Pipette Tip System

Abstract

The system includes a pipette tip with a proximal end having a periphery. The periphery defines a proximal opening adapted to receive a pipettor, the periphery including a peripheral conical edge. The system also has a support card with a top surface and a pipette tip receiver opening in the top surface, the opening adapted to receive the pipette tip, the opening having a receiver opening conical edge. The peripheral conical edge and the receiver conical edge are constructed such that when the pipette tip is positioned within the pipette tip receiver opening, the peripheral conical edge is adjacent to the receiver opening conical edge and the top surface is flush or nearly flush with the periphery.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to pipette tip systems, and more particularly to pipette tips, support cards therefor, lids, and pipettors.

[0002] (Related Applications) This application is a continuation of provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 63 / 231945, filed on August 11, 2021 and entitled "Pipette Tip System," provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 63 / 215728, filed on June 28, 2021 and entitled "Pipette Tip System," provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 63 / 228081, filed on July 31, 2021 and entitled "Pipette Tip System," nonprovisional application U.S. Ser. No. 17 / 487410, filed on September 28, 2021 and entitled "Pipetter Tip System," nonprovisional application U.S. Ser. No. 17 / 487386, filed on September 28, 2021 and entitled "Pipetter Tip System," nonprovisional application U.S. Ser. No. 17 / 487394, filed on September 28, 2021 and entitled "Pipetter Tip System," and provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 17 / 487395, filed on September 28, 2021 and entitled "Pipetter Tip System." This application claims priority to non-provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 17 / 487,422, entitled "A Novel Tip System," all of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Current pipette tip systems have a number of drawbacks. First, the pipette tips are positioned within a support card, but are allowed to move significantly within the support card, eventually brushing against adjacent tips and building up static electricity. This static electricity can cause the tips to misalign and make it more difficult, if not impossible, for a pipettor to accurately mate and seal with a pipette tip.

[0004] Second, the pipette tips are shipped in individually wrapped support cards and boxed with several of these individually wrapped support cards. During shipping, the individual support cards may press against one another and the pipette tips located within each support card may rub against one another and build up static electricity. Again, this static electricity may cause the tips to misalign, making it more difficult, if not impossible, for the pipettor to accurately mate and seal with the pipette tips.

[0005] Third, current support cards maintain the proximal end of the pipette tip above the support card top surface, i.e., the pipette tip is above the support card surface, which increases the risk of accidents due to users not lifting the pipette tip high enough to adequately clear adjacent unused pipette tips.

[0006] Fourth, current pipette tip systems leave the proximal opening of an unused pipette tip exposed when an adjacent tip is in use, increasing the likelihood that an unused pipette tip will become unintentionally contaminated.

[0007] Fifth, current pipette tip systems do not use a positive stop when loading a tip onto a pipetter. The user simply thrusts the pipette tip by rocking their elbow and forcing the pipette tip onto the pipetter. Without a positive stop, the depth to which the pipetter advances into the pipette tip (and therefore the force exerted) is not uniform between users. Once the pipetter tip has fulfilled its commitment, the user presses a button with their thumb and applies enough pressure to remove the pipette tip. However, because the pipette tip is initially loaded with a large force (sometimes 10-12 pounds upwards), the user must then apply that level of force through their thumb to remove the pipette tip. Repeating this action dozens, if not hundreds, of tips causes significant user fatigue.

[0008] What is needed, therefore, is a system that overcomes these problems. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A pipette tip system is disclosed that overcomes these shortcomings. In a first embodiment, the system includes a pipette tip with a proximal end having a periphery. The periphery defines a proximal opening adapted to receive a pipettor, the periphery including a periphery conical edge. The system also has a support card, the support card with a top surface and a pipette tip receiver opening in the top surface, the opening adapted to receive a pipette tip, the opening having a receiver opening conical edge. The periphery conical edge and the receiver conical edge are constructed such that when the pipette tip is placed in the pipette tip receiver opening, the periphery conical edge is adjacent to the receiver opening conical edge and the top surface is flush or nearly flush with the periphery.

[0010] The top surface may be within + / - 0.04 inches of the perimeter. The peripheral conical edge may include a first angle and the receiver opening conical edge may include a second angle, the first angle being complementary to the second angle. The perimeter may define a peripheral plane. The peripheral conical edge may include a first angle and the receiver opening conical edge may include a second angle, the first and second angles selected to aid in alignment of the peripheral plane and the top surface when the pipette tip is placed in the pipette tip receiver opening.

[0011] In another embodiment, a pipette tip system for use with a plurality of pipette tips is disclosed that includes a support card and a support card lid. The support card includes an array of pipette tip receiving openings arranged in an N by M array, where N is less than M. The support card further has a short card rail edge on an edge of the support card along the N side of the array and a long card rail edge on an edge of the support card along the M side of the array. The support card lid includes a long lid rail edge extending from a first surface of the support card adapted to slidably mate with the long card rail edge and a short lid rail edge extending from a second surface of the support card adapted to slidably mate with the short card rail edge.

[0012] The long side lid rail edge slidably mates with the long side card rail edge, and the lid can be positioned to expose less than all of the pipette receiving openings in the array. The short side lid rail edge slidably mates with the short side card rail edge, and the lid can be positioned to expose less than all of the pipette receiving openings in the array.

[0013] A base may be added that mates with the support card. The support cards (50A, 50B) and base (70) form a tongue and groove mating system. The base may include interlocking structures that mate with adjacent bases.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, a pipette tip system is disclosed that includes a pipettor and a pipette tip. The pipettor has an aspiration lumen with an opening and an ejection bar that slides relative to the aspiration lumen. The pipette tip has a distal end with a distal opening and a proximal end with a periphery that defines a proximal opening adapted to receive the pipettor. The pipette tip also has a central lumen extending from the proximal opening to the distal opening and a pipette tip wall extending from the periphery and forming the central lumen. The pipette wall includes a low pressure stretching region with a plurality of wall thinning channels to allow stretching of the pipette tip wall. The system includes at least three configurations: an insertion configuration, where (1) the aspiration lumen (95) is inserted into the proximal opening and (2) the ejection bar is not adjacent to the rim (27); a sealed / mounted configuration, where (1) the aspiration lumen contacts the low pressure stretch area to form a fluid tight seal between the aspiration lumen and the pipette wall and (2) the ejection bar is adjacent to the rim to prevent further insertion of the aspiration lumen (95); and an ejection configuration, where (1) the ejection bar is slid toward the rim with an ejection force, which (2) removes the pipette tip from the aspiration lumen. The system may have a plurality of such tips and a support card for supporting the tips. Improvements to existing pipetters are also disclosed.

[0015] The ejection force may be less than 5 pounds, the low pressure extension region may be located a distance D from the proximal opening, and the ejection bar is constructed to slide a distance of approximately D relative to the aspiration lumen.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, a pipette tip system for use with multiple pipette tips is disclosed, the pipette tip system including a support card connected to a base, the base including an interlocking structure constructed to mate with an adjacent base.

[0017] Each of the embodiments and features described herein can be used in combination with each other.

[0018] Additional aspects, alternatives, and modifications as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art are also disclosed herein and are specifically contemplated as being included as part of the present invention. The present invention is set forth solely in the claims as permitted by the Patent Office in this or a related application, and the following summary of certain examples does not in any way limit, define, or otherwise establish the scope of legal protection therefor. The present invention provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) 1. A pipette tip system, comprising: a pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C) having a proximal end (25) with a rim (27), said rim (27) defining a proximal opening (26) adapted to receive a pipettor (90), said rim (27) having a peripheral conical edge (30); Support cards (50A, 50B) Equipped with The support card comprises: An upper surface (56); a pipette tip receiving opening (52) in said upper surface (56); Equipped with the opening (52) is adapted to receive the pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C), the opening (52) having a receiving opening conical edge (55); a peripheral conical rim (30) and a receiving conical rim (55) constructed such that when the pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C) is positioned within the pipette tip receiving opening (52), the peripheral conical rim (30) is adjacent the receiving opening conical rim (55) and the top surface (56) is flush or nearly flush with the peripheral rim (27). (Item 2) 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein the top surface (56) of the support card (50A, 50B) is within + / - 0.04 inches of the periphery (27) of the pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C) when the pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C) is positioned within the pipettor tip receiving opening (52). (Item 3) 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral conical edge (30) has a first angle (35) and the receiving portion opening conical edge (55) has a second angle (55-1), the first angle being complementary to the second angle. (Item 4) 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge (27) defines a peripheral plane (27-1), the peripheral conical edge (30) has a first angle (35), and the receiver opening conical edge (55) has a second angle (55-1), the first and second angles (35, 55-1) being selected to aid in alignment of the peripheral plane (27-1) with the upper surface (56) when the pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C) is positioned within the pipette tip receiver opening (52). (Item 5) 2. The pipette system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C), and the support card (50A, 50B) comprises a plurality of pipette tip receiving openings (52). (Item 6) 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, further comprising a base (70) that mates with the support card (50A, 50B). (Item 7) 7. The pipette tip system of claim 6, wherein the support card (50A, 50B) and the base (70) are provided with a tongue and groove fitting system. (Item 8) 7. The pipette tip system of claim 6, wherein the base (70) comprises interlocking structures (75A, 75B) constructed to mate with adjacent bases. (Item 9) 9. The pipette tip system of claim 8, further comprising a second support card connected to a second base, the second base comprising a second interlocking structure, the interlocking structure of the base and the second interlocking structure of the second base mating. (Item 10) 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein the support card further comprises an apron (51) extending away from the top surface (56). (Item 11) 2. The pipette tip system according to claim 1, wherein the pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C) has a volume, the volume being selected from the group consisting of 10 μl, 300 μl, and 1,200 μl. (Item 12) 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) have volumes and the pipette tip receiving opening (52) is adapted to receive the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) of different volumes. (Item 13) the support card (50A, 50B) comprises a plurality of pipette tip receiving openings (52) arranged in an N by M array, where N is less than M, the support card (50A, 50B) further comprises a short card rail edge (66B) on an edge of the support card along the N side of the array and a long card rail edge (66A) on an edge of the support card along the M side of the array, the pipette tip system further comprises a support card lid (60); The support card cover (60) is a long side lid rail edge (65A) extending from the first surface (61) of the supporting card lid adapted to slidably mate with the long side card rail edge (66A); a short side cover rail edge (65B) extending from the second surface (62) of the supporting card cover adapted to slidably mate with the short side card rail edge (66B); 2. The pipette tip system of item 1, comprising: (Item 14) Item 14. The pipette tip system of item 13, wherein the lid (60) is positionable to expose less than all of the pipette receiving openings (52) in the array when the long side lid rail edge (65A) is slidably mated with the long side card rail edge (66A). (Item 15) Item 14. The pipette tip system of item 13, wherein the lid (60) is positionable to expose less than all of the pipette receiving openings (52) in the array when the short side lid rail edge (65B) is slidably engaged with the short side card rail edge (66B). (Item 16) 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein the pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C) comprises a distal end (15) with a distal end opening (16) and a central lumen (17) extending from the proximal end opening (26) to the distal end opening (16), and an outer edge of the distal end opening (16) comprises an undulating circumference (20). (Item 17) 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein the pipette tip comprises a pipette tip wall extending from the periphery (27), the pipette tip wall comprising a plurality of wall-thinning channels (45). (Item 18) 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein the pipette tip comprises a pipette tip wall extending from the periphery (27), the pipette tip wall comprising a plurality of anti-nesting ribs (40). (Item 19) 20. The pipette tip system of claim 18, wherein the anti-nesting rib (40) comprises an outer edge angled wall (41). (Item 20) a support card cover (60) configured to removably attach to the support card (50A, 50B); 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein (1) the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) are positioned within the pipette tip receiving openings (52) and (2) when the support card lid (60) is attached to the support card (50A, 50B), the support card lid (60) prevents movement of the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C). (Item 21) the support card (50A, 50B) includes a plurality of pipette tip receiving openings (52) and a plurality of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) disposed therein; Each of the plurality of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) has a distal end (15), and the system further comprises a support card lid (60); 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein the support card cover is removably attached to the support card and configured to prevent the distal ends (15) of the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) from contacting each other. (Item 22) A pipette tip system for use with a plurality of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C), the system comprising: a support card (50A, 50B) comprising an array of pipette tip receiving openings (52) arranged in an N by M array, where N is less than M, the support card (50A, 50B) further comprising a short card rail edge (66B) on an edge of the support card along an N-side of the array and a long card rail edge (66A) on an edge of the support card along an M-side of the array; Support card cover (60) and Equipped with The support card cover (60) is a long side lid rail edge (65A) extending from the first surface (61) of the supporting card lid adapted to slidably mate with the long side card rail edge (66A); a short side cover rail edge (65B) extending from the second surface (62) of the supporting card cover adapted to slidably mate with the short side card rail edge (66B); A pipette tip system comprising: (Item 23) 23. The pipette tip system of claim 22, wherein the lid (60) is positionable to expose less than all of the pipette receiving openings (52) in the array when the long side lid rail edge (65A) is slidably mated with the long side card rail edge (66A). (Item 24) 23. The pipette tip system of claim 22, wherein the lid (60) is positionable to expose less than all of the pipette receiving openings (52) in the array when the short side lid rail edge (65B) is slidably engaged with the short side card rail edge (66B). (Item 25) 23. The pipette tip system of claim 22, comprising a base (70) that mates with the support card (50A, 50B). (Item 26) 26. The pipette tip system of claim 25, wherein the support card (50A, 50B) and the base (70) are provided with a tongue and groove fitting system. (Item 27) 26. The pipette tip system of claim 25, wherein the base (70) comprises interlocking structures (75A, 75B) constructed to mate with adjacent bases. (Item 28) 28. The pipette tip system of claim 27, further comprising a second support card and a second base, the second base comprising a second interlocking structure, the interlocking structure of the base and the second interlocking structure of the second base mating. (Item 29) 23. The pipette tip system of claim 22, wherein the support card includes an apron (51) extending away from the top surface (56). (Item 30) 23. The pipette tip system of claim 22, wherein the array pipette tip receiving openings (52) are adapted to receive the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) of different sizes. (Item 31) a plurality of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) arranged in an array of said pipette tip receiving openings (52); Each of the plurality of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) has a distal end (15); 23. The pipette tip system of claim 22, wherein the support card cover (60) is configured to prevent the distal ends (15) of the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) from contacting each other when the support card cover (60) is mated to the support card (50A, 50B). (Item 32) A pipette tip system for use with a plurality of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C), the system comprising: A support card (50A, 50B) connected to a base (70), A pipette tip system, wherein the base (70) includes interlocking structures (75A, 75B) constructed to mate with adjacent bases. (Item 33) 33. The pipette tip system of claim 32, further comprising a tongue and groove fitting system adapted to connect the support card (50A, 50B) with the base (70). (Item 34) 33. The pipette tip system of claim 32, further comprising a second support card and a second base, the second base comprising a second interlocking structure, the interlocking structure of the base and the second interlocking structure of the second base mating. (Item 35) the support card comprises an array of pipette tip receiving openings (52) arranged in an N by M array, where N is less than M, the support card (50A, 50B) further comprising a short card rail edge (66B) on an edge of the support card along the N side of the array and a long card rail edge (66A) on an edge of the support card along the M side of the array; The system further comprises a support card lid (60); The support card cover (60) is a long side cover rail edge (65A) extending from the first surface (61) of the support card adapted to slidably mate with the long side card rail edge (66A); a short side cover rail edge (65B) extending from the second surface (62) of the support card adapted to slidably mate with the short side card rail edge (66B); 33. The pipette tip system of claim 32, comprising: (Item 36) 36. The pipette tip system of claim 35, wherein when the long side lid rail edge (65A) is slidably engaged with the long side card rail edge (66A), the lid (60) is positionable to expose less than all of the pipette receiving openings (52) in the array. (Item 37) 36. The pipette tip system of claim 35, wherein when the short side lid rail edge (65B) is slidably engaged with the short side card rail edge (66B), the lid (60) is positionable to expose less than all of the pipette receiving openings (52) in the array. (Item 38) Item 33. The pipette tip system of item 32, wherein the support card includes an apron (51) extending away from the top surface (56). (Item 39) Item 33. The pipette tip system of item 32, wherein the support card comprises a plurality of pipette tip receiving openings (52) adapted to receive the different sized pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C). (Item 40) the support card (50A, 50B) comprising a plurality of pipette tip receiving openings (52) and a plurality of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) disposed therein, each of the plurality of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) having a distal end (15); The system further comprises a support card lid (60) removably attached to the support card (50A, 50B); Item 33. The pipette tip system of item 32, wherein the support card cover is configured to prevent the distal ends (15) of the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) from contacting each other. (Item 41) 1. A pipette tip system, comprising: a pipettor (90) having an aspiration lumen (95) with an opening and an ejection bar (100) that slides relative to the aspiration lumen (95); Pipette tip wall and Equipped with The pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) a distal end (15) with a distal end opening (16); a proximal end (25) with a periphery (27), said periphery (27) defining a proximal opening (26) adapted to receive said pipettor (90); a central lumen (17) extending from said proximal end opening (26) to said distal end opening (16); a pipette tip wall extending from said periphery (27) and defining said central lumen (17); Equipped with the pipette wall comprises a low pressure stretching region (46) with a plurality of wall thinning channels (45) for permitting stretching of the pipette tip wall; The system has at least three components: an insertion configuration, (1) the aspiration lumen (95) is inserted into the proximal opening (26) and (2) the ejection bar (100) is not adjacent the periphery (27); a sealed / mounted configuration, in which (1) the aspiration lumen (95) contacts the low pressure stretched area, thereby forming a fluid tight seal between the aspiration lumen (95) and the pipette wall, and (2) the ejection bar (100) abuts the periphery (27), thereby preventing further insertion of the aspiration lumen (95); an ejection configuration, (1) the ejection bar (100) is slid toward the periphery (27) with an ejection force, and (2) the ejection bar (100) removes the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) from the aspiration lumens (95); A pipette tip system comprising: (Item 42) Item 42. The pipette tip system of item 41, wherein the ejection force is less than 5 pounds. (Item 43) Item 42. The pipette tip system of item 41, wherein the low pressure extension region (46) is disposed a distance D from the proximal opening (26) and the ejection bar (100) is constructed to slide a distance of approximately D relative to the aspiration lumen (95). (Item 44) 1. A pipette tip system, comprising: a pipetter (90) having a plurality of aspiration lumens (95), each of the plurality of aspiration lumens having an opening and an ejection bar (100) that slides relative to the aspiration lumens (95); a support card (50A, 50B) with a plurality of pipette tip receiving openings (52); Multiple pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) Equipped with Each of the plurality of pipette tips comprises: a distal end (15) with a distal end opening (16); a proximal end (25) with a periphery (27), said periphery (27) defining a proximal opening (26) adapted to receive said pipettor (90); a central lumen (17) extending from said proximal end opening (26) to said distal end opening (16); a pipette tip wall extending from said periphery (27) and defining said central lumen (17); Equipped with the wall comprises a low pressure stretching region (46) with a plurality of wall thinning channels (45) for permitting stretching of the pipette tip wall; The system has at least three components: an insertion configuration, (1) the aspiration lumen (95) is inserted into the proximal opening (26) and (2) the ejection bar (100) is not adjacent the periphery (27); a sealed / mounted configuration, in which (1) the aspiration lumen (95) contacts the low pressure stretched area, thereby forming a fluid tight seal between the aspiration lumen (95) and the pipette wall, and (2) the ejection bar (100) abuts the periphery (27), thereby preventing further insertion of the aspiration lumen (95); an ejection configuration, (1) the ejection bar (100) is slid toward the periphery (27) with an ejection force, and (2) the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) are removed from the aspiration lumens (95); A pipette tip system comprising: (Item 45) Item 45. The pipette tip system of item 44, wherein the ejection force is less than 5 pounds. (Item 46) Item 45. The pipette tip system of item 44, wherein the low pressure extension region (46) is disposed a distance D from the proximal opening (26) and the ejection bar (100) is constructed to slide a distance of approximately D relative to the aspiration lumen (95). (Item 47) An improvement to a pipette tip system including a pipettor (109) having an aspiration lumen (95) with an opening and an ejection bar (100) with engaged and disengaged positions, wherein a distal edge (110) of said ejection bar (100) in said disengaged position is spaced D from said aspiration lumen opening. old Located at a distance of The improvement is A pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C), said pipette tip comprising: a distal end (15) with a distal end opening (16); a proximal end (25) with a rim (27), said rim (27) defining a proximal opening (26) adapted to receive said pipettor (109); a central lumen (17) extending from said proximal end opening (26) to said distal end opening (16); a pipette tip wall extending from said periphery (27) and defining said central lumen (17); Equipped with a pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C), the wall of which comprises a low pressure stretching region (46) disposed at a distance D from the proximal opening (26), the low pressure stretching region (46) comprising a plurality of wall thinning channels (45) for permitting stretching of the pipette tip wall; Replacement ejection bar (100-1) and Equipped with The improvement wherein the replacement ejection bar is constructed with its distal edge (110) in a disengaged position at a distance of about D from the aspiration lumen opening. (Item 48) The system has at least three components: an insertion configuration, (1) the aspiration lumen (95) is inserted into the proximal opening (26) and (2) the replacement ejection bar (100-1) is not adjacent the periphery (27); a sealed / mounted configuration, in which (1) the aspiration lumen (95) contacts the low pressure stretched area (46) thereby forming a fluid tight seal between the aspiration lumen (95) and the pipette wall, and (2) the replacement ejection bar (100-1) abuts the periphery (27) thereby preventing further insertion of the aspiration lumen (95); an ejection configuration, (1) the replacement ejection bar (100-1) is slid toward the periphery (27) with an ejection force, and (2) the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) are removed from the aspiration lumens (95); Item 48. The improvement according to item 47, comprising: (Item 49) 49. The improvement of item 48, wherein the ejection force is less than 5 pounds. (Item 50) A pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C) for use with a pipettor (90), said pipettor comprising an aspiration lumen (95) with an opening and an ejection bar (100) that slides a distance of at least D relative to said aspiration lumen (95), said pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C) comprising: a distal end (15) with a distal end opening (16); a proximal end (25) with a periphery (27), said periphery (27) defining a proximal opening (26) adapted to receive said pipettor (90); a central lumen (17) extending from said proximal end opening (26) to said distal end opening (16); a pipette tip wall extending from said periphery (27) and defining said central lumen (17); Equipped with the wall comprises a low pressure stretching region (46) located a distance D from the proximal opening (26) with a plurality of wall thinning channels (45) for permitting stretching of the pipette tip wall; The pipette tip has at least two configurations: a sealed / mounted configuration, in which (1) the aspiration lumen (95) contacts the low pressure stretched region (46) thereby forming a fluid tight seal between the aspiration lumen (95) and the pipette wall, and (2) the ejection bar (100) abuts the periphery (27) thereby preventing further insertion of the aspiration lumen (95); an ejection configuration, (1) the ejection bar (100) is slid toward the periphery (27) with an ejection force, and (2) the ejection bar 100 removes the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) from the aspiration lumens (95); A pipette tip comprising: (Item 51) Item 51. The pipette tip of item 50, wherein the ejection force is less than 5 pounds. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] The present invention can be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on clearly illustrating exemplary aspects of the present invention. In the figures, like reference numbers designate corresponding parts throughout the different views and / or embodiments. Furthermore, various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments that are part of the present disclosure. It should be understood that certain components and details may not appear in the figures to help more clearly explain the invention.

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG 1A is a side view of a 10 μl pipette tip. FIG 1B is a side view of the 10 μl pipette tip of FIG 1A. FIG 1C is a top view of the 10 μl pipette tip of FIG 1A. FIG 1D is a bottom view of the 10 μl pipette tip of FIG 1A. FIG 1E is a side perspective view of the 10 μl pipette tip of FIG 1A.

[0021] [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a side view of a 300 μl pipette tip.

[0022] [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a side view of the 300 μl pipette tip of FIG. 2A.

[0023] [Figure 2C]FIG. 2C is a top view of the 300 μl pipette tip of FIG. 2A.

[0024] [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a bottom view of the 300 μl pipette tip of FIG. 2A.

[0025] [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a side perspective view of the 300 μl pipette tip of FIG. 2A.

[0026] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a side view of a 1,200 μl pipette tip.

[0027] [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a side view of the 1,200 μl pipette tip of FIG. 3A.

[0028] [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a top view of the 1,200 μl pipette tip of FIG. 3A.

[0029] [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a bottom view of the 1,200 μl pipette tip of FIG. 3A.

[0030] [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E is a side perspective view of the 1,200 μl pipette tip of FIG. 3A.

[0031] [Figure 4] Figure 4A is a side perspective view of a pipette tip illustrating the distal tip and Figure 4B is a close-up view of the distal tip from Figure 4A illustrating the distal tip wavy circumference.

[0032] [Diagram 5] Figure 5A is a side view of a pipette tip illustrating the proximal end and Figure 5B is a close-up of the proximal end from Figure 5A illustrating the proximal end cone edge and the angle of the cone edge.

[0033] [Figure 6-1] Figure 6A is a side view of a pipette tip illustrating section line 6B-6B. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6B-6B in Figure 6A illustrating the anti-nesting ribs and thin-walled channels. Figure 6C is a close-up view of the angled distal end of the anti-nesting rib.

[0034] [Figure 6-2] Figure 6D is a side perspective view of the pipette tip, and Figure 6E is a close-up view of the conical inner edge that is constructed to abut the angled end of the anti-nesting rib.

[0035] [Figure 6-3] FIG. 6F illustrates one pipette tip nesting within another, with the conical inner edge adjacent the angled end of the anti-nesting rib.

[0036] [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a top view of the support cards (10 μl, 300 μl).

[0037] [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a long side view of the support cards (10 μl, 300 μl) of FIG. 7A.

[0038] [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the support cards (10 μl, 300 μl) of FIG. 7A.

[0039] [Figure 7D] FIG. 7D is a short side view of the support cards (10 μl, 300 μl) of FIG. 7A.

[0040] [Figure 7E] FIG. 7E is a top perspective view of the support cards (10 μl, 300 μl) of FIG. 7A.

[0041] [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a top view of the support card (1,200 μl).

[0042] [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a long side view of the support card (1,200 μl) of FIG. 8A.

[0043] [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a bottom view of the support card (1,200 μl) of FIG. 8A.

[0044] [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D is a short side view of the support card (1,200 μl) of FIG. 8A.

[0045] [Figure 8E] FIG. 8E is a top perspective view of the support card (1,200 μl) of FIG. 8A.

[0046] [Figure 9-1] Figure 9A is a top perspective view of a support card and multiple pipette tip receiving openings, and Figure 9B is a close-up view of one of the pipette tip receiving openings from Figure 9A illustrating the receiving opening conical edge.

[0047] [Figure 9-2] FIG. 9C illustrates a pipette tip positioned within a pipette tip-receiving opening of a support card where the top surface of the support card is flush or nearly flush with the periphery of the pipette.

[0048] [Figure 9-3] Figure 9D illustrates a side view of the peripheral planar and top surface of the support card, and Figure 9E illustrates an enlarged view of Figure 9D showing the peripheral planar and top surface of the support card.

[0049] [Figure 9-4] FIG. 9F illustrates the prior art where the proximal end of the pipette tip protrudes above the top surface of the support card.

[0050] [Figure 10A]FIG. 10A is a top view of the support card lid.

[0051] [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a long side view of the support card lid of FIG. 10A.

[0052] [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is a bottom view of the support card lid of FIG. 10A.

[0053] [Figure 10D] FIG. 10D is a short side view of the support card lid of FIG. 10A.

[0054] [Figure 10E] FIG. 10E is a top perspective view of the support card lid of FIG. 10A.

[0055] [Figure 11-1] Figure 11A is a top perspective view of a support card lid. Figure 11B is a close-up of a corner of the support card lid of Figure 11A illustrating the lid rail edge (long side) and the lid rail edge (short side).

[0056] [Figure 11-2] Figure 11C is a top view of a support card, Figure 11D is an enlarged side view of the support card of Figure 11C illustrating the support card rail edge (long side), and Figure 11E is an enlarged side view of the support card of Figure 11C illustrating the support card rail edge (short side).

[0057] [Figure 12] Figure 12A illustrates the card lid mounted on a support card and slid open to expose two rows of tip receiving openings (16 exposed total). Figure 12B illustrates the card lid mounted on a support card (90 degrees from the mounting shown in Figure 12A) and slid open to expose two rows of tip receiving openings (24 exposed total).

[0058] [Figure 13A]FIG. 13A is a top view of the base.

[0059] [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a long side view of the base of FIG. 13A.

[0060] [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C is a bottom view of the base of FIG. 13A.

[0061] [Figure 13D] FIG. 13D is a short side view of the base of FIG. 13A.

[0062] [Figure 13E] FIG. 13E is a top perspective view of the base of FIG. 13A.

[0063] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates the installation of a support card (10 μl, 300 μl) onto a base where the support card protrusions are inserted into the base protrusion receiver slots.

[0064] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a support card (10 μl, 300 μl) mounted on a base with both a 10 μl pipette tip and a 300 μl pipette tip positioned within the pipette tip-receiving opening of the support card.

[0065] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 illustrates the installation of a support card (1,200 μl) into the base where the support card tabs are inserted into the base tab receiver slots.

[0066] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a support card (1,200 μl) mounted on a base with a 1,200 μl pipette tip positioned within the pipette tip receiving opening of the support card.

[0067] [Figure 18-1]Figure 18A illustrates two adjacent bases, each with a base interlock male key and a base interlock female key, and Figure 18B illustrates two bases interlocked with each other by use of a base interlock male key from one base that is interlocked with a base interlock female key from the other base.

[0068] [Figure 18-2] Figure 18C illustrates an array of bases (10) interlocked with one another with the interlocking regions highlighted. Figure 18D is a close-up of the four-base interlocking region of Figure 18C. Figure 18E is a close-up of the two-base interlocking region of Figure 18C.

[0069] [Figure 19] Figure 19A illustrates the pipette tip system in an insertion configuration. Figure 19B illustrates the pipette tip system in a sealed / mounted configuration where the top periphery of the pipette tip abuts the ejection bar creating a positive stop. Figure 19C illustrates the pipette tip system ejection configuration where sliding movement of the ejection bar relative to the aspiration lumen presses on the top periphery of the pipette tip, removing / ejecting the pipette tip from the pipettor.

[0070] [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A illustrates a potential drawback of using existing pipettors that do not use ejection bars that are positioned at the correct distance to form an optimal seal.

[0071] [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B illustrates a potential drawback of using existing pipetters that do not use ejection bars that are positioned at the correct distance to form an optimal seal.

[0072] [Figure 20C] FIG. 20C illustrates a potential drawback of using existing pipetters that do not use ejection bars that are positioned at the correct distance to form an optimal seal.

[0073] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 illustrates a modified pipettor.

[0074] [Figure 22] FIG. 22 illustrates a modified pipettor being inserted into a pipette tip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0075] Reference is made herein to several specific examples of the invention, including any best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments described or illustrated. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

[0076] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be implemented without some or all of these specific details. In other cases, process operations well known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. Various techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes be described in the singular for clarity. However, it should be noted that some embodiments include multiple iterations of a technique or multiple mechanisms unless otherwise stated. Similarly, various steps of the methods shown and described herein are not necessarily performed in the order shown, or at all, in some embodiments. Thus, some implementations of the methods discussed herein may include more or fewer steps than those shown or described. Furthermore, the techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes describe connections, relationships, or communications between two or more entities. It should be noted that a connection or relationship between entities does not necessarily imply a direct, unobstructed connection, since various other entities or processes may reside or occur between any two entities. As a result, a shown connection does not necessarily imply a direct, uninterrupted connection, unless otherwise stated.

[0077] The following list of exemplary features corresponds to the attached figures and is provided for ease of reference, with like reference numerals designating corresponding features throughout the specification and figures.

[0078] Pipette tip (10μl extra large) 10A

[0079] Pipette tip (300μl) 10B

[0080] Pipette tip (1,200μl) 10C

[0081] Pipette tip distal end 15

[0082] Distal end opening 16

[0083] central lumen 17

[0084] Distal end wavy circumference 20

[0085] Pipette tip proximal end 25

[0086] Proximal end opening 26

[0087] Pipette tip rim 27

[0088] Peripheral plane 27-1

[0089] Proximal cone rim 30

[0090] Cone Edge Angle 35

[0091] Anti-nesting rib 40

[0092] Angled ends of anti-nesting ribs 41

[0093] Conical inner edge 42

[0094] Thinning Wall Channel 45

[0095] Area stretched by low pressure 46

[0096] Support card (10μl, 300μl) 50A

[0097] Support card (1,200μl) 50B

[0098] High Apron 51

[0099] Multiple pipette tip receiving openings 52

[0100] Receiving part opening cone-shaped edge 55

[0101] Receiver opening cone edge angle 55-1

[0102] Support Card Top Surface 56

[0103] Support card cover 60

[0104] Support card cover first surface 61

[0105] Support card cover second surface 62

[0106] Lid rail edge (long side) 65A

[0107] Lid rail edge (short side) 65B

[0108] Support card rail edge (long side) 66A

[0109] Support card rail edge (short side) 66B

[0110] base 70

[0111] Support card protrusion 71

[0112] Base protrusion receiving slot 72

[0113] Support Card Tab 73

[0114] Base tab receiving slot 74

[0115] Base interlocking male key 75A

[0116] Base interlocking female key 75B

[0117] Base Interlocking Array 80

[0118] 4 base interlocking areas 85A

[0119] 2 base mutual locking area 85B

[0120] Pipette 90

[0121] pipettor suction lumen 95

[0122] Pipettor ejection bar 100

[0123] Positive Stop 105

[0124] Existing pipetter 109

[0125] Distal edge of ejection bar 110

[0126] The present invention presents many embodiments and many aspects that can be used independently or in conjunction: Figures 1A-1E illustrate various views of a pipette tip 10A with a 10 μl volume, Figures 2A-2E illustrate various views of a pipette tip 10B with a 300 μl volume, and Figures 3A-3E illustrate various views of a pipette tip 10C with a 1,200 μl volume.

[0127] Each of these pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) can have a pipette distal end 15 with a wavy circumference 20, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. This circumference 20 serves many purposes. For example, the wavy design keeps the pipette tip straighter and stiffer, allowing droplets from the pipette distal end to be more effectively dislodged (removed). In conventional designs, the distal end can bend because it is not stiff enough. Also, when operating a pipettor with a conventional tip design, the distal end can stick to droplets of pipette fluid, which can be dislodged during movement of the pipette tip and contaminate the work area. The wavy circumference 20 reduces the surface tension at the distal end 15, preventing the distal end from sticking to the pipette fluid.

[0128] Each of these pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) may have a pipette tip proximal end 25 with a proximal end opening 26 and a periphery 27 with a conical rim 30. The proximal end opening 26 connects to the distal end opening 16 through a central lumen 17 (see FIG. 4A). As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the conical rim 30 has an angle 35 that is complementary to a receiver opening conical rim 55 (FIG. 9B) of a pipette tip receiver opening 52 (FIG. 9A) in a support card 50A. When a pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C) is placed in the pipette tip receiver opening 52 of the support card 50A, the top surface of the support card 56 is preferably flush with the pipette tip periphery 27. When the support card lid 60 is installed on the support card (50A, 50B) as shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the flushness of the pipette tip periphery 27 to the top surface of the support card 56 keeps the pipette tips substantially fixed to the support card (50A, 50B) so that the tips do not brush against adjacent pipette tips when the support card (50A, 50B) is handled, which avoids generating static electricity and in turn avoids misaligning the pipette tips. Subject to manufacturing tolerances, it may not be precisely flush. Within + / - 0.04 inches of flushness would be preferred.

[0129] The complementary conical edges (30, 55) self-align the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) within the pipette tip receiving opening 52, stabilizing the pipette tips and preventing them from rubbing against adjacent pipette tips and generating static electricity. Alignment means that the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) are perpendicular within the pipette tip receiving opening 52 such that the distal ends of the pipette tips within the support card (50A, 50B) do not touch each other. The pipette tip periphery 27 defines a periphery plane 27-1 (see FIG. 5B) that is aligned with the top surface of the support card (56). The periphery plane 27-1 is substantially parallel to the top surface of the support card (56).

[0130] The buildup of static electricity causes the proximal ends of the pipette tips to be attracted to each other, thereby misaligning the proximal ends of the tips, which can prevent an automated pipettor from properly inserting into and sealing the pipette tip.

[0131] Having the proximal end of the pipette tip flush or nearly flush with the support card surface has the added benefit of reducing the likelihood of tipping over a support card loaded with a pipette tip. Specifically, once a user has accessed the pipette tip and installed it on the pipetter, the user then lifts the pipetter with the tip attached. If, as in prior art designs, the proximal end of the pipette tip is significantly higher than the support card surface (i.e., protrudes beyond the support card surface), as shown in FIG. 9F, the user may not lift the distal end of the pipette tip sufficiently and may unintentionally hit one of the adjacent pipette tips protruding from the support card surface. This could tip over the entire support card and potentially contaminate unused pipette tips.

[0132] In the current design, the periphery of the pipette tip is flush or nearly flush with the support card surface (see FIG. 9C), so the user must raise the pipettor tip distal end above the support card surface (56) and thus will be separated from any adjacent tips at that height. FIGS. 9D and 9E illustrate a side view of the periphery plane 27-1 compared to the top surface of the support card 56. The differences between the current design of the present invention (9C, 9D) and the prior art (9F) are readily seen by comparing the figures. In contrast to the prior art, there is no substantial proximal tip end height extending upward beyond the support card top surface (56).

[0133] Each of these pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) may have a cross-section as shown in Figures 6A and 6B. Specifically, the pipette tips may include wall-thinning channels 45 and anti-nesting ribs 40. The pipette wall, extending from the pipette tip periphery 27 toward the distal end, forms a central lumen 17 and includes a region 46 that expands at low pressure.

[0134] User fatigue becomes a major issue when users insert and remove hundreds of tips during a shift. Reducing the force (i.e., strength) required to perform these functions will reduce fatigue.

[0135] The thinning-wall channel 45 is a portion of the pipette tip wall that is thinner than other portions of the wall, which allows the pipette to more easily seal onto the pipette tip because the walls at the thinning-wall channel 45 will allow the pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C) to stretch more easily around the pipette 90. This feature can help with user fatigue because the force required to form a proper seal when inserting the pipette 90 onto the pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C) is reduced compared to the prior art, as is the force required to remove the pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C) from the pipette 90 when the pipette tip (10A, 10B, 10C) is no longer needed.

[0136] The anti-nesting ribs 40 prevent the upper pipette tip from sticking to the lower pipette tip, allowing the upper pipette tip to be easily removed. The anti-nesting ribs 40 also have a slight angle 41, and the proximal end of the pipette tip can have a conical inner edge 42 that abuts the angle 41 and allows the upper pipette tip to self-align when the upper pipette tip is partially inserted into the bottom pipette tip. This is shown in Figures 6D-6F.

[0137] 7A-7E illustrate various views of a support card 50A for use with pipette tips (10A, 10B). FIGs. 8A-8E illustrate various views of a support card 50B for use with pipette tips 10C. Support card 50B has pipette receiving openings of larger diameter than those of card 50A, and it has a high apron 51, both of these features allowing support card 50B to accommodate the larger 1,200 μl pipette tips 10C. Both support cards (50A and 50B) have receiving opening conical edges 55 to allow pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) to be placed flush or nearly flush with the top surface of the support cards (50A, 50B) (see FIGs. 9A-9C).

[0138] The lid is shown in various views in Figures 10A-10E. This lid can be used with either support card (50A, 50B). Figures 11A and 11B illustrate unique structures on the lid, namely, a lid rail edge (long side) 65A extending from a first surface 61 of the support card lid, and a lid rail edge (short side) 65B extending from a second surface 62 of the support card lid.

[0139] The support cards (50A, 50B) have complementary structures, namely, support card rail edge (long side) 66A and support card rail edge (short side) 66B, as shown in Figures 11C-11E. As shown in Figure 11C, the pipettor tip receiving openings (52) of the support cards (50A, 50B) are arranged in an N x M array on the support cards (50A, 50B), where N is less than M. The lid rail edge (long side) 65A extends along the M side of the array and can engage with the support card rail edge (long side) 66A, as shown in Figure 12A, allowing a single short row or multiple short rows to be exposed depending on the position of the lid 60 relative to the support cards (50A, 50B). Alternatively, the lid 60 can be flipped over and the lid rail edge (short side) 65B running along the N-side of the array can engage the support card rail edge (short side) 66B as shown in FIG. 12B, allowing a single long row or multiple long rows to be exposed, again depending on the position of the lid 60 relative to the support card (50A, 50B). Limiting the exposure of pipette tips to only those rows that need to be uncapped prevents unused, uncapped pipette tips from becoming contaminated. The unique design of the lid 60 and support card (50A, 50B) also allows for the use of multiple pipettors, which generally allow for simultaneous loading of rows of 8 or 12 pipette tips.

[0140] 13A-13E illustrate a base 70 that can be used with either support card 50A or 50B and any of the sizes of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C). FIG. 14 illustrates support card 50A mating with base 70 using support card protrusions 71 that mate with base protrusion receiver slots 72. A see-through view of support card 50A mated with base 70 is shown in FIG. 15, with two differently sized pipette tips (10A, 10B) positioned within pipette tip receiver openings 52 of support card 50A. FIG. 16 illustrates support card 50B mating with base 70, now using support card tabs 73 on support card 50B that are inserted into base tab receiver slots 74 on base 70. Of course, protrusion 71 could instead be on base 70 and receiver slot 72 could instead be on support card 50A, which would be an obvious variation without departing from the scope of the invention. Similarly, tab 73 could instead be on base 70 and slot 74 could instead be on support card 50B, without departing from the invention. This is more commonly referred to as a tongue and groove system.

[0141] A see-through view of support card 50B mating with base 70 is shown in Figure 17 with pipette tip 10C positioned within pipette tip receiving openings 52 of support card 50B. Note that the pipette tip receiving openings 52 of support card 50B are larger than those of support card 50A, which requires a tall apron 51 to be mounted on the base to accommodate the larger diameter pipette tip receiving openings 52 and corresponding larger diameter pipette tips 10C.

[0142] FIG. 18A illustrates the use of a base interlocking male key 75A on one base 70 and a base interlocking female key 75B on an adjacent base 70 and the mating of those structures to interlock the bases 70 with one another as shown in FIG. 18B. Each corner on the base may include both a base interlocking male key 75A and a base interlocking female key 75B, such that an array 80 of bases may be interlocked with a four base interlocking region 85A and a two base interlocking region 85B (FIGS. 18D and 18E). In practice, there may be a second support card connected to a second base, which includes a second interlocking structure that may interlock with an adjacent base. As shown in FIG. 18C, ten bases are interlocked to form a single structure. Although not shown, each of the bases of FIG. 18C can be connected to a support card and the pipette tips can be disposed within the support card.

[0143] Currently, pipette tips are loaded into support cards, the cards are individually wrapped in boxes, and several boxes are wrapped in a heat shrink seal. This is a huge amount of wasteful packaging, and the heat shrink wrap often has static electricity that makes it difficult to completely unwrap prior to use. This individual base wrapping is necessary to prevent the bases from shifting during shipping or cutting into the packaging and compromising their sterility. However, by interlocking the bases 70, the pipette tips can be shipped and handled more efficiently. An array of bases 80 can be interlocked and loaded with pipette tips, and the entire array can be sealed using a hermetically sealed bag. The user can open the bag, separate one of the bases containing the pipette tips, and reseal the unused tip. Because the bases are interlocked, they will not shift relative to each other during shipping and handling. Additionally, the corners of the bases 70 are rounded to prevent the bases from cutting the packaging during shipping.

[0144] 19A-19C illustrate the positive stop feature of the system. First, FIG. 19A illustrates the system in an insertion configuration, with a pipettor 90 positioned and approaching the top proximal opening of a pipette tip 10A. The pipettor 90 has an aspiration lumen 95 that is inserted into the top proximal opening 26 of the pipette tip, and an ejection bar 100 that can be engaged to slide (indicated by arrow 97) against the aspiration lumen 95 to press against the top rim 27 of the pipette tip and remove and eject the pipette tip 10A from the pipettor 90. In the insertion configuration, (1) the aspiration lumen 95 is inserted into the proximal opening 26, and (2) the ejection bar 100 does not abut the rim 27 because it is in a disengaged position.

[0145] 19B then illustrates the sealed / mounted configuration, where the pipette tip 10A is mounted and sealed onto the pipette aspiration lumen 95, with the upper periphery 27 of the pipette tip 10A adjacent the ejection bar 100, creating a positive stop 105. In other words, the pipette 90 cannot be inserted further into the pipette tip 10A. Preferably, the aspiration lumen 95 will be inserted into the pipette tip 10A a sufficient distance to reach the thin-walled channels 45. Recall that these channels 45 are part of the low pressure stretching region 46 of the pipette tip wall that is thinner than other parts of the wall, which allows the pipette 90 to seal more easily onto the pipette tip 10A, since the walls 46 at the thin-walled channels 45 will allow the pipette tip 10A to stretch more easily around the pipette 90. This feature can help with user fatigue because the force required to form a proper seal when inserting the pipettor 90 over the pipette tip 90A is low, as is the force required to remove the pipette tip 10A from the pipettor 90 when the pipette tip 10A is no longer needed.

[0146] After the pipette tip 10A has served its purpose, FIG. 19C illustrates the ejection configuration, in which the user engages the ejection bar 100 by pressing a button, which slides the ejection bar against the aspiration lumen (in the direction of arrow 97) toward and presses on the periphery 27, thereby removing / ejecting the pipette tip 10A from the aspiration lumen 95 of the pipettor 90.

[0147] In conventional designs, a user may insert a pipettor into a pipette tip using a strong force, which is generally accomplished by bending the user's arm and therefore easy to achieve. However, when the pipette tip needs to be ejected, a correspondingly strong force is required, which is accomplished by pressing a button with the user's thumb. Sometimes 10 or 12 pounds of pressure are required to remove and eject a pipette tip in prior art systems. This can quickly cause user fatigue.

[0148] Because the system has a positive stop 105 and preferably uses thin-walled channels 45, it can be designed to have a constant sealing force and a constant ejection force, both of which are lower compared to prior art systems, thereby reducing user fatigue. As a non-limiting example, less than 5 pounds of force can both seal and eject the pipette tip, and more preferably less than 2 pounds of force is required.

[0149] The existing pipettor 109 is connected to the aspiration lumen opening 95 via the D as shown in FIG. old 1. The ejection bar 100 may have a distal edge 110 at a distance of .D old However, if it is too short, as shown in FIG. 20B, the aspiration lumen 95 will not reach the low pressure extension region 46 of the pipette tip because the ejection bar will prevent further insertion, and therefore the pipettor 109 will not seal with the pipette tip. oldIf the ejection bar 96 is too long, as shown in FIG. 20C, the aspiration lumen 95 will extend too far into the pipette tip, beyond the low pressure extension region 46, and may seal with the pipette tip, but will do so with a large insertion force. Furthermore, the ejection bar does nothing to adjust the insertion distance in this case. Ejecting the pipette tip in FIG. 20C would require a large fatigue-inducing ejection force. FIG. 20C illustrates the current design of many pipette tip systems.

[0150] By replacing the ejection bar with one of appropriate length, an existing pipettor can be modified to provide the positive stop described above. Specifically, modifying the ejection bar (shown as portion 100-1 in FIG. 21) to have distal edge 110 in a disengaged position at a distance D1 from the aspiration lumen opening 95 that is approximately the same distance as the distance D2 between the periphery 27 and the low pressure extending region 46 provides a positive stop system. This is shown graphically in FIGS. 21 and 22. This allows the user to continue using existing equipment with minor modifications and achieve a low pressure positive stop system that is very reliable and reduces user fatigue.

[0151] The present invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments that illustrate examples of the invention but do not limit its scope. Various exemplary systems having various aspects and elements have been shown and described. Unless otherwise indicated, any feature, aspect, or element of any of these systems may be removed from, added to, combined with, or modified by any other feature, aspect, or element of any of the systems. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, modifications and adaptations to the systems and methods described above can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the following claims. Also, applicant expressly does not intend that the following claims and "embodiments herein be strictly coextensive" (Phillips v. AHW Corp., 415 F.3d 1303, 1323 (2005 F.Cir.) (en banc).

Claims

1. A pipette tip system for use with a plurality of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C), said pipette tip system comprising: a base (70) having a floor; a support card (50A, 50B) that mates with the base (70), the support card (50A, 50B) having a support card top surface (56), a short card rail edge (66B) and a long card rail edge (66A); A support card cover (60); A plurality of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) Equipped with the support card top surface (56) comprises an array of a plurality of pipette tip receiving openings (52) arranged in N rows and M columns, one side of the array having N pipette tip receiving openings (52) and another side of the array having M pipette tip receiving openings (52), N being less than M, each of the plurality of pipette tip receiving openings (52) in the array comprising a receiving opening cone-shaped edge (55) extending from the support card top surface (56), the receiving opening cone-shaped edge (55) being steeper than the support card top surface (56), the receiving opening cone-shaped edge being constructed to abut the pipette tip and provide support for suspending the pipette tip above the floor of the base; the short card rail edge (66B) is on an edge of the support card along the side of the array having the N pipette tip receiving openings (52), the short card rail edge (66B) being flush with the support card top surface (56); the long card rail edge (66A) is on an edge of the support card along the other side of the array having the M pipette tip receiving openings (52), the long card rail edge (66A) being flush with the support card top surface (56); The support card cover (60) A long side cover rail edge (65A) extending from the first surface (61) of the support card cover, a long side cover rail edge (65A), the long side cover rail edge (65A) being adapted to slidably mate with the long side card rail edge (66A); a short side cover rail edge (65B) extending from the supporting card cover second surface (62), the short side cover rail edge (65B) adapted to slidably mate with the short side card rail edge (66B); Equipped with the plurality of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) are disposed within the array of the plurality of pipette tip receiving openings (52); a pipette tip system, wherein each of the plurality of pipette tip receiving openings (52) in the array is constructed to receive and support the pipette tip with a periphery (27) such that when the pipette tip is positioned in the pipette tip receiving opening (52), the periphery (27) is flush with the support card top surface (56).

2. 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein the support card lid is configured to be positioned to expose fewer than all of the plurality of pipette receiving openings in the array when the long side lid rail edge is slidably engaged with the long side card rail edge.

3. 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein the support card lid is configured to be positioned to expose fewer than all of the plurality of pipette receiving openings in the array when the short side lid rail edge is slidably engaged with the short side card rail edge.

4. The pipette tip system of claim 1 , wherein the support card (50A, 50B) and the base (70) comprise a tongue and groove fitting system.

5. 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein the base (70) comprises interlocking structures (75A, 75B) constructed to mate with adjacent bases.

6. 6. The pipette tip system of claim 5, further comprising a second support card and a second base, the second base comprising a second interlocking structure, the interlocking structure of the base and the second interlocking structure of the second base mating.

7. 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein the support card comprises a plurality of side walls (51) around a periphery of the support card, the plurality of side walls (51) extending away from the support card top surface (56) toward the base (70).

8. 2. The pipette tip system of claim 1, wherein the array of pipette tip receiving openings (52) is adapted to receive the pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) of a plurality of different sizes.

9. Each of the plurality of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) has a distal end (15); the support card cover (60) is configured to prevent the distal ends (15) of the plurality of pipette tips (10A, 10B, 10C) from contacting each other when the support card cover (60) is mated to the support card (50A, 50B). Item 2. A pipette tip system as described in item 1.

Images