Adapters and rails for liquid handling applications and methods thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an adapter and a rail for liquid handling applications and methods thereof. According to one exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adapter for holding a pipette, the adapter comprising a body element configured to hold a pipette; wherein the adapter is configured to be attached to a rail at any position along the rail, the rail comprising at least one electrical conductor extending at least partially along the length of the rail.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure provides a mounting solution for devices, particularly suitable for liquid handling applications such as pipettes. More specifically, this disclosure provides a mounting system for flexibly adjusting an electronic pipette on and along a guide rail. Background Technology

[0002] In laboratory or similar research or industrial environments, easy access to liquid handling devices is highly beneficial for routine or high-precision tasks. Electronic pipettes typically have rechargeable batteries that are charged by placing the pipette on a charging rack. These charging racks are often designed for specific pipette models and shapes, or are only suitable for a limited number of pipette types and models. Different pipette geometries and charging contact locations impose specific requirements and limitations on the applicable and appropriate pipette models and the number of pipettes on the charging rack. Laboratory applications may require flexible and adjustable pipette racks, such as when using multiple types of pipettes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention, an adapter for holding a pipette is provided, the adapter comprising: a body element configured to hold a pipette; wherein the adapter is configured to be attached to at any position along at least one guide rail, the at least one guide rail including at least one electrical conductor extending at least partially along the length of the at least one guide rail.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the invention, a rail for holding at least one pipette is provided, the rail comprising: at least one electrical conductor extending at least partially along the length of the rail, wherein the rail is configured to allow at least one adapter to be attached thereto at any position, the adapter including a body element configured to hold the pipette, the rail being configured to be attached to at least one connecting element attached to at least one of: a wall mount, a support leg, or a second rail.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the invention, a system is provided comprising an adapter according to a first aspect and a guide rail according to a second aspect, wherein the adapter is optionally attached to the guide rail.

[0007] According to another aspect of the first or third aspect, the adapter includes a charging element, wherein when the adapter is attached to the at least one rail, the adapter is configured to connect the charging element to the at least one electrical conductor of the at least one rail, and wherein the charging element includes at least one of: an electrical contact, a wire, or a coil for wireless charging. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1A , 1B 1C illustrates an example of a pipette holder device according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2A , 2B 2C illustrates an example of a pipette holder device according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 3A , 3B The 3C and 3D diagrams illustrate exemplary guide rail profiles according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 4A , 4B 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F illustrate exemplary adapters according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 5A , 5B Figures 5C illustrate exemplary rails and adapters according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 6A , 6B Figures 6C and 6C illustrate exemplary rails and adapters according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 7A , 7B Figures 7C illustrate exemplary rails and adapters according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 8A , 8B 8C illustrates examples of pipette holder devices and adapters according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 9A and 9B Examples of pipette holder devices and adapters according to at least some embodiments of the present invention are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Embodiments of this disclosure provide at least one of an adapter and a rail for use in liquid handling applications, along with related methods and uses. More specifically, this disclosure allows for easy attachment of liquid handling devices such as electronic or mechanical pipettes to a rail, and enables the quick attachment, adjustment, or removal of such pipettes. At least some of these objectives can be achieved using an adapter. Furthermore, at least some embodiments of this disclosure provide a more optimized placement of pipettes via an adapter that can be attached to a rail. The adapters disclosed herein are suitable for, for example, mounting electronic pipettes to a rail. The adapter may provide charging and / or data communication functionality for the mounted pipette. The rails disclosed herein are expandable and attachable to connecting elements. For example, the rail can provide charging for electronic pipettes via an adapter.

[0018] As used in the context of this disclosure, "pipette / pipet / pipettor" should be understood as a liquid media dispenser and liquid handling device capable of collecting and transferring a quantitative amount of liquid. Typically, a pipette includes a plunger, a body, a tip holder, disposable / removable pipette tips and a tip ejection button, as well as mechanisms for liquid volume replacement and volume adjustment. Such pipettes can be, for example, single-channel or multi-channel pipettes. Pipettes capable of dispensing volumes of approximately less than 1000 microliters (µl) are generally referred to as micropipettes.

[0019] The embodiments of this disclosure are applicable to single-channel, multi-channel, or other types of pipettes. As further discussed below, these embodiments are applicable to both mechanical and electronic pipettes.

[0020] Typically, the body of a pipette has a specific shape that allows it to be detachably attached to a support such as a holder, rod, or strip. This "attachment" can be a shaped protrusion or hook-like connector on the pipette plunger end. Using this attachment, the pipette can be suspended, for example, on a pipette stand.

[0021] As used in the context of this disclosure, "electronic pipette" should be understood as a pipette, such as a micropipettes, that includes at least one electronic component (e.g., an electric motor) as the primary actuator for liquid volume displacement, collection, and / or transfer. Electronic pipettes may include electrically actuated pipette devices. Therefore, electronic pipettes typically require charging, for example, to charge a battery connected to or built into the pipette. Such "electronic pipettes" may include charging contacts for charging the electronic pipette. In at least some embodiments, the electrical contacts can be used for data transmission. Alternatively, charging and / or data transmission may be achieved via induction between, for example, a coil of an adapter and a coil of the electronic pipette. An example of an electronic pipette is the Sartorius Picus 2 electronic single-channel pipette, part number LH-747021.

[0022] As used in the context of this disclosure, the term "mechanical pipette" should be understood as a pipette that does not rely on electronic devices as the primary means of liquid volume replacement, collection, and / or transfer, such as a micropipettes. Generally, such pipettes do not require charging or are charged very infrequently. An example of a mechanical pipette is the Sartorius Tacta mechanical pipette (single-channel), part number LH-729010.

[0023] A “rack” or “pipette rack” should be understood as a support for holding pipettes (such as electronic or mechanical pipettes). The pipettes can be detached from the rack, for example, when not in use. A “linear pipette rack” typically includes a rod or bar on which pipettes such as micropipettes can be placed. This rod or bar is usually linear, in other words, generally elongated, so that even multiple pipettes with suitably complementary profiles can typically be attached to or suspended thereon via at least a portion of the pipette body.

[0024] In this disclosure, multiple elements, parts, modules, or assemblies are attached to each other. This attachment can be achieved through one or more of the following solutions: mechanical hinges, mechanical joints, adhesives, Velcro, screws, bolts, clips, locks, nails, snap-fit ​​mechanisms, pins, snap fasteners, spring elements (such as ball plungers), cable ties, magnets, and electromagnets. In particular, one rail can be attached to another rail, or a rail can be attached to a base or mounting bracket (e.g., a wall mount).

[0025] Some embodiments may include a cushioning pad. The cushioning pad may also be referred to as a cushioning element. Suitable materials for the cushioning pad are elastomeric materials, such as silicone, SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene copolymer), and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). The cushioning pad is deformable, for example, elastically deformable. The coefficient of friction of the cushioning pad may differ from that of the guide rail material. For example, the cushioning pad material may be selected such that a pipette or adapter placed on the guide rail via the cushioning pad (at least partially) can slide along the guide rail. The cushioning pad may be made from an elongated profile of the cushioning pad material. The cushioning pad may be attached to the guide rail by any suitable attachment method (e.g., adhesive).

[0026] The materials used for the components of this disclosure (e.g., rails and / or adapters) can be aluminum, iron, titanium, steel, alloy steel, bearing steel, stainless steel, or any combination or alloy thereof. An exemplary material suitable for the context of this disclosure is 6082-T6 aluminum, which can be anodized. This material is suitable for laboratory environments and has a good strength-to-weight ratio. Alternatively, plastics can also be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the system may include non-metallic components, such as a large portion of the rails and / or adapters, made of non-metallic materials to avoid metal contamination in a laboratory environment. For this embodiment, high-strength plastics such as glass fiber reinforced plastic, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, or PEEK (polyetheretherketone) can be used. One advantage of avoiding metals in the embodiments is reducing the likelihood of metal contamination in a laboratory environment while minimizing the risk of electrical short circuits with electronic components in the devices and components described in this disclosure.

[0027] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least one of an adapter and a guide rail, and a method of using the same, are provided. Such an adapter can be attached to a guide rail having a complementary cross-sectional profile and / or shape. The adapter typically has a shape complementary to a particular pipette model, type, and / or shape, such that the pipette can be detachably attached to the adapter. In other words, the adapter can be configured to fit a particular pipette. Furthermore, for example, the adapter can be configured to fit one of a variety of pipettes.

[0028] According to at least some embodiments of this disclosure, a guide rail is provided to which mechanical pipettes and electronic pipettes can be attached via adapters. The guide rail includes electrical conductors such that the electrical conductors extend at least partially along the length of the guide rail. The electronic pipette can be charged via an adapter on the guide rail, the shape of which is substantially complementary to the adapter.

[0029] In at least some embodiments of this disclosure, a suitable adapter may be attached to and / or placed on a rail, and charging current from the rail may be transmitted to an electronic pipette connected to the adapter. The current may be transmitted via at least one electrical contact, such as a charging contact in the rail, a contact of the electronic pipette, and a charging contact of the adapter located between the two. Thus, the electronic pipette can be charged via the adapter and the rail.

[0030] In some embodiments, an adapter suitable for an electronic pipette includes a body element. At least a portion of the body element may be shaped such that the body of the desired electronic pipette can be detachably attached to the body element, wherein the attachment holds the pipette in place relative to the adapter. In some embodiments, the shape of the body element allows partial insertion of the pipette into the adapter. Furthermore, the adapter may be attached to a guide rail whose shape is complementary to that of the adapter's body element. The adapter may include one or more charging contacts electrically connected to electrical conductors of the guide rail.

[0031] In some embodiments, the adapter may further include a charging element. This charging element may include charging contacts electrically attachable to corresponding charging contacts of the electronic pipette. The charging element may have wireless charging capability via induction between the adapter and the electronic pipette. In some embodiments, the charging element may include a transformer or battery charger to convert the charging current supplied by the rail into a current suitable for the electronic pipette attached to the adapter. In some embodiments, the adapter provides unconverted charging current from the electrical contacts of the rail to which the adapter is attached to the electronic pipette.

[0032] In some embodiments, the adapter includes a locking mechanism comprising a spring element, such that the adapter can be detachably attached to and / or slid along a guide rail.

[0033] In some embodiments, the adapter is configured to move along a guide rail with frictional resistance, for example, where the frictional force is provided by a spring element within the adapter. For example, the spring element within the adapter may be configured to adjust an interference fit between the adapter and the guide rail. This spring element may be, for example, a spring or a flexible and / or elastic material that provides sufficient static friction to securely attach the adapter to the guide rail via the interference fit or by pressing the components against the guide rail. The static frictional force between the guide rail and the adapter may, for example, be equivalent to a force of 5 to 40 Newtons (preferably 10 Newtons). The frictional force should be set such that the adapter does not move accidentally along the guide rail to which it is attached, but can be moved by overcoming the frictional force when needed. Additionally or alternatively, the adapter may include spring-actuated charging contacts such that the connection between the electrical contacts and the electrical conductors of the guide rail can be secured by the force applied by the spring element.

[0034] In some embodiments, the adapter is adjustable in positioning itself and the attached pipette. In some embodiments, the adapter may be detachably attached to a guide rail, allowing the adapter to move and / or slide along the rail. In other embodiments, the adapter may include a locking mechanism that locks the adapter in place on the guide rail in a “locked” position and unlocks it relative to the guide rail in another position (“unlocked” position), allowing the adapter to move along the rail. Thus, when such an adapter is in the “locked position,” it can be positioned at rest (relative to the guide rail to which the adapter is attached). When in the “unlocked position,” the adapter can slide along the guide rail. Additionally or alternatively, such a locking mechanism may be configured such that the adapter has a “detached position” and / or an “attached position,” wherein in the detached position the adapter can be removed from the guide rail and in the mounted position the adapter can be attached to the guide rail. In some embodiments, the “unlocked position” may also include the “detached position” and / or the “attached position.”

[0035] One advantage of removable adapters is that they allow for rapid reconfiguration of the work environment, such as when using different types of pipettes. For example, multichannel pipettes may be wider than single-channel pipettes and therefore may require more space. In other words, some pipettes may occupy more space along the guide rail. With a removable adapter, the adapter can be moved further to accommodate pipettes of different sizes, while still allowing the pipette to be charged when needed. Furthermore, for mechanical pipettes, the guide rail configuration allows the pipette to be placed directly on the guide rail and moved, further increasing the user's options. The embodiments disclosed herein can accommodate various types of pipettes along the length of the guide rail via the adapter or otherwise.

[0036] In at least some embodiments, a rail is provided that is substantially complementary in shape to at least a portion of the adapter. The rail includes at least one electrical conductor configured to provide a charging current to the electronic pipette via the adapter, thereby enabling the electronic pipette to be charged. When the rail is made of a conductive material, the electrical conductor is disposed separately from the material. For example, for an aluminum rail, a flat cable may be disposed within an internal cavity of the rail. The conductive rail material can be used as a ground plane for charging or communication purposes.

[0037] From the attached figures (e.g.) Figures 3A-3D and Figure 5C As can be seen, the guide rail typically includes at least one sidewall forming the guide rail profile. The guide rail may further include at least one internal cavity. The cross-sectional profile of the guide rail is substantially complementary to the cross-sectional profile of the adapter or a portion thereof, such that the adapter can be detachably attached to the guide rail, and the charging contacts of the adapter can be detachably attached to at least one electrical conductor (e.g., a charging contact) of the guide rail. In an advantageous embodiment, the guide rail is elongated and substantially linear, allowing the adapter and / or pipette to move and / or slide along the guide rail. This embodiment improves the placement of the adapter, thereby allowing the pipette to be placed in the desired position.

[0038] In some embodiments, mechanical pipettes can be directly attached to a rail. Alternatively, an adapter, according to some embodiments, can also be attached to a mechanical pipette. In still other embodiments for mechanical pipettes, the charging contacts for the pipette and holder in the mounting adapter can be omitted. Furthermore, in some embodiments, adapters suitable for electronic pipettes can also be used for mechanical pipettes. The described embodiments have the advantage that mechanical and electronic pipettes do not necessarily require separate rails, holders, or supports, thus allowing various different types of pipettes to be attached to the same rail and / or the same type of rail geometry. Because various pipette-specific adapters can be applied to the same rail, at least some embodiments of this disclosure offer advantages in terms of the diversity of pipette types available along the rail.

[0039] In some embodiments, the rail may include an elongated electrical conductor such that the adapter's rail contacts remain continuously attached to the rail, for example, to charge an electronic pipette attached to the adapter. In other words, the contact between the rail contacts and the elongated conductor remains constant as the adapter moves along the rail. One advantage of this elongated electrical conductor in the rail is that a seamless electrical connection between the adapter and the rail can be maintained even when the adapter's position is changed. This, in turn, provides better positional adjustment possibilities for the adapter and the pipette, which may be detachably attached. The elongated electrical conductor may be configured to draw power from a battery or an external power source (e.g., AC mains power).

[0040] The guide rail can be attached or secured to, for example, a pipette holder, wall mount, support leg, or second guide rail by any one or more of the following methods: mechanical connector, adhesive, Velcro, screw, bolt, snap, lock, nail, snap-fit, fastener, cable tie, magnet, or electromagnet. Alternatively, the guide rail can be manufactured directly as part of the device to be attached. An end cap can be configured to securely or electrically connect the guide rail to a second entity (e.g., a second guide rail). The end cap is configured to attach to an end of the guide rail. The end cap may include at least one connector element comprising a mechanical connector and an electrical connector, and is configured to form at least one connector with a mating element.

[0041] The rail and / or adapter may include ports (also called connectors), such as sockets or through-holes for wires. Such ports are designed for at least one of the following: unidirectional, bidirectional, or point-to-point transmission: power, communication signals, control signals, or diagnostic information. Ports may be disposed on an elongated surface of the rail or on an end face of the rail. End caps of the rail may include at least one port. Cables may be disposed inside the rail. Using cables as an alternative to wireless transmission offers advantages such as simpler, faster, and more stable signal transmission.

[0042] In at least some embodiments, the at least one rail includes a communication bus. One or more adapters of this disclosure may be configured to use the communication bus of the rail. Additionally or alternatively, the adapter and / or rail may be configured to connect a pipette to the communication bus. Suitable communication buses may include at least one of the following: CAN bus (CANBUS), Flexible Data Rate CAN bus (CAN-FD), RS-485 bus, Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), EtherCAT (EtherCAT), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Bluetooth, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) communication.

[0043] Figure 1A , 1B Figures 1 and 1C illustrate an example of a pipette holder device according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. (See also:) Figure 1A The figure illustrates a pipette holder assembly 100, which includes a guide rail 101. The pipette holder assembly may further include a guide rail end cap 102 and a pipette adapter 103. The end cap 102 is removable from the guide rail 101. The pipette holder assembly may include a mechanical pipette 901 and / or an electronic pipette 902 (shown for illustrative purposes). The guide rail 101 is complementary in shape to at least a portion of the mechanical pipette 901, thereby allowing the pipette 901 to be placed on the guide rail 101. The adapter 103 is complementary in shape to the electronic pipette 902. The adapter 103 is also complementary in shape to the guide rail 101, thereby allowing the pipette 902 to be placed on the guide rail 101 via the adapter.

[0044] Figure 1B A top view of the device 100 is shown. Figure 1A-1C As can be seen, the mechanical pipette 901 can be detachably placed on the guide rail 101 without an adapter. In other words, the guide rail 101 holds the mechanical pipette 901, while the adapter 103 attached to the guide rail 101 holds the electronic pipette 902. As can be seen from the left side of the guide rail 101, the dashed line on the guide rail 101 indicates that the guide rail can extend indefinitely in this direction.

[0045] Figure 1C It shows Figure 1B A magnified view. In Figure 1C As can be seen, adapter 103 includes adapter electrical contacts 104. The adapter electrical contacts are arranged such that they can contact pipette contacts 903 when pipette 902 is placed within adapter 103. Guide rail 101 may include an elongated electrical conductor (not shown). The elongated conductor may be disposed inside the guide rail or on the guide rail surface. Adapter 103 is arranged to connect the elongated conductor to adapter contacts 104, thereby establishing an electrical connection from the elongated conductor to the pipette. This electrical connection may provide charging and / or communication functionality for the pipette.

[0046] Figure 2A , 2B Figures 2C and 2C illustrate pipette holder devices according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2A The figure shows a pipette holder assembly 200, which includes a guide rail 201. The pipette holder assembly may further include a pipette adapter 203. An end cap (not shown) may be placed on one end of the guide rail 201. The pipette holder assembly may include a mechanical pipette 901 and / or an electronic pipette 902, shown for illustrative purposes in the figure. The guide rail 201 is complementary in shape to at least a portion of the mechanical pipette 901, thereby allowing the pipette 901 to be placed on the guide rail 201. As shown, this is achieved by utilizing the handle shape of the pipette 901. The adapter 203 is complementary in shape to the electronic pipette 902. The adapter 203 is also complementary in shape to the guide rail 101, thereby allowing the pipette 902 to be placed on the guide rail 201 via the adapter. In the figure, the pipette 902 is detachably placed in the adapter 203.

[0047] The guide rail 201 may include an elongated electrical conductor (not shown). The elongated conductor may be disposed inside the guide rail or on its surface. The adapter 203 is configured to connect the elongated conductor to adapter contacts, thereby establishing an electrical connection from the elongated conductor to the pipette 902. This electrical connection may provide charging and / or communication functionality for the pipette 902.

[0048] exist Figure 2B The figure shows a pipette holder assembly 210, which includes a guide rail 201 and a pipette adapter 203. Although a mechanical pipette is not shown, the guide rail 201 is complementary in shape to at least a portion of a mechanical pipette 901, allowing the pipette 901 to be placed on the guide rail 201. The adapter 203 is complementary in shape to an electronic pipette 902. The adapter 203 is also complementary in shape to the guide rail 201, allowing the pipette 902 to be placed on the guide rail 201 via the adapter. In the figure, the adapter 203 is detachably attached to the guide rail 201. The assembly 210 is similar to the assembly 200 discussed above.

[0049] exist Figure 2C The figure shows a pipette holder assembly 220, which includes a guide rail 223 and pipette adapters 221 and 222. Although pipettes are not shown in the figure, the guide rail 223 may be complementary in shape to at least a portion of a mechanical pipette. Adapters 221 and 222 may be complementary in shape to an electronic pipette. The adapters are complementary in shape to the guide rail 223, thereby allowing a pipette to be placed on the guide rail 223 via the adapters. In the figure, adapters 221 and 222 are detachably attached to the guide rail 223.

[0050] Figure 2CThe device shown in the embodiment allows the adapter to be placed on either side of the guide rail. In other words, viewed from the end of the guide rail, the adapter can be placed on the left or right side of the guide rail. This configuration provides greater flexibility in arranging the workspace. It also saves space because the pipette can be placed on both sides of the guide rail, potentially shortening the guide rail length. Side placement can be achieved, for example, by at least one of the following methods: a symmetrical guide rail profile, or the provision of multiple conductive elements to facilitate attachment from both sides.

[0051] Figures 3A-3D A schematic cross-section of some guide rail profiles according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 3A A guide rail 301 is shown, having a top opening 310 and a bottom opening 310. The opening 310 is an arbitrary cavity in the cross-section of the guide rail, allowing access to the internal cavity of the guide rail. Cables (such as power cords) are typically housed within the cavity, so access to the cavity is advantageous. The openings may be arranged continuously along the length of the guide rail or periodically along the length. Such openings may be covered by a cover made of a second material. The guide rail 301 is further shown to have a curved geometry (such as at the top of the guide rail) or an orthogonal geometry (such as at the bottom of the guide rail).

[0052] Figure 3B A guide rail 302 is shown, wherein the guide rail 302 is rectangular. The guide rail 302 includes four grooves 311. Grooves such as grooves 311 can have different geometries, such as the T-shaped groove shown in the figure.

[0053] Figure 3C The guide rail 303 is shown, which has an opening 310 at the upper part of its cross-section and two grooves 311 at the lower part. In addition, a notch is provided on the bottom surface of the guide rail.

[0054] Figure 3D The guide rail 304 is shown, with grooves 311 arranged on its sidewalls. Furthermore, as shown, the top and bottom surfaces of the guide rail are open, so the opening 310 can also be arranged to have a narrow opening that widens inwards, and / or the surface of the opening can be arranged at different distances from the interior.

[0055] from Figures 3A-3D As can be seen, a variety of different rail geometries can be used within the scope of this disclosure. For any given rail geometry, a suitable adapter is required to form the necessary connection between the rail and the pipette.

[0056] Figures 4A-4F A schematic cross-section of some adapters according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 4AAdapter 351 is shown, with emphasis on its engagement with the guide rail. The guide rail will be at least partially housed within the adapter. The pipette will be attached to the front of the adapter (indicated by reference numeral 352) using a suitable adapter component or by configuring the adapter body to mate with the pipette. Adapter 351 includes an upper portion 353 (in a curved shape) and a lower portion 354. The lower portion includes electrical contacts 358. These charging contacts can be connected to an electrical connector within the adapter to transmit electrical signals from the contacts to the pipette via other contacts (not shown) arranged to contact the pipette.

[0057] The adapter 351 further includes an optional adjustment knob 355, which may be, for example, a retractable spring plunger or a threaded pin knob. Figure 4A As indicated by the dashed arrow, when knob 355 is actuated in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise), lower portion 354 moves further away from upper portion 353, allowing the adapter to be attached to the guide rail. When knob 355 is actuated in a second direction, lower portion 354 moves upward to upper portion 353, thereby forming a proper fit with the guide rail. Lower portion 354 may extend into upper portion 353 (not shown) to facilitate movement. Knob 355 can be used to adjust the tightness (interference fit) of the fit between the adapter and the guide rail.

[0058] If the adapter 351 does not have a knob 355, the adapter can be configured such that the user can remove the adapter from the rail by pulling down part 354. In response to this pull, a spring in the upper part 353 allows the distance between parts 353 and 354 to increase, and the user can remove the adapter by pulling the lower part 354 further away from the rail.

[0059] Figure 4B Adapter 361 is shown, similar to adapter 351. The guide rail will be at least partially housed within the adapter. The pipette will be attached to the front of the adapter (indicated by reference numeral 362) using a suitable adapter component or by configuring the adapter body to mate with the pipette. In adapter 361, contact 368 is located on a clamping member actuated by a knob mechanism 365. When the contact is actuated upwards, the upper portion 363 (fixedly attached to the lower portion 364) is "pulled downwards," again forming a suitable engagement with the guide rail. Similarly, knob 365 can be used to adjust the tightness of the fit between the adapter and the guide rail.

[0060] Figure 4CAdapter 371 is shown. A guide rail will be at least partially housed within the adapter. The pipette will be attached to the front of the adapter (indicated by reference numeral 372) using suitable adapter components or by configuring the adapter body to mate with the pipette. In adapter 371, contacts 378 are arranged on the upper portion 373 of the adapter. A lower portion 374 is securely attached to the upper portion 373. The lower portion 374 includes a ball plunger 379. The ball plunger includes a ball bearing and a spring. When pressure is applied to the ball bearing, the spring retracts, allowing the ball bearing to move away from the pressure source. In adapter 371, it is attached to the guide rail by placing the upper portion on the guide rail and then pushing the lower portion onto the guide rail. The ball bearing retracts to allow the guide rail to enter the adapter. Once the guide rail is fully inside the adapter, the spring pushes the ball bearing into contact with the guide rail, thus securely attaching the adapter to the guide rail. The guide rail may be configured to have suitable grooves arranged along its length on its surface for accommodating the ball bearing. These grooves improve stability.

[0061] Figure 4D Adapter 381 is shown. The guide rail will be at least partially housed within the adapter. The pipette will be attached to the front of the adapter (indicated by reference numeral 382) using a suitable adapter component or by configuring the adapter body to mate with the pipette. Figure 4D As shown, adapter 381 may include two adapter fronts 382, ​​located on either side of the guide rail. Adapter 381 includes an upper portion 383 and a lower portion 384. These portions can be securely attached together. The lower portion includes at least one (e.g., two) ball plungers 389. Thus, adapter 381 can be pushed down onto the guide rail from above, thereby placing it on the guide rail. The ball bearings of the ball plungers will roll along the side of the guide rail until the guide rail is fully engaged with the adapter to the desired extent. Grooves along the length of the bearings may be provided on the side of the guide rail. Contacts 388 are arranged to contact the side of the guide rail. The contacts may also be spring-actuated to form a good connection with electrical conductors arranged on the guide rail.

[0062] As mentioned above, there are various options for the arrangement of adapters. The size of the adapter and the arrangement of its components depend on the geometry of the guide rail. This also applies to some extent to the selected attachment mechanism (e.g., a movable lower section, a clamp, a ball plunger), but the intended use and / or user preference also play a role. In other words, a single guide rail can use different adapter attachment mechanisms.

[0063] exist Figure 4E and 4F The top view of the adapter shows its charging components. Figure 4EThe adapter 130 is shown in the diagram, and its form is similar to other adapters disclosed herein. Adapter 130 includes adapter electrical contacts 134. These contacts are arranged such that they can contact the pipette contacts when a pipette (e.g., pipette 902) is placed within adapter 130. Furthermore, adapter 130 includes a lower electrical contact 133, which is arranged to contact a guide rail at a suitable location on the adapter. In other words, electrical contact 133 is not near contact 134. Adapter 130 is configured to attach to a suitable guide rail in such a way that the lower electrical contact 133 contacts an elongated conductor or port of the guide rail, thereby establishing an electrical connection from the elongated conductor to the adapter. As shown by dashed lines, electrical contact 133 is connected to adapter electrical contact 134 via a suitable conductor within the adapter body. Contact 134 is arranged to contact the pipette contacts, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the elongated conductor and the pipette. This electrical connection can provide charging and / or communication functionality for the pipette.

[0064] exist Figure 4F The adapter 140 is shown in the diagram, and its form is similar to other adapters disclosed herein. The adapter 140 includes a charging element that includes a wireless charging coil 144 within the adapter body. The coil is arranged such that it can interact with a mating charging coil of a pipette (e.g., pipette 902) when the pipette is located in the vicinity of the coil 144. Furthermore, the adapter 140 includes a lower electrical contact 143 arranged to contact a rail at a suitable location on the adapter. The adapter 140 is arranged to attach to the suitable rail in such a way that the lower electrical contact 143 contacts an elongated conductor or port of the rail, thereby establishing an electrical connection from the elongated conductor to the adapter. As shown by the dashed lines, the electrical contact 143 is connected to the charging coil 144 via a suitable conductor within the adapter body. The charging element may further include other wireless charging components, such as resistors. These other components may also be arranged within the adapter body. As described above, the coil 144 is configured to interact with the mating coil of the pipette, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the elongated conductor and the pipette. The electrical connection can provide charging and / or communication functions for the pipette.

[0065] Furthermore, the adapter may include both of the above charging arrangements simultaneously and is configured to select the arrangement based on the presence of a mating coil or charging contacts in the pipette housed within the adapter. The charging arrangement of the adapter (e.g., adapters 103, 351, 361, 371, 381, 530, 560, 580, 603, 653, 673, 703, 753) may be selected from at least: contact charging, wireless charging, or selective contact or wireless charging.

[0066] Figure 5A , 5B Figures 5C and 5C illustrate a guide rail and a corresponding adapter according to this disclosure. Figure 5A The guide rail 501 is shown in the figure. The guide rail 501 includes elongated grooves 502 and 503. The top surface of the guide rail 501 is configured to be appropriately curved, for example, to accommodate the handle of a mechanical pipette (similar to Figure 2).

[0067] exist Figure 5B The adapter 530 is shown in the image. The adapter 530 is shaped to fit into the guide rail 501. By... Figure 5A and 5C The shape of the guide rail in Figure 5B By comparing the adapter shapes shown, this complementary shape can be understood. Figure 5C As can be seen, the guide rail 501 includes at least one (e.g., two) electrical conductors 506. When the guide rail 501 is placed inside the adapter 530, the at least one electrical conductor 506 contacts the electrical contacts 533 of the adapter 530. Thus, charging current is provided from the electrical conductor to the adapter, and further to the electronic pipette attached to the adapter 530.

[0068] Adapter 530 includes an upper portion 531 and a lower portion 532. The upper portion 531 includes a cavity (not directly shown), into which the lower portion 532 extends. These portions together form a "rail gap," which is the internal distance from the bottom of the lower portion to the top of the inner part of the upper portion. Portions 531 and 532 can be moved in the direction indicated by the double-headed dashed arrows to increase the distance between them. When these portions are moved in this way, the lower portion partially moves out of the cavity within the upper portion. When extended a sufficient distance, the adapter is in a "disassembled position" because the portions will separate and no longer clamp the rails. Figure 5B In the image, the adapter is shown in the attached position.

[0069] Adapter 530 may include, for example, a spring element (not shown) within the body of portion 531. This spring element is configured to pull portions 531 and 532 together via spring tension, thereby securely holding these portions together. The spring element is configured to pull these portions in the direction of the dashed arrow. When these portions are held together (or at least held together to the extent permitted by the guide rail within the adapter), the adapter is in an "attached position." Therefore, the adapter can be securely attached to a complementary guide rail (e.g., Figure 5A and 5B On the guide rail 501 in the middle.

[0070] Figure 5BThe adapter 530 is shaped to allow an electronic pipette to be attached to and / or positioned onto the adapter 530. It is understood that the shape of the adapter is complementary to that of the pipette (e.g., an electronic pipette, such as pipette 902). The adapter may have notches and / or protrusions (not shown) to aid in positioning and placement of a suitably shaped pipette, such as a pipette having a complementary protrusion that mates with the notch. The adapter 530 includes a charging element disposed within the upper portion 531, the element including electrical contacts 534. Additionally or alternatively, the charging element may have a “wireless charging” capability via induction. The charging element is configured to provide an electrical signal from contact 533 to contact 534.

[0071] Figure 5C A cross-section of guide rail 501 is shown. Guide rail 501 includes sidewalls 504 and at least one internal cavity 505. Guide rail 501 further includes a conductor 506. Conductor 506 extends along the entire length of guide rail. This arrangement allows an adapter to be connected to the conductor at any location on the guide rail. End caps are available for use with guide rail 501.

[0072] Figure 6A , 6B Figures 6C and 6C illustrate a guide rail and a corresponding adapter of this disclosure. Figure 6A The image shows a cross-section of guide rail 551. Guide rail 551 includes sidewalls 554 and at least one internal cavity 555. Guide rail 551 includes elongated grooves, such as elongated groove 552a. The grooves may be at least partially covered and / or filled with cushioning pads (e.g., cushioning pad 552b). For example, as shown... Figure 6A As shown in -C, the guide rail 551 may include four elongated grooves, for example, two grooves on the lower part of the guide rail (the portion near conductor 556) and two grooves on the upper part of the guide rail. For example, the guide rail may include three cushioning pads, wherein at least one cushioning pad is arranged to cover at least two grooves.

[0073] The top surface of guide rail 551 is configured to be appropriately curved (e.g., at least partially cushioned) to accommodate the handle of a pipette. Guide rail 551 further includes conductor 556, in... Figures 6A-6C In the example, there are three conductors 556. Embodiments with two conductors or any number of conductors between two and twelve are also possible. The presence of more conductors on the rail compared to the contacts on the adapter allows the adapter to be arranged on both sides of the rail, as discussed herein with respect to Figure 7. Conductors 556 may be located within grooves in the conductor elements shown in the figure. Conductors 556 (and conductor elements) extend along the entire length of the rail. This arrangement allows the adapter to connect to the conductors at any location on the rail. End caps may mate with rail 551.

[0074] exist Figure 6BThe image shows adapter 560. The shape of adapter 560 is adapted to mate with guide rail 551. (Comparison...) Figure 6A The shape of the guide rail in Figure 6B The adapter shape shown illustrates this complementary shape. This is in... Figure 6C Further details and discussions are provided below.

[0075] Like other adapters discussed herein, adapter 560 includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion may include a cavity (not directly shown), into which the lower portion extends, or alternatively or additionally, these portions may be hinged together. These portions together form a “gap” 566 in which a guide rail (e.g., guide rail 551) may be placed. The distance between these portions can be adjusted, for example, by moving them apart. When adjusted sufficiently, the adapter is in a “detached position” because the portions will separate, and the gap 566 will be larger than the guide rail size, so the adapter will not clamp the guide rail.

[0076] When these parts are held together (e.g., held together to the extent permitted by the rails within the adapter), the adapter 560 is in the "attached position". Therefore, the adapter can be securely attached to the complementary rails.

[0077] Figure 6B The adapter 560 is shaped to allow an electronic pipette to be attached to and / or positioned. It is understood that the shape of the adapter is complementary to that of the pipette (e.g., electronic pipette 902). The adapter may have notches and / or protrusions (not shown) to aid in positioning and placement of a suitably shaped pipette, such as a pipette with a complementary protrusion that mates with the notch. The adapter 560 includes a charging element disposed within the upper portion, the element comprising an electrical contact 564. Additionally or alternatively, the charging element may be inductively enabled for “wireless charging.” The charging element is configured to provide an electrical signal from contact 563 to the pipette (e.g., via contact 564).

[0078] exist Figure 6C The image shows an adapter 560 attached to a guide rail 551. When the guide rail 551 is placed inside the adapter 560, at least two electrical conductors 556 contact the electrical contacts 563 of the adapter 560. As a result, charging current is supplied from the electrical conductors to the adapter, and subsequently to an electronic pipette attached to the adapter 560 (e.g., via contact 564).

[0079] Figure 7A , 7B Figures 7C and 7C illustrate a rail and a corresponding adapter of this disclosure. Figure 7AA portion of guide rail 571 is shown in the image. Guide rail 571 includes sidewalls 574 and at least one internal cavity 575. End caps are compatible with guide rail 571. Guide rail 571 includes elongated grooves, such as elongated groove 572a. The grooves may be at least partially covered and / or filled with cushioning pads (e.g., cushioning pad 572b). For example, as... Figure 7A As shown in -C, the guide rail 571 may include four elongated grooves, for example, two grooves on the lower part of the guide rail (the portion near the charging element 576) and two grooves on the upper part of the guide rail. For example, the guide rail may include three cushioning pads, wherein at least one cushioning pad is arranged to cover at least two grooves.

[0080] The top surface of guide rail 571 is configured to be appropriately curved (e.g., at least partially cushioned) to accommodate the handle of a pipette. Guide rail 571 further includes conductor 576, in... Figures 7A-7C In the example, there are seven conductors 576. The corresponding adapter 580 has four contacts. Multiple contacts can be useful, for example, when power transmission and bus communication are performed simultaneously using contacts. For example, power transmission can use two contacts, and communication can use another two. Communication and power supply functions can also share a single contact (e.g., a ground contact). The rail has more conductors than the contacts on the adapter, allowing the adapter to be positioned on both sides of the rail. In other words, if the adapter is positioned on the left side of the rail, and the rail has seven conductors while the adapter has four contacts, the adapter uses the first four conductors, and the next three conductors are not used by the adapter. If the same adapter is positioned on the right side of the same rail, then (counting from the left) the first three conductors are not used, and the next four conductors are used by the adapter. In this example, the fourth conductor is used when the adapter is attached to the rail from both sides. Not all conductors need to be used when the adapter is attached.

[0081] Conductor 576 may be located within the groove of the conductor element shown in the figure. Conductor 576 (and the conductor element) extends along the entire length of the guide rail. This arrangement allows the adapter to be connected to the conductor at any location on the guide rail.

[0082] exist Figure 7B The adapter 580 is shown in the image. The shape of the adapter 580 is adapted to mate with the guide rail 571. By... Figure 7A The shape of the guide rail in Figure 7B By comparing the adapter shapes shown, this complementary shape can be understood. This is in Figure 7C Further details and discussions are provided below.

[0083] Like other adapters discussed herein, adapter 580 includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion may include a cavity (not directly shown), and the lower portion may extend into that cavity, or alternatively or additionally, these portions may be hinged together. These portions together form a “gap” 586 in which a guide rail (e.g., guide rail 571) may be placed. The distance between these portions can be adjusted, for example, by moving them apart. When adjusted sufficiently, the adapter is in a “detached position” because the portions will separate, and the gap 586 will be larger than the guide rail size, so the adapter will not clamp the guide rail.

[0084] When these parts are held together (e.g., held together to the extent permitted by the rails within the adapter), the adapter 580 is in the "attached position". Therefore, the adapter can be securely attached to the complementary rails.

[0085] Figure 7B The adapter 580 is shaped to allow an electronic pipette to be attached to and / or positioned. It is understood that the adapter's shape is complementary to that of a pipette such as an electronic pipette (e.g., pipette 902). The adapter may have notches and / or protrusions (not shown) to aid in positioning and placement of a suitably shaped pipette, such as a pipette with a complementary protrusion that mates with the notch. The adapter 580 includes a charging element disposed within the upper portion, the element comprising an electrical contact 584. Additionally or alternatively, the charging element may be inductively enabled for "wireless charging." The charging element is configured to provide an electrical signal from contact 583 to the pipette (e.g., via contact 584).

[0086] exist Figure 7C The diagram shows an adapter 560 attached to a guide rail 551. When the guide rail 551 is placed inside the adapter 560, at least four electrical conductors 576 are in contact with electrical contacts 583 (four of which are) of the adapter 580. The use of conductors 576 depends on which side of the adapter 580 is positioned relative to the guide rail 571, as previously described. Through this electrical contact between the conductors 576 and the contacts 583, charging current is supplied from the electrical conductors to the adapter and, consequently, to the electronic pipette attached to the adapter 580 (e.g., via contact 584).

[0087] Figure 8A , 8B Figures 8C and 8C illustrate rail and adapter configurations that can support at least some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 8AA pipette holder assembly 600 is shown. The pipette holder assembly 600 can be attached to a top surface 961 (e.g., a shelf or table). The pipette holder assembly 600 includes at least one guide rail, such as guide rail 601 shown in the figure. Guide rail 601 can be any suitable guide rail, such as any of the guide rails disclosed herein (e.g., any of guide rails 101, 201, 301, 302, 303, 304, or 501). Guide rail 601 includes at least one elongated electrical conductor. Guide rail 601 is attached to end caps 602a and 602b, which are configured to function as connecting elements. End caps 602a and 602b may include vertical connectors, or vertical connectors may be attached to the end caps. Vertical connectors may be arranged to be attached to the lower side of the top surface (as shown) or may be arranged to be attached to the upper side of the top surface (e.g., clamped to the top surface). End caps 602a and 602b are configured to attach the pipette holder assembly 600 to the top surface via a vertical connector.

[0088] Pipettes 901 and 902 are shown attached to pipette holder assembly 600 in an exemplary configuration. As shown, pipette holder assembly 600 may include one or more adapters 603 to allow attachment of electronic pipettes to rail 601. Adapter 603 may be any suitable adapter, such as any of the adapters disclosed herein (e.g., any of adapters 103, 130, 140, 351, 361, 371, 381, 530).

[0089] One advantage of the pipette rack assembly 600 is that the guide rails can be configured to match the width of the top surface 961. In other words, the length of the pipette rack assembly can be configured to be substantially equal to the width of the top surface, allowing the assembly to be used with existing laboratory equipment such as shelves, workbenches, or other furniture. This arrangement also saves space, i.e., it has a small physical footprint. This is especially important for space-constrained environments such as laminar flow cabinets.

[0090] exist Figure 8B The image shows a freestanding (also known as a benchtop) pipette holder assembly 650. The pipette holder assembly 650 includes a rail 651, an end cap 652, and legs 655a and 655b. The rail 651 can be any suitable rail, such as any of the rails disclosed herein (e.g., any of rails 101, 201, 301, 302, 303, 304, or 501). The rail 651 includes at least one elongated electrical conductor. Legs 655a and 655b are configured to connect to the rail 651, while the end cap 652 is configured to secure the connection between the rail and the legs. The end cap may include fastening devices (not shown), such as screws or bolts, to ensure that the legs and rail do not separate.

[0091] Pipettes 901 and 902 are shown attached to pipette holder assembly 650 in an exemplary configuration. As shown, pipette holder assembly 650 may include one or more adapters 653 to allow attachment of electronic pipettes to rail 601. Adapter 653 may be any suitable adapter, such as any of the adapters disclosed herein (e.g., any of adapters 103, 130, 140, 351, 361, 371, 381, 530).

[0092] One advantage of the pipette holder assembly 650 is that the guide rails can be configured to any suitable length. Furthermore, the assembly 650 has high structural mechanical strength, allowing use from both sides of the guide rails.

[0093] Figure 8C A pipette holder assembly 670 is shown. The pipette holder assembly 670 can be attached to a vertical surface (e.g., a wall, not shown). The pipette holder assembly 670 includes at least one guide rail, such as guide rail 671 shown in the figure. Guide rail 671 can be any suitable guide rail, such as any of the guide rails disclosed herein (e.g., any of guide rails 101, 201, 301, 302, 303, 304, or 501). Guide rail 671 includes at least one elongated electrical conductor. The assembly further includes an end cap 672a and optionally an end cap 672b. End cap 672a is configured to function as a connecting element for attachment to a wall mount 675. The assembly may further include a wall mount 675. End cap 672a is configured to attach the pipette holder assembly 670 to a vertical surface (e.g., via the wall mount 675).

[0094] End cap 672a and wall mount 675 are configured to serve together as a hinge joint. When end cap 672a is attached to wall mount 675, guide rail 671 can be manually actuated along the hinge. Wall mount 675 can be attached to a vertical surface using fastening devices (e.g., screws or magnets, not shown).

[0095] Pipettes 901 and 902 are shown attached to pipette holder assembly 670 in an exemplary configuration. As shown, pipette holder assembly 670 may include one or more adapters 673 to allow attachment of electronic pipettes to rail 671. Adapter 673 may be any suitable adapter, such as any of the adapters disclosed herein (e.g., any of adapters 103, 130, 140, 351, 361, 371, 381, 530).

[0096] One advantage of the pipette holder device 670 is that it can be placed at an ergonomically suitable height. Furthermore, the device can be rotated to a suitable angle and, when not in use, can be rotated to a position close to a wall. This arrangement also saves space, i.e., it has a small physical footprint. This is especially important for space-constrained environments, such as laminar flow cabinets.

[0097] Figure 9A and 9B A pipette holder device capable of supporting at least some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 9A A pipette holder device 700 is shown, which is a freestanding (also known as a benchtop) device. The pipette holder device 700 includes at least one guide rail 701 and a base 710. Optionally, the device 700 may further include any combination of the following: additional guide rail 704, additional guide rail 705, one or more adapters 703, hinged end caps 702a, 702b, 702c, or 702d. Guide rails 701, 704, and / or 705 can be any suitable guide rail, such as any of the guide rails disclosed herein (e.g., any of guide rails 101, 201, 301, 302, 303, 304, or 501). Guide rail 701 includes an elongated electrical conductor. Guide rails 704 and / or 705 may include elongated electrical conductors.

[0098] Guide rail 701 can be connected to at least one hinge end cap, such as hinge end cap 702a and / or hinge end cap 702b. The hinge end cap, together with the mating end cap of guide rail 701, is configured to serve as a hinge joint. When guide rail 701 is connected to guide rail 705 using end cap 702b, guide rail 705 can be manually actuated relative to guide rail 701 along the hinge. When guide rail 701 is connected to guide rail 704 using end cap 702a, guide rail 704 can be manually actuated relative to guide rail 701 along the hinge. The end cap can be configured to provide power from guide rail 701 to additional guide rails.

[0099] The base 710 includes a rail connector 711, a rod 712, and a base 713. The rail connector 711 is connected to the rod 712, and the rod 712 is connected to the base 713. The rail connector is configured to be detachably attached to a rail 701. The base may further include electrical conductors (not shown) that provide electrical connection to the rail 701 via the rail connector 711. The base may further include a power input line 715, which may include a transformer unit. The power input line 715 is connected to the electrical conductors of the base 710.

[0100] Multiple pipettes 901 and 902 are shown attached to a pipette holder assembly 700 in an exemplary configuration. As shown, the pipette holder assembly 700 may include one or more adapters 703 to allow attachment of electronic pipettes to any of the rails 701, 704, or 705. Adapter 703 may be any suitable adapter, such as any of the adapters disclosed herein (e.g., any of adapters 103, 130, 140, 351, 361, 371, 381, 530).

[0101] One advantage of the pipette holder assembly 700 is its flexible arrangement to suit various applications or user needs. The lengths of the main guide rail 701 and the auxiliary guide rails are selectable, and the angle of the auxiliary guide rails can be manually adjusted during use. Furthermore, by adjusting the angle of the auxiliary guide rails, the assembly can be folded into a space-saving configuration.

[0102] Figure 9B A pipette holder assembly 750 is shown, which is a freestanding (also known as a benchtop) device. The pipette holder assembly 750 includes at least one guide rail 751 and a base 760. Optionally, the device 700 may further include any combination of the following: an additional guide rail 754, one or more adapters 753, a hinged end cap 752a, a hinged end cap 752b, an end cap 752c, or an end cap 752d. Guide rails 751 and / or 754 can be any suitable guide rail, such as any of the guide rails disclosed herein (e.g., any of guide rails 101, 201, 301, 302, 303, 304, or 501). Guide rail 754 includes an elongated electrical conductor.

[0103] The guide rail 751 can be connected to at least one hinge end cap, such as hinge end cap 752a. The hinge end cap, together with a mating end cap on the base top 761, is configured to serve as a hinge joint. When the guide rail 751 is connected to the top 761 using end cap 752a, the guide rail 751 can be manually actuated relative to the top 761 along the hinge. Similarly, when the guide rail 754 is connected to the top 761 using hinge end cap 752b, the guide rail 754 can be manually actuated relative to the top 761 along the hinge. The end caps can be configured to provide power from the top 761 to the guide rails 751 and / or 754.

[0104] The base 760 includes a base top 761, a rod 762, and a base 763. The base top 761 is connected to the rod 762, and the rod 762 is connected to the base 763. The base top may include a desktop area suitable for attaching a tablet or placing laboratory equipment. The base may further include electrical conductors (not shown) that provide electrical connections via guide rails 751 and / or 754 through the base top 761. The base may further include power input lines (not shown) connected to the electrical conductors of the base.

[0105] Multiple pipettes 901 and 902 are shown attached to a pipette holder assembly 750 in an exemplary configuration. As shown, the pipette holder assembly 750 may include one or more adapters 753 to allow attachment of electronic pipettes to any of the rails 751, 754. Adapter 753 may be any suitable adapter, such as any of the adapters disclosed herein (e.g., any of adapters 103, 130, 140, 351, 361, 371, 381, 530).

[0106] One advantage of the pipette rack assembly 750 is its flexible arrangement; the length of the guide rails is freely selectable, and the angle of the additional guide rails can be manually actuated during use. Furthermore, the assembly can be folded into a space-saving configuration by adjusting the angle of the additional guide rails. The top of the base 761 provides an area for placing a tablet computer, which may be helpful in laboratory work.

[0107] This disclosure provides several advantages. One advantage of using rails in pipette holders or supports is that the rail length can be adjusted to meet any specific user needs, for example, by shortening the rail. The user can shorten the rail themselves using, for example, a hacksaw. Rails provide users with working flexibility, for example, if the rail is at least the same length as the work surface. In this case, the pipette can be flexibly placed at any position on the rail, allowing the user to arrange the work environment according to their preferences. When using adapters, the adapter must be placed in the desired position. Multiple adapters can be used with a single pipette.

[0108] Another advantage is that, because the adapter can be configured to be specific to a particular type of pipette, the rail can have a universal, all-purpose, or near-universal geometry in terms of shape and profile. This is because the adapter can “fit” the shape of the pipette to the desired rail profile. Therefore, when using the adapter, a variety of different types and models of pipettes with various shapes can be attached to the desired rail. Furthermore, due to the availability of universal rail shapes and the desired adjustable rail lengths, such rails can even be easily integrated into existing pipette racks and their designs, including, for example, top-mount racks, bottom-mount racks, wall-mount brackets, and countertop brackets. According to at least some embodiments, a pipette rack or pipette holder may include such a rail.

[0109] This disclosure may also be made possible by the following terms.

[0110] Clause 1. A system for holding a pipette, the system comprising: an adapter including a body element configured to hold the pipette; and a rail including at least one electrical conductor extending at least partially along the length of the at least one rail, the adapter being configured to attach to the at least one rail at any location along the rail.

[0111] Clause 2. The system according to Clause 1, wherein the adapter includes a charging element, wherein the adapter is configured to connect the charging element to the at least one electrical conductor of the at least one rail when the adapter is attached to the at least one rail; and wherein the charging element includes at least one of: an electrical contact, a wire, or a coil configured for wireless charging.

[0112] Clause 3. The system according to Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein the guide rail is configured to be attached via at least one end cap to at least one of: a wall mount, a support leg, or a second guide rail.

[0113] Clause 4. A system for holding a pipette, the system including a rail, the rail including at least one electrical conductor extending at least partially along the length of the at least one rail, wherein the system is configured to be attached to a top surface via end cap attachment units (602a, 602b).

[0114] Clause 5. A system for holding a pipette, the system comprising a guide rail including at least one electrical conductor extending at least partially along the length of the at least one guide rail, wherein the system includes support legs (655a, 655b) configured to stand upright on a flat surface via the support legs, the support legs being connected to the guide rail, and wherein an end cap (652) is configured to secure the connection between the guide rail and the support legs.

[0115] Clause 6. A system for holding a pipette, the system comprising a guide rail including at least one electrical conductor extending at least partially along the length of the at least one guide rail, wherein the system includes a wall mount (675), an element configured to serve as a hinge, wherein an end cap forms at least a portion of the hinge, the end cap being configured to connect the guide rail to the wall mount, and wherein the system is configured to be attached to a vertical surface via the wall mount and rotatable along a hinge axis.

[0116] Clause 7. A system for holding a pipette, the system comprising a rail including at least one electrical conductor extending at least partially along the length of the at least one rail, wherein the system includes a base (710) including a rail connector (711), a rod (712) and a base (713), wherein the rail connector is configured to be attached to the rail, and wherein the rod is connected to the rail connector and the base, wherein the system is configured to stand upright on a flat surface via the base.

[0117] Clause 8. The system according to Clause 7, wherein the guide rail is further connected by a hinge to at least one additional guide rail (705).

[0118] Clause 9. A system for holding a pipette, the system comprising a guide rail including at least one electrical conductor extending at least partially along the length of the at least one guide rail, wherein the system comprises a base (760), the base comprising a base top (761), a rod (762), and a base (763), wherein the base top is configured to be attachable to the guide rail, and wherein the rod is connected to the base top and the base, wherein the system is configured to stand upright on a flat surface via the base.

[0119] Clause 10. The system according to Clause 7, wherein the top of the base is hinged to the guide rail, and wherein the top of the base is optionally hinged to at least one additional guide rail (754).

[0120] Clause 11. The system according to any one of Clauses 4 to 10, the system comprising an adapter including a body element configured to hold a pipette; the adapter being configured to attach to the at least one guide rail at any location on the guide rail.

[0121] Clause 12. The system according to Clause 11, wherein the adapter includes a charging element, wherein the adapter is configured to connect the charging element to the at least one electrical conductor of the at least one rail when the adapter is attached to the at least one rail, and wherein the charging element includes at least one of: an electrical contact, a wire, or a coil configured for wireless charging.

[0122] Clause 13. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the system includes an electronic pipette, wherein the system includes at least one adapter configured to hold the electronic pipette and / or charge the electronic pipette.

[0123] Clause 14. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the system includes a pipette, wherein the guide rail is configured such that the pipette can be placed directly on the guide rail, wherein placement is made, for example, using a hook at the upper end of the pipette.

[0124] Clause 15. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the guide rail comprises at least two conductors, preferably at least five conductors, and particularly seven conductors.

[0125] Clause 16. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the rail is attached to and includes the communication bus, and wherein the adapter is configured to use the communication bus of the rail (e.g., via contacts) and / or connect the pipette to the communication bus.

[0126] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are not limited to the specific structures, processes, or materials disclosed herein, but extend to equivalents recognized by those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0127] The phrase "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" as used in this specification means that at least one embodiment of the invention includes a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0128] As used herein, for convenience, multiple items, structural elements, composite elements, and / or materials may be presented in a common list. However, these lists should be interpreted as if each member of the list were individually identified as a separate and unique member. Therefore, unless stated to the contrary, a separate member in such a list should not be interpreted as a practical equivalent of any other member in the same list simply because they appear in the same group. Furthermore, various embodiments and examples of the invention may be mentioned together with alternatives to their various components. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives should not be construed as practical equivalents of each other, but should be regarded as separate and independent representations of the invention.

[0129] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details (such as examples of length, width, shape, etc.) are provided in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations have not been shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of the invention.

[0130] For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases “A or B” and “A and / or B” refer to (A), (B) or (A and B). For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases “A, B and / or C” refer to (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C) or (A, B and C).

[0131] While the foregoing embodiments illustrate the principles of the invention in one or more specific applications, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications in form, use, and implementation details may be made without exercising inventive capacity and without departing from the principles and concept of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited except by the following claims.

[0132] The verbs “comprising” and “including” are used in this document as open-ended restrictions, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of additional unrecorded features. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the features recited in the dependent claims can be freely combined with each other. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of “a” or “one” (i.e., the singular form) in this document does not exclude the plural.

[0133] Industrial applicability

[0134] At least some embodiments of the present invention can be used in industrial applications in automated liquid handling apparatuses, and more specifically, in industrial applications when the equipment is attached to such apparatuses in an adjustable manner.

[0135] List of abbreviations

[0136] CAN-FD Controller Area Network - Flexible Data Rates

[0137] CANBUS Controller Area Network Bus

[0138] RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

[0139] PEEK (Polyetheretherketone)

[0140] SEBS styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene copolymer

[0141] TPU thermoplastic polyurethane

[0142] USB Universal Serial Bus

[0143] WLAN wireless local area network

[0144] List of reference numerals

[0145]

Claims

1. An adapter for holding a pipette, the adapter comprising: - A main element configured to hold a pipette; The adapter is configured to be attached to at any location along at least one rail, the at least one rail including at least one electrical conductor that extends at least partially along the length of the at least one rail.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The adapter is configured such that it can be slidably moved along the at least one guide rail.

3. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adapter is configured to move along the at least one guide rail with frictional resistance, for example, wherein a spring element within the adapter is configured to adjust the interference fit between the adapter and the guide rail.

4. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adapter is configured to have a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position, the adapter is locked in a stationary position relative to the at least one guide rail, and wherein in the unlocked position, the adapter is slidably movable along the at least one guide rail, for example, by frictional resistance.

5. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adapter is configured to have a detachable position and an attached position, wherein in the detachable position the adapter can be detached from the rail; and in the attached position the adapter is attached to the rail.

6. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adapter includes a charging element, wherein the adapter is configured to connect the charging element to at least one electrical conductor of the at least one rail when the adapter is attached to the at least one rail. The charging element includes at least one of the following: an electrical contact, a wire, or a coil configured for wireless charging.

7. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adapter is configured to maintain the connection between the charging element and the at least one electrical conductor of the at least one rail as the adapter moves along the rail.

8. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adapter is configured such that pulling down the lower part of the adapter will cause the adapter to enter at least one of an unlocked position and a detached position.

9. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one guide rail further includes a communication bus, and wherein the adapter is configured to use the communication bus and / or connect the pipette to the communication bus.

10. A guide rail for holding at least one pipette, the guide rail comprising: - At least one electrical conductor, said electrical conductor extending at least partially along the length of said guide rail; The guide rail is configured to allow at least one adapter to be attached at any position along the guide rail, the adapter including a body element configured to hold a pipette. The guide rail is configured to be attached to at least one connecting element, which is attached to at least one of the following: a wall mount, a support leg, or a second guide rail.

11. The guide rail according to claim 10, wherein, The guide rail is configured to allow the adapter to be attached from either side of the guide rail, wherein, for example, the guide rail has a symmetrical profile.

12. The guide rail according to any one of claims 10-11, wherein, The guide rail is configured to be supported by at least one bracket and connected to at least one support via the connecting element, the bracket including at least one support element.

13. The guide rail according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein, The guide rail includes at least two guide rail elements, wherein the first guide rail element and the second guide rail element are interconnected by at least one connector element, the connector element including a mechanical connector, an electrical connector and at least one joint.

14. A system for holding a pipette, comprising an adapter according to any one of claims 1-9 and a guide rail according to any one of claims 10-13.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The system further includes an electronic pipette.

16. A method of providing a pipette holding system, the method comprising: - Attach the adapter to a rail, the rail including at least one electrical conductor that extends at least partially along the length of the rail; The adapter includes a body element configured to hold a pipette, and the adapter is configured to be movably attached to the guide rail at any position along the guide rail.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The adapter is configured to have a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position, the adapter is locked in a stationary position relative to the at least one guide rail, and wherein in the unlocked position, the adapter is slidably movable along the at least one guide rail, for example, by frictional resistance.

18. The method according to any one of claims 16-17, wherein, The adapter includes a charging element, and the adapter is configured to connect the charging element to at least one electrical conductor of the rail.

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