Abstract: A fluid transfer device includes a body and a sample holding reservoir formed in the body. The sample holding reservoir is capable of imbibing a fixed and very small quantity of fluid from a fluid source and dispensing the fixed quantity of fluid therefrom at a destination. The fluid transfer device may be manufactured from various materials including semiconductor materials such as silicon, polymer materials, ceramic material, and metal or metallic materials. The fluid transfer device may be used to puncture a closure covering the fluid source or the destination.

Abstract: A microcontact printing device including a tube member for storing or transferring a printing fluid or liquid and a printing element attached to an end of the fluid dispensing member. Further, a microcontact printhead device including a holder and at least one microcontact printing device disposed within the holder, the microcontact printing device including a tube member for storing or transferring a printing fluid or liquid and a printing element attached to an end of the fluid dispensing member. In addition, a method of fabricating a microcontact printing device including providing a wafer or substrate, micromachining a printing element from the wafer or substrate, providing a tube member for storing or transferring a printing fluid or liquid, and attaching the printing element to an end of the tube member.

Abstract: A microcontact printing pin for depositing a liquid on a substrate includes a printing tip at a first end and a reservoir, which holds a supply of a printing fluid, communicating with the printing tip. A fluid delivery channel extends between the reservoir and the printing tip and the channel has a tapered shape decreasing in width from the reservoir to the printing tip. This tapered shape ensures that the delivery of the printing fluid to the printing tip is smooth, accurate and controllable. The printing tip portion may also be thinned so that the printing tip portion is thinner than the portion provided with the reservoir and a stepped portion between the reservoir and the thinned printing tip portion that eliminates prespotting.

Abstract: A microcontact printhead device having a frame and an array of at least two printing elements unitarily formed with the frame. Each of the printing elements may include a printing tip, a printing fluid reservoir associated with the printing tip, and one or more flexible support members that attach the printing tip to the frame. Also, a method of fabricating the microcontact printhead device using micromachining and a method of using the microcontact printhead device for printing an array of spots.