Dispensing machines and analytical instruments

Abstract

A multidispenser 100 comprises: a plurality of syringes 103 which are each constituted by a plunger 101 and a housing 102; a drive motor 104 which drives at least one plunger 101; tip end parts 106 to which dispensing tips 105 are attached; and tubes 107A, 107B which connect the syringes 103 and the tip end parts 106, wherein the outer diameter 109 of each housing 102 is greater than the pitch distance 108 of the dispensing tips 105, and the plurality of syringes 103 are arranged in a plurality of rows. Thus, it is possible to increase plunger diameter as compared to the prior art, and to perform dispensation in amounts ranging from minute to large.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing apparatus and an analyzer. [Background Art]

[0002] As an example of a multi-channel dispensing apparatus, Patent Document 1 describes that the multi-channel dispensing apparatus includes: a plurality of dispensing pressurizing units each provided with a syringe, a piston, a solenoid valve, a pipe, and a piston driving unit that drives the piston; a multi-nozzle unit including a plurality of nozzles, one end of each of which can be mounted with a plurality of nozzle tips; and a controller that drives the piston driving unit and drives the solenoid valve, wherein the solenoid valve is provided between the syringe and the pipe, and the pipe and the other end of the nozzle are connected to each other. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-246363 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In tests and analyses in fields such as biochemistry, a dispensing operation of dividing and transferring a liquid such as a specimen or a reagent into a sample reaction plate, which is a dedicated sample container, is sometimes performed. For this dispensing operation, a multi-channel dispensing apparatus including a predetermined number of dispensing nozzles for sucking and discharging liquid is used.

[0005] The sample reaction plate is provided with a large number (for example, 96) of small holes for accommodating samples, and dispensing is performed by inserting the tip end of a dispensing tip attached to a dispensing nozzle into these small holes, sucking the liquid in the small holes into the dispensing tip, and then discharging the liquid therefrom.

[0006] When dispensing reagents into a typical 8x12 well 96-well sample plate, it is possible to achieve faster dispensing by using an 8-channel dispenser to dispense a total of 12 times, as described in Patent Document 1, rather than dispensing 96 times with a single dispenser. Furthermore, a 96-channel dispenser is also available as an even faster dispensing method.

[0007] In this context, the larger the diameter of the plunger in the dispenser, the shorter the distance the plunger needs to travel to draw and dispense the solution, allowing for the dispensing of larger volumes in a shorter time. Conversely, a smaller plunger diameter improves the accuracy of the solution volume, but dispensing larger volumes requires a longer plunger travel distance, resulting in a longer dispensing time.

[0008] In multi-channel dispensing systems, there is a demand for miniaturization that allows for a small pitch width and can handle various dispensing volumes, from minute to large volumes, in order to accommodate the high density of sample reaction plates.

[0009] Of these, to handle large volumes, it is necessary to make the plunger diameter as large as possible. As mentioned above, the larger the plunger diameter, the shorter the plunger travel distance, and the faster the dispensing time.

[0010] On the other hand, there was a challenge in that the plunger pitch of the multi-dispenser depends on the pitch of the holes in the sample reaction plate, which limits the possibility of increasing the plunger diameter.

[0011] This invention provides a dispensing machine and analytical apparatus that can increase the plunger diameter compared to conventional machines, enabling dispensing from minute volumes to large volumes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention includes multiple means for solving the above problems, but to give one example, a dispensing machine comprising a plurality of syringes composed of plungers and housings, a drive motor for driving at least one of the plungers, a tip for attaching a dispensing tip, and a tube connecting the syringes and the tip, wherein the outer diameter of the housing is larger than the arrangement pitch distance of the dispensing tips, and the plurality of syringes are arranged in multiple rows. The multiple syringes arranged in multiple rows are then arranged in an alternating pattern. It is being done. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the plunger diameter can be increased compared to conventional methods, enabling dispensing from minute volumes to large volumes. Other issues, configurations, and effects will be clarified by the following description of embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analytical apparatus equipped with a multi-dispenser according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a multi-dispenser according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 2, section AA. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the multi-dispenser of the first embodiment, viewed from a different angle. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a multi-dispenser according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the multi-dispenser of the second embodiment, viewed from a different angle. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a multi-dispenser according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of the dispenser and analyzer of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in the present specification, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated explanations of these components may be omitted.

[0016] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the dispenser and the analyzer of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0017] First, the overall configuration of the analyzer will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the analyzer of the present embodiment.

[0018] The analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an analysis unit 10 including a specimen storage unit 11, a multi-channel dispenser 100, an extraction unit 12, a single-channel dispenser 200, a reaction unit 13, consumables for the reaction unit 14, consumables for extraction 15, a reagent storage unit 16, and the like, and an operation unit 20, and the like.

[0019] The specimen storage unit 11 is a part for loading and collecting specimen racks, and is configured to temporarily store one or more specimen racks holding specimen containers accommodating loaded specimens waiting for analysis, and also temporarily store one or more specimen racks before collection.

[0020] The consumables for reaction unit 14 is an area for installing and storing various consumables used for detecting specimens in the reaction unit 13.

[0021] The consumables for extraction 15 is an area for installing and storing various consumables (such as a dispensing tip 105 (see FIG. 2 and the like)) used for extracting a specific component from a specimen in the extraction unit 12.

[0022] The reagent storage unit 16 is an area for installing and storing various reagents used for detecting specimens in the reaction unit 13.

[0023] The multi-dispenser 100 is the part that dispenses samples from sample containers placed on sample racks on the sample storage unit 11 to the extraction unit 12, and moves above the sample storage unit 11 and the extraction unit 12. Its structure will be described in detail later.

[0024] The extraction unit 12 is the part that obtains biomolecules, including the target of measurement, from the sample placed in the sample storage unit 11.

[0025] The single-unit dispenser 200 is the part that dispenses reagents from the reagent storage section 16 to the biomolecules in the extraction section 12 or the reaction section 13. It has drive mechanisms in the X, Y, and Z axes, and a dispensing probe, and moves above the reagent storage section 16, the extraction section 12, and the reaction section 13.

[0026] The reaction unit 13 is the part that measures the biomolecules that are introduced into the sample storage unit 11 and acquired in the extraction unit 12.

[0027] Here, the number of extraction units 12 and reaction units 13 is just an example and can be any number of one or more. Similarly, although the multi-dispenser 100 and single-dispenser 200 are shown as being composed of one each, they may each be composed of two or more.

[0028] Furthermore, the analysis unit 10 of the analysis device 1 is connected to the operation unit 20 via a communication line, either by wire or wirelessly.

[0029] The operation unit 20 is composed of a display unit, a control unit 21, and the like.

[0030] The display unit is a touch-panel type display that also serves as an input unit, and it displays various information about the analyzer 1, information about the sample to be analyzed, and information necessary to perform the analysis. A separate input device such as a mouse or keyboard may be provided as the input unit.

[0031] The control unit 21 performs analytical calculations based on the measurement results from the reaction unit 13, and also controls the operation of each part of the analyzer 1 individually or as a whole.

[0032] The information storage unit is a recording medium that stores information such as control parameters corresponding to each unit and sample information related to various samples.

[0033] The control unit 21 may be configured as hardware using a dedicated circuit board, or as software executed on a computer. When configured as hardware, it can be realized by integrating multiple arithmetic units that perform processing on a wiring board, or within a semiconductor chip or package. When configured as software, it can be realized by equipping a computer with a high-speed general-purpose CPU and running a program that performs the desired arithmetic processing. Existing devices can also be upgraded using a recording medium on which this program is stored. Furthermore, these devices, circuits, and computers are connected by a wired or wireless network, and data is transmitted and received as needed.

[0034] The above describes the configuration of the analytical apparatus 1 in this embodiment.

[0035] The following is a brief explanation of the analysis process using analyzer 1.

[0036] Once a sample rack containing sample containers is installed in the sample storage unit 11 and analysis is started, the sample is dispensed from the sample storage unit 11 to the extraction unit 12 by the multi-dispenser 100. Subsequently, according to the requested items, the extraction unit 12 performs an extraction operation for biomolecules, including the target of measurement. The extracted solution is reacted with reagents installed in the reagent storage unit 16, and a predetermined reaction is carried out in the reaction unit 13, along with measurement.

[0037] Furthermore, the analytical apparatus to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the form shown in Figure 1, but can be applied to various devices that automatically dispense liquids such as samples or reagents and perform analysis of the samples.

[0038] For example, in the analytical apparatus shown in Figure 1 above, the reagents are dispensed using a single-dispenser 200. However, if the analytical apparatus is used to analyze the same analytical items for a large number of samples, the dispenser of the present invention can also be used for reagent dispensing.

[0039] Next, the specific structure of the multi-dispenser 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the multi-dispenser of the first embodiment, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the multi-dispenser of the first embodiment viewed from a different angle.

[0040] The multi-dispenser 100 includes a syringe 103, a drive motor 104, a tip 106, tubes 107A and 107B, a ball screw 110, a coupling 111, and the like.

[0041] Of these, the syringe 103 consists of a plunger 101 and a housing 102, and there are a total of eight of them. The housing 102 is a sheath-shaped member that houses the plunger 101. The lower end of each plunger 101 is housed in the corresponding housing 102, and the upper end is fixed to a connecting member 114. The plunger 101 moves up or down in conjunction with the connecting member 114 as it is rotated by the drive motor 104, causing it to rise or fall.

[0042] It is equipped with a total of eight tip sections 106 for attaching dispensing tips 105, and each syringe 103 is connected in a one-to-one relationship by tubes 107A and 107B.

[0043] The drive motor 104 is connected to the connecting member 114 in the coupling 111, and by rotational driving, it raises or lowers the connecting member 114 by a specified amount based on the pitch specified in the ball screw 110. As a result, each plunger 101, whose end is fixed to the connecting member 114, also rises or falls, changing the volume of the working fluid (in this case air) in the housing 102 and tubes 107A and 107B, thereby performing the dispensing or ejection operation of the sample.

[0044] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the pitch distance 108 on the adjacent dispensing tip 105 side is not changed from that of a conventional multi-dispenser, or is not changed to a predetermined value, and eight tips are arranged in a straight line in the Y direction without changing their position in the X direction. In contrast, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the syringe 103 side is arranged in multiple rows.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 in particular, the eight syringes 103 are arranged alternately. As a result, at least one of the eight syringes 103 is positioned such that the X-axis position of its central axis is offset from the X-axis position of the central axis of the dispensing tip 105 or the tip portion 106.

[0046] More specifically, the X-direction positions of syringe 103 with the most negative Y-direction in the figure are set to be the same as those of syringes 103 with the third most negative Y-direction, the fifth most negative Y-direction, and the seventh most negative Y-direction, as well as those of syringes 103 with the second most negative Y-direction, the fourth most negative Y-direction, the sixth most negative Y-direction, and the eighth most negative Y-direction, and so on.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the outer diameter 109 of the housing 102 is made larger than the pitch distance 108 between adjacent dispensing tips 105 in order to achieve not only micro-dispensing but also large-volume dispensing.

[0048] In this way, by arranging the syringe 103, including the plunger 101, in a staggered front-to-back configuration, the outer diameter of the plunger 101 can, in principle, be increased to twice the pitch distance 108 of the dispensing tip 105. In this case, the plunger diameter can be increased by 4 to 10 times compared to when the plungers are arranged side-by-side. As a result, the vertical travel distance of the plunger 101 (Z-direction in the diagram) is reduced to 1 / 16 to 1 / 100 times that of the conventional structure, and in simple calculations, the time can also be reduced to 1 / 16 to 1 / 100 times. Therefore, it can easily handle not only micro-dispensing but also large-volume dispensing, and can accommodate continuous dispensing and deep wells.

[0049] Furthermore, it is desirable that the distance between each syringe 103 and the dispensing tip 105 be constant across multiple tubes 107A and 107B. For this reason, as shown in Figure 4, for example, the tube 107A connecting the syringe 103 on the X-positive side (the syringe 103 with the most negative Y direction in the figure, the third most negative syringe 103, the fifth syringe 103, and the seventh syringe 103) to the dispensing tip 105 can be made to protrude on the X-positive side relative to the tube 107B connecting the syringe 103 on the X-negative side (the syringe 103 with the second most negative Y direction in the figure, the fourth most negative syringe 103, the sixth syringe 103, and the eighth syringe 103) to the dispensing tip 105, thereby increasing the distance.

[0050] Alternatively, the volume of working fluid between each syringe 103 and dispensing tip 105 can be kept constant across multiple tubes 107A and 107B. In this case, measures such as changing the cross-sectional area in the axial direction between tubes 107A and 107B can be taken.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, with only one drive motor 104, the volume of sample dispensed in one upward / downward movement (dispensing operation) can be the same for all eight syringes 103.

[0052] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0053] The analytical apparatus 1 comprises a sample storage unit 11 for introducing a sample according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, a reaction unit 13 for measuring a specific substance in the sample introduced into the sample storage unit 11, a multi-dispenser 100 for dispensing either the sample introduced into the sample storage unit 11 or one or more reagents to react with the sample, and a control unit 21 for controlling the operation of each part in the apparatus. The multi-dispenser 100 comprises a plurality of syringes 103 composed of plungers 101 and housings 102, a drive motor 104 for driving at least one plunger 101, a tip 106 for attaching a dispensing tip 105, and tubes 107A and 107B connecting the syringes 103 and the tip 106, wherein the outer diameter 109 of the housing 102 is larger than the pitch distance 108 of the dispensing tip 105, and the plurality of syringes 103 are arranged in a plurality of rows.

[0054] This allows the diameter of the plunger 101 to be made larger than the diameter when the plungers are arranged in a straight line as in the conventional method, enabling it to handle both micro-volume and large-volume dispensing.

[0055] Furthermore, since multiple syringes 103 arranged in multiple rows are positioned alternately, it is possible to arrange the syringes 103 closely together and increase their diameter. This suppresses the enlargement of the area around the syringes 103, thus avoiding an increase in the overall size of the multi-channel dispensing machine 100, while still allowing for an increase in the diameter of the plunger 101.

[0056] Furthermore, having only one drive motor 104 simplifies the drive system, resulting in space savings and lower costs.

[0057] <Second Embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention, a dispensing machine and an analytical apparatus, will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the multi-dispensing machine of the second embodiment, and Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the multi-dispensing machine of the second embodiment viewed from a different angle.

[0058] The multi-channel dispenser 100A shown in Figures 5 and 6 differs from the multi-channel dispenser 100 of the first embodiment in that it further includes pressure sensors 113A and 113B for detecting the pressure in the pipes 107A and 107B, and pressure piping 112A and 112B for connecting the pipes 107A and 107B to the pressure sensors 113A and 113B.

[0059] The multi-dispenser 100A of this embodiment is the same as the multi-dispenser 100 of the first embodiment in that it is equipped with eight syringes 103, the syringes 103 are arranged in multiple rows and the eight syringes 103 are arranged alternately, and the outer diameter 109 of the housing 102 is larger than the pitch distance 108 between adjacent dispensing tips 105.

[0060] The difference is that, as mentioned above, the multi-dispenser 100A of this embodiment is equipped with a total of eight pressure sensors 113A and 113B, and the pressure sensors 113A and 113B are arranged alternately in multiple rows. More specifically, the multiple pressure sensors 113A and 113B are arranged alternately in the opposite direction to the alternate arrangement of the multiple syringes 103.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, the pressure sensor 113A connected to the tube 107A that connects the syringe 103 on the positive X side (the syringe 103 with the most negative Y direction in the figure, the third most negative syringe 103, the fifth syringe 103, and the seventh syringe 103) to the dispensing tip 105 is positioned on the negative X side compared to the position of the pressure sensor 113B connected to the tube 107B that connects the syringe 103 on the negative X side (the second most negative syringe 103, the fourth most negative syringe 103, the sixth syringe 103, and the eighth syringe 103) to the dispensing tip 105. This ensures that the multiple pressure sensors 113A and 113B are arranged in an alternating pattern, opposite to the alternating arrangement of the multiple syringes 103.

[0062] Furthermore, it is desirable that the sum of the distances between each pressure sensor 113A, 113B and the syringe 103, and the distance between the syringe 103 and the dispensing tip 105, be constant across the multiple tubes 107A, 107B and pressure piping 112A, 112B.

[0063] Alternatively, it is desirable that the sum of the volume of working fluid between each pressure sensor 113A, 113B and syringe 103, and the volume of working fluid between syringe 103 and dispensing tip 105, be constant across multiple tubes 107A, 107B and pressure piping 112A, 112B.

[0064] The other configurations and operations are substantially the same as those of the dispensing machine and analyzer of the first embodiment described above, and details are omitted.

[0065] In the second embodiment of the present invention, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained in the dispensing machine and analytical apparatus.

[0066] Furthermore, by providing multiple pressure sensors 113A and 113B for detecting the pressure in pipes 107A and 107B, and arranging them alternately in multiple rows, it is possible to alleviate the constraints on the size of the pressure sensors 113A and 113B that would otherwise be imposed by the narrow spacing between them, thereby improving the degree of design flexibility.

[0067] Furthermore, since the multiple pressure sensors 113A and 113B are arranged in an alternating pattern, opposite to the alternating pattern of the multiple syringes 103, the volume difference due to the length of pipe 107B, which is longer than pipe 107A, can be easily absorbed by the pressure pipe 112A, which is longer than pressure pipe 112B, thereby making the volume difference between pipes 107A and 107B and pressure pipes 112A and 112B smaller.

[0068] Furthermore, by providing multiple pressure sensors 113A and 113B to detect the pressure in tubes 107A and 107B, and ensuring that the sum of the distances between each pressure sensor 113A and 113B and the syringe 103, and the distance between the syringe 103 and the dispensing tip 105 is constant for multiple tubes 107A and 107B and pressure piping 112A and 112B, or by providing multiple pressure sensors 113A and 113B to detect the pressure in tubes 107A and 107B, and ensuring that the sum of the volume of working fluid between each pressure sensor 113A and 113B and the syringe 103, and the volume of working fluid between the syringe 103 and the dispensing tip 105 is constant for multiple tubes 107A and 107B and pressure piping 112A and 112B, differences in the amount of sample dispensed by multiple syringes 103 can be strongly suppressed, enabling more accurate dispensing.

[0069] <Third Embodiment> A third embodiment of the present invention, consisting of a dispensing machine and an analytical apparatus, will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of a multi-dispensing machine according to the third embodiment.

[0070] In the multi-dispenser 100B of this embodiment shown in Figure 7, while the syringes 103 are arranged in multiple rows, similar to the multi-dispenser 100 of the first embodiment and the multi-dispenser 100A of the second embodiment, the syringes 103 are not arranged alternately. Instead, the Y-direction positions of the syringes 103 on the X-positive side and the Y-direction positions of the syringes 103 on the X-negative side are arranged to be the same.

[0071] The other configurations and operations are substantially the same as those of the dispensing machine and analyzer of the first embodiment described above, and details are omitted.

[0072] In the third embodiment of the present invention, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained in the dispensing machine and analytical apparatus.

[0073] <Other> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are included. The embodiments described above are explained in detail for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described.

[0074] Furthermore, it is possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1: Analyzer 10:Analysis Department 11: Specimen storage section (input section) 12:Extraction part 13: Reaction section (measurement section) 14: Consumables for the reaction section 15:Extraction consumables 16: Reagent Storage Section 20:Operation unit 21: Control Unit 100, 100A, 100B: Multi-channel dispenser (dispenser) 101: Plunger 102: Housing 103: Syringe 104: Drive motor 105: Dispensing Tip 106:Tip 107A, 107B: Pipe 108: Pitch distance 109: Outer diameter 110: Ball screw 111: Coupling 112A, 112B: Pressure piping 113A, 113B: Pressure sensors 114: Connecting member 200: Single-batch dispensing machine

Claims

1. Multiple syringes consisting of plungers and housings, A drive motor that drives at least one of the plungers, The tip to which the dispensing tip is attached, In a dispensing machine comprising a tube connecting the syringe and the tip, The outer diameter of the housing is greater than the arrangement pitch distance of the dispensing tips, Multiple syringes are arranged in multiple rows, and the multiple syringes arranged in multiple rows are arranged in an alternating pattern. Dispensing machine.

2. In the dispensing machine according to claim 1, The system includes multiple pressure sensors for detecting the pressure in the aforementioned pipe. They are arranged in alternating rows. Dispensing machine.

3. In the dispensing machine according to claim 2, The multiple pressure sensors are arranged in an alternating pattern, the opposite of the alternating pattern of the multiple syringes. Dispensing machine.

4. In the dispensing machine according to claim 1, The system includes multiple pressure sensors for detecting the pressure in the aforementioned pipe. The sum of the distance between each of the pressure sensors and the syringe, and the distance between the syringe and the dispensing tip, is constant across the multiple tubes. Dispensing machine.

5. In the dispensing machine according to claim 1, The system includes multiple pressure sensors for detecting the pressure in the aforementioned pipe. The sum of the volume of working fluid between each of the pressure sensors and the syringe, and the volume of working fluid between the syringe and the dispensing tip, is constant across the multiple tubes. Dispensing machine.

6. In the dispensing machine according to claim 1, The drive motor is one unit. Dispensing machine.

7. The input section for inserting the sample, A measuring unit for measuring a specific substance in the sample introduced into the input unit, A dispensing machine that dispenses either the sample or one or more of the reagents to be reacted with the sample that have been introduced into the input section, In an analytical apparatus comprising a control unit that controls the operation of each part within the apparatus, The dispensing machine is, Multiple syringes consisting of plungers and housings, A drive motor that drives at least one of the plungers, The tip to which the dispensing tip is attached, The syringe comprises a tube connecting the syringe and the tip, The outer diameter of the housing is greater than the arrangement pitch distance of the dispensing tips, Multiple syringes are arranged in multiple rows, and the multiple syringes arranged in multiple rows are arranged in an alternating pattern. Analyzer.

8. In the analytical apparatus described in claim 7, The system includes multiple pressure sensors for detecting the pressure in the aforementioned pipe. They are arranged in alternating rows. Analyzer.

9. In the analytical apparatus described in claim 8, The multiple pressure sensors are arranged in an alternating pattern, the opposite of the alternating pattern of the multiple syringes. Analyzer.

10. In the analytical apparatus described in claim 7, The system includes multiple pressure sensors for detecting the pressure in the aforementioned pipe. The sum of the distance between each of the pressure sensors and the syringe, and the distance between the syringe and the dispensing tip, is constant across the multiple tubes. Analyzer.

11. In the analytical apparatus described in claim 7, The system includes multiple pressure sensors for detecting the pressure in the aforementioned pipe. The sum of the volume of working fluid between each of the pressure sensors and the syringe, and the volume of working fluid between the syringe and the dispensing tip, is constant across the multiple tubes. Analyzer.

12. In the analytical apparatus described in claim 7, The drive motor is one unit. Analyzer.

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