Dosing tool with variable spanning distance

Abstract

Disclosed is a dosing tool for receiving pipette tips for aspirating or dispensing a sample comprising. The dosing tool comprises a first dosing channel extending along a first longitudinal axis, a second dosing channel extending along a second longitudinal axis with a spanning distance to the first dosing channel along a transverse axis, and a first linkage mechanism for engaging the first dosing channel and the second dosing channel. The first linkage mechanism is configured for converting a translational movement along the first longitudinal axis to a spanning movement along the transverse axis.

Description

[0001] Dosing tool with variable spanning distance

[0002] The present disclosure relates to dosing tools, liquid handling devices comprising dosing tools and dosing methods for aspirating or dispensing a sample.

[0003] Background

[0004] A common practise in sample preparation tasks in liquid handling devices is to use standardised labware articles which are chosen based on the volume of the sample. These labware articles are generally divided into two groups: tubes and plates. The tubes are used for greater sample volumes, whereas plates are used for smaller volumes. Some of the common tube articles are PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tubes of 200pl, or 500pl; Safe-Lock Tubes of 0.5 ml, 1 .5 ml or 2 ml; Tube 5 ml; PCR stripes 100 pl or 200 pl; micro screw cap tubes of 1 ml; conicals of 15 ml, 25 ml or 50 ml. Some of the common plate articles are the PCR Plate 96 well of 150 pl or 250pl; the MTP (Micro-Test Plate) Plate 96 well of 150 pl or 250pl ; the PCR Plate 384 well of 40 pl; the fluorescence plate 96 well of 250 pl ; the deep well plate 96 well of 0.5 ml, 1 ml, or 2 ml; and the deep well plate 384 well of 200 pl. Such dimensions of micro-test plates and other well plates are set out in recognized standards, for example the ANSI SLAS 4-2004 (R2012), provided by the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) Microplate Standard Advisory Committee as directed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

[0005] The selection of the labware articles is linked with the geometrical constraints of the liquid handling device. The distance in which several consumables, such as pipette tips, are arranged next to each other on a liquid handling device is linked with the selected labware article. For example, the plates having either 96 wells, 384 wells or 1536 wells are arranged in two directions, in an equidistant rectangular pattern with a distance of 9 mm, or 4.5 mm, or 2.25 mm, respectively. Thus, the distance between the centre line, along the elongation direction, of the pipette tips, and dosing channels which receive the pipette tips, should be 9 mm in order to address each unit well of the 96 well plates. This distance can change depending on the selected labware article, the sample aspiration or dispensing procedure etc.

[0006] To address the varying samples and labware articles in a liquid handling device in an efficient manner, the liquid handling tools must be flexible for the dosing and positioning tasks. Sample preparation often involves a change from a tube article to a plate article. Said change is often referred to as reformatting. To improve the reformatting tasks in a liquid handling device, a variable dosing channel spacing is required.

[0007] The distance between two dosing channels, or between multiple dosing channels are typically referred to as spanning of the dosing channels or the pipettes arranged on the dosing channels. The spanning of the dosing channels can be uniform, i.e. the distance between dosing channels on one dosing tool are the same, or the spanning can differ and / or may be variable.

[0008] Most of the existing spanning dosing channel architectures are designed for a fixed number of dosing channels. Furthermore, the drive chains of individual variable spanning architectures are large and not cost effective. The solutions proposed in the art require a large building space, especially along the spanning direction of the y-axis traverse. Thus, the existing liquid handling devices having y-axis spanning address greater spanning widths with a large number of parts over the whole length of the y- axis traverse. Furthermore, the existing solutions require complex electronic control and regulation.

[0009] Thus, there is a need in the art for improved liquid handling tools with an improved flexibility in sample preparation and with reduced architectural complexity, which allows for a reduced footprint of the dosing tool. Or in other words, allows for even further miniaturisation of the dosing tool.

[0010] Summary

[0011] The present approach provides an improved flexibility in handling of samples by means of dosing tools and liquid handling devices having a scalable and individually adjustable spanning architecture.

[0012] The present disclosure relates in a first aspect to a dosing tool for receiving pipette tips for aspirating or dispensing a sample. The dosing tool comprises:

[0013] - a first dosing channel extending along a first longitudinal axis (Zi),

[0014] - a second dosing channel extending along a second longitudinal axis (Z2) with a spanning distance (A) to the first dosing channel along a transverse axis (Y2),

[0015] - a first linkage mechanism configured for engaging the first dosing channel and the second dosing channel, wherein the first linkage mechanism is further configured for converting a translational movement along the first longitudinal axis to a spanning movement along the transverse axis.

[0016] Within the current disclosure a dosing channel should be understood broadly as an element which is able to aspirate and / or dispense a sample, typically into a well plate, test tube or similar labware as previously discussed. There are different known technologies provided in the art for such aspiration and dispensing which the person skilled in the art may apply to the teachings herein.

[0017] As will be understood herein a linkage mechanism as disclosed herein provides a simple structure that enables varying spanning movement between dosing channels in a dosing tool with multiple dosing channels. Providing variable spanning movement allows for even further applications for liquid handling e.g. when using a liquid handling device together with the dosing tool as described herein. The simple structure also allows for easy scalability, e.g. increase or decrease of dosing channels in a dosing tool.

[0018] The first linkage mechanism engages with both the first dosing channel and the second dosing channel. The linkage mechanism can move longitudinally relative to the first dosing channel. The linkage mechanism is configured such that the translational (longitudinal) movement along the first longitudinal axis results in a spanning movement along the transverse axis changing the spanning distance ‘A’ between the first and the second dosing channel. Or in other words, moving the first and second dosing channel transversely relative to each other, such that the distance between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis increases or decreases.

[0019] The linkage mechanism can be considered to at least serve two functions. One function can be to engage the first dosing channel and the second dosing channel. Or in other words ensure that the first and second dosing channel are coupled together. As will be discussed herein this function can for example be realized by providing an engagement system of the linkage mechanism.

[0020] The second function can be to convert the translational movement along the first longitudinal axis to a spanning movement along the transverse axis. As will be discussed herein this function can for example be realized by providing a spanning unit of the linkage mechanism. As will be discussed the spanning unit may provide a linkage mechanism that can be used in a dosing tool where the number of channels can be scaled easily. This makes it easy to build new dosing tool variants based on changing customer needs in the number of channels since the basic mechanical structure can be the same whether the dosing tool comprises two dosing channels or twelve dosing channels.

[0021] A drive unit can be arranged for driving a translational movement, such as the longitudinal movement along the first longitudinal axis. The spanning distance between the first and the second dosing channel can therefore be controlled by means of the drive unit. Thus, it is possible to provide an individual variable spanning with a smaller distance between each dosing channel.

[0022] Additionally, because the spanning movement can be provided by the direct drive of the linkage mechanism on the dosing channels, the required motor power can be reduced. Advantageously, the heat input into the tooling is limited. Consequently, the sample handling can take place in a more controlled manner. Furthermore, the proposed configuration enables a compact part design, thereby reducing the required tooling space and manufacturing cost.

[0023] The present disclosure relates in a second aspect to a dosing tool for receiving a plurality of pipette tips for aspirating or dispensing samples. The dosing tool comprises:

[0024] - a first dosing channel (16) extending along a first longitudinal axis (Z1),

[0025] - a second dosing channel (20) extending along a second longitudinal axis (Z2) with a first spanning distance (A1) to the first dosing channel along a transverse axis (Y2),

[0026] - a third dosing channel (20) extending along a third longitudinal axis (Z3) with a second spanning distance (A2) to the second dosing channel along the transverse axis,

[0027] - a first linkage mechanism for engaging the first dosing channel (16) and the second dosing channel (20), wherein the first linkage mechanism is configured for converting a translational movement along the first longitudinal axis to a first spanning distance along the transverse axis, - a second linkage mechanism for engaging the second dosing channel (16) and the third dosing channel, wherein the second linkage mechanism is configured for converting a translational movement along the second longitudinal axis to a second spanning distance along the transverse axis.

[0028] With the present disclosure, it may be possible to provide three or more dosing channels. This implies that it may be possible to provide two or more linkage mechanisms. For example, a second linkage mechanism can be configured such that a translational movement along the second longitudinal axis results in a spanning movement along the transverse axis, thereby moving the third dosing channel transversely in the y-axis direction. A first drive unit driving the longitudinal movement along the first longitudinal axis can control the spanning distance between the first dosing channel and the second dosing channel, whereas a second drive unit driving the longitudinal movement along the second longitudinal axis can control the spanning distance between the second dosing channel and the third dosing channel. By arranging drive units for each linkage mechanism, the spanning distances between the plurality of dosing channels can be controlled individually and independently of each other. A great advantage of the present disclosure is that the disclosed dosing tools and liquid handling devices can be scalable over a desired number of dosing channels while enabling sample handling when utilising different labwares.

[0029] The present disclosure therefore addresses the scalability of dosing channels through a linkage mechanism which enables individual spanning between neighbouring dosing channels.

[0030] The present disclosure relates in a third aspect to a liquid handling device for handling laboratory samples. The liquid handling device comprises:

[0031] - a worktable area;

[0032] - multiple predefined workstations for laboratory items in the worktable area that have a format adapted to the footprint of a standardised microtiter plate,

[0033] - a carrier arm for moving tools above the work area; and

[0034] - at least one dosing tool as disclosed herein.

[0035] The geometrical arrangement, such as the distance between each dosing channel, can be variable based on the dosing process. Advantageously, more than one sample can be processed at a time, wherein the samples are aspirated and dispensed using different labware articles.

[0036] The present disclosure relates in a fourth aspect to a method for handling laboratory samples. The method comprises the steps of:

[0037] - providing a carrier arm for moving tools above a worktable area,

[0038] - providing a dosing tool according to the present disclosure and configured such that the dosing tool is movable by means of the carrier arm along a transverse axis (Y1) of the carrier arm.

[0039] In one embodiment the method comprises that the position of the first dosing channel is fixed relative to the carrier arm during operation and the position of the second dosing channel is moveable relative to the carrier arm during operation along the spanning distance (A).

[0040] Description of the drawings

[0041] The invention will in the following be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0042] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment a dosing tool comprising two dosing channels and an embodiment of a linkage mechanism between the two,

[0043] Fig. 2 shows the above embodiment of dosing tool with another embodiment of a linkage mechanism, and

[0044] Fig. 3, 4 and 5 shows in different spanning arrangements an embodiment of a dosing tool comprising a plurality of dosing channels with the embodiment of a linkage mechanism of Fig. 1 between neighbouring dosing channels.

[0045] Detailed description

[0046] The proposed dosing tool is provided for receiving pipette tips for aspirating or dispensing a sample. As used herein, samples refer to fluids, being mostly but not limited to liquids, which can be the actual sample processed, aliquots of sample but also any type of reagent, supernatant etc., which is dosed during automated sample processing. As used herein, liquid handling refers to the handling of samples as described herein. The present approach describes dosing tools, liquid handling device and dosing methods for the individual arrangement of the distance between at least two dosing channels. The linkage mechanism can arrange dosing channels according to the labware from which the samples are aspired and / or to which the samples are dispensed. Accordingly, the present disclosure can provide reformatting of the task in a liquid handling device or in a dosing tool.

[0047] The presently disclosed dosing tool comprises a plurality of dosing channels, each extending along a longitudinal axis. A first dosing channel extends along a first longitudinal axis, and a second neighbouring dosing channel extends along a second longitudinal axis. In an embodiment, the dosing channels are oriented longitudinally and parallel to one another. The distance between the two longitudinal axes along the transverse axis of two neighbouring dosing channels can be defined by a spanning distance. The dosing tool further comprises a linkage mechanism which engages with said two dosing channels. The linkage mechanism is configured to convert a translational movement of the linkage mechanism along the first longitudinal axis to a spanning movement along the transverse axis, such that the second dosing channel moves in the transverse direction relative to the first dosing channel.

[0048] At least one dosing channel, for example the first dosing channel can be fixed to a main driver, such as a carrier arm and may thus not move in the transverse direction, such as in the y-axis direction relative to the carrier arm. Preferably the at least one dosing channel is permanently fixed to the main drive.

[0049] In another embodiment it is the second, third or further dosing channel which is fixed to the main driver. E.g. a central dosing channel can be fixed to the main drive. On each side one or more dosing channels may be provided where an arrangement of linkage mechanisms are mirrored on each side of the central dosing channel. Alternatively, two dosing channels can be fixed to the main driver, where separate linkage mechanisms and dosing channels provides two individually moving assemblies where the spanning movement in each assembly is changed with reference to the respective dosing channel fixed to the main driver Alternatively, all of the dosing channels can move in the transverse direction relative to the carrier arm. This can for example be enabled by providing a spanning unit between the main driver and the first dosing channel.

[0050] In an embodiment, the dosing channels are movable along a horizontal axis of a main drive parallel to the transverse axis. In an embodiment, at least the first dosing channel comprises a runner connector configured for connecting the dosing channel to a horizontal axis, transverse to the longitudinal axes. Said horizontal axis can be an axis on which the main drive moves. Preferably, only the first dosing channel is attached to the main drive. This implies that in case of a dosing tool having two dosing channels, the first dosing channel can be attached to the main drive by means of the runner connector and, because the second neighbouring dosing channel is attached to the first dosing channel by means of the linkage mechanism, it is generally not needed to have a runner connection for the second dosing channel. Thus, the presently disclosed dosing tool can be compact and simple.

[0051] In an embodiment, the dosing tool comprises a first driver unit configured to drive the first linkage mechanism along the first dosing channel. In a further embodiment, the first driver unit comprises a spindle and a motor.

[0052] In an embodiment, the linkage mechanism comprises a spindle connector, such as a spindle nut, engaging with a spindle of the first driver unit. Thus, the rotational motion of the driver unit can be transferred to a linear motion of the linkage mechanism.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first linkage mechanism comprises an engagement system, which serves to engage or couple the first and second dosing channel together.

[0054] The engagement system can for example comprise a spindle connector for engaging with a spindle of the driver unit. As the spindle rotates the spindle connector will move back and forth (typically up and down in operation) creating a translational movement along the first longitudinal axis. The spindle connector, the spindle and the driver unit can for example be arrange on the first dosing channel.

[0055] The engagement system may further comprise a fixed bearing arranged to apply a force opposite the spindle connector such that when the drive unit is activated the fixed bearing and the spindle connector are either moved towards each other or away from each other in a translational movement along the first longitudinal axis.

[0056] The engagement system may further comprise a floating bearing arranged on the second dosing channel as will be further described herein. The floating bearing engages the linking mechanism to the second dosing channel.

[0057] In an embodiment, the first linkage mechanism comprises a spanning unit. The spanning unit can be configured for transforming the translational movement of the first linkage mechanism along the first dosing channel to the spanning movevement along the transverse axis.

[0058] In one embodiment the engagement system engages the first dosing channel and the second dosing channel via the spanning unit.

[0059] The spanning unit can be a mechanical connection, for example parts and linkages connected with mechanical joints. When the linkage mechanism is driven by the motor, the generated rotational movement can be transferred to the spindle of the driver unit. The spindle rotation can be transformed into a translational movement of the at least one part of the spanning unit relative to the first dosing channel. Due to the arrangement of the joints, this translational movement of said part of the spanning unit can move the at least second part of the spanning unit such that the distance between dosing channels increases or decreases.

[0060] In an embodiment, the spanning unit is an articulated joint. In a further embodiment, the articulated joint is configured to slide at a proximal end relative to the first dosing channel and fixed at a distal end relative to the first dosing channel. The articulated joint can engage with the spindle connector at the proximal end and can therefore move along the first longitudinal axis up and down relative to the first dosing channel. The articulated joint can at the distal end be fixed relative to the first dosing channel. The translational motion of the linkage mechanism along the first longitudinal axis can therefore be constrained at the distal end.

[0061] In a further embodiment, the articulated joint comprises at least two connecting elements linked by means of a coupling element, such as a floating bearing in between, wherein the coupling element is slidably and / or rotationally movable along the second dosing channel.

[0062] In an embodiment, the linkage mechanism comprises a coupling element configured for guiding the displacement along the transverse axis. In a further embodiment, the coupling element slidably and / or rotationally engages with the second dosing channel. In a further embodiment, the coupling element is a floating bearing. Thus, when the proximal end of the articulated joint moves along the first longitudinal axis, because the distal end of the articulated joint is constrained, the movement can be transferred to the floating bearing provided on the second dosing channel, thereby resulting in spanning of the second dosing channel relative to the first dosing channel. This implies that, in an embodiment, the first linkage mechanism is configured such that a change in the height of the first linkage mechanism is compensated by the spanning along the transverse axis.

[0063] As described above, in an embodiment, a distal end of the linkage mechanism is translationally stationary relative to the first dosing channel. In a further embodiment, the linkage mechanism comprises a fixed bearing at the proximal end arranged on the first dosing channel. The fixed bearing can be a separated part which is mounted on a support structure of the dosing channel. In an embodiment, the fixed bearing is a hinge joint rotatable on a plane parallel to the spanning and translational movement.

[0064] Generally, the spindle rotation can be transformed into a translational movement of the spindle connector. This translational movement can be used to move the linkage mechanism into another position, which increases the dosing channel distance between the first dosing channel and the second dosing channel.

[0065] In an alternative embodiment, the first linkage mechanism comprises a leaf spring. The leaf spring can be provided in a preloaded installation. Alternatively, the first linkage mechanism can be a solid body joint, which is elastically deformed to generate the spanning distance.

[0066] Similar to the articulated joint a proximal end of the leaf spring or the solid body joint is slidably arranged along the first longitudinal axis of the first dosing channel. Thus it can be moved along the first longitudinal axis using a spindle drive as discussed herein. Also similar to the articulated joint, a distal end of the leaf spring or the solid body joint is fixed relative to movement along the first longitudinal axis. Thus, as the proximal end is moved towards the distal end, the leaf spring or the solid body joint deforms away from the first longitudinal axis, transversely to the first longitudinal axis in a spanning movement along the transverse axis as described herein. Conversely, as the proximal end is moved away from the distal end, the leaf spring or the solid body joint deforms towards the first axis, transversely to the first longitudinal axis in a spanning movement along the transverse axis as described herein. In other words, as the two ends of the leaf spring or the solid body joint are pushed towards each other the spanning distance is increased, and as the two ends are moved away from each other the spanning distance decreases.

[0067] Accordingly, in one embodiment the spanning unit comprises a proximal end and a distal end as discussed herein. The proximal end is slidably arranged along the first longitudinal axis and the distal end is fixed relative to movement along the first longitudinal axis. Thus, as the proximal end is moved towards the distal end a spanning section of the spanning unit moves away from the first longitudinal axis, transversely to the first longitudinal axis in a spanning movement along the transverse axis as described herein. Conversely, as the proximal end is moved away from the distal end and the spanning section of the spanning unit moves towards the first axis, transversely to the first longitudinal axis in a spanning movement along the transverse axis as described herein. The spanning section of the spanning unit that moves away or towards the first longitudinal axis is typically arranged between the proximal and distal end.

[0068] The spanning section is preferably coupled to the second dosing channel such that when the proximal end and the distal end of the spanning unit moves relative to each other the movement of the spanning section will affect the second dosing channel movement it back and forth in a spanning movement as discussed herein.

[0069] Thus, the linkage mechanism may comprise a spanning unit as described and may further comprise an engagement unit as disclosed wherein the proximal end of the spanning unit engages the first dosing channel via a spindle connector, the distal end of the spanning unit engages the first dosing channel via a fixed bearing and the spanning section of the spanning unit engages the second dosing channel via a floating bearing.

[0070] In an embodiment, the dosing tool comprises a third dosing channel extending along a third longitudinal axis (Z3), and a second linkage mechanism for engaging the second dosing channel and the third dosing channel, wherein the second linkage mechanism is configured for converting a translational movement along the second longitudinal axis to a second spanning distance along the transverse axis between the second and the third dosing channels.

[0071] In an embodiment, the first spanning distance and the second spanning distance are equidistant or unequal. In an embodiment, the dosing tool is configured such that the first spanning distance and the second spanning distance are controlled individually. In an embodiment, the spanning distance is between 4.5 - 150 mm.

[0072] A great advantage of the present disclosure is that the disclosed dosing tools and liquid handling devices can be scalable over a desired number of dosing channels while enabling sample handling when using different labwares. The dosing tools and / or the liquid handling devices of the present disclosure can comprise eight dosing channels and seven linkage mechanisms. Thus, there may be seven spanning distances which may be the same and / or different from each other. The spanning distance can be between 2.25 - 200 mm, preferably between 4.5 - 150 mm.

[0073] Advantageously, the longitudinal movement of each linkage mechanism can be driven individually. Preferably, each linkage mechanism can be driven by a driver unit. In an embodiment, the liquid handling device comprises a plurality of dosing tools, wherein the distance between the drive units of neighbouring dosing tools is 4,5 mm or more, preferably 9 mm or more.

[0074] In an embodiment, at least one dosing tool comprises a first driver unit configured to drive the first linkage mechanism along the first dosing channel. In a further embodiment, the driver unit is connected to the carrier arm such that the at least one dosing tool is movable along a transverse axis of the carrier arm. Thus, the dosing tool(s), each having two or more dosing channels, can be connected to the carrier arm and movable along the y-axis main drive. This implies that the second dosing channel may not be connected to the y-axis main drive but the second dosing channel can move by means of a linkage mechanism provided in communication with the first dosing channel. In addition to the movement along the y-axis main drive of the carrier arm, the dosing tool(s) can potentially move in accordance with the movements of the carrier arm in any other directions.

[0075] The present disclosure further relates to a method for handling laboratory samples. The method comprises the step of providing a carrier arm for moving tools above a worktable area. The method further comprises the step of providing a dosing tool according to present disclosure and configured such that the dosing tool is movable by means of the carrier arm along a transverse axis (Yi) of the carrier arm, and wherein the position of the first dosing channel is fixed relative to the carrier arm during operation and the position of the second dosing channel is moveable relative to the carrier arm during operation along the spanning distance (A). In other words, the carrier arm forms an anchor point or reference point for the dosing tool as disclosed where the second dosing channel (and any additional dosing channels) can move relative to. However, in principle any of the dosing channels could serve as a point of reference (e.g. attached to the carrier arm) for the relative movement between the dosing channels. In a further embodiment, the method comprises the step of providing a dosing tool as described in the present disclosure.

[0076] In an embodiment, the method comprises the step of providing a liquid handling device, wherein the method comprises obtaining information of a well plate arranged on a working area in the liquid handling device, and obtaining information on the position of at least a first and a second well in the well plate comprising samples to be handled, adjusting the spanning distance (A) between the first channel and the second channel such that a pipette tip arranged on the first channel will communicate with the first well and a pipette tip arranged on the second channel will communicate with the second well during liquid handling operation. In a further embodiment, the spanning distance (A) corresponds to the distance between the first and the second well at least during liquid handling operation.

[0077] Accordingly, the dosing tool can be moved by the carrier arm along a horizontal axis. The position of the at least first dosing channel relative to the carrier arm may be fixed and the position of the at least second dosing channel can be moved relative to the carrier arm during operation along the spanning distance. Accordingly, the first pipette tip and the second pipette tip arranged in connection with the first dosing channel and the second dosing channel, respectively, can address the respective labware, such as a well plate, provided on the working area. In a further embodiment, the method comprises the step of providing a dosing tool as described in the present disclosure.

[0078] The method presented above can further adjust the spanning distance by means of the above described linkage mechanism based on the labware. Thus, reformatting tasks, such as changes in the labware, can be addressed more efficiently, for example without the need to change the dosing tool.

[0079] Detailed description of the drawings

[0080] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a layout of a dosing tool 1 . The dosing tool comprises a first dosing channel 16 extending vertically along axis B - B. The dosing tool 1 comprises a driver unit 5 provided at an upper proximal end 7 of the first dosing channel 16. The driver unit comprises a spanning motor 15, and a spindle 10. The spanning motor 15 turns the spindle 10, which drives a spindle nut 8. The spindle 10 has a threaded outer surface and the spindle nut 8 is arranged on the spindle and has cooperating inner surface structure that engages the threaded surface of the spindle. When the spindle 10 turns, the spindle nut 8 moves up and down on the spindle 10. There is a spring 6 provided above the spindle nut 8 for hysteresis compensation of the driver unit.

[0081] The spindle nut 8 is connected to an articulated joint 11 formed of first and second joint elements 12, 14. The articulated joint 11 can be seen as a part of the linkage mechanism. At a proximal end of the articulated joint 11 the first joint element 12 rotatably connects to the spindle nut 8 at a proximal pivot 9. The linkage mechanism further comprises a fixed bearing 18 and a floating bearing 22. The fixed bearing 18 is connected to the articulated joint 12, 14 at a distal end of the articulated joint, where the second joint element 14 is rotatably connected to the fixed bearing 18 at a distal pivot 3. The fixed bearing is fixed to the proximal end 4 of the first dosing channel 16. The floating bearing 22 provides a connection to a neighbouring dosing channel, that is a second dosing channel 26. The first joint element 12 and the second joint element 14 are rotatable connected to each other and the floating bearing at a middle pivot 13 in a middle section of the articulated joint where the articulated joint also is connected to the floating bearing 22. The proximal, distal and middle pivots 9, 3, 14 enable rotation around parallel pivot axes.

[0082] The floating bearing 22 provides the height compensation for the different spanning states between the neighbouring dosing channels. The floating bearing is slidably arranged on the on the second dosing channel. This allows it to move along the length of the second dosing channel as the spanning distance ‘A’ between the dosing channels changes. As the articulated joint is bent or stretched in order to change the spanning distance the floating bearing will exert a transverse force on the second dosing channel causing it to be pushed away or pulled towards the first dosing channel.

[0083] The first dosing channel 16 is attached to the Y-axis main drive by means of a connector to a Y-axis runner 26. The second dosing channel 26 is not connected to the Y-axis main drive but the second dosing channel 26 is moving by means of the linkage mechanism provided in communication with the first dosing channel.

[0084] The disclosed dosing tool is driven by the spanning motor 15 generating a rotational movement, which is provided to the spindle 10. The spindle rotation is transformed into a translational movement in the spindle nut 8 along axis B - B. This translational movement is used to move the articulated joint 12, 14 into another position as a result of which the spanning distance ‘A’ between the first dosing channel 16 and the second dosing channel 26 changes.

[0085] The spanning movement can be provided to the neighbouring dosing channel via the articulated joints 12, 14 or alternatively, a leaf spring 28 in preloaded installation (as shown in Fig. 2, where identical reference numbers has been used for identical parts) can be used.

[0086] The leaf spring 28 can be connected to the spindle connector, such as a spindle-nut 8, at a proximal end 28’ and to a fixed bearing 18 at a distal end 28”. The leaf spring 28 can be connected to the second dosing channel 26 at its mid-section 28”. This will cause the leaf spring 28 to move the second dosing channel in the spanning direction based on the translational movement of the spindle connector as the mid-section 28” performs a spanning movement. Furthermore the leaf spring 28 can be preloaded or the articulated joints 11 can be provided with a torsion spring 24 on the second dosing channel 26 between the first and second joint element at the middle pivot 14 in order to move the mechanism without any clearance. This preload is applied to avoid any undefined positioning of dosing channels via spanning movements.

[0087] Fig. 3 - 5 show different configuration of an embodiment of a dosing tool comprising a plurality of dosing channels and linkage mechanisms similar to that disclosed with reference to Fig. 1 above. The dosing tool comprises eight dosing channels 16, 26, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, 86 oriented longitudinally (extending in the z-axis direction) and parallel next to one another. Only the first dosing channel 16 is connected to the Y-axis, Yi - Yi , of the main drive 27. The dosing channels are movable along a horizontal axis (indicated with a grey dashed line) of the main drive 27 which corresponds to the transverse axis indicating the spanning movement direction. In other embodiments the horizontal axis of the main drive and the transverse axis of the spanning movement may be different, however, with respect to the figures they can be considered as being the same.

[0088] The dosing channels are connected to each other by means of seven linkage mechanisms 11 , 21 , 31 , 41 , 51 , 61 , 71 . The first dosing channel 16 extends along the first longitudinal axis in z-direction, the second dosing channel 26 extends along a second longitudinal axis with a first spanning distance Ai to the first dosing channel along a transverse y-axis. The third dosing channel 36 extends along a third longitudinal axis with a second spanning distance A2to the second dosing channel 26. Thus, for eight dosing channels, there are seven spanning distances. The first linkage mechanism 11 engages the first dosing channel 16 with the second dosing channel 26. The second linkage mechanism 21 engages the second dosing channel 26 with the third dosing channel 36. Similarly, the seventh linkage mechanism 71 engages the seventh dosing channel 76 with the eighth dosing channel 86.

[0089] In Fig. 3, the dosing tool is in an evenly-spanned configuration, such that the spanning distance between each dosing channel (1, 42 34, 45 6 7) k is the same, for example as a 9 mm spanning distance, corresponding to a dosing operation in a 96 well plate format. In Fig. 3 the spanning distances are small as possible as it is not physically possible to move the dosing channels closer to each other.

[0090] In Fig. 4, the dosing tool is in another evenly-spanned configuration, such that the neighbouring dosing channels are moved away from each other with a larger spanning distance between them compared to the spanned configuration in Fig. 3. In this example, the spanning distances between neighbouring dosing channels are equidistant, matching with dimensions of the consumable used to aspire samples from and / or dispense samples onto.

[0091] In Fig. 5, the dosing tool is in a variable spanned configuration, such that the neighbouring dosing channels are moved away from each other with a spanning distance. In this example, the spanning distances are different between each neighbouring dosing channel as respective first to seventh spanning motors 15, 25. 35, 45, 55, 65, 75 are controlled separately to the different positions of the linkage mechanisms. The linkage mechanisms are adjusted according to the consumables which must be addressed on the worktable. Thus an irregular pattern on the worktable can be addressed with the present dosing tool, as each of the spanning distances between neighbouring dosing channels can be adjusted individually.

[0092] Embodiments

[0093] 1 . A dosing tool (1 ) for receiving pipette tips for aspirating or dispensing a sample comprising:

[0094] - a first dosing channel (16) extending along a first longitudinal axis (Zi - Zi),

[0095] - a second dosing channel (26) extending along a second longitudinal axis (Z2-Z2) with a spanning distance (A) to the first dosing channel along a transverse axis (Y1 - Y1),

[0096] - a first linkage mechanism (11 ; 28) for engaging the first dosing channel (16) and the second dosing channel (26), wherein the first linkage mechanism is configured for converting a translational movement along the first longitudinal axis to a spanning movement along the transverse axis (Y1 - Y1).

[0097] 2. The dosing tool (1 ) according to embodiment 1 , wherein the dosing channels (16, 26, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, 86) are oriented longitudinally and parallel to one another and wherein the dosing channels are movable along a horizontal axis of a main drive (27) parallel to the transverse axis (Y1 - Y1).

[0098] 3. The dosing tool according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least the first dosing channel comprises a runner connector (27) configured for connecting the first dosing channel (16) to a horizontal axis transverse to the longitudinal axes.

[0099] 4. The dosing tool (1) according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a first driver unit (5) configured to drive the first linkage mechanism (11) along the first dosing channel (26).

[0100] 5. The dosing tool (1) according to embodiment 4, wherein the driver unit (5) comprises a spindle (10) and a motor (15).

[0101] 6. The dosing tool (1) according to any one of the embodiments 4 - 5, wherein the linkage mechanism comprises a spindle connector (8) engaging with a spindle (10) of a driver unit. 7. The dosing tool (1) according to any of the preceding embodiment, wherein the first linkage mechanism (11) comprises a spanning unit configured for transforming the translational movement of the first linkage mechanism (11 ; 28) along the first dosing channel (16) to the spanning movement along the transverse axis (Yi - Yi).

[0102] 8. The dosing tool (1) according to embodiment 7, wherein the spanning unit comprises an articulated joint (11).

[0103] 9. The dosing tool (1) according to embodiment 8, wherein the articulated joint

[0104] (11 ) is configured to slide at a proximal end and fixed at a distal end relative to the first dosing channel (16).

[0105] 10. The dosing tool (1) according to any one of embodiments 8 - 9, wherein the articulated joint (11) comprises at least two connecting elements (12, 14) linked by means of a coupling element (22) such as a floating bearing in between, wherein the coupling element is slidably and / or rotationally movable along the second dosing channel (26).

[0106] 11. The dosing tool (1) according to embodiment 7, wherein the first linkage mechanism comprises a leaf spring (28).

[0107] 12. The dosing tool (1) according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the linkage mechanism (11 ; 28) comprises a coupling element (22) configured for guiding the displacement along the transverse axis.

[0108] 13. The dosing tool (1) according to embodiment 12, wherein the coupling element (22) slidably and / or rotationally engages with the second dosing channel (26).

[0109] 14. The dosing tool (1 ) according to any one of embodiments 11 - 13, wherein the coupling element is a floating bearing (22).

[0110] 15. The dosing tool (1) according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first linkage mechanism (11 ; 28) is configured such that a change in the height of the first linkage mechanism (11 ; 28) is compensated by the spanning along the transverse axis. The dosing tool (1) according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a distal end of the linkage mechanism (11 ; 28) is translationally stationary relative to the first dosing channel (16). The dosing tool (1) according to embodiment 16, wherein the linkage mechanism (11 ; 28) comprises a fixed bearing (18) at the proximal end arranged on the first dosing channel (16). The dosing tool (1) according to embodiment 17, wherein the fixed bearing (18) is a hinge joint rotatable on a plane parallel to the spanning and translational movement. The dosing tool (1) according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a third dosing channel (36) and a second linkage mechanism (21) engaging the second dosing channel (26) and the third dosing channel (36). The dosing tool (1) according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising eight dosing channels (16, 26, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, 86) and seven linkage mechanisms (11 , 21 , 32, 41 , 51 , 61 , 71 ). A dosing tool for receiving a plurality of pipette tips for aspirating or dispensing samples comprising: a first dosing channel (16) extending along a first longitudinal axis (Zi - Zi), a second dosing channel (26) extending along a second longitudinal axis (Z2. Z2) with a first spanning distance (Ai) to the first dosing channel along a transverse axis (Yi - Yi), a third dosing channel (36) extending along a third longitudinal axis (Z3- Z3) with a second spanning distance (A2) to the second dosing channel along the transverse axis, a first linkage mechanism (11 ; 28) for engaging the first dosing channel (16) and the second dosing channel (26), wherein the first linkage mechanism (11 ;

[0111] 28) is configured for converting a translational movement along the first longitudinal axis (Zi - Zi) to a first spanning distance along the transverse axis, a second linkage mechanism (21) for engaging the second dosing channel (26) and the third dosing channel (36), wherein the second linkage mechanism (21) is configured for converting a translational movement along the second longitudinal axis (Z2.Z2) to the second spanning distance (A2) along the transverse axis. The dosing tool according to embodiment 21 , wherein the first spanning distance (Ai) and the second spanning distance (A2) are equidistant or unequal. The dosing tool according to any one of the embodiments 21 - 22, wherein the dosing tool is configured such that the first spanning distance (Ai) and the second spanning distance (A2) are controlled individually. The dosing tool according to any one of the embodiments 21 - 23, wherein the spanning distance (Ai, A2,..., A7) is between 4.5 - 150 mm. A liquid handling device for handling laboratory samples, comprising:

[0112] - a worktable area;

[0113] - multiple predefined workstations for laboratory items in the worktable area that have a format adapted to the footprint of a standardised microtiter plate,

[0114] - a carrier arm for moving tools above the work area;

[0115] - at least one dosing tool (1 ) according to any one of the preceding embodiments 1 - 20 connected to the carrier arm. The liquid handling device according to embodiment 25, wherein at least one dosing tool (1 ) comprises a first driver unit (5) configured to drive the first linkage mechanism (1 1 ; 28) along the first dosing channel and connected to the carrier arm such that the at least one dosing tool (1 ) is movable along a transverse axis (Y1 ) of the carrier arm. The liquid handling device according to embodiment 26, wherein the liquid handling device comprises a plurality of dosing tools (1 ), wherein the distance between the drive units of neighbouring dosing tools (1 ) is 4,5 mm or more, preferably 9 mm or more. A method for handling laboratory samples, the method comprising:

[0116] - providing a carrier arm for moving tools above a worktable area; providing a dosing tool (1) according to any one of the embodiments 1 - 20 and configured such that the dosing tool (1) is movable by means of the carrier arm along a transverse axis (Y1) of the carrier arm.

[0117] 29. The method according to embodiment 28, wherein the position of the first dosing channel (16) is fixed relative to the carrier arm during operation and the position of the second dosing channel (26) is moveable relative to the carrier arm during operation along the transverse axis (Yi - Yi).

[0118] 30. The method according to embodiment 28 or 29, further comprising the step of providing a dosing tool according to any one of the embodiments 21 - 24.

[0119] 31 . The method according to embodiment 28, further comprising the step of providing a liquid handling device according to any one of the embodiments 25- 27, wherein the method comprises

[0120] - obtaining information of a well plate arranged on a working area in the liquid handling device, and obtaining information on the position of at least a first and a second well in the well plate comprising samples to be handled,

[0121] - adjusting the spanning distance (Ai ) between the first dosing channel (16) and the second dosing channel (26) such that a pipette tip arranged on the first dosing channel (16) will communicate with the first well and a pipette tip arranged on the second dosing channel (26) will communicate with the second well during liquid handling.

[0122] 32. The method according to embodiment 31 , wherein the spanning distance (Ai ) corresponds to the distance between the first and the second well at least during liquid handling.

Claims

Claims1 . A dosing tool (1 ) for receiving pipette tips for aspirating or dispensing a sample comprising:- a first dosing channel (16) extending along a first longitudinal axis (Zi - Zi),- a second dosing channel (26) extending along a second longitudinal axis (Z2-Z2) with a spanning distance (A) to the first dosing channel along a transverse axis (Y1 - Y1),- a first linkage mechanism (11 ; 28) for engaging the first dosing channel (16) and the second dosing channel (26), wherein the first linkage mechanism is configured for converting a translational movement along the first longitudinal axis to a spanning movement along the transverse axis (Y1 - Y1).

2. The dosing tool (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the dosing channels (16, 26, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, 86) are oriented longitudinally and parallel to one another and wherein the dosing channels are movable along a horizontal axis of a main drive (27) parallel to the transverse axis (Y1 - Y1).

3. The dosing tool (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least the first dosing channel comprises a runner connector (27) configured for connecting the first dosing channel (16) to a horizontal axis transverse to the longitudinal axes.

4. The dosing tool (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a first driver unit (5) configured to drive the first linkage mechanism (11) along the first dosing channel (26).

5. The dosing tool (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first linkage mechanism (11 ; 28) comprises a spanning unit configured for transforming the translational movement of the first linkage mechanism (11 ; 28) along the first dosing channel (16) to the spanning movement along the transverse axis (Y1 - Y1).

6. The dosing tool (1) according to claim 5, wherein the spanning unit comprises an articulated joint (11 ).

7. The dosing tool (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the articulated joint (11 ) is configured to slide at a proximal end and fixed at a distal end relative to the first dosing channel (16).

8. The dosing tool (1 ) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the articulated joint (1 1 ) comprises at least two connecting elements (12, 14) linked by means of a coupling element (22) such as a floating bearing in between, wherein the coupling element (22) is slidably and / or rotationally movable along the second dosing channel (26).

9. The dosing tool (1 ) according to any one of the claims 1 - 5, wherein the spanning unit comprises a leaf spring (28).

10. The dosing tool (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first linkage mechanism (1 1 ; 28) is configured such that a change in the height of the first linkage mechanism (1 1 ; 28) is compensated by the spanning along the transverse axis (Yi - Yi).11 . The dosing tool (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a distal end (3; 28”) of the linkage mechanism (1 1 ; 28) is translationally stationary relative to the first dosing channel (16).

12. The dosing tool (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a third dosing (36) channel and a second linkage mechanism (21 ) engaging the second dosing channel (26) and the third dosing channel (35).

13. A dosing tool for receiving a plurality of pipette tips for aspirating or dispensing samples comprising: a first dosing channel (16) extending along a first longitudinal axis (Zi - Zi), a second dosing channel (26) extending along a second longitudinal axis (Z2. Z2) with a first spanning distance (Ai) to the first dosing channel along a transverse axis (Yi - Yi), a third dosing channel (36) extending along a third longitudinal axis (Z3- Z3) with a second spanning distance (A2) to the second dosing channel (26) along the transverse axis,a first linkage mechanism (11 ; 28) for engaging the first dosing channel (16) and the second dosing channel (26), wherein the first linkage mechanism (11 ;28) is configured for converting a translational movement along the first longitudinal axis (Zi - Zi) to a first spanning distance along the transverse axis, a second linkage mechanism (21) for engaging the second dosing channel (26) and the third dosing channel (36), wherein the second linkage mechanism (21) is configured for converting a translational movement along the second longitudinal axis (Z2.Z2) to the second spanning distance (A2) along the transverse axis.

14. A liquid handling device for handling laboratory samples, comprising:- a worktable area;- multiple predefined workstations for laboratory items in the worktable area that have a format adapted to the footprint of a standardised microtiter plate,- a carrier arm for moving tools above the work area;- at least one dosing tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 12 connected to the carrier arm.

15. The liquid handling device according to claim 14, wherein at least one dosing tool (1) comprises a first driver unit (15) configured to drive the first linkage mechanism (11) along the first dosing channel (16) and connected to the carrier arm such that the at least one dosing tool (1) is movable along a transverse axis (Yi - Yi) of the carrier arm.

16. A method for handling laboratory samples, the method comprising:- providing a carrier arm for moving tools above a worktable area;- providing a dosing tool (1) according to any one of the claims 1 - 12 and configured such that the dosing tool (1 ) is movable by means of the carrier arm along a transverse axis (Yi - Yi) of the carrier arm.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the position of the first dosing channel (26) is fixed relative to the carrier arm during operation and the position of the second dosing channel (36) is moveable relative to the carrier arm during operation along the transverse axis (Yi - Yi).

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