Importance

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Abstract

A system which precisely arrays small objects into a plurality of containers which comprises a vessel containing the objects in a fluid suspension; a tube, the proximal end of which is positioned substantially at the bottom of the vessel and the distal end of which is connected to a member which directs gravitationally-formed fluid drops from the distal end downward into a container positioned below said distal end; a small-objects detector, for detecting the objects in the fluid in the tube, disposed near the distal end; a drop detector connected to the member below the distal end; a device for controlling flow of the suspension through the tube by pressurizing the vessel; or device for discriminating between those signals from the small-objects detector caused by the small objects and those signals caused by other events, i.e., not caused by the small objects; a device for comparing signals from the small-objects detector caused by the small objects with signals from the drop detector; and a device for determining the number of the objects deposited into the container. The system further comprises a positioning device for re-positioning the distal end of the tube from one to another, with timing derived from the small-objects and drop detectors. The positioning device comprises an X-Y transport which is either 1) a movable member which moves the distal end of the tube and the detectors or 2) an X-Y stage which moves the containers, with the tube and the detectors attached to a stationary member.

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First Claim