Removable lid and instructions for use with automation capabilities

Abstract

Minimize evaporation of reagents or samples stored in containers used in automated equipment. [Solution] An automated, removable lid is provided. The removable lid includes a top surface surrounded by a peripheral rim. The removable lid further includes a diaphragm portion configured to receive an extractor, such as a pipette tip, through which it is inserted. The diaphragm portion is further configured to grip the extractor to facilitate the removal of the lid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a removable lid for an automated system and a method for removing such a lid. The objectives of the lid and the method may include minimizing the evaporation of reagents or samples stored in a container used in an automated device and protecting the reagents and samples in such a device from light.

Background Art

[0002] Many automated systems require the removal of a lid used to cover a container. Such automated systems may be used within an automated device. Such automated devices may also include robotic gripper arms, robotic pipetting systems, or other handling mechanisms for manipulating multi-well plates, plate lids, pipette tips, and other consumables. They may manipulate samples and reagents stored in a container during a prolonged experiment. These experiments can be extended for up to 8 hours or more. Liquids, samples, or other reagents placed in an open container are exposed to the internal or ambient (e.g., external) atmosphere and may evaporate or be exposed to light.

[0003] Evaporation causes the loss of components contained in the reagent or sample, such as volatile components, thereby changing the concentration of dissolved substances in the reagent or sample. Exposure to light can also have a harmful effect on components of the reagent or sample that are photosensitive. These effects can potentially affect the activity and / or quantity of the reagent or sample. For certain reagents or samples, an open container can be particularly important when placed within the system for several hours before use. Also, for reagents or samples containing components with high vapor pressures, such as ethanol and acetonitrile, the effects of evaporation can be significant over a much shorter period. Similarly, for photosensitive reagents or samples, exposure to light can be harmful after a short or long period depending on the sensitivity of the components to light.

[0004] Various approaches have been attempted to control reagent evaporation using additional robotic hardware to complement automated liquid handling systems. For example, automated analytical devices may include lid opening and closing hardware. Such hardware may include, for instance, mechanical systems and robotic components configured to facilitate lid opening. However, having additional robotic hardware to open and close the lids of reagent containers within an automated analytical system adds further complexity.

[0005] Embodiments provided herein address these aforementioned drawbacks in providing a lid that facilitates both the addition of reagents and other substances through the lid and the automatic removal of the lid. [Overview of the project]

[0006] The present invention relates to a substance containment system adapted for use in a system, for example, an assay system. The substance containment system includes a container having a body adapted for holding reagents or samples, and at least one lid configured to rest on the container.

[0007] In one embodiment, a lid adapted for use in an automated system is provided. The lid includes a top surface, a rim positioned on the periphery of the top surface, comprising a periphery and at least one skirt, the periphery being configured to rest on the lip portion of the container, and a plurality of corner segments of the top surface defined by a notch pattern on the top surface and defining a diaphragm portion on the top surface, the plurality of corner segments being configured to grip the extractor by a frictional force such that the lid is removed from the container when the extractor is pulled away from the container.

[0008] In one embodiment, a material containment system for use in an automated system is provided. The material containment system includes a container configured to contain a material and a lid configured to cover the container, the lid comprising a top surface, a rim positioned on the periphery of the top surface, comprising a periphery and at least one skirt, the periphery being configured to rest on the lip portion of the container, and a plurality of corner segments of the top surface defined by a notch pattern and defining a diaphragm portion of the top surface, the corner segments being configured to grip the extractor by a frictional force such that an extractor is inserted through the notch pattern and the lid is removed from the container when the extractor is pulled away from the container.

[0009] The mass of the lid may be less than about 5 grams, preferably about 2.5 grams or less than about 1 gram, more preferably less than about 0.75 grams. The extractor may be equipped with at least one pipette tip. The corner segments are preferably coated with a friction-enhancing material. In one embodiment, at least one lid is equipped with four corner segments. In another embodiment, at least one lid is equipped with a plurality of disposable lids. At least one lid may be attached to a perforated liquid-tight layer.

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

[0011] In one embodiment, a method is provided for removing a lid from a container in an automated system. The method includes placing a lid on a container to cover a sample or reagent inside the container, the lid having a notched pattern; piercing the lid with an extractor through the notched pattern; moving the extractor away from the container by friction while the lid is attached; and discarding the extractor and the lid.

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

[0013] The extractor may be equipped with at least one pipette tip, and at least one container may be covered with another lid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting exemplary embodiments and form part of this specification, to be read together with them, and similar parts are indicated in various drawings using similar reference numerals.

[0015] [Figure 1] This shows a pipette tip that has a notched pattern and penetrates the lid covering the reagent container. [Figure 2(a)] This is a cross-sectional view of a container and a removable lid according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 2(b)] This is a top view of a removable lid according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 2(c)] This is an exploded view of a container and a removable lid according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 3(a)]It is a top perspective view of a removable lid according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 3(b)] It is a side view of the lid of a removable lid according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 3(c)] It is a top perspective view of a removable lid according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 3(d)] It is a cross-sectional view of the removable lid of FIG. 3(c) along line 3(d) according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 3(e)] It is a cross-sectional view of the removable lid of FIG. 3(c) along line 3(e) according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 4(a)] It is a 3D stress plot of a removable lid having a displaced diaphragm portion according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 4(b)] It is a 3D displacement plot of a removable lid having a displaced diaphragm portion according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 4(c)] It is a 3D stress plot of a removable lid having a displaced diaphragm portion according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 4(d)] It is a 3D displacement plot of a removable lid having a displaced diaphragm portion according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 4(e)] It is a 3D stress plot of a removable lid having a displaced diaphragm portion according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 4(f)] It is a 3D displacement plot of a removable lid having a displaced diaphragm portion according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 5(a)] It is an exploded view of a removable lid sized and dimensioned for a multi-well plate according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 5(b)] It is an exploded view of a removable lid sized and dimensioned for a multi-well plate according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 6] It is an exploded view of a composite of a removable lid according to an embodiment of the present specification.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] An automated instrument is a device that, after being loaded with a sample, assay consumable, or reagent to be analyzed, performs an analysis or assay according to instructions substantially without input from a technician. Such automated instruments often include an automated liquid handling system. The duration of an analysis or assay performed by an automated instrument can be extended for several hours, during which time reagents such as tripropylamine (TPA), ethanol, and acetonitrile, or a portion of the sample, can evaporate. Other reagents or samples can be sensitive to light. Thus, reagent containers, sample containers (e.g., assay plates), troughs, and other containers associated with the use of an automated instrumentation system frequently require lids.

[0017] Conventional methods, systems, and devices for removing lids can introduce several drawbacks. First, the robotic arms (or other robotic lid removal devices) employed to remove lids in some existing systems can collide with or otherwise interfere with the automated pipetting heads in these systems. The automated robotic lid removal device and the automated pipettor can both operate independently, but they can operate within the same volume and thus there can be a risk of contacting, colliding with, or otherwise interfering with each other.

[0018] Secondly, system execution time (e.g., the time to perform all steps of the assay) can be significantly prolonged due to the need to introduce a robotic lid removal device to remove the lid during assay execution. The lid may be left in the container within the system for as long as possible to reduce evaporation and other problems that can occur with an open container. Therefore, pipetting operations must be temporarily interrupted to allow the lid to be removed by the robotic lid removal device. In some cases, to ensure that the robotic lid removal device and the automated pipette do not interfere with each other, the automated pipette may be removed from the working volume to allow the robotic lid removal device to be introduced. Swapping the two automated components in the working volume can add considerable time to assay execution.

[0019] Thirdly, the switching between the robotic lid removal device and the automated pipette increases the time that reagents, samples, and other fluids are exposed to the lidless environment before pipetting occurs. Therefore, although the lid prevents evaporation while covering the container, the time required to switch the automated component creates a period during which evaporation can occur.

[0020] Fourthly, in some systems, the robotic lid removal device is designed and optimized to work with specific types of lids that have particular characteristics. This necessitates the use of specific lids in certain systems. Therefore, the use of different types of lids that may be supplied for different types of products may be limited.

[0021] Aspects of this disclosure address each of these shortcomings. This disclosure covers removable lids for troughs, reagent containers, assay plates, and other containers, as well as methods of using them. As disclosed herein, lids and containers may constitute a material containment system. The lids are configured to be removed from the containers by an automated, semi-automated, or manual operating system, such as a robot or automated pipette. Such a robotic system may be part of an automated apparatus.

[0022] As disclosed herein and described in more detail below, a removable lid includes a slit or notch that creates or defines a diaphragm portion of the lid by defining an angular segment that bends to allow one or more extractors, such as pipette tips, to penetrate the lid. The angular segment is further configured to grip the extractor after it enters the lid. When the extractor or pipette head is lifted and removed from the container, the lid is also lifted and removed by the gripping force of the angular segment. In embodiments, when an automated operating system discharges the extractor into a solid waste container, the lid is also discarded. Thus, the removable lids disclosed herein are configured to allow lifting and removal by a pipette head of an automated pipetting system.

[0023] Therefore, the removable lid addresses the problems discussed above by eliminating the need to use a specific robotic lid removal device to achieve lid removal. By employing an automated pipetting system for the lid removal task, many of the drawbacks associated with automated lid removal systems can be reduced or eliminated. Firstly, since it is not necessary to operate both the robotic lid removal device and the automated pipetting system in the same working volume, the possibility of collision, contact, and / or interference between such systems can be greatly reduced. Secondly, since it is not necessary to operate both the robotic lid removal device and the automated pipetting system in the same working volume, there is no need to switch between one automated component and another. This eliminates the extra execution time caused by such switching. Thirdly, since the automated pipetting system used to remove the lid can be used immediately for pipetting purposes without the need to switch automated systems in the working volume, evaporation can be reduced. Finally, the removable lid disclosed herein may offer increased universality. Since the removable lids disclosed herein are configured to be removed by a pipetting head, they may eliminate the need for a corresponding robotic gripper or lid removal device specifically designed / configured. Therefore, removable lids such as those described herein may be compatible with a wider range of existing systems.

[0024] While some reagent containers exist with lids securely fitted with features that allow pipette heads to pass through, these differ significantly from the lids disclosed in this embodiment. Probes, such as pipette tips, push aside these fitted lids to access the liquid reagents inside the container. These lids must remain on the reagent container throughout the operation of the automated system. If such lids grip the pipette head in a manner consistent with the embodiments described herein, they may not function as intended and could cause system and assay failure. Disadvantages of such fitted lids with slits include that they remain attached to or adhered to the reagent container, that accessing the liquid contents requires firmly aligning the probe with the slit each time the liquid reagent is needed for analysis, and that relatively large force is required to push aside the pass-through features of the elastomer lid.

[0025] The embodiments discussed herein relate to the use of a pipette head as an extractor, but other suitable extractors may be used, including any device or structure having the shape and size of a pipette head. The extractor does not have to be a pipette head, which may be convenient as it eliminates the need to add additional material to the system. Some embodiments may include structures configured for use in an automated pipetting system that do not possess all the features of a pipette head. For example, such structures may have a solid core and / or be made from a different material than a pipette head.

[0026] This disclosure further relates to methods for removing lids from containers in systems or instruments, including but not limited to automated instruments. The methods may be useful, for example, for minimizing evaporation or light exposure within automated systems or instruments, and for mitigating the aforementioned drawbacks associated with some robotic lid removal devices and / or systems. In the disclosed methods, lids are provided that removably fit onto the lip or upper portion of a reagent or sample container. An operator of the system or instrument may place the lids on these containers before loading the laboratory equipment into the system or instrument. The lids may be retained in place until the sample or reagent in the container is used, to minimize evaporation or light exposure. The lids may be punctured through a notched pattern or diaphragm portion using an extractor, preferably a disposable pipette tip attached to an automated pipetting system or liquid handling / operating system. Frictional or gripping forces between the extractor and the lid keep the lid attached to or adhering to the extractor. The lid is removed when the extractor is lifted away from the container, and discarded when the extractor is released. The advantage of the disclosed method is that it does not require the complex removal or lid removal devices described in the prior art. Furthermore, the method of the invention simplifies the lid removal process by using consumables that are typically included in automated assay equipment, such as pipette tips as extractors, to remove the lid.

[0027] In non-limiting embodiments, the lids of the disclosed disclosure may be used in automation technologies, including, but are not limited to, partially automated systems, such as one or more modular devices or fully integrated automated devices. Alternatively, the disclosed lids may be used in any assay or liquid handling or operating system.

[0028] An exemplary automated system or automated equipment (modular and fully integrated) may include the following automation subsystems: a computer subsystem that may include hardware (e.g., personal computers, laptops, hardware processors, disks, keyboards, displays, printers), software (e.g., drivers, driver controllers, and data analyzers), and databases; a liquid handling or operation subsystem, e.g., sample handling and reagent handling, e.g., robotic pipetting heads, syringes, agitators, ultrasonic mixers, magnetic mixers; a sample, reagent, and consumable storage and handling subsystem, e.g., robotic manipulators, tube or cap or foil punching devices, cap removal devices, linear and circular conveyors, and other transport equipment. Containers, and robotic manipulators, tube racks, plate carriers, trough carriers, pipette tip carriers, plate shakers; for example, fluid-based and consumable-based assay reaction subsystems (such as tubes and multiwell plates); container and consumable washing subsystems, such as plate washing devices; for example, flow cell, tube, and plate-type magnetic separators or magnetic particle concentrators; detection subsystems such as colorimetric, fluorescence, and ECL detectors; temperature control subsystems, such as air handling, air cooling, air heating, fans, blowers, and water baths; waste subsystems, such as liquid and solid waste containers; globally unique identifier (GUI) detection subsystems, such as 1D and 2D barcode scanners such as flatbed and pen-type scanners, and RFID reading devices.

[0029] A system or module that performs sample preparation can be combined with (or attached to, adjacent to, or robotically linked to) systems or modules that perform assays, detections, or both. Multiple modular systems of the same type can be combined to increase throughput. Modular systems can be combined with modules that perform other types of analysis, such as chemical analysis, biochemical analysis, and nucleic acid analysis.

[0030] Automated systems consistent with this disclosure may enable batch, random access, and point-of-care workflows, as well as single, medium, and high sample throughput. The system may comprise, for example, one or more of the following devices: plate sealers (e.g., Skymark), plate washers (e.g., TECAN, Biotech), reagent dispensers and / or automated pipetting stations and / or liquid handling stations (e.g., Skymark, Lab systems, Beckman, TECAN), incubators (e.g., Skymark), plate shakers (e.g., Skymark), compound libraries or sample storage units and / or compound and / or sample recovery modules. One or more of these devices may be coupled to the apparatus of the invention via a robotic assembly, thereby enabling the entire assay process to be performed automatically. According to a further embodiment, containers (e.g., plates) are moved manually between the apparatus and various devices by manually moving them (e.g., stacks of plates).

[0031] The automated system may be configured to perform one or more of the following functions: (a) moving consumables such as plates into, out of, and into the detection subsystem; (b) moving consumables between other subsystems; (c) storing consumables; (d) handling samples and reagents (adapted to, for example, mix reagents and / or introduce reagents into consumables); (e) shaking consumables (for example, to mix reagents and / or to increase reaction rates); (f) washing consumables (e.g., washing plates and / or performing assay washing steps (e.g., well aspiration)); (g) measuring ECL in flow cells or consumables such as tubes or plates. The automated system may be configured to handle multi-well plates such as 96 or 384-well plates.

[0032] Exemplary automated systems are discussed and described in the jointly owned international patent applications published above, entitled “Integrated Consumable Data Management System & Platform” Nos. 2018 / 017156 and 2017 / 015636, and in the international patent application published above, entitled “High Throughput System for Performing Assays Using Electrochemiluminescence including a Consumable Shaking Apparatus” No. 2016 / 164477. These three references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0033] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) illustrate a container and a removable lid consistent with embodiments of the specification. The lid (10a) and the container (14a) constitute a material containment system (5a). The removable lid (10a) includes a top surface (13a) having a rim (27a) positioned around its outer circumference or periphery. The top surface (13a) is a substantially planar portion of the material. The removable lid (10a) further includes at least one intersecting notch pattern (12) configured to define a diaphragm portion (17a) and cover the container (14a). The intersecting notch pattern (12) includes at least two intersecting notches penetrating the top surface (13a) of the removable lid (10a) and may define the diaphragm portion (17a) by forming a star-shaped pattern that generates a plurality of corner segments (16a). As illustrated, the lid (10a) may include a notch pattern (12a) to allow an extractor, such as a pipette tip (1021) illustrated in Figure 1, from a robot or automated pipetting system, to be inserted through it. The lid (10a) is constructed with a depth (d) to allow the lid (10a) to rest securely on top of the container (14a), as described below. Once inserted through the cruciform notch, the extractor / pipette tip (1021) may be used to lift the lid (10a) from the container (14a) for transport and dispose of it in a solid waste container.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2(a), the lid (10a) can be removably seated on the upper edge of the container (14a) without significantly adhering to, contacting, or gripping the vertical side surface of the container. The lid (10a) includes a rim (27a) comprising an upper periphery (11a), an outer skirt (18a), and an inner skirt (19a). The inner skirt (19a) projects substantially vertically upward from the outer periphery of the upper surface (13a) of the lid (10a). The upper periphery (11a) extends horizontally from the inner skirt (19a) to form an annular surface. The outer skirt (18a) projects substantially vertically downward from the outer periphery of the upper periphery (11a). Thus, the rim (27a) defines an annular recess (28a) having a diameter suitable for resting on the upper rim (25a) of the container (14a). The lower surface of the upper periphery (11a) is configured to rest on the container (14a), and the rim (27a) may be configured not to grip the container (14a) or to be attached to the container (14a) in any other way. The outer skirt (18a) may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the upper rim (25a) of the container (14a). The inner skirt (19a) may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the upper rim (25a) of the container (14a). Thus, frictional contact between the rim (27a) and the container (10a) is minimized or reduced to zero or near zero.

[0035] As illustrated, the notch pattern (12a) may include two intersecting segment notches that form four corner segments (16a) of the diaphragm portion (17a). The notch pattern (12a) may have any preferred number of intersecting segments, e.g., three, four, or five segments, and a corresponding number of corner segments (16a), e.g., six, eight, or ten corner segments. The material and surface roughness of the lid (10a) are selected in conjunction with the material and surface roughness of the extractor, such as the pipette tip (1021), so that the frictional force between the extractor and the corner segments (16a) is sufficient to support the weight of the lid (10a) so that the segments (16a) can grip the extractor during the lifting operation. The frictional forces between the periphery (11a) and the container (14a), and between the skirts (18a, 19a) and the container (14a), are minimal or near zero, if any, due to the play in the fitting of the lid (10a) on the container (14a). If the sample or reagent wets the lid (10a), a small amount of surface tension may exist between the sample or reagent contained in the container and the lid (10a). The corner segment (16a), together with the extractor, is configured to generate a lifting force greater than the weight of the lid (10a) plus any friction or surface tension that holds the lid (10a) to the container (14a).

[0036] In further embodiments, the upper rim (25a) may be configured to provide a gripping or frictional force on the container (14a) that is less than the force generated through the diaphragm portion (17a) by the extractor used to lift the lid (10a) when added to the weight of the lid (10a). In further embodiments, the inner skirt (19a) and outer skirt (18a) may protrude from the lid (10a) and the periphery (11a) at angles other than substantially perpendicular to the lid (10a). In further embodiments, the lid (10a) may be of a shape other than circular, e.g., square and / or rectangular. In such embodiments, the periphery (10a) may not be annular in shape, but may be molded to fit the outer circumference of the lid (10a) regardless of its shape.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the corner segments (16a) may be coated with a friction-enhancing material such as an adhesive to increase their tackiness. After the extractor is inserted through the notch pattern (12a), the friction-enhancing layer increases the coefficient of friction, thereby increasing the frictional force applied when the lid (10a) is removed. When the friction-enhancing layer is used, lids with greater weight can be lifted. Alternatively, the friction-enhancing layer may be coated on the extractor, or on both the extractor and the notch pattern.

[0038] The lid (10a) may be made from a relatively rigid or non-elastomer material such as polyester, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or polycarbonate. Thus, the flexibility of the lid (10a) may be provided by the notch pattern. The lid (10a) may be thermoformed or vacuum-formed, and the notch pattern (12a) may be punched out. Thermoforming is a process in which a plastic sheet is heated and its shape is formed on a mold using air pressure, while vacuum forming is a similar process, but uses vacuum instead of air pressure. The lid (10a) may be made from polystyrene, polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), or any other material commonly used in biological research. Furthermore, the lid 10(a) may be made from a conductive, antistatic, and / or electrostatic dissipative material.

[0039] To further minimize inconsistent evaporation and condensation, the lid (10a) may be made from a hydrophobic polymer and / or other hydrophobic material. In embodiments, the bottom of the lid (10a) may be coated with a hydrophobic coating or otherwise made hydrophobic.

[0040] The mass of the lids disclosed herein may typically be, for example, less than about 5 grams or less than about 2.5 grams. The mass of the lids may further be less than about 1 gram or less than about 0.75 grams. For example, the lids (10c) illustrated in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) may have a mass of about 0.67 grams. The weight of the lids is simply calculated based on the gravitational constant at sea level of about 9.8 m / s². 2This is a mass multiplier of . The weight of the lid (10c) shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) is approximately 0.006566 kilopound-force (or kilograms-force), which corresponds to 0.0144452 lbf or 0.231 ounces-force. One pound-force (lbf) is the product of gravity at sea level multiplied by 1 pound-force.

[0041] A lid as disclosed herein may have a weight of less than about 1.5 weight ounces, preferably less than about 1.25 weight ounces. In examples, the weight may be less than about 1 weight ounce, less than about 0.75 weight ounces, or less than about 0.5 weight ounces.

[0042] Lids consistent with the embodiments herein may be made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) having a top thickness of approximately 0.0025 inches to approximately 0.030 inches, approximately 0.005 inches to approximately 0.020 inches, or approximately 0.0125 inches to approximately 0.0175 inches, or approximately 0.015 inches. Lids may be made from transparent plastic such as PVC to allow visual confirmation of whether reagents are present in the container before loading. Lids may be made from opaque materials such as high-impact polystyrene if the reagents are photosensitive. Lids may also be UV (ultraviolet) resistant and may be made from UV-resistant materials or coated with a UV-resistant coating, for example.

[0043] Figure 2(c) illustrates a lid (10b) and container (14b) consistent with the embodiments herein. The lid (10b) and container (14b) constitute a material containment system (5b). The lid (10b) is similar to the lid (10a) illustrated in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), and includes all the features and functionality of the lid (10a) unless expressly stated otherwise. The lid (10b) includes a rim (27b) having an inner skirt (19b) and a periphery (11b) similar to those of the rim (27a), but without an outer skirt. The inner skirt (19b) protrudes upward from the outer circumference of the lid (10b). The periphery (11b) provides an annular surface that protrudes horizontally from the inner skirt (19b) and provides a surface that rests on the upper edge (25b) of the container (14b). In further embodiments, the inner skirt (19a) may protrude from the lid (10b) at an angle other than substantially perpendicular to the lid (10b). The lid (10b) can be operated by the extractor in the same manner as the lid (10a) described above.

[0044] Friction is well understood to be the product of the normal force, i.e., the resultant force perpendicular to the contact surfaces, multiplied by the coefficient of friction between the two contacting surfaces. In this embodiment, the extractor is in substantially static contact with segment (16b), so the coefficient of friction is a static coefficient. The normal force is provided by the spring-like force applied to the extractor by segment (16b).

[0045] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate additional embodiments of a removable lid (10c) consistent with the present disclosure. The lid (10c), in conjunction with a suitable container (not shown), may constitute a material containment system (not shown). The lid (10c) is similar to lids (10a) and 10(b) and incorporates all the features and functionalities of lids (10a) and 10b unless expressly stated otherwise. The lid (10c) is sized and dimensional to fit a reagent container having a rectangular prism shape and has two sets of notch patterns (12c) defining two diaphragm portions (17c) on its upper surface (13c). The lids in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are designed to fit a container such as the container (1018) illustrated in Figure 1. Two pipette tips (1021), controlled by a robotic pipetting system or automated robotic arm, may be inserted into the lid (10c). Next, the lid is secured or attached to the pipette tip by friction, and when the pipette tip (1021) is lifted away from the container (1018), the lid (10c) is also lifted away. When the pipette tip (1018) is released and discarded, the lid (10c) is also released. The robotic pipetting system can then obtain an additional pipette tip to draw out the sample or reagent from the open container (1018) and perform or continue the assay or analysis. The lid (10c) shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) includes a rim (27c) which includes a periphery (11c) surrounding the outer circumference of the top surface (13c) and an outer skirt (18c) protruding from the periphery (11c), but does not include an inner skirt. The outer skirt (18c) is further configured to surround the upper edge of the container on which the lid (10c) is placed. The outer skirt (18c) may help prevent the lid (10c) from sliding off or falling away from the container.

[0046] Figures 3(c) to 3(e) illustrate a removable lid (10d) and container (14d) consistent with the embodiments herein. The lid (10d) and container (14d) constitute a material containment system (5d). The lid (10d) is similar to lids (10a), 10(b), and 10(c), and incorporates all the features and functionalities of lids (10a), 10(b), and 10(c) unless expressly stated otherwise. Figures 3(c) to 3(e) illustrate an embodiment in which the entire rim (27d) is configured to rest inside the periphery of the lip of the container (14d) which is covered by the lid (10d).

[0047] The rim (27d) is formed around the lid (10d) by an inner skirt (19d) projecting almost vertically downward from the top surface (13d) of the lid (10d), a peripheral edge (11d) projecting almost horizontally in all directions from the inner skirt (19d), and an outer skirt (19d) projecting almost vertically upward from the peripheral edge (11d) around the peripheral edge (11d). Furthermore, the lid (10d) includes an outer lip (35) projecting almost horizontally from the outer skirt (18d). The lid (10d) is configured such that the outer lip (35) can rest on the upper edge of the container (14d) while the rim (27d) is positioned inside the container (14d). Furthermore, the outer lip (35) may be configured so that it does not extend beyond the upper edge (25d) of the container (14d). In this way, multiple containers (14) can be arranged side by side. The size of the rim (27) may be configured to provide a secure but removable fit to the lid (10d) on top of the container. The rim (27d) may be configured such that the weight of the lid, combined with the frictional force between the outer skirt (18d) and the inner edge of the container (14d), is less than the frictional force applied to the extractor, provided by the corner segments (16d) during the removal operation.

[0048] In some embodiments, the outer skirt (18d) may be configured to contact the inner edge of the container (14d). In further embodiments, the outer skirt (18d) may be configured and sized so that the lid (10d) can rest on the upper edge of the container (14d) without contact between the outer skirt (18d) and the container (14d). In some embodiments, the inner skirt (19d), outer skirt (18d), periphery (11d), and outer lip (35) may protrude at different angles than those described above, while still favorably maintaining the lid (10d) on the container (14d).

[0049] Figures 4(a) to 4(f) show the results of a finite element analysis (FEA) performed on a simplified lid design having four corner segments, consistent with the embodiments herein. The analysis is limited to the area around the cut pattern, e.g., the diaphragm portion, and is based on a force of 0.2 lbf applied to the cut pattern. The coefficient of friction between the corner segments and the extractor / pipette tip is approximately 0.250. The stress plots (4(a), 4(c), 4(e)) are normalized so that the maximum plotted value is equal to the yield strength of the lid material and thickness as modeled. The yield strength or yield point of a material is defined as the stress at which the material begins to deform plastically. Before reaching the yield point, the material deforms elastically and returns to its original shape when the applied stress is removed. Once the yield point is passed, some of the deformation becomes permanent and irreversible.

[0050] Figure 4(a) shows a 3D stress plot of an HDPE lid with a thickness of approximately 0.010 inches, and Figure 4(b) shows its 3D displacement plot. Figures 4(c) and 4(d) are similar plots based on a PVC lid with a thickness of 0.010 inches, and Figures 4(e) and 4(f) are similar plots based on a PVC lid with a thickness of 0.005 inches. Figures 4(a), 4(c), and 4(e) show that for each of these embodiments, the displacement of the corner segments is both plastic and elastic. Where the deformation is elastic, it indicates that the corner segments can continue to provide force to the extractor inserted through them. Where the deformation is plastic, it indicates that the corner segments do not return to their original position once the extractor is removed. Since the lid is intended to be discarded and no longer used as a cover, there is no need for the corner segments to return to their original position.

[0051] In some conventional products, the material and design of the lid, after being punctured through it, are required to elastically return to their original shape and thus remain in an elastically deformed state. Such a thing is necessary for the lid to continue functioning as a cover. Savings can be achieved by eliminating the need for a lid design that remains in an elastically deformed state, including, but not limited to, using non-elastomer materials, using thinner materials, and eliminating the need for a tight fit between the lid and the container to keep the lid on top of the container. Accordingly, in embodiments, the corner segments of the lid may be configured to plastically deform when an extractor is inserted through it.

[0052] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) illustrate lids (10e) and containers (14e) consistent with embodiments herein. The lids (10e) and containers (14e) constitute a material containment system (5e). The lid (10e) is similar to lid 10(c) and includes all the features and functionality of lid (10c) unless expressly stated otherwise. The lid (10) may be sized and dimensionally determined to loosely fit over the container (14e). In this embodiment, the container may be a multiwell plate (20). The multiwell plate (20), once filled with reagents and samples, may be incubated for a considerable amount of time on a shaker / heater, such as those disclosed in the jointly owned WO2018 / 017156 and WO2017 / 015636, and WO2016 / 164477. A lid (10e) placed on a multiwell plate (20) can reduce the evaporation and / or exposure of reagents and samples to light. Similar to the previous embodiment, the lid (10e) illustrated in Figure 5(a) includes at least one (two, as shown) notch patterns (12e) and corner segments (16e) defining a diaphragm portion (17e) adapted to be punctured and lifted by an extractor or pipette tip (1021), as discussed above. The lid (10e) includes a rim (27e) having a peripheral edge (11e) surrounding the outer circumference of the top surface (13e) and an outer skirt (18e) projecting from the peripheral edge (11e), but without an inner skirt. The outer skirt 18(e) is configured to surround the top of the multiwell plate (20) when the lid (10e) is placed on the multiwell plate (20). As shown in Figure 5(b), the lid (10e) may further include downward-oriented dimples (35). Downward-oriented dimples may help further reduce evaporation by providing a surface from which evaporated moisture can condense and drip back into the wells of the multiwell plate (20). Each notch pattern (12e) is located within the area of ​​a single dimple (35).

[0053] Figure 6 illustrates a removable lid and container consistent with embodiments of this specification. Figure 6(b) illustrates lid 10(f) in cross-section. Lid (10f) is configured to be placed on a reagent bottle (21) as a container. Lid (10f) and reagent bottle (21) constitute a substance containment system (5f). Lid (10f) is similar to lids 10(a), 10(b), 10(c), 10(d), and 10(e), and includes all the features and functionality of those lids unless expressly stated. Lid (10f) includes a notch line (12f) and corner segments (16f) on its upper surface 13(f) defining a diaphragm portion (not shown), and a rim (27f). The rim (27f) includes an outer skirt (18f) and a periphery (11f) configured to contact the upper edge of the container (14f) and allow the lid (10f) to rest on the container (14f). The lid (10f) further includes a sealing layer (26) attached to the underside of the top surface (13f), which comprises a perforable or brittle material fixed to the lid (10f). The sealing layer (26) provides a seal between the lid (10f) and the top of the container (14f). During use, a pipette or extractor may perforate the sealing layer during insertion through the diaphragm portion. In embodiments, the lid (10f) may be pre-installed on a reagent bottle (21) and held in place by a cap (22) to provide a liquid-tight seal to the reagent bottle (21).

[0054] The sealing layer (26) is configured to seal the top of the reagent bottle 21 when the lid (10f) is placed on top of the reagent bottle 21. The sealing layer (26) may extend co-extending with the top surface 13(f) and / or may extend further or less to provide adequate sealing. In embodiments, the sealing layer (26) may extend only to cover the notch pattern 12(f).

[0055] In a further embodiment, the lid (10f) may be placed on the reagent bottle (21) after the cap (22) of the reagent bottle (21) has been removed, for example, before it is placed in the assay system during a preparation step.

[0056] While the exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein clearly achieve the above-mentioned objectives, it will be understood that numerous modifications and other embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to include all such modifications and embodiments that would fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A lid adapted for use in automated systems, top surface, A rim disposed on the periphery of the upper surface, comprising a periphery and at least one skirt, wherein the periphery is configured to rest on the lip portion of the container, A lid comprising a plurality of corner segments of the upper surface, defined by the notch pattern of the upper surface and defining a diaphragm portion of the upper surface, wherein the corner segments are configured to allow an extractor to be inserted through the notch pattern and to grip the extractor by a frictional force such that the lid is removed from the container when the extractor is pulled away from the container.

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

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

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

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

6. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the extractor comprises at least one pipette tip.

7. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the corner segments are coated with a friction-enhancing material.

8. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of corner segments are configured to deform plastically when the extractor is inserted through the notch pattern.

9. The lid according to claim 1, further comprising a perforable liquid-tight layer.

10. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the top surface comprises at least one material that is substantially transparent, opaque, or UV resistant.

11. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface includes a hydrophobic material or a hydrophobic coating.

12. The lid according to claim 1, further comprising high-density polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride.

13. The lid according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a conductive material, an antistatic material, and an electrostatic dissipative material.

14. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the top surface has a thickness of about 0.0025 inches to about 0.030 inches.

15. A material containment system for use in automated systems, A container configured to contain the aforementioned substance, The container comprises a lid configured to cover the container, and the lid is top surface, A rim disposed on the periphery of the upper surface, comprising a periphery and at least one skirt, wherein the periphery is configured to rest on the lip portion of the container, A material containment system comprising a plurality of corner segments of the upper surface, defined by the notch pattern of the upper surface and defining a diaphragm portion of the upper surface, wherein the corner segments are configured to grip the extractor by a frictional force such that the lid is removed from the container when the extractor is pulled away from the container.

16. The substance containment system according to claim 15, wherein the container is configured to contain a reagent or sample.

16. The material containment system according to claim 14, wherein the frictional force for gripping the extractor is greater than the weight of the lid.

17. The material containment system according to claim 14, wherein the frictional force for gripping the extractor is greater than the binding force provided by the weight of the lid and the rim-container frictional force between the rim and the container.

18. A method for removing a lid from a container in an automated system, Placing a lid on the container to cover the sample or reagent inside the container, wherein the lid has a notched pattern, The lid is punctured by the extractor through the aforementioned cut pattern, The extractor is moved away from the container by friction while the lid is attached to the extractor by frictional force. A method comprising discarding the extractor and the lid.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising reducing evaporation from the at least one reagent or sample in the container.

20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising reducing light exposure to the reagent or sample in the container.

21. The method according to claim 18, wherein the sample or reagent is volatile or photosensitive.

22. The method according to claim 18, wherein the lid is substantially transparent, opaque, or UV resistant.

23. The method according to claim 18, wherein the extractor includes at least one pipette tip.

24. The method according to claim 18, wherein when the cover is penetrated, the automated handling subsystem in the automated equipment carries out steps (b) to (d).

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