Pipetting device, pipette tip coupler, and pipette tip: devices and methods
Inventors
Guzman, Jose Eduardo • Barresi, Thomas • Belton, Dana A.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11235318-B2
Publication Date
2022-02-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
Pipette tip coupler and a disposable pipette tip for a pipette device comprises a stepped coupler shoulder complementary to an axially stepped pipette tip shoulder; a plurality of circumferentially disposed elements or segments carried by the coupler at a location superior to the coupler shoulder; and a distal elastomeric element carried by the coupler at a location distal to the coupler shoulder wherein the plurality of elements or segments have a circumferential, radially translated state that provides an abutment with a first working surface formed in the interior surface of the tip while compressing the distal elastomeric element into sealing abutment with a second working surface formed in the interior surface of the tip and while abutting the proximally facing axial stop surface of the tip with the distally facing axial stop surface of the coupler to define an axial coupling position of the pipette tip on the pipette device.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a pipetting device and a disposable pipette tip coupler system that includes an axially stepped coupler shoulder and a distal elastomeric sealing element. The distal elastomeric element is coupled to an internal sealing seat of the disposable pipette tip to form a fluid-tight seal. An axial stop shoulder interface defines a fixed axial coupling position and establishes a perpendicular datum for improved straightness and concentricity during coupling.
A plurality of circumferentially disposed radially translatable elements, including radially translatable segments such as spherical balls, are actuated by an annular wedge or squeeze ring. The wedge action radially translates the segments so the segments transmit force to compress the distal elastomeric sealing element against the tip sealing seat surface. The described geometry uses stepped internal features of the disposable pipette tip, including a groove and an axial stop or shoulder that cooperate with the coupler.
The system also addresses improved seal reliability relative to conventional designs using a single elastomeric element on a conical or stepped stud, and provides a counter-axial disengaging force to aid tip removal. In addition, liquid level detection is integrated using conductive segments or balls and conductive contact with a tip groove or related conductive structure, including a conductive contact ring end and an LLD circuit board.
Claims Coverage
Not explicitly described in patent.
Not explicitly described in patent.
Stated Advantages
Improved seal reliability versus conventional conical/stepped studs with a single elastomeric element.
Improved straightness and concentricity via an axial stop shoulder interface that defines a fixed axial coupling position and a perpendicular datum.
Improved small-hole/low-volume targeting based on improved straightness and concentricity.
Provides counter-axial disengaging force to aid tip removal.
Documented Applications
Automated pipetting using a pipette device and disposable pipette tips with the disclosed tip-coupler system and elastomeric sealing arrangement.
Liquid level detection integrated with the pipette tip coupler using conductive segments or balls and conductive tip groove contact.
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