August 2010 Editor's Picks: Products from Lechler and Thermo Fisher Scientific

Lechler
Spray nozzle prevents waste
The redesigned ViscoMist spray nozzle from Lechler (St. Charles, IL) incorporates features that reduce the chance for fluid to drip when the nozzle is not in use. The device’s new O-rings provide a better seal than before when the nozzle is shut off. In addition, the nozzle’s shut-off needle has been improved.

Lechler has slightly extended the ViscoMist nozzle’s liquid orifice upward to eliminate the bearding effect. The orifice is completely encircled by a pneumatic port that helps blow particles away from this area without interfering with the orifice’s ability to create the shape of the spray pattern.

One available model of the nozzle contains three ports for incoming air. One port controls the signal air and turns the nozzle on and off. Another port controls atomizing (i.e., droplet size), and the third controls the shape of the spray. Users can adjust either of the latter two parameters without affecting the other.

Thermo Fisher Scientific
Liquid handler offers versatility
Thermo Fisher Scientific’s (Waltham, MA) Versette liquid handler offers 19 interchangeable pipetting-head options ranging from one to 384 channels. The unit is compatible with both disposable and fixed-tip pipetting heads, and its total volume range is 0.1–1250 µL. The device’s ClipTips create a binary seal and fasten securely to pipette heads. Low insertion and ejection force is required, so the pipetting head and instrument components experience little wear.

The handler’s D.A.R.T. tips form a secure surface seal against the underside of the pipetting heads. All D.A.R.T. tips are evenly positioned on three axes, thus allowing optimal positioning within labware wells for liquid-handling procedures. This design helps to ensure accurate and precise pipetting. The Versette unit offers two stage capacity options to provide scalability. The two- and six-position stages are easy to swap and enable stand-alone and robot-friendly use.