Dual tip array dispensing head

Abstract

An automated multi-function processing head for a laboratory work station having a table for supporting microtiter plates, other fluid receptacles, a movable arm, and a dual tip dispensing head affixed for reciprocal movement along the arm. The workstation combines into a single programmable system the capabilities for automation of a wide range of bioanalytical procedures including sample pipetting, serial dilution, reagent additions, mixing, reaction timing and washing of reaction vessels. The work station is adapted to transfer, dispense and aspirate liquid from one location to another automatically in accordance with user programmed instructions. Fluid is dispensed and aspirated using a dual tip dispensing head having two sets of tip couplers actuated by one drive system. The two sets of tip couplers allow the use of different sizes of pipette tips and tips at different pitches or distances between the centerlines. Integral to the dual tip dispensing head are two arrays of tip couplers that are used to pick up disposable pipette tips, which are automatically picked up by the head and ejected by a tip ejector mechanism. One motor coupled to an actuator is used to control the multiple functions including; tip coupling, fluid aspiration, fluid dispensing, and tip ejection for both arrays of pipette channels. The work station is designed for interactive connection with a remote computer.