• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    pipette tip washing device. a washing device includes an upper compartment capable of receiving a pipe distributor. the piping distributor is coupled to a rack and comprises at least one liquid inlet and a plurality of liquid outlets which operationally directs the fluid to contact a plurality of consumer products per laboratory maintained by the rack. an intermediate compartment is attached to the upper compartment and comprises a washing chamber capable of receiving the fluid outlet through the plurality of liquid outlets from the pipe distributor. the washing chamber has a floor comprising a material transparent to ultraviolet (uv) light. a lower compartment is attached to the washing chamber. the lower compartment includes a light source mounted thereon. the light source is able to send uv light towards the washing chamber and through the floor of the washing chamber. a method of consumer products per washing laboratory is also described.
    公开号:BR112015027390B1
    申请号:R112015027390-4
    申请日:2014-04-30
    公开日:2020-09-29
    发明作者:Ali SAFAVI
    申请人:Grenova, Llc.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Cross Reference to Related Orders
    [001] This application claims the benefits of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61817,715, filed on April 30, 2013 and US Provisional Patent Application No. 61890,523, filed on October 14, 2013, each of which is incorporated here by reference in its entirety. Field
    [002] The present technology refers to a washing device and a method for washing laboratory consumables, and more particularly a pipette tip washing device and a pipette tip washing method. Foundations
    [003] Every year, about 1,814 tons of plastic pipette tips, after a single use, are disposed of in landfills around the world, leading to environmental pollution and significant costs. A typical laboratory consumes many thousands of pipette tips daily for samples and test procedures. Due to the lack of options for cleaning plastic consumer products, laboratories discard pipette tips after each use. Such high consumption of plastic tips adds up to $ 25,000 - $ 1.5M of annual operating costs for each of the approximately 14,000 research labs in the United States.
    [004] Devices that can efficiently clean and sterilize pipette tips can save substantial amounts of money in your scientific operations and dramatically reduce the amount of waste produced in the course of operations. Few devices have been developed for this purpose until today. In some cases, laboratories have developed small-scale cleaning methods to reuse some pipette tips, such as boxes of 96 single tips. In some small-scale automatic liquid handling instruments, there are configurations for cleaning the tips with solutions. None of these options, however, is large enough in scale to be useful in a large industrial, government or academic laboratory that can use hundreds of pipette tips every day. In addition, laboratories must be absolutely confident that a cleaning system has completely removed all contaminants from the pipette tips so that there is no carryover, a term used to designate the contamination presented in an experiment by the equipment used in a previous experiment.
    [005] A reusable pipette tip cleaning system that uses plasmas generated above and injected through the pipette tip is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,366,871, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The plasma reaches both the inside and the outside of the tip body. This cleaning system, however, is expensive and requires exotic equipment to produce and conduct plasmas through the pipette tips. Another cleaning system is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,300,525, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This cleaning system, however, involves a complex system for cleaning pipette probes and mixers. This device is designed with only one washing cavity combining multiple jet streams. There is no application for pipette tips or a design that receives a multiplicity of cleaning units operated simultaneously.
    [006] Thus, there is a need to create a large-scale and economical method for thorough cleaning and sterilization of pipette tips so that they can be reused in large-scale laboratory processes. summary
    [007] One embodiment of this invention relates to a washing device including an upper compartment capable of receiving a manifold distributor. The manifold distributor is coupled to a rack and comprises at least one liquid inlet and a plurality of liquid outlets that operationally direct the fluid to come into contact with a plurality of laboratory consumables supported by a rack. An intermediate compartment is attached to the upper compartment and comprises a washing chamber capable of receiving the fluid outlet through the plurality of liquid outlets from the collector distributor. The washing chamber has a floor comprising a material transparent to ultraviolet (UV) light. A lower compartment is attached to the washing chamber. The lower compartment includes a light source mounted on it. The light source is capable of emitting UV light towards the washing chamber and through the floor of the washing chamber.
    [008] Another embodiment of this invention refers to a method for washing laboratory consumables including directing one or more liquid solutions to contact a plurality of laboratory consumables supported by a rack. One or more liquid solutions are introduced into a fluid inlet and exit via a plurality of fluid outlets from a pipe attached to the rack. The one or more liquid solutions are drained through a drain drain disposed near a washing chamber configured to receive one or more liquid solutions directed following the contact by one or more liquid solutions with the plurality of laboratory consumables. The plurality of laboratory consumables is substantially dried. The plurality of laboratory consumables is exposed to light in an ultraviolet (UV) band. A light source is illuminated to direct light in the UV range through one or more of a transparent UV floor or one or more walls of the washing chamber.
    [009] The present technology provides several advantages including the provision of a device and method for the efficient and economical sterilization of a large number of pipette tips for use in large-scale laboratory configurations. The present technology provides a device for washing pipette tips that incorporates a double solution UV sterilization mechanism. The device is built from modules that isolate the tips to be washed, which are kept in an impermeable washing chamber, from a UV lamp through the transparent UV protection. In addition, fiber optic cables can transmit UV light around the wash chamber into the back of the pipette tips to bathe the tips in sterilizing UV light on all surfaces to provide more complete sterilization. Brief Description of Drawings
    [010] Figures IA and IB are seen in an exploded perspective of an illustrative embodiment of a pipette tip washing device of the present description.
    [011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pipette tip washing device illustrative of the present description.
    [012] Figures 3A and 3B are seen in front and rear perspective of the pipette tip washing device of the present description with the upper compartment in an open position.
    [013] Figure 4A is a perspective view of an upper compartment of the pipette tip washer illustrated in Figure 1.
    [014] Figure 4B is a perspective view of a receiving compartment of the upper compartment illustrated in figure 4A.
    [015] Figures 5A to 5D are an exploded perspective view, an upper perspective view, a side view, and a bottom view, respectively, of the upper compartment of the pipette tip washer and manifold dispensers configured to be located in the upper compartment.
    [016] Figure 6A is an exploded perspective view of a manifold distributor of the present invention.
    [017] Figure 6B is a top perspective view of the collector distributor of the present invention.
    [018] Figure 6C is an exploded view of a collector distributor of the present technology.
    [019] Figure 6D is a bottom perspective view of the collector distributor of the present invention.
    [020] Figure 6E is an enlarged view of part A of the manifold distributor illustrated in figure 6D.
    [021] Figures 7A and 7B are an exploded perspective view and an exploded side view of another embodiment of the collector distributor of the present invention.
    [022] Figures 8A and 8B are partial dashed front and perspective views of another illustrative embodiment of a pipette tip washing device of the present description;
    [023] Figure 8C is a side view of the pipette tip washing device shown in Figures 8A and 8B in an open position.
    [024] Figures 9A to 9D are seen in perspective of the pipette tip washing device illustrated in figures 8A to 8C in various positions during the operation of the device according to the present description. Detailed Description
    [025] An illustrative pipette tip washing device 10 is illustrated in figures 1 to 3B. The pipette tip washer 10 includes an upper compartment 12, manifold dispensers 14, tip racks 16, a tip rack holder 18, an intermediate compartment 20, a wash sleeve 22, a lower compartment 24, a ultraviolet (UV) light source 26, optional transducers 27, although the pipette tip washing device 10 may include other elements in other configurations. This illustrative technology includes a number of advantages including providing a device and method for the efficient and economical sterilization of a large number of pipette tips for use in large-scale laboratory configurations.
    [026] With reference more specifically to Figures 4A and 4B, an illustrative upper compartment 12 of the illustrative pipette tip washing device 10 is illustrated. The upper compartment 12 includes a front cover 30 removably coupled to a receiving chamber 32, although the upper compartment 12 may include other elements in other configurations. The front cover 30 is constructed of stainless steel, although the front cover can be constructed of other types of materials. The front cover 30 is removably attached to the receiving chamber 32 by means of one or more screws 34 which are inserted into holes 36 in the receiving chamber 32, although other methods of fixing can be used to removably couple the front cover 30 to the receiving chamber 32.
    [027] Receiving chamber 32 is configured to receive one or more manifold distributors 14 as illustrated in figures 5A to 5D. In this example, the receiving chamber 32 is configured to receive four collector distributors 14, although the receiving chamber may receive another number of collector distributors 14 in other configurations. In this example, the receiving chamber 32 includes internal rails 38 in the side walls that support the collector distributors 14 and one or more holes 40 arranged in the upper surface of the receiving chamber 32 configured to receive screws to ensure fixation in the collector distributors 14 , although the receiving chamber 32 may include other elements in other locations to securely support and secure the manifold distributors 14 within the receiving chamber 32.
    [028] Referring again to figures IA and IB, the receiving chamber 32 additionally includes one or more inlet ports 42 configured to receive liquid inlet connections 44a and 44b, which are arranged on opposite sides of the receiving chamber wall 32 and are configured to receive liquid in the pipette tip washer 10 from an external control source (not shown). The external control source may include a pump, control valves, and electronic parts necessary to deliver washing liquids to the pipette tip washing device 10 in accordance with the present technology. The receiving chamber 32 is constructed of stainless steel, although the receiving chamber 32 may be constructed of other quantities and types of materials.
    [029] With reference now to Figures 6A to 6E, an illustrative collector distributor 14 is illustrated. The manifold distributor is configured to be inserted into the receiving compartment 32. The manifold distributor 14 includes a pipe adapter 46 that can be attached to a part of the pipe body 48, and a 0'ring ring adapter 50, despite that the manifold distributor 14 can include other elements in other configurations. In this illustrative manifold distributor 14, the pipe adapter 46 is coupled to the pipe body part 48 by screws 52 which are configured to be inserted into holes 54 and 56 in pipe adapter 46 and pipe body part 48, respectively, although other fixation mechanisms can be used. The 0'ring ring adapter 50 is located at the point of contact between the pipe adapter 46 and pipe body part 48 to provide an impermeable seal when pipe adapter 46 and pipe body part 48 are coupled together.
    [030] Pipe adapter 46 includes a liquid inlet 58 configured to receive a pipe elbow inlet 60 that can be coupled to liquid inlet connections 44b, as shown in figure 1, to transfer liquid into the adapter piping 46, although other liquid inlet ports in other configurations can be used to introduce liquid into piping adapter 46. Piping adapter 46 also includes outlet ports 62, as shown in figure 6C, which are coupled to the pipe body part 48 for transferring liquid from pipe adapter 46 to pipe body part 48. Pipe adapter 46 is constructed of a chemical resistant material such as, for example only, polyphenylene sulfide or polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), although the pipe adapter 46 can be constructed from other types and quantities of materials.
    [031] Pipe body part 48 includes inlet ports 64 that are configured to be aligned with outlet ports 62 of pipe adapter 46 when pipe adapter 46 and pipe body part 48 are coupled. Inlet ports 64 receive liquid transferred from piping adapter 46. Piping body part 48 also includes a plurality of liquid outlets 66 configured to operationally direct fluid introduced into the manifold distributor 14 from the body part. piping 48 into the wash sleeve 22 to contact various laboratory consumables, such as pipette tips. In this example, the liquid outlets 66 are nozzles extending from the pipe body part 48, although other types of liquid outlets may be used in other configurations. The number of liquid outlets 66 in the pipe body part 48 can match the number of pipette tips in the tip rack 16, which are kept below the pipe body part 48, as shown in figure 1. For the purposes of For example, the tubing body part 48 may include 96 liquid outlets 66, although the tubing body part 48 may include other numbers of liquid outlets 66 configured for use with different tip racks 16.
    [032] The pipe body part 48 may optionally and additionally include several holes 67 on the opposite surface for the liquid outlets 66, the holes 67 being configured to receive fiber optic channels 68. Fiber optic channels 68 are extend through the tubing body part 48 and extend into the liquid outlets 66 to direct light into the wash sleeve 22. In one example, the fiber optic channels 68 are attached to the UV light source 26 to direct UV light for the wash sleeve 22, although fiber optic channels 68 can receive light from other light sources in other configurations. The pipe body part 48 additionally includes an upper support structure 69 including a hole 70 configured to be aligned with hole 40 in the receiving chamber 32. Screw 72 can be inserted through hole 40 in the receiving chamber 32 and hole 70 in the upper support structure 68 to securely attach the pipe body part 48 to the receiving chamber 32, although other fastening mechanisms can be used. The pipe body part 48 is constructed from a chemical resistant material such as, for example purposes only, polyphenylene sulfite or polyether ether ketone (PEEK), although the pipe body part 48 may be constructed from other types and quantities of materials.
    [033] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate another illustrative collector distributor 114 that can be used with the pipette tip washing device of the present description. The collector distributor 114 has the same structure and operation as the collector distributor 14 illustrated in figures 6A to 6E, except as illustrated and described here. Similar parts will be described using similar numerical references. The manifold distributor 114 includes a piping adapter 146 that can be coupled to a part of the piping body 148, and an O-ring adapter 50, although the manifold distributor 114 may include other elements in other configurations. In this illustrative manifold distributor 114, the pipe adapter 146 is coupled to the pipe body part 148 by screws 52, although other clamping mechanisms can be used. The O'ring ring adapter 50 is located at the point of contact between the pipe adapter 146 and the pipe body part 148 to provide a seal when the pipe adapter 146 and the pipe body part 148 are coupled together.
    [034] The pipe adapter 146 includes a liquid inlet 58 configured to receive a pipe elbow inlet 60 that can be coupled to the liquid inlet connections 44b, as shown in figure 1, to transfer liquid into the pipe adapter. piping 146, although other liquid inlet ports in other configurations can be used to introduce liquid into piping adapter 146. Piping adapter 146 also includes a single outlet port 162 which is coupled to piping body part 148 to transfer liquid from the pipe adapter 146 to the pipe body part 148. The pipe adapter 146 is constructed from a chemical resistant material such as, for example purposes only, polyphenylene sulphide or polyether ether- ketone (PEEK), although the pipe adapter 146 can be constructed from other types and material numbers.
    [035] The pipe body part 148 includes an inlet port 164 which is configured to be aligned with the outlet port 162 of the pipe adapter 146 when the pipe adapter 146 and the pipe body part 148 are coupled. Inlet port 164 receives liquid transferred from piping adapter 146. Piping body part 148 also includes a plurality of liquid outlets 66 configured to operationally direct the fluid introduced into the manifold distributor 114 from the body part. piping 148 into the wash sleeve 22 to contact various laboratory consumables, such as pipette tips. In this example, the liquid outlets 66 are nozzles that extend from the pipe body part 148, although other types of liquid outlets may be used in other configurations. The number of liquid outlets 66 in the pipe body part 148 can correspond to the number of pipette tips in the tip rack 16, which are kept below the pipe body part 148, as shown in figure 1. For example purposes , the tubing body part 148 can include 96 liquid outlets 66, although the tubing body part 148 can include other numbers of liquid outlets 66 configured for use with different tip racks 16.
    [036] The pipe body part 148 can optionally include a number of holes 67 on the surface opposite the liquid outlets 66, the holes 67 being configured to receive fiber optic channels 68. Fiber optic channels 68 extend through the pipe body part 148 and extend into the liquid outlets 66 to direct light into the wash sleeve 22. In one example, the fiber optic channels 68 are attached to the UV light source 26 to direct light UV for the wash sleeve 22, although the fiber optic channels 68 can receive light from other light sources in other configurations. In that embodiment, the tubing body part 148 additionally includes holes 170 configured to receive springs 171. The springs 171 are configured to receive the shoulder screws 172 to secure the tubing body part 148 to the receiving compartment 32, although other fixing mechanisms can be used. The springs 171 allow a range of movement of pipe body part 148 to provide alignment with the pipette tips prior to washing. The pipe body part 148 is constructed from a chemical resistant material such as, for example purposes only, polyphenylene sulfite or polyether ether ketone (PEEK), although the pipe body part 48 may be constructed of other types and number of materials.
    [037] Referring again to figures IA and IB, the pipette tip washing device 10 includes four tip racks 16 configured to be inserted into the rack supports if tips 18, despite the pipette tip washing device 10 include other numbers of high end racks. Although the washing device 10 is described with respect to the pipette tips, it should be understood that the present invention can be used with racks that hold other types of laboratory consumables, such as laboratory consumables with configurations similar to pipette tips. Additionally, the present technology can be used with pipette tips of various sizes. For example, racks of 1, 2, 8, 16 or more tips 16 can be used to maximize the yield in the space available in the receiving compartment 32. In this example, the tip racks 16 hold 96 pipette tips for a total of 384 pipette tips in the pipette tip washing device, although tip racks 16 may hold other numbers of pipette tips, or other laboratory consumables. The tip rack supports 18 support the tip racks 16 above the wash sleeve 22.
    [038] The intermediate compartment 20 of the pipette tip washing device 10 is configured to be attached to the upper compartment 12 by means of hinges 74 so that the upper compartment 12 can be raised in order to feed the tip racks 16 in the support tip rack 18, although other clamping mechanisms can be used to secure the intermediate compartment 20 to the upper compartment 12. The intermediate compartment 20 can receive a fluid outlet through one or more manifold distributors 14 so that the fluid does not enter the lower compartment 24.
    [039] The intermediate compartment 20 additionally includes a floor 76 comprising a material transparent to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as for example purposes only, quartz, although other transparent materials may be used. Floor 76 is configured to provide an impermeable seal that prevents fluid introduced into intermediate compartment 20 from entering lower compartment 24. Drain 78 leaves floor 76 and directs fluid through drain connection 80. Drain connection 80 is coupled to a drain drain elbow connection 82. The drain drain elbow connection 82 extends from the drain connection 80 from the bottom of the intermediate compartment 20 to the lower compartment 24 and is coupled to the outlet connection drain 84 that eliminates the pipette tip washer 10 through the lower compartment 24, although the drain may have other configurations. The intermediate compartment is additionally configured to receive the washing sleeve 22. The side walls of the intermediate compartment 20 are constructed of stainless steel, although the intermediate compartment 20 can be constructed from other numbers and types of materials.
    [040] The wash sleeve 22 or wash chamber is configured to be inserted in the intermediate compartment 20. The wash sleeve 22 is constructed of a material capable of reflecting at least part of the UV light from the UV light source 26 , although the wash sleeve 22 can be constructed from other types and numbers of materials. In another embodiment, the wash sleeve 22 may be constructed of a transparent material, such as quartz, for the purpose of example only, in order to direct UV light into the intermediate compartment 20 from other light sources, such as the light sources illustrated in figures 8A and 8B below. The wash sleeve 22 is replaceable and protects the side walls of the intermediate compartment 20 from the fluid.
    [041] The lower compartment 24 is located below the intermediate compartment 20 and separated by the floor 76. The lower compartment 24 houses the UV light source 26, such as a UV lamp, which is configured to direct the UV light through the floor 76 into the intermediate compartment 20, although the UV light compartment may include other numbers and types of light sources in other configurations. The lower compartment 24 can additionally include one or more transducers 27 to direct the sound in the ultrasonic band to the intermediate compartment 20, although other devices can be used to direct the sound in other bands to the intermediate compartment 20. The lower compartment is easily accessible to replace the UV light source 26. The lower compartment 24 is protected from fluids by floor 76. The lower compartment 24 additionally includes an outlet port 86 located under drain 78 on floor 76. The drain elbow connection 82 is extends from the drain connection 80 from the bottom of the intermediate compartment 20 into the lower compartment 24 and is coupled to the discharge outlet connection 84 which eliminates the pipette tip washer 10 through the outlet port 86 in the lower compartment 24, although the drain may have other configurations.
    [042] Another embodiment of an illustrative pipette tip washing device 110 is illustrated in figures 8A to 9D. The pipette tip washing device 110 is the same in structure and operation as the pipette tip washing device 10 illustrated in figures 1 to 3B, except as illustrated and described here. Similar parts will be described using similar reference numbers. In this embodiment, the upper compartment 12 is coupled to the intermediate compartment 20 by rails 190 that allow the upper compartment 12 to be raised vertically along rails 190 above the intermediate compartment 20. In one embodiment, the upper compartment 12 is raised in a process automated by the mechanical cylinder 192 which is coupled to the stem 194, as illustrated in figure 8C, although the upper compartment 12 can be lifted manually.
    [043] In this modality, the intermediate compartment 20 is arranged in telescopic guides 196 that allow the intermediate compartment 20 to be opened as a drawer for insertion of racks with tips 16, although other devices that allow the intermediate compartment to be opened can be used. The intermediate compartment 20 can be opened and closed in an automated process by cylinder 198, although the intermediate compartment 20 can be opened manually as well. The intermediate compartment 20 additionally includes UV light sources 126 disposed on the internal surface thereof. UV light sources 126 can be used with a transparent wash sleeve to direct light to the pipette tips supported by pipette tip racks 16 during operation of the pipette tip washing device 110.
    [044] In this embodiment, the intermediate compartment 20 additionally includes mechanical cylinders 199 that can operationally raise and lower the tip racks 16 when the upper compartment 12 is in an open position. Mechanical cylinders 199 can be used to agitate the pipette tips to improve the washing quality during the washing process or to assist in the drying process.
    [045] Referring now to figures 9A to 9D, the pipette tip washing device 110 is illustrated in various operating states. Figure 9A illustrates the pipette tip washing device 110 in an open position with the upper compartment 12 raised and the intermediate compartment 20 open as a drawer for inserting the pipette tips. Figure 9B illustrates the pipette tip washing device 110 in the closed position for washing pipette tips. Figures 9C and 9D illustrate the movement of the tip racks 16 with the upper compartment 12 raised in order to shake the pipette tips to assist in the drying process.
    [046] A method for washing pipette tips using the pipette tip washing device 10 will be described with reference to figures 1 to 9D. One or more tip racks 16 containing pipette tips are loaded into the pipette washing device 10, although the present method can be used for other laboratory consumables. The one or more tip racks 16 are supported in the pipette tip washer 10 by the tip rack holder 18. The one or more tip racks 16 can hold 24, 48, 96, 384 or 1536 pipette tips, by way of example, although one or more tip racks 16 can hold other numbers of pipette tips. The pipette tip washing device 10 can be used with pipette tips with 10 JLLL-5 ml_ pipette volumes, such as 10 JLLL, 50 pl, 1 ml_ or 5 ml_ pipettes, for example purposes, with lengths corresponding between 30 mm to 120 mm, although the pipette tip washing device 10 can be used with pipette tips with other sizes and configurations. The pipette tip washing device 10 can be used to clean both conductive and non-conductive pipette tips. Pipe body parts 48 having different numbers of liquid outlets 66 can be interchanged based on the number of pipette tips in one or more tip racks 16.
    [047] One or more wash or rinse solutions are directed into the pipette tip washing device 10 through inlet ports 42. Liquid solutions can be pumped into the pipette tip washing device 10 by the pump on the external control source (not shown). In one embodiment, the liquid can be supplied in a pressurized flow to assist in the cleaning process. Liquid solutions can be deionized water, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, one or more solutions of enzyme, ethanol, detergent, purified water, water, ammonia, isopropanol, alcohol, a solution capable of substantially rinsing or decontaminating plastic, or combinations of although other liquid solutions in other combinations can be used. In one example, the following liquid solutions are applied to wash / rinse before draining: (a) deionized water; (b) deionized water and 5-10% bleach solution, (c) deionized water, (d) ethanol, although other liquid solutions can be applied in other combinations.
    [048] The liquid solutions enter the manifold distributors 14 through the liquid inlet 58 in the pipe adapter 46. The liquid solutions are then directed through the pipe body part 48. The liquid solutions leave the pipe body part 48 at the liquid outlets 66 and enter the intermediate compartment 20 to contact the pipette tips supported by one or more tip racks 16. The liquid outlets 66 can direct the liquid solution through the pipette tips or possibly possibly direct the pipette tips to receive the wash / rinse wash fluid.
    [049] The liquid solutions enter the intermediate compartment 20. The quartz floor 76 prevents the liquid solution from entering the lower compartment 24. The liquid solution can leave the pipette washing device 10 through the drain 78. In one example, the Pipette tips can be submerged in liquid solutions that are filled on top of the quartz floor 76 before being removed from the intermediate compartment 20 through drain 78.
    [050] The liquid solutions are then removed from the pipette washer 10 through drain 78. In one example, 4 cycles of liquid solutions (rinse with water, rinse with soap, etc.) are directed into the intermediate compartment 20 before drain the fluids. After draining the liquid solutions, the pipette tips are at least substantially dry, although the pipette tips can be dried completely. In one example, the pipette tips are substantially dried by agitating pipette tips, although other drying mechanisms can be used to substantially dry the pipette tips.
    [051] Throughout the washing process, the UV light source 26, for example, is coupled to expose the outer surfaces of pipettes to ultraviolet light to sterilize the pipettes. The UV light source 26 directs light to the pipettes through the quartz floor 76, although the UV light can be directed from other directions from other UV light sources, such as light sources 126 as illustrated in figures 8A and 8B. The UV light source 26 can further direct the light through the fiber optic channels 68 located in the liquid outlet openings 66 on the pipe body part 48. The fiber optic channels 66 direct the UV light into the tips of the pipette to provide sterilization of the inner surfaces of the pipette tips. In addition, the pipette tips can be exposed to sound in an ultrasonic range from one or more transducers 27, which direct the sound in the ultrasonic range into the wash chamber.
    [052] Having thus described the basic concept of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the detailed description above should be presented for purposes of example only, and not for limitation. Various changes, improvements, and modifications will occur and are intended for those skilled in the art, although not expressly mentioned here. These changes, improvements, and modifications must be suggested here, and are within the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, the mentioned order of elements or sequences, or the use of numbers, letters or other designations should not limit the claimed processes to any order except as specified in the claims. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims and their equivalences.
    权利要求:
    Claims (29)
    [0001]
    1. Washing device, characterized in that it comprises: an upper compartment (12) comprising a collector distributor (14), in which the collector distributor (14) comprises at least one liquid inlet (44a, 44b, 58) and a plurality of liquid outlets (66), which operationally direct the fluid to contact a plurality of laboratory consumables supported by a rack; an intermediate compartment (20) positioned below the upper compartment (12) and comprising a washing chamber (22) capable of receiving the fluid outlet through the plurality of liquid outlets (66) of the collector distributor (14), the washing (22) having a floor (76) comprising a material transparent to ultraviolet (UV) light; and a lower compartment (24) positioned below the washing chamber (22), the lower compartment (24) having a light source (26) mounted on it, in which the light source (26) is capable of emitting UV light towards the washing chamber (22) and through the floor (76) of the washing chamber (22), where the collector distributor (14) is capable of being raised and lowered vertically in relation to the intermediate compartment (20).
    [0002]
    2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rack comprises a tip rack (16) and the plurality of laboratory consumables comprises a plurality of pipette tips.
    [0003]
    3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the tip rack (16) is configured to support 24.48.96, 384, or 1536 pipette tips.
    [0004]
    Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the washing chamber (22) is able to retain the liquid outlet by the plurality of liquid outlets (66) so that the liquid does not enter the bottom compartment.
    [0005]
    Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the washing chamber (22) additionally comprises a drain drain (82) which operates to drain the liquid retained from the washing chamber (22).
    [0006]
    6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper compartment (12) additionally comprises a plurality of manifold distributors (14).
    [0007]
    7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the material transparent to UV light comprises quartz glass.
    [0008]
    8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a plurality of optical fiber channels extending through the collector distributor (14) in each of the plurality of liquid outlets (66).
    [0009]
    9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the light source (26) is additionally coupled to the plurality of optical fiber channels.
    [0010]
    Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the plurality of liquid outlets (66) each comprise a nozzle having an opening into which one of the plurality of optical fiber channels extends.
    [0011]
    Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the washing compartment is additionally configured to receive removably a washing sleeve (22), the washing sleeve (22) comprising a material capable of reflecting at least one part of the UV light emitted by the light source.
    [0012]
    Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the washing chamber (22) has a plurality of walls and one or more of the plurality of walls comprises a material transparent to ultraviolet (UV) light.
    [0013]
    Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the intermediate compartment (20) includes one or more additional light sources mounted on it and close to one or more of the plurality of walls of the washing chamber (22), in that one or more additional light sources are capable of emitting UV light in the direction of the washing chamber (22) and through one or more of the plurality of washing chamber walls (22).
    [0014]
    14. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises one or more transducers (27) capable of sending sound in an ultrasonic band into the washing chamber (22).
    [0015]
    15. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises one or more mechanical cylinders (199) that operationally agitate the rack.
    [0016]
    16. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the number of liquid outlets (66) from the manifold distributor (14) is equal to a number of laboratory consumables supported by the rack, such that each of the liquid outlets (66) operationally directs liquid to a corresponding laboratory consumable product from the corresponding laboratory consumable product.
    [0017]
    17. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the intermediate compartment (20) comprises a drawer capable of being opened or closed.
    [0018]
    18. Method for washing consumer products in the laboratory, characterized by the fact that it comprises: - lowering a collector distributor (14) vertically in relation to a plurality of laboratory consumer products supported by a rack; - directing one or more liquid solutions to contact the plurality of laboratory consumables supported by the rack, the targeting comprising introducing one or more liquid solutions into a fluid inlet and out of a plurality of fluid outlets collector distributor fluid (14); - drain one or more liquid solutions through a drain drain (82) disposed next to a washing chamber (22) configured to receive one or more liquid solutions directed after contact by one or more liquid solutions with the plurality of laboratory consumer products; - substantially dry the plurality of laboratory consumables; - exposing the plurality of laboratory consumables to light in an ultraviolet (UV) strip, the exposure comprising lighting a light source (26) to direct light in the UV strip through one or more UV-transparent floors or one or more walls of the washing chamber (22); and - raise the collector distributor (14) vertically in relation to the plurality of laboratory consumables supported by the rack.
    [0019]
    19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that it additionally comprises substantially submerging the plurality of laboratory consumables in one or more liquid solutions before draining one or more liquid solutions through the drain drain (82).
    [0020]
    20. Method, according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that directing additionally comprise at least one among washing or rinsing the plurality of laboratory consumables with at least two liquid solutions before exposing the plurality of laboratory consumables laboratory to light in the UV range.
    [0021]
    21. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the one or more liquid solutions comprise one or more of deionized water, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, one or more enzymatic solutions, ethanol, detergent, purified water, water, ammonia, isopropanol, alcohol, a solution capable of substantially rinsing or decontaminating plastic, or combinations thereof.
    [0022]
    22. Method according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that exposing further comprises exposing at least an internal part of each of the plurality of laboratory consumer products to light in the UV range through a plurality of optical fiber channels extending from the manifold distributor (14) into the direction of the plurality of fluid outlets.
    [0023]
    23. Method, according to claim 22, characterized by the fact that exposing further comprises introducing light in the UV band into the plurality of optical fiber channels directly from the light source.
    [0024]
    24. Method, according to claim 22, characterized in that the exposure comprises both exposing both an inner part and an outer part of each of the plurality of laboratory consumables to light in the UV range.
    [0025]
    25. Method, according to claim 18, characterized in that the targeting further comprises directing to one or more liquid solutions to contact a plurality of laboratory consumables supported by a plurality of racks and in which the plurality of consumables The laboratory instrument comprises pipette tips.
    [0026]
    26. Method, according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises exposing the plurality of laboratory consumer products to sound in an ultrasonic range, the exposure comprising energizing one or more transducers (27) to direct the sound in the range ultrasound into the washing chamber (22).
    [0027]
    27. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that it additionally comprises stirring the plurality of laboratory consumables.
    [0028]
    28. Method according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that a number of liquid outlets (66) from the collector distributor (14) is equal to a number of laboratory consumables supported by the rack in such a way that each of the liquid outlets (66) directs liquid operationally to a corresponding laboratory consumable product of the corresponding laboratory consumable products.
    [0029]
    29. The method of claim 18, further comprising opening a drawer compartment; supply the plurality of laboratory consumables supported by the rack inside the drawer compartment and close the drawer compartment.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    US20140318574A1|2014-10-30|
    CN105209186A|2015-12-30|
    US20200147247A1|2020-05-14|
    US9421289B2|2016-08-23|
    US20190076559A1|2019-03-14|
    US10576175B2|2020-03-03|
    US10155055B2|2018-12-18|
    WO2014179472A1|2014-11-06|
    US20160296651A1|2016-10-13|
    EP2991776B1|2020-02-12|
    EP2991776B8|2020-04-22|
    CN105209186B|2017-10-27|
    EP2991776A1|2016-03-09|
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    法律状态:
    2018-03-27| B15K| Others concerning applications: alteration of classification|Ipc: B08B 9/023 (2006.01), B08B 9/032 (2006.01), G01N 3 |
    2018-11-13| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-12-10| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-08-11| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-09-29| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 30/04/2014, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    2021-10-26| B25D| Requested change of name of applicant approved|Owner name: GRENOVA, INC. (US) |
    2021-11-16| B25G| Requested change of headquarter approved|Owner name: GRENOVA, INC. (US) |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201361817715P| true| 2013-04-30|2013-04-30|
    US61/817,715|2013-04-30|
    US201361890523P| true| 2013-10-14|2013-10-14|
    US61/890,523|2013-10-14|
    PCT/US2014/036186|WO2014179472A1|2013-04-30|2014-04-30|Pipette tip washing device|
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