Pipette tip loading assembly

A method for loading a plurality of pipette tips on a plurality of mandrels of a pipetter, the plurality of pipette tips oriented with respect to each other by a plate, the method comprising:

• providing a pipettor and a loading assembly comprising an insertion surface including a plurality of receptacles configured to accept the plurality of pipette tips, a receptacle of the plurality of receptacles including a beveled surface extending from at least a portion of the insertion surface;
• and a plate supporting the plurality of pipette tips;
• inserting the plurality of pipette tips in the plurality of receptacles of the insertion surface;
• attaching the plurality of pipette tips to a plurality of mandrels of the pipettor;
• applying a retention force to the plate by a retainer clip mounted in the tip loading assembly to maintain the plate on the insertion surface;
• and
• separating the plurality of pipette tips attached to the plurality of mandrels from the plate;
• wherein the retainer clip comprises:
• a post;
• an arm extending from the post in a first direction;
• a first hook extending from the arm over a first portion of the plate, the first hook including a first edge;
• and
• a second hook extending from the arm over a second portion of the plate, the second hook including a second edge;
• wherein La is a distance between the first edge and the second edge,
• wherein Li is a dimension of the plate along an axis extending between the first edge and the second edge, and
• further wherein the ratio of La over Li is approximately greater than or equal to 0.33.