Pipette tip loading assembly
A method of loading a plurality of pipette tips on a plurality of mandrels of a pipetter is provided. A plurality of pipette tips are inserted in a plurality of receptacles of a tip loading assembly. The plurality of pipette tips are oriented with respect to each other by a plate. The tip loading assembly includes, but is not limited to, an insertion surface. The insertion surface includes the plurality of receptacles configured to accept the plurality of pipette tips. A receptacle from among the plurality of receptacles includes a receptacle wall and a beveled surface that extends from at least a portion of the insertion surface. A retention force is applied to the plate. The plurality of pipette tips are attached to a plurality of mandrels of a pipetter and are separated from the plate.
1. A method for loading a plurality of pipette tips on a plurality of mandrels of a pipetter, the plurality of pipette tips oriented with respect to each other by a plate, the method comprising:
providing a pipettor and a loading assembly comprising an insertion surface including a plurality of receptacles configured to accept the plurality of pipette tips, a receptacle of the plurality of receptacles including a beveled surface extending from at least a portion of the insertion surface; and a plate supporting the plurality of pipette tips;
inserting the plurality of pipette tips in the plurality of receptacles of the insertion surface;
attaching the plurality of pipette tips to a plurality of mandrels of the pipettor;
applying a retention force to the plate by a retainer clip mounted in the tip loading assembly to maintain the plate on the insertion surface; and
separating the plurality of pipette tips attached to the plurality of mandrels from the plate;
wherein the retainer clip comprises:
a post;
an arm extending from the post in a first direction;
a first hook extending from the arm over a first portion of the plate, the first hook including a first edge; and
a second hook extending from the arm over a second portion of the plate, the second hook including a second edge;
wherein L a is a distance between the first edge and the second edge,
wherein L i is a dimension of the plate along an axis extending between the first edge and the second edge, and
further wherein the ratio of L a over L i is approximately greater than or equal to 0.33.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of supporting the insertion surface on a plurality of walls extending upward from a base of the loading assembly.