Automated compatible removable cap and method of use

Abstract

An automated compatible removable cap is provided. The removable cap includes a top surface surrounded by a peripheral rim. The removable cap further includes a septum portion configured to receive an extractor, such as a pipette tip, inserted therethrough. The septum portion is further configured to grip the extractor to facilitate cap removal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to removable covers for automated systems and methods for removing such covers. The purpose of the covers and methods may include minimizing the evaporation of reagents or samples stored in containers for automated instruments and protecting reagents and samples from light exposure within such instruments. Background Technology

[0002] Many automated systems require the removal of lids used to cover containers. Such automated systems can be used within automated instruments. These instruments may also include robotic grippers, robotic pipetting systems, or other handling mechanisms for manipulating well plates, plate caps, pipette tips, and other consumables. These automated instruments can manipulate samples and reagents stored in containers during extended experiments, which may last up to 8 hours or more. Liquids, samples, or other reagents placed in open containers are exposed to internal or ambient (e.g., external) atmospheric pressure and may evaporate or be exposed to light.

[0003] Evaporation causes the loss of components (e.g., volatile components) contained in a reagent or sample, thereby altering the concentration of dissolved substances in the reagent or sample. Exposure to light can also harmfully affect the components of a photosensitizing reagent or sample. These effects may affect the activity and / or volume of the reagent or sample. This may become particularly important for some reagents or samples when the open container has been left in the system for several hours before use. And for reagents or samples containing high vapor pressure components (e.g., ethanol and acetonitrile), the effects of evaporation may be significant over a much shorter period. Similarly, for photosensitizing reagents or samples, exposure to light may be harmful after a short or long period, depending on the light sensitivity of the components.

[0004] Various methods have been explored to supplement automated liquid handling systems by employing additional robotic hardware to control reagent evaporation. For example, automated analytical apparatus may include cap-opening and cap-closing hardware. This hardware may include, for example, mechanical systems and robotic components configured to facilitate cap opening. However, having additional robotic hardware for opening and closing caps on reagent containers within an automated analytical system adds extra complexity.

[0005] The embodiments provided herein address these aforementioned drawbacks by providing a cap for adding the accelerator and other substances via a cap and for automatically removing the cap. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention relates to a substance containment system suitable for use in, for example, a measurement system. The substance containment system comprises: a container having a body adapted to contain reagents or samples; and at least one lid configured to be placed on the container.

[0007] In one embodiment, a lid suitable for use in an automated system is provided. The lid includes: a top surface; an edge disposed around a periphery of the top surface, the edge including a periphery and at least one skirt, the periphery being configured to rest on a flange portion of a container; and a plurality of corner segments in the top surface defined by a cut pattern in the top surface and defining a diaphragm portion of the top surface, the corner segments being configured to allow an extractor to be inserted through the cut pattern and held by friction, such that the lid is removed from the container when the extractor is pulled away from the container.

[0008] In one embodiment, a material containment system for use in an automated system is provided. The material containment system includes: a container configured to contain the material; and a lid configured to cover the container, the lid including: a top surface; an edge disposed around a periphery of the top surface, the edge including a periphery and at least one skirt, the periphery being configured to rest on a flange portion of the container; and a plurality of corner segments in the top surface defined by a cut pattern in the top surface and defining a diaphragm portion of the top surface, the corner segments being configured to allow an extractor to be inserted through the cut pattern and held by friction, such that the lid is removed from the container when the extractor is pulled away from the container.

[0009] The cap may weigh less than about 5 grams, preferably less than about 2.5 grams or about 1 gram, and more preferably less than about 0.75 grams. The extractor may include at least one pipette tip. The corner segments are preferably coated with a friction-enhancing material. In one embodiment, the at least one cap includes four corner segments. In another embodiment, the at least one cap includes a plurality of disposable caps. The at least one cap may be attached to a permeable liquid-tight layer.

[0010] The reagents or samples contained in the containers described herein may be liquids and may be selected from the group consisting of the sample to be analyzed, reagents, diluents, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the at least one cap is a substantially transparent, opaque, or UV-resistant material. The at least one cap may be made of a hydrophobic material or may be coated with a hydrophobic coating. The at least one cap may be made of high-density polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride and preferably has a thickness from about 0.0025 inches to about 0.030 inches. In one embodiment, the cap may be made of a conductive polymer blend, an antistatic material, or a static dissipative material. This composition can mitigate the effects of static charge accumulation on the cap that may cause unintended movement or may result in difficulty in handling and placing the cap, as well as the resulting attractive or repulsive forces between the cap and other objects.

[0011] In one embodiment, a method for removing a cap from a container in an automated system is provided. The method includes: placing a cap on the container to cover a sample or reagent in the container, the cap including a cut pattern; using an extractor to penetrate the cap through the cut pattern; removing the extractor attached to the cap from the container by friction; and discarding the extractor and the cap.

[0012] The method may further include a step of minimizing the evaporation of at least one reagent or sample in the container. The method may also include a step of minimizing exposure to at least one reagent or sample in the container. The sample or reagent may be volatile or photosensitive, and the lid is preferably substantially transparent, opaque, or UV-resistant. The system may include an automated handling subsystem for performing steps (b) through (d).

[0013] The extractor may include at least one pipette tip, and at least one container may be covered with another cap. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting exemplary embodiments and form part of this specification and will be read in conjunction with this specification, and in the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same parts in the various views;

[0015] Figure 1 shows the tip of a pipette penetrating a cap with a cut pattern that covers the reagent container.

[0016] Figure 2(a) is a cross-sectional view of the container and removable lid according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2(b) is a top view of a removable cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2(c) is an exploded view of the container and removable lid according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3(a) is a top perspective view of a removable cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3(b) is a side view of a removable cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3(c) is a top perspective view of a removable cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3(d) and 3(e) Figure 3(c) shows a cross-sectional view of the removable cover along lines 3(d) and 3(e) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4(a) is a 3-D stress diagram of a removable cover with a displaced diaphragm portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4(b) is a 3-D displacement plot of a removable cover with a displaced diaphragm portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4(c) is a 3-D stress diagram of a removable cover with a displaced diaphragm portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4(d) is a 3-D displacement plot of a removable cover with a displaced diaphragm portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4(e) is a 3-D stress diagram of a removable cover with a displaced diaphragm portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4(f) is a 3-D displacement plot of a removable cover with a displaced diaphragm portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figures 5(a) to 5(b) An exploded view of a removable cover for a perforated plate, sized and dimensioned according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a removable cover composite structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Automated instruments are those that operate according to instructions after loading the sample to be analyzed, assay consumables, or reagents, with virtually no input from a technician. Such automated instruments typically include automated liquid handling systems. The duration of analysis or assays performed by automated tools can be extended to several hours, during which some of the reagents or samples, such as tripropylamine (TPA), ethanol, and acetonitrile, may evaporate. Other reagents or samples may be light-sensitive. Therefore, reagent containers, sample containers (e.g., assay plates), tanks, and other containers associated with the use of automated instrument systems often require lids.

[0032] Conventional methods, systems, and apparatuses for cap removal can introduce several disadvantages. First, robotic arms (or other robotic cap removal devices) used to remove caps from some existing systems may collide with or otherwise interfere with the automated pipette tips in these systems. Although both automated robotic cap removal devices and automated pipettes can operate independently, they can operate within the same volume, thus creating a risk of contact, collision, or other interference with each other.

[0033] Second, system runtime (e.g., the time to perform all assay steps) can be significantly extended because a robotic cap removal device is required to remove the cap during assay execution. Caps should remain on the container for as long as possible to reduce evaporation and other problems caused by open containers. Therefore, pipetting operations must be temporarily stopped to allow cap removal via the robotic cap removal device. In some situations, to ensure that the robotic cap removal device and the automated pipette do not interfere with each other, the automated pipette can be removed from the working volume to allow the introduction of the robotic cap removal device. Switching between the two automated components within the working volume can significantly increase the amount of time required for assay execution.

[0034] Third, the switching between the robotic cap removal device and the automated pipette prolongs the amount of time that reagents, samples, and other fluids are exposed to the capless environment before pipetting occurs. Therefore, even though the cap prevents evaporation while covering the container, the time spent switching the automated components creates a window during which evaporation may occur.

[0035] Fourth, in some systems, the robotic lid removal device is designed and optimized to work with specific types of lids that have specific characteristics. This requires the use of specific lids in specific systems. Therefore, it may limit the use of different types of lids that can be supplied with different product types.

[0036] The aspects of this disclosure address each of these disadvantages. This disclosure relates to removable caps for tanks, reagent containers, assay plates, and other containers, and methods of using them. The caps and containers disclosed herein can constitute a substance containment system. The caps are configured for removal from the container by an automated, semi-automated, or manually operated system, such as a robot or automated pipette. This robotic system can be part of an automated instrument.

[0037] The removable cap, as disclosed herein and described in more detail below, includes a slit or cut that creates or defines a diaphragm portion of the cap by defining corner sections that are bent to allow one or more extractors, such as pipette tips, to penetrate the cap. The corner sections are further configured to clamp the extractor after it has entered. The cap is also lifted off due to the clamping force of the corner sections when the extractor or pipette tip is removed from the container. In an embodiment, the cap is also discarded when the automated manipulation system ejects the extractor into the solid waste container. Therefore, the removable cap disclosed herein is configured to allow lifting and removal via the pipette tip of an automated pipetting system.

[0038] Therefore, removable caps solve the problems discussed above by eliminating the need for a specific robotic cap removal device for cap removal. By using an automated pipetting system for cap removal tasks, many disadvantages associated with automated cap removal systems can be reduced or eliminated. First, the possibility of collisions, contact, and / or interference between such systems is greatly reduced because it is not necessary to operate both the robotic cap removal device and the automated pipetting system in the same working volume. Second, because it is not necessary to operate both the robotic cap removal device and the automated pipetting system in the same working volume, there is no need to switch between one automated component and another. This eliminates the excessive runtime resulting from such switching. Third, evaporation is reduced because the automated pipetting system for cap removal is immediately available for pipetting purposes without switching the automation system within the working volume. Finally, the removable caps disclosed herein offer increased versatility. Because the removable caps disclosed herein are configured for removal via a pipetting tip, they may eliminate the need for specially designed / configured robotic grippers or cap removal devices due to compatibility issues. Therefore, removable caps as described herein are compatible with a large number of existing systems.

[0039] While some reagent containers exist with securely attached caps that allow pipette tips to pass through them, these containers differ significantly from the caps disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. For example, a probe at the tip of the pipette passes through these attached caps to obtain liquid reagent from the container. These caps need to remain attached to the reagent container throughout the operation of the automated system. If such caps were to clamp the pipette tip in a manner consistent with the embodiments described herein, they would not function as intended and could lead to system and assay malfunctions. A disadvantage of such attached caps with slits is that the cap remains attached or bonded to the reagent container, and obtaining the liquid contents of the container whenever liquid reagent is needed for analysis requires the probe to be precisely aligned with the slit and requires relatively large force to pass through the passage features in the resilient cap.

[0040] Although the embodiments described herein relate to the use of a pipette tip as an extractor, other suitable extractors may also be used, comprising any device or structure having the shape and size of a pipette tip. This is convenient because it eliminates the need to add additional material to the system, but the extractor does not need to be a pipette tip. Some embodiments may include structures configured for use with automated pipetting systems that do not possess all the features of a pipette tip. For example, such structures may have a solid core and / or may be made of a different material than a pipette tip.

[0041] This disclosure further relates to a method for removing a cap from a container in a system or instrument, including but not limited to automated instruments. The method is applicable to minimizing evaporation or exposure in, for example, automated systems or instruments, and reducing the disadvantages described above associated with some robotic cap removal devices and / or systems. In the disclosed method, a cap is provided removably fitted to a flange or upper portion of a reagent or sample container. The operator of the system or instrument can place the cap on top of these containers before loading laboratory equipment onto the system or instrument. The cap can remain in place before using the sample or reagent in the container to minimize evaporation or light exposure. An extractor, preferably a disposable pipette tip attached to an automated pipetting system or liquid handling / manipulation system, is used to pierce the cap at a cut pattern or diaphragm portion. Friction or clamping force between the extractor and the cap attaches or adheres the cap to the extractor. The cap is removed when the extractor is lifted from the container, and the cap is discarded when the extractor is ejected. An advantage of the disclosed method is that it does not require the complex cap removal or unloading devices described in the prior art. Furthermore, the method of the present invention utilizes consumables, such as the pipette tip of the extractor, which is typically included in automated measuring instruments, to remove the cap, thereby simplifying the cap removal process.

[0042] In a non-limiting embodiment, the disclosed cap can be used in automation technology, including but not limited to partial automation, such as one or more modular instruments or fully integrated automated instruments. Alternatively, the disclosed cap can be used in any measuring or liquid handling or manipulation system.

[0043] Exemplary automated systems or instruments (modular and fully integrated) may include the following automated subsystems: a computer subsystem, which may include hardware (e.g., personal computer, laptop computer, hardware processor, optical disc, keyboard, monitor, printer), software (e.g., driver program, driver controller, and data analyzer), and a database; a liquid handling or manipulation subsystem, such as sample and reagent handling, such as robotic pipetting heads, syringes, stirring devices, ultrasonic mixing devices, and magnetic mixing devices; and a sample, reagent, and consumable storage and handling subsystem, such as robotic manipulators, tube or cap or foil penetration devices, cap removal devices, and conveyors such as linear and circular conveyors. Feeding equipment and robot manipulators, tube racks, plate racks, tank racks, pipette end racks, plate shakers; reaction determination subsystems, such as fluid-based and consumable-based (e.g., tubes and perforated plates); container and consumable washing subsystems, such as plate washing equipment; magnetic separator or magnetic powder concentrator subsystems, such as flow tanks, tube and plate types; detection subsystems, such as colorimetric, fluorescence and ECL detectors; temperature control subsystems, such as air handling, air cooling, air heating, fans, blowers, water baths; waste subsystems, such as liquid and solid waste containers; globally unique identifier (GUI) detection subsystems, such as 1D and 2D barcode scanners, such as planar and barcode scanners, and RFID reader devices.

[0044] Systems or modules for sample preparation can be combined with (or adjacent to, near, or robotically connected to, or linked to) systems or modules for determination and detection, or both. Multiple modular systems of the same type can be combined to increase throughput. Modular systems can be combined with modules for other types of analyses, such as chemical, biochemical, and nucleic acid analyses.

[0045] The automated systems conforming to this disclosure allow for batch, random access, and point-of-care workflows, as well as single, medium, and high sample throughput. The systems may include one or more of the following devices: plate sealers (e.g., Skymark), plate washers (e.g., TECAN, Biotech), reagent dispensers and / or automated pipetting stations and / or liquid handling stations (e.g., Skymark, Lab Systems, Beckman, TECAN), incubators (e.g., Skymark), plate shakers (e.g., Skymark), compound libraries or sample storage and / or compound and / or sample retrieval modules. One or more of these devices are coupled to the device of the invention via a robotic assembly, enabling automation of the entire assay procedure. According to another embodiment, containers (e.g., plates), and stacks of plates, are manually moved between the device and various other devices.

[0046] The automated system may be configured to perform one or more of the following functions: (a) moving consumables, such as plates, into and out of a detection subsystem; (b) moving consumables between other subsystems; (c) storing the consumables; (d) sample and reagent handling (e.g., suitable for mixing reagents and / or introducing reagents into consumables); (e) consumable agitation (e.g., for mixing reagents and / or for increasing reaction rates); (f) consumable washing (e.g., washing plates and / or performing assay washing steps (e.g., well aspiration)); and (g) measuring ECL in flow cells or consumables, such as tubes or plates. The automated system may be configured to handle multi-well plates, such as 96- or 384-well plates.

[0047] The exemplary automated systems discussed and described above are found in jointly owned international patent applications No. WO 2018 / 017156 and No. WO 2017 / 015636 entitled "Integrated Consumable Data Management System & Platform," and in international patent application No. WO 2016 / 164477 entitled "High Throughput System for Performing Assays Using Electrochemiluminescence including a Consumable Shaking Apparatus." These three references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0048] Figure 2(a) and 2(b)A container and a removable lid according to an embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. The lid (10a) and the container (14a) constitute a material containing system (5a). The removable lid (10a) includes a top surface (13a) and an edge (27a) disposed around the circumference or periphery of the top surface. The top surface (13a) is a generally flat portion of the material. The removable lid (10a) further includes at least one intersecting cut pattern (12) that defines a diaphragm portion (17a) and is configured to cover the container (14a). The intersecting cut pattern (12) may include at least two intersecting cut lines passing through the top surface (13a) of the removable lid (10a), forming a star-shaped pattern to create a plurality of corner segments (16a) to define the diaphragm portion (17a). As illustrated, the cap (10a) may include a cut pattern (12a) to allow an extractor, such as that of a pipette tip (1021) illustrated in FIG. 1, to be inserted through the cap from a robotic or automated pipetting system. The cap (10a) is configured to have a depth (d) that allows the cap (10a) to rest securely on top of the container (14a), as described below. The extractor / pipette tip (1021), upon insertion through the cross-cut, can be used to lift and transfer the cap (10a) from the container (14a) and dispose of it into a solid waste container.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2(a), the lid (10a) can be removably positioned on top of the top edge of the container (14a) without obviously contacting, touching, or clamping the vertical side of the container. The lid (10a) includes a rim (27a) comprising a top periphery (11a), an outer skirt (18a), and an inner skirt (19a). The inner skirt (19a) projects approximately vertically upward from the outer periphery of the top surface (13a) of the lid (10a). The top periphery (11a) extends horizontally from the inner skirt (19a), thereby creating an annular surface. The outer skirt (18a) projects approximately vertically downward from the outer periphery of the top periphery (11a). Thus, the rim (27a) defines an annular recess (28a) configured to have a diameter suitable for resting on the top edge (25a) of the container (14a). The underside of the top periphery (11a) is configured to rest on the container (14a), and the edge (27a) is configured to prevent clamping or otherwise attaching to the container (14a). The outer skirt (18a) may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the top edge (25a) of the container (14a). The inner skirt (19a) may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the top edge (25a) of the container (14a). Frictional contact between the edge (27a) and the container (10a) is thus minimized or reduced to zero or near zero.

[0050] As illustrated, the cutting pattern (12a) may include two intersecting line segment cuts that form the four corner segments (16a) of the diaphragm portion (17a). The cutting pattern (12a) may have any suitable number of intersecting line segments, such as three, four, or five, and a corresponding number of corner segments (16a), such as six, eight, or ten. The material and surface roughness of the cap (10a) are selected in combination with, for example, the material and surface roughness of the extractor at the tip of a pipette (1021), such that the friction between the extractor and the corner segments (16a) is sufficient to withstand the weight of the cap (10a), allowing the segments (16a) to be clamped onto the extractor during lifting operations. The friction between the periphery (11a) and the container (14a), and between the skirt (18a, 19a) and the container (14a), if present, is minimal or almost zero due to the loose fit of the cap (10a) onto the container (14a). If the sample or reagent wets the cap (10a), a small amount of surface tension may exist between the container and the sample or reagent contained in the cap (10a). The corner section (16a) combined with the extractor is configured to generate a lifting force greater than the weight of the cap (10a) plus any friction or surface tension that holds the cap (10a) to the container (14a).

[0051] In other embodiments, the top edge (25a) may be configured to provide a clamping or frictional force on the container (14a) that, when added to the weight of the cap (10a), is less than the force generated by the extractor used to lift the cap (10a) via the diaphragm portion (17a). In other embodiments, the inner skirt (19a) and the outer skirt (18a) may protrude from the cap (10a) and periphery (11a) relative to the cap (10a) at an angle other than approximately perpendicular. In other embodiments, the cap (10a) may be a shape other than circular, for example, square and / or rectangular. In such embodiments, the periphery (10a) may not be annular in shape, but may be molded into any shape to conform to the outer periphery of the cap (10a).

[0052] In other embodiments, the corner section (16a) may be coated with a friction-enhancing material, such as an adhesive, to increase its tackiness. After the extractor is inserted through the cut pattern (12a), the friction-enhancing layer increases the coefficient of friction and thereby increases the frictional force applied when removing the cap (10a). When using the friction-enhancing layer, a cap with a higher weight can be lifted. Alternatively, the friction-enhancing layer may be applied to the extractor, or both the extractor and the cut pattern.

[0053] The lid (10a) can be made of a relatively rigid or inelastic material, such as polyester, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or polycarbonate. The flexibility of the lid (10a) can therefore be provided by cutting a pattern. The lid (10a) can be thermoformed or vacuum-formed, and the pattern (12a) can be die-cut. Thermoforming is a process of heating a plastic sheet and using air pressure to form its shape on a mold, and vacuum forming is a similar process, but using a vacuum instead of air pressure. The lid (10a) can be made of polystyrene, polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), or any other material commonly used in biological research. Furthermore, the lid 10(a) can be made of conductive, antistatic, and / or static dissipative materials.

[0054] To further minimize inconsistent evaporation and condensation, the lid (10a) may be made of a hydrophobic polymer and / or other hydrophobic materials. In embodiments, the bottom of the lid (10a) may be coated with a hydrophobic coating or otherwise made hydrophobic.

[0055] The mass of the lids disclosed herein can typically be small, for example, less than about 5 grams or less than about 2.5 grams. The mass of the lids can be further less than about 1 gram or less than about 0.75 grams. For example, Figure 3(a) and 3(b) The lid (10c) shown in the illustration has a mass of approximately 0.67 grams. The weight of the lid is its mass multiplied by approximately 9.8 m / s² at sea level. 2 The gravitational constant. Figure 3(a) and 3(b) The cap (10c) shown in the image weighs approximately 0.006566 klb (or kilogram-force), which is equivalent to 0.0144452 lbf or 0.231 ounce-f. One pound-force (lbf) is the product of one pound of mass and the gravitational force at sea level.

[0056] As disclosed herein, the cap may have a weight of less than about 1.5 ounces-f, preferably less than about 1.25 ounces-f. In examples, the weight may be less than about 1 ounce-f, less than about 0.75 ounces-f, or less than about 0.5 ounces-f.

[0057] The caps conforming to the embodiments herein may be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) having a top surface thickness of about 0.0025 inches to about 0.030 inches, about 0.005 inches to about 0.020 inches, or about 0.0125 inches to about 0.0175 inches, or about 0.015 inches. The caps may be made of a transparent plastic, such as PVC, to allow visual inspection to confirm that the reagent is in the container before loading. The caps may be made of an opaque material, such as high-impact polystyrene, to prevent the reagent from being photosensitive. The caps may also be UV-resistant, for example, made of a UV-resistant material or coated with a UV-resistant coating.

[0058] Figure 2(c) illustrates a lid (10b) and a container (14b) conforming to an embodiment of the present invention. The lid (10b) and the container (14b) constitute a material containment system (5b). The lid (10b) is similar to... Figure 2(a) and 2(b) The lid (10a) is illustrated herein and includes all features and functionality of the lid (10a) unless explicitly stated otherwise. The lid (10b) includes an edge (27b) but not an outer skirt, the edge having an inner skirt (19b) and a periphery (11b) similar to the edge (27a). The inner skirt (19b) projects upward from the outer periphery of the lid (10b). The periphery (11b) provides an annular surface that projects horizontally from the inner skirt (19b) and provides a surface for resting on the top edge (25b) of the container (14b). In other embodiments, the inner skirt (19a) may project from the lid (10b) at an angle other than approximately vertical relative to the lid (10b). The lid (10b) can be manipulated by an extractor in the same manner as the lid (10a) described above.

[0059] Friction is easy to understand and is the product of the coefficient of friction between two contacting surfaces and the normal force, i.e., the resultant force perpendicular to the contacting surfaces. In this example, since the extractor is essentially in static contact with section (16b), the coefficient of friction is a static coefficient. The normal force is provided by a spring-like force applied to the extractor by section (16b).

[0060] Figure 3(a) and 3(b) Additional embodiments of the removable cap (10c) conforming to this disclosure are illustrated. The cap (10c), combined with a suitable container (not shown), can constitute a substance containment system (not shown). The cap (10c) is similar to and includes all the features and functionality of caps (10a) and (10b), unless explicitly stated otherwise. The size and dimensions of the cap (10c) are configured to assemble a reagent container having a rectangular prism shape, the cap having two sets of cut patterns (12c) that define two diaphragm portions (17c) in the top surface (13c) of the cap. Figure 3(a) and 3(b)The cap is designed to fit onto a container (1018), such as the one illustrated in Figure 1. Two pipette tips (1021), controlled by a robotic pipetting system or an automated robotic arm, can be inserted into the cap (10c). The cap is then secured or attached to the pipette tips by friction, and the cap (10c) is also lifted when the pipette tips (1021) are removed from the container (1018). When the pipette tips (1018) are ejected and discarded, the cap (10c) is also ejected and discarded. The robotic pipetting system can then obtain additional pipette tips to draw samples or reagents from the opened container (1018) for further determination or analysis. Figure 3(a) and 3(b) The lid (10c) shown includes an edge (27c) having a periphery (11c) surrounding an outer periphery of a top surface (13c) and an outer skirt (18c) projecting from the periphery (11c), but the lid does not include an inner skirt. The outer skirt (18c) is further configured to surround the top edge of a container on which the lid (10c) is placed. The outer skirt (18c) serves to prevent the lid (10c) from sliding or falling off the container.

[0061] Figures 3(c) to 3(e) A removable lid (10d) and container (14d) conforming to an embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. The lid (10d) and container (14d) constitute a material containment system (5d). The lid (10d) is similar to lids (10a), 10(b), and 10(c) and includes all the features and functionality of lids (10a), 10(b), and 10(c) unless explicitly stated otherwise. Figures 3(c) to 3(e) An embodiment is illustrated in which all of its edges (27d) are configured to rest inside the periphery of the flange of the container (14d) covered by the lid (10d).

[0062] The edge (27d) is formed by an inner skirt (19d) that projects approximately vertically downward from the top surface (13d) of the lid (10d) around the periphery of the lid (10d), an outer periphery (11d) that projects approximately horizontally from the inner skirt (19d) in all directions, and an outer skirt (19d) that projects approximately vertically upward from the outer periphery (11d) around the periphery of the outer periphery (11d). Furthermore, the lid (10d) includes an outer flange (35) that projects approximately horizontally from the outer skirt (18d). The lid (10d) is configured such that the outer flange (35) rests on the top edge of the container (14d), while the edge (27d) is positioned inside the container (14d). Furthermore, the outer flange (35) can be configured such that it does not extend beyond the top edge (25d) of the container (14d). In this way, multiple containers (14) can be positioned side-by-side. The size of the edge (27) can be configured to provide a secure but removable fit to the cap (10d) on top of the container. The edge (27d) can be configured such that the weight of the cap and the friction between the outer skirt (18d) and the inner edge of the container (14d) are less than the friction provided on the extractor by the corner section (16d) during removal operations.

[0063] In one embodiment, the outer skirt (18d) may be configured to contact the inner edge of the container (14d). In other embodiments, the outer skirt (18d) may be configured and sized such that the lid (10d) rests on the top edge of the container (14d) without contact between the outer skirt (18d) and the container (14d). In another embodiment, the inner skirt (19d), outer skirt (18d), periphery (11d), and outer flange (35) may project at angles different from those described above, while still adequately holding the lid (10d) on top of the container (14d).

[0064] Figures 4(a) to 4(f) The results of a finite element analysis (FEA) of a simplified cap design with four corner sections, conforming to an embodiment of the invention, are presented. The analysis is limited to the area surrounding the cut pattern, such as the diaphragm portion, and is based on a force of 0.2 lbf applied to the cut pattern. The coefficient of friction between the corner sections and the extractor / pipette tip is approximately 0.250. The stress plots (4(a), 4(c), 4(e)) are normalized such that the largest plotted value equals the yield strength of the material and the modeled cap thickness. The yield strength, or yield point, of the material is defined as the stress at which the material begins to plastically deform. Before reaching the yield point, the material will elastically deform and return to its original shape when the applied stress is removed. Once the yield point is exceeded, the deformation becomes permanent and irreversible.

[0065] Figure 4(a) shows a 3-D stress plot of an HDPE cap with a thickness of approximately 0.010 inches, and Figure 4(b) shows its 3-D displacement plot. Figures 4(c) to 4(d) A similar drawing based on a PVC cap with a thickness of 0.010 inches, and Figures 4(e) to 4(f) A similar diagram based on a PVC cap with a thickness of 0.005 inches.

[0066] Figure 4(a) , 4(c) 4(e) shows that for each of these instances, the displacement of the corner segment is both plastic and elastic. The fact that a portion of the deformation is elastic indicates that the corner segment can continue to provide force to the extractor inserted through it. The fact that a portion of the deformation is plastic indicates that the corner segment will not return to its original position when the extractor is removed. Because the cap is intended to be discarded and is no longer used as a cover, there is no need for the corner segment to return to its original position.

[0067] In some conventional products, it is necessary for the material and design of the cap, which has a perforation through it, to elastically return to its original shape and thus remain within its elastic deformation range. This is essential for the continued operation of the cap as a cover. Savings can be achieved by cap designs that do not require remaining within the elastic deformation range (including, but not limited to, using non-elastic materials, using thinner materials) and by eliminating the need for a tight fit between the cap and the container to hold the cap on top of the container, etc. Therefore, in an embodiment, the corner sections of the cap may be configured for plastic deformation when an extractor is inserted through them.

[0068] Figure 5(a) and 5(b)A lid (10e) and a container (14e) conforming to an embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. The lid (10e) and the container (14e) constitute a material containment system (5e). The lid (10e) is similar to lid 10(c) and includes all the features and functionality of lid (10c), unless explicitly stated otherwise. The size and dimensions of the lid (1010) may be configured to fit loosely onto the container (14e). In this embodiment, the container may be a porous plate (20). The porous plate (20) may be incubated for an extended period of time on a shaker / heater when filled with reagents and samples, such as those disclosed in commonly owned WO 2018 / 017156, WO 2017 / 015636, and WO 2016 / 164477. The lid (10e) placed on the porous plate (20) may reduce the evaporation of reagents and samples and / or reduce the exposure of reagents and samples to light. Similar to the previous embodiment, the cap (10e) illustrated in FIG5(a) includes at least one (two, as depicted) cut pattern (12e) and corner segment (16e) defining a diaphragm portion (17e) adapted to be penetrated and lifted by an extractor or pipette tip (1021), as discussed above. The cap (10e) includes an edge (27e) having a periphery (11e) surrounding an outer periphery of a top surface (13e) and an outer skirt (18e) projecting from the periphery (11e), but the cap does not include an inner skirt. The outer skirt 18(e) is configured to surround the top of the porous plate (20) when the cap (10e) is placed on the porous plate (20). The cap (10e) shown in FIG5(b) may further include a downwardly oriented recess (35). The downward-oriented recesses can be used to further reduce evaporation by providing a surface on which evaporated moisture can condense and drip back into the holes of the porous plate (20). Each cut pattern (12e) is disposed within the area of ​​a single recess (35).

[0069] Figure 6 illustrates a removable cap and container according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6(b) illustrates a cross-section of cap 10(f). The cap (10f) is configured to be mounted on a reagent bottle (21) which serves as a container. The cap (10f) and the reagent bottle (21) constitute a substance containment system (5f). The cap (10f) is similar to caps 10(a), 10(b), 10(c), 10(d) and 10(e) and includes all the features and functionality of those caps unless explicitly stated otherwise. The cap (10f) includes a cut line (12f) in its top surface 13(f) and a corner segment (16f) defining a diaphragm portion (not shown), as well as an edge (27f). The edge (27f) includes an outer skirt (18f) and a periphery (11f) configured to contact the top edge of the container (14f) and allow the cap (10f) to rest on the container (14f). The cap (10f) further includes a sealing layer (26) bonded to the underside of the top surface (13f), the sealing layer comprising a permeable or ruptureable material secured to the cap (10f). The sealing layer (26) provides a seal between the cap (10f) and the top of the container (14f). During use, a pipette or extractor may penetrate the sealing layer during insertion through the diaphragm portion. In an embodiment, the cap (10f) may be pre-installed on the reagent bottle (21) and held in place by a cap (22) to provide a liquid-tight seal on the reagent bottle (21).

[0070] The sealing layer (26) is configured to seal the top of the reagent bottle 21 when the cap (10f) is placed on top of the reagent bottle 21. The sealing layer (26) may extend together with the top surface 13(f) and / or may extend further or shorter to provide a proper seal. In an embodiment, the sealing layer (26) may extend to cover only the cut pattern 12(f).

[0071] In other embodiments, the cap (10f) may be placed on the reagent bottle (21) after the cap (22) of the reagent bottle (21) has been removed (e.g., before it is placed in the assay system during the preparation step).

[0072] While it is obvious that the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed herein achieve the objectives stated above, it should be understood that many modifications and other embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and embodiments that are within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cover suitable for use in an automated system, comprising: Top surface; An edge, the edge being disposed around the periphery of the top surface, the edge including a periphery and at least one skirt, the periphery of the edge being configured to rest on a flange portion of the container without clamping the flange portion of the container; The top surface has multiple corner segments, each corner segment defined by a cutting pattern in the top surface and defining a diaphragm portion of the top surface, the corner segments being configured to: The automated system allows at least one pipette tip positioned on the extractor to be inserted through the cut pattern. In response to insertion of the at least one pipette tip through the cut pattern, both elastic and plastic deformations occur, and In response to the deformation, the at least one pipette tip is clamped by frictional force such that the cap is removed from the container when the extractor is pulled vertically away from the container.

2. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the mass of the lid is less than 5 grams.

3. The lid according to claim 2, wherein the mass of the lid is less than 2.5 grams.

4. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the mass of the lid is less than 1 gram.

5. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the mass of the lid is less than 0.75 grams.

6. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the corner section is coated with a material, wherein the coefficient of friction of the material is greater than the coefficient of friction of the corner section.

7. The cap according to claim 1, further comprising a permeable liquid-tight layer disposed on the underside of the top surface.

8. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the top surface comprises a material that is at least one of the following: transparent, opaque, or UV-resistant.

9. The cover of claim 1, wherein the top surface comprises a hydrophobic material or a hydrophobic coating.

10. The cover of claim 1, wherein the top surface comprises high-density polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride.

11. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the top surface comprises at least one of a conductive material, an antistatic material, and a static dissipative material.

12. The cover of claim 1, wherein the top surface has a thickness from 0.0025 inches to 0.030 inches.

13. The cap of claim 1, wherein the cap has two sets of cut patterns defining two diaphragm portions in the top surface of the cap, the two diaphragm portions being configured to receive two pipette tips. The cap is fixed to the end of the pipette by friction, and the cap is also lifted when the end of the pipette is removed from the container, and the cap is also ejected and discarded when the end of the pipette is ejected and discarded.

14. The lid of claim 1, wherein the container is a perforated plate, and the top surface is further configured to cover the perforated plate.

15. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the container is a trough-type container.

16. A material containment system for use in an automated system, the material containment system comprising: A container configured to hold a substance; and A lid, configured to cover the container, the lid comprising: Top surface; An edge, the edge being disposed around the periphery of the top surface, the edge including a periphery and at least one skirt, the periphery of the edge being configured to rest on a flange portion of the container without clamping the flange portion of the container; and The top surface has multiple corner segments, each corner segment defined by a cutting pattern in the top surface and defining a diaphragm portion of the top surface, the corner segments being configured to: The automated system allows at least one pipette tip positioned on the extractor to be inserted through the cut pattern. In response to insertion of the at least one pipette tip through the cut pattern, both elastic and plastic deformations occur, and In response to the deformation, the at least one pipette tip is clamped by frictional force such that the cap is removed from the container when the extractor is pulled vertically away from the container.

17. The material containment system of claim 16, wherein the container is configured to contain a reagent or a sample.

18. The material containment system of claim 16, wherein the frictional force clamping the at least one pipette tip is greater than the weight of the cap.

19. The material containment system of claim 16, wherein the frictional force clamping the at least one pipette tip is greater than the combined force provided by the weight of the cap and the edge-container friction between the edge and the container.

20. The material containment system of claim 16, wherein the cap has two sets of cut patterns defining two diaphragm portions in the top surface of the cap, the two diaphragm portions being configured to receive two pipette tips. The cap is fixed to the end of the pipette by friction, and the cap is also lifted when the end of the pipette is removed from the container, and the cap is also ejected and discarded when the end of the pipette is ejected and discarded.

21. The material containment system of claim 16, wherein the container is a porous plate, and the top surface of the lid is further configured to cover the porous plate.

22. The material containment system according to claim 16, wherein the container is a tank-type container.

23. A method for removing a lid from a container in an automated system, the method comprising: (a) Placing a cap on the container to cover the sample or reagent inside the container, the cap including a cut pattern, wherein the cap does not clamp a flange portion of the container. (b) The end of at least one pipette of the automated system positioned on the extractor passes through the cut pattern and penetrates the cap. (c) Using the tip of the at least one pipette, both elastic and plastic deformations are caused in the corner segment defined by the cutting pattern. (d) Vertically removing the tip of the at least one pipette with the cap attached from the container by means of friction, and (e) Discard the pipette tip and the cap.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising using the lid to prevent evaporation of at least one reagent or sample in the container.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising using the lid to prevent exposure of the reagent or sample in the container to light.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the sample or reagent is volatile or photosensitizing.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein the cover is transparent, opaque, or UV-resistant.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein, through the cover, the automated processing subsystem within the automated system performs steps (b) to (e).

Images