GB2579047A

GB2579047A - Storage and feeding of disposable pipette tips

Info

Publication number: GB2579047A
Application number: GB1818670.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Trump Martin; Horvath Tibor; Pohler Hans-Joachim
Original assignee: Stratec Biomedical AG
Current assignee: Stratec Biomedical AG
Priority date: 2018-11-16
Filing date: 2018-11-16
Publication date: 2020-06-10
Also published as: GB201818670D0

Abstract

A plurality of pipette tips comprising at least two pipette tips 2 which are connected by a connecting member 4 arranged at the end of the pipette tips. Ideally, the connecting member is positioned at the open end of the pipette tip which connects with a pipette body. The pipette tips are ideally arranged in a line such that the formation of connecting member and pipette tips can be rolled like a belt. The connecting member preferably comprises bars at predetermined breaking points such that a pipette tip can be released from the connecting member. A method of connecting the pipettes and the use of the pipette tips in an automated analyser.

Description

STORAGE AND FEEDING OF DISPOSABLE PIPETTE TIPS

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage and feeding system for pipette tips for automated analyser systems.

Brief description of the related art

[0002] Automated analyzer systems for use in clinical diagnostics and life sciences are produced by a number of companies. For example, the STRATEC' Biomedical AG, Birkenfeld, Germany, produces a number of devices for specimen handling and detection for use in automated analyzer systems and other laboratory instrumentation.

[0003] Pipetting devices in automatic analyzers are routinely used in clinical diagnostics and life sciences for tasks such as specimen handling, specimen preparation, detection and analysis. Thereby, pipetting devices use pipetting tips to transport liquids like patient samples and assay components and bring them together in a reaction vessel for instance. Thus, pipette tips have constantly to be provided for specimen handling.

[0004] Known disposable tip storage solutions in diagnostic analyzers are usually based on disposable tip tray loading. Those trays have typically a capacity of 96 tips. The pipette tips are loaded into a loading area directly onto a deck of an analyzer. Usually, such a loading area is a drawer-based module. However, space and time necessary for feeding tips will increase with the number of tips to be loaded. Anapyser for high through-put analyis will thus require a lot of space for stroring and feading pipette tips. Bulk loading of tips, with loading funnels and tip sorters are also very common.

[0005] Published International Patent Application No. WO 2010/118374 Al describes methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments of this document allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration. Pipette tips may generally be engaged with a distal nozzle of a pipettor or similar device in order to draw and drop liquid slugs in precise amounts. Such tips may be used for the transfer and handling of liquids for applications such as titration and dispensing of liquids, DNA sequencing, cycle sequencing, PCR and other DNA analysis as well as other liquid handling applications. For many of these applications, large numbers of samples must be processed in a precise manner and, as such, a large number of pipette tips are used for such methods. In order to avoid cross contamination of samples, pipette tips are typically used only once for each sample being processed. Because of the large number of samples being processed and the single use nature of the pipette tips, a large number of pipette tips need to engaged with pipettor type devices and then removed from those devices and disposed of [0006] Published International Patent Application No. WO 2008/021722 Al discloses a method of loading a plurality of pipette tips on a plurality of mandrels of a pipettor is provided. A plurality of pipette tips are inserted in a plurality of receptacles of a tip loading assembly. The plurality of pipette tips are oriented with respect to each other by a plate. The tip loading assembly includes, but is not limited to, an insertion surface. The insertion surface includes the plurality of receptacles configured to accept the plurality of pipette tips. A receptacle from among the plurality of receptacles includes a receptacle wall and a beveled surface that extends from at least a portion of the insertion surface. A retention force is applied to the plate. The plurality of pipette tips are attached to a plurality of mandrels of a pipettor and are separated from the plate, [0007] In published International Patent Application No. WO 2005/119269 Al a system for selectively loading pipettes onto a multichannel pipettor using a pipette holder which projects the engagement ends of selected pipettes further away from a support surface compared with a remainder of pipettes retained in the holder is disclosed.

[0008] Pipette feeding known in the prior art rektes to tray based tip loading methods. These commonly known solutions require a large place on a deck independend from whether they are used for load manual or automated loading. Additionally, in analyzers with continuous loading concepts, where user and system are able to access the same area at the same time, additional measures to ensure user safety have to be implemented.

Object of the invention [0009] The object of the invention is to reduce the overall footprint of a diagnostic analyzer by reducing the required space for storing and feeding disposable tips on a main deck of an automated analyzer.

Summary of the invention

[0010] This problem is solved by the features and elements of the method and device as described in the independent claims, while meaningful embodiments are described by the features and elements of the dependent claims.

[0011] What is proposed according to the invention is a plurality of pipette tips, comprising at least two pipette tips which are connected by a connecting member arranged at one end of the pipette tips.

[00 1 2] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting member can be arranged at nthe end with an opening for accommodating a pipette [0013] Itb is further intended that the connecting member can be arranged in parallel to the at least two pipette tips longitudinal axis.

[0014] The connected at least two pipette tips may further form a row of consecutive parallel pipette tips ragarding their longitudinal axis.

[0015] It is further envisaged that the row of consecutive parallel pipette tips may be rolled over their longitudinal axis.

[0016] The invention provides further a roll of pipette tips has a diameter of maximum 31 cm.

[0017] According to the imnvention, the connecting member can also be arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least two pipette tips longitudinal axis.

[0018] In such an embodiment, the connecting member may further form a row of consecutive parallel pipette tips regarding their longitudinal axis or a two-dimensional plane with the connected pipette tips [0019] The connecting member may further comprise bars as predetermined breaking points.

[0020] Another object of the invention refers to a method for connecting pipette tips, comprising the steps of - Providing at least two pipette tips, - Arranging a connecting member in parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least two pipette tips at their ends with an opening for accommodating a pipette, - Connecting the at least two pipette tips with the connecting member [0021] The method may futrher emcompass thatt the at least two pipette tips connected by a parallel arranged connecting member will be rolled over their longitudinal axis for packing.

[0022] It is furthe intended that the at least two pipette tips may be connected by a perpendicular arranged connecting member form a row or a two-dimensional plane with the pipette tips opening.

[0023] Another object of the invetion refers to the use of a plurality of pipette tips, comprising at least two pipette tips which are connected by a connecting member arranged at the end of the pipette tips with an opening for accommodating a pipette in automated analyser.

[0024] The invention refers further to the use of a plurality of pipette tips, comprising at least two pipette tips which are connected by a connecting member arranged at the end of the pipette tips with an opening for accommodating a pipette for the transfer of samples in automated analyser.

[0025] Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply by illustrating a preferable embodiments and implementations. The present invention is also capable of other and different embodiments and its several details can be modified in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention.

Summary of the figures

[0026] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description and the accompanying drawings, it shows.

FIG. 1 Tips connected with parallel arranged connecting member FIG. 2 Tips connected with perpendicular arranged connecting member FIG. 3 Roll of tips connected with parallel connecting member FIG. 4 Tips connected by a parallel arranged connecting member FIG. 5 A cylinder of tips connected by a two-dimensional perpendicular member

Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The present invention reduces efficiently the required space for disposable tips on a deck of an automated analyzer dramatically. The disposable tips will be loaded below a main deck, e.g. into a cabinet of a floor standing analyzer. This will reduce the size of such an analyzer system as it leads to reduced space requirements on said main deck. This results also in a reduced overall footprint of the analyzer. Additionally, the invention will improve the usability and the continuous loading capability in the analyser system. Instead of a large storage area, just a small slot is required to feed separated disposable tips for the pipettor to pick up.

[0028] The feeding system of the disposable tips is based on belted tips, which will be loaded and stored below the deck in e.g. cabinet of a system. Therefore, the required space on the deck is reduced.

[0029] The belted tips will be provided on the analyzer's deck by a motor driven "belt feeding" device. Additionally, the tips will be separated automatically be a tip separation device. The separated single tips are then available for the pipettor of an automated analyser in the pipetting area. The pipettor is now able to pick the tips to dispense or aspirate different kinds of liquids like patient samples or reagents.

[0030] Belting of the single disposable tips can be made / manufactured with: - in-mold injection process with the same or a different injection raw material, - a self-adhesive tape, - a premanufactured belt, where the tips are just clicked in.

[0031] The disposable tip belt can be packaged as a coil or meander in a special box and loaded automatically or manually to the analyzer. The disposable tip belt can be packaged as a spiral in a special box with or without automation interfaces.

[0032] FIG. I shows tips that are connected by a connecting member or element which may be designated as belt or bars in parallel to the longitudinal tip axis or volume of te tip. Pipette tips which are connected as shown in FIG. 1 can be rolled as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 like a belt. The tip's openings are arranged in a plane on one side.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows exemplary tips which are connected by a connecting member or an element that is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tip or its volume. Such an element can be rolled as shown in FIG. 5 with the openings of the tips being aranged on the outer circumference of a spiral cylinder. The arrangement of the tips depends on the needs of the respective automated analyser system for reaching the openings of the tips.

[0034] Independent from the manner in which the tips are connected, the present invention is independent from any further delivery bodies like trays for taking up pipette tips. The advantages of the present invention can be summarized as - Reduced overall size of the analyser due to reduced space requirements of a system's deck or device - User friendly interface - Scalable solution - High grade of automation - Improved continous loading capacity - Reduction of solid plastivc waste due to absence of additional tip trays - Cheaper solution [0035] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto, and their equivalents. The entirety of each of the aforementioned documents is incorporated by reference herein.

Reference Numerals 2 tip 4 connecting member 6 roll 8 plane spiral cylinder

Claims

CLAIMS1 A plurality of pipette tips, comprising at least two pipette tips which are connected by a connecting member arranged at one end of the pipette tips.
2. The plurality of pipette tips of claim I, wherein the connecting member is arranged at nthe end with an opening for accommodating a pipette.
3. The plurality of pipette tips according to claim 2, wherein the connecting member is arranged in parallel to the at least two pipette tips longitudinal axis.
4 The plurality of pipette tips according to any one of claims Ito 3, wherein the connected at least two pipette tips form a row of consecutive parallel pipette tips ragarding their longitudinal axis.
The plurality of pipette tips according to claim 4, wherein the row of consecutive parallel pipette tips is rolled over their longitudinal axis.
6. The plurality of pipette tips according to claim 5, wherein the roll of pipette tips has a diameter of maximum 31 cm.
7. The plurality of pipette tips of claim 1, wherein the connecting member is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least two pipette tips longitudinal axis.
8 The plurality of pipette tips according to claim 7, wherein the connecting member forms a row of consecutive parallel pipette tips regarding their longitudinal axis or a two-dimensional plane with the connected pipette tips.
9. The plurality of tips according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connecting member comprises bars as predetermined breaking points.A method for connecting pipette tips, comprising the steps of a. Providing at least two pipette tips, b Arranging a connecting member in parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least two pipette tips at their ends with an opening for accommodating a pipette, c. Connecting the at least two pipette tips with the connecting member 11. The method of claim 10, where the at least two pipette tips connected by a parallel arranged connecting member are rolled over their longitudinal axis for packing 12. The method of claim 10, where the at least two pipette tips connected by a perpendicular arranged connecting member form a row or a two-dimensional plane with the pipette tips opening.13. The use of a plurality of pipette tips, comprising at least two pipette tips which are connected by a connecting member arranged at the end of the pipette tips with an opening for accommodating a pipette in automated analyser systems.14 The use of a plurality of pipette tips, comprising at least two pipette tips which are connected by a connecting member arranged at the end of the pipette tips with an opening for accommodating a pipette for the transfer of samples in automated analyser.