Patent ID: 7060226
Filing Date: 2006-06-13
Classification: B01L

Abstract:
1. A method for transferring a plurality of pipette tips from a container to a holding tray, comprising the steps of: providing a container for holding a plurality of receiving plates in a stack, each of said receiving plates being configured to hold a plurality of pipette tips in an array; providing a stack of receiving plates unconnected to and unconnectable to a transfer member, each receiving plate consisting of a plurality of apertures formed therein each sized to receive a pipette tip therethrough, each receiving plate having a plurality of pipette tips each disposed in one of said plurality of apertures, each of said pipette tips having a first end and a second end spaced from said first end, said first end having an opening extending into said pipette tip, positioning said stack of receiving plates with pipette tips into said container; providing said transfer member that is shaped to fit within said container, said transfer member configured to not be connectable to any receiving plate of said stack of receiving plates, said transfer member having an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of projections arranged in said first pattern, each projection of said plurality of projections extending from said lower surface a preselected distance to effect stable engagement with a corresponding first end of a pipette tip when said projection is received into said first opening of said pipette tip; providing a holding tray positioned on a support surface, said holding tray having an upper wall spaced from said support surface and a plurality of apertures extending through said upper wall and arranged in said first pattern; grasping said transfer member with the thumb and forefinger of a user and positioning said transfer member over said container; aligning the projections of said transfer member with the openings of said second plurality of pipette tips; lowering said transfer member into said container until said projections extend into and engage with said second plurality of pipette tips; grasping both said transfer member and said second receiving plate with the thumb and a finger of said user and holding them together while removing said transfer member and said second receiving plate with said second plurality of pipette tips from said container; positioning said transfer member, said second receiving plate and said second plurality of pipette tips over said holding tray; aligning said second plurality of pipette tips with said plurality of apertures of said holding tray; lowering said transfer member, said second receiving plate and said second plurality of pipette tips toward said holding tray until said second plurality of pipette tips has been inserted into and engaged with corresponding apertures of said holding tray; releasing said thumb and forefinger from said transfer member and said second receiving plate; and removing said transfer member from said second plurality of pipette tips.