Cleaning and storage of disposable pipette tips for reuse

Abstract

A reagent dispensing system includes a reagent cartridge. The reagent cartridge has a packing shell and one or more reagent vials. The packing shell defines one or more chambers in which the reagent vials are stored. The reagent cartridge stores one or more pipette tips. The pipette tips in some cases are stored in the reagent vials. In one form, the system includes an air knife that blows residual reagen t off of the pipette tip when being withdrawn from the vial. In some cases, a hydrostatically compensated cap is used to maintain the level of reagent in contact with the tip within the vial at a consistent level. In another form, the pipette tips are stored in the chambers of a packing shell. In some forms, the reagent vials include barcodes for identifying the vials. In another example, a tip park rack stores the pipette tips.

Description

[0001] CLEANING AND STORAGE OF DISPOSABLE PIPETTE TIPS FOR REUSE

[0002] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of US Patent Application Number 63 '702,282, filed October 2, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference. This application claims the benefit of US Patent Application Number 63 / 559,556, filed February 29, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0004] BACKGROUND In tissue diagnostic systems, reagents and other fluids are commonly used to stain tissue samples in order to identify various tissue irregularities or conditions. Automated systems are commonly used to dispense reagent onto the tissue sample which is located on a slide. The risk of cross contamination is commonly a concern as cross contamination negatively impacts the accuracy of the testing process. One common approach is to simply discard any thing that has been placed in contact with or nearby the reagent after each test. However, such an approach can be wasteful and quite expensive.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] Diagnostic systems typically require the delivery and dispensing of small volumes of reagent consumables. These systems typically rely upon pipeting technology io dispense a reagent. The pipette tips are typically only used once (i.e., they are single-use) for precision reagent transfers to avoid contamination of reagents with other fluids and / or with bacteria.' fungi. To avoid excessive waste generation, to avoid complex tip organizational systems, and to conserve storage space for tips between uses, a unique system and technique has been developed to reuse the tips for the same reagent. However, it has been discovered that the residual fluid films and'or droplets on the pipette tips need to be managed in order to avoid drying-out, droplet imprecision, and accuracy degradation from buildup. Another issue is that the separate pipette tips when stored tend to occupy large areas within the system, and the pipette tips need to be tightly organized and tracked to avoid mixing the tips up between different reagents. It was found that tip washing between reuse of the tips tended to mitiga te buildup from residual reagents retained on the outside and / or inside of the tips. However, this washing extends cycle times. The tip washing also complicates the wash fluid composition and handling of reagents to avoid cross-contamination and bacteria / ftmgi buildup. External cleaning of the pipetting tips through a split-septum may introduce fluid aggregation underneath the septum. This external cleaning can also introduce condensate from the top of the septum (due to reagent cooling ) into the stored reagent. This introduction of the condensation tends to dilute the reagent.

[0008] In one version of this system, a pipetie tip is reused for multiple dispensing tasks of the same reagent. Instead of disposing of highly specialized reagent dispensers after the reagent supply has been exhausted, only the pipete tip needs to be disposed of after use. One common issue that has been faced concerns the interface between reagent and air at the tip which can cause clogging and salting when the reagent dries out. In the unique system described herein, the pipette tip is stored in a manner to facilitate dependable reuse of the pipette tip, if desired. Tn one form, the reagent container, which contains the reagent, stores (he disposable tip so as to minimize solid waste volume and potentially waste mass. A unique container design has been developed to store the tips. In other words, the tips are hidden within a via! or other container. This design of having the tips stored within the vial reduces the volume of waste, and this design further reduces the number of pieces that need to be accounted for and disposed of after use. This design provides a cleaner look in that the user does not see additional solid waste being produced, because the tips are stored or otherwise hidden inside the container.

[0009] The tip has further been designed to mechanically withstand multiple loading and unloading cycles of the pipette tip. Further, the pipette tip has been designed to withstand repeated use in a way so as to not negatively impact reagent stability. Placing the pipette tip within the reagent container further reduces manufacturing and logistical expenses.

[0010] Features of these systems and techniques can be used for both low volume bench diagnostic systems as well as in high throughput systems. By reusing or disposing of a relatively small pipette tip rather than an entire reagent dispenser, the amount of solid waste produced is considerably less. Again, due to the risk of cross-contamination between multiple reagent s being dispensed via the same pipetting system, conventional systems require thorough rinsing or cleaning of the pipetting system almost after each dispensing action or at least when switching between reagents. Given the tips in this system are dedicated to dispensing only a particular reagent and stored with the vials containing the same reagent, the (ips do not need to be stringently rinsed after use. This less stringent tip rinsing requirement in turn reduces the volume of waste produced during operation and wastes less time. In one format, the vial includes a captive pipette tip and lid for evaporative management. To mitigate residual reagent buildup on the tips, the system includes an air knife. To avoid pipetting accuracy being compromised by the fluid inside the vial aggregating on the tip during tip storage, the system performs a unique blowout action on the tip prior to actual reagent pickup. As the pipette tip is withdrawn from the vial, this air knife blows air or other gases around the outside of the pipette tip. Any reagent condensation and / or drops on the tip are blown or drained back into the vial. The air knife wipes the residual volume reagent off the outside of the pipette tip.

[0011] In another variation, the vial uses a hydrostatically compensated cap for storing the pipette tip within the vial. The cap holds the reagent fluid level at the constant height that is independent of the fill volume of the reagent in the volume. Instead of being immersed at variable depths within the reagent as the reagent is dispensed from the vial, the pipette tip is immersed at a consistent level where most of the tip remains dry. Having most of the tip dry further mitigates the residual reagent buildup issue previously mentioned. In one form, the cap includes a riser, casing, or stem where the pipette tip is normally stored when not being used. With the hydrostatically compensated cap, the lid of the cap is installed in a closed position. With the cap being closed, installing the cap on the vial displaces the fluid and keeps air in the stem where the tip resides. When the cap is secured to the vial, the cap creates a seal with the vial. In one form, the cap is secured to the vial through a threaded connection, but the cap can be secured to the vial in other manners. Aller the threads on the cap are tightened, the cap can be opened without disrupting of the level of the fluid within the stem. With the cap creating a seal, the fluid will not rise further into the stem surrounding the tip. As a result, the fluid level at the tip is maintained at a desired height. With this cap design, the pipette tip does not need to be fully submerged. Once the fluid is drawn into the tip for dispensing purposes, the fluid level in the stem will lower to a point where air from the stem is drawn in from the end of the stem and into the main fluid storage volume of the vial. With the air being drawn into the vial from the stem, the fluid level within the stem returns to the fluid level height within the stem.

[0012] In a further variation, the system is designed to facilitate quick identification of individual vials containing reagent. Vials within a carrier are sometimes difficult to identify. If an individual vial is inaccurately identified, then detrimental outcomes from the testing process can occur, A unique barcode reading system for multiple vials has been developed to address these as well as other issues. For instance, the barcode reading system has been developed to facilitate a space efficient arrangement using mirrors to read multiple vials at the same time. In diagnostic systems, space availability is always a concern. The compact design provided by the barcode reading system helps to reduce the space occupied by the barcode reading system within the overall diagnostic system.

[0013] Ln one version of the system, a reagent cartridge stores one or more reagent vials within a packing shell. In one form, the reagent vials store one or more pipette tips that are used to dispense the reagent contained in the corresponding vial. In another form, the pipette tips are stored within a packing shell but outside of the reagent vials. As should be recognized, these configurations help to minimize the volume of waste produced during reagent dispensing with this system. In some variations, the shell has one or more cut outs positioned to expose a barcode that is printed or labeled on the individual vials. The barcodes typically include some type of identifier or other information related to the reagent contained in the vials. One or more barcode readers are positioned to read these barcodes on the vials and use that information for tracking and testing purposes. In some cases, mirrors are used so that the barcode reader, which is positioned remotely relative to the barcode on the vial, is still able to read the barcode. Using the mirrors allows the barcode reader to be placed at locations more conducive to house the barcode reader. Moreover, the mirrors can reduce the number of barcode readers needed to read the barcodes on the vials. In one example, the mirrors are located such that a single barcode reader can read the barcodes on two or more vials at the same time.

[0014] The systems and techniques as described and illustrated herein concern a number of unique and inventive aspects. Some, but by no means all, of these unique aspects are summarized below, Aspect 1 generally concerns a system.

[0015] Aspect 2 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a vial.

[0016] Aspect 3 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the vial is configured to store a fluid.

[0017] Aspect 4 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the fluid is a reagent.

[0018] Aspect 5 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the vial defines a storage cavity to store the fluid.

[0019] Aspect 6 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the vial has a cylindrical shape. Aspect 7 generally concerns the system of any pre vious aspect including a pipette tip.

[0020] Aspect 8 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipetie tip is stored in the vial. Aspect 9 generally concerns the system of any pre vious aspect in which the pipette tip is at least partially submerged in the fluid. Aspect 10 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipette tip has a tip end defining a dispense opening.

[0021] Aspect 1 1 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the tip end is submerged in the fluid.

[0022] Aspect 12 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipette tip has a head located opposite the tip end.

[0023] Aspect 13 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipette tip extends into the storage cavity.

[0024] Aspect 14 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a cap.

[0025] Aspect 15 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap is coupled to the vial.

[0026] Aspect 16 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap seals the vial. Aspect 17 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap is threadedly connected to the vial.

[0027] Aspect 18 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap has a collar configured to connect to the vial.

[0028] Aspect 19 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the collar has threading configured to secure the cap to the vial. Aspect 20 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap is configured to create an airtight seal when secured to the vial.

[0029] Aspect 21 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap has a neck that defines an opening.

[0030] Aspect 22 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap has a lid.

[0031] Aspect 23 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the lid is configured to seal the opening of the neck.

[0032] Aspect 24 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the lid is configured to seal the opening of the neck in an airtight manner. Aspect 25 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap has a hinge that couples the lid to the collar.

[0033] Aspect 26 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the lid has an open position where the opening of the neck is open,

[0034] Aspect 27 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the lid has a closed position where the lid seals the opening of the neck.

[0035] Aspect 28 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the lid has a seal ridge.

[0036] Aspect 29 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the seal ridge is configured to seal the neck when the lid is in the closed position. Aspect 30 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the seal ridge defines a cavity. Aspect 31 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cavity is configured to receive the head of the pipette tip when the lid is in the closed position.

[0037] Aspect 32 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap has one or more retention tabs.

[0038] Aspect 33 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the retention tabs are configured to hold the pipette tip. Aspect 34 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the retention tabs are configured to hold the head of the pipette tip.

[0039] Aspect 35 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the retention tabs extend in an inner radial direction around the opening in the collar.

[0040] Aspect 36 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the retention tabs define one or more drainage gaps.

[0041] Aspect 37 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the drainage gaps are configured to drain fluid from the pipette tip back into the vial.

[0042] Aspect 38 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the drainage gaps have a trapezoidal shape. Aspect 39 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap is configured to promote drainage of residual fluid from the outside of the pipette tip back into the vial.

[0043] Aspect 40 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap and the vial are separate components.

[0044] Aspect 41 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap has a stem Aspect 42 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem extends into the vial when the cap is secured to the vial.

[0045] Aspect 43 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap has a retention flange.

[0046] Aspect 44 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the retention flange is configured to hold the pipette tip in the vial. A spect 45 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the retention flange connects the stem to the collar.

[0047] Aspect 46 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the retention flange is solid to seal the vial.

[0048] Aspect 47 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem defines a stem passage.

[0049] Aspect 48 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem passage is configured to receive the pipette tip.

[0050] Aspect 49 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem defines a stem opening. Aspect 50 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem opening is located at an end of the stem that is opposite to the retention flange.

[0051] Aspect 51 generally concerns the sy stem of any previous aspect in which the stem has a stem edge.

[0052] Aspect 52 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem edge defines the stem opening. Aspect 53 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem edge defines one or more stem notches.

[0053] Aspect 54 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap is a hydrostatically compensated cap.

[0054] Aspect 55 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the tip end of the pipette tip extends past the stem edge. Aspect 56 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap is configured to limit air ingress so that most of the pipette tip remains dry inside the stem.

[0055] Aspect 57 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the vial outside of the stem has a vial fluid level.

[0056] Aspect 58 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem has a stem fluid level.

[0057] Aspect 59 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem fluid level is lower than the vial fluid level.

[0058] Aspect 60 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem fluid level is lower than the vial fluid level so that only the tip end of the pipette tip is submerged in the fluid.

[0059] Aspect 61 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem fluid level remains consistent as the fluid is drawn out of the vial by the pipette tip.

[0060] Aspect 62 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem opening is configured to introduce air in to the storage cavity of the vial as the pipete tip draws the fluid out of the vial. Aspect 63 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem notches are configured to introduce air into the storage cavity of the vial as the pipette tip draws the fluid out of the vial. Aspect 64 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap has an alignment flange.

[0061] Aspect 65 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a wipe station. Aspect 66 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including an air knife.

[0062] Aspect 6“ generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the wipe station includes the air knife. Aspect 68 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the air knife is configured to blow residual fluid off of the pipette tip.

[0063] Aspect 69 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the air knife is configured to blow a gas against the pipette tip.

[0064] Aspect 70 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the gas includes air.

[0065] Aspect 71 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the air knife has a supply port to receive the gas.

[0066] Aspect 72 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the air knife defines a distribution chamber.

[0067] Aspect 73 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the distribution chamber is connected to the supply port.

[0068] Aspect 74 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the air knife defines one or more nozzle openings. Aspect 75 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the nozzle openings are connected to the distribution chamber. Aspect 76 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the nozzle openings are configured to blow the gas against the pipette lip.

[0069] Aspect 77 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the nozzle openings are angled to blow the residual fluid back into the cap of the vial.

[0070] Aspect 78 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the nozzle openings are angled in a downwards direction.

[0071] Aspect 79 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the air knife defines a pipette hole.

[0072] Aspect 80 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the vial is positioned below the pipette hole. Aspect 81 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap is positioned below the pipetie hole.

[0073] Aspect 82 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipette hole has a cylindrical shape.

[0074] Aspect 83 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the air knife has a toroidal shape.

[0075] Aspect 84 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipette tip is configured to be withdrawn from the vial through the pipette hole.

[0076] Aspect 85 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the nozzle openings are circumferentially disposed around the pipette hole. Aspect 86 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the nozzle openings are configured to blow the gas onto the pipette tip when in the pipette hole. Aspect 87 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a head atm.

[0077] Aspect 88 generally concerns the sy stem of any previous aspect in which the head arm is configured to couple to the head of the pipette tip. Aspect 89 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the head arm is configured to create a vacuum in the pipete tip to draw the fluid from the vial into the pipette tip.

[0078] Aspect 90 generally concerns the sy stem of any previous aspect in which the head arm is configured to extend through the pipette hole in the air knife to engage the pipete tip.

[0079] Aspect 91 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the head arm is configured to withdraw the pipette tip from the vial. Aspect 92 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the head arm is configured to move the pipette tip along the air knife.

[0080] Aspect 93 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the head arm is configured io move the pipette tip through the pipette hole in the air knife.

[0081] Aspect 94 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap is configured to facilitate a reduction in an amount of the fluid remaining on the outside of the pipette tip. Aspect 95 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap is configured to hold the pipette tip inside the vial.

[0082] Aspect 96 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a reagent cartridge. Aspect 97 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent cartridge has a packing shed. Aspect 98 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent cartridge holds one or more reagent vials.

[0083] Aspect 99 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the packing shell defines one or more chambers in which the reagent vials are stored.

[0084] Aspect 100 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent cartridge has at least two of the reagent vials.

[0085] Aspect 101 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent cartridge has at least three of the reagent vials.

[0086] A spect 102 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the packing shell defines at least three oftbe chambers. Aspect 103 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent vials are removable from the chambers.

[0087] Aspect 104 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent vials define a storage cavity.

[0088] Aspect 105 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the storage cavity is configured to store a reagent.

[0089] Aspect 106 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent vials have a body.

[0090] Aspect 107 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the body defines the storage cavity. Aspect 108 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent vials have a neck. Aspect 109 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent vials ha ve a closure.

[0091] Aspect 1 10 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the closure includes a lid coupled to the neck.

[0092] Aspect 11 1 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the closure includes a hinge coupling the lid to the neck.

[0093] Aspect 1 12 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the hinge is a living hinge.

[0094] Aspect 113 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent cartridge stores one or more pipette tips. Aspect 1 14 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipette tips are stored inside the reagent vials.

[0095] Aspect 115 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipetie tips are stored in the storage cavity.

[0096] Aspect I 16 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipette tips are at least partially immersed in the reagent.

[0097] Aspect 1 17 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipette tips are dry inside (he storage cavity.

[0098] Aspect I 18 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipette tips are not immersed in the reagent. Aspect 119 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent cartridge has one or more retaining clips. Aspect 120 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the retaining dips are configured to retain the pipetie tips in the reagent cartridge.

[0099] Aspect 121 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the retaining clips are configured to retain the pipette tips inside the reagent vials.

[0100] Aspect 122 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the retaining dips are positioned in the neck.

[0101] Aspect 123 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the retaining clips utilize a friction type fit.

[0102] Aspect 124 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipette tips are stored outside of the reagent vials. Aspect 125 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipette tips are stored in at least one of the chambers.

[0103] Aspect 126 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipetie tips are stored in at least one of the chambers that does not hold the reagent vials,

[0104] Aspect 127 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the retaining dips are configured to retain the pipetie tips within al least one of the chambers.

[0105] Aspect 128 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent vials have an identifier.

[0106] Aspect 129 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the identifier is configured to identify the reagent vials. Aspect 130 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the identifier is configured io identify the reagent. Aspect 131 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the identifier includes a label.

[0107] Aspect 132 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the identifier includes text.

[0108] Aspect 133 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the identifier includes one or more barcodes.

[0109] Aspect 134 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the barcodes are located on the reagent vial s .

[0110] Aspect 135 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the packing shell defines one or more cutouts. Aspect 136 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cutouts are positioned to expose the identifier on the reagent vials when loaded in the reagent cartridge.

[0111] Aspect 137 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cutouts are positioned so that the barcodes can be read.

[0112] Aspect .138 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the packing shell has one or more sidewalls.

[0113] Aspect 139 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cutouts are defined on the sidewalls of the packing shell.

[0114] Aspect 140 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including one or more barcode readers configured to read the barcodes. Aspect 141 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the barcode readers are positioned to directly read the barcodes. Aspect 142 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the barcode readers are positioned to indirectly read the barcodes.

[0115] Aspect 143 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the barcode readers have one or more mirrors.

[0116] Aspect 144 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mirrors are positioned to allow at least one of the barcode readers to read the barcodes from a location remote from the barcodes. Aspect 145 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mirrors are configured io allow one of the barcode readers to read two or more of the barcodes.

[0117] Aspect 146 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the barcode readers include a single barcode reader.

[0118] Aspect 147 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a controller.

[0119] Aspect 148 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a storage station. Aspect 149 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a wash station.

[0120] Aspect 150 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a dispense station, Aspect 151 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the storage station includes a tip park rack. Aspect 152 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the tip park rack is configured to store one or more pipette tips.

[0121] Aspect 153 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the tip park rack is configured to be indexed to facilitate picking of the pipette tips from the tip park rack.

[0122] Aspect 154 generally concerns the system of arty previous aspect in which the tip park rack has a barcode located along an edge of the tip park rack. Aspect 155 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the tip park rack includes an identifier.

[0123] Aspect 156 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the dispense station includes a reagent conveyor.

[0124] Aspect 157 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent conveyor is configured to hold one or more reagent vials.

[0125] Aspect 158 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent conveyor is configured to move in a linear direction.

[0126] Aspect 159 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the dispense station includes a slide conveyor. Aspect 160 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the slide conveyor is configured to hold one or more slides.

[0127] Aspect 161 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipette tips are configured to dispense reagent from the reagent vials onto the slides.

[0128] Aspect 162 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a tip transporter. Aspect 163 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the tip transporter extends from the storage station to the dispense station.

[0129] Aspect 164 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the tip transporter has one or more pipetting arms.

[0130] Aspect 165 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the tip transporter has at least two pipetting arms. A spect 166 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipetting arms are configured to move the pipette tips from the storage station to the dispense station.

[0131] Aspect .167 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipetting arms are configured io move the pipette tips from the dispense station to the wash station,

[0132] Aspect 168 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipetting arms are configured to move the pipette tips from the wash station to the storage station.

[0133] Aspect 169 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which different ones of the pipetting arms move the same pipetting tips to and from the wash station.

[0134] Aspect 170 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the wash station is disposed between the storage station and the dispense station. Aspect 171 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the wash station includes a tip holder.

[0135] Aspect 172 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the tip holder is configured to hold the pipette tips.

[0136] Aspect 173 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the tip holder is configured to rotate. Aspect 174 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the wash station includes a wash arm.

[0137] Aspect 175 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the wash arm is configured to clean the pipete tips.

[0138] Aspect 176 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the wash arm is configured to dispense a cleaning solution onto the pipette tips. A spect 177 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the wash station includes a dry arm.

[0139] Aspect 178 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the dry arm is configured to dry the pipette tips.

[0140] Aspect 179 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the dry arm is configured io blow a drying gas onto the pipette tips.

[0141] Aspect 180 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the drying gas includes air.

[0142] Aspect 181 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the wash station includes a wash well. Aspect 182 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the wash well is configured to collect waste liquid.

[0143] Aspect 183 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the wash station includes a drain.

[0144] Aspect 184 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the drain is fluidly coupled to the wash well . Aspect 185 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the drain is configured to drain the waste liquid from the wash well.

[0145] Aspect 186 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the tip holder is configured to rotate to move the pipette tips between the wash arm and the dry arm.

[0146] Aspect 187 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the identifier includes a machine-readable identifier. Aspect 188 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the machine- readable identifier includes a radio-frequency identification ( RFID) tag.

[0147] Aspect .189 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the machine- readable identifier includes a barcode.

[0148] Aspect 190 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap includes a collar and a stem.

[0149] Aspect 191 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the collar has threading to secure the collar to the vial.

[0150] Aspect 192 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the collar is separate from the stem. Aspect 193 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the collar is configured to rotate about the stem while the stem remains stationary when the cap is secured to the vial.

[0151] Aspect 194 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem has a flange extending radially outwards.

[0152] Aspect 195 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the flange of the stem is configured to seal the vial. Aspect 196 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap has a lid seal configured to seal the cap. Aspect 197 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem has a sleeve that defines a stem passage.

[0153] Aspect 198 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the stem defines a head cavity that is fluidly coupled to the stem passage.

[0154] Aspect 199 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the lid seal seals the head cavity to trap air in the stem passage.

[0155] Aspect 200 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the sleeve has a stem edge.

[0156] A spect 201 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the cap is configured to use hydrostatic compensation to provide a consistent till level of fluid in the pipette tip.

[0157] Aspect 202 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipette tip houses a filter.

[0158] Aspect 203 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pipette tip closes off the vial when inserted into the stem to reduce evaporation.

[0159] Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0160] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a diagnostic system according to one exampie.

[0161] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reagent cartridge that can be used in the system of FIG. 1.

[0162] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the reagent cartridge in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a reagent vial storing a pipette tip that can be incorporated into the reagent cartridge of FIG. 2.

[0163] FIG, 5 is a cross-sectional view of a reagent cartridge configured to store one or more pipette tips according to another example.

[0164] FIG. 6 is a side view of a reagent cartridge with a barcode arrangement according to one example.

[0165] FIG. 7 is a side view of a reagent cartridge with a barcode arrangement according to another example.

[0166] FIG. 8 is a top view of a diagnostic system with a conveyor arrangement according to one example. FIG, 9 is a perspective view of a tip park rack that can be used in the system of FIG. 8.

[0167] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a variation of the tip park rack (hat can be used in the system of FIG. 8.

[0168] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a wash station used in the system of FIG, 8.

[0169] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of a reagent cartridge according to another example. FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the reagent cartridge of FIG, 12.

[0170] FIG, 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the reagent cartridge of FIG. 12.

[0171] FIG, 15 is a cross-sectional view’ of a reagent cartridge according to a further example.

[0172] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a hydrostatically compensated cap used in the reagent cartridge of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the reagent cartridge of FIG. 15 when filled with fluid.

[0173] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a wipe station with an air knife configured to wipe the outside of the pipette tip.

[0174] FIG, 19 is a top perspective view of the air knife.

[0175] FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the air knife. FIG. 21 is a schematic of a motion profile for wiping the pipette tip with the air knife at the wipe station of FIG, 18.

[0176] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a reagent cartridge according to still yet another example. FIG. 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the FIG. 22 reagent cartridge.

[0177] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 22 reagent cartridge.

[0178] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the FIG. 22 reagent cartridge filled with fluid.

[0179] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the FIG. 22 reagent cartridge filled with fluid.

[0180] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional perspecti ve view of the FIG. 22 reagent: cartridge and the FIG. 18 air knife during wiping of the pipette tip.

[0181] FIG, 28 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the FIG. 22 reagent cartridge and the FIG. 18 air knife after the pipetie tip dispensed the fluid.

[0182] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

[0183] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0184] The reference numerals in the following description have been organized to aid the reader in quickly identifying the drawings where various components are first shown. In particular, the drawing in which an element first appears is typically indicated by the left-most digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. For example, an element identified by a " 100" series reference numeral will likely first appear in FIG. I , an element identified by a "200" series reference numeral will likely first appear in FIG. 2, and so on.

[0185] A unique dispensing system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1 . As shown, the system 100 includes a reagent station 105, a dispense station 1 10, a slide station 115, a controller 120, an input 'output device (I / O device) 125, a bulk fluid storage area 130, and a waste storage area 135. The reagent station 105 is configured to store one or more reagent containers. The dispense station 1 10 is where the reagents are dispensed onto one or more slides that are stored in the slide station 1 15. The controller 120 controls the operation of the system 100. The I / O device 125 gives the operator the ability to control and receive information about the system 100. The bulk fluid storage area 130 is where bulk fluid is stored such as within bottles or other containers. The waste storage area 135 is where waste, such as waste fluid, is stored that is created as a result of the staining or diagnostic process, FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a reagent cartridge 200 that can be used in the reagent Station 105. As can be seen, the reagent cartridge 200 includes one or more reagent vials 205 that are housed in a packing shell 210. The reagent cartridge 200 further includes an identifier 215 on the packing shell 210, such as in the form of a label or directly printed information, that is used to identify the reagents and / or other informa tion used in the reagent cartridge 200. In the illustrated example, the identifier 215 includes human readable text 220 and a machine-readable identifier 222. In the illustrated example, the machine-readable identifier 222 includes a barcode 225 printed on a label that is affixed to the packing shell 210. The machine-readable identifier 222 in other examples can include other types of machine- readable identifiers, such as Radio- Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and Internet of Things (loT) tags.

[0186] Turning to FIG. 3, each of the reagent vials 205 includes a body 305, a neck 310, and a closure 315. The body 305 defines a storage cavity 320 with an opening 325. Near the neck 310, foe body 305 has an alignment flange 330. The alignment flange 330 is shaped or keyed in such a way that the body 305 is able to be received in proper alignment within the packing shell 210. In the illustrated example, the neck 310 includes a support flange 335 that helps to support the reagent vials 205 in the packing shell 210. The clos ure 315 of the reagent vials 205 includes a lid 340 and a hinge 345 that connects the closure 315 to the neck 310. In one example, the reagent vials 205 are made of plastic, and the hinge 345 is in the form of a living hinge. It should be recognized that in other examples other types of hinges may be used. The packing shell 210 in foe depicted example defines one or more chambers 350. Each chamber 350 is configured to receive one of the reagent vials 205. Inside foe chamber 350, the packing shell 210 has one or more support ribs 355. The support ribs 355 are configured to support the alignment flange 330 of the reagent vial 205 received in the chamber 350. In the illustrated example the alignment flange 330 has a generally rectangular or square cross- sectional shape that matches foe square or rectangular shape of the chamber 350 so as to promote alignment between foe reagent vials 205 and the packing shell 210. It should be recognized that the alignment flange 330 and the support ribs 355 along with the chamber 350 can be shaped dilforetilly in other examples. FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a reagent vial 405 that can be used in the reagent cartridge 200 of FIG. 2. Like before, foe reagent vial 405 includes the body 305, the neck 310, and the closure 315. The body 305 has the storage cavity 320 configured to store a fluid 410, In the illustrated example, the fluid 410 is in the form of a reagent 415. but other types of reagents 415, such as water, can be stored in the storage cavity 320 of the reagent vial 405. Inside the storage cavity 320, the reagent vial 405 stores at least one pipette tip 420. At the interlace between the body 305 and the neck 310, the reagent vial 405 has a retaining clip 425 that is configured to retain the pipette tip 420 within the storage cavity 320. The pipete tip 420 is generally hollow with a dispense opening 430 at one end to receive and dispense the fluid

[0187] 410, such as the reagent 415, and a pressure opening 435 at the opposite end where a pressure differential can be applied to draw and dispense the fluid 410. To draw the fluid 410 inside the dispense opening 430 of the pipette tip 420, a vacuum (i.e., low pressure) is applied to the pressure opening 435 of the pipette tip 420. Higher pressure is then applied to the pressure opening 435 of the pipette tip 420 in order to dispense the fluid 410 through the dispense opening 430. The pipette tip 420 in one form is made of plastic, but the pipette tip 420 in other examples can be made from other materials like glass. The pipette tip 420 in the depicted example is tapered so as to have a generally frustoconical shape. However, the pipette tip 420 can be shaped differently in other examples, For instance, the pipette tip 420 can have an overall cylindrical shape in other examples. The retaining clip 425 uses a friction type fit to hold the pipete tip 420 in position inside the reagent vial 405. In other words, (he retaining clip 425 retains the pipette tip 420 inside the storage cavity 320 of the reagent vial 405. In the illustrated example, only part of the pipette tip 420 is immersed in the fluid 410, In other examples, the pipete tip 420 is completely immersed in the fluid 410, and in still yet another example, the pipette tip 420 is positioned so as to remain generally dry within the reagent vial 405 (i.e., not immersed in lhe fluid 410).

[0188] In one example, lhe controller 120 via the dispense station 1 10 opens the lid 340 so as to expose the end of the pipette tip 420 within the opening 325 of the reagent vial 405. For example, a robotic arm or actuator can be used to open the lid 340. Once the lid 340 is opened, the controller 120 via the dispense station 110 is able to withdraw the pipette tip 420 from the reagent vial 405. At that: point, the pipette tip 420 can be used to dispense the reagent 415 from the reagent vial 405 onto one or more slides. After the pipete tip 420 has dispensed the reagent 415 on the slides in the slide station 1 15, the controller 120 via the robot arm in the dispense station 1 10 can reinsert the pipette tip 420 back into the storage cavity 320 of the reagent vial 405. Before the pipette lip 420 is reinserted back into the reagent vial 405, the pipette tip 420 in some cases can be cleaned through a cleaning fluid and / or rinsed with water as well as dried. The retaining clip 425 then again holds the pipette tip 420 within the storage cavity 320 of the reagent via! 405. While the retaining clip 425 is described as holding the pipette tip 420 in place within the reagent vial 405 using a friction fit, it should be recognized that other types of structures can be used to hold the pipetie tip 420 in place within the reagent vial 405. For example, the retaining clip 425 can be held in place through a lip formed inside the opening 325 of the reagent vial 405. Having the pipette tip 420 stored inside the reagent vial 405 reduces the overall footprint. Moreover, with the pipette tip 420 stored inside the reagent vial 405, the risk of reagent contamination can be reduced. FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a reagent cartridge 500 that can be used within the system 100. Like before, the reagent cartridge 500 includes one or more reagent vials 205 that are stored inside the packing shell 210. Each of the reagent vials 205 has a storage cavity 320 in which a fluid 410 in the form of the reagent 415 is stored. The reagent vials 205 are stored inside the chambers 350 of the packing shell 210, One of the chambers 350 instead of having one of the reagent vials 205 stored therein, stores one or more pipetie tips 420. As can be seen, one or more retaining clips 505 hold the pipetie tips 420 inside the empty chamber 350 of the packing shell 210. In other words, the pipette tips 420 are stored outside of the reagent vials 205 in the packing shell 210 so as to be stored in a dry manner. During use, the controller 120 using a robotic arm in the dispense station 110 removes one of the pipette tips 420 from the chamber 350 of the reagent cartridge 500, The pipette tip 420 is then used to dispense the reagent 415 from one of the reagent vials 205 in the reagent cartridge 500. Once the reagent 415 is dispensed, the pipette tip 420 can be returned back to the chamber 350 and held in place inside the chamber 350 using one of the retaining clips 505. Before being returned, the pipette tip 420 can be cleansed, rinsed, and dried in order to reduce the risk of cross contamination. In one example, each of the pipette tips 420 are dedicated to one of the reagent vials 205 within the reagent cartridge 500. In other words, each one of the pipette tips 420 is dedicated to a designated reagent vial 205 such that the pipette tip 420 is not used with any other reagent via! 205. By having the pipette tip 420 dedicated to one of the reagents within the reagent cartridge 500, the risk of cross contamination is reduced. It should be recognized that in other examples a combination approach of the reagent vial 405 in FIG. 4 and the reagent cartridge 500 in FIG. 5 can be used in which some of the pipette tips 420 are stored within at least one of the reagent vials 405 while others are stored within a dry chamber 350 of the packing shell 210, such as in the manner as shown in FIG. 5.

[0189] FIG. 6 shows a reagent cartridge 600 according to another example. In this example, one or more reagent vials 605 are stored within a packing shell 610 in a fashion similar to what was described above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3. In one version, the reagent vials 605 are designed to store the pipette tips 420 in the manner similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4, In other variations, one or more of the pipette tips 420 can be stored separately from the reagent vials 605 such as in (he manner illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0190] In the illustrated example, the body 305 of the reagent vial 605 has at least one identifier 615 that is in the form of a label. The identifier 615 helps to identify the reagent vial 605 as well as other associated information. For instance, the identifier 615 can identify the type of reagent and the lot for the reagent stored inside foe reagent vial 605, In the illustrated example, the identifier 615 is in the form of a label that is applied to the reagent vial 605, but the identifier 615 can come in other forms in other examples. For instance, the information can be directly printed onto the reagent vial 605. As can be seen, the identifier 615 includes text 620 and at least one machine-readable identifier 622. In the illustrated example, the machine-readable identifier 622 includes a barcode 625. The machine-readable identifier 622 in other examples can include other types of machine-readable identifiers, such as Radio- Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and Internet of Things (loT) tags. The text 620 and the machine-readable identifier 622 can include foe same information for identifying their reagent or other information, or the text 620 and machine-readable identifier 622 can contain or otherwise identify different information.

[0191] The packing shell 610 in foe depicted example has one or more sidewalls 630 that are located on lateral sides of the packing shell 610. At the sidewall 630, the packing shell 610 defines one or more windows or cutouts 635. The cutout 635 is positioned so that at least part of the identifier 615, such as the barcode 625, is visible to be read when the reagent vials 605 are properly seated within foe packing shell 610. In one example, (he cutout 635 is in the form of an opening, but in other examples, foe cutout 635 can be in the form of a transparent or translucent window that allows the identifier 615 to be viewed. Referring to FIG. 6, one or more readers 638 are configured to read the machine-readable identifiers 622. in the depicted example, the readers 638 are in the form of barcode readers 640, As shown, one or more barcode readers 640 are positioned io read the barcodes 625 on the reagent vials 605. The barcode readers 640 are operatively coupled to the controller 120 of the system 100 so that the controller 120 is able to read the information contained on the barcodes 625. In the illustrated example, at: least two barcode readers 640 are used to read the barcode 625 on each of the reagent vials 605, As can be seen, one of the barcode readers 640 is able to directly read the barcode 625. and another of the barcode readers 640 indirectly or remotely reads the barcode 625 through one or more mirrors 645. In one version where the barcode reader 640 is a laser type barcode scanner, the mirrors 645 reflect a laser beam from the barcode reader 640 onto the barcode 625, and the laser light reflected from the barcode 625 is reflected by the mirrors 645 back to the barcode reader 640 for decoding by the barcode reader 640 and / or the controller 120. In another version the barcode reader 640 is a passive, camera-based type barcode reader. In this version, the mirrors 645 just reflect the image of the barcode 625 back to the barcode reader 640 for decoding.

[0192] FIG. 7 illustrates a reagent cartridge 700 according to a forther example. The reagent cartridge 700 in FIG. 7 is constructed in a manner similar to that of the reagent cartridge 600 in FIG. 6. For the sake of brevity as well as clarity, the common features between these two designs will not be discussed in detail, but please refer to the previous discussion. As can be seen, foe reagent cartridge 700 includes one or more reagent vials 605 that are received inside the packing shell 610. Like before, the reagent vials 605 each include the identifier 6.15 with the text 620 and the machine-readable identifier 622 in the form of the barcode 625. The sidewalls 630 define the cutouts 635 in the packing shell 610.

[0193] In the illustrated example, only a single reader 638, such as the barcode reader 640, is used to read both of the machine-readable identifiers 622, The mirrors 645 are positioned such that the barcode reader 640 is able to read both of the barcodes 625 at the same time. Once more, the barcode reader 640 is communicatively or operatively coupled to the controller 120 in the system 100 so that the controller 120 is able to read the barcodes 625 on foe reagent vials 605 io determine the reagents stored in foe reagent vials 605 as well as other information. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the chamber 350 in the packing shell 610 stores one or more pipette tips 420 in a fashion similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 5. One or more retaining clips 505 are used to retain the pipette tips 420 inside the chamber 350. While in the illustrated example the chamber 350 stores two pipette tips 420, it should be recognized that the packing shell 610 can store more or less pipette tips 420 than is illustrated. For instance, the number of pipette tips 420 stored in the reagent cartridge 700 can correspond to the number of reagent vials 605 stored in the reagent cartridge 700 such that each pipette tip 420 corresponds to and is used in conjunction with one of the reagent vials 605. The pipette tip 420 in the reagent cartridge 700 of FIG. 7 can be used in a fashion similar to that what was described above with reference to FIG. 5. For example, one of the pipette tips 420 in the reagent cartridge 700 can be withdrawn from the chamber 350 via a robotic arm of the system 100. The controller 120 of the system 100 can instruct an automated system, such as an arm or other actuator, to open the lid 340 of the reagent vials 605 containing the fluid 410, such as the reagent 415, that corresponds to the pipette tip 420. Once the lid 340 is opened, the pipette tip 420 is dipped into the fluid 410 so as to draw the reagent 415. The pipette tip 420 is then moved to the slide station 115 where the reagent 415 can be deposited on a slide. After depositing the reagent 415, the pipette tip 420 can be cleaned, rinsed, and dried. Afterwards the pipete tip 420, once cleaned, is then returned to the chamber 350. The retaining clip 505 in the chamber 350 retains the pipetie tip 420 within the reagent cartridge

[0194] 700. In another version, the pipette tip 420 is not cleaned and dried, but the pipette tip 420 is only used with the reagent 415 within one particular reagent vial 605.

[0195] A diagnostic system 800 according to another specific example is depicted in FIG. 8. As can be seen, the system 800 includes the reagent station 105, the dispense station 1 10, and the slide station 115, and the system 800 in FIG. 8 can further include the other components of the system 100 in FIG. 1 such as the slide station 1 15, the controller 120, the bulk fluid storage area 130, and the waste storage area 135, In FIG. 8, the system 800 includes a storage station 805, a wash station 810, and a dispense station <815. The storage station 805 in the illustrated example has a tip park rack 820 configured to store one or more pipette tips 825.

[0196] The wash station 810 is configured to wash the pipette lips 825. The dispense station 815 is designed to dispense a liquid, such as a reagent, onto slides. The pipette tips 825 are transported using a tip transporter 830. The wash station 810 includes a wash arm 835, a rotating tip holder 840, a dry arm 845, and a wash well 850. The wash arm 835 is configured to rinse cleaning fluid in and around the pipette tips 825 during washing in the wash station 810. The tip holder 840 is configured to hold the pipette tip 825 in place and move the pipette tip 825 by rotating to the various processes within the wash station 810. For instance, the tip holder 840 is able to rotate in order to move the pipette tip 825 between the wash arm 835 and the dry arm 845. The dry arm 845 is configured to blow air on the pipette tip 825 so as to dry the pipette tip 825. As can be seen in FIG, 8, the dispense station 815 in the system 800 includes a reagent conveyor 855 and a slide conveyor 860. The tip transporter 830 has one or more pipetting arms 865 that are used to transport and dispense the reagent 415 using the pipette tips 825 in the dispense station 815, In the illustrated example, the system 800 has two pipetting arms 865, but in other examples the system 800 can have a single pipetting arm 865 or more than two pipetting arms 865. The reagent conveyor 855 includes one or more reagent vials 870 from which reagent is dispensed. The reagent conveyor 855 is able to move in a linear manner so as to locate the appropriate reagent vial 870 at a position where the pipette tip 825 is able to draw the reagent 415 from the reagent vial 870. The slide conveyor 860 holds one or more slides 875 upon which the reagent 415 is dispensed. The slide conveyor 860 is able to move or index so as to position the appropriate slide 875 in position so as to receive the reagent 415 from the appropriate pipette lip 825 secured to the pipetting arm 865.

[0197] Turning to FIG. 9, the tip park rack 820 is able to store multiple pipette tips 825. In the illustrated example, the tip park rack 820 includes an identifier 905, such as a label, that includes a machine-readable identifier 907, like a barcode or Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. In the illustrated example, the machine-readable identifier 907 includes a barcode 910. The barcode 910 is positioned along a corner or edge of the tip park rack 820. Along the edge, the barcode 910 is oriented at a transverse angle relative to the walls of the tip park rack 820 so as to increase the visibility of the barcode 910.

[0198] FIG. 10 shows a further modification that can be made to the tip park rack 820, In this example, the tip park rack 820 further includes a fid 1005 with an identifier 1010 in the form of a label. The identifier 1010 includes human readable text 1015 that allows the operator to understand and / or identify what is stored in the tip park rack 820. Alternatively or additionally, the tip park rack 820 in FIG. 10 can further include the barcode 910 of the type illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of the components in the wash station 810 of FIG. 8. In the system 800 of FIG. 8, the pipette tips 825 are rinsed and dried after each time the pipette tips 825 are used. Once more, the wash arm 835 is used to dispense cleaning fluid onto the pipette tips 825. The fluid from the washing process is drained through the wash well 850 which in turn is drained by a drain 1 105. The rotating tip holder 840 helps to move the pipette tip 825 through the various stages or processing stages of the wash station 810. The dry arm 845 blows air (or other gas) in and around the pipette tip 825 during the drying process. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 11, once the pipette tip 825 is dried, the wash station 810 returns the now dried pipetie tip 825 back for storage in the tip park rack 820 using the tip transporter 830. As should be recognized, the system 800 helps to minimize waste as well as minimize the risk of cross contamination.

[0199] A technique for operating the system 800 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 1 1 . The designated pipette tip 825 for a particular reagent in one of the reagent vials 870 is picked up by one of the pipeting arms 865. To pick up the designated pipette tip 825, the tip park rack 820 is moved or indexed to the row location of the pipetie tip 825, and the pipetting arm 865 selects the pipetie tip 825 from the correct column position in the lip park rack 820. The pipetting arm 865 moves the picked pipette tip 825 to the reagent conveyor 855. Before, during, or after the pipette lip 825 is moved to the reagent conveyor 855, the reagent conveyor 855 is indexed or otherwise moved in a linear direction so that the corresponding reagent vial 870 is positioned so that the pipette tip 825 is able to draw the reagent from the reagent vial 870. A vacuum or low pressure is used to draw the reagent from the reagent vial 870 into the pipette tip 825. Before, during, or afterwards, the slide conveyor 860 is indexed or otherwise moved in a linear direction so that the appropriate slide 875 is positioned to receive the reagent from the pipete tip 825. Pressure is applied to the pipette tip 825 so as to dispense the reagent onio the slide 875. If needed, the pipete tip 825 can dispense the reagent onto other slides 875, After the pipette tip 825 completes reagent dispensing, the pipette tip 825 is on the same pipetting arm 865 that withdrew the pipette tip 825 from the tip park rack 820, and the pipetting arm 865 moves the pipette tip 825 into the wash station 810. At the wash station 810, the pipetting arm 865 loads the pipette tip 825 onto the tip holder 840 at a receiving position. The tip holder 840 in the wash station 810 is able to rotate to several positions. At the first position, the tip holder 840 rotates the pipetie tip 825 to a wash position where the wash arm 835 dispenses a cleaning solution, such as an antimicrobial solution, in and / or around the pipete tip 825. After cleaning, the tip holder 840 rotates so as to move the pipette lip 825 to a second, drying position. At the drying position, the dry arm 845 blows dry air or other drying gas in and / or around the pipette lip 825 so as to facilitate drying of the pipette tip 825. Fluid waste is captured via the wash well 850 and discharged via the drain 1 105 to the waste storage area 135 (FIG. 1 ). The wash well 850 can also serve to clean the outside of the pipetie tip 825. To conserve time, the first pipetting ami 865, which was used lo remove the pipette tip 825 from the tip park rack 820 and dispense the reagent, is not used to move the pipette tip 825 back into the tip park rack 820, Instead, the other or second pipeting arm 865 picks up the cleaned pipette tip 825 from the last position in the wash station 810, and the second pipeting arm 865 returns the pipette lip 825 to the designated location in the tip park rack 820. FIG. 12 depicts a reagent cartridge 1200 according io another example. As can be seen, the reagent cartridge 1200 shares a number of features in common with the previously discussed examples. For example, the reagent cartridge 1200 has the body 305 with the storage cavity 320, the neck 310, the opening 325, (he alignment flange 330, the lid 340 with the hinge 345, and the pipette lip 420. For the sake of brevity as well as clarity, these common components will not be again discussed in detail, but please refer to the previous description of these features. In the illustrated example, the reagent cartridge 1200 includes a vial 1205 and a cap 1210 with a collar 1215 that encloses the vial 1205. The vial 1205 and the cap 1210 in the illustrated version are separate components that are secured together, but in other variations, all or part of the vial 1205 and the cap 1210 can be integrated together to form a single unit. In one form, the cap 1210 is made of plastic, but (he cap 1210 can be made from different materials in other examples. The collar 1215 of the cap 1210 in one version is secured lo the vial 1205 via a threaded connection, but the vial 1205 and the cap 1210 can be secured in other ways. The cap 1210 includes the lid 340 with the hinge 345 that allows the lid 340 to open and close the vial 1205. The cap 1210 is designed to retain and store the pipette tip 420 inside the storage cavity 320 of the vial 1205. To promote sealing of the opening 325 at the neck 310 of the cap 1210, the lid 340 has a seal ridge 1220 that is configured to be received inside the neck 310 when the lid 340 is closed. In one form, the seal ridge 1220 is configured to seal with the neck 310 in an airtight manner. In the Illustrated example, the seat ridge 1220 has a ring or circular shape but the seal ridge 1220 can be shaped differently in other examples. The seal ridge 1220 defines a cavity 1225 that is configured to receive and surround the end or head of the pipette tip 420 when the lid 340 is in a closed position. When the lid 340 is in the open position, the pipette tip 420 can be removed from the vial 1205.

[0200] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, the cap 1210 is configured to suspend or support the pipette tip 420 In the vial 1205, Inside the neck 310, the cap 1210 has one or more retention tabs 1305 that support a head 1307 of the pipette tip 420 in the opening 325. In the depicted example, the cap 1210 has a series of retention tabs 1305 that extend in an inner radial direction so as to engage the pipette tip 420. To promote drainage of the reagent 415 or other fluids 410 from the outside of the pipette tip 420 when withdrawn from the vial 1205, the retention tabs 1305 define one or more drainage gaps 1310. In some cases, the drops of the reagent 415 on the outside of the pipette tip 420 naturally drip back into the vial 1205 through drainage gaps 1310. In other examples, which will he described in further detail below, an air knife is used to blow or wipe the condensation or drops of the reagent 415 off the pipette tip 420 and back into the storage cavity 320 in the body 305 of the vial 1205. The drainage gaps 1310 in the illustrated example have a general trapezoidal or triangular shape in the illustrated example, but the drainage gaps 1310 can be shaped differently in other examples.

[0201] FIG, 15 shows a reagent cartridge 1500 according to still yet another example. As can be seen, the reagent cartridge 1500 shares a number of features in common with the previously discussed examples. For example, the reagent cartridge 1500 has the body 305 with the storage cavity 320, the neck 310, the opening 325, the alignment flange 330, the lid 340 with the hinge 345, the pipette tip 420, the collar 1215, and the seal ridge 1220 with the cavity 1225. For the sake of brevity as well as clarity, these common components will not be again discussed in detail, but please refer to the previous description of these features. In the illustrated example, the reagent cartridge 1500 includes a vial 1505 with a threaded neck 1507 and a cap 1510 with the collar 1215. The collar 1215 of the cap 1510 has internal threading 1512 that threadedly secures the cap 1510 to the threaded neck 1507 of the vial 1505. The via! 1505 and the cap 1510 in the illustrated version are separate components that are secured together, but in other variations, all or pari of the vial 1505 and the cap 1510 can be integrated together to form a single unit, in one form, the cap 1510 is made of plastic, but the cap 1510 can be made from different materials in other examples. The cap 1510 in one version is secured to the vial 1505 via the threading 1512 to form an airtight seal, but the vial 1505 and the cap 1510 can be secured in other ways to form an airtight seal such as by using a gasket or other sealing material.

[0202] Like in the other examples, the cap 1510 includes the lid 340 with the hinge 345 that allows the lid 340 to open and close the vial 1505, The cap 1510 is designed to retain and store the pipette tip 420 inside the storage cavity' 320 of the vial 1505. To promote sealing of the opening 325 at the neck 310 of the cap 1510, the lid 340 has (he seal ridge 3220 that is configured to be received inside the neck 310 when the fid 340 is closed. In one form, the seal ridge 1220 is configured to seal with the neck 310 in an airtight manner. In the illustrated example, the seal ridge 1220 has a ring or circular shape but the seal ridge 1220 can be shaped differently in other examples. Once more, the seal ridge 1220 defines the cavity 1225 that is configured to receive and surround the end or head 1307 of the pipette tip 420 when the lid 340 is in a closed position. When the lid 340 is in the open position, the pipette tip 420 can be removed from (he vial 1505. Looking at FIGS, 15 and 16, the cap 1510 has a retention flange 1515 inside the neck 310 that is configured to support the head 1307 of the pipette tip 420. In the illustrated example, the retention flange 1515 is solid in that the retention flange 1515 lacks any openings that would permit venting of the storage cavity 320 of the vial 1505. In other words, the retention flange 1515 is solid so as to maintain the airtight seal of the cap 1510 with the vial 1505.

[0203] Extending from the retention fl ange 1515 towards the storage cavity 320 of the vial 1505, the cap 1510 has a stem 1520. The stem 1520 defines a stem passage 1525 that is configured to receive the pipette tip 420. At the end opposite to the retention flange 1515, the stem 1520 has a stem edge 1530 that defines one or more stem notches 1532 around a stem opening 1535. When the pipette tip 420 draws fluid 410, such as the reagent 415 from the vial 1505, the stem notches 1532 and the stem opening 1535 allow the air from the stem passage 1525 to be drawn inside the storage ca vity 320 of the vial 1505. Air is able to be supplied to the stem passage 1525 in the stem 1520 via one or more gaps formed between the pipette tip 420 and the retention flange 1515 of the cap 1510. Allowing air to be drawn in such a manner helps io maintain a consistent fluid level within the stem 1520. As should be appreciated, this design allows the fluid level within the stem 1520 to be considerably lower than in the rest of the vial 1505. This minimizes the outer surface area of the pipette tip 420 that is in contact with the reagent 415. This in turn reduces that volume of residual reagent 415 left on the outside of the pipette tip 420 such that less of the pipete tip 420 needs to be clean ed or otherwise addressed. The stem notches 1532 in the stem 1520 have an arched or curved shaped. However, the stern 1520 can have other edge geometries, such as slots, grooves, and / or thin sections with chamfers, so as to facilitate an easier exchange of air into the storage cavity 320. Typically, but not always, only a tip end 1540 of the pipette tip 420 located proximal to the dispense opening 430 is consistently submerged in the reagent 415. In particular, the lip end 1540 of the pipette tip 420 up to the highest point of the stem edge 1530 is submerged in the reagent 415. The air gap clearance between the pipette tip 420 and the stem 1520 is sufficient to avoid the fluid 410 being trapped above the stem edge 1530 due to capillary forces.

[0204] FIG. 17 shows the reagent cartridge 1500 when the vial 1505 is filled with the fluid 410, such as the reagent 415. Once more, the cap 1510 is secured and sealed with the vial 1505 in an airtight manner. When the cap 1510 is secured to the vial 1505, the lid 340 is at the closed position where the seal ridge 1220 seals with the neck 310 in an airtight manner. The reagent 415 within most of the storage cavity 320 of the vial 1505 is at a vial fluid level 1705.

[0205] However, since air is retained in the stem passage 1525 of the stem 1520, the reagent: 415 at the stem 1520 has a stem fluid level 1710 that is considerably lower than the vial fluid level 1705 in the rest of the vial 1505.

[0206] With this construction, the vial 1505 uses a hydrostatically compensated cap 1510 for storing the pipette tip 420 within the vial 1505, The cap 1510 bolds the stem fluid level 1710 at the constant height that is independent of the vial fluid level 1705 of the reagent 415 in the volume. Instead of being immersed at variable depths within the reagent 415 as the reagent

[0207] 415 is dispensed from the vial 1505, the pipette tip 420 is immersed at a consistent level where most of the pipette tip 420 remains dry with the exception of the tip end 1540. Once more, the air gap clearance between the pipette tip 420 and the stem 1520 is sufficient to avoid the fluid 410 being trapped above the stem edge ! 530 due to capillary' forces which in turn causes most of the pipete tip 420 to remain dry with the exception of the tip end 1540, Having most of the pipette tip 420 dry further mitigates the residual reagent buildup issue previously mentioned. Again, the cap 1510 includes a stem 1520 where the pipette tip 420 is normally stored when not being used. With the hydrostatically compensated cap 1510, the lid of the cap 1510 is installed in a closed position. With the cap 1510 being closed, installing the cap 1510 on the vial 1505 displaces the fluid and keeps air in the stem 1520 where the pipette tip 420 resides. When the cap 1510 is secured to the vial 1505, the cap 1510 creates a seal with the vial 1505. In one form, the cap 1510 is secured to the vial 1505 through the threading 1512, but the cap 1510 can be secured to the vial 1505 in other manners. After the threading 1512 on the cap 1510 is tightened, the cap 1510 can be opened without disrupting of the stem fluid level 1710 within the stem 1520, With the cap 1510 creating a seal, the fluid 410 will not rise further into the stem 1520 surrounding the pipette tip 420, As a result, the stem fluid level 1710 proximal to the tip end 1540 of the pipette tip 420 is maintained at a desired height. With this cap 1510 design, the pipette tip 420 does not need to be fully submerged. Once the reagent 415 is drawn into the pipette tip 420 for dispensing purposes, the stem fluid level 1710 in the stem 1520 will lower to a point where air from the stem 1520 is drawn in from the stem notches 1532 and / or stem opening 1535 of the stem 1520 and into the main fluid storage volume of the vial 1505. With the air being drawn into the vial 1505 from the stem 1520, the stem fluid level 1710 within the stem 1520 returns to the desired stem fluid level 1710 within the stem 1520.

[0208] FIG. 18 shows a wipe station 1800 that is configured to wipe or blow off residual fluids 410 from the pipette tip 420 before use. The wipe station 1800 reduces the need for extra washing or cleaning. As shown, the wipe station 1800 is configured to process the vial 1205 and the cap 1210 of FIG, 12. The vial 1205 has the captive pipette tip 420 and the lid 340 for evaporative management. To mitigate residual reagent buildup on the pipette tips 420, the wipe station 1800 includes an air knife 1805. As the pipette tip 420 is withdrawn from the vial 1205, this air knife 1805 blows air or other gases around the outside of the pipette tip 420. Any reagent condensation and / or drops on the pipette tip 420 are blown or drained back into the vial 1205. in other words, the air knife 1805 wipes the residual volume reagent off the outside of the pipette tip 420. In the example .illustrated in FIG. 18, the reagent cartridge 1200 from FIG. 12 is shown, but it should be recognized that other types of vials, such as those in FIGS. 4 and 12, can be used in the wipe station 1800.

[0209] As shown in FIGS. 18, 19, and 20, the wipe station 1800 includes the reagent cartridge 1200 and the air knife I 805 that is configured to blow air around the outside of the pipette tip 420 so as to blow any residual fluid 410 back into the vial 1205. The air knife 1805 defines a distribution chamber 1810 and one or more nozzle openings 1815. In the illustrated example, the air knife 1805 has a general doughnut shape in that the air knife 1805 is disc-shaped and defines a pipette hole 1820 at the center. It should be recognized that the air knife 1805 can be shaped differently in other examples. The air knife 1805 further has at least one supply port 1825 that supplies a gas or gas mixture, like nitrogen or air, to the distribution chamber 1810. The distribution chamber 1810 is fluidly coupled to the nozzle openings 1815. In the illustrated example, the nozzle openings 1815 are angled in a downwards direction towards the vial 1205 and the cap 1210. The nozzle openings 1815 are spaced circumferentially around the pipette hole 1820 in the air knife 1805. With the nozzle openings 1815 of the air knife 1805, the blown air wipes the outside of the pipette tip 420 so that the residual fluid 410 on the outside of the pipetie tip 420 drips back into the vial 1205 via the drainage gaps 1310 in the cap 1210 (see e.g., FIG, 13). As shown, the wipe station 1800 has a head arm 1830 that is coupled to the head 1307 of the pipette tip 420. The head arm 1830 creates a vacuum inside (he pipette tip 420 to draw the reagent 415 inside the pipette tip 420 for subsequent dispensing. The head arm 1830 is configured to lift the pipette tip 420 out of the vial 1205. As depicted, the head arm 1830 pulls the pipette tip 420 through the pipette hole 1820 in the air knife 1805, and when the pipette tip 420 is pulled through the pipette hole 1820, the nozzle openings 1815 of the air knife 1805 blow air around the outside of the pipette tip 420.

[0210] FIG. 21 is a schematic showing the various stages for blowing off the residual reagent 415 from the pipette tip 420 with the air knife 1805 as read from left to right. The head arm 1830 initially extends through the pipette hole 1820 in the air knife 1805 so as to engage the head 1307 of the pipette tip 420 inside the cap 1210 and the vial 1205. The head arm 1830 creates a vacuum inside the pipette tip 420 to draw the reagent 415 from the vial 1205. The head arm 1830 next lifts the pipette tip 420 out of the vial 1205 and through the pipette hole 1820 of the air knife 1805. As the pipette tip 420 is palled through the pipette hole 1820, the air knife 1805 via the nozzle openings 1815 blows air or other gas around the outside of the pipette tip 420 so as to remove or wipe via air any residual drops of fluid 410 from the outside of the pipette tip 420. In some cases, such as with the reagent cartridge 1200 in FIG. 12, the drops of residual fluid 410 are returned back into the vial 1205, but in other eases, the drops of residual fluid 410 are disposed tn other ways such as via a drain.

[0211] FIG. 22 shows a reagent cartridge 2200 according to a further example. As should be appreciated, the reagent cartridge 2200 shares a number of features in common with the previously discussed examples. For example, the reagent cartridge 2200 has the vial 1505 with the threaded neck 1507 and the pipette tip 420. For the sake of brevity as well as clarity, these features as well as other common components will not be again discussed in detail, but please refer to the previous description of these features.

[0212] In the illustrated example, the reagent cartridge 2200 includes the vial 1505, a cap 2205 that encloses the vial 1505, and the pipette tip 420 stored inside the vial 1505 via the cap 2205. The cap 2205 i nchides a collar 2210 threadedly secured to the threaded neck 1507 of the vi al 1505. In particular, the collar 2210 includes internal threading 2220 that allows the cap 2205 to be screwed onto the vial 1505. In other words, the threading 2220 in the collar 2210 is configured to threadedly engage the threaded neck 1507 of the vial 1505 to secure the cap 2205 to the vial 1505. The cap 2205 further includes a stem 2215 received in the collar 2210.

[0213] In the illustrated example, the collar 2210 and the stem 2215 are separate components that are coupled together. W ith the collar 2210 and the stem 2215 being separate components, the stem 2215 is able to remain stationary relative to the vial 1505 as the collar 2210 rotates when being secured onto the threaded neck 1507 of the vial 1505. This in turn helps with sealing the stem 2215 to the vial 1505. In one form, the cap 2205 is made of plastic, but the cap 2205 can be made from di fferent materials and / or various combinations of materials in other examples. The stem 2215 of (he cap 2205 in one version is secured to the vial 1505 via the threading 2220 of the collar 2210 to form an airtight seal, but the vial 1505 and the cap 2205 can be secured in other ways to form an airtight seal such as by using a gasket or other sealing material. The collar 2210 of the cap 2205 defines a collar opening 2225 through which part of the stem 2215 extends so that the pipetie tip 420 can be inserted into and removed from the stem 2215 inside the vial 1505. Extending around the collar opening 2225. the collar 2210 has a retention ledge 2230 configured to seat the stem 2215 against the vial 1505 when the cap 2205 is secured to the vial 1505. The stern 2215 has a flange 2235 that extends in an outer radial direction. The flange 2235 of the stem 2215 is sandwiched between the retention ledge 2230 of the collar 2210 and the vial 1505 when the cap 2205 is secured to the vial 1505. The flange 2235 in one variation seals the storage cavity 320 of the vial 1505 when secured. In other variations, a gasket or other seal is disposed between the flange 2235 and the vial 1505 to help seal the vial 1505.

[0214] The stem 2215 has a stem neck 2240 (hat extends in a longitudinal direction through the collar opening 2225 of the collar 2210. The stem neck 2240 defines a head cavity 2245 where the head 1307 of the pipette tip 420 is received when the pipette tip 420 is stored in the stem

[0215] 2215 and the vial 1505. Inside the stem neck 2240, the stem 2215 has a retention flange 2250 that is configured to support the head 1307 of the pipette tip 420. In the illustrated example, the retention flange 2250 is solid in that the retention flange 2250 lacks any openings that would permit venting of the storage cavity 320 of the vial 1505, In other words, the retention flange 2250 is solid so as to maintain the airtight seal of the cap 2205 with the vial 1505.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 23, the head cavity 2245 in the cap 2205 is sealed with a lid seal 2305. 'The lid seal 2305 helps to protect the pipetie tip 420 and the contents of the vial 1505. The lid seal 2305 further helps to maintain the air pressure inside the stem 2215 when the cap 2205 is secured to the vial 1505 so as to set the fluid level inside the stem 2215. In one form, the lid seal 2305 is in the form of a foil 2310 such as an aluminum or other types of foil, and in other examples, the lid seal 2305 can include other sealing structures like plastic films or frangible covers. In one particular example, the foil 2310 is a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle lid aluminum foil cap type liner. Around the head cavity 2245, the stem neck 2240 has a lip 2315, and the stem neck 2240 has a notch 2320 around the head cavity 2245 that forms a ridge 2325, In the illustrated example, the foil 2310 is sealed to the lip 2315 via thermal adhesion or via an adhesive, but it should be recognized that the lid seal 2305 can be sealed to the stem 2215 in other manners and at other locations. For instance, the lid seal 2305 is sealed with the stem 2215 inside the head cavity 2245 at the ridge 2325 in another variation to help protect the lid seal 2305 from inadvertent punctures or removal.

[0217] As shown in FIG. 24, the stem 2215 has a sleeve 2405 that extends in a longitudinal direction into the storage cavity 320 of the vial 1505. The sleeve 2405 defines a stem passage 2410 where the pipette lip 420 extends when stored. At the end opposite to the cap 2205, the sleeve 2405 of the stem 2215 has a stem edge 2415, The stem edge 2415 in the illustrated example is flat, but the stem edge 2415 in other examples can be shaped differently. For instance, the stem edge 2415 in other examples can have the stem notches 1532 of the type illustrated in FIG. 15. The sleeve 2405 at the stem edge 2415 forms a stem opening 2420 through where the tip end 1540 of the pipette tip 420 extends into the storage cavity 320 of the vial 1505. Like in the other examples, the pipette tip 420 at the tip end 1540 has the dispense opening 430 where the .fluid 410 in the vial .1505 can be drawn and subsequently dispensed. When the lid seal 2305 is sealed to the cap 2205, such as is shown in FIG. 23, the lid seal 2305 maintains the air pressure inside the stem passage 2410 of the sleeve 2405 as the cap 2205 is secured to the vial 1505 filled with the fluid 410. Once the cap 2205 is secured, the fill level of the fluid 410 at the sleeve 2405 is generally the same as the stem edge 2415, and the fill level of the fluid 410 in the rest of the vial 1505 outside of the sleeve 2405 is at least initially high. As the fluid 410 is dispensed, air is able to be supplied to the stem passage 2410 in the sleeve 2405 via one or more gaps formed between the pipette tip 420 and the retention flange 2250 of the cap 2205. Allowing air to be drawn in such a manner helps to maintain a consistent fluid level within the sleeve 2405. As should be appreciated, this design allows the fluid level within the stem 2215 to be considerably lower than in the rest of the vial 1505. This reduces the outer surface area of the pipette tip 420 that is in contact with the reagent 415. Thi s in turn reduces the volume of residual reagent 415 left on the outside of the pipette tip 420 such that less of the pipette tip 420 needs to be cleaned or otherwise addressed. Typically , but not always, the tip end 1540 of the pipette tip 420 is consistently submerged in the reagent 415 during storage. As compared to the stem 1520 shown in FIG. 15, the sleeve 2405 of the stem 2215 in FIG. 24 is shorter such that more of the tip end 1540 of the pipetie tip 420 is exposed to the fluid 410. The air gap clearance between the pipetie tip 420 and the sleeve 2405 is sufficient to avoid the fluid 410 being trapped above the stem edge 1530 due to capillary forces. In some cases, the surface of the sleeve 2405 surrounding the stem passage 2410 may include hydrophobic material to inhibit capillary action.

[0218] Before dispensing with the pipette tip 420, the lid seal 2305 is either manually or automatically removed from the cap 2205. in some versions, the pipette tip 420 that is proximal to the head 1307 contains a filter 2425. As shown in FIG. 24, the filter 2425 is generally located at the retention flange 2250 of the cap 2205 when the pipette tip 420 is stored in the stem 2215. At the retention flange 2250, the pipette tip 420 closes off the vial when inserted into the stem 2215. With the pipette tip 420 acting like a stopper or cork, very little of the fluid 410 will be lost from the vial 1505 due to evaporation at the sleeve 2405.

[0219] Having this construction in some cases eliminates the need for an enclosure for the head cavity 2245 of the cap 2205 during dispensing with the pipette tip 420.

[0220] Turning to FIGS, 25 and 26, the reagent cartridge 2200 uses hydrostatic compensation to maintain the level of the fluid 410 in the stem 2215 in a fashion similar to the FIG. 15 reagent cartridge 1500 such as was for example previously described with respect to FIG. 17. FIG. 25 shows the reagent cartridge 2200 when the vial 1505 is filled with the fluid 410 such as the reagent 415. Once more, the cap 2205 is secured and sealed with the vial 1505 is an airtight manner. When the cap 2205 is secured to the vial .1505, the lid seal 2305 (FIG. 23) seals with the stem 2215 in an airtight manner, and the flange 2235 seals with the vial 1505. The reagent 415 within most of the storage cavity 320 of the vial 1505 is at a vial fluid level 2505, However, since air is retained in the sleeve 2405 of the stem 2215, the reagent 415 at the sleeve 2405 of the stem 2215 has a stern fluid level 2510 at the stem edge 2415 that is considerably lower than the vial fluid level 2505 in the rest of the vial 1505.

[0221] In the example illustrated in FIG. 25, the tip end 1540 of the pipette tip 420 that extends out of the sleeve 2405 past: the stem edge 24.15 fills with the reagent 415 up to the stem fluid level 2510. This stem fluid level 2510 helps to provide a consistent fill volume of the fluid 410 in the pipette tip 420. In other words, the reagent cartridge 2200 is constructed to use hydrostatic compensation to provide a consistent fill level of the fluid 410 in the tip end 1540 of the pipetie tip 420, In one example, the fill volume of the reagent 415 in the pipette tip 420 is about 120-140 pL, but this fill volume can be different in other examples. When the lid seal 2305 is removed and the pipette tip 420 is used to dispense the reagent 415, the stem fluid level 2510 at the sleeve 2405 of the stem 22 I 5 generally remains the same such as is depicted in FIG. 26.

[0222] With this construction, the reagent cartridge 2200 uses the hydrostatically compensated cap 2205 for storing the pipette tip 420 within the vial 1505. The cap 1510 holds the stem fluid level 2510 at the constant: height that is independent of the vial fluid level 2505 of the reagent 415 in the volume. Instead of being immersed at. variable depths within the reagent 415 as the reagent 415 is dispensed from the vial 1505, the pipette tip 420 is immersed at a consistent level where most of the pipette tip 420 remains dry with the exception of the tip end 1540 that is outside of the sleeve 2405. Once more, the air gap clearance between the pipette tip 420 and the sleeve 2405 is sufficient to avoid the fluid 410 being trapped above the stem edge 2415 due to capillary forces which in turn causes most of the pipette tip 420 to remain dry. Having most of the pipette tip 420 dry further mitigates the residual reagent buildup issue previously mentioned. Again, the cap 2205 includes the stem 2215 where the pipette lip 420 is normally stored when not being used.

[0223] With the hydrostatically compensated cap 2205, the cap 2205 is initially sealed with the lid seal 2305. With the cap 2205 being sealed, installing the cap 2205 on the vial 1505 displaces the fluid 410 and keeps air in the stem 2215 where the pipette tip 420 resides. When the cap 2205 is secured to the vial 1505, the cap 2205 creates a seal with the vial 1505. After the cap 2205 on the cap 1510 is tightened, the lid seal 2305 can be punctured or otherwise removed from the cap 2205 without disrupting the stem fluid level 2510 within the stem 2215. With the cap 2205 creating a seal, (he fluid 410 will not rise further into the sleeve 2405 of the stem 2215 surrounding the pipette tip 420. As a result, the stem fluid level 2510 proximal to the stem edge 2415 is maintained at a desired height. With this cap 2205 design, the pipette tip 420 does not need to be fully submerged, but it can in some cases, if so desired. Once the reagent 415 is drawn into the pipette tip 420 for dispensing purposes, the stem fluid level 2510 in the sleeve 2405 will lower to a point where air from the stem 2215 is drawn in from the head cavity 2245 of the cap 2205 and into the main fluid storage volume of the vial 1505. With the air being drawn into the vial 1505 from the stem 2215, the stem fluid level 2510 within the sleeve 2405 returns to the desired stem fluid level 2510 within the stem 2215. FIGS. 27 and 28 show the reagent cartridge 2200 being used in conjunction with the air knife 1805 of FIG. 18 that is configured to wipe or blow off residual fluids 410 from the pipette tip 420 before use. The air knife 1805 operates in the same or similar fashion as was described above with reference to FIGS. 18, 19, 20, and 21 . For the sake of brevity as well as clarity, certain aspects will not be repeated here, but reference is made to the previous discussion.

[0224] Once more, the air knife 1805 reduces the need for extra washing or cleaning. To mitigate residual reagent buildup on the pipette tip 420, the pipette tip 420 is withdrawn through the air knife 1805. As the pipette tip 420 is withdrawn from the vial 1505, this air knife 1805 blows air or other gases around the outside of the pipette tip 420. Any reagent condensation and 'or drops on the pipetie tip 420 are blown or drained back into the vial 1505. In other words, the air knife 1805 wipes the residual volume reagent off the outside of the pipette tip 420, and at the same time, the consistently withdrawn volume of fluid 410 (e.g., 120-140 JAL) due to hydrostatic compensation remains untouched inside the pipette tip 420. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the air knife 1805 is configured to blow air around the outside of (he pipette tip 420 so as to blow any residual fluid 410 back into the vial 1505. In the illustrated example, the air knife 1805 again has a general doughnut shape in that the air knife 1805 is disc -shaped and defines the pipette hole 1820 at the center. It should be recognized that the air knife 1805 can be shaped differently in other examples. The distribution chamber 1810 is fluidly coupled to the nozzle openings 1815. In the illustrated example, the nozzle openings 1815 are angled in a downwards direction towards the vial 1505. The nozzle openings 1815 are spaced circumferentially around the pipette hole 1820 in the air knife

[0225] 1805. With (he nozzle openings 1815 of (he air knife 1805, the blown air wipes the outside of the pipette tip 420 so that the residual fluid 410 on the outside of the pipetie tip 420 drips back into the vial 1505 via the head cavity 2245 in the cap 2205. The head arm 1830 is coupled to the head 1307 of the pipette tip 420. In some, but not all cases, the head arm 1830 creates a vacuum inside the pipette tip 420 to draw the reagent 415 inside the pipette lip 420 for subsequent dispensing. In other cases, the fluid 410 is drawn into the pipette tip 420 up to the stem fluid level 2510 without a vacuum. The head arm 1830 is configured to lift the pipette lip 420 out of the vial 1505. As depicted, the head arm 1830 pulls the pipetie tip 420 through the pipetie hole 1820 in the air knife 1805, and when the pipette tip 420 is pulled through the pipette hole 1820, the nozzle openings 1815 of the air knife 1805 blow air around the outside of the pipette tip 420. Referring to FIG. 28, after dispensing the fluid 410, some residual amount of the fluid 410 (e.g., 20 jiL) may remain in the pipette tip 420. This residual fluid 410 in some cases is returned to the vial 1505. In other examples, the residual fluid 410 in the pipette tip 420 is discarded before being reintroduced to the vial 1505,

[0226] Glossary of Terms

[0227] The language used in the claims and specification is to only have its plain and ordinary meaning, except as explicitly defined below. The words in these definitions are to only have their plain and ordinary meaning. Such plain and ordinary meaning is inclusive of all consistent dictionary definitions from the most recently published Webster's dictionaries and Random House dictionaries. As used in the specification and claims, the following definitions apply to these terms and common variations thereof identified below. "About" with reference to numerical values generally refers to plus or minus 10% of the slated value. For example, if the stated value is 4.375, then use of the term “about 4.375” generally means a range between 3.9375 and 4.8125.

[0228] ’’Air Knife" generally refers to a device that uses high-pressure air or other gas to dry and / or clean surfaces. The air knife works by forcing a thin, high-velocity stream of air or o ther gas onto the surface. Air knives are commonly used for drying wet surfaces, removing dirt and other debris from surfaces, and blowing excess materials, such as dust or chips, from surfaces. For example, (he stream of air from the air knife can blow water or other liquids off the surface. In some (but not all) cases, the air stream further causes the water or other liquid to evaporate quickly.

[0229] ’’Barcode" generally refers to a visible arrangement of shapes, colors, lines, dots, or symbols fixed in some medium and arranged on the medium in a patern configured to encode data. Examples include optical machine-readable representations of data relating to an object to which the barcode is attached such as a Universal Product Code (UPC), or any visible patterns related to any type of Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) system. Another example of a barcode is a Quick Response Code (QR Code) which arranges various light and dark shapes to encode data. Any suitable medium is envisioned. Examples include an adhesive label, a physical page, a display device configured to display the barcode, or any other object such as a box, a machine, or other physical structure to which the barcode is affixed or upon which it is printed. For example, a barcode may be etched into metal, machined into plastic, or formed by organizing visible three-dimensional shapes into a pattern. The barcode may not be visible to humans but may be fixed using a substance or device that allows the barcode to be visible to sensors in a machine configured to read wavelengths of light outside those detectable by the human eye. Examples of this type of barcode include barcodes printed with ink that is only visible under ultraviolet (i.e., "black" ) light, or barcodes displayed using infrared light.

[0230] "Barcode Reader" or " Barcode Scanner" generally refers to a type of optical scanner that can read barcodes and decode the data in the barcode. Typically, but not always, the barcode reader includes one or more light sensors for converting optical impulses into electrical signals. In some cases, the barcode reader further includes a light source, such as a laser, to shine on the barcode and a lens for focusing the light. Some common types of barcode readers include pen-type readers, laser scanners, camera-based readers, and two-dimensional (2D) scanners, to name just a few. In most cases, the barcode reader actively shines light, like in the form of a laser beam, onto the barcode to be read, and the impulses of the light reflected by the barcode are then decoded by the barcode reader. Other barcode reader designs, such as camera-based readers, do not need to actively shine light on the barcode, but these passive designs can passively rely on ambient light reflected off the barcode. For instance, camera-based barcode readers take a picture of the barcode, and the camera-based barcode reader decodes the information of the barcode based on the image. "Cavity" generally refers to an empty space in a solid object. The cavity can be completely or partially surrounded by the solid object. For example, the cavity can be opened to the surroundin g environment ,

[0231] "Controller" generally refers to a device, using mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic electronic techniques, and / or a microprocessor or computer, which monitors and physically alters (he operating conditions of a given dynamical system. For example, the controller may be configured to control the beha vior of another mechanical and / or electronic device. A controller may include a “control circuit” configured to provide signals or other electrical impulses that may be received and interpreted by the controlled device to indicate how the controlled device should behave. A controller may include a processor for performing calculations to process input or output. A controller may include a memory for storing values to be processed by the processor, or for storing the results of previous processing. A controller may also be configured to accept input and output from a wide array of input and output devices for receiving or sending values. A controller may also be a virtual computing platform having an unknown or fluctuating number of physical processors and memories or memory devices. A controller may thus be physically located in one geographical location or physically spread across several widely scattered locations with multiple processors linked together by a communication network to operate as a single controller. Multiple controllers or computing devices may be configured to communicate with one another or with other devices over wired or wireless communication links to form a network.

[0232] ’’Conveyor" is used in a broad sense to generally refer to a mechanism that is used to transport something, like an item, slide, vial, container, and / or tray. By way of non-limiting examples, the conveyor can include belt conveyors, wire mesh conveyors, chain conveyors, electric track conveyors, roller conveyors, cross-belt conveyors, vibrating conveyors, and skate wheel conveyors, to name just a few. The conveyor al! or in part can be powered or unpowered. For instance, sections of the conveyors can include gravity feed sections.

[0233] ’’Fluid" generally refers to a substance that does not have a fixed shape. For example, a fluid includes a liquid atid-or a gas. Typically, fluids are able to flow easily, such as air flowing over a wing, blood flowing through a circulatory system, water flowing through plumbing, or oil flowing through a motor as examples. In some cases, a fluid refers to a mixture of solids, liquids, and / or gases. For example, a slurry of solids and water, liquid droplets mixed with air, aerated solid particles, a mixture of solids with liquids and gases, and / or other mixtures of different materials may be fluids.

[0234] "Hinge" generally refers to a mechanical bearing or other device that connects at least two solid objects so as to allow only an angle of rotation between the objects. Ln one example, the objects connected by the hinge can rotale relative to each other about a fixed axis of rotation such that all other relative translations and / or rotations are prevented to provide one degree of freedom. In other examples, the hinge can provide multiple degrees of freedom. For instance, a living hinge, which is made of flexible material like plastic, can provide multiple axes of rotational freedom. In one form, the hinge includes a leaf with a knuckle that receives a pin.

[0235] Some examples of hinge types include spring hinges, barrel hinges, pivot hinges, butt-mortise hinges, case hinges, piano hinges, concealed hinges, butterfly hinges, flag hinges, strap hinges, H-hinges, counter-flap hinges, self-closing hinges, friction hinges, double action hinges, and crank hinges, to name just a few.

[0236] "Hole" generally refers to a hollow portion through a solid body, wall, or a surface. A hole may be any shape. For example, a hole may be, but is not limited to, circular, triangular, or rectangular. A hole may also have varying depths and may extend entirely through the solid body or surface or may extend through only one side of the solid body.

[0237] ’’Identifier" generally refers to a mark, symbol, tag, name, image, and-or signal (hat identifies (that is, labels the identity of) either a unique thing or a unique class of things, where the "object" or class may be an idea, physical object (or class thereof), or physical substance (or class thereof). The abbreviation "ID" often refers to identity, identification (the process of identify ing), or an identifier (ihai is, an instance of identification). An identifier may or may not include words, numbers, letters, symbols, shapes, colors, sounds, or any combination of those. The words, numbers, letters, or symbols may follow an encoding system (wherein letters, digits, words, or symbols represent ideas or longer identifiers) or they may simply be arbitrary. When an identifier follows an encoding system, it. is often referred to as a code or ID code. Identifiers that do not follow any encoding scheme are often said to be arbitrary IDs because they are arbitrarily assigned without meaning in any other context beyond identifying something.

[0238] "input 'Output (I / O) Device" generally refers to any device or collection of devices coupled to a computing device that is configured to receive input and deliver the input to a processor, memory, or other pari of the computing device and / or is controlled by the computing device to produce an output. The I / O device can include physically separate input and output devices, or (he input and output devices can be combined together to form a single physical unit. Such input devices of the I / O device can include keyboards, mice, trackballs, and touch sensitive pointing devices such as touchpads or touchscreens. Input devices also include any sensor or sensor array for detecting environmental conditions such as temperature, light. noise, vibration, humidity, and the like. Examples of output devices for the I / O device include, but are not limited to, screens or monitors displaying graphical output, a projecting device projecting a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, or any kind of printer, plotter, or similar device producing either two-dimensional or three-dimensional representations of the output fixed in any tangible medium (e.g., a laser printer printing on paper, a lathe controlled to machine a piece of metal, or a three-dimensional printer producing an object). An output device may also produce intangible output such as, for example, data stored in a database, or electromagnetic energy transmitted through a medium or through free space such as audio produced by a speaker controlled by the computer, radio signals transmitted through free space, or pulses of light passing through a fiber-optic cable.

[0239] "Liquid" generally refers to a fluid that has no independent shape but has a definite volume and does not expand indefinitely and that is only slightly compressible. "Living Hinge" or ’’Integral Hinge" generally refers to a thin flexible material or flexure bearing made from the same material as the two pieces the living hinge connects. Typically, but not always, the two pieces are generally rigid. The material forming the two pieces is typically thinned or cut at the living hinge to allow the pieces to bend along the line of the living hinge. Living hinges can be for example created through injection molding plastic and / or thermoforming.

[0240] "Machine-Readable Identifier" generally refers to a marking, structure, and / or device that is readable by an electronic device such as by a computer with an optical and / or electromagnetic scanner. Typically, but not always, the machine-readable identifier identifies the object and / or some property of the object to which the machine-readable identifier is associated. Unless great effort is used, the machine-readable identifier is not easily read and / or understood by a human being. Some examples of machine-readable identifiers include barcodes. Quick Response (QR) codes, and / or Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, to name just a few.

[0241] "Notch” generally refers to an indentation, cut, groove, channel, and / or incision on an edge or surface, hi some non-limiting examples, the notch inchides a V-shaped or U-shaped indentation carved, scratched, etched, stamped, and / or otherwise formed in the edge or surface. The notch can have a uniform shape or a non-uniform shape.

[0242] "Opaque" generally refers to a material and / or article that has the physical property of blocking light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation from passing through the material.

[0243] The material can be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gas. An opaque material is neither transparent nor translucent. Whether a material is opaque typically depends on the wavelength of the light and the nature of the material. For instance, some kinds of glass, while transparent in the visible light range, are largely opaque to ultraviolet light.

[0244] "Opening" generally refers to a space or hole that something can pass through.

[0245] "Pipette Tip" generally refers to a detachable hollow structure that is attachable to a pipetting device for drawing and dispensing select volumes of liquids and-or other fluids. Typically, but not always, the pipette tip is designed to be disposable. The pipette tip commonly has two open ends. One open end is where the liquid or other fluid is drawn and dispensed. At typically the opposite end, there is an opening where a vacuum (i.e., low pressure) is applied to draw the liquid, and high pressure is applied to dispense or discharge the liquid. The pipette tip is normally made of plastic, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, but the pipette tip can be made from other materials like glass. The pipette tip normally, but not always, has a general cylindrical or fntstoconicai shape, but the pipette tip can be shaped differently.

[0246] Pipette tips are commonly used to reduce contamination of both the liquid being transferred and the pipetting device. In some cases, (he pipette tips can include non-sterile pipeties, which are not sterilized, or sterile pipette tips that have been sterilized. In some cases, the pipette tips can further include one or more filters to prevent aerosolized droplets of liquid from entering the pipette tip in order to prevent contamination.

[0247] "Plastic" generally refers io a synthetic or semi-synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers, such as polyethylene, PVC, nylon, and the like. Typically, but not always, plastics are mostly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight and that can be made into objects, films, or filaments. In some cases, plastics can be molded into shape while soft and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form. "Radio-Frequency Identification" or "RFID" generally refers to a technology that uses electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves, to automatically identify objects and / or receive other information. Typically, but not always, an RFID system includes an RFID tag, which is attached to or otherwise associated with the object to be identified and / or tracked, and a RFID reader configured to emit the radio or other electromagnetic waves and read data from RFI D tags. In other words, the RFID tag is a type of radio transponder that, upon recei ving an interrogating radio signal or pulse from the RFID reader, emits a different radio signal in response which is received by the RFID reader. In one example, when the RFID tag receives the interrogating radio signal, (he RFID tag responds by transmitting an identifier (ID) for the tag and / or other information. Unlike with barcodes, the RFID tags do not need to be in the line of sight of the RFID reader. RFID systems can be categorized as Passive Reader Active Tag (PRAT) type systems. Active Reader Passive Tag (ARPT) type systems, and Active Reader Active Tag (ARAT) type systems, (o name just a few examples. "Radio-Frequency Identification Reader" or "RFID Reader" generally refers to a type of radio device or other electromagnetic device (hat sends and receives signals from one or more RFID tags for automatically identifying objects and / or receive other information concerning the objects. In most cases, the RFID reader performs or acts both as a radio transmitter and a radio receiver, but in some cases, these functions can be split out into separate devices. The RFID reader typically includes an antenna for emitting and receiving radio waves at one or more specific frequencies based on the requirements of (he RFID system being used. The RFID reader usually includes a processor to decode or otherwise process signals received from the RFID tags in the RFID system. RFID readers can include fixed, mobile, and embedded type readers.

[0248] "Radio-Frequency Identification Tag" or "RFID Tag" generally refers to a type of small radio transponder that uses electromagnetic waves, like radio waves, to automatically identify objects and'or provide other information. Typically, but not always, the RFID tag is attached to or otherwise associated with one or more objects to be identified and / or tracked. When the RFID tag receives the interrogating radio signal, (he RFID tag responds by transmitting an identifier (ID) for the lag and / or other information. In one example, the RFID tag upon receiving an interrogating radio signal or pulse from an RFID reader emits a different radio signal in response that that is received by the RFID reader. The RFID tag commonly includes an antenna for receiving and transmitting the radio waves, an integrated circuit or microchip . and a substrate supporting the antenna and microchip. In most cases, the antenna is configured to receive and transmit radio waves. The microchip is configured to store and process data, and the microchip is further configured to modulate and demodulate the radio signals to and from the antenna, RFID tags can include passive type tags, active type tags, and battery-assisted passive type tags. Passive tags are typically powered by energy from lite interrogating radio waves from the RFID reader or other types of radio transmitters. Active tags are normally powered by an on-board battery or other type of power source, and active tags periodically transmit an identifier (ID) signal for the tag and- or other data. Battery- assisted passive tags usually have a small on-board battery, and battery -assisted passive tags are activated when in the presence of the interrogating radio signal from the RFID reader and / or other radio transmitter. RFID tags can be further categorized as read-only type tags or read / write type tags. "Reagent" generally refers to any substance that is added to a system that causes a chemical reaction. In other words, the reagent is any substance that is added to a system to cause a change in the chemical state of the system. The substance forming the reagent is normally consumed during the chemical reaction that the substance triggers. By way of non-limiting examples, this substance can include acids, bases, salts, and / or organic compounds, to name just a few examples. Reagents can be used in a wide variety of ways, including (but not limited to) to analyze chemical compositions, synthesize new compounds, purify substances, separate out components of mixtures, and / or change the rate of a chem ical reaction. For example, reagents can be used in biology and medical diagnostics to identify and-or quantify specific medical conditions, like diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, cancer, and the like. As another example, reagents can be used in analytical chemistry to identify and quantify unknown substances. Reagents can be for instance also used in organic synthesis to create new organic molecules. Reagents can further be used in material science to create new materials. Reagents can be categorized as primary reagents, secondary reagents, limiting reagents, and excess reagents. Primary reagents are the main reactant in a chemical reaction, and secondary reagents assist the primary reagents in carrying out the chemical reaction. Limiting reagents are consumed completely during the chemical reaction so as to set the maximum amount of product that can be formed, and excess reagents are present in larger quantities than the limiting reagents so that the excess reagents are not completely consumed by the chemical reaction,

[0249] "Short-Range Communication” generally refers to any network that is capable of transmitting data over short distances using high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. Some examples of short-range communication protocols include, but are not limited to BLUETOOTH®, Wi-Fi, RFID, ZigBee®, and Thread® protocol standards.

[0250] "Slide" generally refers to a thin piece of fully or mostly transparent material, like glass, quartz, or plastic, that supports one or more objects for visual examination such as under a microscope. An example of a standard microscope slide is a flat, rectangular piece of glass having the dimensions of 75 nun by 26 mm with a thickness of about 1 mm, but slides in other examples can be shaped and dimensioned differently as well as can be made from other materials. The slide is typically transparent or clear, but some parts of the slide may contain translucent or even opaque sections. For instance, the slide can be frosted or coated with enamel to facilitate labelling and / or writing on the slide. Graticule slides, for example, are typically marked with grid lines to facilitate counting and / or sizing objects on the slide such as for cell counting. The slide may further have a special coating such as to enhance chemical inertness and / or promote cell adhesion. While slides are normally flat, some slides may contain shallow depressions or wells, such as in the case of concavity slides or cavity slides, that hold a specimen or other object in place. Often, the object, such as a biological specimen, is held in place using a small transparent cover like a glass cover slip. The specimen can be mounted on the slide in several ways such as using dry mount, wet mount, prepared mount, and or strewn mount techniques.

[0251] "Specimen" as well as "Biological Sample" or "Tissue Sample" generally refers to any sample including a biomolecule (such as a protein, a peptide, a nucleic acid, a lipid, a carbohydrate, or a combination thereof) that is obtained from any organism including viruses. Other examples of organisms include mammals (such as humans; veterinary animals like cats, dogs, horses, cattle, and swine; and laboratory animals like mice, rats and primates), insects, annelids, arachnids, marsupials, reptiles, amphibians, bacteria, and fungi. Biological samples include tissue samples (such as tissue sections and needle biopsies of tissue), cell samples (such as cytological smears such as Pap smears or blood smears or samples of cells obtained by microdissection), or cel! fractions, fragments or organelles (such as obtained by lysing ceils and separating their components by centrifugation or otherwise). Other examples of biological samples include blood, serum, urine, semen, fecal matter, cerebrospinal fluid, interstitial fluid, mucous, tears, sweat, pus, biopsied tissue (for example, obtained by a surgical biopsy or a needle biopsy), nipple aspirates, cerumen, milk, vaginal fluid, saliva, swabs (such as buccal swabs), or any material containing biomolecules that is derived from a first biological sample. In certain embodiments, the term "biological sample" as used herein refers to a sample (such as a homogenized or liquefied sample) prepared from a tumor or a portion thereof obtained from a subject,

[0252] "Text" generally refers to one or more letters or similar symbols that form words to provide information,

[0253] "Translucent" generally refers to a material and / or article that has the physical property of allowing light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation to pass through the material but appreciably scaters the light so that objects beyond cannot be seen clearly. The material can be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gas, A transparent material is generally made up of components with different indices of refraction. Whether a material is translucent typically depends on the wavelength of the light and the nature of the materia!. Some examples of translucen t materials include some forms of glass and plastics.

[0254] "Transparent." generally refers to a material and / or article that has the physical property of allowing light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation to pass through the material withou t appreciable scattering of light. The material can be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gas. A transparent material is generally made up of components with a uniform index of refraction. Transparent materials appear clear, with the overall appearance of one color, or airy combination leading up to a brilliant spectrum of every color. Whether a material is transparent typically depends on the wavelength of the light and the nature of the material. Some examples of transparent materials include some forms of glass and plastics as well as air and liquid water,

[0255] "Transverse” generally refers to things, axes, straight lines, planes, or geometric shapes extending in a non-parallel and / or crosswise manner relative to one another. For example, when in a transverse arrangement, lines can extend at right angles or perpendicular relative to one another, hut the lines can extend at other non-straight angles as well such as at acute, obtuse, or reflex angles. For instance, transverse lines can also form angles greater than zero (0) degrees such that the lines are not parallel. When extending in a transverse manner, the lines or other things do not necessarily have to intersect one another, but they can.

[0256] ’’Vacuum" generally refers io a space or state in which air or other gas pressure is significantly lower than ambient or atmospheric pressure. A vacuum can include a full vacuum in which the space is devoid of all matter or a partial vacuum in which some gas (or other matter) is still present in the space.

[0257] "Window" generally refers to an opening or generally transparent panel in a wall of an object that facilitates interior viewing of the object. "Wireless Personal Area Network" or "WPAN" generally refers to a low-powered electromagnetic network used for data transmission between devices, such as computers, telephones, electronics, andfor portable devices, that is carried over a short-distance using network technology with a range of a few centimeters to a few meters. WPAN is based in part on the IEEE 802.15 standard. Two common types of wireless technologies are typically used for WPAN, BLUETOOTH® and Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technologies. BLUETOOTH® technology typically uses short-range radio waves, and in some instances, can form longer range mesh networks. IrDA technology typically uses infrared light for communication. Non-limiting examples of WPAN include INSTEON, IrDA, Wireless USB, BLUETOOTH®, Thread®, Z-Wave®, and ZigBee® wireless communication protocols and technologies.

[0258] ’’Wireless Power Transfer” (WPT) or "Wireless Energy Transmission" (WET) generally refers to the transmission of electrical energy without wires as a physical link. In a WPT system, a power transmitter, driven by electric power from a power source, generates a time- varying electromagnetic field, which transmits power across space to a power receiver, which extracts power from the field and supplies the power to an electrical load. WPT is typically useful to power electrical devices where interconnecting wires are inconvenient, hazardous, and / or are not possible. For example, WPT can be used to charge portable electrical loads, like smartphones and vehicles. WPT techniques mainly fall into two general categories, non- radiative and radiative techniques, hi near field or non-radiative techniques, power is transferred over short distances by magnetic fields using inductive coupling between coils of wire, or by electric fields using capacitive coupling between metal electrodes. Inductive charging can be for example used to charge handheld devices like phones and electric toothbrushes, RFID tags, and wirelessly charging implantable medical devices like artificial cardiac pacemakers, or electric vehicles. In tar-field or radiative techniques, also called power beaming, power is transferred by beams of electromagnetic .radiation, l ike microwaves and / or laser beams. These far-field techniques can transport energy longer distances, but the beam generally should be aimed at or near the power receiver. By way of nonlimiting examples, solar power satellites and wireless powered drone aircraft can be powered via these far-field WPT techniques.

[0259] It should be noted that the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and the like as used in the description and / or the claims include the plural forms unless expressly discussed otherwise. For example, if the specification and / or claims refer to "a device" or "the device", it includes one or more of such devices.

[0260] It should be noted that directional terms, such as "up," "down," "top," ''bottom / ' ’’lateral,” "longitudinal," "radial," "circumferential," "horizontal," "vertical," etc., are used herein solely for the convenience of the reader in order to aid in the reader's understanding of the illustrated embodiments, and it is not the intent that the use of these directional terms in any manner limit the described, illustrated, and / or claimed features to a specific direction and / or orientation.

[0261] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that, only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by the following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein. Reference Numbers

[0262] 100 system

[0263] 105 reagent station

[0264] 1 10 dispense station

[0265] 1 15 slide station

[0266] 120 controller

[0267] 125 I / O device

[0268] 130 bulk fluid storage area

[0269] 135 waste storage area

[0270] 200 reagent cartridge

[0271] 205 reagent vials

[0272] 210 packing shell

[0273] 215 identifier

[0274] 220 text

[0275] 222 machine-read able identifier

[0276] 225 barcode

[0277] 305 body

[0278] 310 neck

[0279] 315 closure

[0280] 320 storage cavity

[0281] 325 opening

[0282] 330 alignment flange 335 support flange

[0283] 340 lid

[0284] 345 hinge

[0285] 350 chamber

[0286] 355 support ribs

[0287] 405 reagent vial

[0288] 410 fluid

[0289] 415 reagent

[0290] 420 pipette tip

[0291] 425 retaining clip

[0292] 430 dispense opening

[0293] 435 pressure opening

[0294] 500 reagent cartridge

[0295] 505 retaining clips

[0296] 600 reagent cartridge

[0297] 605 reagent vials

[0298] 610 packing shell

[0299] 615 identifier

[0300] 620 text

[0301] 622 machine-readable identifier

[0302] 625 barcode

[0303] 630 sidewall 635 cutout

[0304] 638 reader

[0305] 640 barcode reader

[0306] 645 mirror

[0307] 700 reagent cartridge

[0308] 800 system

[0309] 805 storage station

[0310] 810 wash station

[0311] 815 dispense station

[0312] 820 tip park rack

[0313] 825 pipette tips

[0314] 830 tip transporter

[0315] 835 wash arm

[0316] 840 tip holder

[0317] 845 dry arm

[0318] 850 wash well

[0319] 855 reagent conveyor

[0320] 860 slide conveyor

[0321] 865 pipetting arms

[0322] 870 reagent vials

[0323] 875 slides

[0324] 905 identifier 907 machine-readable identifier 910 barcode

[0325] 1005 lid

[0326] 1010 identifier

[0327] 1015 text

[0328] 1105 drain

[0329] 1200 reagent cartridge

[0330] 1205 vial

[0331] 1210 cap

[0332] 1215 collar

[0333] 1220 seal ridge

[0334] 1225 cavity

[0335] 1305 retention labs

[0336] 1307 head

[0337] 1310 drainage gaps

[0338] 1500 reagent cartridge

[0339] 1505 vial

[0340] 1507 threaded neck

[0341] 1510 cap

[0342] 1512 threading

[0343] 1515 retention flange

[0344] 1520 stem 1525 stem passage

[0345] 1530 stem edge

[0346] 1532 stem notches

[0347] 1535 stem opening

[0348] 1540 tip end

[0349] 1705 vial fluid level

[0350] 1710 stem fluid level

[0351] 1800 wipe station

[0352] 1805 air knife

[0353] 1810 distribution chamber

[0354] 1815 nozzle openings

[0355] 1820 pipette hole

[0356] 1825 supply port

[0357] 1830 head arm

[0358] 2200 reagent cartridge

[0359] 2205 cap

[0360] 2210 collar

[0361] 2215 stem

[0362] 2220 threading

[0363] 2225 collar opening

[0364] 2230 retention ledge

[0365] 2235 flange 2240 stem neck

[0366] 2245 head cavity

[0367] 2250 retention flange

[0368] 2305 lid seal

[0369] 2310 foil

[0370] 2315 lip

[0371] 2320 notch

[0372] 2325 ridge

[0373] 2405 sleeve

[0374] 2410 stem passage

[0375] 2415 stem edge

[0376] 2420 stem opening

[0377] 2425 filter

[0378] 2505 vial fluid level

[0379] 2510 stem fluid level

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is: 1 . A system, comprising: a vial configured to store a fluid; a cap being coupled to the vial; a pipette tip being stored in the vial; and wherein the cap is configured to hold the pipette tip inside the vial.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pipette tip is at least partially submerged in the fluid.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein: the cap has one or more retention tabs; and the retention tabs are configured to hold the pipette tip.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the retention tabs define one or more drainage gaps.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the drainage gaps are configured to drain fluid from the pipette tip back into the vial.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cap is a hydrostatically compensa ted cap.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein: the cap has a stem; and the stem extends into the vial when the cap is secured to the vial.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein: the cap has a retention flange; the cap has a collar configured to connect to the vial; the retention flange is configured to hold the pipette tip in the vial; the retention flange connects the stem to the collar; and the retention flange is solid to seal the vial.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein: the stem defines a stem passage; and the stem passage is configured to receive the pipette tip.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the cap is configured to limit air ingress so that most of the pipette tip remains dry inside the stem.1 1 . The system of claim 9. wherein: the stem has a stem edge; the stem edge defines the stern opening; the pipette tip has a tip end defining a dispense opening; and the tip end of the pipetie tip extends past the stem edge.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein: the vial outside of the stem has a vial fluid level; and the stem has a stem fluid level.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the stem fluid level is lower than the vial fluid level.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the stem fluid level is lower than the vial fluid level so that only the tip end of the pipette tip is submerged in the fluid.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the stem fluid level remains consistent as the fluid is drawn out of the vial by the pipette tip.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein: the vial defines a storage cavity to store the fluid; and the stem opening is configured to introduce air into the storage cavity of the vial as the pipette lip draws the fluid out of (he vial.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein: the vial defines a storage cavity to store the fluid;the stem edge defines one or more stem notches: and the stem notches are configured to introduce air into the storage cavity of the vial as the pipette tip draws the fluid out of the vial.

18. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cap is configured to facilitate a reduction in an amount of the fluid remaining on the outside of the pipette tip.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein: the cap includes a collar and a stem; the collar has threading to secure the collar to the vial; the collar is separate from the stern; and the collar is configured to rotate about the stem while the stem remains stationary when the cap is secured to the vial.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein: the stem has a flange extending radially outwards; and the flange of the stem is configured to seal the vial,21. The system of claim 19, wherein: the stem has a sleeve that defines a s tem passage; the stem defines a head cavity that is fluidly coupled to the stem passage; the cap has a lid seal configured to seal the cap; and the lid seal seals the head cavity to trap air in the stem passage.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the pipette tip houses a filter.

23. The system of claim 19, wherein the pipette tip closes off the vial when inserted into the stem to reduce evaporation.

24. The system of claim 19, wherein the cap is configured to use hydrostatic compensation to provide a consistent fill level of fluid in the pipette tip.

25. A system, comprising:a reagent cartridge having a packing shell; wherein the reagent cartridge holds one or more reagent vials; and wherein the reagent cartridge stores one or more pipette tips.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the pipette tips are stored inside the reagent vials.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein: the reagent vials define a storage cavity; the storage cavity is configured to store a reagent; and the pipette tips are at least partially immersed in the reagent.

28. The system of claim 26, wherein: the reagent cartridge has one or more retaining clips; and the retaining clips are configured to retain the pipette lips inside the reagent vials.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the retaining clips utilize a friction type fit.

30. The system of claim 25, wherein the pipette tips are stored outside of the reagent vials. 31 • The system of claim 30, wherein; the packing shell defines one or more chambers in which the reagent vials are stored; and the pipette tips are stored in at least one of the chambers.

32. The system of claim 31 , wherein the pipette tips are stored in at least one of the chambers that does not hold the reagent vials,33. The system of claim 30, wherein; the packing shell defines one or more chambers in which the reagent vials are stored; the reagent cartridge has one or more retaining clips; and the retaining clips are configured to retain (he pipetie tips within at least one of the chambers.

34. The system of claim 25, wherein: the reagent cartridge has one or more retaining clips; andthe retaining clips are configured to retain the pipette tips in the reagent cartridge.

35. The system of claim 25, wherein; each of the reagent vials has an identifier; and the identifier includes a machine-readable identifier.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the machine-readable identifier includes a hare ode,37. The system of claim 35, wherein the machine-readable identifier incl udes a radio- frequency identification (RFID) tag.

38. The system of claim 25, wherein: each of the reagent vials has an identifier; the packing shell defines one or more cutouts; and the cutouts are positioned to expose the identifier on the reagent vials when loaded in the reagent cartridge.

39. The system of claim 25, further comprising: one or more barcodes being located on the reagent vials; wherein the packing shell defines one or more cutouts; and wherein the cutouts are positioned so that the barcodes can be read.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein: the packing shell has one or more sidewalls; and the cutouts are defined on the sidewalls of the packing shell.

41. The system of claim 39, further comprising; one or more barcode readers configured to read the barcodes.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein the barcode readers are positioned to directly read the barcodes.

43. The system of claim 41, wherein the barcode readers are positioned to indirectly read the barcodes.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein: the barcode readers have one or more mirrors; and the mirrors are positioned to allow at least one of the barcode readers to read the barcodes from a location remote from the barcodes.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein the mirrors are configured to allow one of the barcode readers to read two or more of the barcodes.

46. A system, comprising: a storage station including a lip park rack; wherein the tip park rack is configured to store one or more pipette tips; a wash station including a tip holder; wherein the tip holder is configured to hold the pipette tips; and wherein the tip holder is configured to rotate.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein: the wash station includes a wash arm; and the wash arm is configured to clean the pipetie tips.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein: the wash station includes a dry arm; and the dry arm is configured to dry the pipette tips.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein the tip holder is configured to rotate to move the pipette tips between the wash arm and the dry arm.

50. The system of claim 46, wherein the tip park rack is configured io be indexed to facilitate picking of the pipette tips from the tip park rack.

51. The system of claim 46, wherein:the tip park rack includes an identifier; and the identifier includes a machine-readable identifier.

52. The system of claim 51, wherein the machine-readable identifier includes a radio- frequency identification (RFID) tag,53. The system of claim 51, wherein the machine-readable identifier includes a barcode,54. The system of claim 46, wherein the tip park rack has a barcode located along an edge of the tip park rack.

55. The system of claim 46, further comprising: one or more pipetting arms being configured to move (he pipette tips from the wash station to the storage station; and wherein different ones of the pipetting arms move the same pipetting tips to and from the wash station.

56. The system of any one of claims I to 55, wherein the pipette tip is at least partially submerged in the fluid,57. The system of any one of claims 1 io 56, wherein: the cap has one or more retention tabs; and the retention tabs are configured to hold the pipette (ip. 58, The system of any one of claims 1 to 57, wherein the retention tabs define one or more drainage gaps.

59. The system of claim 58, wherein the drainage gaps are configured to drain fluid from the pipette tip back into the vial.60, The system of any one of claims 1 to 59, wherein the cap is a hydrostatically compensated cap.

61. The system of any one of claims 1 to 60, wherein: the cap has a stem; and the stem extends into the vial when the cap is secured to the vial.

62. The system of claim 61 , wherein: the cap has a retention flange; the cap has a collar configured to connect to the vial; the retention flange is configured to hold the pipette tip in the vial: the retention flange connects the stem to the collar; and the retention flange is solid to seal the vial.

63. The system of any one of claims 1 to 62, wherein: the stem defines a stem passage; and the stem passage is configured to receive the pipette tip.

64. The system of any one of claims I to 63, wherein the cap is configured to limit air ingress so that most of the pipetie tip remains dry inside the stem.

65. The system of any one of claims 1 to 64, wherein: the siem has a stem edge; the stem edge defines the stem opening; the pipette tip has a tip end defining a dispense opening; and the tip end of the pipette tip extends past the stem edge.

66. The system of any one of claims 1 to 65. wherein: the vial outside of the stem has a vial fluid level; and the stem has a stem fluid level.

67. The system of any one of claims 1 to 66, wherein the stem fluid level is lower than the vial fluid level.

68. The system of any one of claims 1 to 67, wherein the stem fluid level is lower than the vial fluid level so that only the tip end of the pipette tip is submerged in the fluid.

69. The system of any one of claims I to 68, wherein the stem fluid level remains consistent as the fluid is drawn out of the vial by the pipetie tip.

70. The system of any one of claims 1 to 69, wherein: the vial defines a storage cavity io store the fluid; and the stem opening is configured to introduce air into the storage cavity of the vial as the pipette tip draws the fluid out of the vial.

71. The system of any one of claims 1 to 70, wherein: the vial defines a storage cavity to store the fluid; the stem edge defines one or more stem notches; and the stem notches are configured to introduce air into the storage cavity of (he vial as the pipette tip draws the fluid out of the vial,72. The system of any one of claims 1 to 71, wherein the cap is configured to facilitate a reduction in an amount of the fluid remaining on the outside of the pipette tip.

73. The system of any one of claims I to 72, wherein: the cap includes a collar and a stem; the collar has threading to secure the collar to the vial: the collar is separate from the stem; and the collar is configured to rotate about the stem while the stem remains stationary when the cap is secured to the vial.

74. The system of any one of claims 1 to 73, wherein: the stem has a flange extending radially outwards; and the flange of the stem is configured to seal the vial.

75. The system of any one of claims 1 to 74, wherein: the stem has a sleeve that defines a stem passage; the stem defines a head cavity that is fluidly coupled to the stem passage; the cap has a lid seal configured to seal the cap; andthe lid seal seals the head cavity to trap air in the stem passage.

76. The system of any one of claims 1 to 75, wherein the pipette tip houses a filter.

77. The system of any one of chums 1 to 76, wherein the pipette tip closes off the via! when inserted into the stem to reduce evaporation.

78. The system of any one of claims 1 to 77, wherein the cap is configured to use hydrostatic compensation to provide a consistent fill level of fluid in the pipette tip.

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