CA2404099A1 - Method and apparatus for automatic pin detection in microarray spotting instruments - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for automatic pin detection in microarray spotting instruments Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2404099A1
CA2404099A1 CA002404099A CA2404099A CA2404099A1 CA 2404099 A1 CA2404099 A1 CA 2404099A1 CA 002404099 A CA002404099 A CA 002404099A CA 2404099 A CA2404099 A CA 2404099A CA 2404099 A1 CA2404099 A1 CA 2404099A1
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Prior art keywords
pin
printhead
sensor
pins
contact
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CA002404099A
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French (fr)
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CA2404099C (en
Inventor
Mack J. Schermer
C. Brian Candiloro
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PerkinElmer Health Sciences Inc
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/02—Burettes; Pipettes
    • B01L3/0241—Drop counters; Drop formers
    • B01L3/0244—Drop counters; Drop formers using pins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/0046—Sequential or parallel reactions, e.g. for the synthesis of polypeptides or polynucleotides; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making molecular arrays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B82—NANOTECHNOLOGY
    • B82Y—SPECIFIC USES OR APPLICATIONS OF NANOSTRUCTURES; MEASUREMENT OR ANALYSIS OF NANOSTRUCTURES; MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF NANOSTRUCTURES
    • B82Y30/00—Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/00277—Apparatus
    • B01J2219/00351—Means for dispensing and evacuation of reagents
    • B01J2219/00387—Applications using probes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/00277—Apparatus
    • B01J2219/00497—Features relating to the solid phase supports
    • B01J2219/00527—Sheets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/00583—Features relative to the processes being carried out
    • B01J2219/00585—Parallel processes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/00583—Features relative to the processes being carried out
    • B01J2219/0059—Sequential processes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/00583—Features relative to the processes being carried out
    • B01J2219/00596—Solid-phase processes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
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    • B01J2219/00583—Features relative to the processes being carried out
    • B01J2219/00603—Making arrays on substantially continuous surfaces
    • B01J2219/00605—Making arrays on substantially continuous surfaces the compounds being directly bound or immobilised to solid supports
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/00583—Features relative to the processes being carried out
    • B01J2219/00603—Making arrays on substantially continuous surfaces
    • B01J2219/00605—Making arrays on substantially continuous surfaces the compounds being directly bound or immobilised to solid supports
    • B01J2219/00612—Making arrays on substantially continuous surfaces the compounds being directly bound or immobilised to solid supports the surface being inorganic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
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    • B01J2219/00583—Features relative to the processes being carried out
    • B01J2219/00603—Making arrays on substantially continuous surfaces
    • B01J2219/00605—Making arrays on substantially continuous surfaces the compounds being directly bound or immobilised to solid supports
    • B01J2219/00614—Delimitation of the attachment areas
    • B01J2219/00621—Delimitation of the attachment areas by physical means, e.g. trenches, raised areas
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/00583—Features relative to the processes being carried out
    • B01J2219/00603—Making arrays on substantially continuous surfaces
    • B01J2219/00605—Making arrays on substantially continuous surfaces the compounds being directly bound or immobilised to solid supports
    • B01J2219/00632—Introduction of reactive groups to the surface
    • B01J2219/00637—Introduction of reactive groups to the surface by coating it with another layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/00583—Features relative to the processes being carried out
    • B01J2219/00603—Making arrays on substantially continuous surfaces
    • B01J2219/00659—Two-dimensional arrays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/00583—Features relative to the processes being carried out
    • B01J2219/00603—Making arrays on substantially continuous surfaces
    • B01J2219/00677—Ex-situ synthesis followed by deposition on the substrate
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/0068—Means for controlling the apparatus of the process
    • B01J2219/00686—Automatic
    • B01J2219/00689—Automatic using computers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/0068—Means for controlling the apparatus of the process
    • B01J2219/00693—Means for quality control
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/02—Burettes; Pipettes
    • B01L3/0241—Drop counters; Drop formers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C40—COMBINATORIAL TECHNOLOGY
    • C40B—COMBINATORIAL CHEMISTRY; LIBRARIES, e.g. CHEMICAL LIBRARIES
    • C40B60/00—Apparatus specially adapted for use in combinatorial chemistry or with libraries
    • C40B60/14—Apparatus specially adapted for use in combinatorial chemistry or with libraries for creating libraries
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
    • Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
    • Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
    • Y10T436/113332—Automated chemical analysis with conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rack
    • Y10T436/114998—Automated chemical analysis with conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rack with treatment or replacement of aspirator element [e.g., cleaning, etc.]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
    • Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
    • Y10T436/119163—Automated chemical analysis with aspirator of claimed structure
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
    • Y10T436/25—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing including sample preparation
    • Y10T436/2575—Volumetric liquid transfer

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for automatically sensing the presence (or absence) of spot dispensers such as pins in various possible mounting locations in the printhead of a microarray spotting instrument. Pin-location data obtained by the method and apparatus is provided to the computer controller of the instrument, which uses the data to control the motion of the printhead during operation of the instrument. A pin detection apparatus includes one or more sensor elements that automatically sense possible pin locations in the printhead for the presence of pins. The sensor elements are preferably arranged in an array corresponding to the array of pin locations in the printhead so that pin detection at each pin location can be performed simultaneously. Various types of sensor elements can be used to locate pins in a printhead. For example, sensors can be used that are remote from or attached to a printhead. Pin sensors can be used that sense pin locations from various positions relative to the printhead including above or below the printhead. Also, pin sensing can be by contact or non-contact mechanisms. The method and apparatus allow pin positions in a printhead to be quickly and accurately determined, and without significant risk of damaging the pins, which are fragile.

Claims (53)

Claims:
1. A method of determining which pin locations in a printhead of a microarray spotting instrument are occupied by pins, comprising: providing a pin detection apparatus; and using the pin detection apparatus to automatically detect whether a pin is present in given pin locations.
2. The method of Claim 1 wherein said pin detection apparatus comprises a sensor to sense whether a pin is present in a given pin location.
3. The method of Claim 2 wherein said sensor comprises a contact and circuitry for detecting electrical conduction between said contact and said pin.
4. The method of Claim 3 wherein said contact comprises a probe hole in a printed circuit board.
5. The method of Claim 3 wherein said contact is compliant.
6. The method of Claim 5 wherein said contact is spring-mounted.
7. The method of Claim 5 wherein said contact comprises a conductive rubber pad.
8. The method of Claim 2 wherein said sensor senses the presence of the pinhead of the pin.
9. The method of Claim 2 wherein said sensor senses the presence of a tip of the pin.
10. The method of Claim 2 wherein said sensor comprises a strain gage sensor.
11. The method of Claim 2 wherein said sensor comprises a piezoelectric sensor element.
12. The method of Claim 2 wherein said sensor comprises a micro-switch.
13. The method of Claim 2 wherein said sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.
14. The method of Claim 2 wherein said sensor comprises an inductive sensor.
15. The method of Claim 14 wherein said inductive sensor comprises an air-core coil inductor including a hole for receiving at least a portion of a pin.
16. The method of Claim 14 wherein said inductive sensor comprises a pair of spaced apart, but proximate Boils each adapted for receiving a portion of a pin.
17. The method of Claim 2 wherein said sensor comprises an optical sensor.
18. The method of Claim 1 wherein said pin detection apparatus comprises a plate with a hole, and wherein using said pin detection apparatus comprises:
applying a vacuum to said hole; positioning said printhead relative to said plate such that if a pin were located in a given pin location of said printhead, said pin would be inserted in said hole; and sensing any pressure changes in said hole.
19. The method of Claim 1 wherein said pin detection apparatus comprises a surface with a step, and wherein using said apparatus comprises: positioning said printhead relative to said step such that a given pin location is positioned above said step and if a pin were located in said given pin location, said pin would be supported by said step and a pinhead of said pin would be raised relative to the printhead; and sensing any pinhead raised relative to said printhead.
20. The method of Claim 1 wherein said pin detection apparatus includes an array of sensor elements corresponding in arrangement to said pin locations in said printhead for simultaneously detecting the presence of pins in each pin location.
21. The method of Claim 1 wherein said pins comprise solid pins.
22. The method of Claim 1 wherein said pins comprise split pins.
23. The method of Claim 1 wherein said pins comprise tubular pins.
24. The method of Claim 1 further comprising using the pin detection apparatus to automatically detect whether a pin is stuck in a raised position in the printhead.
25. An apparatus for determining which pin locations in a printhead of a microarray spotting instrument are occupied by pins, comprising at least one sensor element to automatically detect whether a pin is present in each said pin location.
26. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said at least one sensor element comprises a contact and circuitry for detecting electrical conduction between said contact and said pin.
27. The apparatus of Claim 26 wherein said contact comprises a probe hole in a printed circuit board.
28. The apparatus of Claim 26 wherein said contact is compliant.
29. The apparatus of Claim 26 wherein said contact is spring-mounted.
30. The apparatus of Claim 26 wherein said contact comprises a conductive rubber pad.
31. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said at least one sensor element senses the presence of the pinhead of the pin.
32. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said at least one sensor element senses the presence of a tip of the pin.
33. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said at least one sensor element comprises a strain gage sensor.
34. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said at least one sensor element comprises a piezoelectric sensor element.
35. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said at least one sensor element comprises a micro-switch.
36. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said at least one sensor element comprises a capacitive sensor.
37. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said at least one sensor element comprises an inductive sensor.
33. The apparatus of Claim 37 wherein said inductive sensor comprises an air core coil inductor including a hole for receiving at least a portion of a pin.
39. The apparatus of Claim 37 wherein said inductive sensor comprises a pair of spaced apart, but proximate coils each adapted for receiving a portion of a pin.
40. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said at least one sensor element comprises an optical sensor.
41. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said at least one sensor element comprises a vacuum sensor including a plate with a hole, means for applying a vacuum to said hole, and a pressure transducer at said hole for sensing pressure changes at said hole from placing a pin in said hole.
42. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said at least one sensor element comprises a surface with a step and a sensor for detecting a raised pinhead of a pin in the printhead when the printhead is positioned relative to said step such that said pin is supported by said step.
43. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said at least one sensor element comprises an array of sensor elements corresponding in arrangement to said pin locations in said printhead for simultaneously detecting the absence or presence of pins in each pin location.
44. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said pins comprise solid pins.
45. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said pins comprise split pins.
46. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said pins comprise tubular pins.
47. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein said at least one sensor element also automatically detects whether a pin is stuck in a raised position in the printhead.
48. A microarray spotting instrument comprising:
a printhead for holding a plurality of pins;
a substrate station for holding at least one microarray substrate;
a well station for holding sample material to be deposited on said at least one microarray substrate using said printhead;
a positioning mechanism for moving said printhead;
a controller for controlling movement of said printhead; and a pin detection apparatus for automatically detecting the absence or presence of pins in one or more pin locations in said printhead.
49. In a microarray spotting instrument, a method of providing to a controller operating the instrument information on which pin locations in a printhead in the instrument are occupied by pins, comprising:
automatically sensing whether a pin is present in a pin location and generating a signal indicative thereof; and transmitting the signal to the controller.
50. A method of determining whether a pin in a printhead of a microarray spotting instrument is stuck in a raised position, comprising:
dipping tips of pins mounted in the pinhead into a reservoir of target material;
positioning the printhead over a microarray substrate to be spotted;
lowering the printhead to bring the tips of the pins into contact with the substrate to print spots on the substrate and, in the process, moving the pins in the printhead into raised positions relative to the printhead;
raising the printhead to separate the pins from the substrate; and using a pin detection apparatus to automatically detect whether a pin in the printhead is stuck in a raised position.
51. The method of Claim 50 further comprising stopping operation of the spotting instrument when a pin is detected to be stuck in a raised position.
52. The method of Claim 50 further comprising issuing an alert when a pin is detected to be stuck in a raised position.
53. The method of Claim 50 further comprising reconfiguring an instrument control sequence to avoid using a pin detected to be stuck in a raised position.
CA2404099A 2000-03-20 2001-03-12 Method and apparatus for automatic pin detection in microarray spotting instruments Expired - Lifetime CA2404099C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/527,892 2000-03-20
US09/527,892 US6878554B1 (en) 2000-03-20 2000-03-20 Method and apparatus for automatic pin detection in microarray spotting instruments
PCT/US2001/007721 WO2001071035A2 (en) 2000-03-20 2001-03-12 Method and apparatus for automatic pin detection in microarray spotting instruments

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CA2404099A1 true CA2404099A1 (en) 2001-09-27
CA2404099C CA2404099C (en) 2010-05-25

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US (2) US6878554B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1265711B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2004515744A (en)
AT (1) ATE362804T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2404099C (en)
DE (1) DE60128550T2 (en)
WO (1) WO2001071035A2 (en)

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US7335338B2 (en) 2008-02-26
EP1265711B1 (en) 2007-05-23
EP1265711A2 (en) 2002-12-18
US6878554B1 (en) 2005-04-12
CA2404099C (en) 2010-05-25
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DE60128550D1 (en) 2007-07-05
ATE362804T1 (en) 2007-06-15

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