Multi-actuated micro-pipette controller and associated use thereof

A multi-actuated micro-pipette controller is actuated in at least three different ways. First, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller may be employed similar to a striper for denudation of cumulus cells and transfer of oocytes and embryos by depressing an actuator assembly operably coupled to a ballonet. Second, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller may be actuated similar to a SWEMED™ denudation pipette by pressing directly on the ballonet while it is seated in a primary housing and a secondary housing, without employing an actuator assembly of the primary housing. Third, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller may be actuated by removing the ballonet and employing it similar to a PASTEUR™ pipette.

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

Technical Field

Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure relate to pipettes for use micro-manipulation procedures and, more particularly, to a multi-actuated micro-pipette controller having a plurality of operating modes for selectively transporting fluid in a succinct and ergonomic manner.

Prior Art

Micro-pipettes are often used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures such as denuding/cleaning of cumulus cell around oocytes, transfer of gametes and embryos which are required for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo biopsy, assisted hatching, oocytes and embryo assessment, culture and other related procedures. Such procedures are often performed in an embryology lab using conventional micro-pipettes employing a squeeze bulb end connected to a glass/plastic tip with a very small diameter. To promote consistency and accuracy, controllers are used in combination with micro-pipettes. One conventional controller is a pistol mechanism for micro-pipetting. Such a controller has several shortcomings because its interior is not sterile, although some can be autoclaved. Other conventional controllers have a very small control volume and cannot create large suction force for denudation of cells around oocyte. Further, other conventional controllers require close placement of the operator's hand to the tip of the micro-pipette tip, which makes it difficult to operate.

Accordingly, a need remains for a multi-actuated micro-pipette controller in order to overcome at least one prior art shortcoming. The exemplary embodiment(s) satisfy such a need by providing a multi-actuated micro-pipette controller that is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, versatile in its applications, and designed for having a plurality of operating modes to selectively transport fluid in a succinct and ergonomic manner.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) to provide a multi-actuated micro-pipette controller having a plurality of operating modes for selectively transporting a volume of fluid. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided by a multi-actuated micro-pipette controller including a primary housing including a proximal end and a distal end axially opposed therefrom, a primary access port formed adjacent to the distal end, and a chamber extending from the proximal end to the distal end such that the chamber is accessible from the primary access port.

The multi-actuated micro-pipette controller further includes a secondary housing removably seated within the chamber. Such a secondary housing has a secondary access port at least partially aligned with the primary access port. A ballonet is adapted to receive the fluid therein. Such a ballonet is removably inserted within the secondary housing and at least partially aligned with the secondary access port such that the ballonet is directly accessible and squeezable via the primary access port and the secondary access port.

The multi-actuated micro-pipette controller further includes an actuator assembly located at the primary housing and being operably engaged with the ballonet. Advantageously, linear actuation of the actuator assembly compresses at least a portion of the ballonet and thereby causes the fluid to expel outwardly from the ballonet. Notably, the secondary housing is coaxially aligned with the primary housing while the secondary housing is disposed within the chamber.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the secondary housing is linearly inserted and retracted from the chamber of the primary housing during non-operating conditions.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the secondary housing remains statically nested within the chamber of the primary housing while the ballonet is compressed and released between tension and equilibrium positions, respectively.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller further includes a micro-pipette tip removably inserted into the proximal end of the primary housing and being in fluid communication with the ballonet.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, when the ballonet and the secondary housing are operably removed from the chamber of the primary housing, the ballonet and the secondary housing are operably disengaged from the actuator assembly such that the fluid is discharged outwardly away from the secondary housing by directly squeezing the ballonet seated exterior of the primary housing.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, when the ballonet is operably removed from the secondary housing, the fluid is discharged outwardly away from the ballonet by directly squeezing the ballonet seated exterior of both the primary housing and the secondary housing. In this manner, the ballonet and the secondary housing are operably disengaged from the actuator assembly.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the primary access port and the secondary access port overlap along the longitudinal length of the primary housing.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the secondary housing remains spaced from the actuator assembly while the secondary housing and the ballonet are seated within the chamber of the primary housing.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly and the ballonet are oriented at an end-to-end configuration while seated within the chamber of the primary housing.

The present disclosure further includes a method of utilizing a multi-actuated micro-pipette controller for selectively transporting a volume of fluid. Such a method includes the steps of: obtaining a primary housing including a proximal end and a distal end axially opposed therefrom, a primary access port formed adjacent to the distal end, and a chamber extending from the proximal end to the distal end such that the chamber is accessible from the primary access port; and obtaining and removably seating a secondary housing within the chamber wherein the secondary housing has a secondary access port at least partially aligned with the primary access port. Notably, the secondary housing is coaxially aligned with the primary housing while the secondary housing is disposed within the chamber.

The method further includes the steps of: obtaining a ballonet adapted to receive the fluid therein; removably inserting the ballonet within the secondary housing and at least partially aligning the ballonet with the secondary access port such that the ballonet is directly accessible and squeezable via the primary access port and the secondary access port; obtaining and locating an actuator assembly at the primary housing; operably engaging the actuator assembly with the ballonet; and causing the fluid to expel outwardly from the ballonet by linearly actuating the actuator assembly and thereby compressing at least a portion of the ballonet.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure so that the following detailed description may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the relevant art(s) may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) depicted in the figures nor the shapes, relative sizes or proportions shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) set forth herein. Rather, such non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the relevant art(s). Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures.

The illustrations of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the present disclosure. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of the structures, systems and/or methods described herein. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the disclosure. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be utilized and derived from the disclosure such that structural, logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

References in the specification to “one embodiment(s)”, “an embodiment(s)”, “a preferred embodiment(s)”, “an alternative embodiment(s)” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least an embodiment(s) of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). The appearances of the phrase “non-limiting exemplary embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment(s).

The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) is/are referred to generally inFIGS. 1-4and is/are intended to provide a multi-actuated micro-pipette controller10includes a hand-held housing11including an access door12pivotally attached thereto via a gemel19. Gemel19interlocks with at least one receiving aperture22formed at housing11and an inner surface of access door12thereby maintaining a pivot connection between housing11and access door12. Thus, access door12is hingedly articulated relative to housing11. A slide button20is linearly reciprocated along an outer surface of the access door12. Slide button20has at least one finger penetrating through access door12and interlocks with a slide lock21disposed along an inner surface of access door12. Slide lock21has finger locks36protruding inwardly from the inner surface of access door12. In this manner, when access door12is closed and slide button20is linearly displaced to a locked position, finger locks36engage tabs31and prevent access door12from disengaging housing11. When the slide button20is linearly displaced to an unlocked position, finger locks36disengage tabs31and permit access door12to pivot open relative to housing11. In this manner, locking mechanism20-21may be linearly actuated along a travel path generally parallel to a longitudinal length of the housing. Of course, various types of locking mechanisms may be employed without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 1-4, a chamber45is located within housing11and is suitable sized and shaped for receiving, generally midway between axially opposed proximal and distal ends of the housing11, a ballonet stand28. Of course, the ballonet stand28may be seated at various locations defined along a longitudinal length of chamber45. Ballonet18, (e.g. squeeze bulb, bellow or other similar component), is seated within ballonet stand24. An opening42is centrally located within a depression28formed in access door12. In this manner, a portion of ballonet18protrudes outwardly through opening42when access door12is closed, thereby enabling a user to actuate ballonet18during operating procedures.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 1-4, pin base23is located at a distal end of housing12and may partially extend exterior thereof. A connection tube25in intermediately coupled to ballonet18and pin base23. Spring17is engaged with a proximal end of ballonet18inside housing12. A distal end of rectilinear press pole15is seated within housing12and maintains abutment with spring17. A stop16is statically fitted about press pole15thereby prohibiting spring17from displacing along an entire longitudinal length of press pole15. A proximal end of press pole15protrudes outwardly from housing12and passes through end cap26. Press cap26is fitted over the proximal end of press pole15. A micro-pipette tip14is coupled to pin base23and sits exterior of housing11.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 1-4, guides37,38are registered about a linear travel path defined along central longitudinal axes39,40of housing11and access door12, respectively. Such guides37,38facilitate central alignment of press pole15, ballonet18, connection tube25and pin base23during use.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 1-4, press pole15defines a first actuator linearly reciprocated via press cap26. Such linear reciprocation squeezes ballonet18thereby causing suction/discharge of air and/or fluid via micro-pipette tip14. The linear reciprocation occurs along a travel path defined parallel to the longitudinal axis39of housing12thereby causes air/fluid to ingress/egress therefrom micro-pipette tip14. In this manner, an operator may suction/expel fluid via the micro-pipette tip14by selectively depressing only the first actuator (press pole15)

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 1-4, opening42defines a second actuator by permitting direct access to ballonet18without depressing press cap27. In particular, a user squeezes ballonet18with his/her finger. Such a squeezing motion occurs along a travel path defined substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis39of housing12thereby causing air and/or fluid to ingress/egress therefrom micro-pipette tip14. In this manner, an operator may suction/expel fluid via the micro-pipette tip14by selectively depressing only the second actuator (bulbous protrusion at proximal tip of ballonet18).

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 1-4, the ballonet18, connection tube25, pin base23and micro-pipette tip14can be removed from the controller10and independently operated by squeezing ballonet18without use of the first or second actuators.

Referring toFIGS. 5-14in general, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a multi-actuated micro-pipette controller200is provided, which can be actuated in at least three different ways. First, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller200may be employed similar to a striper for denudation of cumulus cells and transfer of oocytes and embryos by depressing an actuator assembly211operably coupled to a ballonet203, both of which are contained in a primary housing201. Second, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller200may be actuated similar to a SWEMED™ denudation pipette by pressing directly on the ballonet203while it is seated in the primary housing201and a secondary housing202, without employing the actuator assembly211of the primary housing201. Third, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller200may be actuated by removing the ballonet203from the primary housing201and secondary housing202and employing it similar to a PASTEUR™ pipette.

In the first example above, the ballonet203is retained within the primary housing201and secondary housing202. In the second example above, the ballonet203may be (optionally) removed from the primary housing201and retained within the secondary housing202161. In the third example, the ballonet203is removed from each of the primary housing201and secondary housing202.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller200includes the primary housing201including a proximal end204and a distal end205axially opposed therefrom, a primary access port207formed adjacent to the distal end205, and a chamber206extending from the proximal end204to the distal end205such that the chamber206is accessible from the primary access port207.

The multi-actuated micro-pipette controller200further includes secondary housing202removably seated within the chamber206. Such a secondary housing202has a secondary access port208at least partially aligned with the primary access port207. The ballonet203is adapted to receive the fluid209therein. Such a ballonet203is removably inserted within the secondary housing202and at least partially aligned with the secondary access port208such that the ballonet203is directly accessible and squeezable via the primary access port207and the secondary access port208. In this manner, the ballonet203and secondary housing202remain disposed within the primary housing201during use.

The multi-actuated micro-pipette controller200further includes an actuator assembly211located at the primary housing201. Such an actuator assembly211is operably engaged with the ballonet203. Advantageously, linear reciprocating displacement of the actuator assembly211compresses at least a proximal portion of the ballonet203and thereby causes the fluid209to expel outwardly from a distal tip of ballonet203. Notably, the secondary housing202is coaxially aligned with the primary housing201while the secondary housing202is disposed within the chamber206. Such coaxial alignment insures the actuator assembly211adequately engages and maintains contact with the ballonet203.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the secondary housing202is linearly inserted and retracted from the chamber206of the primary housing201during non-operating conditions. In this manner, a user is able to remove the secondary housing202and ballonet203without disrupting a position of the actuator assembly211.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the secondary housing202remains statically nested within the chamber206of the primary housing201while the ballonet203is compressed and released between tension and equilibrium positions, respectively. In this manner, a user is able to directly press, with his/her fingers, the ballonet203via the primary access port207and secondary access port208.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller200further includes a micro-pipette tip (similar to tip14shown inFIGS. 1-4) removably inserted into the proximal end204of the primary housing201and being in fluid209communication with the ballonet203. Such a tip may maintain a friction fit engagement with an orifice271formed at pin base214.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as best shown inFIG. 13, when the ballonet203and the secondary housing202are operably removed from the chamber206of the primary housing201, the ballonet203and the secondary housing202are operably disengaged from the actuator assembly211such that the fluid209is discharged outwardly away from the secondary housing202by directly squeezing the ballonet203seated exterior of the primary housing201.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as best shown inFIG. 14, when the ballonet203is operably removed from the secondary housing202, the fluid209is discharged outwardly away from the ballonet203by directly squeezing the ballonet203seated exterior of both the primary housing201and the secondary housing202. In this manner, the ballonet203and the secondary housing202are operably disengaged from the actuator assembly211.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the primary access port207and the secondary access port208overlap along the longitudinal length212of the primary housing201. Such a structural configuration permits a user to directly squeeze the ballonet203from an exterior of the primary housing201without employing actuator assembly211.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the secondary housing202remains spaced from the actuator assembly211while the secondary housing202and the ballonet203are seated within the chamber206of the primary housing201. Such a structural configuration ensures only the proximal tip of the ballonet203is compressed without undesirably displacing the secondary housing202out of coaxial alignment with respect to the primary housing201.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly211and the ballonet203are oriented at an end-to-end configuration while seated within the chamber206of the primary housing201.

The present disclosure further includes a method of utilizing a multi-actuated micro-pipette controller200for selectively transporting a volume of fluid209. Such a method includes the steps of: obtaining a primary housing201including a proximal end204and a distal end205axially opposed therefrom, a primary access port207formed adjacent to the distal end205, and a chamber206extending from the proximal end204to the distal end205such that the chamber206is accessible from the primary access port207; and obtaining and removably seating a secondary housing202within the chamber206wherein the secondary housing202has a secondary access port208at least partially aligned with the primary access port207. Notably, the secondary housing202is coaxially aligned with the primary housing201while the secondary housing202is disposed within the chamber206.

The method further includes the steps of: obtaining a ballonet203adapted to receive the fluid209therein; removably inserting the ballonet203within the secondary housing202and at least partially aligning the ballonet203with the secondary access port208such that the ballonet203is directly accessible and squeezable via the primary access port207and the secondary access port208; obtaining and locating an actuator assembly211at the primary housing201; operably engaging the actuator assembly211with the ballonet203; and causing the fluid209to expel outwardly from the ballonet203by linearly actuating the actuator assembly211and thereby compressing at least a portion of the ballonet203.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the primary housing201may have a generally tubular shape ergonomically sized to be manually hand-operated by a user.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the first access port207and second access port208are preferably located adjacent to the distal end205of the primary housing201and is suitably sized and shaped to receive a user metacarpal thereat.

Still referring toFIGS. 5-14, chamber206preferably extends along an entire longitudinal length L1of primary housing201. A major longitudinal length L2of the ballonet203is directly accessible through the primary access port207and secondary access port208. Of course, the ballonet203and both access ports207,208may be seated at various locations defined along the longitudinal length L1of chamber206. In this manner, a portion (L2) of ballonet203is exposed via the access ports207,208, thereby enabling a user to directly actuate ballonet203without employing the built-in actuator assembly211of the primary housing201.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 5-14, secondary housing202is slidably interfitted within the chamber206and seated along the primary access port207. Such a secondary housing202has associated secondary access port208wherein the ballonet203linearly passes through an axial bore272formed within the secondary housing202. A portion (L2) of the ballonet203is visible and directly accessible via the secondary access port208. In this manner, the primary access port207and secondary access port208are preferably aligned along longitudinal axis234of the chamber206. At least a portion of the primary access port207overlaps with the secondary access port208thereby providing direct and unobstructed access to the ballonet203. During operating conditions, in on mode of operation, the secondary housing202remains statically seated within the chamber206of the primary housing201.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a pin base223is located at distal end205of housing112and may be threadably mated thereto. The pin base223has axial orifice271formed therein for receiving a micro-pipette tip (e.g., similar to tip14) therethrough. The micro-pipette tip is coupled to pin base223in a conventional manner and sits exterior of primary housing201. Such a micro-pipette tip is in fluid communication with ballonet203for discharging and receiving the fluid.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 5-14, the actuator assembly211includes a helical spring217having a distal end engaged with a first shoulder272(or stop) formed in chamber206. A proximal end of the spring117is engaged with a second shoulder273formed at the press-pole275. Stop272is statically fitted about press pole275thereby prohibiting spring117from displacing beyond a distal end of the press pole115. In this manner, the chamber206may be considered as a bifurcated region having a proximal section206A and a distal section206B.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the spring217is linearly biased between compressed and equilibrium positions when press-pole275is linearly reciprocated along a linear travel path passing through a juncture206C of the proximal section206A and distal section206B of the chamber. Accordingly, the press pole275is registered parallel to the longitudinal axis234of the chamber206. The spring217is compressed and released between tensioned and equilibrium positions by pressing and releasing press cap226. Notably, the secondary housing202maintains a fixed spatial relationship with the primary housing201while the press-pole275is linearly reciprocated within the primary housing201. Such a structural arrangement maintains the ballonet203proximal tip at a substantially stable position to be repeatedly compressed and released via the press pole275, as needed.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the proximal end of ballonet203is disposed exterior of secondary housing203and thereby remains exposed to selectively receive the distal end of press pole275during actuation of the actuator assembly211. The distal end of rectilinear press pole275traverses juncture206C during its linear reciprocating motion and may maintain direct abutment with the proximal tip of ballonet203. A proximal end of press pole275protrudes outwardly from primary housing201and passes through end cap233. Press cap226is fitted over the proximal end of press pole275and remains partially exposed exterior of end cap233such that linear reciprocation of press cap226displaces the press-pole275and compresses the ballonet203axially aligned within primary housing201. Such compression urges fluid209and air out from the micro-pipette tip as needed. Notably, ballonet203is not linearly displaced within chamber206, thereby maintaining a fixed position with respect to the longitudinal length L1of the primary housing201. While ballonet203can be squeezed while seated within both the primary housing201and secondary housing202, the ballonet203is not intended to be linearly displaced within the chamber206during actuation of the actuator assembly211. Such a structural configuration facilitates proper axial aligned between the ballonet203and press-pole275during repeated use.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 5-14, press pole275defines a first actuator linearly reciprocated via press cap226. Such linear reciprocation squeezes ballonet203thereby causing suction/discharge of air and/or fluid209via a conventional micro-pipette tip. The linear reciprocation occurs along a travel path defined parallel to the longitudinal axis234of primary housing201thereby causing air/fluid209to ingress/egress therefrom micro-pipette tip. In this manner, a user may suction/expel fluid209via the micro-pipette tip by selectively depressing only the first actuator (e.g., press pole275).

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as perhaps best shown inFIGS. 5-6 and 12, first and second access ports207,208permit direct user access to ballonet203without depressing press cap226. In particular, a user directly squeezes ballonet203with his/her finger. Such a squeezing motion occurs along a travel path defined substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis234of primary housing201thereby causing air and/or fluid209to ingress/egress therefrom micro-pipette tip. In this manner, an operator may suction/expel fluid209via the micro-pipette tip by selectively depressing only the ballonet203. Thus, ballonet203can be squeezed while seated at the secondary housing202, as perhaps best shown inFIG. 13. AlthoughFIG. 13is an exploded view, it is noted that ballonet203is slidably and removably inserted within secondary housing202.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as perhaps best shown inFIG. 14, the ballonet203and micro-pipette tip (similar to tip14) can be removed from the primary housing201and secondary housing202and independently operated, without use of the actuator assembly211, by directly squeezing ballonet203.

While non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) has/have been described with respect to certain specific embodiment(s), it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation.