Pipette tips and methods and systems including same

Abstract

A pipette tip for use with a pipettor including a pipettor shaft having a terminal end has opposing proximal and distal ends and includes a tubular body and a connecting portion. The tubular body extends between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular body defines a fluid passageway terminating in a proximal opening adjacent the proximal end and a distal opening adjacent the distal end. The connecting portion is disposed at the proximal end. The connecting portion includes an interlocking mechanism configured to mechanically engage with the pipettor shaft adjacent the terminal end to selectively and releasably secure the pipette tip to the pipettor shaft.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 961,416, filed January 15, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to pipette tips, and more particularly to pipette tips that can be interchangeably attached to a pipettor shaft. [Background technology]

[0003] Many research and / or manufacturing processes require the dispensing or transport of precise amounts of liquid. Precise control of the aspiration and / or dispensing of liquid is important not only for accurate test results and the production of high-quality products, but also for reducing the costs associated with such operations. Pipette tips are commonly used to dispense precise amounts of liquid. In particular, it is known to removably and interchangeably mount pipette tips on dispensing devices (e.g., manual or automated devices). For example, pipette tips can be mounted on pipettor shafts or mandrels. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present technology, a pipette tip for use with a pipettor including a pipettor shaft having a terminal end has opposing proximal and distal ends and includes a tubular body and a connecting portion. The tubular body extends between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular body defines a fluid passageway terminating in a proximal opening adjacent the proximal end and a distal opening adjacent the distal end. The connecting portion is disposed at the proximal end. The connecting portion includes an interlocking mechanism configured to mechanically engage with the pipettor shaft adjacent the terminal end to selectively and releasably secure the pipette tip to the pipettor shaft.

[0005] In some embodiments, the interlocking mechanism includes a circumferentially extending rib or groove configured to mate with a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft.

[0006] In an embodiment, the interlocking mechanism includes a circumferentially extending rib configured to mate with a cooperating annular groove on the pipettor shaft.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the body and connecting portion are formed from different materials, the connecting portion material being less stiff than the body material.

[0008] In some embodiments, the material of the body has a durometer (hardness) of at least 60 Shore D and the material of the connecting portion has a durometer of less than 70 Shore A.

[0009] In some embodiments, the body material comprises polypropylene or polyethylene and the connecting portion material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0010] In some embodiments, the coupling portion includes a stop shoulder configured to engage the terminus, thereby limiting insertion of the pipettor shaft into the coupling portion. The disclosure also includes embodiments in which the coupling portion includes an integral annular sealing rib on the inner diameter, the sealing rib adapted to form a fluid-tight seal with the outer diameter of the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion and engages the interlocking mechanism. The coupling portion may include a plurality of integral circumferentially distributed coupling tabs configured to be displaced radially outward by the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion, and the interlocking mechanism is disposed on at least one of the coupling tabs.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the fluid tight seal has a resistance of at least 0.3516 kgf / cm 2 Gas tight up to (5 psi).

[0012] In some embodiments, the body and the sealing rib are formed from different materials, the sealing rib material being less stiff than the body material.

[0013] In embodiments, the interlocking feature comprises a circumferentially extending rib or groove configured to mate with a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft, while in some embodiments, the interlocking feature comprises a circumferentially extending rib configured to mate with a cooperating annular groove on the pipettor shaft.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the body and the connecting tab are formed from different materials, the material of the connecting tab being less stiff than the material of the body.

[0015] Thus, in embodiments, the interlocking mechanism may include a circumferentially extending rib or groove configured to mate with a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft; the connecting portion includes a stop shoulder configured to engage the terminus, thereby limiting insertion of the pipettor shaft into the connecting portion; the connecting portion includes an integral annular sealing rib on its inner diameter, the sealing rib adapted to form a fluid-tight seal with the outer diameter of the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the connecting portion and engages the interlocking mechanism; and the body and sealing rib are formed of different materials, the sealing rib material being less stiff than the body material.

[0016] Also disclosed is a method for mounting a pipette tip on a pipette shaft having a terminal end, the method including providing a pipette tip having opposed proximal and distal ends, a tubular body extending between the proximal and distal ends, the tubular body defining a fluid passageway terminating in a proximal opening adjacent the proximal end and a distal opening adjacent the distal end, and a coupling portion on the proximal end, the coupling portion including an interlocking mechanism configured to mechanically engage with the pipette shaft proximate the terminal end to selectively and releasably secure the pipette tip to the pipette shaft. The method includes inserting the terminal end of the pipette shaft into the coupling portion to mechanically engage the interlocking mechanism with the pipette shaft proximate the terminal end, thereby releasably securing the pipette tip to the pipette shaft.

[0017] In some embodiments, the interlocking mechanism includes a circumferentially extending rib or groove that mates with a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft when the end of the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion.

[0018] In an embodiment, the interlocking mechanism includes a circumferentially extending rib configured to mate with a cooperating annular groove on the pipettor shaft.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the body and connecting portion are formed from different materials, the connecting portion material being less stiff than the body material.

[0020] In some embodiments, the durometer of the body material is at least 60 Shore D and the durometer of the connecting portion material is less than 70 Shore A.

[0021] In some embodiments, the body material comprises polypropylene and the connecting portion material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0022] In some embodiments, the coupling portion includes a stop shoulder that engages the terminal end, thereby limiting insertion of the pipettor shaft into the coupling portion when the terminal end of the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion.

[0023] The present disclosure also includes embodiments in which the coupling portion includes an integral annular sealing rib on the inner diameter that forms a fluid-tight seal with the outer diameter of the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion and engages the interlocking mechanism. The coupling portion may include a plurality of integral circumferentially distributed coupling tabs that are displaced radially outward by the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion, and the interlocking mechanism is disposed on at least one of the coupling tabs.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the fluid tight seal has a resistance of at least 0.3516 kgf / cm 2 Gas tight up to (5 psi).

[0025] In certain embodiments, the body and the sealing rib are formed from different materials, the sealing rib material being less stiff than the body material.

[0026] In some embodiments, the coupling portion includes a plurality of integral, circumferentially distributed coupling tabs, the coupling tabs being displaced radially outward by the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion, and the interlocking mechanism being disposed on at least one of the coupling tabs.

[0027] In some embodiments, the interlocking mechanism includes a circumferentially extending rib or groove that mates with a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft when the terminal end of the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion, while in some embodiments, the interlocking mechanism includes a circumferentially extending rib configured to mate with a cooperating annular groove on the pipettor shaft.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the body and the connecting tab are formed from different materials, the material of the connecting tab being less stiff than the material of the body.

[0029] According to some methods, the interlocking mechanism includes a circumferentially extending rib or groove that mates with a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft when the terminal end of the pipettor shaft is inserted into the connecting portion, the connecting portion including a stop shoulder that engages the terminal end, thereby limiting insertion of the pipettor shaft into the connecting portion when the terminal end of the pipettor shaft is inserted into the connecting portion, the connecting portion including an integral annular sealing rib on its inner diameter that forms a fluid-tight seal with the outer diameter of the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the connecting portion and engages the interlocking mechanism, and the body and the sealing rib are formed of different materials, the sealing rib material being less rigid than the material of the body.

[0030] A pipetting system including a pipettor and a pipette tip is also disclosed. The pipettor includes a pipettor shaft having a terminal end. The pipette tip has opposing proximal and distal ends and includes a tubular body and a connecting portion. The tubular body extends between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular body defines a fluid passageway terminating in a proximal opening adjacent the proximal end and a distal opening adjacent the distal end. The connecting portion is disposed at the proximal end. The connecting portion includes an interlocking mechanism configured to mechanically engage with the pipettor shaft adjacent the terminal end to selectively and releasably secure the pipette tip to the pipettor shaft.

[0031] In some embodiments, the interlocking mechanism includes a circumferentially extending rib or groove configured to mate with a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft.

[0032] In an embodiment, the interlocking mechanism includes a circumferentially extending rib configured to mate with a cooperating annular groove on the pipettor shaft.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the body and connecting portion are formed from different materials, the connecting portion material being less stiff than the body material.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the durometer (hardness) of the material of the body is at least 60 Shore D and the durometer of the material of the connecting portion is less than 70 Shore A.

[0035] In some embodiments, the body material comprises polypropylene or polyethylene and the connecting portion material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0036] In some embodiments, the coupling portion includes a stop shoulder configured to engage the terminus, thereby limiting insertion of the pipettor shaft into the coupling portion. The disclosure also includes embodiments in which the coupling portion includes an integral annular sealing rib on the inner diameter, the sealing rib adapted to form a fluid-tight seal with the outer diameter of the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion and engages the interlocking mechanism. The coupling portion may include a plurality of integral circumferentially distributed coupling tabs configured to be displaced radially outward by the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion, and the interlocking mechanism is disposed on at least one of the coupling tabs.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the fluid tight seal has a resistance of at least 0.3516 kgf / cm 2 Gas tight up to (5 psi).

[0038] In some embodiments, the body and the sealing rib are formed from different materials, the sealing rib material being less stiff than the body material.

[0039] In embodiments, the interlocking feature comprises a circumferentially extending rib or groove configured to mate with a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft, while in some embodiments, the interlocking feature comprises a circumferentially extending rib configured to mate with a cooperating annular groove on the pipettor shaft.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the body and the connecting tab are formed from different materials, the material of the connecting tab being less stiff than the material of the body.

[0041] Thus, in embodiments, the interlocking mechanism may include a circumferentially extending rib or groove configured to mate with a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft; the connecting portion includes a stop shoulder configured to engage the terminus, thereby limiting insertion of the pipettor shaft into the connecting portion; the connecting portion includes an integral annular sealing rib on its inner diameter, the sealing rib adapted to form a fluid-tight seal with the outer diameter of the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the connecting portion and engages the interlocking mechanism; and the body and sealing rib are formed of different materials, the sealing rib material being less stiff than the body material.

[0042] A pipette tip for use with a pipettor is also disclosed, the pipettor including a pipettor shaft having a terminal end, opposing proximal and distal ends, a tubular body, and a connecting portion. The tubular body extends between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular body defines a fluid passageway terminating in a proximal opening adjacent the proximal end and a distal opening adjacent the distal end. The connecting portion is disposed at the proximal end and configured to selectively and releasably secure the pipette tip to the pipettor shaft. The connecting portion includes a plurality of integral, circumferentially distributed connecting tabs configured to be displaced radially outward by the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the connecting portion.

[0043] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present technology, a method for mounting a pipette tip on a pipette shaft having a terminal end is disclosed, the method comprising: providing a pipette tip having opposed proximal and distal ends, a tubular body extending between the proximal and distal ends, the tubular body defining a fluid passageway terminating in a proximal opening adjacent the proximal end and a distal opening adjacent the distal end, and a coupling portion on the proximal end configured to selectively and releasably secure the pipette tip to the pipette shaft, the coupling portion including a plurality of integral, circumferentially distributed coupling tabs configured to be displaced radially outward by the pipette shaft when the pipette shaft is inserted into the coupling portion. The method further comprises inserting the terminal end of the pipette shaft into the coupling portion, thereby releasably securing the pipette tip to the pipette shaft.

[0044] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present technology, a pipetting system is disclosed that includes a pipettor and a pipette tip. The pipettor includes a pipettor shaft having a terminal end. The pipette tip includes a tubular body having opposed proximal and distal ends, extending between the proximal and distal ends, the tubular body defining a fluid passageway terminating in a proximal opening adjacent the proximal end and a distal opening adjacent the distal end. A coupling portion on the proximal end is configured to selectively and releasably secure the pipette tip to the pipettor shaft, the coupling portion including a plurality of integral, circumferentially distributed coupling tabs configured to be displaced radially outward by the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion.

[0045] Further features, advantages and details of the present technology will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the drawings and detailed description of the preferred embodiments that follow, which are merely illustrative of the present technology. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipetting system in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 2] 2 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the pipetting system of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the pipetting system of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary exploded top perspective view of the pipetting system of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a fragmentary, exploded, cross-sectional view of the pipetting system of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 6 is a fragmentary, exploded cross-sectional view of a pipette tip forming part of the pipetting system of FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The present technology will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the technology are shown. In the drawings, relative sizes of regions or features may be exaggerated for clarity. However, the present technology may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the technology to those skilled in the art.

[0048] Terms such as "first," "second," and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but it should be understood that these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the present technology.

[0049] Spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used herein to facilitate the description of the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature, as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as "below" or "below" another element or feature would then be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein would be interpreted accordingly.

[0050] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless otherwise stated. It will be further understood that the terms "include," "comprise," "including," and / or "comprising," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. When an element is referred to as "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it will be understood that it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or that intervening elements may be present. As used herein, "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0051] The term "monolithic" means something that is a single, integral piece formed or constructed from material with no joints or seams.

[0052] 1-6, there is shown a pipette tip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The pipette tip 100 can be attached to a pipettor device 50 in a pipetting system 10, for example, as shown in FIGS.

[0053] The pipette tip 100 extends from a distal end 102A to a proximal end 102B and defines a pipette tip axis BB (FIG. 2). The pipette tip 100 includes a body portion 120 adjacent the pipette tip distal end 102A and a connecting portion 104 adjacent the pipette tip proximal end 102B. The illustrated pipette tip 100 includes a body member 110 and a connecting member 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 120 forms a portion of the body member 110, and the connecting portion 104 includes the connecting member 140 and a proximal portion 130 of the body member 110 (FIG. 6).

[0054] 2 and 6, body member 110 is tubular and extends from body member proximal end 112B to pipette tip distal end 102A. A frustoconical internal bore or through passageway 114 extends completely axially through body member 110 and terminates at distal end opening 115A and proximal end opening 115B. In some embodiments, passageway 114 tapers toward distal end opening 115A. In some embodiments, passageway 114 includes one or more sections, e.g., 114A, 114B, 114C, and in some embodiments, one or more sections can have different inner diameters and / or taper ratios. The illustrated body portion 120 includes an inner surface 122 (which defines at least a portion of passageway 114) and a frustoconical outer surface 124 (which tapers corresponding to passageway sections 114A, 114B, 114C).

[0055] As shown in the embodiment (bottom) of FIG. 6 , body member proximal portion 130 includes a tubular or annular flange or sidewall 132 including an inner surface 132A, an outer surface 132B, and a proximal end surface 132C. Inner surface 132A defines a socket 136 and a socket proximal end opening 133 communicating therewith. In some embodiments, socket 136 is substantially cylindrical. In the illustrated embodiment, an annular inner flange or stop shoulder 134 is disposed at the bottom of socket 136 and extends radially inward from sidewall 132. An annular outer flange 138 extends radially outward from sidewall 132.

[0056] 6, connecting member 140 extends from connecting member distal end 142A to pipette tip proximal end 102B. The illustrated connecting member 140 includes a base section 144, an integral sealing section 150, and an integral locking section 160. A passageway 146 extends through connecting member 140 from passageway distal opening 145A to passageway proximal opening 145B.

[0057] 6 includes an annular or tubular wall 144B that defines a connecting member socket 148. In such an embodiment, connecting member 140 is mounted on body member proximal portion 130 such that body member sidewall 132 is received in connecting member socket 148. Mating surfaces 144A and 130A of connecting member base section 144 and body member proximal portion 130 are bonded to one another (e.g., by adhesive and / or molding) to securely secure connecting member 140 to body member 110.

[0058] Sealing section 150 includes an annular or tubular body 152 and an integral annular sealing rib 154 that extends radially inward into passageway 146 .

[0059] 1, 4, and 6, the stationary portion or section 160 includes two diametrically opposed, circumferentially distributed tabs 162 extending axially from the sealing portion 150 proximally. The tabs 162 define a portion of the passageway 146 and circumferentially spaced slots 166 (defined by opposing tab side edges 162C) between the tabs 162. Each tab 162 is attached or merged at its distal end 162A to the sealing section 150 and has a proximal free end 162B (FIG. 6).

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, each tab 162 includes a circumferentially extending interlocking feature or rib 170 disposed adjacent its proximal free end 162B. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 , rib 170 includes a rib distal section 172A, a rib proximal section 172B, and a rib intermediate section 172C having different taper rates (in cross-sectional profile) relative to central axis BB. In some embodiments, rib distal section 172A tapers proximally, and rib proximal section 172B tapers distally. In some embodiments, the taper rate of rib distal section 172A is greater than the taper rate of rib proximal section 172B. In some embodiments, rib intermediate section 172C is not substantially tapered (i.e., cylindrical).

[0061] The body member 110 can be formed of any suitable material. According to some embodiments, the body member 110 is formed of a polymeric material. According to some embodiments, the body member 110 is formed of a thermoplastic material. Suitable materials for the body member 110 can include polypropylene, polyethylene, or similar thermoplastics. According to some embodiments, the body member 110 is monolithic. The body member 110 can be injection molded.

[0062] The coupling member 140 can be formed of any suitable material. According to some embodiments, the coupling member 140 is formed of a polymeric material. According to some embodiments, the coupling member 140 is formed of an elastomeric material. Suitable materials for the coupling member 140 can include thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). According to some embodiments, the coupling member 140 is monolithic. The coupling member 140 can be injection molded. According to some embodiments, the coupling member 140 is overmolded onto the body member 110 or co-molded with the body member 110 (e.g., dual-shot molded). The coupling member 140 forms a fluid-tight seal with the body member 110.

[0063] According to some embodiments, body member 110 is formed of a stiffer or more rigid material than connecting member 140. In particular, in some embodiments, tab 162 is formed of a less stiffer or more rigid (more flexible) material than body portion 120. Furthermore, in this case, connecting portion 104 includes a relatively stiff sidewall 132 defining socket 136 and a relatively flexible tab 162. According to some embodiments, body member 110 is formed of a material having a durometer (hardness) of at least 60 Shore D, and connecting member 140 is formed of a material having a durometer of less than 70 Shore A. According to some embodiments, body member 110 is formed of a material having a durometer in the range of 60 Shore D to 80 Shore D, and connecting member 140 is formed of a material having a durometer in the range of 50 Shore A to 70 Shore A.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the length L1 (FIG. 2) of body portion 120 ranges from approximately 10 mm to 125 mm.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the maximum inner diameter of the passageway 114 is in the range of approximately 0.5 mm to 15 mm.

[0066] According to some embodiments, the depth H2 (FIG. 6) of the socket 136 ranges from approximately 1 mm to 10 mm. According to some embodiments, the diameter D2 (FIG. 6) of the socket 136 ranges from approximately 1.5 mm to 8 mm.

[0067] According to some embodiments, shoulder 134 has a width W4 (FIG. 6) in the range of approximately 0.3 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0068] According to some embodiments, the width W5 (FIG. 6) of the sealing rib 154 is in the range of approximately 0.01 mm to 2 mm. According to some embodiments, the height H5 (FIG. 6) of the sealing rib 154 is in the range of approximately 0.01 mm to 3 mm.

[0069] According to some embodiments, the width W6 (FIG. 6) of each interlock tab 162 (not including interlock ribs 170) ranges from approximately 0.3 mm to 3 mm. According to some embodiments, the height H6 (FIG. 6) of each interlock tab 162 ranges from approximately 1 mm to 10 mm. According to some embodiments, the width W7 (FIG. 5) of each slot 166 ranges from approximately 0.1 mm to 5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the slot 166 may be narrowed like a slit so that the tabs 162 are disposed substantially end-to-end. In some embodiments, three or more interlock tabs 162 are provided.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the width W8 (FIG. 6) of each interlocking rib 170 ranges from approximately 0.1 mm to 3 mm. According to some embodiments, the height H8 (FIG. 6) of each interlocking rib 170 ranges from approximately 0.1 mm to 6 mm.

[0071] 2-3, the pipettor device 50 includes a pipettor mandrel or shaft 60 having a shaft axis AA (FIG. 2) and extending to a shaft distal end 62. A fluid passageway 66 extends through the shaft 60 to a shaft distal end opening 64 at the shaft distal end 62. The outer surface 68 of the shaft 60 may be generally cylindrical or slightly tapered and includes a circumferentially extending shaft interlocking feature or groove 70 formed therein. In some embodiments, the groove 70 is annular and seamless. The groove 70 has sections 72A, 72B, and 72C (FIG. 5, top) complementary to rib sections 172A, 172B, and 172C (FIG. 5, bottom), respectively. A distal shaft portion 74 (FIG. 5) extends at least from the groove 70 (FIG. 3) to the shaft distal end 62.

[0072] Shaft 60 may be fluidly connected by conduit 52 to actuator 56 (FIG. 1). Actuator 56 may be a pump operable to apply positive or negative pressure to passageway 66 to dispense or aspirate a volume of liquid. Pipettor device 50 may be a manual device (e.g., a manual syringe) or an automated device.

[0073] Shaft 60 may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, shaft 60 is formed of a metal. In some embodiments, shaft 60 is formed of a polymeric material.

[0074] During use, the pipette tip 100 can be installed onto the pipette shaft 60 in accordance with the methods of the present technology as follows: The distal shaft portion 74 is inserted into the socket 136 in an insertion direction I, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, until the shaft distal end 62 (FIG. 5) abuts the stop shoulder 134 (FIG. 5), as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The stop shoulder 134 thus limits the insertion of the pipette shaft 60 into the connecting portion 104. The stop shoulder 134 can also provide or facilitate concentric alignment between the pipette shaft 60 and the pipette tip 100.

[0075] Upon insertion of portion 74, tab 162 is thereby resiliently spread apart or deflected radially outward in direction R (as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 3 ). This deflection includes bending at tab 162 and / or cantilevering tab 162 about tab distal end 162A. Tab 162 resiliently deflects to continue to exert a radially compressive return force on shaft 60. When interlocking rib 170 aligns with interlocking groove 70, tab 162, and thus rib 170, retracts or returns radially inward, thereby securing rib 170 within groove 70. Distal shaft portion 74 is constrained by coupling portion 104. In addition to the mechanical interlocking engagement between interlocking rib 170 and groove 70, sealing rib 154 and tab 162 exert a radially compressive load on distal shaft portion 74 and can provide frictional resistance to removal of pipette tip 100.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the axial distance L9 (FIG. 3) from the stop shoulder 134 to the interlocking rib 170 ranges from approximately 1 mm to 10 mm. According to some embodiments, the axial distance L10 (FIG. 3) from the terminal end 62 of the pipettor shaft 60 to the interlocking groove 70 is substantially the same as distance L9. As a result, when the proximal shaft portion 74 is properly and fully inserted into the socket 136 up to the stop shoulder 134, the interlocking rib 170 is axially aligned with the interlocking groove 70. Thus, the rib 170 and the groove 70 interlock to resist axial displacement of the pipette tip 100 relative to the pipettor shaft 60.

[0077] With the distal shaft portion 74 inserted into the coupling member socket 136, the sealing rib 154 (FIG. 5) sealingly engages the outer surface of the distal shaft portion 74. The inner diameter D5 (FIG. 5) of the sealing rib 154 is smaller than the outer diameter D11 (FIG. 5) of the distal shaft portion 74. As a result, when the proximal shaft portion 74 is properly and fully inserted into the coupling member socket 136, the sealing rib 154 is elastically deformed by the shaft portion 74 and exerts a radially inward compressive force on the shaft outer surface. In this manner, a fluid-tight seal (e.g., in some embodiments, a liquid-tight, gas-tight, or air-tight seal) is formed between the sealing section 150 and the shaft 60. According to some embodiments, the inner diameter D5 is in a range of approximately 0.05 mm to 2 mm smaller than the outer diameter D11 of the distal portion 74.

[0078] As previously described, the pipette tip 100 is mechanically and removably secured to the pipettor shaft 60. The pipettor fluid passageway 66 is fluidly connected to the pipette tip distal opening 115A through passageway 114. The pipette tip 100 sealingly engages the pipettor shaft 60 (via sealing rib 154) to provide a fluid-tight passageway. The pipette tip 100 assembly and pipettor device 50 can then be used to dispense, aspirate, and / or transport liquids through or with the pipette tip 100 (and, in some embodiments, through or with the pipettor shaft 60), as needed.

[0079] If desired, the pipette tip 100 can be removed by withdrawing the pipettor shaft 60 from the coupling member socket 136 in the direction opposite to the installation direction I. Upon application of sufficient axial force, the tabs 162 will again resiliently deflect radially outward, disengaging the ribs 170 from the grooves 70. If desired, the removed pipette tip 100 can be replaced with a new pipette tip 100. The new pipette tip 100 can be installed in the same manner as the original pipette tip 100.

[0080] The use of deflectable tabs 162 and cooperating interlocking mechanisms 170, 70 for the pipette tip 100 and pipetting systems and methods disclosed herein allows for a geometry that requires low insertion forces while still providing sufficient resistance to removal of the pipette tip 100 from the shaft 60. The coupling member socket 136 can be sized and configured to offer little or no resistance to insertion of the shaft portion 74. Because the tabs 162 are free to flex outward, the frictional drag exerted on the shaft 60 by the contacting interlocking ribs 170 is reduced. The sealing ribs 154 only need to provide sufficient radial load and contact surface against the shaft portion 74 to form a fluid-tight (e.g., air-tight, liquid-tight, gas-tight) seal, and therefore can be configured for relatively low insertion drag. The distal shaft portion 74 can itself be configured to reduce insertion drag (e.g., by tapering distally in a frusto-conical shape). Because only a small insertion force is required, the size and mass of the movement mechanism (eg, the robotic arm that moves the pipettor shaft 60) can be significantly reduced.

[0081] The sealing rib 154 can eliminate the need for a secondary O-ring on the pipettor shaft 60 to provide a fluid-tight seal with the pipette tip 100. In some embodiments, the sealing rib 154 forms a gas-tight or vacuum-tight seal around the shaft 60. In some embodiments, the seal between the sealing rib 154 and the shaft 60 is leak-free and has a resistance of at least 0.3516 kgf / cm 2 (5 psi).

[0082] Although interlocking shaft grooves 70 and interlocking ribs 170 are shown and described herein, other combinations and configurations of interlocking features may be used. For example, the pipettor shaft 60 may include one or more interlocking ribs, and the tab 162 may include cooperating interlocking grooves. In this case, the integral interlocking ribs on the pipettor shaft 60 may be annular and seamless. By way of further example, both the shaft and the tab may include one or more interlocking ribs and one or more interlocking grooves.

[0083] The pipette tips and pipetting systems disclosed herein can be used with liquid displacement techniques or gas or air displacement techniques. In liquid displacement techniques, liquid is moved through the pipettor shaft 60 (e.g., to or toward a syringe or other pump). In gas displacement techniques, the syringe or other pump is used only to generate negative or positive pressure, and the aspirated liquid remains only in the lower part of the pipette tip (i.e., body portion 120) and never comes into contact with the seals of the pipettor shaft 60 and pipette tip 100. Gas displacement techniques are commonly used to prevent cross-contamination of liquids.

[0084] Given the benefit of this disclosure, many changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology. It should therefore be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting the technology as defined by the following claims. Accordingly, the following claims should be construed to include not only literally described combinations of elements, but all equivalent elements for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same results. The claims should therefore be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, and what incorporates the essential idea of ​​the present technology.

Claims

1. 1. A pipette tip for use with a pipettor including a pipettor shaft, the pipettor shaft having a terminal end and including a shaft interlock mechanism proximate the terminal end, the pipette tip having opposed proximal and distal ends, the pipette tip comprising: a tubular body extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the tubular body defining a fluid passage; the fluid passageway terminates at a proximal opening adjacent the proximal end and at a distal opening adjacent the distal end; a tubular body having a proximal portion; a coupling portion on the proximal end, the coupling portion including a coupling member attached to the proximal portion of the tubular body, the coupling member including a pipette tip interlock mechanism configured to mechanically engage with the shaft interlock mechanism of the pipette shaft to releasably secure the pipette tip to the pipette shaft; Equipped with the shaft interlocking feature includes a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft, and the pipette tip interlocking feature includes a circumferentially extending rib or groove configured to mate with a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft; a mating surface of the connecting member and a mating surface of the proximal portion of the tubular body are bonded to one another; the coupling member includes an integral annular sealing rib extending radially inward from an inner surface of the coupling member, the sealing rib adapted to form a fluid-tight seal with an outer surface of the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion and the pipette tip interlock mechanism engages with the shaft interlock mechanism; the connecting member including a plurality of circumferentially distributed connecting tabs integral with the connecting member; the coupling tab is configured to be displaced radially outward by the pipettor shaft when the terminal end of the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion; the pipette tip interlock mechanism is disposed on at least one of the connecting tabs and configured to be displaced radially outward together with the at least one of the connecting tabs when the terminal end of the pipettor shaft is inserted into the connecting portion; Each of the connection tabs is attached at its distal end to the tubular body and has a free proximal end; the connecting member including a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots defined between the connecting tabs; the slot is open between the connecting tabs at the proximal free ends of the connecting tabs such that the slot opens in a direction away from the distal end of the pipette tip; A pipette tip, wherein the tubular body and the connecting member are formed from different materials.

2. 2. The pipette tip of claim 1, wherein the shaft interlock feature includes a cooperating annular groove on the pipettor shaft, and the pipette tip interlock feature includes a circumferentially extending rib configured to mate with the cooperating annular groove on the pipettor shaft.

3. The pipette tip of claim 1 , wherein the material of the connecting member is less rigid than the material of the tubular body.

4. the material of the tubular body comprises polypropylene; The pipette tip of claim 3 , wherein the material of the coupling member comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.

5. 2. The pipette tip of claim 1, wherein the connecting portion includes a stop shoulder configured to engage the terminal end, thereby limiting insertion of the pipettor shaft into the connecting portion.

6. the tubular body and the sealing rib are formed of different materials; The pipette tip of claim 1 , wherein the material of the sealing rib is less stiff than the material of the tubular body.

7. 7. The pipette tip of claim 6, wherein the tubular body is formed from a first material and the connection tab is formed from a second material that is less rigid than the first material.

8. 1. A method for mounting a pipette tip onto a pipettor shaft, the pipettor shaft having a terminal end and including a shaft interlock mechanism proximate the terminal end, the method comprising: A pipette tip having opposing proximal and distal ends, the pipette tip comprising: a tubular body extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the tubular body defining a fluid passageway, the fluid passageway terminating at a proximal opening adjacent the proximal end and at a distal opening adjacent the distal end, the tubular body having a proximal portion; a coupling portion on the proximal end, the coupling portion comprising a coupling member attached to the proximal portion of the tubular body, the coupling member comprising a pipette tip interlock mechanism configured to mechanically engage with the shaft interlock mechanism of the pipette shaft to releasably secure the pipette tip to the pipette shaft; Including, the shaft interlocking feature includes a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft, and the pipette tip interlocking feature includes a circumferentially extending rib or groove configured to mate with a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft; a mating surface of the connecting member and a mating surface of the proximal portion of the tubular body are bonded to one another; the coupling member includes an integral annular sealing rib extending radially inward from an inner surface of the coupling member, the sealing rib adapted to form a fluid-tight seal with an outer surface of the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion and the pipette tip interlock mechanism engages with the shaft interlock mechanism; the connecting member including a plurality of circumferentially distributed connecting tabs integral with the connecting member; the coupling tab is configured to be displaced radially outward by the pipettor shaft when the terminal end of the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion; the pipette tip interlock mechanism is disposed on at least one of the connecting tabs and configured to be displaced radially outward together with the at least one of the connecting tabs when the terminal end of the pipettor shaft is inserted into the connecting portion; Each of the connection tabs is attached at its distal end to the tubular body and has a free proximal end; the connecting member including a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots defined between the connecting tabs; the slot is open between the connecting tabs at the proximal free ends of the connecting tabs such that the slot opens in a direction away from the distal end of the pipette tip; providing a pipette tip, wherein the tubular body and the connecting member are formed of different materials; inserting the terminal end of the pipettor shaft into the coupling portion to mechanically engage the pipette tip interlock mechanism with the shaft interlock mechanism of the pipettor shaft, thereby releasably securing the pipette tip to the pipettor shaft; A method comprising:

9. 1. A pipetting system, comprising: a pipettor including a pipettor shaft having a terminal end, the pipettor shaft including a shaft interlock mechanism proximate the terminal end; Pipette tips and Equipped with the pipette tip having opposed proximal and distal ends; The pipette tip comprises: a tubular body extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the tubular body defining a fluid passage; the fluid passageway terminates at a proximal opening adjacent the proximal end and at a distal opening adjacent the distal end; a tubular body having a proximal portion; a coupling portion on the proximal end, the coupling portion including a coupling member attached to the proximal portion of the tubular body, the coupling member including a pipette tip interlock mechanism configured to mechanically engage with the shaft interlock mechanism of the pipette shaft to releasably secure the pipette tip to the pipette shaft; Including, the shaft interlocking feature includes a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft, and the pipette tip interlocking feature includes a circumferentially extending rib or groove configured to mate with a cooperating groove or rib on the pipettor shaft; a mating surface of the connecting member and a mating surface of the proximal portion of the tubular body are bonded to one another; the coupling member includes an integral annular sealing rib extending radially inward from an inner surface of the coupling member, the sealing rib adapted to form a fluid-tight seal with an outer surface of the pipettor shaft when the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion and the pipette tip interlock mechanism engages with the shaft interlock mechanism; the connecting member including a plurality of circumferentially distributed connecting tabs integral with the connecting member; the coupling tab is configured to be displaced radially outward by the pipettor shaft when the terminal end of the pipettor shaft is inserted into the coupling portion; the pipette tip interlock mechanism is disposed on at least one of the connecting tabs and configured to be displaced radially outward together with the at least one of the connecting tabs when the terminal end of the pipettor shaft is inserted into the connecting portion; Each of the connection tabs is attached at its distal end to the tubular body and has a free proximal end; the connecting member including a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots defined between the connecting tabs; the slot is open between the connecting tabs at the proximal free ends of the connecting tabs such that the slot opens in a direction away from the distal end of the pipette tip; A pipetting system wherein the tubular body and the connecting member are formed from different materials.

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