Pipette tips and rack system for liquid handling equipment

EP4680399A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-01-21INTEGRA BIOSCI CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2024712587
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-03-11
Filing Date
2024-03-12
Publication Date
2026-01-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing pipette tip systems require high insertion and ejection forces, leading to increased material usage, system deformation, and reduced reliability in automated liquid handling systems, while also generating substantial plastic waste due to rigid tip racks.

Method used

A pipette tip rack system with a disposable refill pack and reusable base that reduces tip loading forces by using a circular cantilever sealing ring and inclining ramp locking lobes, allowing for secure and stable mounting with lower insertion and ejection forces, and facilitating easy disassembly and recycling.

Benefits of technology

The system achieves significant reduction in insertion and ejection forces, enabling reliable robotic loading of 96 or 384 tips while minimizing plastic waste and system deformation, and allowing for space-efficient recycling of components.

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Abstract

A pipette tip rack system includes a disposable refill pack and a reusable base. After use, the disposable refill pack can be disassembled, and the components can be stacked or nested for space saving storage prior to disposal or recycling. The pipette tips in the disposable refill pack are configured to fit on a mounting shaft that includes outwardly circumferentially extending locking lobes over which the pipette tip collar is mounted. The pipette tip includes a circular cantilever sealing ring that seals laterally against the mounting shaft when the tip is fully mounted. The circular cantilever sealing ring has an annular wall surrounded by a gap. The annular wall has an inside surface that slants inward to provide a lateral interference fit with the mounting shaft. The annular wall bends radially outward towards the gap, rather than stretching, when the tip is mounted on the mounting shaft thereby reducing require insertion force. The refill pack can be made with less plastic because of the reduced cumulative insertion forces, even when loading 384 pipette tips simultaneously in an automated liquid handling system.
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