Apparatus for spreading a fluid across a substrate and method of using the same

Abstract

This disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for spreading a fluid across a substrate. A spreader for spreading a fluid across a substrate includes a wiper and a frame. The wiper and the frame may mate to permit translation of the wiper across, and with respect to, the frame. The wiper spreads the fluid across the substrate and the frame supports the wiper and the substrate. The frame may also include a ramp to cause a portion of the wiper to lift away from the substrate.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A wiper, comprising:
 a main body;   a platform comprising a blade extending at least partially downwardly to engage a fluid on a substrate;   wherein the platform extends outwardly from the main body, and   wherein the platform is flexibly attached to the main body.   
     
     
         2 . The wiper of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a pedestal; and   a bore extending through the pedestal,   wherein the pedestal extends outwardly from the main body in the same direction as the platform.   
     
     
         3 . The wiper of  claim 2 , wherein the bore of the connector is threaded or includes a Luer lock. 
     
     
         4 . The wiper of  claim 2 , wherein the bore includes a needle to puncture a vessel. 
     
     
         5 . The wiper of  claim 2 , further comprising a connector comprising:
 an attachment segment to attach to the main body;   the pedestal; and   the bore.   
     
     
         6 . The wiper of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is flexibly attached to the main body via flexures. 
     
     
         7 . The wiper of  claim 6 , wherein the flexures are cut-outs or flexible material. 
     
     
         8 . The wiper of  claim 1 , wherein the blade is straight, angled, or curved. 
     
     
         9 . The wiper of  claim 1 , wherein the blade is rubber, plastic, ceramic, metal, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         10 . A wiper, comprising:
 a main body;   a platform comprising a blade extending at least partially downwardly to engage a fluid on a substrate;   a pedestal; and   a bore extending through the pedestal,   wherein the platform extends outwardly from the main body, and   wherein the pedestal extends outwardly from the main body in the same direction as the platform.   
     
     
         11 . The wiper of  claim 10 , wherein the bore of the connector is threaded or includes a Luer lock. 
     
     
         12 . The wiper of  claim 10 , wherein the bore includes a needle to puncture a vessel. 
     
     
         13 . The wiper of  claim 10 , wherein the platform is flexibly attached to the main body. 
     
     
         14 . The wiper of  claim 10 , further comprising a connector comprising:
 an attachment segment to attach to the main body,   the pedestal, and   the bore.