WO2020086573A1

WO2020086573A1 - Loading devices and systems

Info

Publication number: WO2020086573A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/057427
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nils B. Adey; Robert J. PARRY
Original assignee: Kimantech, Llc
Priority date: 2018-10-22
Filing date: 2019-10-22
Publication date: 2020-04-30

Abstract

A loading device, such as a sample loading device and system may include a block with at least one aperture adapted to receive a container containing a material, such as a liquid sample and a blade adapted to release the material from the container when the container is inserted into the at least one aperture. The blade may be disposed within the aperture or may be disposed below the aperture. The block may include a plurality of apertures and the blade may be disposed within each of the plurality of apertures. The aperture(s) may be narrower than the container containing the material to induce a positive pressure to aid in release of the material from the container.

Description

LOADING DEVICES AND SYSTEMS

PRIORITY DATA

This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application Serial No. 62/749,047, filed on October 22, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In a laboratory environment, products such as liquid samples are often transferred or exchanged from one container or setting to another. For example, it is common practice in molecular biology laboratories to load the products of a nucleic acid amplification reaction, such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), directly into the wells of an electrophoresis gel in order to resolve the resulting DNA fragments. This is traditionally accomplished by pipetting the reaction mixture from the vial or tube in which the reaction was performed into the open well of the gel. Due to the enormous degree of amplification common in these types of reactions, a tiny fraction of the resulting amplification products can contaminate a subsequent PCR reaction of the same type, which can cause incorrect results. Accordingly, improved devices, systems and methods for loading or transferring products from one container or setting to another are desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a loading device in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the loading device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a the loading device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the loading device of FIG. 1 taken along line

A-A;

FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view of the loading device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a detailed view B of the loading device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is perspective view of a loading system in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is perspective view of another loading system in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the loading system of FIG. 7 taken along line C-C in a pre-load configuration;

FIG. 10 is the cross-sectional view of the loading system of FIG. 9 in a load configuration;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another loading system in a pre-load configuration in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the loading system of FIG. 11 in a load configuration;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of yet another loading system in a pre-load configuration in accordance with another example embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the loading system of FIG. 13 in a load configuration;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a loading system in accordance with another example embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a top view of a loading device of the loading system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top view of portions of the loading system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a side view of portions of the loading system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of portions of the loading system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the loading system of FIG. 15 in a pre-load configuration; and

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the loading system of FIG. 15 in a load configuration.

DFTATFFD DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purpose of illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details can be made and are considered to be included herein. Accordingly, the following embodiments are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, any claims set forth. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. As used in this written description, the singular forms“a,”“an” and“the” include express support for plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to“a layer” includes a plurality of such layers.

In this disclosure,“comprises,”“comprising,”“containing” and“having” and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent law and can mean“includes,” “including,” and the like, and are generally interpreted to be open ended terms. The terms “consisting of’ or“consists of’ are closed terms, and include only the components, structures, steps, or the like specifically listed in conjunction with such terms, as well as that which is in accordance with U.S. Patent law. “Consisting essentially of’ or“consists essentially of’ have the meaning generally ascribed to them by U.S. Patent law. In particular, such terms are generally closed terms, with the exception of allowing inclusion of additional items, materials, components, steps, or elements, that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics or function of the item(s) used in connection therewith. For example, trace elements present in a composition, but not affecting the compositions nature or characteristics would be permissible if present under the

“consisting essentially of’ language, even though not expressly recited in a list of items following such terminology. When using an open ended term in this written description, like“comprising” or“including,” it is understood that direct support should be afforded also to“consisting essentially of’ language as well as“consisting of’ language as if stated explicitly and vice versa.

The terms“first,”“second,”“third,”“fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that any terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Similarly, if a method is described herein as comprising a series of steps, the order of such steps as presented herein is not necessarily the only order in which such steps may be performed, and certain of the stated steps may possibly be omitted and/or certain other steps not described herein may possibly be added to the method.

The terms“left,”“right,”“front,”“back,”“top,”“bottom,”“over,”“under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. The term“coupled,” as used herein, is defined as directly or indirectly connected in an electrical or nonelectrical manner. Objects described herein as being“adjacent to” each other may be in physical contact with each other, in close proximity to each other, or in the same general region or area as each other, as appropriate for the context in which the phrase is used. Occurrences of the phrase“in one embodiment,” or“in one aspect,” herein do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or aspect.

As used herein, the term“coupled,” is defined as directly or indirectly connected in a biological, chemical, mechanical, electrical or nonelectrical manner.“Directly coupled” structures or elements are in contact with one another and are attached. Objects described herein as being“adjacent to” each other may be in physical contact with each other, in close proximity to each other, or in the same general region or area as each other, as appropriate for the context in which the phrase is used. Occurrences of the phrase“in one embodiment,” or“in one aspect,” herein do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or aspect.

As used herein, the term“encapsulated” when used in the context of an electrophoretic gel, or a disposable electrophoretic gel, is understood to refer to a structure that supports the gel while still providing openings for access to one or more wells in the gel which are intended to receive a sample for analysis using the gel. In some embodiments, an encapsulated gel can be completely or substantially completely surrounded by, or encased in, a housing (e.g. a clear plastic housing) with the exception of openings in the housing corresponding to one or more wells of the electrophoretic gel.

As used herein, the term“substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is“substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of the term“substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a composition that is“substantially free of’ particles would either completely lack particles, or so nearly completely lack particles that the effect would be the same as if it completely lacked particles. In other words, a composition that is“substantially free of’ an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item as long as there is no measurable effect thereof.

Reference herein may be made to devices, structures, systems, or methods that provide“improved” performance. It is to be understood that unless otherwise stated, such “improvement” is a measure of a benefit obtained based on a comparison to devices, structures, systems or methods in the prior art. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the degree of improved performance may vary between disclosed embodiments and that no equality or consistency in the amount, degree, or realization of improved performance is to be assumed as universally applicable. Generally speaking, comparative terms such as“increasing,”“increased,”“decreasing,”“decreased,”“better,”“worse,”“higher,” “lower,”“enhancing,”“enhanced,”“maximizing,”“maximized,”“minimizing,” “minimized,”“ameliorating” and the like refer to a property, result, or effect of a device, composition, formula, component, treatment, regimen, method, or activity that is measurably different from a property, result, or effect of other devices, compositions, formulas, components, treatments, regimens, methods, or activities, including those known in the art.

As used herein, the term“about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be“a little above” or“a little below” the endpoint. Unless otherwise stated, use of the term“about” in accordance with a specific number or numerical range should also be understood to provide support for such numerical terms or range without the term“about”. For example, for the sake of convenience and brevity, a numerical range of“about 50 angstroms to about 80 angstroms” should also be understood to provide support for the range of“50 angstroms to 80 angstroms.”

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.

Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of“about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually.

This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.

Reference throughout this specification to“an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Example Embodiments

An initial overview of technology embodiments is provided below and specific technology embodiments are then described in further detail. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the technology more quickly, but is not intended to identify key or essential features of the technology, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Broadly speaking, aspects of the current technology operate to provide devices, systems and methods for loading a sample or a material (e.g. a liquid sample) from one location or object (e.g. a first container, such as a tube) to another location (e.g. a second container or space, such as a well of an electrophoretic gel). In some embodiments, the loading devices and systems of the present disclosure may include a block (e.g. a body, base, or rack) with at least one aperture adapted to receive a container (e.g. a first container) such as a tube or other object containing a material, such as a sample and a blade adapted to release the material from the tube when the tube is inserted into the at least one aperture. The blade may be disposed within the aperture, below the aperture, or otherwise positioned with relation to the aperture to pierce the first container when it is inserted into the aperture. In some embodiments, the block may include a plurality of apertures and the blade may be disposed within one, more than one, or each of the plurality of apertures. The aperture(s) may be narrower than the container, or first container, such as a tube containing the material to induce a positive pressure to aid in release of the material from the container. The loading device, system and method provide efficiency and reliability of transferring a material from a first container into another environment or container, such as a well of an electrophoretic gel. For example, the devices and systems disclosed herein limit or otherwise minimize the possibility of contamination of samples when transferred to a new location from the containers for testing or processing.

Aspects of the current invention relate to a loading system, and associated devices and methods. It should be understood that the following discussion utilizes the terms “tubes” and“samples” for the sake of brevity and convenience. The terms“tube” or “tubes” provide direct support for the term“container” or“containers” and the terms “sample” or“samples” provide direct support for the terms“material” or“materials”. FIGS. 1-6 illustrate one aspect of a loading device 100 that may include a block or rack 110 having one or more apertures 112. Each of the one or more apertures 112 may be adapted to receive a tube 116 containing a sample, such as a liquid sample 117. In aspects of the invention, the apertures 112 may be adapted to receive any container used or specified for any activity in which a sample is transferred from one location to another. For example, the tubes may be PCR tubes with flat caps to enclose the liquid sample of amplified product, such as DNA. The tubes may otherwise be any container, such as a test tube, vial, pipette, dropper, or other container for collecting or storing a sample. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the sidewall of the apertures 112 may have a shape and dimension that is substantially similar to the shape and dimension of the tube 116. In another example, the apertures may be narrower than the tube and configured to apply a positive pressure within the tube when the tube is inserted into the aperture, as detailed further below.

Block or rack 110 may be sized and dimensioned to fit above or over various containers or environments into which a liquid sample 117 is to be loaded or dispensed. For example, block or rack 110 may be rectangular to match the size and shape of an encapsulated disposable gel for use with polymerase chain reaction and having the at least one aperture 112 disposed above a gel well within the encapsulated disposable gel. In other words, device 100 may further include an encapsulated disposable gel with a well or opening disposed below the aperture 112 of the rack 110. In another example, rack 110 may be sized and shaped to fit over a microfluidic circuit and an inlet of the microfluidic circuit may be disposed below the at least one aperture 112 of the rack 110. In yet another example, the rack 110 and the encapsulated disposable gel or microfludic circuit can be formed in a single piece of material. For example, the lower portion of the rack can also act as the upper surface of the encapsulated disposable gel. The placement of the one or more apertures 112 may also be configured for various uses. For example, the rack may include a plurality of apertures disposed in a substantially straight line within the rack, matching the configuration of a plurality of gel wells in an encapsulated disposable gel. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any size and shape rack with any configuration of apertures are consistent with the present disclosure.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a blade 114 may be positioned to pierce, slice, or otherwise rupture a tube 116 inserted into the aperture 112. The blade 114 can be adapted to release the liquid sample 117 from the tube 116 when the tube 116 is inserted into the aperture 112. In one example, the blade 114 may be a razor blade. The blade 114 may be disposed within the aperture 112, or in other words, may reside within the aperture 112 in the rack 110. In other aspects of the present disclosure, blade 114 may be disposed below the aperture 112, or may otherwise be disposed adjacent to, adjoining, or in relation to the aperture 112 in the rack 110. In one example, the blade 114 extends from one side of the bottom 120 of the aperture 112 substantially across the aperture 112 to the opposite side of the bottom 120 aperture 112. In another example, blade 114 is disposed below the bottom 120 of the aperture 112, either attached to the rack 110 or otherwise supported to sit adjacent to the rack 110 or below the aperture 112 with a space between the blade 114 and the rack 110. In yet other examples, blade 114 may extend partially into the aperture, as depicted and discussed herein.

When block or rack 110 includes a plurality of apertures 112, blade 114 may be disposed within each of the plurality of apertures 112. For example, a single blade 114 may extend across each of the plurality of apertures 112. In another example, device 110 may include a plurality of blades 114, with each of the plurality of blades 114 disposed within a separate one of the plurality of apertures 112. In an example, the plurality of apertures 112 may be disposed linearly or in a substantially straight line within rack 110, and blade 114 may be disposed substantially parallel to the line of the plurality of apertures 112.

With particular reference to FIGS. 5-6, device 100 is adapted to receive a tube 116 within an aperture 112 and evacuate or dispense a material, such as a liquid 117 within the tube 116 to be loaded into a separate container or environment. When tube 116 is inserted into aperture 112, a positive pressure may be induced within tube 116 by the specific dimensions of aperture 112, which may be smaller than tube 116. As the tube 116 is further inserted into aperture 112, the tube 116 may contact the blade 114, which may pierce or slice the tube. The positive pressure built up within the tube may then evacuate the liquid through the pierced or sliced portion of the tube 116.

In one aspect of the disclosure, loading device 100 may include a block or rack 110 that is made of two or more pieces held together by a closure 118. For example, closure 118 may be a bolt and a nut, which hold a first and second piece of rack 110 together. In yet other examples, closure 118 may include any fastener, fixture, or other device known by those of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the closure can be either permanent or releasable. In another aspect of the disclosure loading device 100 may include a rack 110 that is made of a single (e.g. monolithic) piece wherein the blade is pressed into the material using heat and pressure, or inserted into a pre-existing slot.

In some embodiments, block or rack 110 may include two bodies that are releasably connected in order to facilitate access to blade 114. For example, closure 118 may allow the two or more pieces of rack 110 to be separated, allowing access to change or sharpen blade 114. Those of ordinary skill will understand the variety of

configurations that may be presented for accessing blade 114 by way of closure 118.

Aperture 112 may take a variety of shapes and sizes suitable for receiving a tube and dispensing a fluid from the tube in accordance with the present disclosure. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the shape and/or size of aperture 112 may substantially match the shape and/or size of tube 116. For example, if tube 116 is a PCR tube having a cylindrical body with a flat cap on one end and a point on the opposite end, aperture 112 may begin as a cylindrical aperture with a radius that gradually decreases or tapers to match the point of the PCR tube. In other aspects of the present disclosure, the size and shape of aperture 112 may be different than the size and shape of the tube 116. In some embodiments, aperture 112 can be cylindrical, either with a constant radius or a radius that increases or decreases to accommodate various tubes or containers. In other embodiments, aperture 112 can be square or rectangular, having four straight sides and either a constant cross section through the depth of the aperture 112 through the rack 110, or having a changing cross section such that the aperture increases or decreases in size through the rack 110. In yet other embodiments, aperture 112 may have an hour-glass like shape, being larger at the top of the rack 110 and converging in a point near the bottom of the rack 110. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, aperture 112 may take any shape and/or size suitable for receiving a tube or container of any kind.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the depth of aperture 112 can depend on the depth or height of the block or rack 110 in which the aperture 112 is disposed. For example, if rack 110 measures one-half an inch from the top surface to the bottom surface, aperture 112 will measure one half an inch. In such an example, aperture 112 may be adapted to receive only a portion of tube 116, such as the portion that converges into a point, while the remainder of tube 116 will extend away from the top of the rack 110 when the tube is located in the aperture 112. In other aspects of the present disclosure, the aperture 112 may be adapted to completely receive the tube 116 such that the tube 116 does not extend above the top of the rack 110. For example, in one aspect of the invention, the tube may be inserted until flush or substantially flush with the top of the rack 110.

In some embodiments, the dimensions of the aperture may provide for the aperture to be adapted to receive a tube and assist in the release of a liquid sample from the tube. For example, aperture 112 may be smaller than tube 116, or may have a smaller cross-section, or a smaller cross-sectional dimension or measurement, than tube 116. The smaller size of aperture 112 may induce a positive pressure within tube 116 when tube 116 is inserted in aperture 112, which will assist with the expulsion of the liquid sample when the blade 114 pierces or otherwise ruptures or punctures the tube 116. In other aspects of the present disclosure, the aperture 112 may have a larger size than the tube 116, and the liquid sample may be released from the tube without the aperture inducing a positive pressure. For example, a pressure may build up within the tube from the user inserting the tube into the aperture and pressing the tube against the blade 114. In other aspects, the material may release from the tube without a positive pressure, such as from the size of hole or piercing made in the tube by the blade.

As discussed herein, the loading device of the present disclosure may include a single blade 114 or a plurality of, or multiple, blades 114. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the blade or blades may be positioned or configured in any manner suitable for releasing the fluid or liquid sample from the tube. For example, as described above a single blade may be disposed parallel to a plurality of apertures. In another embodiment, individual blades may be disposed parallel to a plurality of apertures, with a separate blade for each aperture. Similarly, individual blades may be disposed perpendicular to a line of apertures, with a separate blade for each aperture. A blade may be disposed at any angle desired or suitable for a specific application. For example, a series of blades may each be disposed at a 45 degree angle from a line of a plurality of apertures, as may be desirable when the blades extend out from the rack such that they can be removed and re inserted into the rack. Blades may similarly be disposed at any angle between 0 and 180 degrees with respect to a line of a plurality of apertures.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the blade or blades may be disposed at various angles with respect to the tube inserted into the aperture. As depicted in FIGS. 1-6, blade 114 is disposed substantially parallel with the axis of the aperture 112 such that it extends directly upward and into a tube 116 when inserted into the aperture 112. In other aspects of the present disclosure, the blade 114 may be disposed at an angle with respect to the axis of the aperture 112. It may be desirable for the blade 114 to contact the tube 116 at an angle, such as 30 degrees or 60 degrees offset from the axis of the aperture. It may also be desirable to position the blades to pierce the tube at a specific location other than the center of the aperture 112. As will be understood, the blade or blades may be disposed at a location relative to the aperture and at any angle relative to the axis of the aperture as will be desirable for any given application.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the blade may include two blades. The two blades can run parallel to one another, or may be disposed perpendicular to one another. In other aspects of the disclosure, the blades may be disposed at any angle between parallel and perpendicular, or between 0 and 90 degrees offset from one another, to create a blade configuration suitable for piercing a tube. In other aspects, the blade may include three blades, or four blades, or five blades, or six blades, or more than six blades. For example, the blade may be configured to include a star-shaped blade. In other examples, various shapes of razor blades may be used, including various hollow blades or wedge blades.

Various sizes, including lengths, heights and thicknesses, of blade 114 are consistent with the present disclosure. For example, loading system 100 may include one or more blades 114 that are standard razor blades with standard thicknesses. Blades 114 may have a backing or body that is thicker than the razor or cutting edge of the blade, and the backing or body may be any thickness suitable for specific applications. In one aspect of the disclosure, the thickness of the blade may relate to the cross section of the aperture. For example, the thickness of the blade may be 1/10th the cross-sectional width of the aperture at the bottommost point. Other examples and dimensions will be understood by those of skill in the art. In aspects of the present disclosure, the height of the blade may vary by application. For example, in embodiments where the blade is disposed within the aperture or extends to reside at least partially within the aperture, the height of the blade from the razor edge to the opposite edge or backing may be relative to the overall depth of the rack 110 or of the aperture 112. In aspects of the present disclosure, the blade 114 may have a height that is l/8th the depth of the aperture. For example, the rack can be one half inch thick, meaning the depth of the aperture is one half inch, and the blade can have a height of 1/16 of an inch. In other words, the depth of the aperture is 8 times greater than the height of the blade. In other embodiments, the blade may similarly have a height of 1/16 of an inch, but the depth of the aperture may be much greater, such as one inch, or 16 times greater than the height of the blade. The ratio of the depth of the aperture to the blade may be 8.0 or 16.0, as described above, or may be 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0 or greater than 20.0 Other sizes of the blade relative to the aperture will be understood consistent with the present disclosure by those of ordinary skill in the art.

As illustrated in Fig 10, in order for the liquid 117 to be ejected from the tube 116, it may be helpful for the tube to be pushed beyond the back side of the blade, otherwise the blade my plug the hole that it creates. Therefore, in some embodiments, the height of the blade can be less than the distance the tube moves through the blade.

FIGS. 7-10 depict a loading system including loading device 100 and a destination container 210. Block or rack 110 of loading device 100 may be sized and dimensioned to sit above destination container 210, with one or more apertures 112 adapted to receive tubes 116 and a blade 114 adapted to release a liquid from tube 116 into the destination container 210. A gasket 214, which may be any sealing device, may fit between rack 110 and destination container 210 around the bottom opening 120 of aperture 112. In one example, the gasket may be coupled or directly coupled (e.g. adhered or otherwise affixed) to a bottom side of the block or rack. In another embodiment, the gasket may be couple or directly coupled to a surface (e.g. top or opposing surface) of the destination container. In one example, the destination container may be an encapsulated gel (e.g. a disposable gel) having gel wells 212 positioned below the apertures 112 of the rack 110. In such an example, the encapsulated gel may be configured to fit within a processing device 220, such as a transilluminator. In yet other examples, the destination container 210 may be any system, such as a microfluidic circuit, or any other containing device into which a fluidic sample may be loaded or dispensed using the device, system and methods disclosed herein. In one example, loading device 100 and destination container 210 may be separate components, with the gasket disposed between the loading device 100 and the destination container 210. In other words, the rack 110 and the encapsulated gel or destination container 210 are separate components, further comprising a gasket disposed between the rack and the encapsulated disposable gel. In yet other examples, the rack 110 and the encapsulated disposable gel 210 are a unified component, or a single, unified body, including some or all of the components described above with reference to the loading device 100 and the destination container 210.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, device 100 is adapted to dispense the liquid 117 from the tube 116 into the destination container 210, for example into the gel wells 212 of an encapsulated disposable gel. When tube 116 is in the load position or configuration, or in other words, when tube 116 is inserted into aperture 112 as shown in FIG. 10, aperture 112 induces a positive pressure within the tube 116. Tube 116 also comes into contact with blade 114, which creates an opening or piercing within tube 116. Tube 116 may extend beyond or below blade 114 to allow the piercing or opening caused by the blade 114 to clear the blade. The combination of the positive pressure within tube 116 and the piercing or opening caused by blade 114 causes the liquid 117 to evacuate or be dispensed from tube 116 into the destination container 210. For example, once the tube 116 is fully inserted into the load configuration, liquid 117 is loaded or dispensed into gel well 212.

Another example of a loading system in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 11-12. A block or rack 310 may include one or more apertures 312 and a blade 314 positioned relative to apertures 312 such that it pierces a tube or other enclosure or container housing a liquid sample. Rack 310 may be configured to interact with a destination container 410, such as an encapsulated disposable gel having gel wells 412. A gasket 414 or other sealing device may be disposed about the aperture and gel well openings between the rack and destination container. As discussed herein, a tube 316 containing a liquid sample 317 may be inserted into the aperture 312 in the load configuration or position, which induces a positive pressure within tube 316 and dispenses the liquid 317 from the tube 316 when the tube 316 comes in contact with blade 314.

In one aspect of this example, blade 314 may extend completely across the aperture in any direction. For example, rack 310 may include a plurality of apertures 312 in a linear configuration, or arranged in substantially a straight light across rack 310. As depicted in FIGS. 11-12, blade 314 may be disposed perpendicular to a linear arrangement of the apertures, such that an individual blade 314 is disposed in only a single one of each of the apertures.

Yet another example of a loading system in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 13-14. A block or rack 510 may include one or more apertures 512 and a blade 514 disposed within the one or more apertures 512. Rack 510 may be configured to interact with a destination container 610, such as an encapsulated disposable gel having gel wells 612. A gasket 614 or other sealing device may be disposed about the aperture and gel well openings between the rack and destination container. As discussed herein, a tube 516 containing a liquid sample 517 may be inserted into the aperture 512 in the load configuration or position, which induces a positive pressure within tube 516 and dispenses the liquid 517 from the tube 516 when the tube 516 comes in contact with blade 514.

In one aspect of this example, blade 514 may extend only partially across the aperture. As depicted in FIGS. 13-14, blade 514 may be disposed within rack 510 at one side of aperture 512 and extend partially into aperture 512, terminating prior to extending to the opposite side of aperture 512. For example, in other aspects of the disclosure, the blade may have a length that is at least the same or greater than the length from one side to the opposite side of the aperture. In one aspect, a ratio between the length of the blade and the length of the aperture from side to side may be 1.0 or greater than 1.0. In other aspects of the invention, the ration of the length of the blade to the length of the aperture may be 0.5, or in other words, the blade may extend half way across the aperture. Other examples of the ratio of the length of the blade to the length of the aperture include 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.6, 0.7. 0.8 and 0.9, the latter of which indicates that the blade extends nearly completely across the aperture without touching the opposite side of the aperture.

In an example, an individual blade may be disposed within each one of the apertures. In yet another example, a single blade may extend within two apertures. For example, a single blade may be disposed between two apertures and may extend partially into each.

In a further example, more than one blade can extend into each aperture, and can define planes that intersect to form nearly any angle that would provide an advantage in opening a specific container or tube. Those of skill in the art will recognize the additional configurations of blades within apertures consistent with the present disclosure.

As yet another example, FIGS. 15-21 depict a loading system including loading device 700 that is similar to loading device 100 described above, a destination container 810, and a loading presser 850. As described above, rack 710 of loading device 700 may be sized and dimensioned to sit above destination container 810, with one or more apertures 812 adapted to receive samples 717 from tubes 716 via rupturing with a blade 714. A gasket 814, which may be any sealing device, may fit between rack 710 and destination container 810 around the bottom opening 720 of aperture 712. In one example, the destination container may be an encapsulated gel (e.g. a disposable gel) having gel wells 812 positioned below the apertures 712 of the rack 710. In such an example, the encapsulated gel may be configured to fit within a processing device 820, such as a transilluminator. In yet other examples, the destination container 810 may be any system, such as a microfluidic circuit, or any other containing device into which a fluidic sample may be loaded or dispensed using the device, system and methods disclosed herein.

In one example of loading device 700, loading device 700 and destination container 810 may be separate components, with the gasket disposed between the loading device 700 and the destination container 810. In other words, the rack 710 and the encapsulated gel or destination container 810 are separate components, further comprising a gasket disposed between the rack and the encapsulated disposable gel.

In yet other examples, the rack 710 and the encapsulated disposable gel 810 are a unified component, or a single, unified body, including some or all of the components described above with reference to the loading device 700 and the destination container 810.

Loading presser 850 of loading device 700 may include one or more pressers (e.g. container or tube pressers) 852. Tube pressers 852 may be sized, adapted, and configured to align with tubes 716 when inserted in aperture 712. The loading presser may thus be used to apply a force on one or more tubes 716 within apertures 712. The one or more tube pressers 852 may be adapted to apply a force to a top side or top portion of tubes 716. Tube pressers 852 of loading presser 850 may be used to dispense the liquid 717 from the tubes 716. Loading presser 850 may take any form consistent with the loading device 700 with which it will be used. For example, loading presser 850 may be the same approximate shape and size as block or rack 710, with one or more rows of tube pressers 852 corresponding with one or more rows of apertures 712 in rack 710.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, device 700 is adapted to dispense the liquid 717 from the tube 716 into the destination container 810, for example into the gel wells 812 of an encapsulated disposable gel. When tube 716 is in the load position or configuration, or in other words, when tube 716 is inserted into aperture 712 as shown in FIGS. 17-19, tube presser 852 and aperture 712 induce a positive pressure within the tube 716. Tube 716 also comes into contact with blade 714 when a force is applied by tube presser 852, which creates an opening or piercing within tube 116. Tube 716 may extend beyond or below blade 714 to allow the piercing or opening caused by the blade 714 to clear the blade. The combination of the positive pressure within tube 116 and the piercing or opening caused by blade 114 causes the liquid 117 to evacuate or be dispensed from tube 116 into the destination container 210. For example, once the tube 116 is fully inserted into the load configuration, liquid 117 is loaded or dispensed into gel well 212.

In a related example, a loading method in accordance with the present disclosure may include providing a block or rack having at least one aperture and a blade disposed within the at least one aperture. The method may include inserting a tube containing a sample into the aperture of the rack and pushing the tube into the aperture until the aperture compresses the tube and the blade pierces the tube to release the liquid sample. Other aspects of the method will be appreciated consistent with the description provided. For example, the at least one aperture of the rack of the loading device may be narrower than the tube to induce a positive pressure within the tube to facilitate dispensing of the liquid. Moreover, the rack may include a plurality of apertures disposed in a substantially straight line, and the blade may be disposed within each of the plurality of apertures substantially parallel to the line of the plurality of apertures.

A loading method according to the present disclosure may also include providing a block or rack having at least one aperture adapted to receive a tube containing a liquid sample. The method may further include providing a blade adapted to pierce the tube and release the liquid sample when the tube is inserted into the aperture. Other aspects of the present disclosure related to methods for loading a sample from one container or location to another will be understood by those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.

It is noted that no specific order is required in these methods unless required by the claims set forth herein, though generally in some embodiments, the method steps can be carried out sequentially.

Examples

The following examples pertain to further invention embodiments and variations thereof within the scope of the invention will be readily recognized and understood by one of ordinary skill of the art after reviewing the present patent application. In one example there is provided a sample loading device comprising a block having at least one aperture adapted to receive a container containing a sample and configured to align with a well of an electrophoretic gel, and a blade adapted to release the sample from the container when the container is inserted into the at least one aperture.

In one example of a sample loading device, the blade comprises a razor blade.

In one example of a sample loading device, the blade is disposed within the at least one aperture.

In one example of a sample loading device, the blade extends from one side of the aperture substantially across the aperture to the opposite side of the aperture.

In one example of a sample loading device, the blade extends partially across the aperture without reaching an opposite side of the aperture.

In one example of a sample loading device, the device further comprises a plurality of blades.

In one example of a sample loading device, the blades are oriented substantially parallel to one another.

In one example of a sample loading device, the blades are oriented substantially perpendicular to one another.

In one example of a sample loading device, the blade is disposed entirely within the block.

In one example of a sample loading device, the blade is disposed below the at least one aperture.

In one example of a sample loading device, the block comprises a plurality of apertures and the blade is adapted to release the sample from each of a plurality of containers inserted into the plurality of apertures.

In one example of a sample loading device, the device further comprises a plurality of blades, wherein the block comprises a plurality of apertures and each of the plurality of blades is adapted to release the sample from a separate one of a plurality of containers inserted into the plurality of apertures.

In one example of a sample loading device, the block comprises a plurality of apertures disposed in a substantially straight line within the block, and wherein the blade is a single blade intersecting each of the apertures.

In one example of a sample loading device, the block comprises a plurality of apertures disposed in one or more substantially parallel lines within the block. In one example of a sample loading device, the at least one aperture has a shape and size configured to engage a predetermined container.

In one example of a sample loading device, the at least one aperture is narrower than the container.

In one example of a sample loading device, the device further comprises a presser adapted to apply a force on the container.

In one example of a sample loading device, the device further comprises an encapsulated disposable electrophoretic gel having at least one well, the at least one well substantially aligned with the at least one aperture of the block.

In one example there is provided a sample loading system, comprising an electrophoretic gel having at least one well, and a block as recited in any previous example, and having a blade positioned to rupture a container inserted into the aperture.

In one example of a sample loading system, the block and the electrophoretic gel are separate components.

In one example of a sample loading system, the electrophoretic gel is an encapsulated disposable electrophoretic gel.

In one example of a sample loading system, the block and the electrophoretic gel are coupled to one another.

In one example of a sample loading system, the block and the housing of an electrophoretic gel are an integral component.

In one example of a sample loading system, the block and a housing of an electrophoretic gel are the same component.

In one example of a sample loading system, the system further comprises a gasket disposed between the block and the electrophoretic gel.

In one example of a sample loading system, the container contains a liquid sample, wherein the block is adapted to receive the container within the aperture and release the contents of the container into the well of the electrophoretic gel.

In one example, there is provided a method of loading a sample into a well of an electrophoretic gel, comprising providing a block as recited in any preceding example, and aligning the at least one aperture with a well of an electrophoretic gel, providing a container containing sample and inserting the container into the aperture in order to rupture the container and transfer the sample from the container to the well of the electrophoretic gel. In one example of a method of loading a sample into a well of an electrophoretic gel, the method further comprises coupling the block to a housing that houses the electrophoretic gel.

In one example of a method of loading a sample into a well of an electrophoretic gel, the block is coupled to the electrophoretic gel housing with a gasket.

In one example of a method of loading a sample into a well of an electrophoretic gel, the electrophoretic gel is an encapsulated disposable electrophoretic gel.

In one example, there is provided a loading or a material transfer device comprising a block having at least one aperture adapted to receive a container containing a material configured to align with an opening of a receptacle and a blade adapted to release the material from the container when the container is inserted into the at least one aperture.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer device, the blade comprises a razor blade.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer device, the blade is disposed within the at least one aperture.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer device, the blade extends from one side of the aperture substantially across the aperture to the opposite side of the aperture.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer device, the blade extends partially across the aperture without reaching an opposite side of the aperture.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer device, the device further comprises a plurality of blades.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer device, the blades are oriented substantially parallel to one another.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer device, blades are oriented substantially perpendicular to one another.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer device, the blade is disposed below the at least one aperture.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer device, the block comprises a plurality of apertures and the blade is adapted to release the material from each of a plurality of containers inserted into the plurality of apertures. In one example of a loading or a material transfer device, the device further comprises a plurality of blades, wherein the block comprises a plurality of apertures and each of the plurality of blades is adapted to release the material from a separate one of a plurality of containers inserted into the plurality of apertures.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer device, the block comprises a plurality of apertures disposed in a substantially straight line within the block, and wherein the blade is a single blade intersecting each of the apertures.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer device, the at least one aperture is narrower than the container.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer device, the device further comprises a presser adapted to apply a force on the container.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer device, the device further comprises an encapsulated disposable gel having at least one well, the at least one well substantially aligned with the at least one aperture of the block.

In one example there is provided loading or a material transfer method, comprising providing a block as recited in any preceding example and aligning the at least one aperture with an opening of a receptacle, providing a container housing a sample, and inserting the container into the housing in order to rupture the container and transfer the material from the container to the receptacle.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer method, the method further comprises coupling the block to the receptacle.

In one example of a loading or a material transfer method, the block is coupled to the receptacle with a gasket.

Of course, it is to be understood that the above-described examples and arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements.

Thus, while the present invention has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A sample loading device comprising:

a block having at least one aperture adapted to receive a container containing a sample and configured to align with a well of an electrophoretic gel; and a blade adapted to release the sample from the container when the container is inserted into the at least one aperture.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the blade comprises a razor blade.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the blade is disposed within the at least one aperture.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the blade extends from one side of the aperture substantially across the aperture to the opposite side of the aperture.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the blade extends partially across the aperture without reaching an opposite side of the aperture.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of blades.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the blades are oriented substantially parallel to one another.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the blades are oriented substantially perpendicular to one another.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the blade is disposed entirely within the block.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the blade is disposed below the at least one aperture.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the block comprises a plurality of apertures and the blade is adapted to release the sample from each of a plurality of containers inserted into the plurality of apertures.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of blades, wherein the block comprises a plurality of apertures and each of the plurality of blades is adapted to release the sample from a separate one of a plurality of containers inserted into the plurality of apertures.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the block comprises a plurality of apertures disposed in one or more substantially straight lines within the block.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture has a shape and size configured to engage a predetermined container.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture is narrower than the container.

16. The device of claim 1, further comprising a presser adapted to apply a force on the container.

17. The device of claim 1, further comprising an encapsulated disposable

electrophoretic gel having at least one well, the at least one well substantially aligned with the at least one aperture of the block.

18. A sample loading system, comprising:

an electrophoretic gel having at least one well; and

a block as recited in any of claims 1-16, and having a blade positioned to rupture a container inserted into the aperture.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the electrophoretic gel is an encapsulated disposable electrophoretic gel.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the block and the electrophoretic gel are an integral component.

21. The system of claim 17, wherein the block and the electrophoretic gel are separate components.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the block and the electrophoretic gel are coupled to one another.

23. They system of claim 17, further comprising a gasket disposed between the block and the electrophoretic gel.

24. The system of claim 17, wherein the container contains a liquid sample, wherein the block is adapted to receive the container within the aperture and release the contents of the container into the well of the electrophoretic gel.

25. A method of loading a sample into a well of an electrophoretic gel, comprising: providing a block as recited in any one of claims 1-16 and aligning the at least one aperture with a well of an electrophoretic gel;

providing a container containing sample; and

inserting the container into the aperture in order to rupture the container and

transfer the sample from the container to the well of the electrophoretic gel.

26. The method of claim 23, further comprising coupling the block to a housing that houses the electrophoretic gel.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the block is coupled to the electrophoretic gel housing with a gasket.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the electrophoretic gel is an encapsulated disposable electrophoretic gel.