System for pipetting and photometrically evaluating samples

• US 5,844,686 A
• Filed: 09/09/1996
• Issued: 12/01/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 09/21/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Eppendorf AG
• Original Assignee: Eppendorf-Netheler-Hinz GmbH
• Inventors: Harnack, Kurt, Treptow, Rainer
• Primary Examiner(s): Font, Frank G.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Smith, Zandra V.
• Application Number:
  US08/709,968
• Time in Patent Office: 813 Days
• Field of Search: 356/436, 356/440, 356/442, 356/246
• US Class Current: 356/440
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/023 Sending and receiving of information, e.g. using bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/027 Digital display, e.g. LCD, LED
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0654 Lenses; Optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/1883 using thermal insulation
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0605 check valves
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/0217 of the plunger pump type medical syringes A61M
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/0227 Details of motor drive means B01L3/0231, B01L3/0234 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/0275 Interchangeable or disposable dispensing tips
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 9/54 Supports specially adapted for pipettes and burettes automated pipetting stations G01N35/10
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/1062 for testing the liquid while it is in the transfer device
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/0303 Optical path conditioning in cuvettes, e.g. windows; adapted optical elements or systems; path modifying or adjustment G01N21/031 - G01N21/15 take precedence

Abstract

Hand apparatus for pipetting and photometrically evaluating samples which comprise a pipetting means, an integrated photometer and a replaceable pipette tip connected to said pipetting means, said pipette tip being defined as a cell and provided within the optical path of the photometer for photometrically evaluating absorbed samples.

Claims

1. A hand apparatus for pipetting and photometrically evaluating samples which comprises a pipetting means, an integrated photometer and a replaceable pipette tip connected to said pipetting means, said pipette tip being defined as a cell and provided within the optical path of the photometer for photometrically evaluating absorbed samples.

2. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pipetting means comprises at least one electric driving motor for transporting and/or mixing samples.

3. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pipetting means comprises at least one electronic facility for evaluating measuring signals, entering, storing and displaying data and/or controlling device functions.

4. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pipette tip includes a coding and said pipetting means comprises a decoder for reading said coding.

5. The hand apparatus to claim 1, wherein said pipetting means comprises an accumulator as electric power source.

6. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical path of the photometer is directed across the wall of the pipette tip.

7. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical path of the photometer is axially directed through a proximal opening of said pipette tip.

8. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pipetting means and/or said pipette tip include mirrors for deviation of the optical path.

9. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said photometer measures reduction of light transmission by means of a sample volume.

10. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said photometer measures optical constants of a sample by means of a reflection element.

11. The hand apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said photometer comprises an optical reference path.

12. The hand apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said reflection element is a semiconductor plate including a measuring light channel and a reference light channel.

13. The hand apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said reflection element with said measuring light channel dips into the sample volume of said pipette tip and, together with said reference light channel, is arranged outside the sample volume of said pipette tip.

14. The hand apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said reflection element is fixedly connected to said photometer and is inserted into the sample volume of said pipette tip so as to be removable therefrom.

15. The hand apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said reflection element is fixedly connected to said pipette tip and is integrated into said optical path of said photometer so as to be detachable therefrom.

16. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said photometer comprises a modulator provided in front of a light transmitter, as well as a demodulator provided subsequent to a light receiver.

17. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said photometer includes light-conducting fibers for guiding light.

18. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pipetting means receives a proximal end of said pipette tip in an accommodation and the optical path of said photometer is provided within an area of said accommodation.

19. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pipette tip with at least one plane cell window is arranged within the optical path of said photometer.

20. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pipette tip comprises at least one reagent.

21. The hand apparatus according to claim 20, wherein different reagents within said pipette tip are separated from one another by means of parting walls before making a connectiion to said pipetting means.

22. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pipette tip is tightly sealed before connecting it to said pipetting means.

23. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pipette tip includes a membrane-type outer wall.

24. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pipette tip distally comprises a number of tip ends and tip openings for absorbing different liquids.

25. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pipette tip includes an internal outline or internal fittings for speeding up mixing.

26. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pipette tip comprises a valve element for allowing liquid to pass in one direction only.

27. The hand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein electronics and/or optics are using microsystem technology and/or microoptics.

28. An assembly comprising a hand apparatus for pipetting and photometrically evaluating samples which comprises a pipetting means, an integrating photometer and a replaceable pipette tip connected to said pipetting means, said pipette tip being defined as a cell and provided within the optical path of the photometer for photometrically evaluating absorbed samples;

and a pipette holder for supporting the pipetting means.

29. The assembly according to claim 28, wherein said pipetting means comprises an accumulator as electric power source, and wherein said pipette holder and said pipetting means comprises facilities for charging the accumulator.

30. The means according to claim 28, wherein said pipette holder and said pipetting means comprise facilities for transmission of data.

31. The means according to claim 30, wherein said facilities for the transmission of data of said pipette holder are connected to an electronic data processing equipment.

32. The assembly according to claim 28, wherein a tip magazine is provided for keeping the pipette tip before or after making a connection to said pipetting means.

33. The means according to claim 32, wherein said tip magazine tightly seals inserted pipette tips by means of a closing element at least one opening.

34. The means according to claim 32, wherein said tip magazine is a container adapted to be closed.

35. The assembly according to claim 32, wherein said tip magazine is a heat-insulated container.