control the aspiration and / or dispensing operation 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 that select between vacuum and pressure. In some embodiments, a second valve in the module 120 independently controls the aspiration and dispensing operations.

[0065] Another advantage of some embodiments described herein is the realization of a smaller overall package size. The modular pipette channels 110, 210, 310, and 410 described herein can be compact. In one non-limiting example, a single pipette channel 110, 210, 310, or 410 according to the present invention 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. The implementation of manifolds 102, 202, 302, and 402 described herein can be compact. In one non-limiting example, manifold 202 according to the present invention 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 one non-limiting example, manifold 402 according to the present invention 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 one non-limiting example, modules 120, 220, 320, and 420 according to the present invention 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 piping and / or wiring can be reduced. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve 158 is located close to the module 120, which can enable faster switching between vacuum and pressure.

[0066] Another advantage of the embodiments described herein is 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, there is the ability to quickly replace individual pipette channels 110.

[0067] The advantages described above with reference to the liquid dispenser 100 shown in Figures 1B to 4 are also applicable to other liquid dispensers of the present invention, such as liquid dispenser 1, liquid dispenser 200, liquid dispenser 300, liquid dispenser 400, and liquid dispenser 500, which are described in detail below.

[0068] Figures 5 to 34 show illustrations of a liquid dispenser 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The liquid dispenser 200 may include features substantially similar to those described above with respect to the liquid dispenser 100. For example, the liquid dispenser 200 may include the feature of a manifold 202 having a front portion 204, a back portion 206, and a side portion 208. The liquid dispenser 200 may include the feature of one or more pipette channels 210 having a front portion 212, a back portion 214, and a side portion 216. The liquid dispenser 200 may include the feature 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 feature of a track 230 and a base portion 232. The liquid dispenser 200 may include the feature of a ball screw 236, a motor 238, and a nut 234 configured to interact with a bearing 240. The liquid dispenser 200 may include features such as an inlet pressure port 242, an inlet vacuum port 244, a pressure channel 246, a vacuum channel 248, a pressure cross channel 250, a vacuum cross channel 252, a pressure port 256, a vacuum port 257, and one or more O-rings 254. The liquid dispenser 200 may include features such as a solenoid valve 258 and one or more tubes 260, 262. The liquid dispenser 200 may include features such as a connector 266 and a circuit board 268 for the pipette channel 210. The liquid dispenser 200 may include features such as a connector 270 and a circuit board 272 for the manifold 202. The liquid dispenser 200 may include features such as a circuit board 264 for the module 220. The liquid dispenser 200 may include features such as an electrical connector 274. The liquid dispenser 200 may include features such as a ribbon cable 276, a bend 278, and a groove 280. The liquid dispenser 200 may include any of the liquid dispenser features described herein.

[0069] In this non-limiting embodiment, the inlet pressure port 242 and the inlet vacuum port 244 of the liquid dispenser 200 are located on the rear 206 of the manifold 202. The electrical connector 274 is also located on the rear 206 of the manifold 202. The embodiment of the liquid dispenser described herein that employs this form advantageously reduces the width of the liquid dispenser 200 along the X direction. The circuit board 264 of the module 220 can be shorter in the Z direction than in the embodiments of Figures 1B to 4. The circuit board 264 and the module 220 can be enclosed within a housing.

[0070] The liquid dispenser 200 may include a mechanism configured to eject a single pipette tip from a plurality of pipette tips 222, as shown in Figures 30 and 31. The liquid dispenser may include a tip ejection motor 282. The tip ejection motor 282 may be connected to a translational sleeve 284 that encloses a portion of the tip adapter 218. The tip ejection motor 282 is rotatable, which acts a downward force on the sleeve 284, causing it to move in the Z direction relative to the tip adapter 218. The downward force on the sleeve 284 overcomes the frictional mating between the pipette tip 222 and the tip adapter 218 so that the pipette tip 222 is ejected from or disengaged from the tip adapter 218.

[0071] The liquid dispenser 200 may include a function to sense whether the pipette tip 222 is engaged with the module 220. The liquid dispenser 200 may include a sensor 286. In some embodiments, the sensor 290 is a REED sensor that senses a magnetic field. Components related to the pipette tip 222, such as the sleeve 284, may include a magnet 286. The pipette tip 222 is engaged when the motor 238 drives the entire module 220 downward to engage with the pipette tip 222. In this embodiment, the motor 238 is a main z-axis motor. When the module 220 engages with the pipette tip 222, the sleeve 284 moves parallel upward from contact with the pipette tip 222, allowing the pipette tip 222 to engage with the tip adapter 218. To engage with the pipette tip 222, module 220 translates downward in the Z direction, pushing the pipette tip 222 down until it mats, forms a friction mat, or otherwise engages with the tip adapter 218. When the pipette tip 222 is loaded onto module 220 and sleeve 284 is in the first “engaged” position, the magnet 286 is close to the sensor 290. The pipette tip 222 can be ejected as described herein. The pipette tip 222 may be accidentally disengaged during operation of the liquid dispenser 200. In such a case, sleeve 284 and magnet 286 fall downward in the Z direction under the influence of gravity, positioning the magnet 286 further from the sensor 290 than when sleeve 284 was in the first “engaged” position before the pipette tip 222 was disengaged. The sensor 290 can indicate whether the pipette tip 222 is engaged with the sleeve 284 based on the distance between the sensor 290 and the magnet 286. The sensor 290 can determine whether the pipette tip 222 is on the tip adapter 218.

[0072] The liquid dispenser 200 may include features that provide volume sensing. Volume sensing is performed by an electrical circuit located on a small substrate (not shown) on module 220. The substrate is connected to the tip adapter 218 via wires, cables, or flexible circuits. When the tip adapter 218 comes into contact with liquid or other objects, the circuit encounters a change. The tip adapter 218 may be electrically isolated from the rest of module 220, except for the wires leading to the circuit board. The liquid dispenser 200 may include other features that determine the liquid level, such as the liquid level in the pipette tip. The volume sensing circuit may determine the height or distance of module 220 in the Z direction relative to the container containing the sample to be dispensed or aspirated. The liquid dispenser 200 may be configured to sense, receive, or optionally store signals indicating information about the height in the Z direction, for example, the height to the relevant container. The liquid dispenser 200 may be configured to sense, receive, or optionally store signals indicating information about multiple heights related to different containers. The liquid dispenser 200 can return to its stored height during suction and dispensing operations. Other embodiments of the liquid dispensers described herein, such as liquid dispenser 100, liquid dispenser 300, liquid dispenser 400, and liquid dispenser 500, may also include volume sensing features.

[0073] The liquid dispenser 200 may include features (mechanisms) that provide a magnetic brake, such as a hysteresis brake, as shown in Figures 34A and 34B. The ball screw 236 may include a disk 294 or be coupled to the disk 294. The ball screw 236 may include a coupling portion 237. In Figure 34A, the coupling portion 237 is threaded. The coupling portion 237 may be inserted into a threaded hole in the disk 294. The coupling portion 237 may be inserted into a threaded hole in a bearing 239. The bearing 239 can facilitate alignment between the ball screw 236 and the disk 296. In Figure 34B, the coupling portion 237 includes one or more grooves. In some embodiments, the disk 294 includes one or more projections designed to engage with the grooves. 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 also possible. In some embodiments, the ball screw 236 and the disk 294 are rotationally coupled such that the rotation of the ball screw 236 causes the rotation of the disk 294.

[0074] The bearing 239 or other parts of the pipette channel 210 may include a disk 296. The disk 296 may include one or more magnets 298. In some embodiments, multiple magnets 298 in the disk 296 may all have the same polarity. In some embodiments, the magnets 298 in the disk 296 may have opposite polarities. In some embodiments, the magnets 298 in the disk 296 may have alternating polarities. In some embodiments, adjacent magnets 298 may have opposite polarities. The disk 294 may be a hysteresis disk. In some embodiments, only the disk 296 includes magnets 298. While the ball screw 236 rotates under the influence of the motor 238, the motor 238 overcomes the magnetic force generated by the magnetic interaction of disks 294, 296. When the motor 238 stops, the magnets 298 in the disk 296 are attracted to disk 294. The magnetic force is sufficient to apply torque to the ball screw 236 to reduce and / or prevent rotation of the ball screw 236. The magnetic force may also be sufficient to reduce and / or prevent free fall of the coupling 228 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 liquid dispenser 100, liquid dispenser 300, liquid dispenser 400, and liquid dispenser 500, may also include a magnetic braking function. Figure 34B shows a modified design example in which the disk 296 may be coupled with or integrally formed with block 299. Block 299 may secure the disk 296 to the pipette channel 210. Block 299 may include a mounting section for coupling with a peg or fastener. The mounting section may include one or more curved corners. Block 299 may be polygonal or substantially polygonal. In the illustrated embodiment, block 299 is a rhombus with rounded corners.

[0075] Figures 34C and 34D show other features of the liquid dispenser. The ball screw 236 may be rotated by a motor 238. The coupling 228 may include a nut containing a bore 229. In some embodiments, multiple ball bearings (not shown) are arranged around the bore 229 in the nut to reduce friction when interacting with the ball screw. The ball bearings are rotatable within the helical groove of the ball screw 236. As an example, as the ball screw 236 rotates, the ball bearings move around the ball screw 236 within the groove of the ball screw 236 and within the groove of the nut. When the ball bearings reach the top of the nut, they are fed downwards through channels in the coupling 228 (not shown) toward the bottom of the nut. The ball screw 236 may rotate in the opposite direction so that the ball bearings are fed upwards through channels in the coupling 228. Figures 34C and 34D show how the coupling 228 is attached to the ball screw 236. Figures 34C and 34D also show how the motor 238 and ball screw 236 are coupled. In some embodiments, the pipette channel 210 may include an integrated 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 an assembly or formed integrally.

[0076] Figure 34C shows the shaft coupling 241. The shaft coupling 241 connects the shaft of the ball screw 236 to the shaft of the motor 238. The shaft coupling 241 can tolerate a certain degree of misalignment (deviation) between the ball screw 236 and the motor 238. The shaft coupling 241 takes into account (compensates for) misalignment between the shaft of the ball screw 236 and the shaft of the motor 238. The shaft coupling 241 can tolerate a certain degree of angular misalignment. The shaft coupling 241 may be designed to handle axial misalignment between the ball screw 236 and the motor 238. In some embodiments, the shaft coupling 241 can tolerate misalignments 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.

[0077] 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 pair of angular contact bearings. The bearings 245 are capable of supporting 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.

[0078] As described herein, the coupling 228 may include a portion that interacts with the ball screw 236 and a portion that interacts with the track 230. Figure 34D shows embodiments of these two portions. In some embodiments, the coupling 228 may be a floating coupling that allows the connection between the track 230 and the ball screw 236 to be self-adjusting or floating. The floating coupling provides flexibility to prevent sticking (restraint) when the track 230 and the ball screw 236 are not perfectly aligned. In some embodiments, bearings support the ball screw axially and radially. In some embodiments, one or more bearings are integrated with the motor 238. In other embodiments, one or more bearings are separate components from the motor 238.

[0079] The embodiments of magnetic brakes described herein advantageously restrict undesirable movement of the pipette tip. Another advantage is that the magnetic brake limits damage to the pipette tip. In addition, the embodiments of magnetic brakes described herein advantageously provide greater driving precision. Yet another advantage is that the magnetic brake allows only controlled movement of the pipette tip relative to the container. In some embodiments, the magnetic brake functions to restrict the movement of the pipette tip. In some embodiments, the force generated by the magnetic brake restricts the downward or upward movement of the module 220 when the motor 238 is stopped.

[0080] Figures 35 to 55 show illustrations of a liquid dispenser 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The liquid dispenser 300 may include features substantially similar to those described above with respect to liquid dispensers 100 and 200. For example, the liquid dispenser 300 may include the feature of a manifold 302 having a front portion 304, a back portion 306, and a side portion 308. The liquid dispenser 300 may include the feature of one or more pipette channels 310 having a front portion 312, a back portion 314, and a side portion 316. The liquid dispenser 300 may include the feature of a module 320 having a flange 326, a coupling 328, a pipette tip (not shown, similar to pipette tips 122 and 222), and a tip adapter 318. The liquid dispenser 300 may include the features of a track 330 and a base portion 332. The liquid dispenser 300 may include features of a ball screw 336, a motor 338, and a nut 334 configured to interact with a bearing 340. The 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 cross channel 350, a vacuum cross channel 352, a pressure port 356, a vacuum port 357, and one or more O-rings 354. The liquid dispenser 300 may include features of a solenoid valve 358 and one or more tubes 360, 362. The liquid dispenser 300 may include features of a connector 366 and a circuit board 368 for a pipette channel 310. The liquid dispenser 300 may include features of a connector 370 and a circuit board 372 for a manifold 302. The liquid dispenser 300 may include features of a circuit board 364 for a module 320. The liquid dispenser 300 may include the features of an electrical connector 374. The liquid dispenser 300 may include the features of a ribbon cable 376, a bend 378, and a groove 380. The liquid dispenser 300 may include the features of dispensing pipette tips, having a tip dispensing motor 382 and a sleeve 384. The liquid dispenser 300 may include any of the features of a liquid dispenser described herein.

[0081] In this non-limiting embodiment, the pipette module 320 is mounted adjacent to the side portion 316 of the pipette channel 310 along the X-axis of the liquid dispenser 300. Embodiments of the liquid dispenser described herein employing this form reduce the depth of the pipette channel 310 along the Y-axis. Embodiments of the liquid dispenser described herein employing this form may also increase the width of the pipette channel 310 along the X-axis. The back portion 314 of the pipette channel 310 is configured to mate with the front portion 304 of the manifold 302, as described herein.

[0082] Figure 39 shows an exploded view of the manifold 302. The suction and dispensing operations of module 320 can be controlled in part by the application of a gas under pressure or under vacuum. The manifold 302 may include an inlet pressure port 342. The manifold 302 may include an inlet vacuum port 344. The inlet pressure port 342 may be located in the front 312 of the manifold 302. The inlet vacuum port 344 may also be located in the front 312 of the manifold 302. The inlet pressure port 342 and the inlet vacuum port 344 may be enclosed within a housing as shown. An electrical connector 374 may be located in the front 312 of the manifold 302. The electrical connector 374 may also be enclosed within a housing as shown.

[0083] The pressure channel 346 and vacuum channel 348 in the manifold 302 may be non-linear, having one or more bends or curves along the length of the channel, such as an L-shaped channel or a U-shaped channel, but are not limited to such non-linear. The pressure cross channel 350 and vacuum cross channel 352 in the manifold 302 may also be non-linear. The pressure channel 346 and vacuum channel 348 may extend from the inlet pressure port 342 and inlet vacuum port 344 to the pressure cross channel 350 and vacuum cross channel 352, respectively. The pressure channel 346, vacuum channel 348, pressure cross channel 350 and vacuum cross channel 352 may be designed in any way that aligns with the pressure port 356 and vacuum port 357 of the pipette channel 310.

[0084] The manifold 302 is configured to accept one or more pipette channels 310. While the liquid dispenser 300 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to accept one pipette channel 30, other configurations are possible. The pipette channel 310 can be secured in place in the manifold 302 during operation of the pipette module 320, for example, by a peg 324. An inlet pressure port 342 can supply gas under pressure to one pressure cross channel 350. An inlet vacuum port 344 can supply gas under vacuum to one vacuum cross channel 352.

[0085] The pipette module 320 is mounted adjacent to the side 316 of the pipette channel 310. The flange 326 and coupling 328 can be molded to fit this configuration. In some embodiments, the flange 326 and / or coupling 328 are perpendicular to the module 320. The flange 326 can be fixedly mounted to the coupling 328. The coupling 328 is movable along the track 330. Movement of the coupling 328 causes movement of the module 330 in the Z direction relative to the track 330. The track 330 is fixedly mounted 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 movement of the module 320 in the Z direction relative to the base 332 of the pipette channel 310 and the manifold 302. The coupling 328 can interact with the ball screw 336, as described herein with reference to other embodiments of the invention.

[0086] Figures 56 and 57 show a diagram of a liquid dispenser 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The liquid dispenser 400 may include features substantially similar to those described above with respect to liquid dispensers 100, 200 and 300. For example, the liquid dispenser 400 may include the feature of a manifold 402 having a front portion 404, a back portion 406 and a side portion 408. The liquid dispenser 400 may include the feature of one or more pipette channels 410 having a front portion 412, a back portion 414 and a side portion 416. The liquid dispenser 400 may include the feature of a module 420 having a flange 426, a coupling 428, a pipette tip 422 and a tip adapter 418. The liquid dispenser 400 may include the features of a track 430 and a base 432. The liquid dispenser 400 may include the feature of a ball screw, a motor 438 and a nut configured to interact with a bearing. The liquid dispenser 400 may include features such as an inlet pressure port, an inlet vacuum port, a pressure channel, a vacuum channel, a pressure cross channel, a vacuum cross channel, a pressure port, a vacuum port, and one or more O-rings. The liquid dispenser 400 may include features such as a solenoid valve and one or more tubes. The liquid dispenser 400 may include features such as a connector and circuit board for the pipette channel 410. The liquid dispenser 400 may include features such as a connector and circuit board for the manifold 402. The liquid dispenser 400 may include features such as a circuit board for the module 420. The liquid dispenser 400 may include features such as an electrical connector. The liquid dispenser 400 may include features such as a ribbon cable, a bend, and a groove. The liquid dispenser 400 may include any of the features of the liquid dispenser described herein.

[0087] Although certain features are not shown in Figures 56 and 57, exemplary implementations of these features have been described previously with reference to liquid dispensers 1, 100, 200, and 300. For example, nuts, ball screws, bearings, inlet pressure ports, inlet vacuum ports, pressure channels, vacuum channels, pressure cross channels, vacuum cross channels, pressure ports, vacuum ports, one or more O-rings, solenoid valves, one or more tubes, manifold connectors, manifold circuit boards, module circuit boards, electrical connectors, ribbon cables, bends, and grooves are not shown in Figures 56 and 57, but exemplary implementations of these features have been described previously with reference to liquid dispensers 1, 100, 200, and 300, and it is understood that they are also applicable to liquid dispenser 400.

[0088] In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser 400 may include a pipette channel 10 similar to the pipette channel 210. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser 400 may include a manifold 402 similar to the manifold 302. The manifold 402 is configured to accept one or more pipette channels 410. An inlet pressure port 442 is capable of supplying gas under pressure to one or more pressure cross channels. An inlet vacuum port 444 is capable of supplying gas under vacuum to one or more vacuum cross channels.

[0089] [An exemplary liquid dispenser according to the present invention] Figures 58 to 60 show the aforementioned liquid dispenser 200 operably coupled to robot 500. In this embodiment, robot 500 is a separate robot assembly used to perform various functions within a diagnostic testing system. For example, it is used to pick up PCR plates within an exemplary diagnostic testing system. Robot 500 moves together with 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 gantry (not shown) having three degrees of freedom. These degrees of freedom may include movement in the X, Y, and rotational directions. In Figure 58, column 600 may be connected to the robotic gantry (not shown). Any of the liquid dispensers described herein can be operably coupled to robot 500. Manifolds 102, 202, 302, and 402 may be coupled to robotic arms of robot 500 that can move the manifolds in space. A robotic arm can have six degrees of freedom. For example, a robotic arm may have one degree of translational freedom, two degrees of translational freedom, three degrees of translational freedom, one degree of rotational freedom, two degrees of rotational freedom, three degrees of rotational freedom, or any combination thereof.

[0090] Figures 61 to 64 show internal diagrams of some features of the liquid dispenser 300 described above. The pipette channel 310 may be designed to accommodate internal wiring and piping. The pipette channel 310 can accommodate tubes 360 and 362 extending from the solenoid valve 358 to the module 320. The pipette channel 310 may include a ribbon cable 376 for transmitting electrical and control signals. The ribbon cable 376 may extend from the connector 366 to the module 320. The tubes 360, 362 and the ribbon cable 376 may each include a bend 378, which is shown in a downward position in Figure 61. The downward position of the bend 378 in the tubes 360, 362 and the ribbon cable 376 corresponds to the downward position of the module 320. The bend 378 is shown in an upward position in Figure 62. The upward position of the bent portion 378 corresponds to the upward position of module 320. As module 320 moves downward in the Z direction along track 330, the bent portions 378 of tubes 360, 362 and ribbon cable 376 move downward within the base 332 of pipette channel 310. The bent portions 378 can be accommodated within the groove 380 of the base 332 of pipette channel 310.

[0091] In some embodiments, the Z-direction movement of the pipette tip engaged with the module 320 relative to the manifold 302 is controlled by a feature housed within the pipette channel 310. The module 320 may include a flange 326. The flange 326 may be fixedly attached to a coupling 328. The coupling 328 is movable along a track 330. As the coupling 328 moves in the Z direction, the module 320 moves in the Z direction relative to the track 330. As the coupling 328 moves in the Z direction, the module 320 moves in the Z direction relative to the base 332 of the pipette channel 310.

[0092] The coupling 328 may include a nut 334. The nut 334 is configured to interact with a ball screw 336. The nut 334 may include a ball bearing to reduce friction when interacting with the ball screw 336. In other embodiments, the nut 334 is threaded to interact with a lead screw (not shown) instead of the ball screw 336 of that embodiment. The ball screw 336 may be rotated by a motor 338. As the ball screw 336 rotates, the coupling 328 is translated along the ball screw 336. The coupling 328 is guided in the Z direction along the track 330. When the ball screw 336 is rotated in a first direction, the coupling 328 is translated downward in the Z direction along the track 330. Rotation of the ball screw 336 in a second opposite direction translates the coupling 328 upward in the Z direction along the track 330.

[0093] [Additional features of the liquid dispensers described herein] The liquid dispensers described herein may be configured to perform parallel pipetting operations so that each pipette channel acts independently to aspirate and dispense liquid. Each pipette channel has the ability to move a corresponding pipette tip along the z-axis of the liquid dispenser, independently of the movement of another pipette tip attached to the liquid dispenser. Thus, the liquid dispensers described herein are assemblies of pipette channels that work together to perform such pipetting operations on a solution. In this way, the liquid dispenser can typically pick up and disengage pipette tips as needed, aspirate a predetermined amount of liquid into such pipette tip, and dispense that predetermined amount of liquid. The movement and operation of the liquid dispenser are typically controlled by a processor so that the pipetting operation can be automated. Advantageously, the liquid dispenser may be configured to align the pipette tip with, for example, a container or cartridge inlet hole.

[0094] Advantageously, the liquid dispenser may be configured such that a module circuit board, sensors (but not limited to, sensors for detecting the presence of a pipette tip, sensors for detecting the force acting on the pipette tip during pipetting), a tip ejection motor, a sleeve, a pipette tip, and other items move as a unit as a module, thereby minimizing the number of control lines that move across the instrument during use, reducing the possibility of control lines becoming entangled during the movement of the module, and increasing the likelihood that the module maintains communication with other components fixed at various points in the preliminary or diagnostic device, such as the base of the pipette channel and the manifold.

[0095] The layout of the components in the drawings is for convenience only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other arrangements are possible depending on the environment and other factors. Electrical components, including motors, pumps, and valves, are capable of receiving instructions from a processor (not shown). The processor may be located on or off the liquid dispenser.

[0096] Embodiments of liquid dispensers described herein may also include a sensor configured to detect when the vertical movement of the module is obstructed and to supply an appropriate signal directly to a processor (not shown) or indirectly via a printed circuit board (not shown). The sensor may be mounted on the module or another component of the pipette channel.

[0097] Selectively, a scanner (not shown) is included within the liquid dispenser. The scanner may be configured to read information (but not limited to, sample and patient information) from one or more liquid-holding containers, sample tubes, reagent holders, microfluidic cartridges, or any other containers. The scanner may be electrically connected directly to a processor or indirectly via a printed circuit board.

[0098] Embodiments of liquid dispensers described herein include pneumatic solenoid valves, but other valves are also possible. Valves may be associated with each pipette channel and act to control the operation of each module, for example, by controlling when pressure is decreased to induce suction or when pressure is increased to induce dispensing. Each valve is connected to the module (including fluid communication) via one or more internal tubes extending from the valve to the module.

[0099] The liquid dispenser manifold described herein may be connected to a pump (not shown) via an air line or piping (not shown) to an inlet pressure port and an inlet vacuum port. As described herein, the inlet pressure port and the inlet vacuum port are connected to the ports of pipette channels via one or more channels and cross channels within the manifold. The ports of the pipette channels supply gas under pressure or under vacuum to a valve located within the pipette channel. Each pipette channel includes an independently controllable solenoid valve, which selectively directs air from the pump to the module associated with the pipette channel, and thus to the corresponding pipette tip.

[0100] The operation of the liquid dispenser is typically controlled by one or more circuit boards (PCBs), including a circuit board 164 within module 120. The PCB can further receive electrical signals from electrical connectors, including an electrical connector 170. Thus, the suction and dispensing operations can be precisely controlled by signals from the PCB to achieve precise volume control. In some embodiments, calibration of the liquid dispenser is required so that the amount (length) of forced gas discharge or suction time required to dispense or suction a desired amount (desired volume) of liquid is known. Thus, in one example, the time between signal-controlled valve opening and valve closing can be known and 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.

[0101] Module 120 may include a second valve, as described herein. Module 120 may include a pump (not shown) and a motor (not shown) that control its operation. In some embodiments, the pump includes a translation plunger controlled by a stepper motor that receives an electrical signal and / or control signal as input. Module 120 may include any hardware and / or software configured to complete the suction and dispensing operations.

[0102] The embodiments described above are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In consideration of the foregoing description, several variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be made by those skilled in the art, to the extent that they are not mutually exclusive. Furthermore, other combinations, omissions, substitutions, and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art in consideration of the disclosure herein. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments.

[0103] The pipette channel embodiments described herein are advantageously modular in design and are therefore compatible with any number of manifolds and modules. In the illustrated embodiments, a manifold may include one or more positions for receiving pipette channels. A position on a manifold that receives a single pipette channel can be thought of as a lane. Each manifold may include one or more lanes (e.g., one lane, two lanes, three lanes, four lanes, five lanes, six lanes, multiple lanes, etc.). In some embodiments, a manifold includes two or more lanes. In some embodiments, each lane is adjacent to another lane. In some embodiments, each lane is configured to receive a pipette channel in a single orientation.

[0104] In some embodiments, each lane is configured to accept any pipette channel from a plurality of pipette channels. For example, the first pipette channel in one lane may be moved to another lane. In some embodiments, each lane is configured to accept a specific pipette channel. For example, a pipette channel configured to perform aspiration and dispensing operations only for reagents may be accepted into one specific lane or one of several specific lanes of the manifold. Reagents may be aspirated and dispensed from a tube containing only the reagent and not a sample swab (such as a swab tip). As another example, a pipette channel configured to perform aspiration and dispensing operations only for samples may be accepted into one specific lane or one of several specific lanes of the manifold. Samples may be aspirated and dispensed from a tube containing the sample and a sample swab (such as a swab tip). The ability to configure the manifold to accept one type of pipette channel (e.g., a pipette channel configured to aspirate and dispense fluid from a reagent tube) into the first lane, and the ability to configure the manifold to accept a second different type of pipette channel (e.g., a pipette channel configured to aspirate and dispense fluid from a sample tube) into the second lane, are particularly advantageous. In an example described in more detail below, it is required that the associated pipette tip be coupled to the tip adapter with less force than a pipette channel configured to perform aspirate and dispense functions on a fluid in a reagent tube.

[0105] In some embodiments, a lane may be defined by one or more structures on the manifold. A lane may be defined by one or more openings configured to receive fasteners for pipette channels. A lane may be defined by one or more openings configured to receive pegs for pipette channels. A lane may be defined by an electrical connector configured to electrically connect to a corresponding electrical connector of a pipette channel mated with the manifold. In some embodiments, a lane may include only one electrical connector. A lane may be defined by a pressure channel configured to pneumatically connect to a corresponding pressure cross channel of a pipette channel mated with the manifold. In some embodiments, a lane may include only one pressure channel. A lane may be defined by a vacuum channel configured to pneumatically connect to a corresponding vacuum cross channel of a pipette channel mated with the manifold. In some embodiments, a lane may include only one vacuum channel.

[0106] In some embodiments, lanes may be configured to accept one or more components of a liquid dispenser. Lanes may be defined by positions configured to accept pipette channels. In some embodiments, each lane is configured to accept a single pipette channel. In some embodiments, lanes are configured to accept only one pipette channel. Lanes may be defined by positions configured to accept modules. In some embodiments, each lane is configured to accept a single module. In some embodiments, lanes are configured to accept only one module.

[0107] In some embodiments, a lane and one or more components of a liquid dispenser received thereon may be considered a unit. In some embodiments, a unit may be defined by its function. A unit may be defined by its ability to perform suction and dispensing operations. Two units of a liquid dispenser may perform the same suction and dispensing operations simultaneously. Two units of a liquid dispenser may perform different suction and dispensing operations simultaneously. Two units of a liquid dispenser may perform the same suction and dispensing operations simultaneously. Two units of a liquid dispenser may perform the same suction and dispensing operations simultaneously. Two units of a liquid dispenser may have independently controlled suction and dispensing operations. Two units of a liquid dispenser may include two modules that perform suction and dispensing operations independently. Two units of a liquid dispenser may have independently controlled movement in the Z direction. In one example, a unit includes a lane of a manifold and selectively receptive components received within the lane. The selectively acceptable components may include pipette channels, pipette modules, pipette channels coupled to pipette modules, or blanking plates.

[0108] Advantageously, embodiments of the systems and methods described herein include the ability to control the movement of a liquid dispenser, and optionally, the ability to control the movement of specific components of the liquid dispenser independently of other components. In the illustrated embodiments, each pipette channel connected to a manifold moves together with the manifold. In some embodiments, the manifold is movable in the X direction along the width of the manifold. Movement of the manifold in the X direction causes movement of each pipette channel connected to the manifold in the X direction. In some embodiments, the manifold is movable in the Y direction along the thickness of the manifold. 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 the height of the manifold. 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 channel connected to the manifold is movable in the Z direction in the same direction as the movement of the manifold. In some embodiments, the pipette channel connected to the manifold is movable in the Z direction in the opposite direction to the movement of the manifold.

[0109] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to mount the manifold to any of a variety of gantry systems with little to no modification of the manifold. In some embodiments, the manifold is coupled to a gantry controlled by one or more belt drives. In some embodiments, the gantry is controlled by one or more stepper motors. In some embodiments, the gantry is controlled by one or more linear motors. In one example, a liquid dispenser system includes three manifolds mounted on separate rails, each configured to move along the Y-axis of the system. In such embodiments, the linear motors advantageously allow multiple manifolds mounted on separate Y-rails to move along the same X-rail. In some embodiments, one advantage is that the linear motors allow three manifolds mounted on three separate Y-rails to move along the same X-rail.

[0110] In some embodiments, pipette channels are calibrated for a specific function. In some embodiments, pipette channels are configured with a shape or design for a specific function. In some embodiments, pipette channels are configured for a specific lane assignment. Pipette channels can indicate the lane in which they are placed. In some embodiments, two pipette channels coupled to a manifold have the same calibration settings. In some embodiments, two pipette channels coupled 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.

[0111] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to select between two pipette channels having different calibration settings related to volume. 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 mounted on the same manifold. As another example, a pipette channel may be calibrated to dispense a larger volume than another pipette channel mounted on the same manifold. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is mounted on a pipette channel configured to dispense 1 mL of liquid. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is mounted on a pipette channel configured to dispense 5 mL of liquid. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is mounted on a pipette channel configured to dispense between 0.5 mL and 1 mL of liquid. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is mounted on a pipette channel configured to dispense between 1 mL and 5 mL of liquid. Multiple pipette channels, each independently configured to dispense a specific volume or a specific volume range, may be selected and mounted on the manifold based on the specific liquid dispensing requirements of the system in which the manifold is installed.

[0112] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to select between two pipette channels having different calibration settings related to pressure. 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, a pipette tip is fitted to a pipette channel configured to dispense liquid at 500 millibars. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is fitted to a pipette channel configured to dispense liquid between 250 millibars and 750 millibars. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is fitted to a pipette channel configured to dispense liquid at less than 750 millibars. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is fitted to a pipette channel configured to dispense liquid at less than 500 millibars. In some embodiments, a pipette tip is fitted to a pipette channel configured to dispense liquid at less than 250 millibars. In some embodiments, the pressure is set by a pressure controller. A pressure controller can provide vacuum and pressure to a manifold. The pressure controller can provide instructions for controlling the vacuum and pressure supplied to the manifold. In some embodiments, gas is supplied at the same pressure to all pipette channels connected to a single manifold. For example, the system may include one pressure controller supplying gas to the manifold, and the same pressure is supplied to all pipette channels connected to the manifold. The pressure controller can vary the pressure of the gas supplied to all pipette channels connected to the manifold.

[0113] Figures 65A and 65B show embodiments of manifold 600. Its features can be used in combination with any manifold described herein. In some embodiments, manifold 600 is designed to supply gas at a first pressure to a first set of pipette channels connected to a single manifold, and simultaneously supply gas at a second different pressure to a second different set of pipette channels connected to the same single manifold. There are several ways to implement a manifold configured to supply gas under varying pressures. For example, the system may include two or more separate pressure controllers to supply gas at different pressures simultaneously to the same single manifold. Other configurations are also possible. Instead of one pressure inlet and one vacuum inlet, there may be multiple pressure inlets and / or various vacuum inlets. For example, in some embodiments, there are two pressure sources and two vacuum sources connected to corresponding inlets, e.g., 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. The manifold has two pressure channels 612, 614 and two vacuum channels 616, 618. The manifold is divided, with the first pressure source and first vacuum source supplying gas to a first set of lanes in the manifold, and the second pressure source and second vacuum source supplying gas to a second different set of lanes in the manifold. The manifold can be divided in various combinations. In some embodiments, pipette channels that receive gas from the same pressure channel and the same vacuum channel are adjacent to each other. Pairs of cross channels for vacuum and pressure channels, namely pressure cross channel 620 and vacuum cross channel 622, may be in the same locations as in other embodiments described herein. The cross channels 620, 622 may be in the same locations regardless of the number or location of pressure and vacuum channels arranged in the manifold.

[0114] In another embodiment (not shown), the manifold includes a first pressure channel physically and fluidly isolated from a second pressure channel, both of which are physically and fluidly isolated from a vacuum channel within the manifold. A valve in the pipette channel is connected to the first pressure channel, the second pressure channel, and the vacuum channel, and is designed to switch between the channels to deliver 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 dispense head. In some embodiments, the valve in the pipette channel may be designed to switch between two or more vacuum channels within the manifold. Thus, in some embodiments, the valve in the pipette channel may be designed to switch between three or more channels supplying 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 within each pipette channel to distribute gas under pressure or gas under vacuum. The three gas source options include, but are not limited to, two pressure sources and one vacuum source, one pressure source and two vacuum sources, etc. In the case of two pressure sources and two vacuum sources, the pipette channels may include three solenoid valves within each pipette channel to distribute gas under pressure or under vacuum. The pipette channels may include three solenoid valves within each pipette channel to distribute gas under pressure or under vacuum. The manifold may also be connected to another type of pressure source that supplies gas under pressure and gas under vacuum separately to the valves of two or more pipette channels. Multiple pipette channels, each independently configured to dispense liquid at different pressures or different pressure ranges, may be selected and mounted on the manifold based on the specific liquid dispensing requirements of the system in which the manifold is installed.

[0115] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to select between two pipette channels having different calibration settings related to speed. 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. For example, one pipette channel may include calibration for faster aspiration and dispensing operations than another pipette channel, such as high-speed operation. For example, one pipette channel may include calibration for slower aspiration and dispensing operations than another pipette channel.

[0116] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to select between two pipette channels having different force-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 engage or disengage a pipette tip with greater force than another pipette channel mounted on the same manifold. In one non-limiting embodiment, a first pipette channel interacting with one or more samples is configured to engage the pipette tip with greater force to prevent accidental detachment of the pipette tip from the tip adapter by a swab in a sample tube. In another non-limiting example, a second pipette channel interacting with a reagent in a reagent tube is configured to engage the pipette tip with less force than the first pipette channel, since the second pipette channel does not interact with objects in the reagent tube, such as a sample swab, which could cause the pipette tip to be accidentally disengaged.

[0117] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to select between two pipette channels having different configurations. For example, the two pipette tips may have different configurations related to pipette tip adapters of different sizes. 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. For example, one pipette channel may include a larger tip adapter for larger pipette tips than another pipette channel. As another example, one pipette channel may include more features than another lower-cost pipette channel. As yet another example, the two pipette channels may have different configurations of pipette modules, for example, as shown in Figure 35, where the pipette module 320 may be mounted adjacent to the side 316 of pipette channel 310 along the X-axis of the liquid dispenser 300.

[0118] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to design a liquid dispenser configured to accept two or more pipette channels having different characteristics, such as different calibration settings or configurations. In some embodiments, two or more different pipette channels may have electrical connectors of the same configuration designed to mate with the electrical connectors of the manifold. In some embodiments, two or more different pipette channels may have one or more different dimensions (e.g., height, thickness, width). In some embodiments, two or more different pipette channels may have different modules. In some embodiments, two or more different pipette channels may accept pipette tips of different sizes. In some embodiments, two or more different pipette channels may have different tip adapters. In some embodiments, two or more different pipette channels may be calibrated to dispense fluid in different ways, such as being calibrated to dispense different amounts (volumes) of fluid, or calibrated to dispense fluid at different pressures. In some embodiments, two or more different pipette channels may be configured to accept on any lane of the manifold.

[0119] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to design a manifold that includes two or more different lanes, each configured to accept an identical pipette channel. In some embodiments, the two or more different lanes may have identical forms of electrical connectors within those lanes. In some embodiments, the two or more different lanes may have identical forms of air connections. In some embodiments, the two or more different lanes may have one or more different dimensions (e.g., height, thickness, width). In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to design a manifold that includes two or more different lanes, each configured to accept a different pipette channel than the pipette channels to which the other lanes are attached.

[0120] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to design a system comprising two or more different liquid dispensers having different manifolds. The different manifolds may have certain common features and certain different features. In one example, one lane of each of two or more different manifolds may have identical forms of electrical connectors within that lane. In another example, one lane of each of two or more different manifolds may have identical forms of air connections. In some embodiments, one lane of each of two or more different manifolds in the same system may have one or more different dimensions (e.g., height, thickness, width).

[0121] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to design a manifold configured to accept a specific number of pipette channels. In one embodiment, the liquid dispenser may include one pipette channel, but may be configured to include two or more pipette channels. In another embodiment, the liquid dispenser may be configured to include only one pipette channel. In yet another embodiment, the liquid dispenser may include three pipette channels, but may be configured to include four or more pipette channels. In yet another embodiment, the liquid dispenser may be configured to include only three pipette channels. In yet another embodiment, the liquid dispenser may include five pipette channels, but may be configured to include six or more pipette channels. In yet another embodiment, the liquid dispenser may be configured to include only five pipette channels.

[0122] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to control the gas flow by a valve within the pipette channel. In the illustrated embodiment, the pipette channel includes an individually activated solenoid valve. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve is a low-pressure solenoid valve. In some embodiments, the rating of the solenoid valve is less than 30 psi. In some embodiments, the rating of the solenoid valve is less than 20 psi. In some embodiments, the rating of the solenoid valve is less than 10 psi. In some embodiments, the rating of the solenoid valve is between 5 and 10 psi. In some embodiments, the rating of the solenoid valve is between 1 and 15 psi. In some embodiments, the rating of the solenoid valve is between 1 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 gas flow from the manifold to the pipette channel module. The solenoid valve acts as a selector between vacuum and pressure.

[0123] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to control the aspiration and dispensing actions within the pipette channel. In some embodiments, the pipette channel module may include a second valve configured to control the aspiration and dispensing actions. The second valve controls the aspiration or dispensing action by utilizing the pressure and vacuum from the solenoid valve of the pipette channel. Advantageously, in some systems described herein, each module mounted on a single manifold has simultaneous access to pressure. In some systems described herein, each mounted module has simultaneous access to vacuum. In some embodiments, each pipette channel includes an independent airline connecting the module to the solenoid valve of the pipette channel. The airline described herein may accept any suitable gas, such as air or nitrogen, but is not limited to these. In the illustrated embodiment, the independent line connecting the module to the solenoid valve is sealed within the pipette channel housing. In some embodiments, the independent line supplies both pressure and vacuum from the manifold to the module.

[0124] In some embodiments, one advantage is that each module includes an independent connection to the manifold. In the illustrated embodiment, each pipette channel includes a single module. In the illustrated embodiment, each module is connected to a single lane of the manifold. As described herein, each lane may include an independent electrical connection for the module. As described herein, each lane may include an independent air connection for the module.

[0125] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to have a system that can be tailored to a specific process. The systems described herein can be tailored to laboratory requirements. As an example, the system can be tailored 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.

[0126] The systems described herein may be advantageously designed by a user who selects the number of liquid dispensers and the number of pipette channels. Two liquid dispensers in a system may have the same number of pipette channels (for example, a system comprising two liquid dispensers, each having one pipette channel; a system comprising two liquid dispensers, each having two pipette channels; a system comprising two liquid dispensers, each having three pipette channels; a system comprising two liquid dispensers, each having four pipette channels; or a system comprising two liquid dispensers, each having five pipette channels, etc.). The two liquid dispensers in the system may have different numbers of pipette channels (for example, a system including a liquid dispenser with one pipette channel in combination with a liquid dispenser having two, three, four, or five pipette channels; a system including a liquid dispenser with two pipette channels in combination with a liquid dispenser having three, four, or five pipette channels; a system including a liquid dispenser with three pipette channels in combination with a liquid dispenser having four or five pipette channels; or a system including a liquid dispenser with four pipette channels in combination with a liquid dispenser having five pipette channels, etc.).

[0127] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to have two or more liquid dispensers in the system perform the same function. In some applications, two or more liquid dispensers in the system can receive instructions from a processor. Two or more liquid dispensers in the system can receive the same instructions to perform the same method. For example, two or more liquid dispensers can move in the same motion pattern. For example, two or more liquid dispensers can perform the same method over the same period of time. For example, one or more pipette channels of two or more liquid dispensers can perform the same aspiration and dispensing operations.

[0128] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to have two or more liquid dispensers in a system perform different functions. Two or more liquid dispensers in a system can receive instructions (commands) from a processor. Two or more liquid dispensers in a system can receive different instructions (commands) to perform different actions. For example, one liquid dispenser in a system may interact with one or more biological samples from one or more patients contained in a sample tube. Another liquid dispenser in a system may interact with one or more reagents contained in a reagent tube. Two or more liquid dispensers in a system may have different calibration settings, as described herein. For example, a liquid dispenser in a system that interacts with one or more biological samples may be calibrated to require a greater force to engage and disengage the pipette tip than a liquid dispenser in a system that interacts with one or more reagents. The advantage is that this greater force may reduce the frequency of the pipette tip being disengaged by a swab in the sample tube. In some embodiments, a pipette channel interacting with one or more biological samples may require a force of at least 5 pounds to engage or disengage the pipette tip from the tip adapter. In some embodiments, a pipette channel interacting with one or more biological samples may require a force of at least 10 pounds to engage or disengage the pipette tip from the tip adapter. In some embodiments, a pipette channel interacting with one or more reagents contained in a reagent tube may require a force of less than 5 pounds to engage or disengage the pipette tip from the tip adapter. In some embodiments, a pipette channel interacting with one or more reagents contained in a reagent tube may require a force of less than 10 pounds to engage or disengage the pipette tip from the tip adapter.

[0129] The liquid dispensers described herein can, advantageously, be adapted to a particular process. In some embodiments, two pipette channels coupled to a manifold are similar or identical. For example, two or more pipette channels of a liquid dispenser are capable of performing the same function (e.g., both pipette channels interact with one or more samples in a sample tube, and both pipette channels interact with one or more reagents in a reagent tube). In another example, two or more pipette channels of a liquid dispenser may have the same shape or form. In yet another example, two or more pipette channels of a liquid dispenser may have the same calibration settings.

[0130] In some embodiments, two pipette channels coupled to a manifold may have different characteristics. For example, two or more pipette channels in a liquid dispenser may perform different functions (e.g., one pipette channel interacts with one or more samples in a sample tube, and another pipette channel coupled to the same manifold interacts with one or more reagents in a reagent tube). Another example is that two or more pipette channels in a liquid dispenser may be configured with different calibration settings. A pipette channel that interacts with one or more biological samples in a sample tube may be calibrated to engage and disengage with the pipette tip with greater force than a pipette channel in a liquid dispenser that interacts with one or more reagents in a reagent tube. As yet another example, two or more pipette channels in a liquid dispenser may have different shapes or forms. As yet another example, a liquid dispenser may have a pipette channel for mixing purposes.

[0131] The processor of the system described herein is capable of transmitting instructions (commands) related to pipette channels and lanes. In some embodiments, the processor transmits instructions (commands) to each lane and the components coupled to that lane independently of instructions (commands) sent to other lanes of the manifold. In some embodiments, the processor transmits instructions (commands) simultaneously to two or more lanes and the components coupled to those two or more lanes. In some embodiments, the system may require identification of each pipette channel attached to the manifold. In some embodiments, the system may require identification of each pipette channel attached to the manifold and the corresponding lane to which each pipette channel is attached.

[0132] In some embodiments, the processor sends instructions (commands) to guide one or more pipette channels coupled to the manifold to transfer a sample from one container to another. In some embodiments, the instructions (commands) use one of the one or more pipette channels of a liquid dispenser to transfer a reagent from one container to another. The instructions (commands) may include instructions (commands) to use a pipette channel to transfer a sample from a sample container to a reagent holder, instructions (commands) to use a pipette channel to transfer a sample from a sample container to a microfluidic network, instructions (commands) to use a pipette channel to guide a sample from a sample container to one or more additional containers, instructions (commands) to bring a pipette tip into contact with a sample, instructions (commands) to bring a pipette tip into contact with a reagent, instructions (commands) to place a pipette tip in a container, instructions (commands) to remove or discard a used pipette tip and engage an unused pipette tip. In various embodiments, the computer program product includes computer-readable instructions for operating one or more liquid dispensers. In some embodiments, the computer program product includes computer-readable instructions for causing the system to perform various suction and dispensing operations.

[0133] The liquid dispensers described herein are capable of recognizing pipette channels coupled to a manifold. In some embodiments, one advantage is the liquid dispenser's ability to verify and authenticate pipette channels coupled to a manifold. In some embodiments, one advantage is the liquid dispenser's ability to direct a command to one of two or more pipette channels based on information obtained during the verification and authentication process. In some embodiments, one advantage is the liquid dispenser's ability to recognize which lane of the manifold a pipette channel is mounted on. In some embodiments, one advantage is the liquid dispenser's ability to direct a command to one of two or more lanes based on information regarding which lane a pipette channel is mounted on.

[0134] The liquid dispensers described herein have the advantage of reducing machine downtime. Downtime may require the cessation of operation and the cutting off of power in the system. The system may be powered off for reasons such as, but are not limited to, a malfunction of the liquid dispenser (or components of the liquid dispenser), routine maintenance, changing a pipette channel attached to the manifold to a pipette channel with different characteristics, or changing the calibration settings of a pipette channel already attached to the manifold. As an example, replacing one pipette channel of the liquid dispenser described herein may take less than one minute. In some uses, replacing one pipette channel of the liquid dispenser may take less than five minutes. In some uses, replacing one pipette channel of the liquid dispenser may take less than three minutes. In contrast, replacing the dispense head of a conventional liquid dispenser may involve connecting and disconnecting air connections, electrical connections, and / or hardware connections. Replacing the dispense head of a traditional liquid dispenser takes more than one hour. That is, one advantage (of some embodiments of the present invention) is that machine downtime is reduced by more than 95%. In some embodiments, the liquid dispensers described herein are configured to be operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In some embodiments, the liquid dispensers described herein are configured to be quickly repairable so that they are operational nearly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

[0135] In some embodiments, a method for replacing a pipette channel may include the step of loosening one or more fasteners. In some embodiments, the fasteners are two screws. In some embodiments, the two screws are captive screws. One advantage is that the screws remain with the pipette channel, preventing their loss. Another advantage is that the screws remain with the pipette channel, preventing the use of incorrect hardware. Another advantage is that captive screws increase the speed at which pipette channels can be replaced. In some embodiments, a method for replacing a pipette channel may include the step of pulling the pipette channel away from the manifold. In some embodiments, a method for replacing a pipette channel may include the step of disengaging one or more pegs of the pipette channel from the manifold.

[0136] In some embodiments, a method for replacing a pipette channel may include the step of aligning one or more pegs of the replacement pipette channel with the manifold. In some embodiments, the one or more pegs include two pegs. In some embodiments, the one or more pegs engage with corresponding openings in the manifold. In some embodiments, by aligning one or more pegs of the replacement pipette channel, one or more electrical connectors of the pipette channel are aligned with one or more electrical connectors of the manifold. In some embodiments, one or more pegs extend beyond the electrical connectors of the pipette channel in the y-axis direction. See Figure 47 for an example. One advantage is that the pegs of the pipette channel engage with the manifold before the electrical connectors of the pipette channel engage with the manifold. Another advantage is that the one or more pegs prevent damage to the electrical connectors. In some embodiments, by aligning one or more pegs of the replacement pipette channel, one or more air connections of the pipette channel are aligned with the manifold. In some embodiments, the pressure channel of the manifold is aligned with the pressure cross channel of the pipette channel by aligning one or more pegs of the replacement pipette channel. In some embodiments, the vacuum channel of the manifold is aligned with the vacuum cross channel of the pipette channel by aligning one or more pegs of the replacement pipette channel. In some embodiments, a method for replacing one pipette channel may include the step of pushing the pipette channel toward the manifold. In some embodiments, a method for replacing one pipette channel may include the step of screwing in two screws. In some embodiments, the step of screwing in two screws may also include the step of compressing two or more O-rings. One advantage is that the O-rings increase the seal between the pressure channel of the manifold and the pressure cross channel of the pipette channel. Another advantage is that the O-rings increase the seal between the vacuum channel of the manifold and the vacuum cross channel of the pipette channel.

[0137] The embodiments of the liquid dispenser described herein advantageously allow for the blocking of a feature in one lane of the manifold when the lane is not in use. In some embodiments, when a pipette channel is not installed in the lane, a blanking plate may be installed in the lane of the manifold to block or seal the feature in the lane. The blanking plate may include one or more pegs. The blanking plate may include one or more screws. The blanking plate may cover an air connection in the lane, thereby closing or sealing the air connection. The blanking plate may cover one or more electrical connectors in the lane. One advantage is that the blanking plate can prevent damage to the feature in the lane when it is not in use. In some applications, the blanking plate is installed for prototyping purposes. In some applications, the blanking plate is installed for troubleshooting. In some applications, the blanking plate may be installed to determine whether other lanes in the manifold are operational. In some applications, one or more blanking plates may be installed to isolate lanes.

[0138] The systems described herein allow for easy and rapid reconfiguration of a liquid dispenser. For example, a liquid dispenser can be reconfigured if one or more pipette channels become inoperable. In some embodiments, one or more pipette channels can be replaced by a blanking plate. The blanking plate can limit pressure loss from the pressure channels of the manifold. The blanking plate can limit vacuum loss from the vacuum channels of the manifold. The blanking plate can enable the operation of a liquid dispenser with one or more remaining pipette channels.

[0139] In some embodiments, one 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. One advantage is that the user can remove a pipette channel that performs a certain function and replace it with a blanking plate. Another advantage is that the user can move a pipette channel that performs a first function to a different location on the manifold, for example, a different lane, in order to perform a second different function.

[0140] In some embodiments of the pipette channels described herein, the O-ring is captive. One advantage is that the O-ring remains with the pipette channel, preventing its loss. Another advantage is that the O-ring remains with the pipette channel, preventing the use of an O-ring of the wrong size. The captive O-ring can increase the rate at which the pipette channel can be replaced. In some embodiments, the pipette channel includes a dovetail-shaped O-ring groove. In some embodiments, the opening of the O-ring groove is smaller in diameter than the O-ring. In some embodiments, the opening of the O-ring groove includes one or more tapered projections that, when the O-ring enters the O-ring groove, engage (interlock) with the larger diameter O-ring.

[0141] The system described herein substantially reduces the possibility of incorrect connection of electrical connectors between pipette channels and manifolds, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the electrical connectors. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector of the pipette channel automatically aligns with the electrical connector of the manifold when the pegs of the pipette channel are aligned.

[0142] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to substantially reduce the possibility of accidentally connecting a pipette channel to a power source. In the illustrated embodiments, the manifold is connected to one or more external power sources (e.g., Ethernet® connector, power connector, pipette communication connector). In the illustrated embodiments, one or more pipette channels are connected to the external power source via the manifold. In the illustrated embodiments, the manifold includes an internal system for distributing these connections to each of the pipette channels. In contrast, a traditional liquid dispenser may include a separate power source for each dispensing head or pipette. For example, a traditional liquid dispenser with five pipettes may have five or more separate power sources. During installation or maintenance, these separate power sources may be connected to the wrong pipette, or they may not be connected to any pipette. One advantage (of some embodiments of the present invention) is the reduction of the possibility of accidentally connecting a power source to one or more pipette channels.

[0143] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to substantially reduce the possibility of incorrectly connecting the air connection between the pipette channel and the manifold. In the illustrated embodiments, when the pegs of the pipette channel are aligned, the air connection of the pipette channel is automatically aligned with the manifold. In the illustrated embodiments, when the pegs of the pipette channel are aligned, the pressure cross channel of the pipette channel is automatically aligned with the pressure channel of the manifold. In the illustrated embodiments, when the pegs of the pipette channel are aligned, the vacuum cross channel of the pipette channel is automatically aligned with the vacuum channel of the manifold.

[0144] In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to substantially reduce the possibility of incorrectly connecting a pneumatic source. In the illustrated embodiments, the manifold is connected to one or more external gas sources (e.g., via an inlet pressure port and an inlet vacuum port). In the illustrated embodiments, one or more pipette channels are connected to pressure and vacuum via the manifold. In the illustrated embodiments, the manifold includes an internal system of channels for distributing pressure and vacuum to each of the pipette channels. In contrast, a traditional liquid dispenser may include separate pneumatic sources independently connected for each dispense head or pipetter. For example, a traditional 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 may not be connected to any pipette. One advantage (of some embodiments of the present invention) is the reduction of the possibility of incorrectly connecting a pneumatic source to one or more pipette channels.

[0145] The systems described herein advantageously allow assembled modular pipette channels to be supplied to the end user. In the illustrated embodiments, the pipette channel contains a solenoid valve that controls whether gas is supplied to the pipette channel module under pressure or under vacuum. In the illustrated embodiments, the pipette channel contains a secondary valve, such as a solenoid valve, to control the aspiration and dispensing operations within the module. In some embodiments, one advantage is the ability to return the assembled modular pipette channel to the manufacturer. Advantageously, the systems described herein include the ability to troubleshoot a malfunctioning or inoperable pipette channel that has been removed from the manifold. In some cases, troubleshooting is performed on a pipette channel removed from the manifold, while the remaining pipette channels attached to the manifold continue to perform aspiration and dispensing operations. In one non-limiting example, a malfunctioning or inoperable pipette channel may be removed from the manifold within one minute, and a new pipette channel (or blanking plate) may be installed in the empty lane of the manifold within one minute. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the systems described herein, the liquid dispenser can experience (achieve) downtime of 2 minutes or less to replace a malfunctioning or inoperable pipette channel.

Claims

1. A manifold having a pressure channel, a vacuum channel, multiple pressure cross channels, and multiple vacuum cross channels, One or more pipette channels coupled to the manifold, An electrical connection unit configured to transmit control signals from the manifold to the one or more pipette channels, Equipped with, Each pressure cross channel begins at the pressure channel and ends on the outer surface of the manifold. Each vacuum cross channel begins at the vacuum channel and ends at the outer surface of the manifold. Each pipette channel includes a dispensing head, a pressure port configured to receive gas under pressure from one pressure cross channel, a vacuum port configured to receive gas under vacuum from one vacuum cross channel, and a valve that is in fluid communication with the pressure port and the vacuum port simultaneously. The valve is operable to selectively direct the gas under pressure and the gas under vacuum to the dispense head. The operation of each valve is controlled independently of any other valve by the control signal transmitted from the manifold. A fluid dispenser characterized by the following features.

2. Each of the one or more pipette channels is selectively and independently bound to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

3. For each pipette channel, the dispensing head is attached to the pipette tip. The dispense head is configured to draw liquid into the pipette tip when the valve directs gas under vacuum towards the dispense head, and to dispense liquid from the pipette tip when the valve directs gas under pressure towards the dispense head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

4. Each pipette channel has a single dispensing head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

5. Each valve is configured to selectively distribute gas under pressure and gas under vacuum from the pressure port and the vacuum port to the single dispensing head, respectively. The fluid dispenser according to feature 4.

6. Each pipette channel includes a first portion that does not move relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is connected to the manifold, and a second portion that moves relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is connected to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

7. The valve is enclosed within the first portion, The dispense head is connected to the second portion, The tube connecting the valve and the dispense head is configured to move within the first portion when the second portion moves relative to the first portion. The fluid dispenser according to feature 6.

8. The pressure channel has a first end and a second end that end at an inlet pressure port, The aforementioned inlet pressure port is connected to an external source of gas under pressure. The vacuum channel has a first end and a second end that end at an inlet vacuum port, The aforementioned inlet vacuum port is connected to an external source of gas under vacuum. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

9. The manifold simply accepts the gas under pressure and the gas under vacuum through the inlet pressure port and the inlet vacuum port, respectively. The fluid dispenser according to feature 8.

10. The electrical connection is further configured to transmit electrical signals from the manifold to the one or more pipette channels. Each pipette channel is powered independently of any other pipette channel by the electrical signal transmitted from the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 8.

11. Each of the one or more pipette channels receives control signals and electrical signals only through the manifold and the electrical connection. The fluid dispenser according to claim 10.

12. Each valve is a three-way solenoid valve. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

13. Each valve is a low-pressure solenoid valve. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

14. Each valve is a solenoid valve with a rating of less than 10 psi. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

15. At least one pipette channel further has a magnetic brake. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

16. The magnetic brake is configured to reduce the free fall of the dispensing head of at least one pipette channel in the event of a loss of electrical signal from the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to claim 15.

17. At least one pipette channel further has a ball screw configured to move the dispensing head of the at least one pipette channel perpendicular to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

18. The at least one pipette channel further includes a coupling configured to reduce misalignment of the ball screw. The fluid dispenser according to feature 17.

19. The gas supplied to the pressure port of each pipette channel by each pressure cross channel is at the same pressure as the gas supplied by each of the other pressure cross channels in the plurality of pressure cross channels. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

20. The manifold further has a second pressure channel which includes a plurality of pressure cross channels. Each pressure port of the first plurality of pipette channels is coupled to one pressure cross channel of the first pressure channel. Each pressure port of the second set of different pipette channels is connected to one pressure cross channel of the second pressure channel. The manifold provides gas under pressure to the first plurality of pipette channels at a first pressure, and simultaneously provides gas to the second plurality of pipette channels at a second different pressure. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

21. Each pipette channel is configured to be selectively attached to the manifold using two threads. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

22. The two screws mentioned above are captured in the pipette channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 21.

23. At least one pipette channel has one or more pegs configured to align with one or more openings of the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

24. The one or more pegs engage with the one or more openings in the manifold before the electrical connector on the pipette channel engages with the electrical connector on the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 23.

25. Each pipette channel has one or more O-rings configured to provide a seal between each pipette channel and the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

26. The one or more O-rings are captured in the dovetail groove of each pipette channel. The fluid dispenser according to claim 25, characterized by the features described above.

27. The liquid dispenser further comprises a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold, The first pipette channel includes different calibration settings for dispensing. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

28. Two or more pipette channels have different dispensing heads. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

29. One pressure cross channel and one vacuum cross channel are not coupled to the pipette channel. The liquid dispenser further includes a blanking plate configured to close the one pressure cross channel and the one vacuum cross channel of the manifold that are not coupled to the pipette channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

30. The pressure channel and the vacuum channel are physically and fluidly isolated from each other within the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

31. The manifold has a single pressure channel and a single vacuum channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

32. For each pipette channel, the valve is configured to communicate with the pressure channel and the vacuum channel of the manifold simultaneously, and can be operated to selectively direct the gas under pressure and the gas under vacuum to the dispense head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

33. Each pipette channel further has a tube having a first end ending with the valve and a second end ending with the dispensing head. The tube is configured to guide gas from the valve to the dispense head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

34. The tube is the only air connection between the valve and the dispense head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 33.

35. The tube is configured to bend when the dispense head moves perpendicular to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 33.

36. The tube is surrounded by the outer housing of the pipette channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 33.

37. For each pipette channel, when the dispensing head moves relative to the manifold, the valve does not move relative to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

38. Each pipette channel further has a second valve that moves with the dispensing head relative to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

39. The operation of each second valve is controlled independently of any other second valve by a control signal transmitted from the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 38.

40. The second valve is configured to control the suction and dispensing operations of the dispensing head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 38.

41. The second valve is a solenoid valve. The fluid dispenser according to feature 38.

42. The dispense head performs a suction operation when the valve directs the gas towards the dispense head under vacuum. The dispense head performs a dispensing operation when the valve directs the gas under pressure towards the dispense head. The second valve is configured to control the amount of liquid sucked and dispensed by the dispensing head during the suction and dispensing operations. The fluid dispenser according to feature 38.

43. The dispense head performs a suction operation when the valve directs the gas towards the dispense head under vacuum. The dispense head performs a dispensing operation when the valve directs the gas under pressure towards the dispense head. The second valve is configured to control the timing of the suction operation and the dispensing operation. The fluid dispenser according to feature 38.

44. Each second valve is powered independently of any other second valve by the electrical signal transmitted from the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 38.

45. Each pipette channel is configured to be coupled to and uncoupled from the manifold independently of other pipette channels coupled to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

46. Each dispense head is movable perpendicular to the manifold, independently of other dispense heads coupled to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

47. Each of the one or more pipette channels is modular. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

48. The one or more pipette channels have a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold. The first pipette channel is calibrated with a first setting for the volume for the aspiration and dispensing operations. The second pipette channel is calibrated with a second different setting for the volume for the aspiration and dispensing operations. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

49. The one or more pipette channels have a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold. The first pipette channel is calibrated with a first setting for pressure for aspiration and dispensing operations. The second pipette channel is calibrated with a second different setting for pressure for aspiration and dispensing operations. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

50. The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel are calibrated before they are connected to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 49.

51. The one or more pipette channels include a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel. 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. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

52. The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel have one or more different dimensions. The fluid dispenser according to claim 51.

53. The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel are configured to perform different functions simultaneously. The fluid dispenser according to claim 51.

54. The liquid dispenser has three pipette channels connected to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

55. The liquid dispenser has five pipette channels connected to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

56. Each pipette channel has a pipette tip sensor configured to detect whether or not the pipette tip is engaged with the dispensing head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

57. Each pipette channel has a sensor configured to detect when the vertical movement of the dispensing head is obstructed. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

58. The one or more pipette channels have two or more pipette channels. Each valve of the two or more pipette channels is configured to be activated independently to selectively direct the gas under pressure or under vacuum from the manifold to each dispense head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 1.

59. A method of dispensing and aspirating a fluid, A process for providing a manifold including a vacuum channel and a pressure channel, A step of providing one or more pipette channels, A step of selectively engaging the one or more pipette channels with the manifold, A step of transmitting a control signal from the manifold to the first pipette channel of the one or more pipette channels, The process involves performing aspiration and dispensing operations through the first pipette channel, Equipped with, Each pipette channel has a dispensing head, a vacuum port, a pressure port, and an independent control valve that is in simultaneous fluid communication with the vacuum port and the pressure port. The selective engagement step includes connecting each vacuum port of the one or more pipette channels to the vacuum channels of the manifold, The operation of the independent control valve is independently controlled in order to selectively direct the gas under vacuum or under pressure received through the vacuum port and pressure port of the first pipette channel to the dispensing head of the first pipette channel by the transmission of the control signal. The aspiration operation and the dispensing operation include a step of aspirating the fluid or a step of dispensing the fluid, respectively, in response to the reception of gas under vacuum or gas under pressure from the independent control valve of the first pipette channel to the dispensing head of the first pipette channel. A method characterized by the following:

60. A step of selectively engaging the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel with the manifold, The process of transmitting a control signal from the manifold to the second pipette channel, The process involves performing aspiration and dispensing operations through the second pipette channel, Furthermore, The operation of the independent control valve is independently controlled in order to selectively direct the gas under vacuum or under pressure received through the vacuum port and pressure port of the second pipette channel to the dispensing head of the second pipette channel through the process of transmitting the control signal. The aspiration operation and the dispensing operation include a step of aspirating a second fluid or a step of dispensing a second fluid, depending on the reception of gas under vacuum or under pressure from the independent control valve of the second pipette channel to the dispensing head of the second pipette channel, respectively. The method according to feature 59.

61. The aspiration and dispensing operations of the first and second pipette channels are performed simultaneously. The method according to 60, characterized by...

62. The aspiration and dispensing operations of the first and second pipette channels are performed independently. The method according to 60, characterized by...

63. The first pipette channel dispenses simultaneously with the second pipette channel aspirating. The method according to 60, characterized by...

64. The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel simultaneously draw in different amounts of fluid. The method according to 60, characterized by...

65. The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel dispense different amounts of fluid simultaneously. The method according to 60, characterized by...

66. The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel simultaneously draw a certain amount of fluid at different pressures. The method according to 60, characterized by...

67. The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel dispense a certain amount of fluid simultaneously at different pressures. The method according to 60, characterized by...

68. The independent control valve of the first pipette channel directs the gas under pressure at the same time that the independent control valve of the second pipette channel directs the gas under vacuum. The method according to 60, characterized by...

69. The independent control valve of the first pipette channel starts or stops the gas direction operation independently of the independent control valve of the second pipette channel. The method according to 60, characterized by...

70. A step of selectively engaging the first pipette channel and the second pipette channel with the manifold. Furthermore, The valve of the second pipette channel directs gas under vacuum to the dispensing head of the second pipette channel, and at the same time, the valve of the first pipette channel directs gas under pressure to the dispensing head of the first pipette channel, so that the dispensing head of the second pipette channel draws fluid and the dispensing head of the first pipette channel dispenses fluid. The method according to feature 59.

71. The pressure channel includes a plurality of pressure cross channels, The vacuum channel includes a plurality of vacuum cross channels, Each pipette channel is configured to connect to one pressure cross channel and one vacuum cross channel when the pipette channel is selectively engaged with the manifold. The method according to feature 59.

72. The aforementioned manifold has multiple lanes, Each lane includes one pressure cross channel and one vacuum cross channel. The selective engagement step includes engaging one pipette channel with one of the multiple lanes. The method according to feature 71.

73. The process involves sequentially drawing fluid into the first pipette channel in response to gas reception under vacuum at the dispense head, and dispensing the fluid in response to gas reception under pressure at the dispense head. The method according to 59, further comprising the following:

74. A process of connecting a gas source under a single pressure and a gas source under a single vacuum to the manifold. The method according to 59, further comprising the following:

75. The pressure channel ends at an inlet pressure port. The vacuum channel ends at an inlet vacuum port. The manifold simply accepts the gas under pressure and the gas under vacuum through the inlet pressure port and the inlet vacuum port, respectively. The method according to feature 59.

76. The pipette channel simply accepts gas under pressure and gas under vacuum through the pressure port and the vacuum port, respectively. The method according to feature 59.

77. A process of transmitting electrical signals from the manifold to the one or more pipette channels. Furthermore, Each pipette channel is powered independently of any other pipette channel by the electrical signal transmitted from the manifold. The method according to feature 59.

78. Each of the one or more pipette channels receives control signals and electrical signals only through the manifold and the electrical connection. The method according to characteristic 77.

79. A process to reduce the free fall of the dispense head in the event of loss of electrical signal via a magnetic brake. The method according to 59, further comprising the following:

80. The step of selectively engaging the first pipette channel with the manifold includes the step of aligning one or more pegs of the pipette channel with one or more openings of the manifold. The method according to feature 59.

81. The step of selectively engaging the first pipette channel with the manifold includes the step of tightening one or more capture screws of the pipette channel. The method according to feature 59.

82. The step of selectively engaging the first pipette channel with the manifold includes the step of compressing a seal between the first pipette channel and the manifold. The method according to feature 59.

83. The seal is a trapping O-ring for the pipette channel. The method according to 82, characterized by the features described above.

84. A process of selectively guiding the gas under pressure and the gas under vacuum, which are received through the pressure port and the vacuum port of the first pipette channel, to the dispensing head of the first pipette channel via a tube. The method according to 59, further comprising the following:

85. The tube is the only air connection between the valve and the dispense head. The method according to feature 84.

86. The tube is configured to bend when the dispensing head moves vertically. The method according to feature 84.

87. The fluid includes a liquid. The method according to any one of 59 to 86, characterized by...

88. The fluid includes gas. The method according to any one of 59 to 86, characterized by...

89. A manifold including a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and multiple lanes, One or more pipette channels, Equipped with, Each lane includes an electrical connector, a port to the pressure channel, and a port to the vacuum channel. Each pipette channel includes a single dispensing head and is configured to connect to the electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port of any one of the multiple lanes. A fluid dispenser characterized by the following features.

90. Each pipette channel has a valve configured to selectively distribute gas under pressure and gas under vacuum from the pressure port and vacuum port to the single dispensing head, respectively. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

91. Each of the one or more pipette channels is coupled to one of the lanes, For each pipette channel, the operation of the valve is independently controlled by a signal transmitted to the valve via the electrical connector of the lane to which the pipette channel is connected. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

92. Each pipette channel includes a first portion that does not move relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is connected to the manifold, and a second portion that moves relative to the manifold when the pipette channel is connected to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

93. The valve is enclosed within the first portion, The dispense head is connected to the second portion, The tube connecting the valve and the dispense head is configured to move within the first portion when the second portion moves relative to the first portion. The fluid dispenser according to claim 92.

94. Each pipette channel includes an electrical connector, a pressure port, and a vacuum port. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

95. The electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port of each pipette channel are configured to be connected to the electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port of any one of the multiple lanes. The fluid dispenser according to feature 94.

96. The electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port of the one or more pipette channels shall not move relative to the manifold when the electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port of the one or more pipette channels are coupled to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 94.

97. The single dispensing head of the one or more pipette channels moves relative to the manifold when the one or more pipette channels are coupled to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

98. Equipped with multiple pipette channels, Each of the aforementioned multiple lanes is configured to connect to one of the pipette channels among the aforementioned multiple pipette channels. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

99. The pressure channel and the vacuum channel are physically and fluidly isolated from each other within the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

100. The manifold has a single pressure channel and a single vacuum channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

101. Each pipette channel is configured to selectively connect to and disconnect from the electrical connector, pressure port, and vacuum port of any one of the multiple lanes. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

102. The longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of lanes is oriented to traverse the pressure channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

103. The longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of lanes is oriented to traverse the vacuum channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

104. The one or more pipette channels include multiple pipette channels, At least one of the plurality of pipette channels is coupled to one of the plurality of lanes, At least one lane of the plurality of pipette channels is not coupled to a pipette channel of the plurality of pipette channels. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

105. A cover configured to seal the pressure port and vacuum port of at least one lane not coupled to a pipette channel of the plurality of pipette channels. The fluid dispenser according to claim 104, further comprising the above.

106. Includes only one pipette channel, The pipette channel is coupled to one of the multiple lanes, Each of the remaining lanes of the aforementioned lanes is not bound to a pipette channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

107. Each lane includes a single port for the pressure channel and a single port for the vacuum channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

108. It includes a first pipette channel connected to the first lane of the plurality of lanes, and a second pipette channel connected to the second lane of the plurality of lanes, The single dispensing head of the first pipette channel simultaneously aspirates fluid while the single dispensing head of the second pipette channel dispenses fluid. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

109. The one or more pipette channels have two pipette channels with different calibration settings related to the gas pressure in the dispensing head between the aspiration and dispensing operations. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

110. The one or more pipette channels have two pipette channels with different calibration settings related to the amount of fluid being aspirated and dispensed between the aspiration and dispensing operations. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

111. The one or more pipette channels have two pipette channels with different calibration settings related to the speed of the aspiration and dispensing operations. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

112. The one or more pipette channels include multiple pipette channels, At least two of the aforementioned pipette channels are identical. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

113. The one or more pipette channels include multiple pipette channels, At least two of the aforementioned pipette channels are different. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

114. The at least two different pipette channels have one or more different dimensions. The fluid dispenser according to feature 113.

115. Each pipette channel has a valve that can be operated to control the flow of gas within each pipette channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

116. Each pipette channel has a valve that can be operated to control the aspiration and dispensing action of a single dispensing head of that pipette channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

117. Each of the one or more pipette channels is selectively and independently bound to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

118. The pressure channel has a first end and a second end that end at an inlet pressure port, The aforementioned inlet pressure port is connected to an external source of gas under pressure. The vacuum channel has a first end and a second end that end at an inlet vacuum port, The aforementioned inlet vacuum port is connected to an external source of gas under vacuum. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

119. The manifold simply accepts the gas under pressure and the gas under vacuum through the inlet pressure port and the inlet vacuum port, respectively. The fluid dispenser according to feature 118.

120. The electrical connectors in each of the aforementioned multiple lanes are configured to transmit electrical signals from the manifold to one pipette channel. Each pipette channel is configured to be powered independently of other pipette channels coupled to the manifold by the electrical signals transmitted from the manifold when coupled to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

121. Each of the one or more pipette channels is connected to the manifold, Each of the one or more pipette channels receives control signals and electrical signals only through the electrical connector of the lane to which each pipette channel is connected. The fluid dispenser according to claim 120, characterized by the features described above.

122. At least one pipette channel further has a magnetic brake. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

123. The magnetic brake of the at least one pipette channel is configured to reduce the free fall of a single dispensing head of the at least one pipette channel in the event of loss of electrical signal. The fluid dispenser according to claim 122, characterized by the features described above.

124. At least one pipette channel further has a ball screw configured to move a single dispensing head of the at least one pipette channel perpendicular to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

125. The at least one pipette channel further includes a coupling configured to reduce misalignment of the ball screw. The fluid dispenser according to feature 124.

126. The manifold includes a plurality of pipette channels coupled to it, The pressure channel provides gas under pressure to all pipette channels coupled to the manifold at the same pressure. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

127. The manifold includes a plurality of pipette channels coupled to it, The vacuum channel provides gas under vacuum to all pipette channels coupled to the manifold at the same pressure. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

128. The manifold includes a plurality of pipette channels coupled to it, The manifold is operable to supply gas under pressure to a first set of pipette channels and simultaneously supply gas at a second different pressure to a second set of different pipette channels. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

129. Each pipette channel is configured to be selectively attached to the manifold using two threads. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

130. The two screws mentioned above are captured in the pipette channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 129.

131. At least one pipette channel has one or more pegs configured to align with one or more openings of the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

132. The one or more pegs engage with the one or more openings in the manifold before the electrical connector engages with the pipette channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 131.

133. Each pipette channel has one or more O-rings configured to provide a seal between each pipette channel and the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

134. The one or more O-rings are captured in the dovetail groove of each pipette channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 133.

135. The one or more pipette channels have a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

136. The first pipette channel includes a different calibration setting than the second pipette channel for dispensing. The fluid dispenser according to feature 135.

137. The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel have different dispensing heads. The fluid dispenser according to feature 135.

138. A blanking plate configured to close one port to the pressure channel and one port to the vacuum channel of the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to claim 89, further comprising the above.

139. Each pipette channel has a valve configured to selectively distribute gas under vacuum and gas under pressure from the vacuum port and the pressure port to the single dispensing head, respectively. Each pipette channel further has a tube having a first end ending with the valve and a second end ending with the dispense head. The tube is configured to direct the gas from the valve to the dispense head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

140. The tube is the only air connection between the valve and the dispense head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 139.

141. The tube is configured to bend when the dispensing head moves perpendicular to the manifold when the pipette channel is connected to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 139.

142. When the pipette channel is connected to the manifold, the valve does not move perpendicular to the manifold. The tube is configured to bend within the housing of the pipette channel when the dispensing head moves perpendicular to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 139.

143. The tube and the valve are enclosed within the first housing of the pipette channel. The dispensing head is coupled to the second housing of the pipette channel that surrounds the second valve. The fluid dispenser according to feature 139.

144. The tube is enclosed within the outer housing of the pipette channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 139.

145. Each pipette channel has a valve configured to selectively distribute gas under vacuum and gas under pressure from the vacuum port and the pressure port to the single dispensing head, respectively. Each pipette channel further has a second valve configured to move with the dispensing head when the pipette channel is coupled to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

146. The operation of each second valve is controlled independently of any other second valve by a control signal transmitted from the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 145.

147. The second valve is configured to control the suction and dispensing operations of the dispensing head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 145.

148. The second valve is a solenoid valve. The fluid dispenser according to feature 145.

149. The second valve is configured to control the amount of liquid drawn in or dispensed by the dispensing head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 145.

150. The second valve is configured to control the timing of the liquid being drawn in or dispensed by the dispensing head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 145.

151. Each second valve is powered independently of any other second valve by the electrical signal transmitted from the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 145.

152. Each pipette channel has a valve configured to selectively distribute gas under pressure and gas under vacuum from the pressure port and the vacuum port to the single dispensing head, respectively. Each valve is a three-way solenoid valve. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

153. Each pipette channel is configured to be coupled to and uncoupled from the manifold independently of other pipette channels coupled to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

154. The one or more pipette channels have a plurality of pipette channels coupled to the manifold. Each of the dispense heads of the plurality of pipette channels is movable along the perpendicular direction relative to the manifold, independently of the other dispense heads coupled to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

155. The one or more pipette channels are modular. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

156. The one or more pipette channels have multiple identical pipette channels. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

157. The one or more pipette channels have a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold. The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel are calibrated to aspirate and dispense a certain amount of liquid. The first pipette channel has a volume calibration setting different from that of the second pipette channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

158. The one or more pipette channels have a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel coupled to the manifold. The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel are calibrated to aspirate and dispense liquid at a certain pressure. The first pipette channel has a pressure calibration setting different from that of the second pipette channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

159. The one or more pipette channels each have a first pipette channel and a second pipette channel, each having a pressure port and a vacuum port. 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. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

160. The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel have one or more different dimensions. The fluid dispenser according to claim 159, characterized by the features described above.

161. The first pipette channel and the second pipette channel perform different functions simultaneously. The fluid dispenser according to claim 159, characterized by the features described above.

162. The liquid dispenser has three pipette channels connected to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

163. The liquid dispenser has five pipette channels connected to the manifold. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

164. Each dispensing head is independently movable perpendicular to the manifold when it is connected to the manifold via its respective pipette channel. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

165. Each pipette channel has a pipette tip sensor configured to detect whether or not the pipette tip is engaged with the dispensing head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

166. Each pipette channel has a sensor configured to detect when the vertical movement of the dispensing head is obstructed. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

167. The manifold further comprises two or more pipette channels coupled to it. Each valve of the two or more pipette channels is configured to be activated independently to selectively direct gas under pressure or gas under vacuum from the manifold to each dispense head. The fluid dispenser according to feature 89.

168. A manifold having a pressure channel, a vacuum channel, one pressure subchannel beginning in the pressure channel and ending on the outer surface of the manifold, and one vacuum subchannel beginning in the vacuum channel and ending on the outer surface of the manifold, One pipette channel coupled to the manifold, An electrical connection unit configured to transmit control signals from the manifold to the pipette channel, Equipped with, The aforementioned pipette channel is A single dispensing head, A pressure port configured to receive gas under pressure from the pressure subchannel of the manifold, A vacuum port configured to receive gas under vacuum from the vacuum subchannel of the manifold, A valve that communicates with the pressure port and the vacuum port simultaneously, It has, The valve is operable to selectively guide gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the dispense head. The operation of the valve is exclusively controlled by the control signal transmitted from the manifold. A system characterized by the following features.

169. The second pipette channel not connected to the manifold Furthermore, The second pipette channel is identical to the pipette channel coupled to the manifold. The system described in claim 168.

170. The second pipette channel not connected to the manifold Furthermore, The second pipette channel is different from the pipette channel coupled to the manifold. The system described in claim 168.

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