Ljl Biosystems, Inc.

Joseph S Leytes

Douglas N Modlin

Amer El-Hage

Derrick A Richardson

Glenn R Edwards

John C Owicki

Lev J Leytes

Jon F Petersen

William G Burton

Sample-holding devices and systems for efficiently utilizing relatively small-volume fluid samples.

Sample-holding devices and systems

Devices and methods for supporting a sample container. In one embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, and a releasable clamp mechanism that applies a force against a side of the sample container. In another embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, wherein the holder has a central opening that permits analysis of a sample to be carried out from below the holder, and an open end that permits a sample container transfer device to enter a portion of the holder. In yet another embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, and drive mechanisms that move the holder between a docking station outside an analyzer and an examination site inside the analyzer, so that the holder can function both as a sample delivery device in and out of the analyzer, and as a moveable stage for supporting the sample container at the examination site. The method includes automatically delivering a sample container just outside an opening to the analyzer, moving a gripping device from inside the analyzer, through the opening, to a location immediately below the sample container, and gently placing the sample container onto the gripping device.

Sample transporter

A piston is disposed inside a tube having an inner cross sectional size and shape uniform along its length. The tube has an open end. The piston is free to move linearly inside the tube and preferably may move out of the tube through the open end. If the tube is cylindrical, for example, it has a constant inner diameter. The open end of the tube is neither tapered or flaring. Liquid samples are aspirated into the device by pulling the piston back. The sample is then ejected by accelerating the piston to a minimum velocity to force the liquid sample out of the open end of the tube. The velocity of the sample is sufficient to render negligible the effects of surface tension forces. The volume of the liquid sample dispensed is determined by the inner diameter of the tube and the piston displacement. Accurate positioning of the piston provides samples of accurate volumes. A specific embodiment of the present invention uses a tube with an inner diameter of 0.5 mm, resulting in a volume displacement of 1.9 microliters per centimeter of piston travel.

Device for projectile dispensing of small volume liquid samples

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Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Joseph S Leytes