Abstract: A lens stage for use in a scanning system is provided. In certain embodiments, the lens stage comprises: a) a support comprising a first rail and a second rail, in which the first rail and the second rail are mounted to the support in parallel; and b) a linearly moveable lens assembly comprising: i) a voice coil comprising a moving coil that moves in a direction parallel to the rails; ii) a lens; iii) a bracket that is attached to: a) the moving coil and b) the lens, and moveably engaged with the rails via a set of bearing cars; and iv) means to reduce force exerted on the set of bearing cars due to thermal expansion of the moving coil.

Abstract: A lens stage for use in a scanning system is provided. In certain embodiments, the lens stage comprises: a) a support comprising a first rail and a second rail, in which the first rail and the second rail are mounted to the support in parallel; and b) a linearly moveable lens assembly comprising: i) a voice coil comprising a moving coil that moves in a direction parallel to the rails; ii) a lens; iii) a bracket that is attached to: a) the moving coil and b) the lens, and moveably engaged with the rails via a set of bearing cars; and iv) means to reduce force exerted on the set of bearing cars due to thermal expansion of the moving coil.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include methods of fabricating an array. In an embodiment of the invention, a dry gas is vertically directed onto a solid support surface prior to deposition of a fluid reagent on a surface of the support. Also provided are devices and systems for practicing the methods.

Abstract: Pulse jet printhead assemblies having multiple reservoirs and multiple printhead dies, as well as methods for their use in the deposition of fluids, typically fluids containing a biopolymer or precursor thereof, onto a substrate surface, are provided. The subject printheads are characterized by having a multiple printhead die printhead and a multiple reservoir housing affixed to the multiple die printhead. In using the subject printhead assemblies, the firing chambers of the printhead assembly are loaded with a volume of fluid that includes a biopolymer or precursor thereof. The loaded printhead assembly is then placed in opposing relation to a surface of a substrate and actuated to deposit a volume of fluid on the substrate. The subject printhead assemblies find use in a variety of applications, including the production of biopolymeric arrays.

Abstract: Non-contact fluid deposition devices having multiple axis printhead adjusters are provided. The subject printhead adjusters are made up of a single rigid frame that holds at least one printhead housing, where in certain embodiments multiple printhead housings, e.g., two, are held in side-by-side configuration in the single rigid frame of the adjuster. Each housing is adjusted in said adjuster by its own set of axis adjustment elements, where the set includes a rotational axis adjustment element for each horizontal and/or vertical axis adjustment element that is present. In using the subject devices, a printhead present in the adjuster is loaded with a volume of fluid, which in many embodiments is a fluid that includes a biopolymer or precursor thereof. The loaded printhead is then placed in opposing relation to a surface of a substrate and actuated to deposit a volume of fluid on the substrate.

Abstract: Pulse jet printhead assemblies having multiple reservoirs and multiple printhead dies, as well as methods for their use in the deposition of fluids, typically fluids containing a biopolymer or precursor thereof, onto a substrate surface, are provided. The subject printheads are characterized by having a multiple printhead die printhead and a multiple reservoir housing affixed to the multiple die printhead. In using the subject printhead assemblies, the firing chambers of the printhead assembly are loaded with a volume of fluid that includes a biopolymer or precursor thereof. The loaded printhead assembly is then placed in opposing relation to a surface of a substrate and actuated to deposit a volume of fluid on the substrate. The subject printhead assemblies find use in a variety of applications, including the production of biopolymeric arrays.

Abstract: Droplet dispensing apparatus and methods are disclosed for reducing or eliminating deleterious effects caused by pressure transients on the droplet dispensing action of a droplet dispensing device. The droplet dispensing device usually comprises a plurality of nozzles. In the method fluid reagents are passed through a porous medium and into the droplet dispensing device. The porous medium is usually adjacent an inlet into the droplet dispensing device. In one embodiment the porous medium is coated with a desiccant material. In another embodiment the porous medium is in combination with a second porous medium, which is coated with a scavenger material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for dispensing, from a droplet dispensing device, drops of fluid reagent for synthesizing a plurality of biopolymers on a substrate. The dispensing device comprises a surface comprising a plurality of nozzles. In the method a source-sink flow of gas is introduced adjacent the surface and drops of fluid are then dispensed from the droplet dispensing device to a surface of the substrate. In one embodiment the apparatus may comprise a plurality of droplet dispensing devices and the method comprises introducing a source-sink flow of gas between each of the droplet dispensing devices adjacent each substrate surface. In one embodiment a characteristic or condition of the gas may be monitored.

Abstract: Pulse jet printhead assemblies having multiple reservoirs and multiple printhead dies, as well as methods for their use in the deposition of fluids, typically fluids containing a biopolymer or precursor thereof, onto a substrate surface, are provided. The subject printheads are characterized by having a multiple printhead die printhead and a multiple reservoir housing affixed to the multiple die printhead. In using the subject printhead assemblies, the firing chambers of the printhead assembly are loaded with a volume of fluid that includes a biopolymer or precursor thereof. The loaded printhead assembly is then placed in opposing relation to a surface of a substrate and actuated to deposit a volume of fluid on the substrate. The subject printhead assemblies find use in a variety of applications, including the production of biopolymeric arrays.

Abstract: Pulse jet printheads having multiple printhead dies and methods for their use in the deposition of fluids, typically fluids containing a biopolymer or precursor thereof, onto a substrate surface are provided. The subject printheads are characterized by having multiple printhead dies bonded to a surface of an orifice plate having multiple orifices to produce a printhead having at least one firing chamber, and typically a plurality of firing chambers. Also provided are printhead assemblies that include the subject printheads. In using the subject printheads and assemblies thereof, the firing chamber(s) is loaded with a volume of aqueous fluid that includes a biopolymer or precursor thereof. The loaded printhead is then placed in opposing relation to a surface of a substrate and actuated to deposit a volume of fluid on the substrate. The subject printheads and assemblies thereof find use in a variety of applications, including the production of biopolymeric arrays.

Abstract: Non-contact fluid deposition devices having multiple axis printhead adjusters are provided. The subject printhead adjusters are made up of a single rigid frame that holds at least one printhead housing, where in certain embodiments multiple printhead housings, e.g., two, are held in side-by-side configuration in the single rigid frame of the adjuster. Each housing is adjusted in said adjuster by its own set of axis adjustment elements, where the set includes a rotational axis adjustment element for each horizontal and/or vertical axis adjustment element that is present. In using the subject devices, a printhead present in the adjuster is loaded with a volume of fluid, which in many embodiments is a fluid that includes a biopolymer or precursor thereof. The loaded printhead is then placed in opposing relation to a surface of a substrate and actuated to deposit a volume of fluid on the substrate.