RU2846732C2 - Holder, set of parts and method for manipulating holders of laboratory consumables - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to supports for disposable pipette tips and, in particular, to assembly and use of stacked supports for tips. Holder for disposable pipette tips comprises: two pairs of opposite transverse side walls, each of which comprises outer surface, inner surface, upper edge and lower edge and two side edges; side walls are connected to each other by means of their side edges; a plate comprising a rectangular array of holes connected to the upper edges of the side walls; means for fixing a holder over another holder to form a stack of holders; wherein the fixation is releasable by applying a force to said fixation means from above of the foot of the holders.

EFFECT: improved locking and uncoupling mechanism for stacked supports for tips in order to facilitate automated operation with them in robots for handling liquids.

16 cl, 17 dwg

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present invention relates to stands for disposable pipette tips and, in particular, to the assembly and use of stacked stands for tips.

LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

Pipette tips are often sold in stacks of multiple tip racks. Each rack contains a rectangular array of holes to hold individual tips in an upright position. The advantages of stacked pipette tips over individual racks include space savings, reduced storage and shipping costs, and environmental friendliness due to the use of less packaging material.

[0003] In liquid handling robots, the stands can be easily detached from the foot to facilitate their use. Typically, the liquid handling robot removes the topmost stand and passes it on for use.

[0004] Such stacks must be handled with care to avoid uncontrolled stack breakage and tips falling onto the table or floor. This is especially true when the user manually moves the stack or manually removes the topmost stand from the stack and places it on the robot's platform for liquid handling.

[0005] It is known to provide locking mechanisms in which a compressive action or a horizontally oriented force is required to release the locking.

[0006] US 2006045815 A1 discloses a pipette tip grid with a locking mechanism. A pipette tip grid with openings for holding pipette tips and packaging for said grids are provided. The packaging for the pipette tip grid comprises a grid, a base for supporting the grid, and a locking mechanism connected to the grid and configured to engage from the outside with a side wall of the base.

[0007] There is a need for an improved locking and unlocking mechanism for stacked tip stands to facilitate automated handling thereof in liquid handling robots.

[0008] There is a need for a compact method of fixing and unfastening used for stacked tip stands.

[0009] The present invention is aimed at eliminating at least some of the disadvantages of known tip stands and stacks.

DISCLOSURE OF THE ESSENCE OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention is defined by the features of independent claims. Certain specific embodiments are defined in dependent claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a holder for laboratory consumables, wherein the holder comprises: two pairs of opposite transverse side walls; wherein each side wall comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge and two side edges; the side walls are connected to each other by means of their side edges; a plate containing a rectangular array of holes connected to the upper edges of the side walls; means for fixing it on top of another holder to form a stack of holders; wherein the fixation is adapted to be released by applying a force to said means for fixing on top of the stack of holders.

[0012] Various embodiments of the first aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:

- The specified application of force includes the application of a vertically directed input force from above the foot of the holder.

- The holder comprises at least one opening for unfastening, into which a unfastening device can be inserted from above the stack of holders for unfastening the fixation.

- Said at least one fastening hole is located on a surface parallel to said plate containing a rectangular array of holes.

- The said at least one fastening hole is located in a plate containing a rectangular array of holes.

- Unfastening the fastener results in the detachment of only the topmost holder from the other holders in the stack.

- The fixation means comprises at least one flexible or deformable tongue.

- The fixation means contains a hollow pin that can be deformed in the radial direction.

- The fixing means is designed to be separated from the holder and reattached to it.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a set of parts comprising at least a first holder and a second holder for disposable pipette tips according to the first aspect.

[0014] Various embodiments of the second aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:

- The holders are attached to each other, the first holder on top of the second holder, and form a stack.

- The set of parts further comprises a release device configured to be inserted into a hole or holes for release of the uppermost foot holder from above the foot of holders to release the fixation between the uppermost holder and the holder located directly below it.

- The release device is made in the form of a pin, rod or handle.

- The end of said release device is designed to be inserted into the opening for release of the uppermost holder.

- The unfastening device is designed in such a way that it is possible to control its operation by an automated robot for working with liquid.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manipulating holders of laboratory consumables, comprising: providing a fixed stack of holders; releasing the fixation between the uppermost holder and a holder located immediately below it by applying a force to the means for fixing in the uppermost holder on top of the stack of holders; removing the uppermost holder from the stack of holders.

[0016] Various embodiments of the third aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:

- The specified fastening involves the application of a vertically directed input force from above the stack of holders.

- The specified vertically directed input force is applied by the user.

- The specified vertically directed input force is applied by an automated device.

- Said step of providing includes providing a fixed stack of holders according to the first aspect on the platform of an automated device, such as an automated robot for working with liquid.

- The specified force is applied by an automated device.

- At the said unfastening stage, the said automated device inserts the unfastening device into the unfastening hole of the uppermost holder on top of the stack of holders, as a result of which the fixation between the uppermost holder and the holder located immediately below it is unfastened.

- The uppermost stand becomes connected to the release device after the fixation is released.

- The said removal involves lifting the uppermost holder from the stack together with the release device and connected to it.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a means for fixing a first laboratory consumables holder over a second laboratory consumables holder to form a fixed stack of holders, each holder comprising: two pairs of opposite transverse side walls; each side wall comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge and two side edges; the side walls are connected to each other by means of their side edges; a plate comprising a rectangular array of openings connected to the upper edges of the side walls; and the means for fixing is adapted to be attached under the first holder so as to be embraced by the transverse side walls and the plate with the rectangular array of the first holder; the means for fixing comprises a bendable or deformable portion that is adapted to engage with the second holder in the position of fixing the holders; and the fixation is designed with the possibility of being released by applying force to the said bendable or deformable part on top of the foot of the holders.

[0018] Various embodiments of the fourth aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:

- The specified application of force includes the application of a vertically directed input force from above the stack of holders.

[0019] Advantages of the invention

[0020] The present invention facilitates handling of tip holders and tip stacks in the context of both automated and manual fluid handling methods.

[0021] According to the present invention, the release action depends on a force applied in a vertical direction from above the foot, and it is preferably not necessary to manipulate the foot from its sides to release the uppermost holder.

[0022] The present invention can be dispensed with by adding any components or shapes that would protrude from the transverse side walls of the holders.

[0023] The present invention provides a compact solution for fixing holders to each other, which is particularly advantageous in automated liquid handling applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] FIGURE 1 illustrates two pipette tip stands and a retaining device adapted to be attached below the stand, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIGURE 2 shows the stands of FIGURE 1 with a locking device attached under the upper stand;

[0026] FIGURE 3 shows a sectional view of the stands of FIGURE 2, connected with a fixation to each other by means of a fixing device and forming a stack of stands;

[0027] FIGURE 4A shows the fixed foot of FIGURE 3;

[0028] FIGURE 4B shows the release of the foot of FIGURE 3 by means of a release device;

[0029] FIGURE 4C shows the unlatched stands with the release device still attached to the top stand;

[0030] FIGURE 5B shows an enlarged view of FIGURE 4A;

[0031] FIGURE 5B shows an enlarged view of FIGURE 4B;

[0032] FIGURE 6 is a three-dimensional view of the unattached feet of FIGURE 4C;

[0033] FIGURE 7 illustrates two pipette tip stands and a retaining device configured to be attached below the stand, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIGURE 8 shows the stands of FIGURE 7 with a locking device attached under the upper stand;

[0035] FIGURE 9 shows a sectional view of the stands of FIGURE 8, connected with a fixation to each other by means of a fixing device and forming a stack of stands;

[0036] FIGURE 10A shows the fixed foot of FIGURE 9;

[0037] FIGURE 10B shows the release of the foot of FIGURE 10A by means of a release device;

[0038] FIGURE 10C shows the unlatched stands with the release device still attached to the top stand;

[0039] FIGURE 11A shows an enlarged view of FIGURE 10A;

[0040] FIGURE 11B shows an enlarged view of FIGURE 10B;

[0041] FIGURE 12 illustrates two pipette tip stands and a retaining device configured to be attached below the stand, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIGURE 13 shows the stands of FIGURE 12 with a locking device attached under the upper stand;

[0043] FIGURE 14 is a sectional view of the stands of FIGURE 13, which are fixedly connected to each other by means of a locking device and form a stack of stands;

[0044] FIGURE 15A shows the fixed foot of FIGURE 14;

[0045] FIGURE 15B shows the release of the foot of FIGURE 15A by means of a release device;

[0046] FIGURE 15C shows the unlatched stands with the release device still attached to the top stand;

[0047] FIGURE 16A shows an enlarged view of FIGURE 15A;

[0048] FIGURE 16B shows an enlarged view of FIGURE 15B;

And

[0049] FIGURES 17A and 17B illustrate a modified version of the first embodiment shown in FIGURES 1-6.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] As used herein, the terms "approximately" and "approximately" refer to a value that is ±5% of the stated value.

[0051] The present invention provides an improved method for handling pipette tip holders, such as tip stands, that are stored in a stack. The present invention also provides a holder that can be fixed on top of another holder to form a stack, and then easily detached from the stack.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the action of unlocking or unlatching comprises applying a force from above the foot. Said force is typically an initial input force applied in a vertical direction.

[0053] As used herein, the term "vertical direction" refers to a direction that is at a right angle to the rectangular array plate of the pipette tip holder.

[0054] Holders

[0055] The present invention is applicable to holders for storing disposable laboratory consumables, such as holders for disposable pipette tips. Such holders are often stored nested in stacks.

[0056] In one embodiment, a holder for disposable pipette tips comprises two pairs of opposite transverse side walls, and each side wall comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge, and two side edges. The side walls are connected to each other by their side edges. The holder comprises a plate having a rectangular array of openings for tips and connected to the upper edges of the side walls. The holder further comprises a means for fixing the holder on top of another holder to form a stack of holders. The fixation is configured to be released by applying a force to said means for fixing on top of the stack of holders.

[0057] Fixing agent

[0058] In some embodiments, the means for securing the first tip holder over the second tip holder comprises a flexible tab connected to the first tip holder and configured to interact or engage with the second tip holder, such as for insertion into an opening in the second holder.

[0059] In one embodiment, the fixation means comprises one or more flexible tabs connected to the first tip holder and extending below the plate with the rectangular array of the first tip holder, and also configured to be inserted into one or more openings in the second tip holder to fix the holders to each other.

[0060] In one embodiment, the distal end or distal ends of said flexible tongue or said flexible tongues or the tongues as a whole are configured to bend by means of a release device to release the fixation between the holders.

[0061] In some embodiments, the fixation means is an integral part of the holder. In other embodiments, the fixation means is a separate part that can be attached to the holder and also detached from it.

[0062] For example, the fixation means may comprise one or more bendable tabs that are attached to the bottom surface of the rectangular array plate and are configured to be inserted into one or more openings in the located lower holder, respectively, for fixing the holders to each other.

[0063] Hole(s) for fastening

[0064] In some embodiments, the holder comprises at least one release hole into which, when the holder is the topmost holder, a release device can be inserted from above the stack of holders to release the fixation between the two topmost holders.

[0065] In one embodiment, the release hole is located on the top surface of the holder, such as in a plate containing a rectangular array of holes for receiving tips, or in a projection or surface connected to the plate and parallel to it.

[0066] There may be any number of fastening holes, such as 1, 2, 3 or 4 fastening holes, preferably at least two fastening holes.

[0067] Preferably, the release hole or holes are arranged so that they can be accessed and/or operated from above, such as by inserting a release device.

[0068] In some embodiments, the holder comprises two fastening holes that are located in the plate containing the rectangular array of holes, on opposite sides of the rectangular array.

[0069] In one embodiment, the release hole or holes may be located outside of the rectangular arrangement of holes that are intended to receive and retain the tips.

[0070] In some embodiments, at least one anchoring hole is located within the rectangular array, such as in the center of a plate with the rectangular array.

[0071] In some embodiments, at least one opening of the rectangular array functions as a fastening opening.

[0072] In one embodiment, the release hole in a particular holder may initially act as an opening that receives a fixation means, such as a tab connected to the upper holder, for fixing these holders to each other. Later, after the upper holder is removed, when said particular holder has become the uppermost holder, the same release hole may act as an opening into which a release device is placed in order to detach said particular holder from the foot.

[0073] The release device and its operation

[0074] In some embodiments, the release device comprises a pin configured to be inserted into a release hole. In the case where a single holder has multiple release holes, the release device preferably comprises the same number of pins adapted to be simultaneously inserted into the corresponding release holes to release the fixation.

[0075] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the release device is configured to be inserted into the release hole and exit below the plane of the plate containing the rectangular array of holes.

[0076] For example, to release the fastening, a pin is inserted into the release hole so that at least the distal end of the pin extends in a vertical direction through the hole with a passage beyond the plane containing the plate with the rectangular array.

[0077] In preferred embodiments, the direction of the release force is approximately parallel to the vertical axis of the foot.

[0078] In some embodiments, the direction of the force, typically the input force, applied during the unfastening action deviates by no more than about 20°, preferably no more than about 5°, from the direction of the vertical axis of the foot.

[0079] In preferred embodiments, the direction of the input force is approximately vertical.

[0080] The vertically directed input force typically represents an initial input force applied to the holder or a part of the holder, such as a release device or a fixation means, to release the fixation.

[0081] In some embodiments, application of a vertically directed input force may result in, in addition to the release output force, an output gripping force, such as a horizontally directed output gripping force. The output gripping force may allow the released holder or holders to be lifted from the stack.

[0082] The output gripping force typically represents the force that is applied to the holder or a portion thereof to grip the holder, such as for the purpose of lifting the holder.

[0083] In the present invention, it is preferred not to use any horizontally directed input force for the purpose of releasing the fixation between any of the holders or for the purpose of gripping any of the holders for lifting them.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the releasing action results in the release of only the uppermost holder from the rest of the stack. In this way, one holder, i.e., the uppermost holder, can be grasped at a time and transferred for use, while the remaining holders of the stack remain fixed to each other and do not require any manipulation, movement, or grasping.

[0085] In some embodiments, the release device is part of and/or controlled by an automated fluid handling device.

[0086] For example, the release device may be part of a dispensing head of an automated liquid handling device.

[0087] In another example, the release device comprises a fluid handling device cylinder and a lower edge of the fluid handling device tip removal sleeve faces the rectangular array plate during the release action.

[0088] Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0089] FIGURE 1 shows two stands 11, 12 for pipette tips and a fixing device 13 adapted to be attached under the stand 11, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Each of the supports 11, 12 comprises two pairs of opposite transverse side walls, each side wall comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge, and two side edges. The side walls are connected to each other by means of their side edges. A plate containing a rectangular array of openings for receiving and holding tips is either connected integrally to the upper edges of the side walls, or can be placed with support on a holder.

[0091] The locking device comprises two pairs of tongues 15 and a connecting grid 18 extending from one pair of tongues to the other.

[0092] FIGURE 2 shows the stands of FIGURE 1 with a locking device attached under the upper stand. The locking device is mounted and secured under the rectangular array for tips of the stand, so that the connecting grid is parallel to the rectangular array for tips, and the tabs are directed substantially downward. The locking device, which includes tabs and a grid or rod connecting or connecting them to each other, can be freely attached to the stand for tips and detached from it. For example, during the manufacture of the stand for tips, the locking device containing tabs can be manufactured separately from the rest of the stand and then secured to the stand.

[0093] FIGURE 3 is a sectional view of the stands of FIGURE 2, which are fixedly connected to each other by means of a locking device and form a stack of stands.

[0094] The transition from the fixed configuration to the unlocked configuration is accomplished by means of a mechanical action of the release device, which bends the tabs in each pair of tabs 15a, 15b away from each other. FIGURES 4A-4C and 5A-5B show how the stands can be released from each other by means of the release device 19.

[0095] FIGURE 4A shows the fixed foot of FIGURE 3.

[0096] The tabs 15a, 15b are arranged so that they are inserted into the release holes in corresponding positions in the stands located immediately below them. After the tabs have passed into the release holes, one pair of tabs in one release hole, the distal ends of the tabs are bent away from each other to be placed in the release hole. When the tabs are inserted into the release holes, they return to their original resting configuration, and then the stands are in a fixed configuration, which is shown in FIGURE 4A.

[0097] FIGURE 4B shows the release of the foot of FIGURE 3 by means of the release device 19.

[0098] FIGURE 4C shows the unlocked stands 11 and 12 with the release device 19 still attached to the upper stand.

[0099] In FIGURE 4B, the ends of the release device 19 have been inserted into the release holes of the upper support 11. In this side sectional view, only one of the release holes and only one end of the release device are visible. The end (in the form of a fork) bends the tongues 15a away from each other, so that the release of the fixation occurs. Now the upper shelf 11 can be lifted from the stack, as shown in FIG. 4C, for example, by means of an automated manipulator or manually. During lifting, the forks at the two ends of the release device remain inside the release holes in the upper support 11 and between the tongues 15a, 15b by friction and hold the tongues in a curved configuration.

[00100] FIGURE 5A shows an enlarged view of FIGURE 4A.

[00101] FIGURE 5B shows an enlarged view of FIGURE 4B.

[00102] FIGURE 6 shows a three-dimensional view of the unlatched foot of FIGURE 4C. In FIGURE 6, the release device 19 is in the form of a U-shaped handle with forks at each end. The forks are inserted from the top of the foot into the release holes of the uppermost support: one fork is inserted into one release hole. Each fork was inserted between a pair of tabs to bend the tabs away from each other and thereby release the fixation between the supports.

[00103] FIGURES 17A and 17B show a modified version of the first embodiment shown in FIGURES 1-6. The ends of the release device 79 are inserted into the release holes (shown 76a) of the upper support 71, as shown in FIGURE 17A. The fork-shaped end bends the tongues 75a away from each other, so that the release of the fixation occurs. Then, the upper shelf 71 can be lifted from the stack. In this version, the release device 79 is configured to remain engaged with the upper shelf 71 after the release of the fixation between the supports 71 and 72. Such engagement is ensured by projections 80, 81 in the tongues 75a. The release device contains additional recesses. After inserting the release device, the projections are inserted into the recesses, as shown in FIGURE 17A. Then the upper stand 71 can be lifted and carried together with the release device 79, as shown in FIGURE 17B.

[00104] The release device 79 is preferably part of an automated gripper or manipulator.

[00105] FIGURE 7 shows two stands 31, 32 for pipette tips and a locking device 33 configured to be attached under the stand, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The locking device comprises two bendable tabs 35a, 35b at opposite ends of a connecting bar 38. The bendable tabs are configured to be inserted into openings (locking holes) on the surfaces of the stands that are perpendicular to a plate with a rectangular array. For example, the bendable tab 35a is configured to be inserted into an opening 36a. Each stand comprises two such openings, and they are located on opposite sides of the stand.

[00106] In this embodiment, the fastening holes are located on surfaces that are parallel to the plate with a rectangular array. Each support contains two fastening holes (such as 40a), and they are located on the indicated opposite sides of the support.

[00107] FIGURE 8 shows the stands of FIGURE 7 with a locking device 33 attached under the upper stand 31.

[00108] FIGURE 9 shows a sectional view of the stands of FIGURE 8, connected in a locking manner to each other by means of a locking device and forming a stack of stands. The tongues 35a, 35b have been inserted into the corresponding locking holes (36a, shown in FIGURE 7).

[00109] FIGURE 10A shows the fixed foot of FIGURE 9. The distal ends of the tongues 35a, 35b engage with the lower surface of the plate with the rectangular array of the lower support 32.

[00110] FIGURE 10B shows the release of the foot of FIGURE 10A by means of the release device 39, which is made in the form of a U-shaped handle. The ends of the handle are then inserted into the corresponding release holes (40a, shown in FIGURE 7) in order to bend the tongues and release the fixation.

[00111] FIGURE 10C shows the unlatched stands with the release device 39 still attached to the upper stand 31.

[00112] FIGURE 11A shows an enlarged view of FIGURE 10A.

[00113] FIGURE 11B shows an enlarged view of FIGURE 10B.

[00114] FIGURE 12 shows two stands 41, 42 for pipette tips and a locking device 43, adapted to be attached under the stand 41, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The locking device is made in the form of a hollow pin with sections 50 located on its side surface that can be bent in the radial direction. The hollow pin has as a whole the shape of a truncated cone.

[00115] FIGURE 13 shows the stands of FIGURE 12 with a locking device attached under the upper stand 41. The locking device is adapted to be inserted into an opening 46 in the lower stand 42. The opening 46 functions as a locking hole for fixing and as a hole for unfastening.

[00116] FIGURE 14 shows a sectional view of the stands of FIGURE 13, connected in a fixed manner to each other by means of a locking device and forming a stack of stands. The far end of the locking device was inserted into the opening 46.

[00117] FIGURE 15A shows the fixed foot of FIGURE 14. Here the operation and shape of the locking device can be seen more clearly. The distal end of the locking device has a wider configuration in the locked position and is engaged with the lower support 42.

[00118] FIGURE 15B shows the release of the foot of FIGURE 15A by means of the release device. When the release device 49 is inserted into the hollow locking device and simultaneously into the opening 46, the distal end of the locking device becomes narrower, since the release device bends the bendable portions. The release of the locking then occurs and the upper support 41 can be removed.

[00119] FIGURE 15C shows the unlatched stands with the release device 49 still attached to the upper stand within the hollow locking device.

[00120] FIGURE 16B shows an enlarged view of FIGURE 15A.

[00121] FIGURE 16B shows an enlarged view of FIGURE 15B.

[00122] It should be understood that embodiments of the disclosed invention are not limited to the specific structures, process steps, or materials described herein, but extend to equivalents thereof, as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting.

[00123] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included or is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places in this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[00124] As used herein, a plurality of objects, structural elements, constituent elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be read as if each item of the list were individually designated as a separate and unique item. Thus, no individual item of such a list should be considered as a factual equivalent of any other item of the same list solely on the basis of their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, various embodiments and examples of the present invention may be mentioned herein along with alternative versions for various components thereof. It should be understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternative versions should not be construed as factual equivalents of one another, but should be considered as separate and independent representations of the present invention.

[00125] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as example lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without one or more specific details or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[00126] Although the above examples illustrate the principles of the present invention for one or more specific applications, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications in form, application, and details of implementation can be made without the use of inventive ability and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended to limit the invention to anything other than the claims set forth below.

[00127] The verbs "to comprise" and "to include" are used in this document as open-ended limitations that do not exclude or require the presence of features not mentioned. The features set forth in dependent claims are freely combinable with one another unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of grammatical means of expressing the singular, i.e., the singular form, in this document does not exclude plurality.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[00128] The present invention has industrial applicability for use with stacked pipette tip stands.

CITION LIST

Patent literature

US 2006045815 A1

Claims (44)

1. A holder for laboratory consumables containing: - two pairs of opposite transverse side walls; in this case - each side wall contains an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge and two side edges; - the side walls are connected to each other by means of their side edges; - a plate containing a rectangular array of holes, connected to the upper edges of the side walls; - a means for fixing it on top of another holder to form a stack of holders; characterized in that - the fixation is designed with the possibility of unfastening by applying a vertically directed input force to the said means for fixing the top of the stack of holders. 2. The holder according to claim 1, in which the holder comprises at least one opening for unfastening, into which a unfastening device can be inserted from above the stack of holders for unfastening the fixation. 3. The holder according to paragraph 2, in which: - said at least one fastening hole is located on a surface parallel to said plate containing a rectangular array of holes, or - said at least one fastening hole is located in a plate containing a rectangular array of holes. 4. A holder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the release of the fastening results in the release of only the uppermost holder from the other holders in the stack. 5. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing means comprises at least one flexible or deformable tongue. 6. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing means comprises a hollow pin deformable in a radial direction. 7. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the fixing means is designed to be detachable from the holder and reattachable thereto. 8. A set of parts comprising at least a first holder and a second holder for disposable pipette tips, wherein each holder comprises: two pairs of opposite transverse side walls; in this case each side wall comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge, and two side edges; the side walls are connected to each other by means of their side edges; a plate containing a rectangular array of holes connected to the upper edges of the side walls; means for fixing it on top of another holder to form a stack of holders; characterized in that the fixation is designed with the possibility of being released by applying a vertically directed input force to the said means for fixing the top of the stack of holders. 9. A set of parts according to claim 8, in which the holders are attached to each other, the first holder on top of the second holder, and form a stack. 10. A set of parts according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a release device adapted to be inserted into the opening or openings for releasing the uppermost stack holder from above the stack of holders to release the fixation between the uppermost holder and the holder located immediately below it. 11. A set of parts according to claim 10, in which the release device is made in the form of a pin, rod or handle, and the end of said release device is made with the possibility of being inserted into an opening for release of the uppermost holder. 12. A set of parts according to item 10 or 11, in which the release device is designed in such a way that it is possible to control its operation by an automated robot for working with liquid. 13. A method for manipulating holders of laboratory consumables, comprising: - ensuring a fixed foot of holders; - unfastening the fixation between the uppermost holder and the holder located immediately below it by applying a vertically directed input force to the fixation means in the uppermost holder from above the stack of holders; - removing the topmost holder from the stack of holders. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said step of providing comprises providing a fixed stack of holders of claim 1 on the platform of an automated device, such as an automated liquid handling robot; and said force is applied by the automated device. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein at said unfastening stage, said automated device inserts a unfastening device into the unfastening hole of the topmost holder on top of the stack of holders, thereby unfastening the fastening between the topmost holder and the holder located immediately below it. 16. The method according to any one of paragraphs 13-15, according to which the uppermost support becomes connected to the release device after the fastening is released, and said removal includes lifting the uppermost holder from the stack together with the release device and connected thereto. 17. Means for securing a first laboratory consumables holder over a second laboratory consumables holder to form a fixed stack of holders, each holder comprising: - two pairs of opposite transverse side walls; in this case - each side wall contains an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge and two side edges; - the side walls are connected to each other by means of their side edges; - a plate containing a rectangular array of holes, connected to the upper edges of the side walls; characterized in that - the fixing means is designed with the possibility of being attached under the first holder so as to be covered by the transverse side walls and the plate with the rectangular array of the first holder; - the fixing means comprises a bendable or deformable part which is designed to engage with the second holder in the position of fixing the holders; and - the fixation is designed with the possibility of being released by applying a vertically directed input force to the said bendable or deformable part on top of the stack of holders.