Liquid handling

Claim 1

A sample analysis system comprising a plurality of flow network module structures, each said flow network module structure defining a contained array of flow channels and a plurality of valves for controlling liquid flow through the flow channel array, each said module structure being adapted to be connected to an external source for applying a pressure differential to the flow channel array to produce liquid flow within channels of said array and each said module structure having chamber structure connected to said flow channel array with port structure at an outer surface of said module structure, and valve structure movable between a first position in which said port structure is closed and a second position in which said port structure is open, a corresponding plurality of sensor modules, liquid transfer structure comprising transport structure and probe structure carried on said transport structure, said liquid transfer structure being arranged for movement between a source of liquid to be analyzed and said plurality of flow network module structures characterized in that said transfer structure includes actuator structure carried on said transport structure for moving said valve structure from its first position to its second position concurrently with the movement of the probe structure into alignment with the chamber portion structure for delivery of a quantity of sample material to the sample chamber and subsequent flow through the flow network array for interaction with an auxiliary fluid and transfer to an associated sensor module under the influence of an external pressure source.

Claim 5

The system of any preceding claim further characterized in that each said sample chamber has a volume of about fifty microliters.

Claim 6

The system of any preceding claim further characterized in that said transport carriage includes sensor means, and further including sensor structure at each said station for cooperation with said sensor means carried by said transport carriage.

Claim 7

The system of any preceding claim further characterized in that said module structures are located along a straight line path, and further including sample station structure spaced from said module structures along said straight line path, support shaft structure disposed along an axis parallel to said straight line path, said liquid transfer structure includes a transport carriage that is mounted on said shaft structure for movement along said shaft and keyed thereto for pivoting movement in response to rotation of said shaft structure, first drive means including a drive motor and cable structure coupled between said carriage and said drive motor for moving said transport carriage along said shaft to selectively position said probe structure at said sample and module structures, second drive means for rotating said shaft for inserting said probe structure into and withdrawing said probe structure from chamber structures of said module structures, and metering means coupled to said probe structure for flowing liquid into and discharging liquid from said probe structure.

Claim 11

The system of any of claims 6-8 further characterized in that said cable structure includes a drive sheave coupled to said drive motor, an idler sheave spaced from said drive sheave along a path parallel to said straight line path, and a cable that is trained about said idler sheave, both ends of said cable being connected to said drive sheave.

Claim 12

The system of any of claims 6-9 further characterized by the provision of biasing means arranged to apply tension to said cable.