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AssigneeHamilton Company
InventorsJose Eduardo Guzman, Thomas Barresi, Dana A. Belton
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Pipette tip coupler and a disposable pipette tip for a pipette device comprises a stepped coupler shoulder complementary to an axially stepped pipette tip shoulder; a plurality of circumferentially disposed elements or segments carried by the coupler at a location superior to the coupler shoulder; and a distal elastomeric element carried by the coupler at a location distal to the coupler shoulder wherein the plurality of elements or segments have a circumferential, radially translated state that provides an abutment with a first working surface formed in the interior surface of the tip while compressing the distal elastomeric element into sealing abutment with a second working surface formed in the interior surface of the tip and while abutting the proximally facing axial stop surface of the tip with the distally facing axial stop surface of the coupler to define an axial coupling position of the pipette tip on the pipette device.
1- A pipette tip coupling device for coupling and releasing a pipette tip to and from a pipette device, the pipette tip coupling device comprising:
2- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1 wherein each one of a plurality of adjacent pairs of circumferentially spaced apart guide sockets are separated by one of a plurality of intervening fingers.
3- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of intervening fingers further comprises at least one projecting stake disposed at an upper portion of the intervening finger for securing one of the plurality of spherical balls.
4- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1 wherein each of the circumferentially spaced apart guide sockets comprises a grooved socket seat for carrying one of the plurality of spherical balls.
5- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly is configured to allow the plurality of spherical balls to radially advance and radially retract relative to the circumferentially spaced apart guide sockets.
6- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1 wherein the coupler body further comprises:
7- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 6 wherein the diameter of the distal cylindrical portion of the coupler body is greater than a diameter of the distal end plate of the distal stem portion of the coupler body.
8- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1 further comprising an annular wedge movably circumscribing the shank, the annular wedge comprising:
9- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 8 wherein the proximal wedge surface of the annular wedge further comprises a radially extending annular lip.
10- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 8 wherein the annular wedge further comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart concave surfaces disposed in the exterior surface of the annular wedge.
11- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 10 wherein each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apart concave surfaces disposed in the exterior surface of the annular wedge is complemental in shape to each of the plurality of spherical balls.
12- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 8 wherein the plurality of spherical balls and the annular wedge each further comprises an electrically conductive material.
13- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular spacer circumscribing the shank.
14- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular magnet circumscribing the shank.
15- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of spherical balls are formed from a rigid material.
16- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric element comprises an O-ring.
17- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1 wherein the annular crown shaped raceway body has a diameter greater than the diameter of the widest portion of the coupler body, forming a distally facing stop shoulder surface.
18- A pipette tip coupling device for coupling and releasing a pipette tip to and from a pipette device, the pipette tip coupling device comprising:
19- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 18 wherein the ring-shaped raceway body further comprises a plurality of retaining stakes for securing the plurality of spherical balls in the circular ball openings.
20- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 18 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly is configured to allow the plurality of spherical balls to radially advance and radially retract relative to the circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings.
21- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 18 wherein the coupler body further comprises:
22- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 21 wherein the diameter of the distal cylindrical portion of the coupler body is greater than a diameter of the distal end plate of the distal stem portion of the coupler body.
23- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 18 further comprising an annular wedge movably circumscribing the shank, the annular wedge comprising:
24- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 23 wherein the proximal wedge surface of the annular wedge further comprises a radially extending annular lip.
25- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 23 wherein the annular wedge further comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart concave surfaces disposed in the exterior surface of the annular wedge.
26- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 25 wherein each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apart concave surfaces disposed in the exterior surface of the annular wedge is complemental in shape to each of the plurality of spherical balls.
27- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 23 wherein the plurality of spherical balls and the annular wedge each further comprises an electrically conductive material.
28- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 18 wherein the plurality of spherical balls are formed from a rigid material.
29- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 18 wherein the elastomeric element comprises an O-ring.
30- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 18 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular spacer circumscribing the shank.
31- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 18 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular magnet circumscribing the shank.
32- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 18 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly further comprises a ball keeper retaining ring for securing the plurality of spherical balls in the circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings.
33- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 18 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly further comprises a snap ring received in a retaining groove circumscribing the ring-shaped raceway body for securing the plurality of spherical balls in the circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings.
34- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 18 wherein each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings in the ring-shaped raceway body further comprises an interior annular tapering surface for securing one of the plurality of spherical balls in the circular ball openings.
35- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 18 wherein the ring-shaped raceway body has a diameter greater than the diameter of the widest portion of the coupler body, forming a distally facing stop shoulder surface.
36- A pipette tip coupling device for coupling and releasing a pipette tip to and from a pipette device, the pipette tip coupling device comprising:
37- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 36 wherein the plurality of discrete segments further comprises four discrete segments.
38- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 36 wherein the radially outward surface of each of the plurality of discrete segments has a generally C-shaped continuous cross section for receipt of the spring retainer.
39- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 36 wherein the spring retainer further includes a gap for allowing radial expansion of the spring retainer.
40- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 36 wherein the discrete segment assembly provides means for retaining the plurality of discrete segments that are capable of moving between a relaxed position and an extended position.
41- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 36 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular spacer circumscribing the shank.
42- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 36 wherein the coupler body further comprises:
43- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 42 wherein the diameter of the distal cylindrical portion of the coupler body is greater than a diameter of the distal end plate of the distal stem portion of the coupler body.
44- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 36 further comprising an annular wedge movably circumscribing the shank, the annular wedge comprising:
45- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 44 wherein the radially inward surface of each of the plurality of discrete segments further comprises a partially sloped surface for abutting against the exterior surface of the annular wedge.
46- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 44 wherein the proximal wedge surface of the annular wedge further comprises a radially extending annular lip.
47- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 44 wherein the plurality of discrete segments and the annular wedge each further comprises an electrically conductive material.
48- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 36 wherein the plurality of discrete segments are formed from a rigid material.
49- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 36 wherein the elastomeric element comprises an O-ring.
50- A pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly comprising:
51- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 50 further comprising an annular wedge movably circumscribing the shank, the annular wedge comprising:
52- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 51 wherein the proximal wedge surface of the annular wedge further comprises a radially extending annular lip.
53- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 51 wherein the plurality of spherical balls, the annular wedge, and the pipette tip each further comprises an electrically conductive material.
54- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 49 wherein each one of a plurality of adjacent pairs of circumferentially spaced apart guide sockets are separated by one of a plurality of intervening fingers.
55- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 54 wherein each of the plurality of intervening fingers further comprises at least one projecting stake disposed at an upper portion of the intervening finger for securing one of the plurality of spherical balls.
56- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 49 wherein each of the circumferentially spaced apart guide sockets comprises a grooved socket seat for carrying one of the plurality of spherical balls.
57- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 49 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly is configured to allow the plurality of spherical balls to radially advance and radially retract relative to the circumferentially spaced apart guide sockets.
58- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 49 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular spacer circumscribing the shank.
59- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 49 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular magnet circumscribing the shank.
60- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 49 wherein the coupler body further comprises:
61- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 49 wherein the annular crown shaped raceway body has a diameter greater than the diameter of the widest portion of the coupler body, forming a distally facing stop shoulder surface.
62- A pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly comprising:
63- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 62 wherein the stop shoulder surface is an annular, substantially planar surface substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip.
64- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 62 wherein the stop shoulder surface further comprises:
65- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 64 wherein the stop shoulder surface further comprises an internal seal in the upwardly facing annular stop surface groove.
66- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 62 wherein the sealing seat surface is an annular, substantially planar surface substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip.
67- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 62 wherein the sealing seat surface is a frustoconical annular surface further comprising:
68- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 62 further comprising an annular chamfered interior surface formed in the interior surface of the circumscribing sidewall of the pipette tip extending radially inward from the open proximal end and terminating at the proximal end of the first section.
69- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 62 wherein the at least one frustoconical section further comprises:
70- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 62 further comprising an annular wedge movably circumscribing the shank, the annular wedge comprising:
71- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 70 wherein the proximal wedge surface of the annular wedge further comprises a radially extending annular lip.
72- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 70 wherein the spherical balls, the annular wedge, and the pipette tip each further comprises an electrically conductive material.
73- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 62 wherein each one of a plurality of adjacent pairs of circumferentially spaced apart guide sockets are separated by one of a plurality of intervening fingers.
74- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 73 wherein each of the plurality of intervening fingers further comprises at least one projecting stake disposed at an upper portion of the intervening finger for securing one of the plurality of spherical balls.
75- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 62 wherein each of the circumferentially spaced apart guide sockets comprises a grooved socket seat for carrying one of the plurality of spherical balls.
76- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 62 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly is configured to allow the plurality of spherical balls to radially advance and radially retract relative to the circumferentially spaced apart guide sockets.
77- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 62 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular spacer circumscribing the shank.
78- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 62 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular magnet circumscribing the shank.
79- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 62 wherein the coupler body further comprises:
80- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 79 wherein the distally facing stop shoulder surface is configured to seat against the stop shoulder surface of the pipette tip.
81- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 62 wherein the annular crown shaped raceway body has a diameter greater than the diameter of the widest portion of the coupler body, forming a distally facing stop shoulder surface.
82- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 81 wherein the distally facing stop shoulder surface is configured to seat against the stop shoulder surface of the pipette tip.
83- A pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly comprising:
84- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 wherein the annular groove is concave.
85- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 wherein the stop shoulder surface is an annular, substantially planar surface substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip.
86- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 wherein the stop shoulder surface further comprises:
87- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 86 wherein the stop shoulder surface further comprises an internal seal in the upwardly facing annular stop surface groove.
88- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 wherein the sealing seat surface is an annular, substantially planar surface substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip.
89- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 wherein the sealing seat surface is a frustoconical annular surface further comprising:
90- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 further comprising an annular chamfered interior surface formed in the interior surface of the circumscribing sidewall of the pipette tip extending radially inward from the open proximal end and terminating at the proximal end of the first section.
91- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 wherein the at least one frustoconical section further comprises:
92- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 further comprising an annular wedge movably circumscribing the shank, the annular wedge comprising:
93- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 92 wherein the proximal wedge surface of the annular wedge further comprises a radially extending annular lip.
94- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 92 wherein the spherical balls, the annular wedge, and the pipette tip each further comprises an electrically conductive material.
95- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 wherein each one of a plurality of adjacent pairs of circumferentially spaced apart guide sockets are separated by one of a plurality of intervening fingers.
96- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 95 wherein each of the plurality of intervening fingers further comprises at least one projecting stake disposed at an upper portion of the intervening finger for securing one of the plurality of spherical balls.
97- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 wherein each of the circumferentially spaced apart guide sockets comprises a grooved socket seat for carrying one of the plurality of spherical balls.
98- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly is configured to allow the plurality of spherical balls to radially advance and radially retract relative to the circumferentially spaced apart guide sockets.
99- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular spacer circumscribing the shank.
100- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular magnet circumscribing the shank.
101- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 wherein the coupler body further comprises:
102- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 101 wherein the distally facing stop shoulder surface is configured to seat against the stop shoulder surface of the pipette tip.
103- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 83 wherein the annular crown shaped raceway body has a diameter greater than the diameter of the widest portion of the coupler body, forming a distally facing stop shoulder surface.
104- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 103 wherein the distally facing stop shoulder surface is configured to seat against the stop shoulder surface of the pipette tip
105- A pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly comprising:
106- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 105 further comprising an annular wedge movably circumscribing the shank, the annular wedge comprising:
107- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 106 wherein the proximal wedge surface of the annular wedge further comprises a radially extending annular lip.
108- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 106 wherein the spherical balls, the annular wedge, and the pipette tip each further comprises an electrically conductive material.
109- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 106 wherein the annular wedge further comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart concave surfaces disposed in the exterior surface of the annular wedge.
110- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 109 wherein each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apart concave surfaces disposed in the exterior surface of the annular wedge is complemental in shape to each of the plurality of spherical balls.
111- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 105 wherein the ring-shaped raceway body further comprises a plurality of retaining stakes for securing the plurality of spherical balls in the circular ball openings.
112- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 105 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly is configured to allow the plurality of spherical balls to radially advance and radially retract relative to the circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings.
113- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 105 wherein the coupler body further comprises:
114- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 113 wherein the diameter of the distal cylindrical portion of the coupler body is greater than a diameter of the distal end plate of the distal stem portion of the coupler body.
115- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 105 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular spacer circumscribing the shank.
116- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 105 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular magnet circumscribing the shank.
117- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 105 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly further comprises a ball keeper retaining ring for securing the spherical balls in the circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings.
118- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 105 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly further comprises a snap ring received in a retaining groove circumscribing the ring-shaped raceway body for securing the plurality of spherical balls in the circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings.
119- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 105 wherein each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings in the ring-shaped raceway body further comprises an interior annular tapering surface for securing one of the plurality of spherical balls in the circular ball openings
120- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 105 wherein the ring-shaped raceway body has a diameter greater than the diameter of the widest portion of the coupler body, forming a distally facing stop shoulder surface.
121- A pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly comprising:
122- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 wherein the stop shoulder surface is an annular, substantially planar surface substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip.
123- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 wherein the stop shoulder surface further comprises:
124- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 123 wherein the stop shoulder surface further comprises an internal seal in the upwardly facing annular stop surface groove.
125- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 wherein the sealing seat surface is an annular, substantially planar surface substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip.
126- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 wherein the sealing seat surface is a frustoconical annular surface further comprising:
127- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 further comprising an annular chamfered interior surface formed in the interior surface of the circumscribing sidewall of the pipette tip extending radially inward from the open proximal end and terminating at the proximal end of the first section.
128- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 wherein the at least one frustoconical section further comprises:
129- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 further comprising an annular wedge movably circumscribing the shank, the annular wedge comprising:
130- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 129 wherein the proximal wedge surface of the annular wedge further comprises a radially extending annular lip.
131- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 129 wherein the spherical balls, the annular wedge, and the pipette tip each further comprises an electrically conductive material.
132- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 129 wherein the annular wedge further comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart concave surfaces disposed in the exterior surface of the annular wedge.
133- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 132 wherein each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apart concave surfaces disposed in the exterior surface of the annular wedge is complemental in shape to each of the plurality of spherical balls.
134- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 wherein the ring-shaped raceway body further comprises a plurality of retaining stakes for securing the plurality of spherical balls in the circular ball openings.
135- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly is configured to allow the plurality of spherical balls to radially advance and radially retract relative to the circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings.
136- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 wherein the coupler body further comprises:
137- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 136 wherein the diameter of the distal cylindrical portion of the coupler body is greater than a diameter of the distal end plate of the distal stem portion of the coupler body.
138- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 136 wherein the distally facing stop shoulder surface is configured to seat against the stop shoulder surface of the pipette tip claim 139- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular spacer circumscribing the shank.
140- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular magnet circumscribing the shank.
141- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly further comprises a ball keeper retaining ring for securing the spherical balls in the circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings.
142- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly further comprises a snap ring received in a retaining groove circumscribing the ring-shaped raceway body for securing the plurality of spherical balls in the circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings.
143- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 wherein each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings in the ring-shaped raceway body further comprises an interior annular tapering surface for securing one of the plurality of spherical balls in the circular ball openings.
144- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 121 wherein the ring-shaped raceway body has a diameter greater than the diameter of the widest portion of the coupler body, forming a distally facing stop shoulder surface.
145- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 144 wherein the distally facing stop shoulder surface is configured to seat against the stop shoulder surface of the pipette tip.
146- A pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly comprising:
147- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein the annular groove is concave.
148- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein the stop shoulder surface is an annular, substantially planar surface substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip.
149- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein the stop shoulder surface further comprises:
150- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 149 wherein the stop shoulder surface further comprises an internal seal in the upwardly facing annular stop surface groove.
151- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein the sealing seat surface is an annular, substantially planar surface substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip.
152- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein the sealing seat surface is a frustoconical annular surface further comprising:
153- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 further comprising an annular chamfered interior surface formed in the interior surface of the circumscribing sidewall of the pipette tip extending radially inward from the open proximal end and terminating at the proximal end of the first section.
154- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein the at least one frustoconical section further comprises:
155- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 further comprising an annular wedge movably circumscribing the shank, the annular wedge comprising:
156- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 155 wherein the proximal wedge surface of the annular wedge further comprises a radially extending annular lip.
157- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 155 wherein the spherical balls, the annular wedge, and the pipette tip each further comprises an electrically conductive material.
158- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 155 wherein the annular wedge further comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart concave surfaces disposed in the exterior surface of the annular wedge.
159- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 158 wherein each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apart concave surfaces disposed in the exterior surface of the annular wedge is complemental in shape to each of the plurality of spherical balls.
160- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein the ring-shaped raceway body further comprises a plurality of retaining stakes for securing the plurality of spherical balls in the circular ball openings.
161- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly is configured to allow the plurality of spherical balls to radially advance and radially retract relative to the circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings.
162- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein the coupler body further comprises:
163- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 162 wherein the diameter of the distal cylindrical portion of the coupler body is greater than a diameter of the distal end plate of the distal stem portion of the coupler body.
164- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 162 wherein the distally facing stop shoulder surface is configured to seat against the stop shoulder surface of the pipette tip.
165- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular spacer circumscribing the shank.
166- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular magnet circumscribing the shank.
167- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly further comprises a ball keeper retaining ring for securing the spherical balls in the circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings.
168- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein the pipette tip ball assembly further comprises a snap ring received in a retaining groove circumscribing the ring-shaped raceway body for securing the plurality of spherical balls in the circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings.
169- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apart circular ball openings in the ring-shaped raceway body further comprises an interior annular tapering surface for securing one of the plurality of spherical balls in the circular ball openings.
170- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 146 wherein the ring-shaped raceway body has a diameter greater than the diameter of the widest portion of the coupler body, forming a distally facing stop shoulder surface.
171- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 170 wherein the distally facing stop shoulder surface is configured to seat against the stop shoulder surface of the pipette tip.
172- A pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly comprising:
173- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 172 wherein the plurality of discrete segments further comprises four discrete segments.
174- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 172 wherein the radially outward surface of each of the plurality of discrete segments has a generally C-shaped continuous cross section for receipt of the spring retainer.
175- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 172 wherein the spring retainer further includes a gap for allowing radial expansion of the spring retainer.
176- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 172 wherein the discrete segment assembly provides means for retaining the plurality of discrete segments that are capable of moving between a relaxed position and an extended position.
177- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 172 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular spacer circumscribing the shank.
178- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 172 wherein the coupler body further comprises:
179- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 178 wherein the diameter of the distal cylindrical portion of the coupler body is greater than a diameter of the distal end plate of the distal stem portion of the coupler body.
180- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 172 further comprising an annular wedge movably circumscribing the shank, the annular wedge comprising:
181- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 180 wherein the radially inward surface of each of the plurality of discrete segments further comprises a partially sloped surface for abutting against the exterior surface of the annular wedge.
182- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 180 wherein the proximal wedge surface of the annular wedge further comprises a radially extending annular lip.
183- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 180 wherein the plurality of discrete segments, the pipette tip, and the annular wedge each further comprises an electrically conductive material.
184- A pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly comprising:
185- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 184 wherein the stop shoulder surface is an annular, substantially planar surface substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip.
186- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 184 wherein the stop shoulder surface further comprises:
187- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 186 wherein the stop shoulder surface further comprises an internal seal in the upwardly facing annular stop surface groove.
188- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 184 wherein the sealing seat surface is an annular, substantially planar surface substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip.
189- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 184 wherein the sealing seat surface is a frustoconical annular surface further comprising:
190- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 184 further comprising an annular chamfered interior surface formed in the interior surface of the circumscribing sidewall of the pipette tip extending radially inward from the open proximal end and terminating at the proximal end of the first section.
191- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 184 wherein the at least one frustoconical section further comprises:
192- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 184 wherein the plurality of discrete segments further comprises four discrete segments.
193- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 184 wherein the radially outward surface of each of the plurality of discrete segments has a generally C-shaped continuous cross section for receipt of the spring retainer.
194- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 184 wherein the spring retainer further includes a gap for allowing radial expansion of the spring retainer.
195- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 184 wherein the discrete segment assembly provides means for retaining the plurality of discrete segments that are capable of moving between a relaxed position and an extended position.
196- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 184 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular spacer circumscribing the shank.
197- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 184 wherein the coupler body further comprises:
198- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 197 wherein the diameter of the distal cylindrical portion of the coupler body is greater than a diameter of the distal end plate of the distal stem portion of the coupler body.
199- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 197 wherein the distally facing stop shoulder surface is configured to seat against the stop shoulder surface of the pipette tip.
200- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 184 further comprising an annular wedge movably circumscribing the shank, the annular wedge comprising:
201- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 200 wherein the radially inward surface of each of the plurality of discrete segments further comprises a partially sloped surface for abutting against the exterior surface of the annular wedge.
202- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 200 wherein the proximal wedge surface of the annular wedge further comprises a radially extending annular lip.
203- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 200 wherein the plurality of discrete segments, the pipette tip, and the annular wedge each further comprises an electrically conductive material.
204- A pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly comprising:
205- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 204 wherein the annular groove is concave.
206- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 204 wherein the stop shoulder surface is an annular, substantially planar surface substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip.
207- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 204 wherein the stop shoulder surface further comprises:
208- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 207 wherein the stop shoulder surface further comprises an internal seal in the upwardly facing annular stop surface groove.
209- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 204 wherein the sealing seat surface is an annular, substantially planar surface substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip.
210- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 204 wherein the sealing seat surface is a frustoconical annular surface further comprising:
211- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 204 further comprising an annular chamfered interior surface formed in the interior surface of the circumscribing sidewall of the pipette tip extending radially inward from the open proximal end and terminating at the proximal end of the first section.
212- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 204 wherein the at least one frustoconical section further comprises:
213- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 204 wherein the plurality of discrete segments further comprises four discrete segments.
214- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 204 wherein the radially outward surface of each of the plurality of discrete segments has a generally C-shaped continuous cross section for receipt of the spring retainer.
215- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 204 wherein the spring retainer further includes a gap for allowing radial expansion of the spring retainer.
216- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 204 wherein the discrete segment assembly provides means for retaining the plurality of discrete segments that are capable of moving between a relaxed position and an extended position.
217- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 204 wherein the pipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular spacer circumscribing the shank.
218- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 204 wherein the coupler body further comprises:
219- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 218 wherein the diameter of the distal cylindrical portion of the coupler body is greater than a diameter of the distal end plate of the distal stem portion of the coupler body.
220- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 218 wherein the distally facing stop shoulder surface is configured to seat against the stop shoulder surface of the pipette tip.
221- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 204 further comprising an annular wedge movably circumscribing the shank, the annular wedge comprising:
222- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 221 wherein the radially inward surface of each of the plurality of discrete segments further comprises a partially sloped surface for abutting against the exterior surface of the annular wedge.
223- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 221 wherein the proximal wedge surface of the annular wedge further comprises a radially extending annular lip.
224- The pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly of claim 221 wherein the plurality of discrete segments, the pipette tip, and the annular wedge each further comprises an electrically conductive material.
225- A pipette tip comprising:
226- The pipette tip of claim 225 wherein the stop shoulder surface further comprises an internal seal in the upwardly facing annular stop surface groove.
227- The pipette tip of claim 225 wherein the sealing seat surface is an annular, substantially planar surface substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip.
228- The pipette tip of claim 225 wherein the sealing seat surface is a frustoconical annular surface further comprising:
229- The pipette tip of claim 225 wherein the circumscribing sidewall further comprises an electrically conductive material.
230- A pipette tip coupling device and pipette tip assembly comprising: