WO2018194813A1

WO2018194813A1 - Rehydrator/inoculator device

Info

Publication number: WO2018194813A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/025108
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hannah Rae BUVALA; Christopher Dallas Griner; Richard Milson
Original assignee: Beckman Coulter Inc
Current assignee: Beckman Coulter Inc
Priority date: 2017-04-17
Filing date: 2018-03-29
Publication date: 2018-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2019-10-17
Also published as: CN207562916U

Abstract

A rehydrator/inoculator device (1) and methods of using the same are described herein. The rehydrator/inoculator device comprises a housing (15) extending from a top end to a bottom end, a base at the bottom end, a release button assembly (51), a center lever assembly (49), and a pickup button assembly (53). A piston (55) is disposed within the housing between a center lever button (27) and the base and operably connected to the center lever button.

Description

REHYDRATOR/INOCULATOR DEVICE

BACKGROUND

[0001] In some instances, it may be desirable to provide a manual pipetter that rehydrates and/or inoculates microdilution panels. For example, conventional dry panels or designated rapid panels may be rehydrated/inoculated. The manual pipetter device may be used in conjunction with a transfer lid and a seed trough. Traditional manual pipetter devices position the user's hand in a pronated position, which may lead to carpel tunnel syndrome or other nerve issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

[0003] FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary rehydrator/inoculator device;

[0004] FIG. 2 A depicts a front perspective view of a hand of a user in a neutral position and oriented to grasp the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 1;

[0005] FIG. 2B depicts a front perspective view of a hand of a user in a pronated position;

[0006] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary seed trough for use with the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 1;

[0007] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary transfer lid for use with the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 1;

[0008] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary test panel for use with the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 1;

[0009] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1 and with an exemplary piston in a first position;

[00010] FIG. 7 depicts the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 with the piston in a second position;

[00011] FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary center lever assembly of the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 1;

[00012] FIG. 9A depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary center lever button and exemplary release button of the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 1;

[00013] FIG. 9B depicts another top perspective view of the center lever button and release button of FIG. 9A;

[00014] FIG. 10A depicts an enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary pickup button of the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 1 depressed in a first direction with the center lever button locked in an undepressed state;

[00015] FIG. 10B depicts an enlarged cross- sectional view of the center lever button of the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 1 depressed in the first direction with the pickup button locked in an undepressed state;

[00016] FIG. 11A depicts a bottom perspective view of an exemplary base of the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 1 with an exemplary pair of prongs in a closed orientation;

[00017] FIG. 1 IB depicts a bottom perspective view of the base of FIG. 11 A with the pair of prongs in an open orientation;

[00018] FIG. 12 depicts a flowchart depicting a method of using the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 1;

[00019] FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of the seed trough of FIG. 3 receiving an exemplary liquid therein;

[00020] FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of the transfer lid of FIG. 4 being lowered onto the seed trough of FIG. 13;

[00021] FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 1 being lowered onto the combined transfer lid and seed trough of FIG. 14 with the pickup button depressed in the first direction;

[00022] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 15 disposed on the combined transfer lid and seed trough and with the center lever button depressed in the first direction;

[00023] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 16 with the transfer lid connected thereto and being lowered onto the test panel of FIG. 5 and with the center lever button depressed in the first direction;

[00024] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 17 with the release button depressed and the center lever button moving in a second direction;

[00025] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 18 with the center lever button in an undepressed state;

[00026] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 19 with the pickup button depressed in the first direction to release the transfer lid;

[00027] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the seed trough of FIG. 3 and the transfer lid of

FIG. 4 being deposited in a waste container; and

[00028] FIG. 22 depicts a flowchart depicting a method of using the rehydrator/inoculator device of FIG. 1.

[00029] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00030] The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[00031] It will be appreciated that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. that are described herein. The following- described teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[00032] I. Rehydrator Device

[00033] As shown in FIGS. 1-2B, a rehydrator/inoculator device (1) is configured to be grasped by a hand (3) of a user in a neutral position (FIG. 2A) rather than a pronated position (FIG. 2B). As shown in FIG. 2A, hand (3) in the neutral position orients a palm (4), a thumb (5), an index finger (7), a middle finger (9), a ring finger (11), and a pinky finger (13) generally vertically, with the fingers actuating buttons in a horizontal movement. As shown in FIG. 2B, hand (3) in the pronated position orients palm (4), thumb (5), index finger (7), middle finger (9), ring finger (11), and pinky finger (13) generally horizontally, with the fingers actuating buttons in a vertical movement. The horizontal orientation of hand (3) in the pronated position increases stress and pressure on the tendons and other connective tissue of hand (3), particularly when repetitively performing a task or tasks, such as the tasks involved in using rehydrator/inoculator device (1).

[00034] As shown in FIG. 1, rehydrator/inoculator device (1) includes a housing (15) extending from a top end (17) to a bottom end (19). A base (21) is disposed at bottom end (19) and a release button (23) is disposed at top end (17) of housing (15). A pickup button (25) is disposed between release button (23) and base (21) and is configured to be depressed in a first direction, as indicated by Arrow A. Similarly, a center lever button (27) is disposed between pickup button (25) and base (21) and is configured to be depressed in the first direction, as indicated by Arrow A. A piston enclosure (29), forming part of housing (15) is disposed generally between center lever button (27) and base (21).

[00035] In some versions of rehydrator/inoculator device (1), as hand (3) grasps rehydrator/inoculator device 1 in the neutral position (FIG. 2A), thumb (5) is disposed proximate release button (23), index finger (7) is disposed proximate pickup button (25), and middle finger (9), ring finger (11), and pinky finger (13) are disposed proximate center lever button (27). In order to provide a convenient grip area for each finger and aid in finger alignment, release button (23) may define a thumb contour (31) sized to receive a portion of thumb (5) therein, as shown in FIG. 9. Similarly, pickup button (25) may define an index finger contour (33) sized to receive a portion of index finger (7) therein and center lever button (27) may define a plurality of finger contours (35), with each finger contour (35) sized to receive one of the middle finger (9), ring finger (11), and pinky finger (13). A palm portion (37), formed as part of housing (15), is sized to abut palm (4) thereon as hand (3) grasps rehydrator/inoculator device (1) in the neutral position (FIG. 2A).

[00036] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, rehydrator/inoculator device (1) is configured to utilize a seed trough (39), a transfer lid (41), and a test panel (43). As will be discussed in greater detail below, rehydrator/inoculator device (1) generally operates to grasp transfer lid (41) by a pair of prong openings (46) and transfer an inoculum from seed trough (39) into a plurality of individual pipets (45) defined by transfer lid (41). Thereafter, rehydrator/inoculator device (1) generally operates to facilitate depositing the inoculum in each pipet (45) of transfer lid (41) into a plurality of individual wells (47) defined by test panel (43) in order to rehydrate and/or inoculate each well (47). The rehydrated/inoculated test panel (43) thereafter continues on in the microorganism testing procedure.

[00037] As shown in FIGS. 6-1 IB, rehydrator/inoculator device (1) generally includes a center lever assembly (49), a release button assembly (51), a pickup button assembly (53). Each assembly is directed to a particular task used in the rehydration/inoculation process. In some versions of rehydrator/inoculator device (1), each assembly includes features to prevent engagement of the remaining assemblies when the initial assembly is engaged.

[00038] A. Center Lever Assembly

[00039] Center lever assembly (49) includes center lever button (27) is generally directed to actuating a piston (55) disposed between center lever button (27) and base (21). Piston (55) is configured to move in a fluid pulling direction to displace a volume of air into a vacuum cylinder (57) of center lever assembly (49) through a piston channel (86). In some versions of rehydrator/inoculator device (1), the fluid pulling direction and the first direction are identical, as depicted generally by Arrow A (FIG. 6). Piston (55) is further configured to move in a fluid pushing direction to displace a volume of air out of vacuum cylinder (57) of center lever assembly (49). The fluid pushing direction is depicted generally by Arrow B (FIG. 6).

[00040] Piston (55) is actuated to move in the fluid pulling direction and the fluid pushing direction via movement from center lever button (27). Center lever button (27) of center lever assembly (49) includes a yoke bracket (59) for attachment to piston (55). Yoke bracket (59) includes a pair of yoke arms (61), whereby each yoke arm (61) is positioned and configured to extend around one side of piston (55). Each yoke arm (61) defines a yoke hole (63) sized to receive a dowel pin (65) therethrough. Piston (55) defines a complementary sized and positioned opening (67) whereby dowel pin (65) extends through yoke holes (63) and opening (67) to connect center lever button (27) to piston (55). Vacuum cylinder (57) defines a track (69) sized to slidably receive a portion of dowel pin (65) therein to allow movement of piston (55) between the fluid pulling direction and the fluid pushing direction. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11 A, vacuum cylinder (57) is connected to piston channel (86) which extends into base (21). Piston channel (86) fluidly connects vacuum cylinder (57) and base (21) to allow fluid such as air to move therebetween in response to the movement of piston (55) within vacuum cylinder (57).

[00041] As shown in FIG. 8, piston (55) is biased in the fluid pushing direction by a pair of piston compression springs (71) extending from a first end (73) to a second end (75). First end (73) of each compression spring (71) is received in a spring chamber (77) defined by piston (55). Second end (75) of each compression spring (71) is received by a spring guide (79) extending from a barrel cap (81). Barrel cap (81) is secured to vacuum cylinder (57) by a plurality of fasteners (83) received in a corresponding fastener receiver (85) of vacuum cylinder (57). An inner seal (137) and a retaining ring (139) are provided in conjunction with vacuum cylinder and piston (55).

[00042] Center lever assembly (49) further includes an upper element (87) and a lower element (89) extending from vacuum cylinder (57). Lower element (89) is configured to act as a brace against base (21) and to orient piston (55) to move in the first direction, as shown as Arrow A in FIG. 1. Upper element (87) defines a spring chamber (91) sized to receive a first end (93) of a center lever compression spring (95) therein. Center lever button (27) includes a boss (99) extending outwardly away therefrom and sized to receive a bushing (101) thereon. Bushing (101) is sized to receive a second end (103) of center lever compression spring (95) to bias center lever button (27) away from upper element (87) via center lever compression spring (95). When center lever button (27) is depressed in the first direction, as depicted by Arrow A of FIG. 1, center lever compression spring (95) is compressed as piston (55) moves in the fluid pulling direction.

[00043] B. Release Button Assembly

[00044] Release button assembly (51) is generally directed to locking center lever button

(27) when the center lever button (27) is depressed beyond a threshold in the first direction (FIG. 1, Arrow A). Release button assembly (51) is configured to release the locked center lever button (27) when release button (23) is depressed. In some versions of release button assembly (51), release button (23) is configured to be depressed in a release direction, wherein the release direction is different from the first direction.

[00045] As shown in FIGS. 7-9B, release button (23) is attached to upper element (87) of center lever assembly (49) by a dowel pin (103) extending through a yoke bracket (105) and through release button (23) to hold release button (23) thereon as well as allow for release button (23) to pivot about dowel pin (103). As shown in FIG. 7, release button (23) includes a platform (107) extending outwardly away from yoke bracket (105). A release button compression spring (109) is disposed between platform (107) and upper element (87), with an indent (111), shown in FIG. 8, disposed on upper element (87) and sized to receive an end of release button compression spring (109) thereon. A release button compression spring (119) is provided between the opposite end of release button (23) and a portion of housing (15). Release button (23) is biased to the undepressed orientation by release button compression springs (109, 119). When depressed, release button (23) pivots about dowel pin (103) to compress release button compression springs (109, 119) and move platform (107) downwardly towards upper element (87).

[00046] As shown in FIG. 9 A and 9B, a pair of lock arm (113) extend downwardly from platform (107) of release button assembly (51). Each lock arm (113) extends from a top end (115) to a bottom end (117). Lock arm (113) is connected to platform (107) at top end (115). Lock arm (113) includes a flange (121) disposed at bottom end (117), extending outwardly away therefrom. A pair of notches (123) are defined on the interior of center lever button (27). Flanges (121) and notches (123) include complementary profiles, whereby flanges (121) fit inside notches (123). Lock arms (113) are disposed at the rear of center lever button (27) when center lever button (27) is in the undepressed or default state. As center lever button (27) is depressed in the first direction, notches (123) move toward flanges (121). Once center lever button (27) is depressed beyond a particular threshold, flanges (121) press into notches (123) and lock center lever button (27).

[00047] The complementary profiles of flanges (121) and notches (123) prevent movement of center lever button (27) while flanges (121) are disposed in notches (123). Each notch (123) includes a cam ramp (125) extending downwardly out of notches (123). When center lever button (27) is locked, release button (23) may be depressed in the direction of Arrow C (FIG. 6) to cam flanges (121) out of notches (123) by way of cam ramps (125). Once flanges (121) and notches (123) are disengaged, center lever button (27) is unlocked and the bias from center lever compression springs (95) press center lever button (27) in the direction of Arrow B (FIG. 6) to prevent flanges (121) from moving back into notches (123) when the user releases release button (23).

[00048] C. Pickup Button Assembly [00049] Pickup button assembly (53) is generally directed to actuating a pair of prongs

(127) extending through base (21), as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. Prongs (127) are configured to open and close in response to movement of pickup button (25). In some versions of pickup button assembly (53), prongs (127) are configured to open and close in response to movement of a single button, namely, pickup button (25). FIG. 11A illustrates prongs (127) in the closed orientation and FIG. 11B illustrates prongs (127) in the open orientation. Prongs (127) are biased to the closed orientation (FIG. 11 A) by way of a biasing member (not shown), such as a spring, an elastic element, or a wire. Biasing member is operably connected to pickup button (25). As pickup button (25) is depressed in the first direction (Arrow A), the bias is overcome and prongs (127) move from the closed orientation (FIG. 11 A) to the open orientation (FIG. 11B). In some versions, depressing pickup button (25) provides slack in a biased element, which overcomes the bias and allows prongs (127) to move from the closed orientation to the open orientation. Upon release of pickup button (25), the bias of biasing member moves prongs (127) from the open orientation (FIG. 11B) to the closed orientation (FIG. 11 A).

[00050] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, pickup button assembly (53) includes a sliding lock (129) generally disposed between pickup button (25) and center lever button (27). Sliding lock (129) is configured to prevent the depression of pickup button (25) when center lever button (27) is depressed. This in turn prevents the movement of prongs (127) from the closed orientation to the open orientation and thus prevents transfer lid (41) from being prematurely released from base (21). Similarly, sliding lock (129) is configured to prevent the depression of center lever button (27) when pickup button (25) is depressed and prongs are in the open orientation. This in turn prevents the drawing of fluid into transfer lid (41) while transfer lid (41) is not fully locked into base (21). Thus, sliding lock (129) acts as a gatekeeper or check element to prevent simultaneous depression of pickup button (25) and center lever button (27).

[00051] Sliding lock (129) includes a first portion (131) and a second portion (133). As shown in FIG. 10A, the depression of pickup button (25) orients sliding lock (129) to block any movement of center lever button (27). Pickup button (25) is free to slide over second portion (133), but the profile of sliding lock (129) prevents the depression of center lever button (27) while pickup button (25) is depressed due to first portion (131) firmly abutting center lever button (27). As shown in FIG. 10B, the depression of center lever button (27) orients second portion (133) of sliding lock (129) into an abutting relationship with pickup button (25). Center lever button (27) is free to slide over first portion (131), but the profile of sliding lock (129) prevents the depression of pickup button (25) while center lever button (27) is depressed.

[00052] II. Method of Using Rehydrator/Inoculator Device

[00053] FIGS. 12-22 illustrate a method of using rehydrator/inoculator device (1) to rehydrate or inoculate pipets (45) of test panel (43) with an inoculum and/or a hydration fluid, referred to herein after as method (201).

[00054] As shown in FIG. 12 and 13, method (201) begins with a step (203), whereby a user deposits an inoculum and/or hydration fluid into seed trough (39). The inoculum and/or hydration fluid will be referred to hereinafter generally as "fluid." FIG. 13 depicts a user pouring the fluid from a container (135) into seed trough (39). The particular fluid deposited in seed trough (39) is selected by the user for use in conjunction with the particular test procedure or test panel (43) being used in method (201). After the fluid is deposited in seed trough (39), the user may rock seed trough (39) or otherwise ensure the fluid is distributed evenly throughout seed trough (39). Thereafter, step (203) proceeds to a step (205).

[00055] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, in step (205), the user places transfer lid (41) over seed trough (39). The user then taps transfer lid (41) on each of the four corners to ensure the absence of bubbles and then allow transfer lid (41) to equilibrate for a time in seed trough (39). Thereafter, step (205) proceeds to a step (207).

[00056] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, in step (207), rehydrator/inoculator device (1) is coupled to transfer lid (41). In step (207), the user picks up rehydrator/inoculator device (1) and depresses pickup button (25) in the first direction (Arrow A). As described above, depressing pickup button (25) moves prongs (127) from the default closed orientation (FIG. 11A) to the open orientation (FIG. 11B). Depressing pickup button (25) also locks center lever button (27) from being able to be depressed in the direction of Arrow A. The user lowers rehydrator/inoculator device (1) onto transfer lid (41). In the open orientation, prongs (127) are positioned to enter into prong openings (46) as rehydrator/inoculator device (1) is lowered onto transfer lid (41). The user then releases pickup button (25) to move prongs from the open configuration to the closed configuration and thereby lock rehydrator/inoculator device (1) to transfer lid (41). Thereafter, step (207) proceeds to a step (209).

[00057] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 16, in step (209), fluid is drawn and held in transfer lid

(41). In step (209), the user depresses center lever button (27) in the first direction (Arrow A). As described above, depressing center lever button (27) locks pickup button (25) from moving in the first direction. Depressing center lever button (27) further moves yoke bracket (59) inside housing (15) in the first direction. Inasmuch as yoke bracket (59) is connected to piston (55) via dowel pin (65), piston (55) is similarly moved in the first direction, also referred to as the fluid pulling direction. The movement of piston (55) displaces a portion of the air within base (21) through piston channel (86) and into vacuum cylinder (57). The displacement of air from base (21) into vacuum cylinder (57) acts hydraulically upon the fluid in seed trough (39) and transfer lid (41), pulling fluid into pipets (45) of transfer lid (41) and holding the fluid therein due to the hydraulic forces acting on the fluid.

[00058] As center lever button (27) is depressed in the first direction beyond a threshold, center lever button (27) is locked into place via flanges (121) of release button assembly (51) locking into notches (123) of center lever button (27). The locking of center lever button (27) prevents the fluid from being accidentally released before the user is ready. When locked, center lever button (27) hydraulically holds the fluid in transfer lid (41) while the user moves rehydrator/inoculator device (1) as desired. Hand pressure on finger contours (35) may be released by the user in order to manipulate other elements or prepare and position test panel (43) for receiving the fluid. Thereafter, step (209) proceeds to a step (211).

[00059] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 17, in step (211), rehydrator/inoculator device (1) is placed onto test panel (43) with transfer lid (41) therebetween and containing the fluid held therein. This generally aligns each pipet (45) of transfer lid (41) with a corresponding well (47) of test panel (43). Thereafter, step (211) proceeds to a step (213). [00060] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 18, in step (213), the user presses release button (23) to unlock center lever button (27). The pressing of release button (23) pivots release button (23) about dowel pin (103) to overcome the bias of compression spring (109) pushing against platform (107), as shown in FIG. 7. As platform (107) moves downwardly, flanges (121) of lock arms (113) cammably move out of notches (123) as flanges (121) move downwardly against cam ramp (125). Moving flanges (121) out of notches (123) releases center lever button (27) from the locked position. In accordance with the bias provided through center lever compression spring (95), center lever button (27) moves in the direction of Arrow B of FIG. 6, generally opposite to the first direction. The movement of center lever button (27) moves yoke bracket (59) inside housing (15) in the direction of Arrow B. In turn, piston (55) is moved in the fluid pushing direction within vacuum cylinder (57). This movement of piston (55) expels the air within vacuum cylinder (57) out through piston channel (86). As the air moves through piston channel (86) and into base (21), the fluid is hydraulically pushed out of pipets (45) of transfer lid (41) into wells (47) of test panel (43). The nature of the locked relationship between transfer lid (41) and base (21) and the seal between the two elements facilitates a smooth even release of the fluid as the fluid exits pipets (45).

[00061] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 19, release button (23) is depressed and the user waits for center lever button (27) to return to the original undepressed state before lifting rehydrator/inoculator device (1) off test panel (43). Test panel (43) is thereafter inoculated/hydrated and the user may proceed to use test panel (43) in the testing process. Thereafter, step (213) proceeds to a step (215).

[00062] As shown in FIGS. 12, 20, and 21, in step (215), transfer lid (41) is released and decoupled from rehydrator/inoculator device (1). To facilitate the decoupling, the user depresses pickup button (27) in the first direction. The depression of pickup button (27) opens prongs (127) and allows prongs (127) to move out of prong openings (46) defined by transfer lid (41), releasing rehydrator/inoculator device (1) from transfer lid (41). The used transfer lid (41) and seed trough (39) may thereafter be disposed of in a waste container and method (201) ends.

[00063] As shown in FIG. 22, rehydrator/inoculator device (1) may perform a method (301), whereby pickup button (25) and center lever button (27) are both depressed in the first direction, depicted by Arrow A in FIG. 1. Method (301) begins with a step (303), whereby pickup button (25) is depressed in the first direction to actuate prongs (127) to move from the closed orientation to the open orientation. Step (303) thereafter moves to a step (305). In step (305), pickup button (25) is released and moves in the direction of Arrow B to actuate prongs (127) to move from the open orientation to the closed orientation and lock transfer lid (41) to base (21). Thereafter, step (303) moves to a step (305). In step (305), center lever button (27) is depressed in the first direction, depicted as Arrow A of FIG. 1. As discussed above, depressing center lever button (27) in the first direction actuates piston (55) to move in the fluid pulling direction to populate pipets (45) of transfer lid (41) with fluid. Thereafter, method (301) ends.

[00064] III. Exemplary Combinations

[00065] The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in subsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are being provided for nothing more than merely illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred to in the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitly indicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor in interest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in this application or in subsequent filings related to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, those additional features shall not be presumed to have been added for any reason relating to patentability.

[00066] Example 1

[00067] An apparatus configured to be grasped in a neutral hand position, the apparatus comprising a housing extending from a top end and a bottom end; a base disposed at the bottom end; a release button disposed at the top end; a pickup button disposed between the release button and the base, wherein the pickup button is configured to be depressed in a first direction; a center lever button disposed between the pickup button and the base, wherein the center lever button is configured to be depressed in the first direction; and a piston disposed between the center lever button and the base, wherein the piston is operably connected to the center lever button.

[00068] Example 2

[00069] The apparatus of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the piston is operable to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the piston is configured to be driven to move from the first position to the second position in response to depressing the center lever button in the first direction.

[00070] Example 3

[00071] The apparatus of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising a lock disposed in the housing, wherein the lock is operably connected with the center lever button and the release button.

[00072] Example 4

[00073] The apparatus of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the lock is configured to prevent the center lever button from moving in a second direction when the center lever button is depressed beyond a depression threshold and the release button is undepressed.

[00074] Example 5

[00075] The apparatus of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the lock is configured to release the center lever button to move in the second direction when the release button is depressed.

[00076] Example 6

[00077] The apparatus of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising a pair of prongs proximate the base, wherein the pair of prongs are operably connected to the pickup button.

[00078] Example 7 [00079] The apparatus of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising a plurality of finger slots defined by the center level button.

[00080] Example 8

[00081] The apparatus of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising a thumb curvature defined by the release button.

[00082] Example 9

[00083] The apparatus of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising an index finger curvature defined by the pickup button.

[00084] Example 10

[00085] The apparatus of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the pickup button comprises a single button.

[00086] Example 11

[00087] A method of preparing test panels with a hand of a user in a neutral position, the method comprising grasping a test panel preparation device with a hand of a user in a neutral position, wherein the test panel preparation device extends from a top end to a bottom end, wherein a release button of the test panel preparation device is disposed proximate the top end, wherein a base of the test panel preparation device is disposed proximate the bottom end. The grasping comprises locating a thumb finger of the hand proximate the release button; locating an index finger of the hand proximate a pickup button disposed between the release button and the base; locating one or more of a middle finger, a ring finger, and a pinky finger proximate a center lever button disposed between the pickup button and the base. The method further comprising depressing the center lever button in a first direction via one or more of the middle finger, the ring finger, and the pinky finger while grasping the test panel preparation device; in response to depressing the center lever button in the first direction, actuating a piston disposed between the center lever button and the base to move in a fluid pulling direction; and in response to actuating the piston in the fluid pulling direction, displacing a volume of air into the piston.

[00088] Example 12 [00089] The method of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising depressing the center lever button beyond a threshold; and in response to depressing the center lever button beyond the threshold, locking the center lever button.

[00090] Example 13

[00091] The method of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising depressing the release button via the thumb finger while grasping the test panel preparation device; and in response to depressing the release button, unlocking the center lever button.

[00092] Example 14

[00093] The method of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising moving the center lever button in a second direction in response to unlocking the center lever button.

[00094] Example 15

[00095] The method of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising: in response to moving the center lever button in the second direction, actuating the piston to move in a fluid pushing direction; and in response to actuating the piston in the fluid pushing direction, displacing the volume of air out of the piston.

[00096] Example 16

[00097] The method of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising: depressing the pickup button in the first direction with the index finger while grasping the test panel preparation device; and in response to depressing the pickup button in the first direction, opening a pair of prongs extending through the base.

[00098] Example 17

[00099] The method of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising: placing the base on a transfer lid; releasing the pickup button while grasping the test panel preparation device; and in response to releasing the pickup button, closing the pair of prongs to lock the transfer lid to the base.

[000100] Example 18 [000101] The method of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising drawing a fluid into the transfer lid in response to displacing the volume of air into the piston.

[000102] Example 19

[000103] The method of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising: placing the transfer lid on a seed trough containing the fluid prior to placing the base on the transfer lid; and drawing the fluid out of the seed trough and into the transfer lid.

[000104] Example 20

[000105] The method of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising: placing the base and the transfer lid onto a test panel; moving the center lever button in a second direction; in response to moving the center lever button in the second direction, actuating the piston to move in a fluid pushing direction; in response to actuating the piston in the fluid pushing direction, displacing the volume of air out of the piston; and in response to displacing the volume of air out of the piston, expelling the fluid out of the transfer lid and into the test panel.

[000106] Example 21

[000107] The method of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the pickup button comprises a single button.

[000108] Example 22

[000109] The method of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising opening a pair of prongs extending through the base in response to depressing of a single button, wherein the single button comprises the pickup button.

[000110] Example 23

[000111] An apparatus comprising a first actuation element disposed at a first end of the apparatus, wherein the first actuation element is configured to be depressed in a first direction; a base disposed at a second end of the apparatus; a second actuation element disposed between the first actuation element and the base, wherein the second actuation element is configured to be depressed in a second direction; a third actuation element disposed between the second actuation element and the base, wherein the third actuation element is configured to be depressed in the second direction; and a piston operably connected to one of the first actuation element, the second actuation element, and the third actuation element.

[000112] Example 24

[000113] The method of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising an imaginary longitudinal axis, wherein the imaginary longitudinal axis extends through the first actuation element, the second actuation element, the third actuation element, the piston, and the base.

[000114] IV. Miscellaneous

[000115] It should be understood that any of the examples described herein may include various other features in addition to or in lieu of those described above. By way of example only, any of the examples described herein may also include one or more of the various features disclosed in any of the various references that are incorporated by reference herein.

[000116] It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[000117] It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material. ] Having shown and described various versions of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, versions, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

I/we claim:

1. An apparatus configured to be grasped in a neutral hand position, the apparatus

comprising:

(a) a housing extending from a top end and a bottom end;

(b) a base disposed at the bottom end;

(c) a release button disposed at the top end;

(d) a pickup button disposed between the release button and the base, wherein the pickup button is configured to be depressed in a first direction;

(e) a center lever button disposed between the pickup button and the base, wherein the center lever button is configured to be depressed in the first direction; and

(f) a piston disposed between the center lever button and the base, wherein the piston is operably connected to the center lever button.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the piston is operable to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the piston is configured to be driven to move from the first position to the second position in response to depressing the center lever button in the first direction.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lock disposed in the housing, wherein the lock is operably connected with the center lever button and the release button.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the lock is configured to prevent the center lever

button from moving in a second direction when the center lever button is depressed beyond a depression threshold and the release button is undepressed.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the lock is configured to release the center lever button to move in the second direction when the release button is depressed.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pair of prongs proximate the base, wherein the pair of prongs are operably connected to the pickup button.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of finger slots defined by the center level button.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a thumb curvature defined by the release button.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an index finger curvature defined by the pickup button.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pickup button comprises a single button.

11. A method of preparing test panels with a hand of a user in a neutral position, the method comprising:

(a) grasping a test panel preparation device with a hand of a user in a neutral position, wherein the test panel preparation device extends from a top end to a bottom end, wherein a release button of the test panel preparation device is disposed proximate the top end, wherein a base of the test panel preparation device is disposed proximate the bottom end, wherein the grasping comprises:

(i) locating a thumb finger of the hand proximate the release button;

(ii) locating an index finger of the hand proximate a pickup button disposed between the release button and the base; and

(iii) locating one or more of a middle finger, a ring finger, and a pinky finger proximate a center lever button disposed between the pickup button and the base;

(b) depressing the center lever button in a first direction via one or more of the

middle finger, the ring finger, and the pinky finger while grasping the test panel preparation device;

(c) in response to depressing the center lever button in the first direction, actuating a piston disposed between the center lever button and the base to move in a fluid pulling direction; and (d) in response to actuating the piston in the fluid pulling direction, displacing a volume of air into the piston.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

(a) depressing the center lever button beyond a threshold; and

(b) in response to depressing the center lever button beyond the threshold, locking the center lever button.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

(a) depressing the release button via the thumb finger while grasping the test panel preparation device; and

(b) in response to depressing the release button, unlocking the center lever button.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising moving the center lever button in a second direction in response to unlocking the center lever button.

15. The method of 14, further comprising:

(a) in response to moving the center lever button in the second direction, actuating the piston to move in a fluid pushing direction; and

(b) in response to actuating the piston in the fluid pushing direction, displacing the volume of air out of the piston.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

(a) depressing the pickup button in the first direction with the index finger while grasping the test panel preparation device; and

(b) in response to depressing the pickup button in the first direction, opening a pair of prongs extending through the base.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

(a) placing the base on a transfer lid;

(b) releasing the pickup button while grasping the test panel preparation device; and (c) in response to releasing the pickup button, closing the pair of prongs to lock the transfer lid to the base.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising drawing a fluid into the transfer lid in

response to displacing the volume of air into the piston.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

(a) placing the transfer lid on a seed trough containing the fluid prior to placing the base on the transfer lid; and

(b) drawing the fluid out of the seed trough and into the transfer lid.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

(a) placing the base and the transfer lid onto a test panel;

(b) moving the center lever button in a second direction;

(c) in response to moving the center lever button in the second direction, actuating the piston to move in a fluid pushing direction;

(d) in response to actuating the piston in the fluid pushing direction, displacing the volume of air out of the piston; and

(e) in response to displacing the volume of air out of the piston, expelling the fluid out of the transfer lid and into the test panel.

21. The method of claim 11, wherein the pickup button comprises a single button.

22. The method of claim 11, further comprising opening a pair of prongs extending through the base in response to depressing of a single button, wherein the single button comprises the pickup button.

23. An apparatus comprising:

(a) a first actuation element disposed at a first end of the apparatus, wherein the first actuation element is configured to be depressed in a first direction;

(b) a base disposed at a second end of the apparatus; (c) a second actuation element disposed between the first actuation element and the base, wherein the second actuation element is configured to be depressed in a second direction;

(d) a third actuation element disposed between the second actuation element and the base, wherein the third actuation element is configured to be depressed in the second direction; and

(e) a piston operably connected to one of the first actuation element, the second actuation element, and the third actuation element.

The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising an imaginary longitudinal axis, wherein the imaginary longitudinal axis extends through the first actuation element, the second actuation element, the third actuation element, the piston, and the base.