US Patent 7303727 Microfluidic sample delivery devices, systems, and methods

Methods and apparatus for delivering fluidic materials to sample destinations, including mass spectrometers for analysis are provided. In preferred embodiments, sample aliquots are electrosprayed from tapered spray tips of capillary elements into the orifices of mass spectrometric inlet systems. In certain embodiments, fluidic samples are orthogonally sprayed from capillary elements or other fluid conduits, whereas in other embodiments samples are sprayed after devices are rotated or otherwise translocated from sample sources to sample destinations. In still other embodiments, samples are sprayed from flexed or deflected capillary elements at selected sample destinations.