Abstract: A unit (10) for the preparation of cells contained in a liquid comprises a storage chamber (20) configured to store the liquid containing the cells and to release the stored liquid via an exit opening (22) upon the application of a predetermined external force, in particular a centrifugal force. A passage (30) adjacently arranged to the exit opening (22) has a cross-section larger than that of the exit opening (22). The wall at the transition from the exit opening (22) to the passage (30) forms an edge (32). The unit further comprises an observation member (50) for receiving the released liquid and an absorbing means (40) arranged adjacent to the observation member (50) between the passage (30) and the observation member (50). The absorbing means (40) has an aperture (42) allowing the released liquid to travel onto the observation member (50), and removes the liquid so as to leave the cells on the observation member (50) for observation.

Abstract: A microdispensing system is useful for the open-jet dispensing of liquids. A valve having a valve chamber is bounded by an impermeable elastic membrane and is filled with the liquid for dispensing. One or more liquid supply lines lead to the valve chamber. An outlet closed from the exterior by the membrane in the position of rest leads from the chamber to a dispensing nozzle. An actuator chamber is disposed on the other side of the membrane. In the actuator chamber, an electromechanical drive is connected to the membrane for the purpose of briefly lifting the membrane from the outlet. The actuator chamber is closed in such manner that it can be subjected to a pressure differing from atmospheric pressure.