US3830108A

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Publication number: US3830108A
Application number: US00277346A
Authority: US
Inventors: F Spong
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-08-02
Filing date: 1972-08-02
Publication date: 1974-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 1991-08-20

Abstract

In a pipetting device having a barrel with a substantially closed end, a tubular member extends through the closed end longitudinally inwardly of the barrel. Evacuating means engaging the tubular member is variably displaceable to provide a partial vacuum in the tubular member. A pipette is provided with an enlarged reservoir and an annular flange for removably engaging the enclosed end of the barrel. A retaining means biases the flange of the pipette against the closed end of the barrel to form an axial seal so that the formation of the vacuum in the tubular member enables a column of fluid to be supported in the pipette. Releasing means cooperates with the evacuating means to displace the retaining means so that the pipette can be removed from the barrel.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Spong Aug. 20, 1974 PIPETTING DEVICE Primary Examiner-S. Clement Swisher [76] Inventor: Frederick W. Spong 3449 Villanova Ave San Diego a 92122 Attorney, Agent, or Fzrm-Smyth, Roston & Pavitt [22] Filed: Aug. 2, 1972 [57] ABSTRACT [211 App! 277346 In a pipetting device having a barrel with a substantially closed end, a tubular member extends through [52] US. Cl. 73/425.6 th Closed end longitudinally inwardly of the barrel. [51] Int. Cl B01] 3/02 Evacuating means engaging the tubular member is [58] Field of Search..... 73/4254 R, 425.6, 425.4 D; variably displaceable to provide a partial vacuum in 23/259, 292; 128/218 A, 218 C, 218 F, 234, the tubular member. A pipette is provided with an en- 236, 318 F; 222/43, 309, 386 larged reservoir and an annular flange for removably engaging the enclosed end of the barrel. A retaining [56] References Cited means biases the flange of the pipette against the UNITED STATES PATENTS closed end of the barrel to form an axial seal so that 3,013,435 12/1961 Rodrigues 73/425.6 the of z ig the tubulahmembel 3,244,009 4,1966 Tietje at 211m ena es a coumn 0 ul to e supported in them- 3,290,946 l2/1966 Purse pette. Releasing means cooperates with the evacuating 3,646,817 3 1972 Hinchman et a1. 73/4255 means to displace the retaining means so that the P FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPUCATIONS pette can be removed from the barrel. 618,628 2/1949 Great Britain 73/425.6 37 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PAIENIEUAHBZOIW i 3.830.108

SHEET 20) 3 PIPETTING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to devices for supporting a measured quantity of fluid in a pipette and specifically to means for removably engaging the pipette to form a seal between the pipette of the device.

2. Description of the Prior Art In many technical and experimental laboratories, it is often desirable to transfer small but relatively exact quantities of a fluid from one vessel to one or a multiplicity of other vessels. For example, in a medical laboratory, it may be desirable to separate a particular blood sample into a multiplicity of test tubes so that separate tests can be performed on the sample. The separation of the sample is typically accomplished by means of an eyedropper or pipette consisting of a narrow glass tube into which the sample is drawn by suction. Since the quantity of fluid which can be supported in the eyedropper is typically relatively small, large quantities of the sample have been separated by repeatedly transferring small quantities of the sample between the vessels. lt can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this procedure is extremely time consuming and therefore expensive.

The pipettes have been provided with graduations so that relatively exact quantities of the fluid can be transferred. However, where repeated use of the pipette has been made in order to transfer large quantities of fluid, the inaccuracy of the graduations have been compounded by the repeated use of the pipette.

The pipettes have consisted of relatively long glass tubes having a first end tapered to form the tip of the pipette. These pipettes have been used in conjunction with pipetting devices configured to receive a second end of the pipette and form a radial seal therewith. The pipetting devices have included a tubular member cooperating with an evacuating means for providing partial vacuum within the tubular member. Elastomeric means engaging the tubular member at one end thereof have defined an orifice for receiving the second end of the pipette. The orifice has connected the regions interior of the tubular member with the regions interior of the pipette so that the formation of the partial vacuum in the tubular member has enabled the support of a column of fluid in the pipette.

These pipetting devices have been extremely cumbersome and often dangerous to use. For example, to form the radial seal around the second end of the pipette, the glass tube has been pushed longitudinally into the orifice of the elastomeric means. In order to form an effective seal, the inside diameter of the orifice has been made substantially smaller than the outside diameter of the pipette. Thus, a high degree of force has accompanied the insertion of the pipette into the orifice. In some cases, the pipette has broken and this has resulted in severe injury to the user.

The pressure of the elastomeric means on the second end of the pipette has provided support for the pipette. Movement of the pipette in an axial direction has been resisted by the sheer forces developed between pipette and the elastomeric means while movement of the pipette in a lateral direction has been resisted by the compression forces developed between the pipette and 2 the elastomeric means. This lateral support has been particularly ineffective and the first end has been relatively free to swing laterally. For example, the surface area of the pipette contacting the elastomeric means has been minimal so that the elastomeric means has been easily compressed. To compound the problem,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the present invention the pipette includes a narrow tube portions of which are enlarged to form a reservoir for containing relatively large quantities, such as 10 milliliters, of the fluid. Portions of the pipette also define an annular flange in proximity to the second end of the pipette.

This improved pipette is preferably used in conjunction with a device having a tubular member disposed longitudinally within a barrel. Evacuating means are preferably disposed at one end of the tubular member to form a partial vacuum in the tubular member. Elastomeric means having a particular surface substantially perpendicular to the axis of the barrel can be disposed at the other end of the tubular member. In this configuration the flanges of the pipette can be butted against the particular surface of the elastomeric means to form an axial sealtherewith.

Supporting means can be disposed to extend across the barrel between the evacuating means and the elastomeric means. Retaining means biased in the direction of the evacuating means can extend through the supporting means to engage the flanges of the pipette and thereby form the axial seal with the elastomeric means. Furthermore, releasing means can be operable in conjunction with the evacuating means to displace the retaining means so that the pipette can be moved laterally to disengage the device.

This configuration offers significant advantages over the prior art. First it will be noted that the pipette and the device can be joined by the operation of the releasing means and the relative lateral movement of the pipette. A high degree of force is neither necessary nor desirable to form the axial seal and for this reason there is no tendency for the pipette to break. Furthermore, the force accompanying the mounting of the pipette can be applied to a nonbreakable member so there is no danger of injury to the user. Additionally, the butt joint formed between the elastomeric means and the flanges of the pipette provide a high degree of lateral support for the pipette. The flanges provide an increased surface area so that the compressive forces of the elastomeric means offer greater resistance to the lateral swing of the pipette. This significantly enhances the relative ease with which the tip of the pipette can be inserted into a test tube so that the device is highly desirable for laboratory use. Additionally, the retaining means aids in the longitudinal support of the pipette so that the contiguous relationship of the pipette and the device is enhanced. Furthermore, relatively large quantities of the fluid can be drawn off with a single use of the device resulting in increased accuracy and a significant savings in time.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent with a detailed discussion of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the associated drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an axial cross section of a pipette assembled to a pipettingdevice and including the features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail view of the elements shown interiorly of the circular line 2 2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of pipetting device shown in FIG. 1',

FIG. 4 is a top view of the pipette shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an axial cross section of a further embodiment of the pipetting device;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the pipetting device taken on line 6 6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial axial cross section of still a further embodiment of the pipetting device;

FIG. 8 is an axial cross section of one embodiment of the pipette;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the pipette illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 10 is an axial cross section of a further embodiment of the pipette; and

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the pipette illustrated in FIG. 10. 1

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A pipette is shown in FIG. 1 and designated generally by thereference numeral 11. Thepipette 11 preferably includeswalls 13 which extend longitudinally between afirst end 15 and asecond end 17 of thepipette 11. In the preferred embodiment thewalls 13 provide thepipette 11 with a generally tubular configuration.

Thewalls 13 can includewall portions 22 which engage anannular flange 19 at thesecond end 17 of thepipette 11. Theannular flange 19 preferably extends radially outwardly of thewall portions 22 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of thepipette 11.

Thewalls 13 can also includeenlarged portions 20 having a substantially greater diameter than other portions of thewalls 13 and defining areservoir 21. Although thereservoir 21 can be defined at any location between thefirst end 15 and thesecond end 17 of thepipette 11, theenlarged portions 20 are preferably in proximity to theflange 19.

Thefirst end 15 of thepipette 11 can be narrowly constricted to augment its insertion into avessel 23 containing a fluid 25. Under these circumstances a vacuum can be formed interiorly of the pipette to support acolumn 27 of the fluid 25. Thepipette 11 can be provided with graduations indicating the volume of the fluid in thecolumn 27.

Apipetting device 31 can engage thepipette 11 to enhance the formation of the vacuum. Such adevice 31 can include abarrel 33 having afirst end 35 and asecond end 37. Atubular member 39 having a first end 41 and a second end 43 can be disposed coaxially interiorly of thebarrel 33. Thetubular member 39 can include aflange 45 preferably extending radially outtherewith.

wardly in proximity to thesecond end 37 of thebarrel 33. Thetubular member 39 is preferably constructed of a material resistant of contamination and corrosion. For example, in the preferred embodiment, thetubular member 39 is formed from stainless steel.

Evacuating means such as that shown generally at 47 can include aplunger 48 extending through thefirst end 35 ofbarrel 33, andfirst portions 49 extending in proximity to the first end 41 of thetubular member 39. In the preferred embodiment, the evacuatingmeans 47 has characteristics for axial movement with respect to thebarrel 33 and thetubular member 39.First portions 49 can have a generally cylindrical configuration with an inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of thetubular member 39. This will enable thefirst portions 49 to extend in a coaxial relationship with thetubular member 39 beyond the first end 41 thereof. Thefirst portions 49 can define anannular recess 51 on the interior surface thereof for receiving an O-ring 53. The O-ring 53 is preferably disposed to slide upon the outer surface of thetubular member 39 and form a seal The evacuating means 47 can define apassage 52 extending between the regions interior of thefirst portions 49 and the tip of theplunger 48.Second portions 55 of the evacuating means 47 can provide an annular flange extending radially outwardly to compress an O-ring 57 between the outermost surface of thesecond portions 55 and the innermost surface of thebarrel 33. Thefirst end 35 of thebarrel 33 can be exteriorly threaded to register with afirst cap 59. Thefirst cap 59 can define a hole 61 through which theplunger 48 preferably extends. The hole 61 and thesecond portions 55 provide lateral support for the evacuating means 47 while permitting the axial displacement thereof.

Thesecond end 37 of thebarrel 33 can be exteriorly threaded to register with asecond cap 63. Thesecond cap 63 preferably includes supportingmeans 65 substantially enclosing thesecond end 37 of thebarrel 33. The supporting means 65 can define ahole 67 for receiving the second end 43 of thetubular member 39. In this embodiment, afirst surface 69 of the supportingmeans 65 preferably engages theflange 45 of thetubular member 39 interiorly of thebarrel 33.

A second surface of the supportingmeans 65 can face outwardly of thebarrel 33 to engage elastomeric means such as arubber washer 71. Thewasher 71 preferably engages theannular flange 69 of thepipette 11 to form an axial seal therebetween. Thewasher 71 is typically adhered to the supportingmeans 65 and the supporting means ,65 adhered to thetubular member 39 to form respective seals therebetween. In this manner thepipette 11 and thepipetting device 31 define acavity 73 including regions interior of theplunger 48, thefirst portions 49, thetubular member 39, thewasher 71, and thewalls 13 of thepipette 11. It can be appreciated that as the evacuating means 47 approaches the first end 41 of thetubular member 39, the volume of thecavity 73 decreases. Similarly, as the evacuatingmeans 47 is displaced from the first end 41 of thetubular member 39, the volume of thecavity 73 increases. These features give rise to the preferred operation of thepipetting device 31.

For example, the user can place his thumb over the end of theplunger 48 to enclose thepassage 52. Then by depressing theplunger 48, the volume of thecavity 73 can be decreased so that air within thecavity 73 will be forced out the first end of thepipette 11. If the evacuatingmeans 47 is then raised while thefirst end 15 of thepipette 11 is below the surface of the fluid 25 the volume of thecavity 73 will increase so that a partial vacuum is formed therein. The lesser pressure in thecavity 73 will enable the greater atmospheric pressure to force the fluid 27 into thepipette 11.

The resultingcolumn 27 can be supported as long as the thumb of the user forms a seal across thepassage 52. This will enable thepipette 11 with thecolumn 27 supported therein to be moved to a second vessel, and the fluid 25 can be deposited in the second vessel by breaking the seal across thepassage 52. Due primarily to the size of thereservoir 21, a substantial portion of the fluid 25 can be transferred with a single use of apipette 11. This provides substantial savings in time and expense over pipettes of the prior art.

Biasing means such as ametallic spring 74 can engage thefirst surface 69 of the supportingmeans 65 and thesecond portions 55 of the evacuating means 47 to bias the evacuating means 47 in a position maximizing the volume of thecavity 73. ln this manner, the

evacuating means 47 can be automatically displaced to form the partial vacuum in thecavity 73.

The supporting means 65 can include at least oneslot 68 extending through the supporting means in an axial direction. Furthermore, each of theslots 68 can have the configuration of a portion of a cylinder wherein the outside diameter of the cylinder is substantially equal to the inside diameter of thebarrel 33.

Thepipetting device 31 can include retaining means shown generally at 75 for biasing theflange 19 against thewasher 71 in order to augment the formation of a seal therebetween. The retaining means 75 can be formed from plastic or a metallic material such as stainless steel. in a preferred embodiment, the retaining means 75 includescentral portions 77, which are configured to extend through theslots 68 and anannular flange 79 extending radially inwardly from thecentral portions 77 at a first end of the retaining means 75. Theannular flange 79 preferably has an inside diameter less than the outside diameter of thespring 74.

At a second end of the retaining means 75, a secondannular flange 81 can extend radially inwardly from thecentral portion 77. Thesecond flange 81 has a preferred outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of theflange 19 and a preferred inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of thewall portions 22 in proximity to theflange 19. These preferred dimensions will enable thesecond flange 81 to engage theflange 19 interiorly of the retaining means 75.

The distance between the first and the

second flanges

79 and 81, respectively, is desirably greater than the axial dimension of the supportingmeans 65, thewasher 71, and theflange 19. As illustrated in FIG. 2, this will permit displacement of the retaining means 75 in an axial direction to augment the assembly of the pipette l1 and thedevice 31.

Thesecond flange 81 can have a horseshoe configuration and a pair ofends 82 shown best in FIG. 3. The ends 82 of theflange 81 are preferably spaced a distance x greater than the outside diameter of thewall portions 22 in proximity to the flange 19 (FIG. 4). Similarly, thecentral portions 77 of the retaining means 75 in closest proximity to theends 82 can be spaced a distance y greater than the outside diameter of theflange 19. These preferred dimensions will enable thepipette 11 to be moved laterally through theends 82 to an operable position between thewasher 71 andflange 81.

A second biasing means such as ametallic spring 80 can be disposed to engage thefirst surface 69 of the supportingmeans 65 and theflange 79 of the retaining means 75. Thespring 80 preferably has a diameter greater than thespring 74, so that thespring 74 can extend interiorly of thespring 80 to engage thefirst surface 69. Thespring 80 desirably biases the retaining means 75 so that theflange 81 presses theflange 19 against thewasher 71 to form a seal therebetween.

At least oneannular recess 62 can be defined on the interior surface of thebarrel 33 to receive the O-ring 57 at a location corresponding to a known volume, such as 10 milliliters, of the fluid 25 in thecolumn 27. In operation, the user can depress theplunger 48 until the O-ring 57 registers with therecess 62. Then, with a reduced pressure on theplunger 48, thespring 74 can displace the evacuating means 47 so that the known volume, such as 10 milliliters, of the fluid 25 is drawn into thepipette 11. It can be appreciated that other annular recesses, such as therecess 62, can be defined on the interior walls of thebarrel 33 at locations corresponding to other volumes of the fluid 25, such as 5 milliliters and 15 milliliters. Thus, therecess 62 enables the removal of a known quantity of the fluid 25 from thevessel 23.

A releasing means, such as thecylinder 83, can be disposed interiorly of thebarrel 33 to engage thefirst flange 79 at one end of thecylinder 83. The other end of thecylinder 83 preferably extends to a position on the side of therecess 62 opposite the second portions of the evacuatingmeans 47. When it is desirable to insert or remove thepipette 11 of thedevice 31, the user typically will depress theplunger 48 so that thesecond portions 55 extend beyond therecess 62 to engage the releasingmeans 83. Further displacement of theplunger 48 will displace the releasingmeans 83 and the retaining means 75 so that thesecond flange 81 is spaced from thewasher 71. This will enable theflange 19 of thepipette 11 to be inserted into or removed from theflange 81.

This feature is particularly advantageous since the primary force used to assemble thepipette 11 and thepipette device 31 is applied to theplunger 48 which can be formed from nonbreakable material. No force need be applied to thepipette 11; in fact, the user need not even touch thepipette 11 if it is otherwise supported. This would seem to have significant applications where the fluid 25 in thepipette 11 is radioactive, pathogenic,

toxic, or contaminated. It also overcomes the problem associated with the prior art wherein the significant forces which were applied to thepipette 11 often broke the pipette resulting in injury to the user. Where the prior art relied upon these forces to create an effective seal between thedevice 31 and thepipette 11, this seal is automatically formed in accordance with the present invention by the retaining means 75.

The various elements of the pipetting device are preferably formed from a plastic material such as polypropylene where not otherwise specified. The plastic material can be color coded to signify preferred use with different sizes and models of pipettes.

The concepts of this invention also can be embodied as shown in FIG. 5 wherein thetubular member 39 and the supportingmeans 65 are integral with thesecond cap 63. This embodiment is particularly advantageous since it augments the ease with which thedevice 31 can be manufactured and assembled. It also ensures that air will not leak between the supportingmeans 65 and thetubular member 39 to vent thecavity 73. In this embodiment, the tubular .member 39, the supportingmeans 65, and thecap 63 are preferably constructed of a plastic material such as polypropylene.

Another feature of the invention is illustrated in FIG. wherein a longitudinally displaceable stopping member is shown generally at 85. The stopping member 85 typically has characteristics for engaging thesecond portions 55 of the evacuating means 47 at levels corresponding to the longitudinal displacement of the stopping member 85 and the volume of the fluid of thecolumn 27. The stopping member 85 can includefirst portions 87 snugly engaging the outer surface of thebarrel 33 andsecond portions 89 snugly engaging the inner surface of thebarrel 33. The first and

second portions

87 and 89, respectively, can be maintained in a fixed relationship by a connectingmember 91 which is preferably disposed interiorly of aslot 93 extending through the side of thebarrel 33. The connectingmember 91 preferably has a longitudinal dimension significantly less than that of theslot 93 so that the stopping member 85 can be displaced longitudinally on thebarrel 33. Athumbpiece 95 can be connected to thefirst portions 87 to augment the displacement of the stopping member 85.

Aflange 97 can extend radially inwardly of thesecond portions 89 at the end thereof nearest thefirst end 35 of thebarrel 33. Desirably, theflange 97 engages thesecond portions 55 of the evacuating means 47 at a level corresponding to the desired volume of the fluid in thecolumn 27. Since theflange 97 is longitudinally displaceable with the stopping member 85, the desired volume can correspond to the disposition of thefirst portions 87 on the outer surface of thebarrel 33. Furthermore, thebarrel 33 can be provided with indicia shown generally at 99 (FIG. 6) corresponding to the desired volume of thecolumn 27. Theindicia 99 will enable the user to move thethumbpiece 95 to the desired volume of thecolumn 27 so that theflange 97 engages thesecond portions 55 at a level corresponding to that volume.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 7 wherein thetubular member 39 is illustrated to be integral with the supportingmeans 65 and with thebarrel 33. This embodiment of the invention is particularly desirable since it involves a minimum of material, parts, and subassemblies. In this embodiment, thetubular member 39 is preferably constructed of the same material as the supportingmeans 65 and thebarrel 33.

In addition to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, thepipette 11 can be configured as shown in FIG. 8 so that theenlarged portions 20 of thewalls 13 extend from theflange 19 between the inside and outside circumference thereof. In this embodiment access to thereservoir 21 would be difficult so that the user would be influenced to dispose of thepipette 11 rather than clean it. This would be particularly advantageous in some fields of use. This pipette could be advantageously used with any of the foregoing embodiments of thedevice 31 but preferably the dimension x, as shown in FIG. 3, would be greater than the outside diameter of theenlarged portions 20 of thewalls 13.

In a further embodiment of thepipette 11, theannular flange 19 extends radially outwardly from the enlarged portions of thewalls 13. This embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, permits greater access to thereservoir 21 so that the pipette can be more easily cleaned and reused if desired.

The concepts of this invention provide significant advantages over the prior art. By enlarging portions of thewalls 13 in thepipette 11, thereservoir 21 can be defined to provide the pipette with a relatively large capacity. This is particularly desirable when relatively large quantities of a sample are taken from a first vessel and disposed in a second vessel. With the enlarged capacity of thepipette 11, repeated trips between the first and second vessels can be avoided.

Thepipette 11 can be used in conjunction with thepipetting device 31 to support a measured volume of the fluid 25 in thepipette 11. In order to do so, however, it is desirable that an effective seal be formed between thepipette 11 and thedevice 31. Attempts to form a radial seal between thepipette 11 and thedevice 31 have provided the hazards and other disadvantages previously discussed with respect to the prior art. In the present invention theflange 81 biases theflange 19 against theelastomeric washer 71 to form an axial seal therebetween. It is believed that the concept of providing an axial seal between a pipette and a pipetting device is broadly new. The axial seal can be automatically formed by the retaining means 75 which in turn can be biased to provide the sealing characteristics desired. The axial seal can be formed with theflange 19 which provides a high degree of lateral support for thepipette 11.

Thecylinder 83 can cooperate with the evacuating means 47 to displace theflange 81 from thewasher 71. In this position the pipette ll can be moved laterally to engage or disengage thewasher 71. Thepipette 11 need only be supported during this assembly step. The high degree of force applied to thepipette 11 is neither necessary nor desirable and for this reason it is not likely to break and produce a hazard for the user. The major force used in the assembly step is applied to theplunger 48 which can be formed from nonbreakable materials. Thedevice 31 can include the stopping member 85 or therecess 62 to provide the user with an indication as to the volume of the fluid 25 supported in thecolumn 27.

Although this application has been disclosed and illustrated with reference to particular applications, the principles involved are susceptible of numerous other applications which will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. The invention is, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A pipetting device for use with a pipette having a hollow configuration and a flange extending outwardly from one end thereof, comprising:

a tubular member having first and second ends;

evacuation means engaging the tubular member to withdraw air therefrom and form a partial vacuum therein;

elastomeric means extending outwardly of the tubular member and adapted to engage the flange of the pipette on one side thereof;

retaining means extending in proximity to the elastomeric means for engaging the flange of the pipette on the side thereof opposite the one side;

means for resiliently biasing the retaining means against the flange of the pipette to form a seal between the flange and the elastomeric means; whereby,

the evacuation of the tubular member by the evacuation means reduces the pressure in the pipette so that a column of fluid can be supported in the pipette,

2. The pipetting device recited in claim 1 further comprising:

supporting means having a fixed relationship with the tubular member and extending outwardly therefrom; and

the biasing means being disposed between the supporting means and the retaining means to bias the retaining means in the direction of the elastomeric means so that the seal is formed between the flange of the pipette andthe elastomeric means.

3. The pipetting device set forth in cliam 2 further comprising releasing means cooperating with the evacuating means to displace the retaining means from the elastomeric means so that the pipette can be removed from the pipetting device.

4. The pipetting device defined inclaim 3 wherein the retaining means comprises:

' a cylinder defined by first and second ends;

at least a first flange disposed radially inwardly of the first end of the cylinder;

at least a second flange disposed radially inwardly of the second end of the cylinder wherein the first flange is disposed between the releasing means and the biasing means; and

the flange of the pipette is disposed between the elastomeric means and the second flange of the retaining means.

5. The pipetting device set forth inclaim 3 wherein the evacuating means includes:

first portions slidingly engaging the tubular member and forming a seal with the tubular member, the first portions and the tubular member defining a cavity having a volume which increases when the evacuation means is displaced in a first direction decreases when the evacuation means is displaced in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

6. The pipetting device recited inclaim 5 wherein the evacuating means further comprises:

second portions extending outwardly of the first portions and having characteristics for being displaced in the second direction to engage the releasing means and for being displaced further in the second direction to force the second flange of the retaining means from the flange of the pipette so that the pipette can be removed from the pipetting device.

7. A pipetting device comprising:

a barrel having an elongated configuration and defined by first and second ends;

a tubular member disposed internally of the bartel and extending at least a portion of the distance between the first and second ends thereof;

evacuation means disposed in proximity to the first end of the barrel, the evacuation means engaging the tubular member to evacuate air from the tubular member and to form a partial vacuum in the tubular member;

elastomeric means disposed in proximity to the second end of the barrel and extending between the tubular member and the barrel;

' a pipette having a generally cylindrical configuration;

a flange extending radially outwardly of the pipette, the flange defined by first and second axially displaced surfaces;

means extending beyond the elastomeric means and engaging the first surface of the flange for resiliently biasing the second surface of the flange against the elastomeric means to form a seal between the flange and the elastomeric means; whereby,

the evacuation of air from the tubular member lowers the pressure within the pipette so that a column of fluid can be supported in the pipette.

8. The pipetting device set forth in claim 7 wherein the biasing means comprises:

retaining means extending from the barrel beyond the elastomeric means and including flange portions extending radially of the barrel to engage the flange of the pipette; and

a spring engaging the retaining means interiorly of the barrel to bias the retaining means against the flange of the pipette and to bias the flange of the pipette against the elastomeric means to form the seal.

9. The pipetting device set forth in claim 8 further comprising:

a cap having first portions registering with the second end of the barrel and second portions defining an orifice communicating with the tubular member;

biasing means disposed between the retaining means and second portions of the cap to force the retaining means axially against the flange of the pipette; and

releasing means cooperating with the evacuating means for compressing the biasing means so that the pipette can be removed from the retaining means.

10. The pipetting device set forth in claim 9 wherein the second portions of the cap are defined by an innermost surface in contact with the biasing means and an outermost surface in contact with the elastomeric means.

11. The pipetting device recited inclaim 10 further comprising:

third portions of the cap having a generally cylindrical configuration and defining at least one slot extending axially through the cap for receiving the retaining means;

a first flange disposed at one end of the retaining means to engage the biasing means;

a second flange disposed at the other end of the retaining means to engage releasably the first surface of the flange of the pipette; and

the biasing means having characteristics for providing an axial force on the first flange of the retaining means to bias the second flange of the. retaining means against the flange of the pipette and to bias the flange of the pipette against the elastomeric means to form the seal.

12. The pipetting device recited inclaim 11 wherein the releasing means is disposed between the evacuating means and the first flange of the retaining means so that displacement of the evacuating means compresses the biasing means to release the pipette.

13. The pipetting device recited in claim 12 wherein the releasing means is integral with the retaining means.

14. The pipetting device defined in claim 9 wherein the tubular member is integral with the cap and the orifice comprises an extension of the interior surface of the tubular member.

15. The pipetting device set forth in claim 14 wherein the cap is integral with the barrel.

16. A pipetting device for use with a pipette having a flange disposed in proximity to one end thereof, comprising:

a barrel having a first end and a second end;

supporting means substantially enclosing the second end of the barrel and defined by first surface facing inwardly of the barrel and a second surface facing outwardly of the barrel;

elastomeric means disposed on the second surface of the supporting means to engage the flange of the pipette and form an axial seal therewith;

first means having a hollow configuration and extending at least partially between the supporting means and the first end of the barrel; second means slidingly engaging the first means and forming a cavity with the first means and the pipette, the second means having characteristics for being displaced toward the second end of the barrel to decrease the volume of the cavity and for being displaced toward the first end of the barrel to increase the volume of the cavity; whereby,

displacement of the second means toward the first end of the barrel decreases the pressure within the cavity so that a column of fluid can be supported within the pipette. 17. The pipetting device recited in claim 16 further comprising:

third means extending through the second end of the barrel for engaging the flange of the pipette on the side thereof opposite the elastomeric means; and

fourth means biasing the third means so that the flanges of'the pipette are forced against the elastomeric means to form the axial seal.

18. The pipetting device set forth inclaim 17 further comprising:

portions of the supporting means defining at least one slot extending between the first and second surfaces of the supporting means;

first portions of the third means extending through the slots in the supporting means;

second portions of the third means extending inwardly of the first portions of the third means and in proximity to the first surface of the supporting means to engage the fourth means; and

third portions of the third means extending inwardly of the first portions of the third means and disposed in proximity to the supporting means to engage the flanges of the pipette.

19. The pipetting device recited inclaim 17 further comprising:

fifth means disposed to engage the first surface of the the fourth means disposed outwardly of the fifth means'to engage the first surface of the supporting means and second portions of the third means. 20. The pipetting device recited in claim 16 wherein the barrel, the supporting means, and the first means are integral.

21. The pipetting device set forth in claim 16 further comprising:

portions of the second means slidingly engaging the interior surface of the barrel; and third means contiguous with the barrel and having portions thereof which engage the portions of the second means at a position corresponding to the volume of the column of fluid supported in the pipette. 22. The pipetting device set forth inclaim 21 wherein the third means includes;

portions of the barrel defining an annular recess on the interior surface of the barrel; whereby the portions of the second means register with the portions of the barrel at a position corresponding to the volume of the column of the fluid in the pipette. 23. The pipetting device recited inclaim 21 wherein the third means comprises:

a stopping member slidingly engaging the barrel and axially displaceable with respect thereto; portions of the stopping member extending radially inwardly of the barrel to engage the portions of the second means; whereby the displacement of the stopping member with respect to the barrel corresponds to the volume of the column of fluid supported in the pipette. 24. A pipetting device for use with a pipette having a hollow configuration and a flange extending outwardly from one end thereof, comprising:

a tubular member having first and second ends; evacuation means engaging the tubular member to withdraw air therefrom and to form a partial vacuum therein; elastomeric means extending outwardly of the tubular member to engage the flange of the pipette on one side thereof; retaining means engaging the flange of the pipette on the side thereof opposite the one side to bias the pipette against the elastomeric means so that a seal is formed therebetween; supporting means having a fixed relationship with the tubular member and extending outwardly therefrom; biasing means disposed between the supporting means and the retaining means to bias the retaining means in the direction of the elastomeric means so that the seal is formed between the pipette and the elastomeric means; and releasing means cooperating with the evacuating means to displace the retaining means from the elastomeric means so that the pipette can be removed from the pipetting device. 25. The pipetting device defined in claim 1 wherein the retaining means comprises:

portions of a cylinder defined by first and second ends; at least a first flange disposed radially inwardly of the first end of the cylinder; at least a second flange disposed radially inwardly of the second end of the cylinder wherein the first flange is disposed between the releasing means and the biasing means; and

26. The pipetting device set forth in claim 24 wherein the evacuating means includes:

first portions slidingly engaging the tubular member and forming a seal therewith, the first portions and the tubular member defining a cavity thevolume of which increases when the evacuation means is displaced in a first direction and the volume of which decreases when the evacuation means is displaced in a second direction.

27. The pipetting device recited in claim 26 wherein the evacuating means further comprises:

second portions extending outwardly of the first portions and having characteristics for displacement in the second direction to engage the releasing means and further displacement in the second direction to force the second flange of the retaining means from the flange of the pipette so that the pipette can be removed from the pipetting device.

28. A pipetting device comprising:

a tubular member disposed interiorly of the barrel and extending at least a portion of the distance between the first and second ends thereof;

evacuation means disposed in proximity to the first end of the barrel, the evacuation means engaging the tubular member to evacuate air therefrom and to form a partial vacuum therein;

a pipette having a generally cylindrical configuration;

a flange extending radially outwardly of the pipette defined by first and second axially displaced surfaces;

first surface of the flange removably engaging the elastomeric means to form a seal therebetween;

retaining means biased to engage the second surface of the flange so that the pipette is forced in an axial direction against the elastomeric means to form the seal;

biasing means disposed between the retaining means and the second portions of the cap to force the retaining means axially against the flange of the pipette; and

29. The pipetting device recited in claim 28 wherein the second portions of the cap are defined by an innermost surface in contact with the biasing means and an outermost surface in contact with the elastomeric means.

30. The pipetting device recited in claim 29 further comprising:

a second flange disposed at the other end of the retaining means to engage releasably the second surface of the flange of the pipette; wherein the biasing means has characteristics for providing an axial force on the first and second flanges of the retaining means to bias the pipetting device against the elastomeric means and form the seal therebetween.

31. The pipetting device recited in claim 30 wherein the releasing means is disposed between the evacuating means and the first flange of the retaining means so that displacement of the evacuating means compresses the biasing means to release the pipette.

32. The pipetting device recited inclaim 31 wherein the releasing means is integral with the retaining means.

33. The pipetting device recited in claim 28 wherein the tubular member is integral with the cap and the orifice comprises an extension of the interior surface of the tubular member.

34. The pipetting device set forth inclaim 33 wherein the cap is integral with the barrel.

35. A pipette having first and second ends and characteristics for receiving a fluid by suction, comprising:

walls disposed between the first and second ends of the pipette and defining a cavity for receiving the fluid;

first portions of the walls having a diameter less than a particular diameter and defining first portions of the cavity;

second portions of the walls having a diameter greater than the particular diameter and defining second portions of the cavity, wherein the second portions of the cavity have a greater volume per unit length than the first portions of the cavity so that the second portions define a reservoir for supporting a substantial quantity of the fluid;

a flange extending radially from the walls at the second end of the pipette and in a plane transverse to the direction between the first and second ends;

first portions of the flange extending radially outwardly of the walls; and

second portions of the flange extending radially inwardly of the walls to define an orifice providing access to the cavity.

36. The pipette recited inclaim 35 wherein the pipette has a generally tubular configuration and the first portions of the flange extend radially outwardly to a diameter greater than the diameter of the first portions of the walls.

37. In combination for use with a pipette to provide a controlled supply of fluid;

first means having a tubular configuration and defined by a first and second ends;

second means disposed at the first end of the first means to engage the pipette and to form with the pipette an axial seal so that regions interior of the pipette communicate with regions interior of the first means;

third means slidingly engaging the first means at the means and beyond the first surface of the fifth means to engage the pipette, the sixth means biased to force the pipette against the first surface of the fifth means to maintain the axial seal; and

the third means having characteristics for being displaced in the first direction a second particular distance greater than the first particular distance to engage the sixth means and to oppose the bias on the sixth means so that the pipette can be removed from the sixth means.

Claims

1. A pipetting device for use with a pipette having a hollow configuration and a flange extending outwardly from one end thereof, comprising: a tubular member having first and second ends; evacuation means engaging the tubular member to withdraw air therefrom and form a partial vacuum therein; elastomeric means extending outwardly of the tubular member and adapted to engage the flange of the pipette on one side thereof; retaining means extending in proximity to the elastomeric means for engaging the flange of the pipette on the side thereof opposite the one side; means for resiliently biasing the retaining means against the flange of the pipette to form a seal between the flange and the elastomeric means; whereby, the evacuation of the tubular member by the evacuation means reduces the pressure in the pipette so that a column of fluid can be supported in the pipette,

2. The pipetting device recited in claim 1 further comprising: supporting means having a fixed relationship with the tubular member and extending outwardly therefrom; and the biasing means being disposed between the supporting means and the retaining means to bias the retaining means in the direction of the elastomeric means so that the seal is formed between the flange of the pipette and the elastomeric means.

4. The pipetting device defined in claim 3 wherein the retaining means comprises: a cylinder defined by first and second ends; at least a first flange disposed radially inwardly of the first end of the cylinder; at least a second flange disposed radially inwardly of the second end of the cylinder wherein the first flange is disposed between the releasing means and the biasing means; and the flange of the pipette is disposed between the elastomeric means and the second flange of the retaining means.

5. The pipetting device set forth in claim 3 wherein the evacuating means includes: first portions slidingly engaging the tubular member and forming a seal with the tubular member, the first portions and the tubular member defining a cavity having a volume which increases when the evacuation means is displaced in a first direction decreases when the evacuation means is displaced in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

6. The pipetting device recited in claim 5 wherein the evacuating means further comprises: second portions extending outwardly of the first portions and having characteristics for being displaced in the second direction to engage the releasing means and for being displaced further in the second direction to force the second flange of the retaining means from the flange of the pipette so that the pipette can be removed from the pipetting device.

7. A pipetting device comprising: a barrel having an elongated configuration and defined by first and second ends; a tubular member disposed internally of the bartel and extending at least a portion of the distance between the first and second ends thereof; evacuation means disposed in proximity to the first end of the barrel, the evacuation means engaging the tubular member to evacuate air from the tubular member and to form a partial vacuum in the tubular member; elastomeric means disposed in proximity to the second end of the barrel and extending between the tubular member and the barrel; a pipette having a generally cylindrical configuration; a flange extending radially outwardly of the pipette, the flange defined by first and second axially displaced surfaces; means extending beyond the elastomeric means and engaging the first surface of the flange for resiliently biasing the secOnd surface of the flange against the elastomeric means to form a seal between the flange and the elastomeric means; whereby, the evacuation of air from the tubular member lowers the pressure within the pipette so that a column of fluid can be supported in the pipette.

8. The pipetting device set forth in claim 7 wherein the biasing means comprises: retaining means extending from the barrel beyond the elastomeric means and including flange portions extending radially of the barrel to engage the flange of the pipette; and a spring engaging the retaining means interiorly of the barrel to bias the retaining means against the flange of the pipette and to bias the flange of the pipette against the elastomeric means to form the seal.

9. The pipetting device set forth in claim 8 further comprising: a cap having first portions registering with the second end of the barrel and second portions defining an orifice communicating with the tubular member; biasing means disposed between the retaining means and second portions of the cap to force the retaining means axially against the flange of the pipette; and releasing means cooperating with the evacuating means for compressing the biasing means so that the pipette can be removed from the retaining means.

11. The pipetting device recited in claim 10 further comprising: third portions of the cap having a generally cylindrical configuration and defining at least one slot extending axially through the cap for receiving the retaining means; a first flange disposed at one end of the retaining means to engage the biasing means; a second flange disposed at the other end of the retaining means to engage releasably the first surface of the flange of the pipette; and the biasing means having characteristics for providing an axial force on the first flange of the retaining means to bias the second flange of the retaining means against the flange of the pipette and to bias the flange of the pipette against the elastomeric means to form the seal.

12. The pipetting device recited in claim 11 wherein the releasing means is disposed between the evacuating means and the first flange of the retaining means so that displacement of the evacuating means compresses the biasing means to release the pipette.

16. A pipetting device for use with a pipette having a flange disposed in proximity to one end thereof, comprising: a barrel having a first end and a second end; supporting means substantially enclosing the second end of the barrel and defined by first surface facing inwardly of the barrel and a second surface facing outwardly of the barrel; elastomeric means disposed on the second surface of the supporting means to engage the flange of the pipette and form an axial seal therewith; first means having a hollow configuration and extending at least partially between the supporting means and the first end of the barrel; second means slidingly engaging the first means and forming a cavity with the first means and the pipette, the second means having characteristics for being displaced toward the second end of the barrel to decrease the volume of the cavity and for being displaced toward the first end of the barrel to increase the volume of the cavity; whereby, displacement of the second means toward the first end of the barrel decreases the pressure within the caviTy so that a column of fluid can be supported within the pipette.

17. The pipetting device recited in claim 16 further comprising: third means extending through the second end of the barrel for engaging the flange of the pipette on the side thereof opposite the elastomeric means; and fourth means biasing the third means so that the flanges of the pipette are forced against the elastomeric means to form the axial seal.

18. The pipetting device set forth in claim 17 further comprising: portions of the supporting means defining at least one slot extending between the first and second surfaces of the supporting means; first portions of the third means extending through the slots in the supporting means; second portions of the third means extending inwardly of the first portions of the third means and in proximity to the first surface of the supporting means to engage the fourth means; and third portions of the third means extending inwardly of the first portions of the third means and disposed in proximity to the supporting means to engage the flanges of the pipette.

19. The pipetting device recited in claim 17 further comprising: fifth means disposed to engage the first surface of the supporting means and the second means to bias the second means from the second end of the barrel; and the fourth means disposed outwardly of the fifth means to engage the first surface of the supporting means and second portions of the third means.

20. The pipetting device recited in claim 16 wherein the barrel, the supporting means, and the first means are integral.

21. The pipetting device set forth in claim 16 further comprising: portions of the second means slidingly engaging the interior surface of the barrel; and third means contiguous with the barrel and having portions thereof which engage the portions of the second means at a position corresponding to the volume of the column of fluid supported in the pipette.

22. The pipetting device set forth in claim 21 wherein the third means includes; portions of the barrel defining an annular recess on the interior surface of the barrel; whereby the portions of the second means register with the portions of the barrel at a position corresponding to the volume of the column of the fluid in the pipette.

23. The pipetting device recited in claim 21 wherein the third means comprises: a stopping member slidingly engaging the barrel and axially displaceable with respect thereto; portions of the stopping member extending radially inwardly of the barrel to engage the portions of the second means; whereby the displacement of the stopping member with respect to the barrel corresponds to the volume of the column of fluid supported in the pipette.

24. A pipetting device for use with a pipette having a hollow configuration and a flange extending outwardly from one end thereof, comprising: a tubular member having first and second ends; evacuation means engaging the tubular member to withdraw air therefrom and to form a partial vacuum therein; elastomeric means extending outwardly of the tubular member to engage the flange of the pipette on one side thereof; retaining means engaging the flange of the pipette on the side thereof opposite the one side to bias the pipette against the elastomeric means so that a seal is formed therebetween; supporting means having a fixed relationship with the tubular member and extending outwardly therefrom; biasing means disposed between the supporting means and the retaining means to bias the retaining means in the direction of the elastomeric means so that the seal is formed between the pipette and the elastomeric means; and releasing means cooperating with the evacuating means to displace the retaining means from the elastomeric means so that the pipette can be removed from the pipetting device.

25. The pipetting device defined in claim 1 wherein the retaining means comprises: portioNs of a cylinder defined by first and second ends; at least a first flange disposed radially inwardly of the first end of the cylinder; at least a second flange disposed radially inwardly of the second end of the cylinder wherein the first flange is disposed between the releasing means and the biasing means; and the flange of the pipette is disposed between the elastomeric means and the second flange of the retaining means.

26. The pipetting device set forth in claim 24 wherein the evacuating means includes: first portions slidingly engaging the tubular member and forming a seal therewith, the first portions and the tubular member defining a cavity the volume of which increases when the evacuation means is displaced in a first direction and the volume of which decreases when the evacuation means is displaced in a second direction.

27. The pipetting device recited in claim 26 wherein the evacuating means further comprises: second portions extending outwardly of the first portions and having characteristics for displacement in the second direction to engage the releasing means and further displacement in the second direction to force the second flange of the retaining means from the flange of the pipette so that the pipette can be removed from the pipetting device.

28. A pipetting device comprising: a barrel having an elongated configuration and defined by first and second ends; a tubular member disposed interiorly of the barrel and extending at least a portion of the distance between the first and second ends thereof; evacuation means disposed in proximity to the first end of the barrel, the evacuation means engaging the tubular member to evacuate air therefrom and to form a partial vacuum therein; elastomeric means disposed in proximity to the second end of the barrel and extending between the tubular member and the barrel; a pipette having a generally cylindrical configuration; a flange extending radially outwardly of the pipette defined by first and second axially displaced surfaces; first surface of the flange removably engaging the elastomeric means to form a seal therebetween; retaining means biased to engage the second surface of the flange so that the pipette is forced in an axial direction against the elastomeric means to form the seal; a cap having first portions registering with the second end of the barrel and second portions defining an orifice communicating with the tubular member; biasing means disposed between the retaining means and the second portions of the cap to force the retaining means axially against the flange of the pipette; and releasing means cooperating with the evacuating means for compressing the biasing means so that the pipette can be removed from the retaining means.

30. The pipetting device recited in claim 29 further comprising: third portions of the cap having a generally cylindrical configuration and defining at least one slot extending axially through the cap for receiving the retaining means; a first flange disposed at one end of the retaining means to engage the biasing means; a second flange disposed at the other end of the retaining means to engage releasably the second surface of the flange of the pipette; wherein the biasing means has characteristics for providing an axial force on the first and second flanges of the retaining means to bias the pipetting device against the elastomeric means and form the seal therebetween.

32. The pipetting device rEcited in claim 31 wherein the releasing means is integral with the retaining means.

34. The pipetting device set forth in claim 33 wherein the cap is integral with the barrel.

35. A pipette having first and second ends and characteristics for receiving a fluid by suction, comprising: walls disposed between the first and second ends of the pipette and defining a cavity for receiving the fluid; first portions of the walls having a diameter less than a particular diameter and defining first portions of the cavity; second portions of the walls having a diameter greater than the particular diameter and defining second portions of the cavity, wherein the second portions of the cavity have a greater volume per unit length than the first portions of the cavity so that the second portions define a reservoir for supporting a substantial quantity of the fluid; a flange extending radially from the walls at the second end of the pipette and in a plane transverse to the direction between the first and second ends; first portions of the flange extending radially outwardly of the walls; and second portions of the flange extending radially inwardly of the walls to define an orifice providing access to the cavity.

36. The pipette recited in claim 35 wherein the pipette has a generally tubular configuration and the first portions of the flange extend radially outwardly to a diameter greater than the diameter of the first portions of the walls.

37. In combination for use with a pipette to provide a controlled supply of fluid; first means having a tubular configuration and defined by a first and second ends; second means disposed at the first end of the first means to engage the pipette and to form with the pipette an axial seal so that regions interior of the pipette communicate with regions interior of the first means; third means slidingly engaging the first means at the second end of the first means and having characteristics for being displaced in a first direction a first particular distance and for being displaced in a second direction opposite to the first direction to support a column of fluid in the pipette; fourth means engaging the third means at the first particular distance to provide an indication when the third means has been displaced to the first particular distance; the second means comprising: fifth means having elastomeric properties and defined by a first surface extending radially of the first means at the first end of the first means and sixth means extending longitudinally of the first means and beyond the first surface of the fifth means to engage the pipette, the sixth means biased to force the pipette against the first surface of the fifth means to maintain the axial seal; and the third means having characteristics for being displaced in the first direction a second particular distance greater than the first particular distance to engage the sixth means and to oppose the bias on the sixth means so that the pipette can be removed from the sixth means.