Pipette Or Cannula Patents (Class 73/864.01)
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Publication number: 20130255404Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic pipette comprising an electrically driven unit for pipetting and an operating and/or display unit, wherein a device module comprises a unit for pipetting, an operating and/or display module physically separate from the device module completely or partially comprises the operating and/or display unit, and means are provided for wirelessly communicating between the device module and the operating and/or display module.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Eppendorf AGInventors: Günther A. Mohr, Boris Von Beichmann, Werner Lurz
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Publication number: 20130239706Abstract: The invention relates to a pipetting device for pipetting at least one fluid laboratory sample into at least one pipetting vessel, said device having a main body extending along an axis direction, at least one connecting section, to which at least one pipetting vessel can be connected by an at least partially axial connecting movement along the positive axis direction, wherein the at least one connecting section is connected to the main body so as to be movable at least in the axis direction, a spring mechanism, by which the at least one connecting section is supported with spring loading on the main body at least in a first operating state of the pipetting device, such that the at least one connecting section, during the connecting movement, can perform a spring-assisted deflection movement along the positive axis direction, wherein an auxiliary mechanism is provided on the pipetting device and is designed to act on the deflection movement of the at least one connecting section in at least a second operatingType: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: EPPENDORF AGInventor: Holger LINK
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Publication number: 20130233095Abstract: A pipette with a rod-shaped casing, a seat, a displacement equipment, comprising a displacement chamber with a relocatable limit, a connection channel, a drive equipment for relocating the relocatable limit of the displacement chamber, coupled to the relocatable limit and having an axially relocatable lifting rod, an upper stop body, a lower stop body and a stop element on the circumference of the lifting rod for limiting the stroke of the lifting rod, an overstroke spring, a stationary screw element, and with a screw element that is relocatable in the casing, a toothing, running along a helical line with the same pitch as that of the thread of the relocatable screw element and having teeth on the upper edge of the relocatable screw element that are directed in the direction of the instantaneous axis of the relocatable screw element, a toothed driving wheel, and means for rotating the toothed driving wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: Eppendorf AGInventor: Jens Wilmer
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Patent number: 8529848Abstract: A system for preparing biological sample contains a body including a proximal side and a distal side, a plurality of mandrels, a plurality of resilient elements, a plurality of fluid dispensers, and one or more samples. The mandrels are moveably positioned within the body, where each resilient element engages a respective one of the mandrels. Each of the fluid dispensers is configured to engage a distal end of a corresponding one of the mandrels. Each sample comprises a solution containing one or more nucleic acid sequences contained within at least one of the fluid dispensers.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Inventors: Ronald Danehy, Jorge Fonseca, Jayanthi Prasad
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Patent number: 8524170Abstract: A sealing pipette tip includes features to seal the tip directly against the piston in an air displacement pipette, avoiding the need for a piston seal within the pipette. This configuration reduces potential points of failure, allows the pipette-tip interface to be optimized, and improves liquid handling characteristics of the pipette.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Rainin Instrument, LLCInventor: James S. Petrek
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Patent number: 8518345Abstract: A hand-held, multi-channel pipettor has an electronically controlled motor to reposition pipette tips for different center to center spacing. Each repositionable tip fitting assembly has a cam following pin that is driven by cam tracks in a motor driven roller drum. Stationary ports for the multiple aspiration cylinders are strategically placed to simplify management of flexible tubes leading to the repositionable pipette tip fitting assemblies. The pipettor has a user interface that can be operated conveniently by one hand to reposition pipette tips. It has a pipette tip ejection mechanism with a sinusoidal stripper bar.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Integra Biosciences Corp.Inventors: David E. Butz, Gregory Mathus, Richard Cote, George P. Kalmakis
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Publication number: 20130213151Abstract: A pipette tip having the shape of an elongate small tube with a lower opening at the lower end for the passage of liquid, and an upper opening at the upper end, wherein a seat area exists on the inner circumference contiguous to the upper opening, which serves for plugging it onto a standardized conical attachment piece of a pipetting device, wherein the seat area has a retaining area with axially extending ribs projecting radially towards the inside, and below the retaining area a sealing area and is configured such that when the pipette tip is plugged onto the attachment piece with its seat area by a plugging force which ensures retaining and sealing of the pipette tip on the attachment piece, the ribs are partly plastically deformed, and elastic deformation occurs in the seat area outside of the ribs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2012Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: EPPENDORF AGInventor: Eppendorf AG
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Patent number: 8512647Abstract: A support pipette including at least one cylinder with an upper end and a lower end, each cylinder having a movable piston, and an elongate handle (1) with an upper part and a lower part, at which handle the pipette can be manually gripped, wherein the lower part (13.1; 13.2; 13.3) of the handle (1) includes a sideways protruding lower support (10.1; 10.2; 10.3; 10.4; 10.5).Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific OyInventors: Juha Telimaa, Mikael Lind
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Publication number: 20130205922Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable laboratory cannula for transferring a liquid or a solution from one vessel to another vessel avoiding atmospheric contamination comprising. The cannula includes a hollow stalk region having a hollow first end and a hollow second end; a first manipulating region being continuous with the hollow first end of the stalk region; and a second manipulating region bring continuous with the hollow second end of the stalk region and the first manipulating region.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventors: Margret Elaine Leventhal, Heather Ann Koshinsky
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Patent number: 8480972Abstract: A shaft for a sampling pipette includes a first cylindrical portion, a first annular shoulder, and a second annular shoulder. A first cross section of the first cylindrical portion has a first diameter. The first annular shoulder includes a first transition end adjacent the first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion. A second cross section of the second cylindrical portion has a second diameter. The second annular shoulder includes a second transition end adjacent the first annular shoulder and a third cylindrical portion. A third cross section of the third cylindrical portion has a third diameter. The third diameter is greater than the second diameter which is greater than the first diameter. The second diameter and the third diameter are selected so that a pipette tip contacts the second cylindrical portion and the third cylindrical portion when the pipette tip is mounted on the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Gilson S.A.S.Inventors: Yves May, Bernard Roussel
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Patent number: 8475741Abstract: Provided is a droplet discharging device that can precisely dispense large flow rate of droplets and small flow rate of droplets selectively. The droplet discharging device according to the present invention includes a pneumatic discharger for discharging a droplet having a first flow rate, and an electronic pipette for discharging or sucking a droplet having a second flow rate equal to or smaller than the first flow rate. The pneumatic discharger includes, i) a storage chamber for storing a liquid, ii) an air tank connected to the storage chamber through a first air pipe and supplying compressed air to the storage chamber to push the liquid of the storage chamber outside, and iii) a first nozzle connected to the storage chamber through the liquid pipe and receiving the liquid pushed out of the storage chamber to discharge droplets.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Postech Academy-Industry FoundationInventors: Seongjin Cho, Geunbae Lim, Intae Kim
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Patent number: 8470260Abstract: A light beam guided liquid delivery device for tracking the placement of a sample by a liquid delivery device into a receptacle like a milliliter or microliter scale tube, or a microtiter plate, includes a liquid delivery device and a light beam generator. The light beam generator may be positioned on the outside or inside of the liquid delivery device. The light beam generator may be adapted to shoot a light beam below the tip of the liquid delivery device, whereby, a user may track the placement of the tip of the liquid delivery device via the light beam.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: University of North Carolina at CharlotteInventors: David Andrew Carr, Jennifer W. Weller
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Patent number: 8460617Abstract: A pipette tip and a method for pipetting a congealed blood sample utilizing the pipette tip are disclosed. The pipette tip includes an attachment section configured to be attached to a dispensing device, a liquid containing section configured to receive at least part of an aspired liquid sample, and a liquid aspiration section that is connected to the liquid containing section. The liquid aspiration section has a distal end aspiration opening and at least one further aspiration opening in a side wall.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Gottlieb Schacher, Rolf Schneebeli, Hans-Peter Wahl
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Publication number: 20130112015Abstract: A tip capable of being fitted onto the body of a device for pipetting a liquid including a distal part intended for receiving the liquid sampled by the pipetting device, said distal part having a free distal end via which the liquid is aspirated and discharged, a middle part, joined to the distal part, intended to come into contact, via its free proximal end, with the body of said pipetting device and make it possible for said tip to be fixed on said body, a proximal part joined to the middle part and passed through by the body of said pipetting device when said tip is fitted on said body, said proximal part being intended for protecting said body and preventing any contact between the pipetting device and the liquid, said tip being characterized in that the proximal part is not in contact with the body of the pipetting device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: BIOMERIEUXInventor: Frederic Foucault
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Patent number: 8420014Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid droplet monitoring and measuring apparatus for use with a liquid dispensing system of the type comprising a nozzle having a liquid dispensing tip and means for delivering the dispensed liquid through the nozzle onto a receiving substrate. Further, the invention provides a method of monitoring and measuring the volume of a liquid droplet as it is being dispensed from a liquid dispensing system comprising a nozzle having a dispensing tip. The main use for the invention is in the fields of drug discovery, genomics, medical diagnostics and other life science-related applications. The invention could also be used in other areas for example in the food industry, cosmetic industry or the chemical industry.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Allegro Research LimitedInventors: Igor V. Shvets, Cecilia Franken, Tomasz P. Zawada
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Patent number: 8420027Abstract: A dosing device for liquids, with a distributor rail and a plurality of dosing units for the liquid that are hydraulically connected to the replaceable distributor rail. Each dosing unit has a valve unit, preferably a suction valve, a discharge valve and a discharge cannula. A piston-cylinder unit is detachably arranged on each valve unit for drawing in and measured discharging of the liquid. Each valve unit has a hydraulic connection element for detachable hydraulic connection to the distributor rail. The distributor rail has an elongate fluid supply line, a supply connection for the liquid being provided on an end of the distributor rail and dosing unit connections being distributed laterally along the length of the rail. Each of the dosing unit connections are detachably coupled to the hydraulic connection elements of the dosing units. The distributor rail is a replaceable part made of a preferably recyclable, injection-moldable plastic.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Brand GmbH + Co KGInventors: Peter H. Mahler, Thomas Stricker, Harry Siebert, Eberhard Albrecht
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Patent number: 8413528Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for separation of proteins and other biomolecules. A preferred use is for sample preparation of crude as well as pre-fractionated samples. In a preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention is a pipette tip having dual channels, one for inlet of sample and one for outlet. The outlet, but not the inlet, channel is provided with sample separation media for separation of a desired biomolecule from a sample. The flow through the sample separation media is unidirectional.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences ABInventors: Nils Norrman, Ronnie Palmgren
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Publication number: 20130074614Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: Theranos, Inc., a Delaware CorporationInventors: Elizabeth Holmes, Gary Frenzel, John Kent Frankovich
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Publication number: 20130068041Abstract: A pipetting apparatus including a pipetting head with a plurality of pipetting channels disposed in an arrangement pattern. Each pipetting channel includes a plunger and a cylinder. The plurality of pipetting channels includes at least two groups of pipetting channels with different diameters including a group of larger pipetting channels and a group of smaller pipetting channels. Each of the at least two groups of pipetting channels is disposed in an arrangement pattern in the pipetting head. Larger pipette tips communicate with the group of larger pipetting channels or smaller pipette tips communicate with the group of smaller pipetting channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: CYBIO AGInventor: CyBio AG
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Publication number: 20130068042Abstract: A device is provided for the complete uptake of liquids from vessels using removal units having removal tips. The removal tips or the vessel bottoms are configured or arranged relative to one another such that the area of the surface of a vessel bottom on which the respective removal tip would touch down, when that removal tip is inserted into the vessel, and the end surface of the removal tip are tilted relative to each another, at least on a portion of the two surfaces. That is to say, the surfaces are not parallel there.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: PERKINELMER CHEMAGEN TECHNOLOGIE GMBHInventors: Lothar Á Brassard, Uwe Jäntges
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Publication number: 20130047751Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning device for a laboratory apparatus for distributing fluid samples comprising: a base member, a first part at which a transport device can be arranged, the first part arranged at the base member for carrying out at least one operation movement, a second part arranged at the base member at which a sample container holder can be arranged, the first and second parts movable relative to one another for carrying out positioning movements and adapted to be arranged in relative positions, a coupling device for coupling the operation and positioning movements, set up such that the relative positions of the first and second parts can be stepwise changed by way of repeatedly performing the operation movement; and to method for automatically positioning a first part relative to a second part and to a laboratory apparatus comprising such a positioning device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: Eppendorf AGInventors: Simon Voss, Holger Link
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Patent number: 8372354Abstract: Systems and apparatus for mixing, cooling, and distributing multiphase fluid mixtures within a reactor, wherein reactor internal apparatus of the present invention provides not only improved fluid mixing and distribution to each underlying catalyst bed surface, but also offers other advantages including: decreased mixing tray height; easier maintenance, assembly and disassembly; and decreased amounts of fabrication material. In an embodiment, fluid may be evenly distributed to a catalyst bed from a fluid distribution unit comprising a nozzle tray including a plurality of nozzles, wherein the nozzles include at least one liquid inlet disposed tangentially to an inner surface of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Ralph E. Killen, Craig Boyak, Steven X. Song, Abdenour Kemoun, Steve Souers, Krishniah Parimi, Zackory Akin
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Patent number: 8372356Abstract: A manually directed, multi-channel electronic pipetting system is designed to transfer liquids from a standard multi-well plate, deep-well plate or reservoir into another multi-well plate. The preferred pipetting head includes an array of 96-tip fittings. A deck with at least one but preferably two or more wellplate nesting receptacles holds one or more multi-well plates or reagent reservoirs for access by an array of disposable pipette tips mounted to the pipetting head. The electronic motion control system includes a control handle that is mounted to a load cell, the carriage for the pipetting head and is held in the palm of the user. In use, the user grasps the control handle and operates the system in a manner similar to one using a handheld electronic pipettor.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Integra Biosciences Corp.Inventors: Julian Warhurst, Gary Nelson, Richard Cote
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Patent number: 8367022Abstract: A manually directed, electronic multi-channel pipettor uses servo controlled motors to drive a carriage and pipetting head in response to a user's manipulation of a control handle. The pipetting head include an array of tip fittings, e.g. 96. The system includes a check processor to avoid unintended motion in case of system faults or crashes. The system requires substantial force to attach the array of tips, and therefore includes controls that require both of the user's hands be occupied during the tip attachment process.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Integra Biosciences Corp.Inventors: Julian Warhurst, Richard Cote
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Patent number: 8357544Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for classifying a liquid (1) in a known pipetting system for this liquid (1), the method being characterized in that the changes of a selected, measurable, and physically founded virtual parameter are detected as a data set typical for this liquid (1); this typical data set of the selected virtual parameter is compared to corresponding data sets of known liquids, and the liquid (1) is classified on the basis of this comparison. An especially preferred method and a device for classifying a liquid (1) relate to a device which comprises a fluid chamber (2), to which a measuring chamber (3) is connected, whose internal pressure is monitored using a pressure transducer (4). At least a first part (5) of this fluid chamber (2) may be brought into fluid connection with a sample (6) of this liquid (1).Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Tecan Trading AGInventors: Nikolaus Ingenhoven, Robert Liebhard, Adi Zuppiger, Werner Hälg
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Patent number: 8354079Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing assembly for a metering device, in particular a multi-channel metering device. The sealing assembly serves to seal pipette tips with respect to the metering device. A multi-channel metering device comprises a multiplicity of openings arranged in one plane. A sealing plate with holes in the grid of the openings abuts this plane. Each pipette tip is provided with an annular collar which has an abutting face and is pressed against the sealing plate by force closure so as to enclose one hole.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: CyBio AGInventor: Uwe Naumann
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Patent number: 8343438Abstract: An ergonomically designed pipette tip that can be securely mounted to a barrel of a pipetter yet is designed to substantially reduce the axial force necessary to install and eject the pipette tip from the pipetter. An improved pipette tip that includes the addition of an elastomeric material and cooperative means for insuring uniform interference and depth of penetration of the pipetter barrel as successive barrels are inserted and ejected. Also disclosed is an improved multiple-tip configuration with similar features that can be mounted to multiple barrels of a multi-pipetter as one tip instead of 8 or 12 individual tips. The addition of the elastomeric material allows for better sealing and eliminates alignment issues, high installation and ejection requirements while reducing the hand and thumb forces that due to repeated use will sometimes result in repetitive stress injury.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Inventor: James C. Smith
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Publication number: 20120321516Abstract: A decapping/recapping device for removing closures from sample tubes and for reclosing sample tubes with the same closures is presented. The device comprises individual closure holders, each holder comprising a passive closure gripper for holding a closure, at least one actuator for actuating the passive closure gripper when removing a closure from a tube or reclosing a tube with its respective closure and at least one tube gripper cooperating with the at least one actuator for biasing a tube and its closure away from each other when removing the closure and for biasing the tube and its closure towards each other when reclosing the tube. One actuator is coupled to one passive closure gripper of a closure holder when removing a closure from a tube or when reclosing a tube with its respective closure and is decoupled from a passive closure gripper when the closure holder is holding a closure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventor: Gottlieb Schacher
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Patent number: 8318108Abstract: This invention relates to plunger operated liquid dispensers, such as hand held pipettors, which are used to portion liquids. Specifically the invention relates to a reliable removal of a liquid from the liquid dispenser. According to the invention the plunger of the liquid dispenser is arranged into a speeded up movement while removing the liquid. This change in speed is preferably sudden.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Sartorius Biohit Liquid Handling OyInventors: Osmo Suovaniemi, Pertti Ekholm
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Patent number: 8313954Abstract: A separation device including a first buoy, a second buoy, a first valve, and a second valve. The first buoy is mounted to a buoy guide post and slidably mounted within a separation chamber. The second buoy is slidably mounted to the guide post and movable between a first position and a second position. The second buoy closes the first valve and opens the second valve when in the first position. The second buoy opens the first valve and closes the second valve when in the second position. The second buoy has a density such that after spinning the device for a suitable period of time a first component of the composition is isolated between the first buoy and the second buoy and a second component of the composition is isolated between the second buoy and the end of the separation chamber that is opposite to a port.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLCInventors: Michael D. Leach, Jason Chavarria
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Patent number: 8309036Abstract: A structure for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element adjacent each opening engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Craig Clark, John M. Gilker, Norbert D. Hagen, Tom R. Horn
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Patent number: 8307721Abstract: Described herein are pipette tips that include rigid axial projections circumferentially disposed around the exterior surface of a relatively more compliant annular member. The rigid, axial projections may enable improved, and often optimal, sealing engagement with a dispensing device by (i) allowing deformation of the annular member between the projections, and (ii) restraining overall deformation of the annular member. Pipette tip embodiments described herein readily form a desired seal with a dispensing device, and permit ejection after use without modification to the dispensing device.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Biotix, Inc.Inventor: Arta Motadel
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Patent number: 8293527Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Molecular Devices (New Milton) LimitedInventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
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Patent number: 8293526Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Molecular Devices (New Milton) LimitedInventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
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Patent number: 8293525Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Molecular Devices (New Milton) LimitedInventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
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Patent number: 8293520Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Molecular Devices (New Milton) LimitedInventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
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Patent number: 8273307Abstract: The invention relates to a microdispenser (1) for dispensing a liquid sample in a dispensing device, with a sample container (2) for receiving the liquid sample, and with a nozzle (7) for dispensing the sample located in the sample container (2). The microdispenser (1) with the filled sample container (2) can in this case be stored independently of and fluidically separately from the dispensing device, without the sample escaping from the sample container (2) during storage.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Scienion AGInventors: Holger Eickhoff, Christian Wurzel
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Patent number: 8268261Abstract: A pipette core member is used in a pipette for sampling a sample. This pipette core member includes: a pump body including a reservoir communicated with one suction/discharge port of an electroosmotic flow pump, the electroosmotic flow pump and the reservoir being integrally formed; and a capillary connected to the electroosmotic flow pump and communicated with the other suction/discharge port of the electroosmotic flow pump. The capillary is secured to the pump body.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignees: Altair Corporation, Nano Fusion Technologies, Inc., Kazusa DNA Research InstituteInventors: Mamoru Hirafuji, Ichiro Tominaga, Shigeto Eda, Ichiro Yanagisawa, Osamu Ohara
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Publication number: 20120198947Abstract: A handle pipette including at least one cylinder with an upper end and a lower end, said cylinder having a movable piston, an elongate handle (1), by which the pipette can be manually gripped, said handle having an upper part, and in the upper part of the handle, a sideways extending finger support (7), which finger support (7) is at least partly flexible and/or it can be shaped by the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Mikael LIND, Jouko Mikkonen, Mauno Heinonen, Juha Telimaa
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Patent number: 8227258Abstract: A liquid delivery apparatus is provided for depositing liquid materials onto prescribed areas. The apparatus includes a sensing and delivery pin and a photo sensor. The apparatus is sized to deliver a droplet of liquid material to the surface of a target area without coming into contact with the target surface. The apparatus is also capable of drawing geometric features, such as lines and grids of liquid material. The photo sensor measures the intensity of light during a processing cycle. Measured reflected-light intensity can be compared in real-time to a reference curve which is based on test process cycles representing the light intensity expected when the process proceeds in the preferred fashion to produce a normal spot having an expected droplet size. The light intensity measurements can also be fitted with a mathematical function such as an asymmetric double sigmoidal curve.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: New Jersey Institute of TechnologyInventors: Timothy N. Chang, Qiong Shen
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Publication number: 20120180579Abstract: A pipette tip having lower, upper and central portions and a bore extending therethrough. The lower portion is elongated and projects in a first direction from the central portion, and is sized and shaped for insertion into a test-tube. The bore is adapted for aspirating and dispensing a large volume of the liquid. The upper portion projects from the central portion in a second direction opposing the first direction, and its terminal end is sized and shaped to sealingly engage an automated pipetting system. The central portion and a corresponding portion of the bore are enlarged with respect to both the upper and lower portions to allow the pipette tip to hold the large volume of the liquid. The central portion can have a cross-section substantially rectangular in shape. The cross-section can have a height at least substantially similar to the diameter of the lower portion of the pipette tip and a width significantly greater than the diameter of the lower portion of the pipette tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: PERKINELMER HEALTH SCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Lee Brady, Larry Schoell, Gary V. Millard, Timothy E. Cloutier
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Patent number: 8221702Abstract: A sample dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection from one vessel to another are provided wherein the remaining quantity of a primary sample can be reduced without disturbing the primary sample. When clogging by a separating agent is detected during suction of a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection, the sample dispensing apparatus performs raising of an aliquot head such that an opening at the free end of a nozzle tip does not come out of the sample liquid surface to dissolve clogging; sucking of the sample under the residual pressure; and additionally sucking of a fixed quantity of the sample to reduce the remaining quantity of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Hitachi-High Technologies CorporationInventors: Akihiro Shimoda, Masahito Kakuno, Eiji Takaya, Junichi Oizumi
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Patent number: 8202495Abstract: An ergonomically designed pipette tip that can be securely mounted to a barrel of a pipetter yet is designed to substantially reduce the axial force necessary to install and eject the pipette tip from the pipetter thus reducing the injuries resulting in repetitive stress injury to the thumb and hand. The new ergonomic pipette tip incorporates a separate sealing member constructed from an elastomer that is coupled to the more rigid and chemically inert elongated tubular member that becomes the receptacle for transferring the fluid sample aspirated by the pipetter. The new elastomeric sealing member allows for greater sealing capability or squeeze between the pipetter barrel and the new pipette tip while lowering the coefficient of friction between the mating parts, thus decreasing the axial ejection forces require to overcome the breakaway friction between the new ergonomic pipette tip and the pipetter.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Inventor: James C. Smith
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Patent number: 8192698Abstract: A self-contained sampling probe characterized by a drive module and a syringe module removably coupled coaxially to the drive module to allow for different syringe modules to be interchangeably coupled to the drive module. The coupling is effected by quick connect and disconnect devices, and the syringe module may carry an identifier. The probe is engageable by a gripper or insertable in an interface device, both of which provide for communication of the probe with other system components. The probe has a dimension that is 8 mm or less in at least one projection coincident with an aspirate/dispense axis of the probe.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventors: Thomas R. Londo, Paul M. Grippo, Frank Sylva
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Patent number: 8182745Abstract: An automatic analyzer having a positioning member connected to a nozzle support jig used to install a rinse nozzle having a suction member. The positioning member is present at a lower position than that of the suction member, has a vertically movable construction, and during a downward movement of the rinse mechanism, is brought close to/inserted into the reaction cuvette earlier than the suction member. Thus, the positioning member adjusts an inserting position of the suction member appropriately if the stopping position of the reaction cuvette deviates.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Hideyasu Chiba, Katsuaki Takahashi
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Patent number: 8168137Abstract: The pipette rack comprises a plate, a peripheral base and a peripheral skirt. The plate has a first surface and defines an array of tip receptacles extending therethrough in a first direction orthogonal to the first surface. The tip receptacles are contoured to provide a clearance fit at locations axially offset from one another along a part of a pipette tip. The base extends in the first direction from the plate to a distal end surface. The skirt extends in the first direction from the base, and is outwardly offset therefrom to expose the distal end surface of the base so that the distal end surface contacts the plate of a similar pipette rack when the pipette racks are stacked.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William Ryan Powell, Ian Yates
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Publication number: 20120096957Abstract: A pipette for transferring a volume of liquid, a portion of the pipette formed from a material tinted with a color associated with the pipette volume, facilitating the differentiation of the pipette from other pipettes of different volumes. The portion of the pipette that is tinted may include at least a portion of the pipette top, the pipette body, or the pipette tip. The color tinting may correspond to a color coding standard. The pipette may include additional differentiation characteristics, such as the shape of the pipette, the presence of at least one colored band on the surface of the pipette, the presence of at least one colored material inserted into the pipette top of the pipette, or the presence of a solid colored pipette top.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: Miniplast Ein-Sherner Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd.Inventor: Eitan OCHMAN
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Patent number: 8163256Abstract: An air displacement pipette has a tubular pipette tip with an upper section surrounding a locking chamber, and a body section leading from the upper section and tapering downwardly to a reduced diameter end. A tubular mounting shaft on the pipette has a distal end configured and dimensioned for axial insertion into the locking chamber of the pipette tip. Coacting surfaces on the distal end of the mounting shaft and the upper section of the pipette tip establish an axially interengaged relationship between the pipette tip and the mounting shaft in response to insertion of the distal end of the mounting shaft into the locking chamber. A sleeve is axially shiftable on the mounting shaft between a retracted position accommodating the establishment of the axially interengaged relationship, and an advanced position disrupting the axially interengaged relationship to thereby accommodate axial ejection of the pipette tip from the mounting shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Matrix Technologies CorporationInventors: Richard A. Cote, Christopher P. LaCroix
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Patent number: 8147773Abstract: A fluid dispenser useful in automated biological reaction systems comprising a barrel having a reservoir chamber, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion, a cap located on top of the upper portion of the barrel and connected to the reservoir chamber, the cap having an external surface with at least one hole therethrough, a valve comprising a biasing member and a hole sealer, the valve being located in the hole in the cap at the point where a downward force is applied against the cap, a coupler having a dispense chamber, the coupler being coaxial with the barrel and wherein the barrel lower portion moves into the dispense chamber during dispensing of fluid, and a vent located between the cap and the reservoir chamber, the vent including a vent opening and a vent material composed of oliophobic material.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles D. Lemme, Vincent R. Rizzo, Jr., Bobbi Druyor-Sanchez, Anthony Ford, Bronwen Heilman, Darin McDaniel, Brian McGraw, Stephen Mead, William Richards, Wayne Showalter
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Patent number: 8133453Abstract: A plunger stroke pipette for replaceable pipette points with a seat for the detachable mounting of a pipette point, a plunger, a cylinder in which the plunger is movably arranged, a connection channel connecting the cylinder with an opening in the seat, a driving equipment, coupled to the plunger for displacing the plunger in the cylinder, an upper stopper and a lower stopper and at least one counter-stopper of the driving equipment and/or the plunger for limiting the stroke of the plunger, a holder, holding the lower stopper, an overstroke spring between the upper stopper and the holder, an adjustment equipment for adjusting the position of the holder with respect to the cylinder, and an indicating equipment for indicating the position of the holder.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Eppendorf AGInventor: Peter Molitor