Patent Description:
Pipette tips are utilized in a variety of industries that have a requirement for handling fluids, and are used in facilities including medical laboratories and research laboratories, for example. For example, <CIT> disclosed pipette tips being useful for acquiring or dispelling liquids, and including one or more design that may increase fluid delivery precision and/or accuracy, and may reduce certain repetitive motions. <CIT> is a design patent that provides an ornament design of a pipette tip. In many instances pipette tips are used in large numbers, and often are utilized for processing many samples and/or adding many reagents to samples, for example.

Pipette tips often are substantially cone-shaped with an aperture at one end that can engage a fluid dispensing device, and another relatively smaller aperture at the other end that can receive and emit fluid. Pipette tips generally are manufactured from a moldable plastic, such as polypropylene, for example. Pipette tips are made in a number of sizes to allow for accurate and reproducible liquid handling for volumes ranging from nanoliters to milliliters.

Pipette tips can be utilized in conjunction with a variety of fluid dispensing devices, including manual dispensers (e.g., pipettors) and automated dispensers to manipulate liquid samples. A fluid dispenser is a device that, when attached to the upper end of a pipette tip (the larger opening end), applies negative pressure to acquire fluids, and applies positive pressure to dispense fluids. Typically a pipette tip is mounted onto the lower or distal portion of a fluid dispenser (typically referred to as the barrel, nozzle or mounting shaft) by either inserting the distal portion of a fluid dispenser into the interior of a pipette tip or positioning the distal portion of a fluid dispenser around the pipette tip exterior. A distal portion of a dispenser is inserted into the interior of the upper end of a pipette tip with an amount of force sufficient to cause a pipette tip wall to expand, creating a seal between an outer surface of the distal portion of the dispenser and an inner surface of a pipette tip. Alternatively, a distal portion of a dispenser is inserted around the upper end of a pipette tip with an amount of force sufficient to cause a pipette tip wall to compress, creating a seal between an inner surface of the distal portion of the dispenser and an outer surface of a pipette tip.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a pipette tip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising an exterior surface, an interior surface, a proximal region (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a distal region (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a junction between the proximal region and the distal region, which proximal region comprises:.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment the distance between a groove floor and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the groove floor is about <NUM> (about <NUM> inches) or less.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment the distance between a groove floor and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the groove floor is substantially the same for two or more of the grooves on the pipette tip.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment the two or more of the grooves are circumferentially distributed symmetrically around the proximal region.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment there are three or more grooves.

In accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment the groove width for one or more of the grooves is a linear width of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches).

In accordance with a preferred embodiment the groove width for two or more of the grooves is substantially the same.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment grooves have a latitudinal profile and two or more of the grooves have stepped, v-shaped or u-shaped latitudinal profiles.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment each groove has a groove floor with a linear, pointed or substantially pointed or curved latitudinal profile.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment two or more of the panels are circumferentially distributed symmetrically around the proximal region.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment the panel width for two or more of the panels is substantially the same.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment panels have a latitudinal profile and two or more of the panels have a stepped or curved latitudinal profile.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment each panel width is at least two five times greater than each groove width.

In accordance with a more preferred embodiment each panel width is at least <NUM> times greater than each groove width.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment the distance between a panel face and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the panel face is <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches).

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment the proximal region is capable of hoop stretching at a sealing zone upon insertion of a fluid dispensing device member into the interior of the pipette tip, and wherein the hoop stretching is <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches).

The present invention also relates to a method for engaging a pipette tip with a fluid dispensing device member comprising inserting a fluid dispensing device member into a pipette tip of any one of claims <NUM>-<NUM> at a force sufficient to form a seal between the fluid dispensing device member and the pipette tip at a sealing zone.

<FIG> illustrate certain embodiments of the invention and are not limiting. For clarity and ease of illustration, the drawings are not necessarily made to scale and, in some instances, various aspects may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of particular embodiments.

While the present invention is defined by the claims the present disclosure generally provides in part pipette tip implementations that permit ergonomic engagement and disengagement of a pipette tip and a fluid dispensing device (i.e., reduce the amount of axial force required to engage and/or disengage a pipette tip from a fluid dispensing device).

Certain structural features of pipette tip embodiments described herein may afford particular advantages to some users. In some embodiments, one or more of the structural features described may be incorporated into a pipette tip embodiment in one or more combinations. Incorporation of a structural feature can result in an advantage described hereafter, in certain instances.

Many features of the pipette tip embodiments described herein are shared between the different pipette tip embodiments (see Table <NUM>). Therefore, the features will be described in detail for one pipette tip embodiment and related to the similar features of other pipette tip embodiments.

Provided in certain implementations are pipette tips that includes an exterior surface, an interior surface, a proximal region, a distal region and a junction between the proximal region and the distal region. A proximal region often includes a plurality of longitudinally-oriented grooves on an exterior surface of a pipette tip (e.g., <NUM> as shown in <FIG>). A proximal region also often includes a plurality of longitudinally-oriented panels on an exterior surface of a pipette tip (e.g., <NUM> as shown in <FIG>), where each of the panels is adjacent to one of the grooves. The length of longitudinally-oriented panels and grooves is larger than the width of such panels and grooves. The length of longitudinally-oriented grooves and panels typically is parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pipette tip (e.g., longitudinal axis <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The length of a groove or panel that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis can deviate from parallel by about <NUM> degrees or less. The longitudinally-oriented panel sidewall of adjacent panels typically define each groove there between, and there typically is an equal number of grooves and panels in a pipette tip.

In some implementations, a pipette tip comprises a set of axially extended grooves and panels circumferentially spaced around the external surface of the proximal region of the pipette tip. The term "circumferentially spaced," "circumferentially configured", "circumferentially disposed" and the like as used herein, refer to axially oriented grooves and panels disposed around a circumference of the proximal region of a pipette tip (e.g., circumference latitudinal axis <NUM> shown in <FIG>).

In some implementations, two or more panels are regularly distributed around the exterior surface of a pipette tip, and in certain implementations, all panels are regularly distributed around the exterior surface of a pipette tip (e.g., all grooves have the same groove width). In some implementations, two or more panels are asymmetrically distributed around the exterior surface of a pipette tip. In some implementations, two or more grooves are regularly distributed around the exterior surface of a pipette tip, and in certain implementations, all grooves are regularly distributed around the exterior surface of a pipette tip (e.g., all panels have the same panel width). In some implementations, two or more grooves are asymmetrically distributed around the exterior surface of a pipette tip.

The interior surface of a pipette tip typically defines a substantially frustrum-shaped void and is substantially smooth and uniform (i.e., not interrupted by a protrusion or cavity; follows the contours of a nozzle or shaft with which it seals).

A pipette tip typically includes a sealing zone. In certain implementations, the proximal region comprises a sealing zone. A terminus of a fluid dispensing device often sealingly engages an inner surface of a pipette tip at a sealing zone, which generally is located a particular distance from a proximal terminus of a pipette tip. Thus, a sealing zone in certain implementations is disposed a particular distance below the terminal opening of a pipette tip (e.g., the sealing zone is offset from the edge of the pipette tip). A sealing zone often is a point at which a fluid tight, frictional and/or sealing engagement occurs between a pipette tip and a fluid dispensing device. In some implementations, the inner surface of the proximal region of a pipette tip provides a continuous contact zone (e.g., sealing zone) for frictional and/or sealing engagement between a pipette tip and a fluid dispensing device member. Grooves and panels or portions thereof usually extends over the sealing zone.

Certain pipette tip implementations can include a flared lead-in surface at the end of a proximal region. In certain aspects, a pipette tip includes a flange (e.g., annular flange) at a proximal terminus of a proximal region. In such implementations, a flange may be flared, and a lead-in diameter of a flange can allow for dispenser engagement tolerance, which is relevant for multi-dispenser applications, for example. Such a flange can provide a larger contact zone for engaging a pipette nozzle or mounting shaft, and can increase the probability of a sealing engagement between a dispenser nozzle or mounting shaft not coaxially aligned with a pipette tip by guiding the axial center of a pipette tip to the axial center of a dispenser nozzle or mounting shaft. An annular flange also can provide pipette tip rigidity in addition to facilitating dispenser alignment. In some implementations, pipette tips described herein include an annular flange at a proximal terminus of the proximal region. An example of an annular flange <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

A pipette tip often includes a distal shoulder at the junction between the proximal region and the distal region (e.g., <NUM> as shown in <FIG>).

Grooves and panels often extend from an annular flange (e.g., <NUM> as shown in <FIG>) to a distal terminal shoulder (e.g., <NUM> as shown in <FIG>).

An exterior surface of a pipette tip can include any suitable number of panels and grooves. A pipette tip sometimes includes <NUM> or more grooves (e.g., <NUM> to about <NUM> grooves; <NUM> to about <NUM> grooves; <NUM> to about <NUM> grooves; about <NUM> to about <NUM> grooves; about <NUM> to about <NUM> grooves; about <NUM> to about <NUM> grooves; about <NUM> to about <NUM> grooves; about <NUM> to about <NUM> grooves; about <NUM> to about <NUM> grooves; about <NUM> to about <NUM> grooves; about <NUM> to about <NUM> grooves, about <NUM> to about <NUM> grooves; about <NUM> to about <NUM> grooves; about <NUM> to about <NUM> grooves; about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> grooves) and sometimes includes <NUM> or more panels (e.g., <NUM> to about <NUM> panels; <NUM> to about <NUM> panels; <NUM> to about <NUM> panels; about <NUM> to about <NUM> panels; about <NUM> to about <NUM> panels; about <NUM> to about <NUM> panels; about <NUM> to about <NUM> panels; about <NUM> to about <NUM> panels; about <NUM> to about <NUM> panels; about <NUM> to about <NUM> panels; about <NUM> to about <NUM> panels; about <NUM> to about <NUM> panels; about <NUM> to about <NUM> panels; about <NUM> to about <NUM> panels; about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> panels). For example, <FIG> shows a pipette tip with <NUM> grooves and <NUM> panels.

A groove often includes a groove floor (e.g., <NUM> as shown in <FIG>) that can run the longitudinal length of the groove and a groove width X (e.g., X<NUM> as shown in <FIG>). In certain implementations, a groove is defined by adjacent panel sidewalls and a groove floor. A groove floor is determined by the latitudinal profile (see discussion below) of a groove and in certain implementations a groove floor can be a point or substantially a point, flat or curved. A curved surface sometimes includes a concave curve, sometimes includes a convex curve, sometimes is a single curve (i.e., one arc), and sometimes is a compound curve (i.e., two or more arcs). A groove floor is disposed so there is a distance Z between the groove floor and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the groove floor (e.g., Z<NUM> shown in <FIG>) (i.e., wall thickness of a pipette tip at a groove). In some implementations, Z represents the smallest distance between a groove floor or a portion thereof and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the groove floor or portion thereof. For example, for a groove having a curved groove floor, the pipette tip wall under the groove would vary in thickness across the groove floor. Z represents the distance between the lowest point of the curved surface (inflection point) and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the groove floor (e.g., see Z<NUM> shown in <FIG>).

In certain implementations, a distance Z between a groove floor and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the groove floor, for each groove, is less than a distance W between a panel face and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the panel face (e.g., W<NUM> as shown in <FIG>), for each panel. A distance Z between a groove floor and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the groove floor sometimes is about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) (e.g., about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); about (<NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or about <NUM> (<NUM> inches)). A distance between a groove floor and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the groove floor is often about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or less, about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or less, about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or less, about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or less, about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or less, about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or less, about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or less, about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or less, about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or less, about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or less, about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or less, about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or less.

A "minimal thickness" for a pipette tip wall at a groove floor may predominately be a reflection of the limits of current and future manufacturing and molding capabilities. Factors such as plastic viscosity and flow characteristics, as well as plastic hardeners (e.g., currently available plasticizers or hardeners, or plasticizers yet to be formulated) also may contribute to the minimal thickness attainable for pipette tips described herein. Therefore, thicknesses described herein for pipette tip walls between a groove floor and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the groove wall sometimes are at the current limit of molding and manufacturing technology, and it is possible that future molding, manufacturing and plastics technology will result in lesser thicknesses.

Two or more or all grooves in a pipette tip often have the same distance (wall thickness) between a groove floor and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the groove floor. Two or more grooves in a pipette tip sometimes have a different distance (wall thickness) between a groove floor and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the groove floor. In some implementations, the distance from an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite a groove floor (e.g., Z<NUM> shown in <FIG>) (i.e., wall thickness of the pipette tip at a groove) along a longitudinal length of a groove sometimes is uniform or substantially uniform (i.e., a substantially uniform thickness changes <NUM>% or less across the longitudinal length).

A panel often includes a panel face (e.g., <NUM> as shown in <FIG>), a panel sidewall (e.g., <NUM> as shown in <FIG>) and a panel width Y (e.g., Y<NUM> as shown in <FIG>). In certain implementations, a panel is disposed so as to have a distance W between a panel face and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the panel face (e.g., W<NUM> shown in <FIG>) (i.e., wall thickness of a pipette tip at a panel). A distance W between a panel face and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the panel face sometimes is about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) (e.g., about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or about <NUM> (<NUM> inches)). Two or more or all panels in a pipette tip often have the same distance (wall thickness) between a panel face and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the panel face. Two or more panels in a sealing member sometimes have a different distance between a panel face and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the panel face, and sometimes there are <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more different panel wall thickness species in a pipette tip that can be arranged in a suitable pattern (e.g., alternating pattern or grouped pattern).

In certain implementations, the distance between a panel face and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite a panel face (e.g., W<NUM> shown in <FIG>) (i.e., wall thickness of a pipette tip at a panel) along a longitudinal length of a panel sometimes is uniform or substantially uniform (i.e., a substantially uniform thickness changes <NUM>% or less across the longitudinal length).

In some implementations, W (pipette tip wall thickness at a panel) can be about <NUM> to about <NUM> times greater than Z (pipette tip wall thickness under a groove), about <NUM> to about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> to about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> to about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> to about <NUM> times greater (e.g., about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater or about <NUM> times greater).

A width of a panel (Y) or a groove (X) typically is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (i.e., axis <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of a pipette tip and at the center point of the longitudinal panel or groove length. A width sometimes is expressed as a linear distance at a proximal region exterior surface (e.g., <NUM> as shown in <FIG>) from one side of a groove or panel to the other side. A width sometimes is expressed as a circumferential distance measured from one side of the groove or panel to the other side along a virtual circumference that contacts the panel faces. A circumferential distance sometimes is expressed in degrees (i.e., a portion of <NUM> degrees) and can be expressed in radians.

A groove width X is a linear or circumferential distance typically measured at a proximal region exterior surface between two panels flanking a groove (e.g., width X<NUM> shown in <FIG>). In some implementations, all of the grooves of a pipette tip have the same width. In certain implementations, one or more of the grooves of a pipette tip have different widths (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more different widths for grooves). One or more grooves of a pipette tip sometimes have a groove width (linear distance) of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) (e.g., about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or about <NUM> (<NUM> inches)). In some implementations, one or more grooves of a pipette tip have a groove width (circumferential distance) of about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees (e.g., about <NUM> degree, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees or about <NUM> degrees).

A panel width Y is a linear or circumferential distance typically measured at a proximal region exterior surface from one end of a panel face to the other end of the panel face Y (e.g., width Y<NUM> shown in <FIG>). In some implementations, all of the panels of a pipette tip have the same width. In certain implementations, one or more of the panels of a pipette tip have different widths (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more different widths for panels). In some implementations, one or more panels have a panel width (linear distance) of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) (e.g., about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or about <NUM> (<NUM> inches)). In some implementations, one or more panels of a pipette tip have a panel width (circumferential distance) of about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees (e.g. about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees or about <NUM> degrees) and values in between.

In some implementations, a panel width Y of a pipette tip is greater than a groove width X of a pipette tip. In certain implementations, a panel width for each panel of a pipette tip is greater than a groove width for each groove of a pipette tip. In some implementations, a panel width is more than about <NUM> times greater than a groove width, more than about <NUM> times greater than a groove width, more than about <NUM> times greater than a groove width; more than about <NUM> times greater than a groove width; more than about <NUM> times greater than a groove width. In some implementations, a panel width is about <NUM> to about <NUM> times greater than a groove width (e.g., about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater, about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater; about <NUM> times greater or about <NUM> times greater).

The sum of all groove widths and panel widths of a pipette tip equal the circumference of a pipette tip measured around the exterior surface of the pipette tip. The circumference of a pipette tip in the proximal region generally will increase as the fluid capacity of the tip increases (e.g., <NUM> ul, <NUM> ul, <NUM> ul, <NUM> ul, <NUM> ul). In some implementations this relationship is described by the following equation: <MAT>.

Utilizing the above-described relationship, for pipette tips of any circumference, values for X, Y and n can be determined that in conjunction with suitable values as described for W and Z provide for enhanced wall expandability while maintaining wall stability.

Without being limited by theory, as groove widths are smaller than panel widths, grooves represent a smaller percentage of a pipette tip external surface than panels. Panels principally provide the structural integrity of a pipette tip wall, allowing the thickness of a pipette tip wall at the groove floor (distance between a groove floor and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the groove floor) to be minimized. Axial forces generated when a fluid dispensing device member (e.g., barrel, nozzle or mounting shaft) is inserted into the interior of a pipette tip are focused to the thin wall regions under grooves, as these represent the weakest portions of a pipette tip wall. Accordingly less force is required to stretch (expand) a pipette tip wall to accommodate and seal a mounting shaft or nozzle as these regions not only are structurally favorable to expansion and hoop stretching (thin walls), but also represent a small portion of the overall pipette tip wall surface. An insertion force required to cause hoop stretching (expansion) for a pipette tip having grooves and panels with the described dimensions is substantially less than the insertion force required to cause hoop stretching (expansion) for a pipette tip not having these features. Also without being limited by theory, a disengagement force (ejection force) required to disassociate a pipette tip having the described features is substantially less than the disengagement force required to disassociate a pipette tip not having the described features. Reduced insertion and disengagement forces can reduce strain on a user associated with attaching and ejecting pipette tips, and can reduce the occurrence and severity of repetitive motion conditions, for example.

A latitudinal profile is a profile across a latitudinal axis or cutting plane of a pipette tip, which latitudinal distance or cutting plane is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (e.g., axis <NUM> as shown in <FIG>). In some implementations, a latitudinal profile of one or more or all panels is stepped or curved. In some implementations, a latitudinal profile of one or more or all panel faces is linear (flat) or curved. Sometimes a latitudinal profile of one or more or all panel sidewalls of a pipette tip is stepped at about <NUM> degrees relative to the linear width of a panel face, sometimes is angled at a non-<NUM> degree angle relative to the linear width of a panel face (beveled) (e.g., an angle of about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees; about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees; about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> degrees) and sometimes is curved. A latitudinal profile of one or more or all grooves sometimes is stepped, V-shaped or U-shaped (curved). A latitudinal profile of one or more or all groove floors sometimes is linear (flat), a point or substantially a point or curved.

One or more or all panel faces in some implementations include a protrusion (e.g., <NUM> as shown in <FIG>). A protrusion sometimes has a protrusion width V that extends along part, the majority of, or all of the longitudinal length of a panel (e.g., V<NUM> as shown in <FIG>). In certain implementations, the protrusion width for one or more of the protrusions is a linear width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) (e.g., about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or about <NUM> (<NUM> inches)). In certain implementations, the protrusion width for one or more of the protrusions is a circumferential width of about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees (e.g., about, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> ,<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> degrees).

A protrusion often includes a protrusion face (e.g., <NUM> as shown in <FIG>) and a distance T between a panel face and a protrusion face, protrusion thickness, (e.g., T<NUM> as shown in <FIG>). A protrusion thickness can be about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); (e.g., about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or about <NUM> (<NUM> inches)). A panel face that includes a protrusion often has a transition surface between the panel face and the protrusion face (e.g., <NUM> as shown in <FIG>). The latitudinal profile of one or more or all protrusions sometimes is stepped or curved. The latitudinal profile of one or more or all protrusion faces sometimes is flat (linear) or curved, and the latitudinal profile of one or more or all panel transition surfaces sometimes is stepped, beveled or curved. One or more or all panel faces in some implementations do not include a protrusion. Without being limited by theory, a protrusion may contribute to the overall stability of a pipette tip wall.

In some implementations, the proximal regions of a pipette tip having grooves and panels as described herein is capable of hoop stretching at a sealing zone upon insertion of a fluid dispensing device member into the interior of the pipette tip. In some implementations, the hoop stretching (expansion) is about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); e.g., about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); about <NUM> (<NUM> inches); about <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In some implementations, the interior surface of the pipette tip in the proximal region is in contact with the exterior surface of a fluid dispensing device member and forms a seal between the fluid dispensing device member and the interior surface of the pipette tip in pipette tip at the sealing zone, and the proximal region of the pipette tip is in an expanded state relative to a relaxed state adopted by the proximal region of the pipette tip when the interior surface of the pipette tip is not in contact with the fluid dispensing device member and forming a seal with the fluid dispensing device member.

Non-limiting examples of expansion pipette tips having panels and grooves are illustrated in <FIG>. For example, <FIG> show a pipette tip implementation <NUM> having a proximal region <NUM> and a distal region <NUM> with a junction <NUM> between the proximal region and the distal region. The proximal region has a proximal terminus <NUM> and a distal terminus, shoulder <NUM>. The distal region has a proximal terminus at junction, shoulder <NUM> and a distal terminus <NUM>. A pipette tip includes an interior region <NUM> with a proximal region interior surface <NUM> and a distal region interior surface <NUM> and an exterior region having a proximal region exterior surface <NUM> (<FIG>) and a distal region exterior surface <NUM>. A pipette tip includes an annular flange <NUM>. <FIG> shows a pipette tip relative to a longitudinal axis; longitudinal orientation <NUM> and a circumference; latitudinal orientation <NUM>.

The proximal region exterior surface includes a plurality of longitudinally-disposed grooves <NUM> and panels <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Groove <NUM> includes a groove floor <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) as a point or substantially a point), a groove width X<NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) and a distance Z<NUM> between a groove floor and the interior surface of the pipette tip opposite the groove floor (wall thickness) (as shown in <FIG>). Groove <NUM> as shown in <FIG> presents a V-shaped latitudinal profile. Panel <NUM> includes a panel face <NUM>, a panel sidewall <NUM>, a panel width Y<NUM> and a distance W<NUM> between a panel face and the interior surface of the pipette tip opposite the panel face (wall thickness) as shown in <FIG>. Panel face <NUM> has a flat (linear) latitudinal profile. Panel sidewall <NUM> has a beveled (angled) latitudinal profile.

<FIG> show pipette tip implementation <NUM> having a particular groove and panel geometry. Other groove and panel geometries and configurations (e.g., numbers of grooves and panels, groove and panel profiles, groove and panel widths (X and Y) and pipette tip wall thicknesses (Z and W)) can facilitate hoop expansion of the pipette tip sealing region when a dispensing device member is inserted in the interior of a pipette tip. Non-limiting examples of alternative groove and panel geometries are illustrated for pipette tip implementation <NUM> shown in <FIG> and pipette tip implementation <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Shown in <FIG> for implementation <NUM>, groove <NUM> has a stepped latitudinal profile with a flat (linear) groove floor <NUM>. Panel face <NUM> has a flat or linear latitudinal profile and panel sidewall <NUM> has a stepped latitudinal profile. The groove width is denoted X<NUM> and the panel width is denoted Y<NUM>. The distance between a groove floor and the interior surface of the pipette tip opposite the groove floor (wall thickness) is Z<NUM>. The distance between a panel face and the interior surface of the pipette tip opposite the panel face (wall thickness) is designated W<NUM>. Shown in <FIG> for implementation <NUM>, groove <NUM> has a curved (u-shaped) latitudinal profile with a curved groove floor <NUM>. Panel face <NUM> has a flat or linear latitudinal profile and panel sidewall <NUM> has a curved latitudinal profile. The groove width is denoted X<NUM> and the panel width is denoted Y<NUM>. The distance between a groove floor and the interior surface of the pipette tip opposite the groove floor (wall thickness) is denoted Z<NUM>. The distance between a panel face and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the panel face (thickness) is denoted W<NUM>.

<FIG> show pipette tip implementation <NUM> having a particular geometry of a groove and panel with a protrusion. Shown in <FIG> for implementation <NUM>, groove <NUM> latitudinal profile is stepped and groove floor <NUM> is linear or flat. Panel face <NUM> has a flat or linear latitudinal profile and panel sidewall <NUM> latitudinal profile is shown as stepped. The groove width is denoted X<NUM> and the panel width is denoted Y<NUM>. The distance between a groove floor and the interior surface of the pipette tip opposite the groove floor (wall thickness) is designated Z<NUM>. The distance between a panel face and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the panel face (thickness) is designated S<NUM>. Protrusion <NUM> has a protrusion face <NUM> having a flat or linear profile and a transition surface <NUM> that is stepped. Protrusion width is denoted V<NUM> and the distance between a panel face and a protrusion face is denoted T<NUM>. The distance between protrusion <NUM> face and the interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the panel face with the protrusion is denoted W<NUM>.

Non-limiting examples of alternative geometries of grooves and panels with a protrusion are illustrated for pipette tip implementation <NUM> shown in <FIG> and pipette tip implementation <NUM> in <FIG>. Shown in <FIG> for implementation <NUM>, groove <NUM> has a curved latitudinal profile with a curved groove floor <NUM>. Panel face <NUM> has a flat or linear latitudinal profile and panel sidewall <NUM> has curved latitudinal profile. The groove width is denoted X<NUM> and the panel width is denoted Y<NUM>. The distance between a groove floor and the interior surface of the pipette tip opposite the groove floor is shown as Z<NUM>. The distance between a panel face and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the panel face (thickness) is designated S<NUM>. Protrusion <NUM> has a protrusion face <NUM> having a latitudinal profile that is flat or linear and a transition surface <NUM> latitudinal profile that is a stepped. Protrusion width is denoted V<NUM> and the distance between a panel face and a protrusion face is shown as T<NUM>. The distance between a protrusion face <NUM> and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the panel face is denoted by W<NUM>. Shown in <FIG> for implementation <NUM>, groove <NUM> latitudinal profile is v-shaped with a groove floor <NUM> that is a point or substantially a point. Panel face <NUM> latitudinal profile is flat or linear and panel sidewall <NUM> latitudinal profile is beveled. The groove width is labelled X<NUM> and the panel width is labelled Y<NUM>. The distance between a groove floor and the interior surface of the pipette tip opposite the groove floor is denoted Z<NUM>. Distance between a panel face and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the panel face (thickness) is denoted S<NUM>. Protrusion <NUM> has a protrusion face <NUM> having a latitudinal profile that is curved and a transition surface <NUM> latitudinal profile that is curved. Protrusion width is denoted V<NUM> and the distance between a panel face and a protrusion face is denoted by T<NUM>. The distance between protrusion face <NUM> and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the panel face with the protrusion is denoted by W<NUM>.

In certain implementations, the interior region of the proximal region of a pipette tip comprises an optional annular groove. As described above, annular groove is an area of increased surface area formed during the molding process that corresponds to a portion of the mold core pin. The core pin often forms the internal surfaces of the object to be molded, for example the pipette tips described herein. The distance between the core pin and the mold cavity (e.g., the part of the mold that forms the outer surface of the object) determines the thickness of the object to be molded (e.g., pipette tip). The shape of the core pin can offer an increased surface area upon which the cooling pipette tip (e.g., specifically annular groove may find purchase and therefore remain in contact with the core pin during cooling and separation from the portion of the mold that forms the pipette tip outer surface, which in tum may facilitate release and ejection of the pipette tip from the mold core after cooling of the pipette tip. Annular groove resides on the interior surface of proximal region (e.g., <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The sealing zone, which is located in the proximal region of a pipette tip, sometimes is located at a position in the pipette tip interior proximal of the annular groove, sometimes is located at a position distal to annular groove, and sometimes is located in the same region as annular groove.

Pipette tips frequently are used in conjunction with a pipetting device (manual or automated) to take up, transport or deliver precise volumes of liquids or reagents. Provided herein is a method for engaging an expansion sealing pipette tip with a fluid dispensing device member comprising inserting a fluid dispensing device member into a pipette tip of any one of the described implementations with a force sufficient to form a seal between the fluid dispensing device member and the pipette tip at a sealing zone. In certain implementations, a proximal region of the pipette tip hoop stretches at a sealing zone. In certain implementations the amount of hoop stretching is about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

Provided herein is a method for engaging a compression sealing pipette tip with a fluid dispensing device member comprising contacting a fluid dispensing device member with an exterior surface of a pipette tip of any one of the described implementations with a force sufficient to form a seal between the fluid dispensing device member and the pipette tip at a sealing zone. In certain implementations, a proximal region of a pipette tip is compressed at a sealing zone. In certain implementations the amount of compression is about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

Provided herein is a method of using a pipette tip comprising (a) contacting a pipettor with a pipette tip and forming a seal between the pipettor and the pipette tip, and (b) contacting the pipette tip with a fluid, where the pipette tip comprises a proximal region and a distal region, and further where the proximal region comprises axially oriented grooves and panels.

Pipette tip implementations described herein can be of any overall geometry useful for dispensing fluids in combination with a fluid dispensing device. The pipette tips described herein also can be of any volume useful for dispensing fluids in combination with a fluid dispensing device. Non-limiting examples of volumes useful for dispensing fluids in combination with a fluid dispensing device, and described as non-limiting implementations herein, include pipette tips configured in sizes that hold from <NUM> to <NUM> microliters, <NUM> to <NUM> microliters, <NUM> to <NUM> microliters, <NUM> to <NUM> microliters, <NUM> to <NUM> microliters, and from <NUM> to <NUM> microliters, for example. In some implementations, the volumes pipette tips described herein can manipulate are larger than the volume designation given that particular pipette tip. For example, a pipette tip designated as suitable to manipulate volumes up to <NUM> microliters, can sometimes be used to manipulate volumes up to about <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>% or sometimes as much as up to about <NUM>% larger than the designated pipette tip volume.

Pipette tips may be manufactured by injection molding. In some implementations, pipette tips described herein are injection molded as a unitary construct. Injection molding is a manufacturing process for producing objects (e.g., pipette tips, for example) from thermoplastic (e.g., nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and the like, for example) and thermosetting plastic (e.g., epoxy and phenolics, for example) materials. In some implementations, a polymer is chosen from low density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET), polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene (PE). Pipette tips can include, or can be manufactured from, a recyclable material and/or degradable material (e.g., a bio-degradable material), non-limiting examples of which are disclosed in International Application no. <CIT> and published as <CIT>. Pipette tips, in some implementations, include an anti-microbial agent, non-limiting examples of which are disclosed in International Application no.

The plastic material of choice often is fed into a heated barrel, mixed, and forced into a mold cavity where it cools and hardens to the configuration of the mold cavity. The melted material sometimes is forced or injected into the mold cavity, through openings (e.g., a sprue), under pressure. A pressure injection method ensures the complete filling of the mold with the melted plastic. After the mold cools, the mold portions are separated, and the molded object is ejected. In some implementations, additional additives can be included in the plastic or heated barrel to give the final product additional properties (e.g., anti-microbial properties, anti-static properties, anti-foaming function and combinations thereof, for example).

A mold is configured to hold the molten plastic in the correct geometry to yield the desired product upon cooling of the plastic. Injection molds sometimes are made of two or more parts, and comprise a core pin. The core pin sometimes can determine the thickness of the object wall, as the distance between the core pin and the outer mold portion is the wall thickness. Molds are typically designed so that the molded part reliably remains on the core pin when the mold opens, after cooling. The core pin sometimes can be referred to as the ejector side of the mold. The molded part can then fall freely away from the mold when ejected from the core pin, or ejector side of the mold. In some implementations, ejector pins and/or an ejector sleeve push the pipette tip from the core pin.

Also provided herein is a mold for manufacturing a pipette tip by an injection mold process, which comprises a body that forms an exterior portion of the pipette tip and a member that forms an inner surface of the pipette tip, where the member comprises an irregular surface that results in a portion of the inner surface that is irregular (e.g., annular groove). In some implementations, the member is a core pin for forming the inner surface of a pipette tip.

Provided also herein is a method for manufacturing a pipette tip comprising (a) contacting a pipette tip mold with a molten polymer, and releasing the formed pipette tip from the mold after cooling, where the pipette tip comprises a proximal region and a distal region, and further where the proximal region comprises an exterior surface and an annular flange at the proximal terminus of the proximal region and the proximal region comprises axially oriented grooves and panels circumferentially spaced around the exterior surface of the proximal region. In some implementations, a pipette tip has a distal region that has a continuous taper of a pipette tip wall surface to form an edge or boundary of minimal thickness.

Provided also herein is a method for manufacturing a pipette tip comprising (a) contacting a pipette tip mold with a molten polymer, and releasing the formed pipette tip from the mold after cooling, where the pipette tip comprises a proximal region and a distal region, and further where the proximal region comprises an interior surface comprising axially oriented grooves and panels circumferentially spaced around the interior surface of the proximal region. In some implementations, a pipette tip has a distal region that has a continuous taper of a pipette tip wall surface to form an edge or boundary of minimal thickness.

The term "a" or "an" can refer to one of or a plurality of the elements it modifies (e.g., "a reagent" can mean one or more reagents) unless it is contextually clear either one of the elements or more than one of the elements is described. The term "about" as used herein refers to a value within <NUM>% of the underlying parameter (i.e., plus or minus <NUM>%), and use of the term "about" at the beginning of a string of values modifies each of the values (i.e., "about <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>" refers to about <NUM>, about <NUM> and about <NUM>). For example, a weight of "about <NUM> grams" can include weights between <NUM> grams and <NUM> grams. Further, when a listing of values is described herein (e.g., about <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>% or <NUM>%) the listing includes all intermediate and fractional values thereof (e.g., <NUM>%, <NUM>%).

Claim 1:
A pipette tip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising an exterior surface, an interior surface, a proximal region (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a distal region (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a junction between the proximal region and the distal region, which proximal region comprises:
an annular flange (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) at a proximal terminus of the proximal region (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
a distal terminal shoulder (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) at the junction,
a plurality of longitudinally-oriented grooves (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) on the exterior surface of the pipette tip extending from the flange to the shoulder, wherein: each groove comprises a groove width (X<NUM>, X<NUM>, X<NUM>, X<NUM>, X<NUM>, X<NUM>) and a groove floor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
a plurality of longitudinally-oriented panels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) on the exterior surface of the pipette tip, wherein:
each panel is adjacent to a groove,
each panel or a portion thereof extends over a sealing zone,
each panel comprises a panel sidewall (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a panel face (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a panel width (Y<NUM>, Y<NUM>, Y<NUM>, Y<NUM>, Y<NUM>, Y<NUM>), and
each panel width is greater than each groove width;
a distance between a groove floor and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the groove floor (Z<NUM>, Z<NUM>, Z<NUM>, Z<NUM>, Z<NUM>, Z<NUM>) , for each groove, is less than a distance between a panel face and an interior surface of a pipette tip opposite the panel face (W<NUM>, W<NUM>, W<NUM>, W<NUM>, W<NUM>, W<NUM>), for each panel; and
which interior surface of a pipette tip defines a substantially frustum-shaped void and is substantially smooth and uniform.