EP1514600B2 - Mechanical piston pipette - Google Patents

Mechanical piston pipette Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1514600B2
EP1514600B2 EP03405604A EP03405604A EP1514600B2 EP 1514600 B2 EP1514600 B2 EP 1514600B2 EP 03405604 A EP03405604 A EP 03405604A EP 03405604 A EP03405604 A EP 03405604A EP 1514600 B2 EP1514600 B2 EP 1514600B2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
calibration
pipette
volume
adjustment
piston
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03405604A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1514600A1 (en
EP1514600B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Uldry
Sylvain Christen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Socorex Isba SA
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Socorex Isba SA
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Application filed by Socorex Isba SA filed Critical Socorex Isba SA
Priority to ES03405604T priority Critical patent/ES2289252T5/en
Priority to DE60314516T priority patent/DE60314516T3/en
Priority to EP03405604A priority patent/EP1514600B2/en
Priority to AT03405604T priority patent/ATE365075T1/en
Priority to US10/916,359 priority patent/US7204163B2/en
Publication of EP1514600A1 publication Critical patent/EP1514600A1/en
Publication of EP1514600B1 publication Critical patent/EP1514600B1/en
Publication of EP1514600B2 publication Critical patent/EP1514600B2/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/02—Burettes; Pipettes
    • B01L3/021—Pipettes, i.e. with only one conduit for withdrawing and redistributing liquids
    • B01L3/0217—Pipettes, i.e. with only one conduit for withdrawing and redistributing liquids of the plunger pump type
    • B01L3/0224—Pipettes, i.e. with only one conduit for withdrawing and redistributing liquids of the plunger pump type having mechanical means to set stroke length, e.g. movable stops
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/14—Process control and prevention of errors
    • B01L2200/148—Specific details about calibrations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/02—Identification, exchange or storage of information
    • B01L2300/025—Displaying results or values with integrated means
    • B01L2300/026—Drum counters

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a mechanical piston pipette comprising a pipette body, a piston-cylinder assembly, the cylinder being arranged to be provided with a replaceable tip, and a tip ejector device movable along the cylinder. for ejecting a tip from the end of the cylinder, said pipette body accommodating an ejection actuating device and a piston actuating device performing a determined longitudinal translation stroke between a low stop position and a position of high stop for performing the aspiration and dosing of liquids, with means for modifying said stroke.
  • piston pipettes are known in the state of the art. There are mechanical pipettes whose mechanism is entirely operated by the hand of the user. When these pipettes have a volume display means, it can be analog, digital and mechanical, or electronic. There are also many types of piston pipettes operated by an electric motor and whose display devices or adjustment or calibration devices are also performed by electromechanical or electronic means.
  • the present invention relates exclusively to mechanical piston pipettes with fixed or adjustable volume. When the volume is adjustable, the invention relates exclusively to pipettes whose volume display itself is mechanical.
  • Examples of pipettes of the state of the art comprising protruding and prominent "L" -shaped, head or platform top parts include the Eppendorf Reference® pipette, marketed by Eppendorf GmbH, and the Transferpette® pipette, marketed by Brand GmbH & Co. KG.
  • the "Reference” pipette requires a separate universal calibration key, to effect adjustment of the display means
  • the "Transferpette” pipette requires the detachment of several pieces to perform calibration by adjustment of the display means, as described herein. -above.
  • the display means are directed towards the top of the pipette, not allowing a visual control during pipetting.
  • a visual control of the display and calibration device during pipetting that is to say during a work phase where, in general, the palm of the hand is oriented approximately towards the face of the user, and to arrange this device accordingly.
  • the document EP 0649678A1 is particularly concerned with the modification of the correction factor of a piston stroke pipette.
  • This document teaches a calibration in which a modification of the pipette correction factor is made by adjusting the adjusting devices, an operating lever operable from outside the pipette housing.
  • the document US 4,672,857 also relates to a positive displacement pipette in which, during a calibration, the pipette volume and the display are adjusted independently to a zero value using a particular tool.
  • the pipette according to this document has a tip-piston assembly that can be connected to the pipette. During the connection, a calibration of each piston-tip assembly at the zero value is performed, which makes it possible to use piston-tip assemblies whose piston is subjected to changes in length, for example due to autoclaving. .
  • a mechanical piston pipette comprising a pipette body, a piston-cylinder assembly, the cylinder being arranged to be provided with a replaceable tip, and a tip ejector device.
  • said accommodating pipette body an ejecting actuator, and a piston actuating device having a metering knob performing a determined stroke in longitudinal translation between a low abutment position and a high abutment position for effecting the suction of liquids, with means for modifying said stroke
  • means for adjusting the pipetted volume comprising a set screw
  • display means pipetted volume comprising a plurality of counting rings
  • calibration means characterized in that said adjustment means, said display means and said calibration means co-operate in an adjustment and calibration device in which, during a calibration operation, said display means are adjusted so as to make the displayed volume coincide with the actual pipetted volume without modifying the stroke
  • a fixed volume mechanical pipette comprising a pipette body, a piston-cylinder assembly, the cylinder being arranged to be provided with a replaceable tip, and a tip ejector device, movable along the cylinder for ejecting a tip from the end of the cylinder, said pipette body accommodating an ejection actuating device and a piston actuating device performing a determined longitudinal translation stroke between a low stop position and a high stop position for effecting the suction of liquids, with means for modifying said stroke, characterized in that a piece defining the bottom stop of said stroke passes from a fully locked position to a position where it can make a transverse movement, in that, in the locked position, it prevents the longitudinal displacement of a part defining the bottom of the race stop and that in the said unlocked position, it allows the action of calibration means moving the longitudinal position of said travel stop.
  • the adjustable volume pipette body shown by the figure 1 comprises an outer sleeve 14 itself constituted of a longitudinal portion 14a, substantially cylindrical but with a slight ergonomic bulge to fit the palm of the hand, with a substantially elliptical cross section, the upper part of which extends laterally by a comma-shaped stick 14b intended to rest on the flank of the index finger of the user's hand.
  • the outer sleeve 14 accommodates an inner sleeve 13 which is housed in the outer sleeve 14 on the same side as the butt 14b.
  • the inner sleeve 13 has a cylindrical inner wall portion with an arcuate section, which forms with the inner surface of the opposite zone of the outer sleeve 14 a cylindrical housing of circular section.
  • the inner sleeve 13 is sufficiently thick to accommodate the tip ejection device, which comprises an ejector button 10 surmounted by a protective cap 9.
  • the ejector button is extended by an ejector rod 18 on which are threaded a spring 12
  • the inner sleeve 13 also houses a pinion tube 19 comprising a plurality of rotary gears, for example three pinions 19a, 19b, 19c, rotating about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pinion. the pipette and cooperating with the adjustment and calibration device as will be described later.
  • the top of the sleeve 13 extends laterally by a ring 13a, coaxial with the cylindrical housing, which caps the upper opening of the sleeve 14.
  • a metering knob 3 protrudes from the top of the ring 13a.
  • the metering knob 3 is intended to be pressed into the pipette body by the thumb of the user during the pipetting operations, namely aspiration of liquid into the disposable tip and ejection of this liquid.
  • the metering knob 3 is pushed upwards by the pipetting spring 7, so as to perform reciprocating translational movements along the longitudinal axis of the pipette body.
  • the top of the metering knob 3 is plugged by a cap 1.
  • the cap 1 is easily removed by the user by means of a fingernail. It can be made in different colors to facilitate the visual identification of the pipette.
  • the metering knob 3 is threaded internally. It receives a set screw 4 threaded externally, so that the rotation of the metering knob 3 drives the adjusting screw 4 in longitudinal translation, when it is itself locked in rotation as described below.
  • the adjusting screw 4 is shown in its lower extreme position.
  • the upper part of the adjusting screw 4 is recessed and receives a calibration key 2 which can slide in longitudinal translation in the recess of the adjusting screw 4, but which is locked in rotation. To do this, the recess of the adjusting screw 4 and the calibration key can both be of square section.
  • the calibration key is threaded into a ring 5.
  • the middle portion of the adjusting screw 4 carries a bulge 4a, integrally with the body of the screw 4, on which rests an over-stroke spring 4b.
  • the other end of the overtravel spring 4b rests on an overtravel abutment 4c fitted on and secured to the body of the adjusting screw 4.
  • the adjustment and calibration device is designated as a whole by 8. It comprises a calibration disk 8a.
  • the calibration disk 8a comprises an upper barrel 8b surrounding the body of the adjusting screw 4, which slides there longitudinally, and a lower flange 8c of diameter greater than that of the barrel 8b.
  • the calibration disk 8a rests on the bottom 14c of the outer sleeve 14 and thus limits the stroke of the screw 4, when the lower face of the abutment 4c comes into contact with it.
  • An adjustment tube 8d rests on the horizontal circular plate 8h formed between the flange 8c and the barrel 8b.
  • the adjustment tube 8d and the calibration disk 8a are coupled by a coupling dog system C, consisting of two toothed rings facing each other, respectively formed on the plate 8h of the calibration disc and on the lower end face of the tube. 8d setting. Teeth are low in height and easily disengage.
  • the outer sleeve 14 houses, at the level of the calibration disk 8a, a locking device consisting of a shoe 15 provided with an elastic clip 16. In the locked position, this pad 15 prevents the rotation of the calibration disk 8a. The pad is operable from the outside, by a hole of the sleeve 14, by any object having a fine point.
  • the calibration disk 8a is rotatably secured to the body of the adjusting screw 4 by means of ribs / longitudinal conjugate grooves.
  • the top of the adjustment tube 8d surrounds the bottom of the metering knob 3.
  • the adjustment tube 8d and the metering knob 3 are also secured in rotation by ribs / conjugate grooves.
  • the adjustment tube has a lower portion of outside diameter slightly decreased, forming a horizontal circular projection.
  • the adjustment tube 8d on the other hand carries on this lower part a plurality of counting rings, for example three rings 8e, 8f, 8g bearing on their periphery numbers from 0 to 9, providing a digital indication of the volume of liquid pipetted. .
  • the outer sleeve 14 has on its side opposite to the butt 14b and at the height of the counting rings a transparent window 6 for reading the volume indication.
  • the projection of the adjustment tube 8d facing the counting rings has several teeth driving the pinion 19a.
  • the counting rings have a continuous toothing on the upper end face but a single indentation on the opposite end face, so that the rotation of the adjustment tube 8d drives the first pinion, which in turn drives the first disk 8e which, by example after one complete revolution, drives the second pinion 19b rotating a digit the second count ring, and so on. This mechanism is known per se.
  • the locking shoe 15 is in the locked position, preventing the rotation of the calibration disk 8a.
  • the calibration disc blocks the rotation of the adjusting screw 4, which itself is rotatably connected to the calibration key 2.
  • the user rotates the metering knob 3, which, by its internal thread, drives in translation the adjusting screw 4.
  • This displacement in longitudinal translation operates the adjustment of the stroke extending between the bottom of the travel stop 4c and the top of the calibration disc 8a.
  • This stroke itself determines the volume of liquid, since the adjusting screw 4 is connected to the piston of the pipette by its lower end 4d shaped spherical head constituting a detachable connection.
  • the rotation of the metering knob 3 rotates the adjustment tube 8d and, via the gear tube 19, the meter disks 8e, 8f, 8g, as explained above.
  • the jaw system C is uncoupled, the tube 8d rotates on the calibration disc 8a, the teeth of the toothed segments ripening one above the other.
  • a calibration operation is performed as follows:
  • the volume dispensed by the pipette is measured, for example by weighing it.
  • the measured volume may be 545 ⁇ l while the meter displays 210 ⁇ l.
  • the calibration operation consists in bringing the value of the display to 545 ⁇ l corresponding to the effective volume, without modifying the stroke.
  • the locking shoe 15 is unlocked, thus releasing the rotation of the calibration disk 8a.
  • the cap 1 is removed to access the calibration key 2.
  • the latter can be actuated either by a coin or a screwdriver, or, after having partially slid outwards, can be operated by hand.
  • the rotation of the calibration key rotates the adjusting screw 4, which itself rotates the calibration disk.
  • the user makes sure not to touch the metering knob 3 so as not to change the relative position knob 3 / screw 4.
  • the calibration disk drives the adjusting tube 8d in rotation, by through the jaw system C.
  • the rotation of the adjustment tube causes the rotation of the pinion tube sprockets 19 and therefore the rotation of the counting rings.
  • the key is rotated until the measured value, in this example 545 ⁇ l, is displayed. Then, the pad 15 is pushed into the locking position to lock in angular position the calibration disc 8a and the adjusting screw 4. The calibration key 2 is pushed into its housing and the cap is replaced. Since the value of the counter device is modeled on the stroke, the subsequent volume adjustments of the pipette are made simply by rotation of the metering knob 3, which this time changes the stroke by translational movement of the adjusting screw 4 without rotating movement. of it.
  • the fixed volume pipette body shown by the figure 2 comprises an outer sleeve 14 itself constituted of a longitudinal portion 14a, substantially cylindrical but with a slight ergonomic bulge to fit the palm of the hand, with a substantially elliptical cross section, the upper part of which extends laterally by a comma-shaped stick 14b intended to rest on the flank of the index finger of the user's hand.
  • the outer sleeve 14 accommodates an inner sleeve 13 which is housed in the outer sleeve 14 on the same side as the butt 14b.
  • the inner sleeve 13 has a cylindrical inner wall portion with an arcuate section, which forms with the inner surface of the opposite zone of the outer sleeve 14 a cylindrical housing of circular section.
  • the inner sleeve 13 is sufficiently thick to accommodate the tip ejection device, which comprises an ejector button 10 surmounted by a protective cap 9.
  • the ejector button is extended by an ejector rod 18 on which are threaded a spring 12 and a socket 11.
  • the location of the pinion tube 19 described above remains empty.
  • the top of the sleeve 13 extends laterally by a ring 13a, coaxial with the cylindrical housing, which caps the upper opening of the sleeve 14.
  • a metering knob 3 protrudes from the top of the ring 13a.
  • the metering knob 3 is intended to be pressed into the pipette body by the thumb of the user during the pipetting operations, namely aspiration of liquid into the disposable tip and ejection of this liquid.
  • the metering knob 3 is pushed upwards by the pipetting spring 7, so as to perform reciprocating translational movements along the longitudinal axis of the pipette body.
  • the top of the metering knob 3 is clogged by a cap 1.
  • the cap 1 is easily removed by the user by means of a fingernail. It can be made in different colors to facilitate the visual identification of the pipette.
  • the metering knob 3 is threaded internally. It receives a setting screw 4 externally threaded.
  • a setting screw 4 externally threaded.
  • the adjusting screw 4 is shown in its lower extreme position.
  • the upper part of the adjusting screw 4 is recessed and receives a calibration key 2 which can slide in longitudinal translation in the recess of the adjusting screw 4, but which is locked in rotation. To do this, the recess of the adjusting screw 4 and the calibration key can both be of square section.
  • the calibration key is threaded into a ring 5.
  • the middle portion of the adjusting screw 4 carries a bulge 4a, integrally with the body of the screw 4, on which rests an over-stroke spring 4b.
  • the other end of the overtravel spring 4b rests on an overtravel abutment 4c fitted on and secured to the body of the adjusting screw 4.
  • the calibration device is designated as a whole by 8 '. It includes a calibration disk 8a.
  • the calibration disk 8a comprises an upper barrel 8b surrounding the body of the adjusting screw 4, which slides there longitudinally, and a lower flange 8c of diameter greater than that of the barrel 8b.
  • the calibration disk 8a rests on the bottom 14c of the outer sleeve 14 and thus limits the stroke of the screw 4, when the lower face of the abutment 4c comes into contact with it.
  • the calibration disk 8a may be identical to that shown on the figure 1 , and carry a circular ring gear formed on the plate 8h of the calibration disk; but, in the case of a fixed volume pipette, this crown has no function.
  • the outer sleeve 14 houses, at the level of the calibration disk 8a, a locking device consisting of a shoe 15 provided with an elastic clip 16. In the locked position, this pad 15 prevents the rotation of the calibration disk 8a.
  • the pad is operable from the outside, by a hole of the sleeve 14, by any object having a fine point.
  • the calibration disk 8a is rotatably secured to the body of the adjusting screw 4 by means of ribs / longitudinal conjugate grooves.
  • the tube 8d has like the tube 8d described above a lower portion of outside diameter slightly decreased, forming a horizontal circular projection. But the tube 8d 'does not wear counting rings.
  • the outer sleeve 14 has on its side opposite to the butt 14b and at the height of the lower part of the tube 8d an opaque plate 6 'replacing the window 6.
  • the volume dispensed by the pipette is measured, for example by weighing it.
  • the measured volume may be 545 ⁇ l while the nominal value is 500 ⁇ l.
  • the calibration operation consists of bringing the value of the actual volume to the nominal value.
  • the locking shoe 15 is unlocked, thus releasing the rotation of the calibration disk 8a.
  • the cap 1 is removed to access the calibration screw 2.
  • the latter can be actuated either by a screwdriver or a coin, or, after having partially slid outwards, can be actuated by hand.
  • the rotation of the calibration key rotates the adjusting screw 4, which itself rotates the calibration disk.
  • the calibration disc slides under the tube 8d '.
  • the adjusting screw moves in longitudinal translation, modifying the stroke, and thus the pipetted volume. After measuring this volume, the operation may be repeated until the measured value coincides with the nominal value or with another value desired by the user.
  • the pad 15 is pushed into the locking position to lock in angular position the calibration disc 8a and the adjusting screw 4.
  • the calibration key 2 is pushed into its housing and the cap is replaced.
  • variable volume pipette body and the fixed volume pipette body use, in the same volume range, a large majority of common parts. These are identified by identical reference numbers in the figures 1 and 2 .
  • the same piece, the calibration ring 8a provides several functions, namely stop limit, adjustment and / or calibration in both types of pipette.
  • a single essential piece, namely the tube 8d, respectively 8d ', has different structures and functions: the tube 8d serves both as a guide to the metering knob 3, as a housing to the spring 7 and provides a setting function as exposed above.
  • the tube 8d ' which differs essentially from the tube 8d by the presence of outer ribs blocking it in rotation serves only as a guide and as a housing. It will be noted that the tubes 8d and 8d 'also have identical dimensions.
  • the adjustable volume pipette body further has a set of counting rings and drive gears described above, which are not not present in the body of the fixed volume pipette.
  • variable volume pipette the dimensions of the body of the variable volume pipette are not different from the dimensions of the fixed volume pipette body, the set of counting rings and drive gears being housed respectively in the overall size of the adjustment tube 8d and coaxially with the ejection device, inside the inner sleeve 13.
  • the entire adjustment and calibration device is housed in the longitudinal pipette body, without increasing its volume, and the display, which is not hidden by the thumb, remains visible to the operator holding his pipette in a natural way.
  • the arrangement of the counting discs and drive gears allows in particular, without increasing the volume of the body of the pipette, to arrange the ejection button 10 above the butt of the outer sleeve, which is ergonomically favorable, the user's thumb more easily pressing the eject button when it comes over the edge of the hand than when it deviates from it, which would be the case if the button ejection had been placed on the opposite side.

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Abstract

A mechanical piston pipette comprises a pipette body, a piston/cylinder assembly and a tip ejector device. The pipette body accommodates an ejection actuation device and a piston actuation device effecting given longitudinal translational travel between a low limit stop position and a high limit stop position, with a travel modifying mechanism, pipetted volume adjustment mechanism and pipetted volume display mechanism. A mechanical piston pipette comprises a pipette body, a piston/cylinder assembly and a tip ejector device. The cylinder is arranged to be able to be equipped with a replaceable tip. The tip ejector device is movable along the cylinder to eject a tip from the end of the cylinder. The pipette body accommodates an ejection actuation device and a piston actuation device effecting given longitudinal translational travel between a low limit stop position and a high limit stop position in order to perform the aspiration of an adjustable volume of liquid, with travel modifying mechanism, pipetted volume adjustment mechanism, pipetted volume display mechanism, and calibration mechanism. The adjustment mechanism, display mechanism and calibration mechanism cooperate as an adjustment and calibration device in which, during a calibration operation, the display mechanism is regulated to make the displayed volume equate with the pipetted real volume. The adjustment and calibration device is housed inside the pipette body.

Description

La présente invention concerne une pipette à piston mécanique comprenant un corps de pipette, un ensemble piston-cylindre, le cylindre étant agencé de façon à pouvoir être muni d'un embout remplaçable, et un dispositif éjecteur d'embout, déplaçable le long du cylindre pour éjecter un embout de l'extrémité du cylindre, le dit corps de pipette accueillant un dispositif d'actionnement d'éjection et un dispositif d'actionnement de piston effectuant une course déterminée en translation longitudinale entre une position de butée basse et une position de butée haute pour effectuer l'aspiration et le dosage de liquides, avec des moyens de modification de la dite course.The present invention relates to a mechanical piston pipette comprising a pipette body, a piston-cylinder assembly, the cylinder being arranged to be provided with a replaceable tip, and a tip ejector device movable along the cylinder. for ejecting a tip from the end of the cylinder, said pipette body accommodating an ejection actuating device and a piston actuating device performing a determined longitudinal translation stroke between a low stop position and a position of high stop for performing the aspiration and dosing of liquids, with means for modifying said stroke.

De très nombreux types de pipettes à piston sont connus dans l'état de la technique. On distingue les pipettes mécaniques dont le mécanisme est entièrement actionné par la main de l'utilisateur. Lorsque ces pipettes possèdent un moyen d'affichage du volume, celui-ci peut être analogique, digital et mécanique, ou encore électronique. Il existe également de nombreux types de pipettes à piston actionnés par un moteur électrique et dont les dispositifs d'affichage ou les dispositifs de réglage ou de calibrage sont également effectués par des moyens électro-mécaniques ou électroniques. La présente invention concerne exclusivement des pipettes à piston mécaniques, à volume fixe ou réglable. Lorsque le volume est réglable, l'invention concerne exclusivement les pipettes dont l'affichage de volume est lui-même mécanique.Many types of piston pipettes are known in the state of the art. There are mechanical pipettes whose mechanism is entirely operated by the hand of the user. When these pipettes have a volume display means, it can be analog, digital and mechanical, or electronic. There are also many types of piston pipettes operated by an electric motor and whose display devices or adjustment or calibration devices are also performed by electromechanical or electronic means. The present invention relates exclusively to mechanical piston pipettes with fixed or adjustable volume. When the volume is adjustable, the invention relates exclusively to pipettes whose volume display itself is mechanical.

Pour des opérations hautement répétitives de laboratoires d'analyse, par exemple dans des kits d'analyse, on préfère utiliser des pipettes à volume fixe. Pour des opérations peu répétitives ou encore dans les laboratoires de recherche, on préfère généralement utiliser des pipettes à volume réglable, permettant une plus vaste gamme d'utilisation. Même si on ne prend en considération que la gamme des volumes 1µl à 1000 µl, qui concerne les pipettes appelées couramment micro-pipettes, alors que les pipettes dites "macro-pipettes" couvrent les gammes de volumes supérieures, une gamme complète de micro-pipettes représente en général plus de 20 objets différents présents au catalogue d'un fabricant. Un très grand souci des fabricants est donc la réduction du nombre total de pièces différentes entrant dans la constitution des différentes micro-pipettes d'une même série. Il est en particulier souhaitable de pouvoir utiliser le plus grand nombre possible de pièces communes pour réaliser des micro-pipettes à volume fixe et à volume variable, dans les gammes de volumes comparables.For highly repetitive operations of analytical laboratories, for example in assay kits, it is preferred to use fixed volume pipettes. For non-repetitive operations or in research laboratories, it is generally preferred to use pipettes with adjustable volume, allowing a wider range of use. Even if we consider only the range of volumes 1μl to 1000 μl, which concerns pipettes commonly called micro-pipettes, while pipettes called "macro-pipettes" cover the higher volume ranges, a full range of micro-pipettes Pipettes typically represent more than 20 different items in a manufacturer's catalog. A major concern of the manufacturers is therefore the reduction in the total number of different parts used in the constitution of the different micropipettes of the same series. In particular, it is desirable to be able to use as many common parts as possible to produce micro-pipettes with fixed volume and variable volume in comparable volume ranges.

Dans certaines pipettes à piston de l'état de la technique, il est nécessaire de retirer plusieurs pièces du corps ou du dispositif d'affichage pour opérer un réglage ou une calibration, avec les risques d'égarer ces pièces qui en résultent.In some piston pipettes of the state of the art, it is necessary to remove several parts of the body or the display device to operate a setting or calibration, with the risk of misplacing these parts that result.

Un autre souci des fabricants est de réaliser des pipettes à piston ergonomiques, permettant de nombreuses manipulations répétitives sans fatigue excessive de la main, en particulier du pouce de l'utilisateur, et en particulier des pipettes à volume variable, dont le corps est suffisamment compact pour se loger confortablement dans le creux de la main de l'utilisateur, même si celui-ci a une main de petite taille.Another concern of manufacturers is to achieve ergonomic piston pipettes, allowing many repetitive manipulations without excessive hand fatigue, especially the thumb of the user, and in particular variable volume pipettes, whose body is sufficiently compact to fit comfortably in the palm of the user's hand, even if the user has a small hand.

Par souci ergonomique, il est également souhaitable de limiter le corps de pipette à la partie substantiellement cylindrique tenue dans la paume de la main et de supprimer dans la mesure du possible les parties supérieures proéminentes volumineuses formant une crosse en "L" ou une tête qui, dans les pipettes de l'état de la technique, sont souvent utilisées pour loger les dispositifs d'affichage et qui déplacent le centre de gravité de l'objet vers le haut.For ergonomic reasons, it is also desirable to limit the pipette body to the substantially cylindrical portion held in the palm of the hand and to remove as far as possible the bulging prominent upper parts forming an "L" butt or a head which in pipettes of the state of the art, are often used to house the display devices and move the object's center of gravity upwards.

Des exemples de pipettes de l'état de la technique comportant des parties supérieures proéminentes et volumineuses en forme de "L", de tête ou plateforme sont notamment la pipette Eppendorf Référence®, commercialisée par la société Eppendorf GmbH, et la pipette Transferpette®, commercialisée par Brand GmbH & Co. KG. La pipette "Reference" nécessite une clé de calibration universelle séparée, pour effectuer un ajustement des moyens d'affichage, et la pipette "Transferpette" exige le détachement de plusieurs pièces pour effectuer une calibration par ajustement des moyens d'affichage, comme décrit ci-dessus. De plus, dans les deux pipettes susmentionnées, les moyens d'affichage sont orientés vers le haut de la pipette, ne permettant pas un contrôle visuel lors du pipetage.Examples of pipettes of the state of the art comprising protruding and prominent "L" -shaped, head or platform top parts include the Eppendorf Reference® pipette, marketed by Eppendorf GmbH, and the Transferpette® pipette, marketed by Brand GmbH & Co. KG. The "Reference" pipette requires a separate universal calibration key, to effect adjustment of the display means, and the "Transferpette" pipette requires the detachment of several pieces to perform calibration by adjustment of the display means, as described herein. -above. In addition, in the two aforementioned pipettes, the display means are directed towards the top of the pipette, not allowing a visual control during pipetting.

Dans le cadre de la présente invention, il est particulièrement souhaitable d'avoir un contrôle visuel du dispositif d'affichage et de calibration en cours de pipetage, c'est à dire pendant une phase de travail où, en général, la paume de la main est orientée approximativement en direction du visage de l'utilisateur, et d'agencer ce dispositif en conséquence.In the context of the present invention, it is particularly desirable to have a visual control of the display and calibration device during pipetting, that is to say during a work phase where, in general, the palm of the hand is oriented approximately towards the face of the user, and to arrange this device accordingly.

Le document EP 0649678A1 est particulièrement concerné avec la modification du facteur de correction d'une pipette à course de piston. Ce document enseigne une calibration dans laquelle une modification du facteur de correction de pipette est réalisée par ajustement des dispositifs de réglage, un levier de manoeuvre pouvant être actionné de l'extérieur du bâti de pipette.The document EP 0649678A1 is particularly concerned with the modification of the correction factor of a piston stroke pipette. This document teaches a calibration in which a modification of the pipette correction factor is made by adjusting the adjusting devices, an operating lever operable from outside the pipette housing.

Le document US 4,165,646 concerne une pipette du type seringue et à piston en contact direct avec le liquide (piston à déplacement positif). Ce document enseigne une calibration en deux étapes, dont un ajustement du volume par une tige utilisée comme distance de référence, suivi par le déplacement d'un manchon extérieur comportant une fenêtre jusqu'à l'apparition du volume de référence dans la fenêtre. Comme cette pipette est tenue comme une seringue, ce document ne concerne en rien les problèmes liés à l'ergonomie décrits ci-dessus. D'autre part, les pipettes à déplacement positif sont utilisées en laboratoire pour d'autres applications que les pipettes à coussin d'air, ces dernières comportant un ensemble piston-cylindre, le cylindre étant agencé de façon à pouvoir être muni d'un embout remplaçable.The document US 4,165,646 relates to a pipette of the syringe and piston type in direct contact with the liquid (positive displacement piston). This document teaches a calibration in two steps, including a volume adjustment by a rod used as reference distance, followed by the displacement of an outer sleeve having a window until the appearance of the reference volume in the window. As this pipette is held like a syringe, this document does not concern the ergonomic problems described above. Positive-displacement pipettes, on the other hand, are used in the laboratory for other purposes than air-cushion pipettes, the latter having a piston-cylinder assembly, the cylinder being arranged so as to be provided with a replaceable tip.

Le document US 4,672,857 concerne également une pipette à déplacement positif dans laquelle, lors d'une calibration, le volume pipette et l'affichage sont ajustés indépendamment à une valeur zéro en utilisant un outil particulier. La pipette selon ce document dispose d'un ensemble embout-piston qui peut être connecté à la pipette. Lors de la connexion, une calibration de chaque ensemble embout-piston à la valeur zéro est effectuée, ce qui permet d'utiliser des ensembles embout-piston dont le piston est soumis à des changements de longueur, par exemple à cause d'un autoclavage.The document US 4,672,857 also relates to a positive displacement pipette in which, during a calibration, the pipette volume and the display are adjusted independently to a zero value using a particular tool. The pipette according to this document has a tip-piston assembly that can be connected to the pipette. During the connection, a calibration of each piston-tip assembly at the zero value is performed, which makes it possible to use piston-tip assemblies whose piston is subjected to changes in length, for example due to autoclaving. .

Ces buts sont atteints dans une pipette à piston mécanique, à volume réglable, comprenant un corps de pipette, un ensemble piston-cylindre, le cylindre étant agencé de façon à pouvoir être muni d'un embout remplaçable, et un dispositif éjecteur d'embout, déplaçable le long du cylindre pour éjecter un embout de l'extrémité du cylindre, le dit corps de pipette accueillant: un dispositif d'actionnement d'éjection, et un dispositif d'actionnement de piston comportant un bouton doseur effectuant une course déterminée en translation longitudinale entre une position de butée basse et une position de butée haute pour effectuer l'aspiration de liquides, avec des moyens de modification de ladite course, des moyens de réglage du volume pipeté, comportant une vis de réglage, des moyens d'affichage du volume pipeté comportant une pluralité de bagues de comptage, et des moyens de calibration, caractérisée en ce que les dits moyens de réglage, les dits moyens d'affichage et les dits moyens de calibration coopèrent en un dispositif de réglage et de calibration dans lequel, lors d'une opération de calibration, les dits moyens d'affichage sont ajustés de façon à faire coïncider le volume affiché avec le volume réel pipeté sans modifier la course, en ce que le dispositif de réglage et de calibration comporte un tube de réglage qui est coaxial avec le dispositif d'actionnement de piston et qui sert comme guide au bouton doseur, et une bague de calibration qui est rendue solidaire en rotation de la vis de réglage au moyen de nervures/rainures longitudinales conjuguées, la dite bague de calibration étant verrouillée par un dispositif de verrouillage constitué d'un patin et d'une agrafe élastique, le dit patin étant manoeuvrable de l'extérieur par un trou dans le manchon extérieur du corps de pipette et ledit patin étant déverrouillé avant une opération de calibration, le dit dispositif de réglage et de calibration est logé à l'intérieur de la partie longitudinale du corps de pipette, et en ce que lors d'un réglage et lors du calibrage de la pipette, ledit tube de réglage entraîne un pignon qui entraîne la rotation des bagues de comptage.These objects are achieved in a mechanical piston pipette, with adjustable volume, comprising a pipette body, a piston-cylinder assembly, the cylinder being arranged to be provided with a replaceable tip, and a tip ejector device. movable along the cylinder for ejecting a tip from the end of the cylinder, said accommodating pipette body: an ejecting actuator, and a piston actuating device having a metering knob performing a determined stroke in longitudinal translation between a low abutment position and a high abutment position for effecting the suction of liquids, with means for modifying said stroke, means for adjusting the pipetted volume, comprising a set screw, display means pipetted volume comprising a plurality of counting rings, and calibration means, characterized in that said adjustment means, said display means and said calibration means co-operate in an adjustment and calibration device in which, during a calibration operation, said display means are adjusted so as to make the displayed volume coincide with the actual pipetted volume without modifying the stroke, in that the adjusting and calibration device comprises a control tube which is coaxial with the piston actuating device and which serves as a guide for the dosing knob, and a calibration ring which is rotatably secured to the adjusting screw by means of ribs / longitudinal conjugate grooves, said calibration ring being locked by a locking device consisting of a pad and an elastic clip, said pad being operable from the outside by a hole in the outer sleeve of the pipette body and said pad being unlocked before a calibration operation, said adjustment and calibration device is housed at the int Procedure of the longitudinal portion of the pipette body, and in that during a setting and during calibration of the pipette, said adjustment tube drives a pinion that drives the rotation of counting rings.

Ces buts sont en particulier atteints dans une pipette mécanique à volume fixe comprenant un corps de pipette, un ensemble piston-cylindre, le cylindre étant agencé de façon à pouvoir être muni d'un embout remplaçable, et un dispositif éjecteur d'embout, déplaçable le long du cylindre pour éjecter un embout de l'extrémité du cylindre, le dit corps de pipette accueillant un dispositif d'actionnement d'éjection et un dispositif d'actionnement de piston effectuant une course déterminée en translation longitudinale entre une position de butée basse et une position de butée haute pour effectuer l'aspiration de liquides, avec des moyens de modification de la dite course, caractérisée en ce que qu'une pièce définissant la butée basse de la dite course passe d'une position totalement verrouillée à une position où elle peut effectuer un mouvement transversal, en ce que, dans la position verrouillée, elle empêche le déplacement longitudinal d'une pièce définissant le bas de la butée de course et que dans la dite position déverrouillée, elle permet l'action de moyens de calibration déplaçant la position longitudinale de la dite butée de course.These objects are particularly achieved in a fixed volume mechanical pipette comprising a pipette body, a piston-cylinder assembly, the cylinder being arranged to be provided with a replaceable tip, and a tip ejector device, movable along the cylinder for ejecting a tip from the end of the cylinder, said pipette body accommodating an ejection actuating device and a piston actuating device performing a determined longitudinal translation stroke between a low stop position and a high stop position for effecting the suction of liquids, with means for modifying said stroke, characterized in that a piece defining the bottom stop of said stroke passes from a fully locked position to a position where it can make a transverse movement, in that, in the locked position, it prevents the longitudinal displacement of a part defining the bottom of the race stop and that in the said unlocked position, it allows the action of calibration means moving the longitudinal position of said travel stop.

Des modes d'exécution préférés de la pipette à piston selon l'invention sont définis dans les revendications dépendantes.Preferred embodiments of the piston pipette according to the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à l'homme du métier de la description ci-dessous de deux modes d'exécution de corps de pipette, en référence au dessin, dans lequel

  • la figure 1 montre une coupe selon l'axe longitudinal d'un corps de pipette à volume réglable;
  • la figure 2 montre une coupe selon l'axe longitudinal d'un corps de pipette à volume fixe.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of two embodiments of pipette bodies, with reference to the drawing, in which
  • the figure 1 shows a section along the longitudinal axis of a pipette body with adjustable volume;
  • the figure 2 shows a section along the longitudinal axis of a fixed volume pipette body.

Les pièces communes aux corps de pipette des figs. 1 et 2 sont désignées par les mêmes numéros de référence.The parts common to the pipette bodies of Figs. 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numbers.

Le corps de pipette à volume réglable montré par la figure 1 comprend un manchon extérieur 14 constitué lui-même d'une partie longitudinale 14a, sensiblement cylindrique mais avec un léger renflement ergonomique pour s'adapter à la paume de la main, à section transversale sensiblement elliptique, dont la partie supérieure se prolonge latéralement par une crosse 14b en forme de virgule destinée à reposer sur le flanc de l'index de la main de l'utilisateur. Le manchon extérieur 14 accueille un manchon intérieur 13 qui se loge dans le manchon extérieur 14 du même côté que la crosse 14b. Le manchon intérieur 13 présente une portion de paroi intérieure cylindrique avec une section en arc de cercle, qui forme avec la surface intérieure de la zone opposée du manchon extérieur 14 un logement cylindrique de section circulaire. Le manchon intérieur 13 est suffisamment épais pour accueillir le dispositif d'éjection d'embout, qui comprend un bouton éjecteur 10 surmonté d'un capuchon protecteur 9. Le bouton éjecteur se prolonge par une tige d'éjection 18 sur laquelle sont enfilés un ressort d'éjection 12 et une douille 11. Le manchon intérieur 13 loge également un tube à pignons 19 comprenant une pluralité de pignons rotatifs, par exemple trois pignons 19a, 19b, 19c, tournant autour d'un axe parallèle à l'axe longitudinal de la pipette et coopérant avec le dispositif de réglage et de calibration comme il sera décrit plus loin. Le haut du manchon 13 se prolonge latéralement par une bague 13a, coaxiale avec le logement cylindrique, qui coiffe l'ouverture supérieure du manchon 14.The adjustable volume pipette body shown by the figure 1 comprises an outer sleeve 14 itself constituted of a longitudinal portion 14a, substantially cylindrical but with a slight ergonomic bulge to fit the palm of the hand, with a substantially elliptical cross section, the upper part of which extends laterally by a comma-shaped stick 14b intended to rest on the flank of the index finger of the user's hand. The outer sleeve 14 accommodates an inner sleeve 13 which is housed in the outer sleeve 14 on the same side as the butt 14b. The inner sleeve 13 has a cylindrical inner wall portion with an arcuate section, which forms with the inner surface of the opposite zone of the outer sleeve 14 a cylindrical housing of circular section. The inner sleeve 13 is sufficiently thick to accommodate the tip ejection device, which comprises an ejector button 10 surmounted by a protective cap 9. The ejector button is extended by an ejector rod 18 on which are threaded a spring 12 The inner sleeve 13 also houses a pinion tube 19 comprising a plurality of rotary gears, for example three pinions 19a, 19b, 19c, rotating about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pinion. the pipette and cooperating with the adjustment and calibration device as will be described later. The top of the sleeve 13 extends laterally by a ring 13a, coaxial with the cylindrical housing, which caps the upper opening of the sleeve 14.

Un bouton doseur 3 dépasse du sommet de la bague 13a. Le bouton doseur 3 est destiné à être enfoncé dans le corps de pipette par le pouce de l'utilisateur pendant les opérations de pipetage, à savoir aspiration de liquide dans l'embout jetable et éjection de ce liquide. Le bouton doseur 3 est repoussé vers le haut par le ressort de pipetage 7, de sorte à effectuer des déplacements alternatifs en translation selon l'axe longitudinal du corps de pipette. Le sommet du bouton doseur 3 est bouché par un capuchon 1. Le capuchon 1 est facilement enlevé par l'utilisateur au moyen d'un ongle. Il peut être réalisé dans différentes couleurs pour faciliter l'identification visuelle de la pipette.A metering knob 3 protrudes from the top of the ring 13a. The metering knob 3 is intended to be pressed into the pipette body by the thumb of the user during the pipetting operations, namely aspiration of liquid into the disposable tip and ejection of this liquid. The metering knob 3 is pushed upwards by the pipetting spring 7, so as to perform reciprocating translational movements along the longitudinal axis of the pipette body. The top of the metering knob 3 is plugged by a cap 1. The cap 1 is easily removed by the user by means of a fingernail. It can be made in different colors to facilitate the visual identification of the pipette.

Le bouton doseur 3 est fileté intérieurement. Il reçoit une vis de réglage 4 filetée extérieurement, de sorte que la rotation du bouton doseur 3 entraîne la vis de réglage 4 en translation longitudinale, lorsque celle-ci est bloquée elle-même en rotation comme décrit plus loin. Sur la figure 1, la vis de réglage 4 est représentée dans sa position extrême inférieure. La partie supérieure de la vis de réglage 4 est évidée et reçoit une clé de calibration 2 qui peut coulisser en translation longitudinale dans l'évidement de la vis de réglage 4, mais qui y est bloquée en rotation. Pour ce faire, l'évidement de la vis de réglage 4 et la clé de calibration peuvent être toutes deux de section carrée. La clé de calibration est enfilée dans un anneau 5.The metering knob 3 is threaded internally. It receives a set screw 4 threaded externally, so that the rotation of the metering knob 3 drives the adjusting screw 4 in longitudinal translation, when it is itself locked in rotation as described below. On the figure 1 , the adjusting screw 4 is shown in its lower extreme position. The upper part of the adjusting screw 4 is recessed and receives a calibration key 2 which can slide in longitudinal translation in the recess of the adjusting screw 4, but which is locked in rotation. To do this, the recess of the adjusting screw 4 and the calibration key can both be of square section. The calibration key is threaded into a ring 5.

La partie médiane de la vis de réglage 4 porte un renflement 4a, venu d'une pièce avec le corps de la vis 4, sur lequel repose un ressort de sur-course 4b. L'autre extrémité du ressort de sur-course 4b repose sur une butée de sur-course 4c emmanchée sur et solidarisée avec le corps de la vis de réglage 4.The middle portion of the adjusting screw 4 carries a bulge 4a, integrally with the body of the screw 4, on which rests an over-stroke spring 4b. The other end of the overtravel spring 4b rests on an overtravel abutment 4c fitted on and secured to the body of the adjusting screw 4.

Le dispositif de réglage et de calibration est désigné dans son ensemble par 8. Il comprend un disque de calibration 8a. Le disque de calibration 8a comprend un canon supérieur 8b entourant le corps de la vis de réglage 4, qui y coulisse longitudinalement, et un flasque inférieur 8c de diamètre supérieur à celui du canon 8b. Le disque de calibration 8a repose sur le fond 14c du manchon extérieur 14 et limite ainsi la course de la vis 4, lorsque la face inférieure de la butée 4c entre en contact avec lui. Un tube de réglage 8d repose sur le replat horizontal 8h circulaire formé entre le flasque 8c et le canon 8b. Le tube de réglage 8d et le disque de calibration 8a sont accouplés par un système de crabots de couplage C, constitué de deux couronnes dentées se faisant face, formées respectivement sur le replat 8h du disque de calibration et sur la face frontale inférieure du tube de réglage 8d. Les dents ont une hauteur faible et se désengagent facilement. Le manchon extérieur 14 loge, au niveau du disque de calibration 8a, un dispositif de verrouillage constitué d'un patin 15 muni d'une agrafe élastique 16. En position verrouillée, ce patin 15 empêche la rotation du disque de calibration 8a. Le patin est manoeuvrable de l'extérieur, par un trou du manchon 14, par n'importe quel objet ayant une pointe fine.The adjustment and calibration device is designated as a whole by 8. It comprises a calibration disk 8a. The calibration disk 8a comprises an upper barrel 8b surrounding the body of the adjusting screw 4, which slides there longitudinally, and a lower flange 8c of diameter greater than that of the barrel 8b. The calibration disk 8a rests on the bottom 14c of the outer sleeve 14 and thus limits the stroke of the screw 4, when the lower face of the abutment 4c comes into contact with it. An adjustment tube 8d rests on the horizontal circular plate 8h formed between the flange 8c and the barrel 8b. The adjustment tube 8d and the calibration disk 8a are coupled by a coupling dog system C, consisting of two toothed rings facing each other, respectively formed on the plate 8h of the calibration disc and on the lower end face of the tube. 8d setting. Teeth are low in height and easily disengage. The outer sleeve 14 houses, at the level of the calibration disk 8a, a locking device consisting of a shoe 15 provided with an elastic clip 16. In the locked position, this pad 15 prevents the rotation of the calibration disk 8a. The pad is operable from the outside, by a hole of the sleeve 14, by any object having a fine point.

Le disque de calibration 8a est rendu solidaire en rotation du corps de la vis de réglage 4 au moyen de nervures/rainures longitudinales conjuguées. Le sommet du tube de réglage 8d entoure le bas du bouton doseur 3. Le tube de réglage 8d et le bouton doseur 3 sont également solidarisés en rotation par des nervures/rainures conjuguées.The calibration disk 8a is rotatably secured to the body of the adjusting screw 4 by means of ribs / longitudinal conjugate grooves. The top of the adjustment tube 8d surrounds the bottom of the metering knob 3. The adjustment tube 8d and the metering knob 3 are also secured in rotation by ribs / conjugate grooves.

Le tube de réglage présente une partie inférieure de diamètre extérieur légèrement diminué, formant un ressaut circulaire horizontal. Le tube de réglage 8d porte d'autre part sur cette partie inférieure une pluralité de bagues de comptage, par exemple trois bagues 8e, 8f, 8g portant sur leur périphérie des chiffres de 0 à 9, fournissant une indication digitale du volume de liquide pipeté.The adjustment tube has a lower portion of outside diameter slightly decreased, forming a horizontal circular projection. The adjustment tube 8d on the other hand carries on this lower part a plurality of counting rings, for example three rings 8e, 8f, 8g bearing on their periphery numbers from 0 to 9, providing a digital indication of the volume of liquid pipetted. .

Le manchon extérieur 14 comporte sur son côté opposé à la crosse 14b et à hauteur des bagues de comptage une fenêtre transparente 6 permettant de lire l'indication de volume.The outer sleeve 14 has on its side opposite to the butt 14b and at the height of the counting rings a transparent window 6 for reading the volume indication.

Le ressaut du tube de réglage 8d faisant face aux bagues de comptage comporte plusieurs dentures entraînant le pignon 19a. Les bagues de comptage comportent une denture continue sur la face frontale supérieure mais une seule indentation sur la face frontale opposée, de sorte que la rotation du tube de réglage 8d entraîne le premier pignon, qui à son tour entraîne le premier disque 8e qui, par exemple au bout d'un tour complet, entraîne le deuxième pignon 19b faisant tourner d'un digit la deuxième bague de comptage, et ainsi de suite. Ce mécanisme est en soi connu.The projection of the adjustment tube 8d facing the counting rings has several teeth driving the pinion 19a. The counting rings have a continuous toothing on the upper end face but a single indentation on the opposite end face, so that the rotation of the adjustment tube 8d drives the first pinion, which in turn drives the first disk 8e which, by example after one complete revolution, drives the second pinion 19b rotating a digit the second count ring, and so on. This mechanism is known per se.

Le réglage du volume de liquide aspiré/dispensé par la pipette en mode normal de travail fonctionne comme suit:The adjustment of the volume of liquid aspirated / dispensed by the pipette in normal working mode works as follows:

Le patin de verrouillage 15 est en position verrouillé, empêchant la rotation du disque de calibration 8a. Le disque de calibration bloque la rotation de la vis de réglage 4, qui elle-même est solidaire en rotation de la clé de calibrage 2. L'utilisateur fait tourner le bouton doseur 3, qui, par son filetage intérieur, entraîne en translation la vis de réglage 4. Ce déplacement en translation longitudinale opère le réglage de la course s'étendant entre le bas de la butée de course 4c et le haut du disque de calibrage 8a. Cette course détermine elle-même le volume de liquide, puisque la vis de réglage 4 est reliée au piston de la pipette par son extrémité inférieure 4d en forme de tête sphérique constituant une connexion détachable.The locking shoe 15 is in the locked position, preventing the rotation of the calibration disk 8a. The calibration disc blocks the rotation of the adjusting screw 4, which itself is rotatably connected to the calibration key 2. The user rotates the metering knob 3, which, by its internal thread, drives in translation the adjusting screw 4. This displacement in longitudinal translation operates the adjustment of the stroke extending between the bottom of the travel stop 4c and the top of the calibration disc 8a. This stroke itself determines the volume of liquid, since the adjusting screw 4 is connected to the piston of the pipette by its lower end 4d shaped spherical head constituting a detachable connection.

Simultanément, la rotation du bouton doseur 3 entraîne en rotation le tube de réglage 8d et, via le tube de pignons 19, les disques compteurs 8e, 8f, 8g, comme exposé ci-dessus. A noter que le système de crabots C est désaccouplé, le tube 8d tourne sur le disque de calibration 8a, les dents des segments dentés ripant les unes au-dessus des autres.Simultaneously, the rotation of the metering knob 3 rotates the adjustment tube 8d and, via the gear tube 19, the meter disks 8e, 8f, 8g, as explained above. Note that the jaw system C is uncoupled, the tube 8d rotates on the calibration disc 8a, the teeth of the toothed segments ripening one above the other.

Après assemblage d'une pipette, la course, définie par la distance entre la butée de surcourse 4c et le disque de calibrage 8a ne correspond pas, dans la majorité des cas, au volume affiché. Une calibration est nécessaire à l'usine. L'utilisateur ultérieur peut également souhaiter périodiquement, par exemple pour des liquides spécifiques ou encore après des opérations de démontage, de nettoyage et de stérilisation, procéder à un recalibrage. Une opération de calibrage s'effectue de la manière suivante:After assembly of a pipette, the stroke defined by the distance between the overtravel stop 4c and the calibration disc 8a does not correspond, in the majority of cases, to the displayed volume. A calibration is necessary at the factory. The subsequent user may also wish periodically, for example for specific liquids or after disassembly, cleaning and sterilization operations, recalibrate. A calibration operation is performed as follows:

On mesure, par exemple en le pesant, le volume dispensé par la pipette. A titre d'exemple le volume mesuré peut être de 545µl alors que le compteur affiche 210µl. L'opération de calibrage consiste à amener la valeur de l'affichage à 545µl correspondant au volume effectif, sans modifier la course.The volume dispensed by the pipette is measured, for example by weighing it. For example, the measured volume may be 545μl while the meter displays 210μl. The calibration operation consists in bringing the value of the display to 545μl corresponding to the effective volume, without modifying the stroke.

Pour ce faire, le patin de verrouillage 15 est déverrouillé, libérant ainsi la rotation du disque de calibration 8a. Le capuchon 1 est enlevé pour accéder à la clé de calibration 2. Celle-ci peut être actionnée soit par une pièce de monnaie ou un tournevis, soit, après avoir partiellement coulissé vers l'extérieur, peut être actionnée à la main. La rotation de la clé de calibration entraîne en rotation la vis de réglage 4, qui elle-même entraîne en rotation le disque de calibration. Pendant qu'il tourne la clé de calibration, l'utilisateur veille à ne pas toucher le bouton doseur 3 afin de ne pas modifier la position relative bouton 3/vis 4. Le disque de calibration entraîne le tube de réglage 8d en rotation, par l'intermédiaire du système de crabots C. La rotation du tube de réglage entraîne la rotation des pignons du tube de pignons 19 et par conséquent la rotation des bagues de comptage. La clé est tournée jusqu'à ce que la valeur mesurée, dans cet exemple 545µl, s'affiche. Ensuite, le patin 15 est repoussé en position de verrouillage afin de bloquer en position angulaire le disque de calibration 8a et la vis de réglage 4. La clé de calibration 2 est repoussée dans son logement et le capuchon est replacé. La valeur du dispositif compteur étant calquée sur la course, les réglages de volume ultérieurs de la pipette s'effectuent simplement par rotation du bouton doseur 3, qui modifie cette fois la course par déplacement en translation de la vis de réglage 4 sans déplacement en rotation de celle-ci.To do this, the locking shoe 15 is unlocked, thus releasing the rotation of the calibration disk 8a. The cap 1 is removed to access the calibration key 2. The latter can be actuated either by a coin or a screwdriver, or, after having partially slid outwards, can be operated by hand. The rotation of the calibration key rotates the adjusting screw 4, which itself rotates the calibration disk. While turning the calibration key, the user makes sure not to touch the metering knob 3 so as not to change the relative position knob 3 / screw 4. The calibration disk drives the adjusting tube 8d in rotation, by through the jaw system C. The rotation of the adjustment tube causes the rotation of the pinion tube sprockets 19 and therefore the rotation of the counting rings. The key is rotated until the measured value, in this example 545μl, is displayed. Then, the pad 15 is pushed into the locking position to lock in angular position the calibration disc 8a and the adjusting screw 4. The calibration key 2 is pushed into its housing and the cap is replaced. Since the value of the counter device is modeled on the stroke, the subsequent volume adjustments of the pipette are made simply by rotation of the metering knob 3, which this time changes the stroke by translational movement of the adjusting screw 4 without rotating movement. of it.

Le corps de pipette à volume fixe montré par la figure 2 comprend un manchon extérieur 14 constitué lui-même d'une partie longitudinale 14a, sensiblement cylindrique mais avec un léger renflement ergonomique pour s'adapter à la paume de la main, à section transversale sensiblement elliptique, dont la partie supérieure se prolonge latéralement par une crosse 14b en forme de virgule destinée à reposer sur le flanc de l'index de la main de l'utilisateur. Le manchon extérieur 14 accueille un manchon intérieur 13 qui se loge dans le manchon extérieur 14 du même côté que la crosse 14b. Le manchon intérieur 13 présente une portion de paroi intérieure cylindrique avec une section en arc de cercle, qui forme avec la surface intérieure de la zone opposée du manchon extérieur 14 un logement cylindrique de section circulaire. Le manchon intérieur 13 est suffisamment épais pour accueillir le dispositif d'éjection d'embout, qui comprend un bouton éjecteur 10 surmonté d'un capuchon protecteur 9. Le bouton éjecteur se prolonge par une tige d'éjection 18 sur laquelle sont enfilés un ressort d'éjection 12 et une douille 11. L'emplacement du tube à pignons 19 décrit plus haut reste vide. Le haut du manchon 13 se prolonge latéralement par une bague 13a, coaxiale avec le logement cylindrique, qui coiffe l'ouverture supérieure du manchon 14.The fixed volume pipette body shown by the figure 2 comprises an outer sleeve 14 itself constituted of a longitudinal portion 14a, substantially cylindrical but with a slight ergonomic bulge to fit the palm of the hand, with a substantially elliptical cross section, the upper part of which extends laterally by a comma-shaped stick 14b intended to rest on the flank of the index finger of the user's hand. The outer sleeve 14 accommodates an inner sleeve 13 which is housed in the outer sleeve 14 on the same side as the butt 14b. The inner sleeve 13 has a cylindrical inner wall portion with an arcuate section, which forms with the inner surface of the opposite zone of the outer sleeve 14 a cylindrical housing of circular section. The inner sleeve 13 is sufficiently thick to accommodate the tip ejection device, which comprises an ejector button 10 surmounted by a protective cap 9. The ejector button is extended by an ejector rod 18 on which are threaded a spring 12 and a socket 11. The location of the pinion tube 19 described above remains empty. The top of the sleeve 13 extends laterally by a ring 13a, coaxial with the cylindrical housing, which caps the upper opening of the sleeve 14.

Un bouton doseur 3 dépasse du sommet de la bague 13a. Le bouton doseur 3 est destiné à être enfoncé dans le corps de pipette par le pouce de l'utilisateur pendant les opérations de pipetage, à savoir aspiration de liquide dans l'embout jetable et éjection de ce liquide. Le bouton doseur 3 est repoussé vers le haut par le ressort de pipetage 7, de sorte à effectuer des déplacements alternatifs en translation selon l'axe longitudinal du corps de pipette. Le sommet du bouton doseur 3 est bouché par un capuchon 1. Le capuchon 1 est facilement enlevé par l'utilisateur au moyen d'un ongle. Il peut être réalisé dans différentes couleurs pour faciliter l'identification visuelle de la pipette.A metering knob 3 protrudes from the top of the ring 13a. The metering knob 3 is intended to be pressed into the pipette body by the thumb of the user during the pipetting operations, namely aspiration of liquid into the disposable tip and ejection of this liquid. The metering knob 3 is pushed upwards by the pipetting spring 7, so as to perform reciprocating translational movements along the longitudinal axis of the pipette body. The top of the metering knob 3 is clogged by a cap 1. The cap 1 is easily removed by the user by means of a fingernail. It can be made in different colors to facilitate the visual identification of the pipette.

Le bouton doseur 3 est fileté intérieurement. Il reçoit une vis de réglage 4 filetée extérieurement. Sur la figure 2, la vis de réglage 4 est représentée dans sa position extrême inférieure. La partie supérieure de la vis de réglage 4 est évidée et reçoit une clé de calibration 2 qui peut coulisser en translation longitudinale dans l'évidement de la vis de réglage 4, mais qui y est bloquée en rotation. Pour ce faire, l'évidement de la vis de réglage 4 et la clé de calibration peuvent être toutes deux de section carrée. La clé de calibration est enfilée dans un anneau 5.The metering knob 3 is threaded internally. It receives a setting screw 4 externally threaded. On the figure 2 , the adjusting screw 4 is shown in its lower extreme position. The upper part of the adjusting screw 4 is recessed and receives a calibration key 2 which can slide in longitudinal translation in the recess of the adjusting screw 4, but which is locked in rotation. To do this, the recess of the adjusting screw 4 and the calibration key can both be of square section. The calibration key is threaded into a ring 5.

La partie médiane de la vis de réglage 4 porte un renflement 4a, venu d'une pièce avec le corps de la vis 4, sur lequel repose un ressort de sur-course 4b. L'autre extrémité du ressort de sur-course 4b repose sur une butée de sur-course 4c emmanchée sur et solidarisée avec le corps de la vis de réglage 4.The middle portion of the adjusting screw 4 carries a bulge 4a, integrally with the body of the screw 4, on which rests an over-stroke spring 4b. The other end of the overtravel spring 4b rests on an overtravel abutment 4c fitted on and secured to the body of the adjusting screw 4.

Le dispositif de calibration est désigné dans son ensemble par 8'. Il comprend un disque de calibration 8a. Le disque de calibration 8a comprend un canon supérieur 8b entourant le corps de la vis de réglage 4, qui y coulisse longitudinalement, et un flasque inférieur 8c de diamètre supérieur à celui du canon 8b. Le disque de calibration 8a repose sur le fond 14c du manchon extérieur 14 et limite ainsi la course de la vis 4, lorsque la face inférieure de la butée 4c entre en contact avec lui. Le disque de calibration 8a peut être identique à celui montré sur la figure 1, et porter une couronne dentée circulaire, formée sur le replat 8h du disque de calibration; mais, dans le cas d'une pipette à volume fixe, cette couronne n'a pas de fonction. Le manchon extérieur 14 loge, au niveau du disque de calibration 8a, un dispositif de verrouillage constitué d'un patin 15 muni d'une agrafe élastique 16. En position verrouillée, ce patin 15 empêche la rotation du disque de calibration 8a. Le patin est manoeuvrable de l'extérieur, par un trou du manchon 14, par n'importe quel objet ayant une pointe fine. Le disque de calibration 8a est rendu solidaire en rotation du corps de la vis de réglage 4 au moyen de nervures/rainures longitudinales conjuguées.The calibration device is designated as a whole by 8 '. It includes a calibration disk 8a. The calibration disk 8a comprises an upper barrel 8b surrounding the body of the adjusting screw 4, which slides there longitudinally, and a lower flange 8c of diameter greater than that of the barrel 8b. The calibration disk 8a rests on the bottom 14c of the outer sleeve 14 and thus limits the stroke of the screw 4, when the lower face of the abutment 4c comes into contact with it. The calibration disk 8a may be identical to that shown on the figure 1 , and carry a circular ring gear formed on the plate 8h of the calibration disk; but, in the case of a fixed volume pipette, this crown has no function. The outer sleeve 14 houses, at the level of the calibration disk 8a, a locking device consisting of a shoe 15 provided with an elastic clip 16. In the locked position, this pad 15 prevents the rotation of the calibration disk 8a. The pad is operable from the outside, by a hole of the sleeve 14, by any object having a fine point. The calibration disk 8a is rotatably secured to the body of the adjusting screw 4 by means of ribs / longitudinal conjugate grooves.

Un tube 8d' repose sur le replat horizontal circulaire formé entre le flasque 8c et le canon 8b. Mais la face frontale inférieure du tube de réglage 8d' est de préférence lisse. Le sommet du tube 8d' entoure le bas du bouton doseur 3. Le tube 8d' et le bouton doseur 3 sont également solidarisés en rotation par des nervures/rainures conjuguées. D'autre part, le tube 8d' porte deux nervures extérieures longitudinales qui pénètrent dans des rainures longitudinales du manchon intérieur 13. Le tube 8d' et le bouton doseur 3 sont donc tous deux bloqués en rotationA tube 8d 'rests on the circular horizontal plate formed between the flange 8c and the barrel 8b. But the lower end face of the adjustment tube 8d 'is preferably smooth. The top of the tube 8d 'surrounds the bottom of the metering knob 3. The tube 8d' and the metering knob 3 are also secured in rotation by ribs / conjugate grooves. On the other hand, the tube 8d 'carries two longitudinal outer ribs which penetrate into longitudinal grooves of the inner sleeve 13. The tube 8d' and the metering knob 3 are therefore both locked in rotation

. Le tube 8d' présente comme le tube 8d décrit plus haut une partie inférieure de diamètre extérieur légèrement diminué, formant un ressaut circulaire horizontal. Mais le tube 8d' ne porte pas de bagues de comptage.. The tube 8d 'has like the tube 8d described above a lower portion of outside diameter slightly decreased, forming a horizontal circular projection. But the tube 8d 'does not wear counting rings.

Le manchon extérieur 14 comporte sur son côté opposé à la crosse 14b et à hauteur de la partie inférieure du tube 8d une plaquette opaque 6' remplaçant la fenêtre 6.The outer sleeve 14 has on its side opposite to the butt 14b and at the height of the lower part of the tube 8d an opaque plate 6 'replacing the window 6.

Après assemblage d'une pipette, la course, définie par la distance entre la butée de surcourse 4c et le disque de calibrage 8a ne correspond pas, dans la majorité des cas, au volume nominal. Une calibration est nécessaire à l'usine. L'utilisateur ultérieur peut également souhaiter périodiquement, par exemple après des opérations de démontage, de nettoyage et de stérilisation, procéder à un recalibrage. Une opération de calibrage s'effectue de la manière suivante:After assembly of a pipette, the stroke defined by the distance between the overtravel stop 4c and the calibration disc 8a does not correspond, in the majority of cases, to the nominal volume. A calibration is necessary at the factory. The subsequent user may also wish periodically, for example after disassembly, cleaning and sterilization operations, to recalibrate. A calibration operation is performed as follows:

On mesure, par exemple en le pesant, le volume dispensé par la pipette. A titre d'exemple le volume mesuré peut être de 545µl alors que la valeur nominale est de 500µl. L'opération de calibrage consiste à amener la valeur du volume effectif à la valeur nominale.The volume dispensed by the pipette is measured, for example by weighing it. By way of example, the measured volume may be 545 μl while the nominal value is 500 μl. The calibration operation consists of bringing the value of the actual volume to the nominal value.

Pour ce faire, le patin de verrouillage 15 est déverrouillé, libérant ainsi la rotation du disque de calibration 8a. Le capuchon 1 est enlevé pour accéder à la vis de calibration 2. Celle-ci peut être actionnée soit par un tournevis ou une pièce de monnaie, soit, après avoir partiellement coulissé vers l'extérieur, peut être actionnée à la main. La rotation de la clé de calibration entraîne en rotation la vis de réglage 4, qui elle-même entraîne en rotation le disque de calibration. Le disque de calibration glisse sous le tube 8d'. Simultanément, la vis de réglage se déplace en translation longitudinale, modifiant la course, et donc le volume pipeté. Après mesure de ce volume, l'opération peut être répétée jusqu'à ce que la valeur mesurée coïncide avec la valeur nominale ou avec une autre valeur désirée par l'utilisateur. Ensuite, le patin 15 est repoussé en position de verrouillage afin de bloquer en position angulaire le disque de calibration 8a et la vis de réglage 4. La clé de calibration 2 est repoussée dans son logement et le capuchon est replacé.To do this, the locking shoe 15 is unlocked, thus releasing the rotation of the calibration disk 8a. The cap 1 is removed to access the calibration screw 2. The latter can be actuated either by a screwdriver or a coin, or, after having partially slid outwards, can be actuated by hand. The rotation of the calibration key rotates the adjusting screw 4, which itself rotates the calibration disk. The calibration disc slides under the tube 8d '. Simultaneously, the adjusting screw moves in longitudinal translation, modifying the stroke, and thus the pipetted volume. After measuring this volume, the operation may be repeated until the measured value coincides with the nominal value or with another value desired by the user. Then, the pad 15 is pushed into the locking position to lock in angular position the calibration disc 8a and the adjusting screw 4. The calibration key 2 is pushed into its housing and the cap is replaced.

Il résulte de la description ci-dessus que le corps de pipette à volume variable et le corps de pipette à volume fixe utilisent, dans une même gamme de volume, une grande majorité de pièces communes. Celles-ci sont identifiées par des numéros de référence identiques dans les figures 1 et 2. L'homme du métier observera en particulier qu'une même pièce, la bague de calibration 8a, assure plusieurs fonctions, à savoir de butée de fin de course, de réglage et/ou de calibration dans les deux types de pipette. Une seule pièce essentielle, à savoir le tube 8d, respectivement 8d', a des structures et des fonctions différentes: le tube 8d sert à la fois de guide au bouton doseur 3, de logement au ressort 7 et assure une fonction de réglage comme exposé ci-dessus. Le tube 8d' qui diffère essentiellement du tube 8d par la présence de nervures extérieures le bloquant en rotation, ne sert que de guide et de logement. On notera que les tubes 8d et 8d' ont par ailleurs des dimensions identiques. Le corps de pipette à volume réglable dispose par ailleurs d'un ensemble de bagues de comptage et de pignons d'entraînement décrits ci-dessus, qui ne sont pas présents dans le corps de la pipette à volume fixe.It follows from the above description that the variable volume pipette body and the fixed volume pipette body use, in the same volume range, a large majority of common parts. These are identified by identical reference numbers in the figures 1 and 2 . Those skilled in the art will observe in particular that the same piece, the calibration ring 8a, provides several functions, namely stop limit, adjustment and / or calibration in both types of pipette. A single essential piece, namely the tube 8d, respectively 8d ', has different structures and functions: the tube 8d serves both as a guide to the metering knob 3, as a housing to the spring 7 and provides a setting function as exposed above. The tube 8d 'which differs essentially from the tube 8d by the presence of outer ribs blocking it in rotation serves only as a guide and as a housing. It will be noted that the tubes 8d and 8d 'also have identical dimensions. The adjustable volume pipette body further has a set of counting rings and drive gears described above, which are not not present in the body of the fixed volume pipette.

L'homme du métier observera en particulier que les dimensions du corps de la pipette à volume variable ne sont pas différentes des dimensions du corps de pipette à volume fixe, l'ensemble des bagues de comptage et des pignons d'entraînement ayant été logés respectivement dans l'encombrement global du tube de réglage 8d et coaxialement avec le dispositif d'éjection, à l'intérieur du manchon intérieur 13.Those skilled in the art will observe in particular that the dimensions of the body of the variable volume pipette are not different from the dimensions of the fixed volume pipette body, the set of counting rings and drive gears being housed respectively in the overall size of the adjustment tube 8d and coaxially with the ejection device, inside the inner sleeve 13.

L'ensemble du dispositif de réglage et de calibration est logé dans le corps de pipette longitudinal, sans augmentation de volume de celui-ci, et l'affichage, qui n'est pas masqué par le pouce, reste visible de l'opérateur tenant sa pipette d'une manière naturelle.The entire adjustment and calibration device is housed in the longitudinal pipette body, without increasing its volume, and the display, which is not hidden by the thumb, remains visible to the operator holding his pipette in a natural way.

L'agencement des disques de comptage et des pignons d'entraînement permet en particulier, sans augmentation du volume du corps de la pipette, d'agencer le bouton d'éjection 10 au-dessus de la crosse du manchon extérieur, ce qui est érgonomiquement favorable, le pouce de l'utilisateur exerçant plus facilement une pression sur le bouton d'éjection lorsqu'il vient au-dessus de la tranche de la main que lorsqu'il s'en écarte, ce qui serait le cas si le bouton d'éjection avait été placé sur le côté opposé.The arrangement of the counting discs and drive gears allows in particular, without increasing the volume of the body of the pipette, to arrange the ejection button 10 above the butt of the outer sleeve, which is ergonomically favorable, the user's thumb more easily pressing the eject button when it comes over the edge of the hand than when it deviates from it, which would be the case if the button ejection had been placed on the opposite side.

Claims (9)

  1. An adjustable-volume mechanical piston pipette, comprising: a pipette body, a piston/cylinder assembly, the cylinder being arranged so as to be able to be equipped with a replaceable tip, and a tip ejector device, movable along the cylinder in order to eject a tip from the end of the cylinder, said pipette body accommodating: an ejection actuation device and a piston actuation device (3, 4, 7) comprising a dosing button (3) effecting given longitudinal translational travel between a low limit stop position and a high limit stop position in order to perform the aspiration of liquids, with means of modifying said travel, means of adjusting the pipetted volume comprising an adjustment screw (4), means of displaying the pipetted volume comprising a plurality of metering collars (8e, 8f, 8g), and calibration means, characterised in that said adjustment means, said display means and said calibration means cooperate as an adjustment and calibration device (8) in which, during a calibration operation, said display means are regulated so as to make the displayed volume equate with the pipetted real volume without modifying said travel, in that the adjustment and calibration device comprises an adjustment tube (8d), which is coaxial with the piston actuation device, and which serves as guide for the dosing button (3), and a calibration collar (8a) that is connected in a rotably fixed manner to the adjustment screw by means of paired longitudinal ribs/grooves, said calibration collar (8a) being locked by a locking device consisting of a pad (15) and an elastic catch (16), said pad being operable from outside through a hole in the external sleeve and the pad being unlocked before a calibration operation, in that said adjustment and calibration device (8) is housed inside the longitudinal part of the pipette body and in that during adjustment and calibration of the pipette said adjustment tube drives a pinion (19a) which leads to the rotation of the metering collars (8e, 8f, 8g).
  2. A fixed-volume mechanical piston pipette comprising a pipette body, a piston/cylinder assembly, the cylinder being arranged so as to be able to be equipped with a replaceable tip, and a tip ejector device, movable along the cylinder in order to eject a tip from the end of the cylinder, said pipette body accommodating an ejection actuation device and a piston actuation device (3, 4, 7) effecting given longitudinal translational travel between a low limit stop position and a high limit stop position in order to perform the aspiration of liquids, with means of modifying said travel, characterised in that a component (8a) defining the low limit stop of said travel charges from a totally locked position to a position in which it can perform transverse motion, in that, in the locked position, it prevents the longitudinal movement of a component (4c) defining the bottom of a travel limit stop, and that, in said unlocked position, it allows the action of calibration means (2, 3, 4) moving the longitudinal position of said travel limit stop (4c).
  3. A pipette according to claim 2, characterised in that said component defining the low limit stop position is a calibration disc (8a) whose longitudinal position is determined by fixed elements of the pipette body and which can be locked rotation-wise or unlocked rotation-wise by locking means (15, 16) accessible from the outside without dismantling other elements of the pipette.
  4. A pipette according to claim 3, characterised in that said calibration disc (8a) is coaxial with an adjustment screw (4) to which it is fixed rotation-wise, in that said adjustment screw (4) is free to slide longitudinally with respect to said calibration, disc, the lower end (4d) of said adjustment screw actuating the piston of the pipette, in that said adjustment screw carries an over-travel limit stop (4c) fitted on said adjustment screw (4), the distance between said over-travel limit stop (4c) and said calibration disc (8a), the pipette being at rest, defining said travel, and in that the adjustment screw (4) is arranged in such a way in the pipette body that a rotation of said adjustment screw (4) is necessarily accompanied by a helicoidal motion.
  5. A pipette according to claim 4, characterised in that said helicoidal movement is obtained by means of longitudinal threads connecting said adjustment screw to a dosing button (3), and in that said dosing button (3) also constitutes the member making it possible to actuate the adjustment screw (4) in order to perform the pipetting operations.
  6. A pipette according to claim 5, characterised in that said dosing button (3) accommodates a calibration key (2) fixed rotation-wise to said adjustment screw (4) and free to slide longitudinally.
  7. A pipette according to claim 6, characterised in that, during the pipetting operations, the dosing button (3) slides longitudinally in a tube (8d, 8d') to which it is fixed rotation-wise.
  8. A pipette according to claim 7, characterised in that the lower end of said tube (8d, 8d') rests on said calibration disc (8a).
  9. A fixed-volume pipette according to claim 8, characterised in that said tube (8d') is locked rotation-wise with respect to the body of the pipette.
EP03405604A 2003-08-19 2003-08-19 Mechanical piston pipette Expired - Lifetime EP1514600B2 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES03405604T ES2289252T5 (en) 2003-08-19 2003-08-19 Mechanical piston pipette
DE60314516T DE60314516T3 (en) 2003-08-19 2003-08-19 Mechanical piston pipette
EP03405604A EP1514600B2 (en) 2003-08-19 2003-08-19 Mechanical piston pipette
AT03405604T ATE365075T1 (en) 2003-08-19 2003-08-19 MECHANICAL PISTON PIPETTE
US10/916,359 US7204163B2 (en) 2003-08-19 2004-08-11 Mechanical piston pipette

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03405604A EP1514600B2 (en) 2003-08-19 2003-08-19 Mechanical piston pipette

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EP1514600A1 EP1514600A1 (en) 2005-03-16
EP1514600B1 EP1514600B1 (en) 2007-06-20
EP1514600B2 true EP1514600B2 (en) 2012-02-22

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AT (1) ATE365075T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60314516T3 (en)
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FI840579A0 (en) * 1984-02-14 1984-02-14 Labsystems Oy PIPETT MED REGLERBAR VOLYM
FR2696110B1 (en) * 1992-09-28 1994-12-09 Gilson Medical Electronics Sa Improvement to a pick-up and distribution pole for adjustable volumes of liquids.
DE4335863C1 (en) 1993-10-21 1995-02-02 Eppendorf Geraetebau Netheler Piston-operated pipette
US5650124A (en) * 1995-07-24 1997-07-22 Gilson; Warren E. Adjustable pipette
US5792424A (en) * 1996-03-05 1998-08-11 Rainin Instrument Co., Inc. Manual pipette with delayed-action home position latch
US5998218A (en) * 1996-09-09 1999-12-07 Sherwood Services Ag Calibration system for an electronically monitored mechanical pipette
US6295880B1 (en) * 1999-12-08 2001-10-02 Warren E. Gilson Adjustable pipette
FR2807343B1 (en) * 2000-04-07 2002-12-06 Gilson Sa COLLECTION PIPETTE PROVIDED WITH MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE VOLUME TO BE COLLECTED
FI20002241A0 (en) * 2000-10-11 2000-10-11 Labsystems Oy Adjustable pipette

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Publication number Publication date
ATE365075T1 (en) 2007-07-15
EP1514600A1 (en) 2005-03-16
DE60314516T3 (en) 2012-07-19
ES2289252T3 (en) 2008-02-01
DE60314516T2 (en) 2008-02-28
US7204163B2 (en) 2007-04-17
DE60314516D1 (en) 2007-08-02
EP1514600B1 (en) 2007-06-20
US20050039550A1 (en) 2005-02-24
ES2289252T5 (en) 2012-06-12

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