MINUTE LIQUID DROP DISPENSER, THROWAWAY PUMP ELEMENT FOR SAID DISPENSER AND METHOD OF DISPENSING PREDETERMINED MINUTELIQUID DROP QUANTITY

摘要

A microdroplet dispensing apparatus and method useful in biochemical applications are disclosed. The apparatus incorporates a disposable pump element adapted to be removably mounted in operative position and providing a receptacle for the liquid to be dispensed, as well as a restricted orifice through which such liquid is dispensed. The apparatus has actuating means cooperable with the pump element when the latter is in operative position, but which is not exposed to the liquid dispensed. Also provided is means for mounting a petri dish or other target member in a position to receive microdroplets of liquid dispensed from the restricted orifice, such mounting means providing for selective movement of the petri dish along coplanar linear paths normal to each other. A modified form of apparatus provides for the removable mounting of a plurality of pump elements on a rotary table-type support. The apparatus makes possible a variety of different biochemical methods heretofore not possible and which can involve dispensing of a variety of different liquids in a variety of different microquantities.