Abstract: For depositing fluid dots in an array, e.g., for microscopic analysis, a deposit device, e.g. a pin, cooperating with a fluid source defines a precisely sized drop of fluid of small diameter on a drop carrying surface. Transport mechanism positions the device precisely over the receiving surface and drive mechanism moves the deposit device toward and away from the surface. By repeated action, minute drops of fluid can be deposited precisely in a dense array, preferably under computer control. The drop-carrying surface shown has a diameter less than 375, preferably less than 300, preferably between about 15 and 250 micron, and is bound by a sharp rim that defines the perimeter of the fluid drop. The deposit device is compliant in the direction of deposition motion, e.g. by overcoming resistance of a resilient member. When depositing, the deposit device is laterally constrained to a reference position, e.g.

Abstract: For depositing fluid dots in an array, e.g., for microscopic analysis, a deposit device, e.g. a pin, cooperating with a fluid source defines a precisely sized drop of fluid of small diameter on a drop carrying surface. Transport mechanism positions the device precisely over the receiving surface and drive mechanism moves the deposit device toward and away from the surface. By repeated action, minute drops of fluid can be deposited precisely in a dense array, preferably under computer control. The drop-carrying surface shown has a diameter less than 375, preferably less than 300, preferably between about 15 and 250 micron, and is bound by a sharp rim that defines the perimeter of the fluid drop. The deposit device is compliant in the direction of deposition motion, e.g. by overcoming resistance of a resilient member. When depositing, the deposit device is laterally constrained to a reference position, e.g.

Abstract: A fluid deposit assembly mounted on a carrier for depositing minute drops of fluid at selected locations upon a substrate, comprising a deposit element having an exposed tip of diameter of 0.3 mm or less constructed and arranged to carry and deposit drops of fluid upon the substrate, stable lateral reference surfaces or surface portions exposed for engagement by the deposit element, the surfaces or surface portions being constructed and arranged to prevent X, Y displacement of the deposit element relative to the carrier when the deposit element is urged thereagainst and design for urging the deposit element against the reference surfaces or surface portions at least at the time that the deposit element approaches a substrate to deposit a fluid drop. The reference surfaces or surface portions and the design for urging are cooperating to precisely position the deposit tip in a precisely desired position as it contacts the substrate. The deposit element is shown as the tip of an axially moveable pin.

Abstract: For enabling precise operation of an oscillating device, such as a galvanometric optical scanner, a capacitive position transducer is provided with strategically located internal capacitive fiducial features that interact with the armature of the transducer beyond the central range of excursion of the transducer, typically beyond the normal operating range of the device. Electric pulses obtained at instants of interaction with the fiducials enable determination of position drift caused e.g. by change in environmental conditions. The pulses can be detected by simple circuits to produce recalibration of the amplitude and null position of the instrument on an automatic or elective basis.

Abstract: A bi-directional optical scanning system includes a spring-stiffened, taut-band mechanical subsystem that translates rotational motion of a servo-controlled actuator to translational (scan line or "fast axis") motion of a sample relative to a stationary objective lens. A first taut steel band attaches to a first end of a shuttle that moves the sample over the fast axis. The band then wraps partially in one direction around a light-weight wheel that is rotated by the servo-controlled actuator. The second end of the band attaches to a pre-loaded spring that is, in turn, attached to the wheel. A second taut steel band wraps partially around the wheel in the opposite direction, with one end of the band attached to the wheel and the other end attached to a second end of the shuttle. When the wheel rotates in one direction, the first band pulls the shuttle, and thus, the sample, in the forward scan direction.