CA2122244C - Pipette tip with self-aligning and self-sealing features - Google Patents
Pipette tip with self-aligning and self-sealing featuresInfo
- Publication number
- CA2122244C CA2122244C CA002122244A CA2122244A CA2122244C CA 2122244 C CA2122244 C CA 2122244C CA 002122244 A CA002122244 A CA 002122244A CA 2122244 A CA2122244 A CA 2122244A CA 2122244 C CA2122244 C CA 2122244C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pipette
- base
- probe
- tray
- carrier
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L9/00—Supporting devices; Holding devices
- B01L9/54—Supports specially adapted for pipettes and burettes
- B01L9/543—Supports specially adapted for pipettes and burettes for disposable pipette tips, e.g. racks or cassettes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/02—Burettes; Pipettes
- B01L3/0275—Interchangeable or disposable dispensing tips
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
- G01N35/04—Details of the conveyor system
- G01N2035/0474—Details of actuating means for conveyors or pipettes
- G01N2035/0491—Position sensing, encoding; closed-loop control
Abstract
A pipette tip (30) for use in automated assay testing systems includes an annular, protruding seal rings (78, 80) on the interior wall of the pipette for engaging sealing surfaces (114, 116) on a probe (100) to provide a resilient seal. The pipette tip also includes a positive stop (66) for assuring proper positioning and alignment of the pipette tip on the probe for facilitating mounting of the pipette tip on the probe while minimizing variation in the loading and unloading forces required. Locator surfaces (32, 48) are provided on the exterior of the pipette tip for precisely aligning the pipette tip in the system rack for positioning the pipette tip relative to the probe.
Description
W(~ 93/0~913 2 1 2 2 2 4 ~ PCI /I)S92~928~
., ' 1 PIPETTE TIP WITH SELF-ALIGNING
AND SELF-SEALINCi FEATURES
BACKGROU~ OF THE D!~VENTION
5The invention is generally related ~o a pipette tip for aspiratin~ and dispensing test samples and reagents and is specifically directed t~ a pipette tip havinc integrated alignment and sealing features.
1 0DESCRIPrION OF THE PRIOR ART
It is known to utilize pipeete tlpS in an automated reagent analysis system wherein a plurality of pipettes are positioned in a pipette r~ck or Garrier located on the system and an automated probe is mounted on the end of a robot alm, wherein ~he probe is positioned over one of the; pipettes in the carrier and inser~ed in the pipette for engaging the pipette. In the prior art, the pipette included a tapered inner passageway, and insertion of a cylindrical probe into the pipette generated a wedge fit, whereby the ~ pipette was mounted ~ on the probe 2 0 and a seal was effected between the ~ probe perip~eral cylin~rical surface and the tapered annular inn~er~ wall of the pipette. The robot arm then lifted the~ probe and pipette ~ and performed a series of ~movements ~and~ operations for aspirating and dispensing; both patient samples and the re~agents. ~Upon completion of ~ the operations, the ~robot~ arm moved~ the probe, and plpette to a disposal station,~ where an automated~
mechanism engaged the pipette and held it as the ~probe was withdrawn, for removlng the plpette ~rom the probe. The probe was then free to repeat the cycle with a new pipette.
The pipette tips of the prior art did not permit precise sealing and alignment of the pipette with the probe due to the reliance on the taper of the passageway in the pipette. This construction ~required the probe to seek a proper wedge and sealing relationship with each individual pipette. While this was ef~ctive~for most operations, the loadin~ force for loading the pipette onto the probe could vary by~ as much as ~/-S
pounds. ln addition, because of the wedge type locking :
:::
mech~ni~m ~ltili7e~l for locking the probe onto dhe pipette, dhe removal or unloading forces for removing the pipette from the probe also could vary by as much as +/-5 pounds.
This problem was further m~nified because it was required to suffi-5 ciendy force dhe probe into dhe tapered pipette to effect a seal by force anddeformation of dhe tapered ~nmll~r inner wall of dhe pipette.
In addition, the pipette tips of dhe prior art had to be hand-loaded in the rack, one at a time. This was a time consuming process and required physical h~n(lling of the pipettes by personnel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of dhe invention dhere is provided an assembly including a pipette adapted to be mounted on a probe for a~ila~ g and dispensing a calibrated volume of fluid, comprising:
a) a tray having a top surface, a pred~L~llllilled depdh and a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said tray;
b) a carrier having a locator surface and a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding a pipette in said carrier; and c) a pipette having i) an elongated body having a lon~ l(lin~l axis, a central through passageway and open opposite ends, one of said ends dçfinin~ a pipette tip;
ii) a base on dhe end of the body opposite the pipette tip, dhe base comprising an outer shoulder, which eng~ges the top surface of the tray, and an internal, through bore in co"""l"-ication with dhe central dlrough passageway; and iii) a plurality of body ribs on the exterior wall of the body located radically inwardly of the outer shoulder of the base, wherein each body rib has an end at a distance from the base greater than the predele- ...il~ed depth of the tray which eng~ges the locator surface of the carrier such that when the tray and carrier are engaged, the body rib ends engage the locator surface and the base ~ çng~ges from the top surface of the tray.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a pipette kit for carrying a plurality of pipettes which are adapted to be mountedon a carrier in an automated analyzer system, the carrier having a locator surface disposed in a pred~l~lll~ined position relative to a probe and each of the 2a pipettes adapted to be mounted on the probe for aspil~l~g and dispensing a calibrated volume of fluid, the pipette kit comprising a tray comprising upper and lower surfaces for ~lçfining a tray thickness of a predele~ led depth, a plurality of apertures ext~nfling through said tray thickness wherein each 5 aperture is adapted for receiving and carrying a pipette, and the tray being adapted to engage the carrier such that each pipette inserts into a pipette receptacle in the carrier; and pipettes, each pipette comprising:
a) an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a central through passageway and open opposite ends, one of said ends defining a pipette tip;
b) a base on the end of the body opposite the pipette tip, the base compris-ing an outer shoulder, which engages a top surface of said tray and an internal, through bore in co~ ication with the central through passageway; and c) a plurality of body ribs on the exterior wall of the body located radially inwardly of the outer shoulder of the base, wherein each body rib has an end at a distance from the base greater than the depth of the tray and adapted to engage a locator surface of a carrier having a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said carrier, such that when the tray and carrier are engaged, the body rib ends engage the locator surface and the base disengages from the top surface of the tray.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention there is provided a pipette adapted to be mounted on a probe for aspila~ g and dispensing a calibrated volume of fluid, comprising:
a) an elongated body having a longi~ 1in~l axis, a central through passageway and open opposite ends, one of said ends defining a pipette tip;
b) a base on the end of the body opposite ~he pipette tip, ~e base compris-ing an int~rn~l through bore in coln~ -ication with the central through passageway, and an outer shoulder which is adapted to engage a top surface of a tray having a predel~ ed depth and a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said tray;
c) a plurality of body ribs on the exterior wall of the body located radially inwardly of the outer shoulder of the base, wherein each body rib has an end at a distance from the base greater than the depth of the tray and adapted to engage a locator surface of a carrier having a plurality of 2b apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said carrier, such that when the tray and carrier are engaged, the body rib ends engage the locator surface and the base disengages from the top surface of the tray, and 5 d) a plurality of longihltlin~lly çxtentling shoulder ribs disposed radially about and projecting radially ouLw~dly from the periphery of the base, such that the shoulder ribs project out further from the base than the body ribs and the shoulder ribs extend from the shoulder of the base to an end point on the body of the pipette above the carrier en~ng ends of the body ribs.
The subject invention is more especially directed to a pipette tip over-coming the disadvantages of the prior art. Specifically, the pipette tip of the invention includes integral alignment and sealing features p~"~ g a probe to be inserted in the pipette with precision and with a miniml1m of force while 15 effecting a redundant seal and positively positioning the pipette in a repeatable m~nner on the probe for performing the various fluid aspiratory and dispensing operations. In addition, the pipette tip of the subject invention includes locator surfaces on the exterior of the pipette for accurately positioning the pipette tip in the rack, assuring that the probe and pipette are in a calibrated, controlled20 relationship relative to one another, greatly enhancing the capability of the probe to engage the pipette and form a seal therewith.
In the preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the pipette tip and probe combination has reduced the loading and unloading force variance to less than +/-1 pound. In addition, a positive, resilient, redundant seal is provided,25 greatly enhancing the sealing capability of the pipette while reducing the forces required to engage the seal.
It is another feature of the invention that a plurality of the pipettes are adapted to be positioned in a container which is adapted to be placed directly over the rack or carrier in the system for properly positioning and loading the 30 pipettes into the carrier. A plurality of locator surfaces are provided on the pipettes, the first of which properly maintain the pipettes in the container and the second of which engage a calibrated locator surface on the carrier as the pipettes are S simultaneously inserted therein via the container. The container is adapted to be temporarily adhesively secured to the carrier for maintaining proper position of the pipettes during the operation.
The outer tip of each pipette is desiqned.to reduce the 10 meniscus formed when aspirating and dispensing samples, reducing the arnount of waste and reducing the exposure of the samples and reagents to outside elements.
The probe includes a flat or cylindrical sealing surface which is adapted to engage an annular seal in the base of the 15 pipette, providing a sliding, positive, resilient seal for sealing the coupling between the pipette and the probe. The outer end - of the pipette includes a stop surface which is adapted to be engaged on a positive stop provided on the probe, assuring that the probe is aligned with and inserted into each pipette in 2 0 a repeatable, controlled manner.
In the preferred embodiment, the seal is defined by a plurality of axially spaced, concentric annular rings mounted in and projecting inwardly from the inside wall of the pipette for engaging sealing surfaces on the probe as the probe is inserted 2 5 in the pipette. The concentric seals also assist in properly aligning the probe and the pipette. The plurality of rings provide a positive, resilient, redundant seal, greatly improving the seal between the pipette and the probe over prior art pipette tips.
., ' 1 PIPETTE TIP WITH SELF-ALIGNING
AND SELF-SEALINCi FEATURES
BACKGROU~ OF THE D!~VENTION
5The invention is generally related ~o a pipette tip for aspiratin~ and dispensing test samples and reagents and is specifically directed t~ a pipette tip havinc integrated alignment and sealing features.
1 0DESCRIPrION OF THE PRIOR ART
It is known to utilize pipeete tlpS in an automated reagent analysis system wherein a plurality of pipettes are positioned in a pipette r~ck or Garrier located on the system and an automated probe is mounted on the end of a robot alm, wherein ~he probe is positioned over one of the; pipettes in the carrier and inser~ed in the pipette for engaging the pipette. In the prior art, the pipette included a tapered inner passageway, and insertion of a cylindrical probe into the pipette generated a wedge fit, whereby the ~ pipette was mounted ~ on the probe 2 0 and a seal was effected between the ~ probe perip~eral cylin~rical surface and the tapered annular inn~er~ wall of the pipette. The robot arm then lifted the~ probe and pipette ~ and performed a series of ~movements ~and~ operations for aspirating and dispensing; both patient samples and the re~agents. ~Upon completion of ~ the operations, the ~robot~ arm moved~ the probe, and plpette to a disposal station,~ where an automated~
mechanism engaged the pipette and held it as the ~probe was withdrawn, for removlng the plpette ~rom the probe. The probe was then free to repeat the cycle with a new pipette.
The pipette tips of the prior art did not permit precise sealing and alignment of the pipette with the probe due to the reliance on the taper of the passageway in the pipette. This construction ~required the probe to seek a proper wedge and sealing relationship with each individual pipette. While this was ef~ctive~for most operations, the loadin~ force for loading the pipette onto the probe could vary by~ as much as ~/-S
pounds. ln addition, because of the wedge type locking :
:::
mech~ni~m ~ltili7e~l for locking the probe onto dhe pipette, dhe removal or unloading forces for removing the pipette from the probe also could vary by as much as +/-5 pounds.
This problem was further m~nified because it was required to suffi-5 ciendy force dhe probe into dhe tapered pipette to effect a seal by force anddeformation of dhe tapered ~nmll~r inner wall of dhe pipette.
In addition, the pipette tips of dhe prior art had to be hand-loaded in the rack, one at a time. This was a time consuming process and required physical h~n(lling of the pipettes by personnel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of dhe invention dhere is provided an assembly including a pipette adapted to be mounted on a probe for a~ila~ g and dispensing a calibrated volume of fluid, comprising:
a) a tray having a top surface, a pred~L~llllilled depdh and a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said tray;
b) a carrier having a locator surface and a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding a pipette in said carrier; and c) a pipette having i) an elongated body having a lon~ l(lin~l axis, a central through passageway and open opposite ends, one of said ends dçfinin~ a pipette tip;
ii) a base on dhe end of the body opposite the pipette tip, dhe base comprising an outer shoulder, which eng~ges the top surface of the tray, and an internal, through bore in co"""l"-ication with dhe central dlrough passageway; and iii) a plurality of body ribs on the exterior wall of the body located radically inwardly of the outer shoulder of the base, wherein each body rib has an end at a distance from the base greater than the predele- ...il~ed depth of the tray which eng~ges the locator surface of the carrier such that when the tray and carrier are engaged, the body rib ends engage the locator surface and the base ~ çng~ges from the top surface of the tray.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a pipette kit for carrying a plurality of pipettes which are adapted to be mountedon a carrier in an automated analyzer system, the carrier having a locator surface disposed in a pred~l~lll~ined position relative to a probe and each of the 2a pipettes adapted to be mounted on the probe for aspil~l~g and dispensing a calibrated volume of fluid, the pipette kit comprising a tray comprising upper and lower surfaces for ~lçfining a tray thickness of a predele~ led depth, a plurality of apertures ext~nfling through said tray thickness wherein each 5 aperture is adapted for receiving and carrying a pipette, and the tray being adapted to engage the carrier such that each pipette inserts into a pipette receptacle in the carrier; and pipettes, each pipette comprising:
a) an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a central through passageway and open opposite ends, one of said ends defining a pipette tip;
b) a base on the end of the body opposite the pipette tip, the base compris-ing an outer shoulder, which engages a top surface of said tray and an internal, through bore in co~ ication with the central through passageway; and c) a plurality of body ribs on the exterior wall of the body located radially inwardly of the outer shoulder of the base, wherein each body rib has an end at a distance from the base greater than the depth of the tray and adapted to engage a locator surface of a carrier having a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said carrier, such that when the tray and carrier are engaged, the body rib ends engage the locator surface and the base disengages from the top surface of the tray.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention there is provided a pipette adapted to be mounted on a probe for aspila~ g and dispensing a calibrated volume of fluid, comprising:
a) an elongated body having a longi~ 1in~l axis, a central through passageway and open opposite ends, one of said ends defining a pipette tip;
b) a base on the end of the body opposite ~he pipette tip, ~e base compris-ing an int~rn~l through bore in coln~ -ication with the central through passageway, and an outer shoulder which is adapted to engage a top surface of a tray having a predel~ ed depth and a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said tray;
c) a plurality of body ribs on the exterior wall of the body located radially inwardly of the outer shoulder of the base, wherein each body rib has an end at a distance from the base greater than the depth of the tray and adapted to engage a locator surface of a carrier having a plurality of 2b apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said carrier, such that when the tray and carrier are engaged, the body rib ends engage the locator surface and the base disengages from the top surface of the tray, and 5 d) a plurality of longihltlin~lly çxtentling shoulder ribs disposed radially about and projecting radially ouLw~dly from the periphery of the base, such that the shoulder ribs project out further from the base than the body ribs and the shoulder ribs extend from the shoulder of the base to an end point on the body of the pipette above the carrier en~ng ends of the body ribs.
The subject invention is more especially directed to a pipette tip over-coming the disadvantages of the prior art. Specifically, the pipette tip of the invention includes integral alignment and sealing features p~"~ g a probe to be inserted in the pipette with precision and with a miniml1m of force while 15 effecting a redundant seal and positively positioning the pipette in a repeatable m~nner on the probe for performing the various fluid aspiratory and dispensing operations. In addition, the pipette tip of the subject invention includes locator surfaces on the exterior of the pipette for accurately positioning the pipette tip in the rack, assuring that the probe and pipette are in a calibrated, controlled20 relationship relative to one another, greatly enhancing the capability of the probe to engage the pipette and form a seal therewith.
In the preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the pipette tip and probe combination has reduced the loading and unloading force variance to less than +/-1 pound. In addition, a positive, resilient, redundant seal is provided,25 greatly enhancing the sealing capability of the pipette while reducing the forces required to engage the seal.
It is another feature of the invention that a plurality of the pipettes are adapted to be positioned in a container which is adapted to be placed directly over the rack or carrier in the system for properly positioning and loading the 30 pipettes into the carrier. A plurality of locator surfaces are provided on the pipettes, the first of which properly maintain the pipettes in the container and the second of which engage a calibrated locator surface on the carrier as the pipettes are S simultaneously inserted therein via the container. The container is adapted to be temporarily adhesively secured to the carrier for maintaining proper position of the pipettes during the operation.
The outer tip of each pipette is desiqned.to reduce the 10 meniscus formed when aspirating and dispensing samples, reducing the arnount of waste and reducing the exposure of the samples and reagents to outside elements.
The probe includes a flat or cylindrical sealing surface which is adapted to engage an annular seal in the base of the 15 pipette, providing a sliding, positive, resilient seal for sealing the coupling between the pipette and the probe. The outer end - of the pipette includes a stop surface which is adapted to be engaged on a positive stop provided on the probe, assuring that the probe is aligned with and inserted into each pipette in 2 0 a repeatable, controlled manner.
In the preferred embodiment, the seal is defined by a plurality of axially spaced, concentric annular rings mounted in and projecting inwardly from the inside wall of the pipette for engaging sealing surfaces on the probe as the probe is inserted 2 5 in the pipette. The concentric seals also assist in properly aligning the probe and the pipette. The plurality of rings provide a positive, resilient, redundant seal, greatly improving the seal between the pipette and the probe over prior art pipette tips.
3 0 The ~ase of the pipette includes ribs which both serve as locator surfaces for properly positioning the pipette tip in the carrier and strengthen the pipette tip to reduce deformation as the probe is inserted into the tip. The pipette tip of the subject invention has a volume repeatability for aspirating and dispensing fluids within a 30 microliter control range for a 1.09 milliliter pipette tip.
WO 93/08913 Pcr/US92/0928~
212'~2~ 4 ~ .
It is, therefore, an object and feature of the subJect invention to provide a pipette tip having positive locator surfaces for controlling the movement of a probe into the pipette tip as the probe engages the pipette tip.
It is a ~further object and feature of the subject invention to provide a pipette tip having an integral sealing mechanism adapted to engage a sealinjo surface on the probe as the probe enters the pipette.
It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide a resilient, redundant seal for increasing the seal between the probe and the pipette tip.
It is yet another object and feature of the subject invention to provide a pipette tip and probe combination ~-~ wherein the loading and unloading forces for mounting the pipette on the probe and removing the pipette from the probe are consistent and predictable.
It is also an object and feature of the subject invention to provide for means for simultaneously loading a plurality of pipette tips in the system carrier. ~
2 0 Other objects and featu~res of the invention wilI be readily apparent f~om the accompanylng drawlngs and detailed de:scription of the preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DES(:~RI~It3N OF THE D~AWINGS
Fig. l is an exploded perspecbve view of a container, box and pipette tips in accordance with ~the subject invention.
Fig. 2 is an exploded *ont view illustrating a carner in : ::
combination with the pipette and container system of Fig. 1.
~ig. 3 is an enlarged front view of a pipette in accordance 3 0 with the subject invention.
Pig. 4 ls a section view taken generally along the line 4-4 ~: of Fig. 3 and includes a~probe for receiving the pipette.Fig. S is a section view taken generally along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is a section view taken gener~lly along the line 6-6 of Fig. 3.
WO 93/089~3 212 2 2 4 ~ PCr/US92/092P~ ;
Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view looking in the same direction as Fi~. 3 and showin~ the detail of ~he sealing surface.
Fig. 8 is à view simil~r to Fig. 7, showing an alternative embodirnent of the sealing surface.
DETAILED Dl~SCRIPI ION OP THE PREF;ERRED EMBODIMENT
A pipette container and pipettes made in accordance with the subject invention are shown in Fig. I. ID the preferred embodiment, the container comprises a box 1 0 having a closed bottom, upstanding side walls and a hinged top 12 with a flap 14. A tray 16~ is adapted to be received in the open top of the box 10 and has a pair of outwardly~extendi~g tabs 18 and~ 20 ~- which are adapted to be positioned on the upper edges 22 and l 5 24 of the box when the tray is inserted in the box. The tray 16 includes an upper, generally horizontal surface 26 having a plurality of holes or through apertures 28 each adapted ~or receiving a pipette tip 30. As better shown in Fig. 3, the pipette tip 30 in&ludes a plurality of longitudmally ~extending ~ribs 32 around its outer end, each having a bottom ~ed~e 34 which is adapted to engage the top surface 26 of the tray 16 for positioning and ho~ding the pipette ~'-n ~the tray. When the pipettes are loaded in the apertures 28,~; they~; depend from the tray, as shown ln Fig. l. The tray is then ~placed in the ~box l0 wlth the tabs ;18 and 20~ extendln~ outwardly;~from ~the~ edges 22 and 24, respecbvely. The locator ~end 34 of each of the ribs 32 maintains the~pipette in the tray ~suGh that the bottom end 36 of the pipette is a~ove the closed bottom ~3~8 of the box. The lid ~18 may then bç closed over the tray, with~a flap l4 secured to the ~;~ 30 front wall 40 of the box.~ Tabs l8 and 20 project outwardly from the box when the lid 12 is in the closed position.
As shown in Fig. 2, the pipette tray 16 and pipettes 30 are adapted to be removed ~rom the~ box 10 with the pipettes positioned in the t~ay. The user may grasp the tabs 18 ~nd 20 for removlng the ~pipettes and tray ~rom the box and for positioning the pipettes relative to the pipette rack or carrier 42 of the analyzer system. The pipette carrier.4Z includes a .
plurality of pipette receptacles 44, each for receiving and positioning a pipette in the analyzer system. The top surface 46 of the carrier 42 is a precision calibrated surface, providing a precise positioning relationship between the surface 46 and a 5 probe at the end of a robot arm (not shown) for positioning the probe relative to the pipette carrier in the manner well known to those who are skilled in the art.
The user positions the pipettes 30 in the tray 16 over the receptacles 44 in the carrier 42, as shown in Fig. 2. The tray 16 10 is then lowered onto the carrier 42. The pipettes 30 are received in the respective receptacles 44. As better shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of elongate ribs 48 are provided on the exterior wall of the pipette 30 and radially inwardly of the ribs 32. Each of the ribs 48 have a lower end 50 which is 15 adapted to engage the locator surface 46 on the carrier 42, for properly positioning the pipette relative to the carrier. The distance "A" from the outer end of the pipette 30 to the lower end of the ribs 48 is greater than the thickness "B" of the tray 16, whereby as the pipettes 30 are lowered into the carrier 42~, -2 0 the locator surface 46 engages the rib ends 50 and the tray 16 drops down to the carrier and out of interfering relationship with the pipettes, assuring that the pipettes are properly positioned in the carrier.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each of 25 the tabs 18 and 20 includes an adhesive such as tape 52 or the like, as shown in Fig. 2. Where desirable, the tape 52 may be provided with a peelable protective layer to assure that the tape does not become cont~min~ted or prematurely engaged during shipping when the tabs 18 and 20 are exposed 3 0 outwardly of the box 10. After the pipettes are properly positioned in the carrier 42 and the tray 16 is lowered onto the locator surface 46, the tabs 18 and 20 may be folded down against the outer end walls 54 and 56, respectively of the carrier 42. The tape strips 52 are then pressed against the 3 S walls 54 and 56 for holding the tray in position during operation of the analyzer system. After all of the pipettes have been removed from the carrier during operation, or after operations is completed, the tray 16 may be removed from the carrier 42 by removing the tabs 18 and 20 from the walls 54 and 56 and pulling the tray upwardly to the position of Fig. 2, from which it may be discarded.
An enlarged plan view of the pipette tip 30 is shown in Fig. 3. As there shown, the pipette tip 30 includes a base 60, a pipette body 62, a lower open end 36 and an upper open end 64. A shoulder or outer rim 66 is positioned at the upper open end 64 at the outer end of the base 60. The shoulder 66 1 0 provides a locator surface for providing a positive stop for mounting the pipette 30 on a probe. A plurality of ribs 32 depend downwardly from the shoulder 66 and have a lower end 34 which defines a stop surface for positioning the pipette tips 30 in the tray 16. The ribs also reinforce the pipette base 1 5 to minimi~e deformation in the sealing as the probe is inserted in the pipette. A plurality of longer ribs 48, disposed radially inwardly of the ribs 32 and adapted to be in noninterfering relationship with the apertures 28 in the tray 16 extend downwardly along the tapered body 62 of the 2 0 pipette tip and terminate in a precisely positioned end 50 defining a locator surface for positively and accurately positioning the pipette tips 30 in the carrier 46 when the pipettes are received in the individual receptacles 44. The body 62 is of a continuous taper from the bottom 68 of the base 60 to a transition point 70 near the lower end 36. It will be noted that- the taper is increased in the transition section 72 between the transition point 70 and the lower end 36. It has been found that the increased taper in the transition section 72 substantially reduces the meniscus formed at the lower end 3 0 36 during use of the pipette, reducing the inaccuracy in metering and reducing exposure of fluids to outside elements.
The interior passageway of the pipette is more clearly shown in Fig. 4. As there shown, the interior pipette passageway 74 is of a continuous taper from the lower pipette tip end 36 to the open upper base end 64. In the preferred embodiment, the pipette passageway 74 is positioned on the center axis of the pipette and has a continuous taper of 2.180 for a pipette having a diametric opeIling at end 36 of .031 inches alld an overall length of about 4.25 inches. The diametric opening at upper base end 64 is .286 inches.
ln the preferred embodiment, the pipette tip 30 is made 5 of a high density polyethylene and is translucent white in color. The pipette is designed to be molded in a sinOle stop process. More importantly, red blood cells do not cling to high density polyethylene assuring a complete purging of the red blood cells from the pipette when dispensed. The high density 1 0 polyethylene is impervious to blood, reduclng staining and increasing visibility of the contents of the pipette during the testing operation. A fill line 76 is provided on the interior wall of the passageway 74 and is visible through the pipette wall. In typical operation, the pipette is never filled above the 1 5 fill line 76.
The base 60 includes a first annular r4 78 extending around the interior wall of the passageway 74 and protruding inwardly therefrom to define a resilient sealing surface. In the preferred embodiment, a second, concentric annular ring 80 is 2 0 provided in spaced relationship with the annular ring 78 for providing a second, redundant, resilient sealing surface.
As is also shown in Fig. 4, the probe 100 is adapted to be inserted in the open base end 64 of the pipette 30 and into the tapered passageway 74. The plug end 102 of the probe is 2 5 adapted to be received in the passageway 74 in a noninterfering relationship. The probe includes a central through channel 104 having open outer ends at 106 and 108.
A mounting surface 110 is provided on the probe, and in the preferred embodiment is designed to be mounted in and 30 engaged by a robot arrn (not shown) in a press fit relationship with a socket provided in the robot arm. Other means for mounting the probe on the robot arm could be incorporated, as well understood by those skilled in the art.
The robot arm is then connected to a vacuum system (also 35 not shown), for drawing a vacuum on the probe. The probe plug tip 102 includes a tapered front surface 113 that extends from the end 106 of the probe plug tip 102 to a first cylindrical wo 93/08913 2 1 2 2 2 ~ 4 PCr/US92~0928~
flat 114, a first cylindrical flat 114 and a second concentric cylindrical ~lat 1 16 with a tapered transition surface 118 ~herebetween. The tapered front surface 113 preferably h~s a draft that permits smooth coupling of the probe plug tip 102 5 and the pipette 30. In the preferred embodiment, the probe tip 102 is adap~ed to lbe inserted into the open end 64 of the base 60 of the pipette and the flat cylindrical sealin~, surfaces 114 and 11 6 on the probe tip are adapted to be received in slidin~
engagement by the annular rings 78 and 80 on the pipette tip 10 30, respectively. The annular rings 78 and 80 are dimensioned such that they form a resilient sealing engasement with the cylindrical flats 114 and 1 16, whereby a resilient redundant seal is provided between the pipette tip . and the probe tip. A
~-~ shoulder 120 is provided:at the base of the probe tip 102 for 15 engaging the rim or shoulder 66 on the base 60 of the pipette tip for providing, a positive stop for limiting movement of the probe tip into the pipette tip. The annular ~probe shoulder 120, pipette shoulder 66, concentric annular seals 78 and 80~ and probe seallng surfaces 1 14 and 1 16 worlc in combination to 2 0 assure proper axial alignment of the probe with the pipette tip.
: ~ ~ As shown in ~io. 7, :tbe annular sealing ring 78 is of a rounded upper surface or edge 130 tapering into a cylindrical section 132. This is to assure ' easy removal of the molded probe from:the mold cavity when withdrawn ~axially in the 25 direetion of arrow ~C. However, it wili: be readily: understood ~; that any annular sealing surface could~ be ~utilized such as the arcuate surface 134 shown in ~ 8. A ch~annel could be : provided in the interior surface of the~ pipette and an:
independent 0-ring inserted, if desired. However, the integral:
3 0 sealing surfaces of the preferred embodiment reduce manufacturing costs while assuring a resilient redundant~: seal between the probe tlp and the pipette tip. ~:
While certain features and embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, it will be readily ~
3 5 understood that the inverltion encompasses all enhancements and modifications within the scope and spirit of the following claims.
.
.
WO 93/08913 Pcr/US92/0928~
212'~2~ 4 ~ .
It is, therefore, an object and feature of the subJect invention to provide a pipette tip having positive locator surfaces for controlling the movement of a probe into the pipette tip as the probe engages the pipette tip.
It is a ~further object and feature of the subject invention to provide a pipette tip having an integral sealing mechanism adapted to engage a sealinjo surface on the probe as the probe enters the pipette.
It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide a resilient, redundant seal for increasing the seal between the probe and the pipette tip.
It is yet another object and feature of the subject invention to provide a pipette tip and probe combination ~-~ wherein the loading and unloading forces for mounting the pipette on the probe and removing the pipette from the probe are consistent and predictable.
It is also an object and feature of the subject invention to provide for means for simultaneously loading a plurality of pipette tips in the system carrier. ~
2 0 Other objects and featu~res of the invention wilI be readily apparent f~om the accompanylng drawlngs and detailed de:scription of the preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DES(:~RI~It3N OF THE D~AWINGS
Fig. l is an exploded perspecbve view of a container, box and pipette tips in accordance with ~the subject invention.
Fig. 2 is an exploded *ont view illustrating a carner in : ::
combination with the pipette and container system of Fig. 1.
~ig. 3 is an enlarged front view of a pipette in accordance 3 0 with the subject invention.
Pig. 4 ls a section view taken generally along the line 4-4 ~: of Fig. 3 and includes a~probe for receiving the pipette.Fig. S is a section view taken generally along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is a section view taken gener~lly along the line 6-6 of Fig. 3.
WO 93/089~3 212 2 2 4 ~ PCr/US92/092P~ ;
Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view looking in the same direction as Fi~. 3 and showin~ the detail of ~he sealing surface.
Fig. 8 is à view simil~r to Fig. 7, showing an alternative embodirnent of the sealing surface.
DETAILED Dl~SCRIPI ION OP THE PREF;ERRED EMBODIMENT
A pipette container and pipettes made in accordance with the subject invention are shown in Fig. I. ID the preferred embodiment, the container comprises a box 1 0 having a closed bottom, upstanding side walls and a hinged top 12 with a flap 14. A tray 16~ is adapted to be received in the open top of the box 10 and has a pair of outwardly~extendi~g tabs 18 and~ 20 ~- which are adapted to be positioned on the upper edges 22 and l 5 24 of the box when the tray is inserted in the box. The tray 16 includes an upper, generally horizontal surface 26 having a plurality of holes or through apertures 28 each adapted ~or receiving a pipette tip 30. As better shown in Fig. 3, the pipette tip 30 in&ludes a plurality of longitudmally ~extending ~ribs 32 around its outer end, each having a bottom ~ed~e 34 which is adapted to engage the top surface 26 of the tray 16 for positioning and ho~ding the pipette ~'-n ~the tray. When the pipettes are loaded in the apertures 28,~; they~; depend from the tray, as shown ln Fig. l. The tray is then ~placed in the ~box l0 wlth the tabs ;18 and 20~ extendln~ outwardly;~from ~the~ edges 22 and 24, respecbvely. The locator ~end 34 of each of the ribs 32 maintains the~pipette in the tray ~suGh that the bottom end 36 of the pipette is a~ove the closed bottom ~3~8 of the box. The lid ~18 may then bç closed over the tray, with~a flap l4 secured to the ~;~ 30 front wall 40 of the box.~ Tabs l8 and 20 project outwardly from the box when the lid 12 is in the closed position.
As shown in Fig. 2, the pipette tray 16 and pipettes 30 are adapted to be removed ~rom the~ box 10 with the pipettes positioned in the t~ay. The user may grasp the tabs 18 ~nd 20 for removlng the ~pipettes and tray ~rom the box and for positioning the pipettes relative to the pipette rack or carrier 42 of the analyzer system. The pipette carrier.4Z includes a .
plurality of pipette receptacles 44, each for receiving and positioning a pipette in the analyzer system. The top surface 46 of the carrier 42 is a precision calibrated surface, providing a precise positioning relationship between the surface 46 and a 5 probe at the end of a robot arm (not shown) for positioning the probe relative to the pipette carrier in the manner well known to those who are skilled in the art.
The user positions the pipettes 30 in the tray 16 over the receptacles 44 in the carrier 42, as shown in Fig. 2. The tray 16 10 is then lowered onto the carrier 42. The pipettes 30 are received in the respective receptacles 44. As better shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of elongate ribs 48 are provided on the exterior wall of the pipette 30 and radially inwardly of the ribs 32. Each of the ribs 48 have a lower end 50 which is 15 adapted to engage the locator surface 46 on the carrier 42, for properly positioning the pipette relative to the carrier. The distance "A" from the outer end of the pipette 30 to the lower end of the ribs 48 is greater than the thickness "B" of the tray 16, whereby as the pipettes 30 are lowered into the carrier 42~, -2 0 the locator surface 46 engages the rib ends 50 and the tray 16 drops down to the carrier and out of interfering relationship with the pipettes, assuring that the pipettes are properly positioned in the carrier.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each of 25 the tabs 18 and 20 includes an adhesive such as tape 52 or the like, as shown in Fig. 2. Where desirable, the tape 52 may be provided with a peelable protective layer to assure that the tape does not become cont~min~ted or prematurely engaged during shipping when the tabs 18 and 20 are exposed 3 0 outwardly of the box 10. After the pipettes are properly positioned in the carrier 42 and the tray 16 is lowered onto the locator surface 46, the tabs 18 and 20 may be folded down against the outer end walls 54 and 56, respectively of the carrier 42. The tape strips 52 are then pressed against the 3 S walls 54 and 56 for holding the tray in position during operation of the analyzer system. After all of the pipettes have been removed from the carrier during operation, or after operations is completed, the tray 16 may be removed from the carrier 42 by removing the tabs 18 and 20 from the walls 54 and 56 and pulling the tray upwardly to the position of Fig. 2, from which it may be discarded.
An enlarged plan view of the pipette tip 30 is shown in Fig. 3. As there shown, the pipette tip 30 includes a base 60, a pipette body 62, a lower open end 36 and an upper open end 64. A shoulder or outer rim 66 is positioned at the upper open end 64 at the outer end of the base 60. The shoulder 66 1 0 provides a locator surface for providing a positive stop for mounting the pipette 30 on a probe. A plurality of ribs 32 depend downwardly from the shoulder 66 and have a lower end 34 which defines a stop surface for positioning the pipette tips 30 in the tray 16. The ribs also reinforce the pipette base 1 5 to minimi~e deformation in the sealing as the probe is inserted in the pipette. A plurality of longer ribs 48, disposed radially inwardly of the ribs 32 and adapted to be in noninterfering relationship with the apertures 28 in the tray 16 extend downwardly along the tapered body 62 of the 2 0 pipette tip and terminate in a precisely positioned end 50 defining a locator surface for positively and accurately positioning the pipette tips 30 in the carrier 46 when the pipettes are received in the individual receptacles 44. The body 62 is of a continuous taper from the bottom 68 of the base 60 to a transition point 70 near the lower end 36. It will be noted that- the taper is increased in the transition section 72 between the transition point 70 and the lower end 36. It has been found that the increased taper in the transition section 72 substantially reduces the meniscus formed at the lower end 3 0 36 during use of the pipette, reducing the inaccuracy in metering and reducing exposure of fluids to outside elements.
The interior passageway of the pipette is more clearly shown in Fig. 4. As there shown, the interior pipette passageway 74 is of a continuous taper from the lower pipette tip end 36 to the open upper base end 64. In the preferred embodiment, the pipette passageway 74 is positioned on the center axis of the pipette and has a continuous taper of 2.180 for a pipette having a diametric opeIling at end 36 of .031 inches alld an overall length of about 4.25 inches. The diametric opening at upper base end 64 is .286 inches.
ln the preferred embodiment, the pipette tip 30 is made 5 of a high density polyethylene and is translucent white in color. The pipette is designed to be molded in a sinOle stop process. More importantly, red blood cells do not cling to high density polyethylene assuring a complete purging of the red blood cells from the pipette when dispensed. The high density 1 0 polyethylene is impervious to blood, reduclng staining and increasing visibility of the contents of the pipette during the testing operation. A fill line 76 is provided on the interior wall of the passageway 74 and is visible through the pipette wall. In typical operation, the pipette is never filled above the 1 5 fill line 76.
The base 60 includes a first annular r4 78 extending around the interior wall of the passageway 74 and protruding inwardly therefrom to define a resilient sealing surface. In the preferred embodiment, a second, concentric annular ring 80 is 2 0 provided in spaced relationship with the annular ring 78 for providing a second, redundant, resilient sealing surface.
As is also shown in Fig. 4, the probe 100 is adapted to be inserted in the open base end 64 of the pipette 30 and into the tapered passageway 74. The plug end 102 of the probe is 2 5 adapted to be received in the passageway 74 in a noninterfering relationship. The probe includes a central through channel 104 having open outer ends at 106 and 108.
A mounting surface 110 is provided on the probe, and in the preferred embodiment is designed to be mounted in and 30 engaged by a robot arrn (not shown) in a press fit relationship with a socket provided in the robot arm. Other means for mounting the probe on the robot arm could be incorporated, as well understood by those skilled in the art.
The robot arm is then connected to a vacuum system (also 35 not shown), for drawing a vacuum on the probe. The probe plug tip 102 includes a tapered front surface 113 that extends from the end 106 of the probe plug tip 102 to a first cylindrical wo 93/08913 2 1 2 2 2 ~ 4 PCr/US92~0928~
flat 114, a first cylindrical flat 114 and a second concentric cylindrical ~lat 1 16 with a tapered transition surface 118 ~herebetween. The tapered front surface 113 preferably h~s a draft that permits smooth coupling of the probe plug tip 102 5 and the pipette 30. In the preferred embodiment, the probe tip 102 is adap~ed to lbe inserted into the open end 64 of the base 60 of the pipette and the flat cylindrical sealin~, surfaces 114 and 11 6 on the probe tip are adapted to be received in slidin~
engagement by the annular rings 78 and 80 on the pipette tip 10 30, respectively. The annular rings 78 and 80 are dimensioned such that they form a resilient sealing engasement with the cylindrical flats 114 and 1 16, whereby a resilient redundant seal is provided between the pipette tip . and the probe tip. A
~-~ shoulder 120 is provided:at the base of the probe tip 102 for 15 engaging the rim or shoulder 66 on the base 60 of the pipette tip for providing, a positive stop for limiting movement of the probe tip into the pipette tip. The annular ~probe shoulder 120, pipette shoulder 66, concentric annular seals 78 and 80~ and probe seallng surfaces 1 14 and 1 16 worlc in combination to 2 0 assure proper axial alignment of the probe with the pipette tip.
: ~ ~ As shown in ~io. 7, :tbe annular sealing ring 78 is of a rounded upper surface or edge 130 tapering into a cylindrical section 132. This is to assure ' easy removal of the molded probe from:the mold cavity when withdrawn ~axially in the 25 direetion of arrow ~C. However, it wili: be readily: understood ~; that any annular sealing surface could~ be ~utilized such as the arcuate surface 134 shown in ~ 8. A ch~annel could be : provided in the interior surface of the~ pipette and an:
independent 0-ring inserted, if desired. However, the integral:
3 0 sealing surfaces of the preferred embodiment reduce manufacturing costs while assuring a resilient redundant~: seal between the probe tlp and the pipette tip. ~:
While certain features and embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, it will be readily ~
3 5 understood that the inverltion encompasses all enhancements and modifications within the scope and spirit of the following claims.
.
.
Claims (26)
1. An assembly including a pipette adapted to be mounted on a probe for aspirating and dispensing a calibrated volume of fluid, comprising:
a) a tray having a top surface, a predetermined depth and a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said tray;
b) a carrier having a locator surface and a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding a pipette in said carrier; and c) a pipette having i) an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a central through passageway and open opposite ends, one of said ends defining a pipette tip;
ii) a base on the end of the body opposite the pipette tip, the base comprising an outer shoulder, which engages the top surface of the tray, and an internal, through bore in communication with the central through passageway; and iii) a plurality of body ribs on the exterior wall of the body located radically inwardly of the outer shoulder of the base, wherein each body rib has an end at a distance from the base greater than the predetermined depth of the tray which engages the locator surface of the carrier such that when the tray and carrier are engaged, the body rib ends engage the locator surface and the base disengages from the top surface of the tray.
a) a tray having a top surface, a predetermined depth and a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said tray;
b) a carrier having a locator surface and a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding a pipette in said carrier; and c) a pipette having i) an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a central through passageway and open opposite ends, one of said ends defining a pipette tip;
ii) a base on the end of the body opposite the pipette tip, the base comprising an outer shoulder, which engages the top surface of the tray, and an internal, through bore in communication with the central through passageway; and iii) a plurality of body ribs on the exterior wall of the body located radically inwardly of the outer shoulder of the base, wherein each body rib has an end at a distance from the base greater than the predetermined depth of the tray which engages the locator surface of the carrier such that when the tray and carrier are engaged, the body rib ends engage the locator surface and the base disengages from the top surface of the tray.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pipette further comprises a sealing member on the internal surface of the bore which is adapted for engaging and forming a sealed connection with a sealing surface of the probe when the sealing surface is received in said bore.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said sealing member comprises a first resilient annular ring.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the sealing member further comprises a second resilient annular ring on the internal surface of the bore which is concentric with the first annular ring, said second annular ring adapted for engaging and forming a sealed connection with the sealing surface of the probe when the sealing surface is received in said bore.
5. The assembly of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein said pipette base is adapted for positively engaging a mounting surface of said probe, wherein said mounting surface is adapted for positively engaging the outer shoulder of said pipette base when the sealing surface of the probe is received in said bore for defining a positive stop for limiting the relative movement between the pipette and the probe.
6. The assembly of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the tray further includes opposite outer ends and a hinged tab secured to each of said opposite ends, the hinged tabs adapted to be moved from a free position to a carrier engaging position.
7. The assembly of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein said outer shoulder further comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending shoulder ribsdisposed radially about and projecting radially outwardly from the periphery of the base, such that the shoulder ribs project out further from the base than thebody ribs and the shoulder ribs extend from the shoulder of the base to an end point on the body of the pipette above the carrier engaging ends of the body ribs.
8. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the body, base and sealing member are of unitary molded construction.
9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the unitary molded pipette is constructed of a high density polyethylene material.
10. The assembly of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the pipette body comprises a first portion and a second portion each of predetermined length forming a continuous taper converging toward the pipette tip wherein the first portion which is adjacent to said base is defined by a truncated cone of a first taper and the second portion which is attached to the end of the first portion opposite the base and adjacent to said pipette tip is defined by a truncated cone of a second taper.
11. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said central through passageway and said bore are of a continuous taper converging toward the pipette tip and wherein the sealing member comprises a first sealing element and a second, concentric sealing element at predetermined positions along the longitudinal axis of said tapered central passageway and said bore, and wherein said probe further comprises a tip adapted to be received in the central through passagewayat the base end of the pipette, the tip having a generally tapered outer periphery and two sealing surfaces on the tapered outer periphery, such that a first sealing surface engages the first sealing element to form a sealed connection and a second sealing surface engages the second sealing element to form a sealed connection.
12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein said first and second sealing surfaces comprise concentric cylindrical sections disposed on said generally tapered periphery of said probe tip surface.
13. A pipette kit for carrying a plurality of pipettes which are adapted to be mounted on a carrier in an automated analyzer system, the carrier having a locator surface disposed in a predetermined position relative to a probe and each of the pipettes adapted to be mounted on the probe for aspirating and dispensing a calibrated volume of fluid, the pipette kit comprising a tray comprising upper and lower surfaces for defining a tray thickness of a predetermined depth, a plurality of apertures extending through said tray thickness wherein each aperture is adapted for receiving and carrying a pipette, and the tray being adapted to engage the carrier such that each pipette inserts into a pipette receptacle in the carrier; and pipettes, each pipette comprising:
a) an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a central through passageway and open opposite ends, one of said ends defining a pipette tip;
b) a base on the end of the body opposite the pipette tip, the base comprising an outer shoulder, which engages a top surface of said tray and an internal, through bore in communication with the central through passageway; and c) a plurality of body ribs on the exterior wall of the body located radially inwardly of the outer shoulder of the base, wherein each body rib has an end at a distance from the base greater than the depth of the tray and adapted to engage a locator surface of a carrier having a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said carrier, such that when the tray and carrier are engaged, the body rib ends engage the locator surface and the base disengages from the top surface of the tray.
a) an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a central through passageway and open opposite ends, one of said ends defining a pipette tip;
b) a base on the end of the body opposite the pipette tip, the base comprising an outer shoulder, which engages a top surface of said tray and an internal, through bore in communication with the central through passageway; and c) a plurality of body ribs on the exterior wall of the body located radially inwardly of the outer shoulder of the base, wherein each body rib has an end at a distance from the base greater than the depth of the tray and adapted to engage a locator surface of a carrier having a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said carrier, such that when the tray and carrier are engaged, the body rib ends engage the locator surface and the base disengages from the top surface of the tray.
14. The pipette kit of claim 13, wherein each pipette further comprises a sealing member on the internal surface of the bore which is adapted for engaging and forming a sealed connection with a sealing surface of the probe when the sealing surface is received in said bore.
15. The pipette kit of claim 13 or 14, wherein the tray further comprises opposite outer ends and a hinged tab secured to each of said opposite ends, the hinged tabs adapted to be moved from a free position to a carrier engaging position.
16. A pipette adapted to be mounted on a probe for aspirating and dispensing a calibrated volume of fluid, comprising:
a) an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a central through passageway and open opposite ends, one of said ends defining a pipette tip;
b) a base on the end of the body opposite the pipette tip, the base comprising an internal, through bore in communication with the central through passageway, and an outer shoulder which is adapted to engage a top surface of a tray having a predetermined depth and a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said tray;
c) a plurality of body ribs on the exterior wall of the body located radially inwardly of the outer shoulder of the base, wherein each body rib has an end at a distance from the base greater than the depth of the tray and adapted to engage a locator surface of a carrier having a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said carrier, such that when the tray and carrier are engaged, the body rib ends engage the locator surface and the base disengages from the top surface of the tray, and d) a plurality of longitudinally extending shoulder ribs disposed radially about and projecting radially outwardly from the periphery of the base, such that the shoulder ribs project out further from the base than the body ribs and the shoulder ribs extend from the shoulder of the base to an end point on the body of the pipette above the carrier engaging ends of the body ribs.
a) an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a central through passageway and open opposite ends, one of said ends defining a pipette tip;
b) a base on the end of the body opposite the pipette tip, the base comprising an internal, through bore in communication with the central through passageway, and an outer shoulder which is adapted to engage a top surface of a tray having a predetermined depth and a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said tray;
c) a plurality of body ribs on the exterior wall of the body located radially inwardly of the outer shoulder of the base, wherein each body rib has an end at a distance from the base greater than the depth of the tray and adapted to engage a locator surface of a carrier having a plurality of apertures for positioning and holding said pipette in said carrier, such that when the tray and carrier are engaged, the body rib ends engage the locator surface and the base disengages from the top surface of the tray, and d) a plurality of longitudinally extending shoulder ribs disposed radially about and projecting radially outwardly from the periphery of the base, such that the shoulder ribs project out further from the base than the body ribs and the shoulder ribs extend from the shoulder of the base to an end point on the body of the pipette above the carrier engaging ends of the body ribs.
17. A pipette of claim 16, wherein the pipette further comprises a sealing member on the internal surface of the bore which is adapted for engaging and forming a sealed connection with a sealing surface of the probe when the sealing surface is received in said bore.
18. A pipette of claim 17, wherein said sealing member comprises a first resilient annular ring.
19. A pipette of claim 18, wherein the sealing member further comprises a second resilient annular ring on the internal surface of the bore which is concentric with the first annular ring, said second annular ring adapted for engaging and forming a sealed connection with the sealing surface of the probe when the sealing surface is received in said bore.
20. A pipette of claim 16, 17, 18 or 19, wherein said pipette base is adapted for positively engaging a mounting surface of said probe, wherein said mounting surface is adapted for positively engaging the outer shoulder of said pipette base when the sealing surface of the probe is received in said bore for defining a positive stop for limiting the relative movement between the pipette and the probe.
21. A pipette of claim 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20, wherein said outer shoulder further comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending shoulder ribsdisposed radially about and projecting radially outwardly from the periphery of the base, such that the shoulder ribs project out further from the base than thebody ribs and the shoulder ribs extend from the shoulder of the base to an end point on the body of the pipette above the carrier engaging ends of the body ribs.
22. A pipette of claim 17, wherein the body, base and sealing member are of unitary molded construction.
23. A pipette of claim 22, wherein the unitary molded pipette is constructed of a high density polyethylene material.
24. A pipette of claim 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 or 23, wherein the pipette body comprises a first portion and a second portion each of predetermined length forming a continuous taper converging toward the pipette tip wherein the first portion which is adjacent to said base is defined by a truncated cone of a first taper and the second portion which is attached to the end of the first portion opposite the base and adjacent to said pipette tip is defined by a truncated cone of a second taper.
25. A pipette of claim 17, wherein said central through passageway and said bore are of a continuous taper converging toward the pipette tip and wherein the sealing member comprises a first sealing element and a second, concentric sealing element at predetermined positions along the longitudinal axis of said tapered central passageway and said bore, and wherein said probe further comprises a tip adapted to be received in the central through passagewayat the base end of the pipette, the tip having a generally tapered outer periphery and two sealing surfaces on the tapered outer periphery, such that a first sealing surface engages the first sealing element to form a sealed connection and a second sealing surface engages the second sealing element to form a sealed connection.
26. A pipette of claim 25, wherein said first and second sealing surfaces comprise concentric cylindrical sections disposed on said generally tapered periphery of said probe tip surface.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US790,380 | 1991-11-08 | ||
| US07/790,380 US5232669A (en) | 1991-11-08 | 1991-11-08 | Pipette tip with self-aligning and self-sealing features |
| PCT/US1992/009283 WO1993008913A1 (en) | 1991-11-08 | 1992-10-29 | Pipette tip with self-aligning and self-sealing features |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2122244A1 CA2122244A1 (en) | 1993-05-13 |
| CA2122244C true CA2122244C (en) | 1999-02-16 |
Family
ID=25150517
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002122244A Expired - Lifetime CA2122244C (en) | 1991-11-08 | 1992-10-29 | Pipette tip with self-aligning and self-sealing features |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5232669A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0611327B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP3276148B2 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU657815B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2122244C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69220083T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2102525T3 (en) |
| TW (1) | TW234686B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993008913A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (98)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FI925117A0 (en) * | 1992-11-11 | 1992-11-11 | Labsystems Oy | KYVETTMATRIS |
| FI925118A0 (en) * | 1992-11-11 | 1992-11-11 | Labsystems Oy | BEHAOLLARE |
| JP3318024B2 (en) * | 1993-02-19 | 2002-08-26 | 富士写真フイルム株式会社 | Biochemical analyzer |
| US5827745A (en) * | 1993-03-29 | 1998-10-27 | Astle; Thomas W. | Micropipette tip loading and unloading device and method and tip package |
| US5487997A (en) * | 1994-02-15 | 1996-01-30 | Point Plastics Incorporated | Pipette tip mounting and transfer apparatus and method |
| US5496523A (en) * | 1994-05-06 | 1996-03-05 | Sorenson Bioscience | Filtered micropipette tip for high/low volume pipettors |
| ATE194091T1 (en) * | 1994-06-03 | 2000-07-15 | Labcon North America | LOADING RACK FOR PIPETTE TIPS |
| US5470538A (en) * | 1994-06-03 | 1995-11-28 | Labcon, North America | Pipette tip rack loader |
| US5576214A (en) * | 1994-09-14 | 1996-11-19 | Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. | Method of supplying disposable tips to an aspirator |
| USD384163S (en) * | 1995-10-24 | 1997-09-23 | Eppendorf-Netheler-Hinz Gmbh | Pipette |
| JP3569779B2 (en) * | 1995-10-26 | 2004-09-29 | アークレイ株式会社 | Chip cartridge with waste tray |
| US5807524A (en) * | 1996-08-06 | 1998-09-15 | Rainin Instrument Co., Inc. | Pipette tip with pipette surface contamination protector |
| US6066297A (en) * | 1997-01-03 | 2000-05-23 | Matrix Technologies Corporation | Small sample volume displacement pipette tips |
| US5851491A (en) * | 1997-06-13 | 1998-12-22 | Labcon, North America | Pipette tip and filter for accurate sampling and prevention of contamination |
| US5882603A (en) * | 1997-10-15 | 1999-03-16 | Point Plastics Incorporated | Support rack for pipette tips |
| JPH11248715A (en) * | 1998-03-06 | 1999-09-17 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Dispensing head and chip |
| DE29806142U1 (en) * | 1998-04-03 | 1998-06-18 | November Ag Molekulare Medizin | Device for receiving and dispensing a defined amount of liquid |
| US6415669B1 (en) * | 1998-04-09 | 2002-07-09 | Ccs Packard, Inc. | Dispensing apparatus having means for loading pipette tips in a dispense head |
| US8337753B2 (en) | 1998-05-01 | 2012-12-25 | Gen-Probe Incorporated | Temperature-controlled incubator having a receptacle mixing mechanism |
| DE10011529T1 (en) | 1998-05-01 | 2011-09-01 | Gen-Probe Incorporated | Automatic diagnostic analyzer and method |
| JP3584732B2 (en) * | 1998-05-08 | 2004-11-04 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Dispensing device, dispensing method and dispensing tip mounting method |
| US6203974B1 (en) | 1998-09-03 | 2001-03-20 | Abbott Laboratories | Chemiluminescent immunoassay for detection of antibodies to various viruses |
| US6168761B1 (en) * | 1998-11-06 | 2001-01-02 | Rainin Instrument Co., Inc. | Pipette with improved pipette tip and mounting shaft |
| PL195725B1 (en) * | 1998-11-06 | 2007-10-31 | Rainin Instr Llc | Pipette with improved pipette tip and mounting shaft |
| CN1146473C (en) * | 1998-11-06 | 2004-04-21 | 瑞宁器材公司 | Pipette with improved pipette tip and mounting shaft combination |
| US6248295B1 (en) * | 1998-11-06 | 2001-06-19 | Rainin Instrument Co., Inc. | Pipette with improved pipette tip and mounting shaft combination |
| US6098802A (en) * | 1998-12-17 | 2000-08-08 | Michael Hoffman | Deep well rack assembly for pipette tips and the like |
| DE19905027A1 (en) * | 1999-01-29 | 2000-08-03 | Jenoptik Jena Gmbh | Pipette tip |
| US6426047B1 (en) * | 1999-02-01 | 2002-07-30 | Matrix Technologies Corporations | Disposable tip magazine |
| DE19917375C2 (en) * | 1999-04-16 | 2001-09-27 | Hamilton Bonaduz Ag Bonaduz | Pipetting unit |
| EP1183104B1 (en) † | 1999-05-14 | 2006-10-25 | Gen-Probe Incorporated | Penetrable cap with inner apex |
| US6716396B1 (en) | 1999-05-14 | 2004-04-06 | Gen-Probe Incorporated | Penetrable cap |
| US6673318B1 (en) * | 1999-05-31 | 2004-01-06 | Bridgestone Corporation | Pipette |
| US20020081747A1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2002-06-27 | Jacobs Merrit N. | Aspirating and mixing of liquids within a probe tip |
| US6596240B2 (en) | 2001-01-12 | 2003-07-22 | Porex Corporation | Pipette tip for easy mounting and ejecting from a pipette |
| US6973845B2 (en) * | 2001-01-18 | 2005-12-13 | Beckman Coulter, Inc. | Low insertion force tip/mandrel |
| US6568288B2 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2003-05-27 | Rainin Instrument, Llc | Pipette with improved pipette tip and mounting shaft |
| AU2002319595B2 (en) * | 2001-07-20 | 2007-06-07 | Gen-Probe Incorporated | Sample carrier and drip shield for use therewith |
| US7335337B1 (en) * | 2001-09-11 | 2008-02-26 | Smith James C | Ergonomic pipette tip and adapters |
| US7169361B2 (en) * | 2002-01-10 | 2007-01-30 | Molecular Bioproducts, Inc. | Pipette tip reloading system |
| PL351910A1 (en) * | 2002-01-29 | 2003-08-11 | Pz Htl Sa | Container for holding pipette tips |
| DE10238266A1 (en) * | 2002-02-28 | 2003-11-06 | Ibidi Gmbh | Microfluidic system |
| JP3648487B2 (en) | 2002-03-01 | 2005-05-18 | アロカ株式会社 | Nozzle tip for dispensing equipment |
| US6780381B2 (en) * | 2002-04-08 | 2004-08-24 | Felix H. Yiu | Pipettor and externally sealed pipette tip |
| EP1499415A4 (en) | 2002-04-26 | 2009-10-28 | Abbott Lab | Structure and method for handling magnetic particles in biological assays |
| DE60316938T2 (en) | 2002-05-17 | 2008-07-17 | Gen-Probe Inc., San Diego | SAMPLE CARRIER WITH DETACHABLE LOCKING DEVICE |
| ATE337097T1 (en) * | 2002-05-17 | 2006-09-15 | Gen Probe Inc | SAMPLE CARRIER WITH LOCKING DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED DRIP SCREEN DEVICE |
| DE10229788B4 (en) * | 2002-07-03 | 2004-08-05 | Eppendorf Ag | pipette tip |
| DE10345324B3 (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2004-08-19 | Eppendorf Ag | Pipette tip, in one-piece plastics structure, has projecting ring near upper end with wave-shaped contour giving points at different gaps from bottom end to reduce ejection forces on removal from pipetting shaft |
| US7641859B2 (en) * | 2004-02-11 | 2010-01-05 | Matrix Technologies Corporation | Pipette tip mounting and ejection assembly and associated pipette tip |
| US7968056B2 (en) * | 2004-05-10 | 2011-06-28 | Joe Stockwell | Method and apparatus for transferring pipette tips |
| US20050255005A1 (en) * | 2004-05-13 | 2005-11-17 | Arta Motadel | Stackable pipette tips having increased accuracy |
| JP5160725B2 (en) * | 2004-11-02 | 2013-03-13 | シスメックス株式会社 | Chip rack and chip assembly |
| US20060171851A1 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2006-08-03 | Arta Motadel | Liquid sampling utilizing ribbed pipette tip for barrier penetration |
| US20060172433A1 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2006-08-03 | Arta Motadel | Liquid sampling utilizing ribbed pipette tip for barrier penetration |
| FR2882273B1 (en) | 2005-02-18 | 2007-06-01 | Gilson Sas Soc Par Actions Sim | TIP FOR TAKING PIPETTE, AND PIPETTE THUS EQUIPPED |
| US8008066B2 (en) | 2005-03-10 | 2011-08-30 | Gen-Probe Incorporated | System for performing multi-formatted assays |
| WO2006104905A1 (en) * | 2005-03-28 | 2006-10-05 | Indiana Proteomics Consortium, Llc | Device for holding a sample and subjecting the sample to chromatographic analysis |
| US7910067B2 (en) | 2005-04-19 | 2011-03-22 | Gen-Probe Incorporated | Sample tube holder |
| US20070020151A1 (en) | 2005-07-20 | 2007-01-25 | Steven Woodside | Pipette tip holder |
| EP1862219B1 (en) | 2006-05-29 | 2018-02-07 | Qiagen GmbH | Device for holding a pipette tip and pipetting device |
| JP4944888B2 (en) * | 2006-07-25 | 2012-06-06 | ユニバーサル・バイオ・リサーチ株式会社 | Chip-mounting-type integrated processing apparatus, chip-shaped container, and chip-mounting-type integrated processing method |
| DE102006036764B4 (en) * | 2006-08-05 | 2012-11-29 | Eppendorf Ag | pipetting |
| MX2009001794A (en) * | 2006-08-18 | 2009-07-22 | Porex Corp | Sintered polymeric materials and applications thereof. |
| US20080078258A1 (en) * | 2006-09-28 | 2008-04-03 | Price West L | Multi-component pipette tip and associated methods |
| US7662343B2 (en) * | 2006-10-24 | 2010-02-16 | Viaflo Corporation | Locking pipette tip and mounting shaft |
| US7662344B2 (en) | 2006-10-24 | 2010-02-16 | Viaflo Corporation | Locking pipette tip and mounting shaft |
| US7794664B2 (en) * | 2006-11-16 | 2010-09-14 | Idexx Laboratories, Inc. | Pipette tip |
| WO2008068605A1 (en) * | 2006-12-07 | 2008-06-12 | Gilson S.A.S. | Tip mounting device for sampling device |
| WO2009038787A2 (en) * | 2007-09-19 | 2009-03-26 | Sorenson Bioscience, Inc. | Pipette tip rack and associated methods |
| US8202495B1 (en) * | 2008-06-23 | 2012-06-19 | Smith James C | Ergonomic pipette tip |
| WO2010081107A2 (en) * | 2009-01-12 | 2010-07-15 | Biotix, Inc. | Flexible pipette tips |
| US8277757B2 (en) * | 2009-09-29 | 2012-10-02 | Integra Biosciences Corp. | Pipette tip mounting shaft |
| JP6049235B2 (en) * | 2009-12-10 | 2016-12-21 | エフ．ホフマン−ラ ロシュ アーゲーＦ． Ｈｏｆｆｍａｎｎ−Ｌａ Ｒｏｃｈｅ Ａｋｔｉｅｎｇｅｓｅｌｌｓｃｈａｆｔ | Combination tip rack |
| US9486803B2 (en) * | 2010-01-22 | 2016-11-08 | Biotix, Inc. | Pipette tips |
| EP3831489A1 (en) * | 2010-01-22 | 2021-06-09 | Biotix, Inc. | Pipette tips |
| EP2749887A3 (en) * | 2010-07-23 | 2014-10-01 | Beckman Coulter, Inc. | System Or Method Of Including Analytical Units |
| US9046507B2 (en) | 2010-07-29 | 2015-06-02 | Gen-Probe Incorporated | Method, system and apparatus for incorporating capacitive proximity sensing in an automated fluid transfer procedure |
| US9144801B2 (en) | 2010-08-31 | 2015-09-29 | Abbott Laboratories | Sample tube racks having retention bars |
| US8524170B2 (en) * | 2011-02-22 | 2013-09-03 | Rainin Instrument, Llc | Pipette and sealing tip |
| US8718948B2 (en) | 2011-02-24 | 2014-05-06 | Gen-Probe Incorporated | Systems and methods for distinguishing optical signals of different modulation frequencies in an optical signal detector |
| WO2012173812A1 (en) | 2011-06-15 | 2012-12-20 | Porex Corporation | Sintered porous plastic liquid barrier media and applications thereof |
| US9150333B2 (en) * | 2011-06-16 | 2015-10-06 | Eppendorf Ag | Device for providing pipette tips |
| US9156030B2 (en) * | 2011-12-28 | 2015-10-13 | Eppendorf Ag | Pipette tip |
| EP2816358B1 (en) * | 2012-02-16 | 2021-04-07 | Hitachi High-Tech Corporation | System for adjusting automatic analysis device, method for adjusting automatic analysis device |
| US9791080B2 (en) | 2012-03-12 | 2017-10-17 | Idex Health & Science Llc | Microfluidic interconnect |
| US8795606B2 (en) | 2012-05-30 | 2014-08-05 | Biotix, Inc. | Integrated pipette tip devices |
| USD731075S1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2015-06-02 | Nalge Nunc International Corporation | Pipette |
| US10343156B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-07-09 | Nalge Nunc International Corporation | Tapered pipette |
| USD805651S1 (en) * | 2013-12-12 | 2017-12-19 | Eppendorf Ag | Flange for a pipette adapter |
| US11065614B2 (en) | 2016-06-15 | 2021-07-20 | Hamilton Company | Pipetting device, pipette tip coupler, and pipette tip: devices and methods |
| US11235318B2 (en) | 2016-06-15 | 2022-02-01 | Hamilton Company | Pipetting device, pipette tip coupler, and pipette tip: devices and methods |
| US10525460B2 (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2020-01-07 | Hamilton Company | Pipetting device, pipette tip coupler, and pipette tip: devices and methods |
| US10898892B2 (en) | 2016-06-15 | 2021-01-26 | Hamilton Company | Pipetting device, pipette tip coupler, and pipette tip: devices and methods |
| WO2018213196A1 (en) | 2017-05-17 | 2018-11-22 | Biotix, Inc. | Ergonomic pipette tips |
| US20220152604A1 (en) * | 2019-03-28 | 2022-05-19 | Fredsense Technologies Corp. | Attachment device for fluid dispensing assemblies |
| US11781953B2 (en) | 2019-08-20 | 2023-10-10 | Restek Corporation | Solid phase microextraction device, repository, and manipulator |
| USD1013892S1 (en) * | 2022-07-22 | 2024-02-06 | Hamilton Bonaduz Ag | Automated pipetting robot for laboratory |
Family Cites Families (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3853217A (en) * | 1972-08-09 | 1974-12-10 | Medical Laboratory Automation | Pipette tip package |
| DE7518809U (en) * | 1975-06-12 | 1978-09-14 | Eppendorf Geraetebau Netheler & Hinz Gmbh, 2000 Hamburg | PIPETTE TIP |
| US4130978A (en) * | 1975-11-12 | 1978-12-26 | Medical Laboratory Automation, Inc. | Method of assembling disposable pipette tips for shipment to users thereof |
| US4298570A (en) * | 1980-04-18 | 1981-11-03 | Beckman Instruments, Inc. | Tray section for automated sample handling apparatus |
| FI843976L (en) * | 1983-10-13 | 1985-04-14 | Cetus Corp | UTBYTBAR PIPETTSPETS. |
| JPS6323749A (en) * | 1986-03-31 | 1988-02-01 | Koryo Kagaku Kogyo Kk | Pipet tip |
| US4824641A (en) * | 1986-06-20 | 1989-04-25 | Cetus Corporation | Carousel and tip |
| US4707337A (en) * | 1986-08-11 | 1987-11-17 | Multi-Technology, Inc. | Medical micro pipette tips for difficult to reach places and related methods |
| US4748859A (en) * | 1987-03-06 | 1988-06-07 | Rainin Instrument Co., Inc. | Disposable pipette tip |
| US4863695A (en) * | 1987-04-28 | 1989-09-05 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Pipette assembly |
| DE3824767A1 (en) * | 1988-07-21 | 1990-02-01 | Eppendorf Geraetebau Netheler | CLIP-ON PIPETTE TIP IN THE FORM OF A CORRESPONDING HEAD PIECE, IN PARTICULAR CONE OF A PIPETTE, AT LEAST IN PARTIAL CONTAINERS |
| US5057282A (en) * | 1990-07-27 | 1991-10-15 | Waldorf Corporation | Pipette unitizer and shipper |
-
1991
- 1991-11-08 US US07/790,380 patent/US5232669A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1992
- 1992-10-29 JP JP50859493A patent/JP3276148B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-10-29 CA CA002122244A patent/CA2122244C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-10-29 WO PCT/US1992/009283 patent/WO1993008913A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1992-10-29 ES ES92923471T patent/ES2102525T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-10-29 AU AU29221/92A patent/AU657815B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1992-10-29 DE DE69220083T patent/DE69220083T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-10-29 EP EP92923471A patent/EP0611327B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-11-25 TW TW081109458A patent/TW234686B/zh active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE69220083T2 (en) | 1997-09-11 |
| ES2102525T3 (en) | 1997-08-01 |
| TW234686B (en) | 1994-11-21 |
| US5232669A (en) | 1993-08-03 |
| DE69220083D1 (en) | 1997-07-03 |
| CA2122244A1 (en) | 1993-05-13 |
| WO1993008913A1 (en) | 1993-05-13 |
| JP3276148B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 |
| EP0611327B1 (en) | 1997-05-28 |
| EP0611327A4 (en) | 1994-11-30 |
| EP0611327A1 (en) | 1994-08-24 |
| AU657815B2 (en) | 1995-03-23 |
| JPH07501006A (en) | 1995-02-02 |
| AU2922192A (en) | 1993-06-07 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2122244C (en) | Pipette tip with self-aligning and self-sealing features | |
| US6705482B2 (en) | Ball and socket closure | |
| EP0293075B1 (en) | Pipette assembly | |
| US5325977A (en) | Vented closure for a capillary tube | |
| KR100944919B1 (en) | System for automatic opening of reagent vessels | |
| US5169602A (en) | Resealable conduit and method | |
| JPH0250776B2 (en) | ||
| US4647419A (en) | Method and apparatus for producing a flash free pipette | |
| US7727474B2 (en) | Closure for a reagent container | |
| US5972297A (en) | Ball and socket closure for specimen collection container incorporating a septum | |
| EP0901827B1 (en) | Ball and socket closure for specimen collection container | |
| AU8320098A (en) | Ball and socket closure for specimen collection container incorporating an integral flexible seal | |
| WO1993001739A1 (en) | Reusable seal for diagnostic test reagent pack | |
| GB1563717A (en) | Dispensing | |
| US3612321A (en) | Container for biological fluids | |
| EP1424292B1 (en) | Reagent vessel cap and method for shielding reagent from the air | |
| NZ335580A (en) | Universal plug for a container | |
| CA1219469A (en) | Liquid sampling apparatus with retention means | |
| WO1995034381A3 (en) | Perforable cap for a biological specimen container | |
| CN111683753B (en) | Secondary test tube tray, secondary test tube carrying module and method for carrying secondary test tubes | |
| EP0908237A2 (en) | Ball and socket closure for specimen collection container incorporating a pouring spout |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |