US3776184A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for applying liquid samples to a surface
Assignee: University of Surrey
•
Filing: 1972-03-02
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Granted: 1973-12-04
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Expires: 1992-03-02
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for automatically applying deposits of a liquid sample to a surface for chromatographic analysis. The apparatus employs a dispensing device which employs a plurality of separate dispensing elements such as shaped components with looped portions, small brushes or micro-pipettes, which are arranged in an elongate row. The dispensing device is bodily moved in an arc between the surface and vessels containing the liquid samples. Each of the elements is dipped into one of the vessels to pick up a charge of liquid and then moved into contact with the surface to transfer the liquid to the surface as a defined deposit. Means, such as gearing, is provided to ensure that the dispensing elements are moved perpendicularly in relation to the surface when the latter are about to transfer the liquid to the surface.
Inventors
- 👤 A Harrison
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 16:00
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N30/00; G01N30/90; G01N30/91
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
An apparatus for automatically applying discrete deposits of liquid to a surface of a sheet member; said apparatus comprising: a housing which defines a fixed loading station and a fixed delivery station, the sheet member being received at the delivery station and the loading station serving to receive a supply of liquid for application to said member; a dispensing device; driving means for moving said dispensing device in a non-linear cyclic manner between delivery and loading positions located at said delivery and loading stations, respectively; the dispensing device including a plurality of depending dispensing elements, each dispensing element being capable of taking up a predetermined quantity of liquid from the liquid supply when the dispensing device is at the loading position and each dispensing element being capable of dispensing said quantity of liquid to the sheet member when the dispensing device is at the delivery position.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
146 words
An apparatus for automatically applying discrete deposits of liquid to a surface of a sheet member; said apparatus comprising: a housing which defines a fixed loading station and a fixed delivery station, the sheet member being received at the delivery station and the loading station serving to receive a supply of liquid for application to said member; a dispensing device; driving means for moving said dispensing device in a non-linear cyclic manner between delivery and loading positions located at said delivery and loading stations, respectively; the dispensing device including a plurality of depending dispensing elements, each dispensing element being capable of taking up a predetermined quantity of liquid from the liquid supply when the dispensing device is at the loading position and each dispensing element being capable of dispensing said quantity of liquid to the sheet member when the dispensing device is at the delivery position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing device is in the form of a bar carrying said dispensing elements, said bar being detachably secured to a support member coupled to said driving means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each dispensing element is in the form of a shaped component having a looped portion defining a reception area for the liquid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the shaped component is a piece of resilient wire affixed to an elongate member slidably received in a bore in the bar, the elongate member being provided with a collar for engaging an upper face of the bar.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the dispensing elements is a micro-pipette and there is further provided means for supplying gas to each micro-pipette to effect dispensing of said pre-determined quantity of liquid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support member is pivotably supported by a pair of levers and the driving means serves to move said support member in an arcuate path.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein there is further provided a system of gearing for maintaining the dispensing elements in a substantially upright position at least in relation to the upper surface of the sheet member when the dispensing device approaches the delivery position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said gearing system comprises a first fixed gearwheel, a second gearwheel attached to said support member and an intermediate gearwheel pivotably attached to one of said levers and meshing with the first and second gearwheels.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the gearing system further comprises a fixed quadrant gear and a further gearwheel affixed to said support member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein there is further provided a system of gearing for maintaining the dispensing elements in a substantially upright position at least in relation to the upper surface of the sheet member when the dispensing device approaches the delivery position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each dispensing element is composed of a group of straight fibres.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
An aparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving means includes endless members the dispensing device being pivotally connected to the endless members and means for moving said endless members.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each endless member is entrained around a pair of sprocket wheels disposed one above another, one of the sprocket wheels being driven, the endless member having sections arranged to bring the dispensing elemenTs vertically downwards to the loading and delivery stations .
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein there is provided means for producing flexibility of each dispensing element.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-03 | 1977-06-04 | 1977-12-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-03 | 1981-06-04 | 1981-12-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-03 | 1985-06-04 | 1985-12-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |