U.S. patent application number 15/778547 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-04 for unitary serological pipette and methods of producing the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Coming Incorporated. Invention is credited to John Claude Cadotte, JR., Gregory Roger Martin, Michael Kurt Schafer, James Mark Seymour.
Application Number | 20180280966 15/778547 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57543200 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180280966 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cadotte, JR.; John Claude ;
et al. |
October 4, 2018 |
UNITARY SEROLOGICAL PIPETTE AND METHODS OF PRODUCING THE SAME
Abstract
A pipette may comprise a length, a longitudinal axis, and an
inner curved surface enclosing a space. The pipette may have a tip
region having a tip thickness. The tip region may be connected to a
body region having a body thickness. The tip thickness may be
greater than the body thickness. The body region may be connected
to a mouth region having a mouth thickness. The mouth thickness may
be greater than the body thickness. The inner curved surface may
not contain bumps or ridges either between the tip region and the
body region or between the body region and the mouth region. The
pipette may be formed by blow molding or vacuum forming.
Inventors: |
Cadotte, JR.; John Claude;
(Waterboro, ME) ; Martin; Gregory Roger; (Acton,
ME) ; Schafer; Michael Kurt; (Gorham, ME) ;
Seymour; James Mark; (Portland, ME) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Coming Incorporated |
Corning |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57543200 |
Appl. No.: |
15/778547 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
November 22, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US16/63248 |
371 Date: |
May 23, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62404677 |
Oct 5, 2016 |
|
|
|
62327823 |
Apr 26, 2016 |
|
|
|
62259811 |
Nov 25, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29K 2025/06 20130101;
B01L 2300/16 20130101; B01L 3/021 20130101; B01L 2300/0681
20130101; B29C 49/04 20130101; B01L 2300/12 20130101; B29K 2023/12
20130101; B01L 2300/0858 20130101; B01L 2300/0838 20130101; B01L
2200/12 20130101; B29D 23/001 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01L 3/02 20060101
B01L003/02 |
Claims
1. A pipette comprising: a length, a longitudinal axis, and an
inner curved surface enclosing a space; a tip region having a tip
diameter and a tip thickness, wherein the tip region is connected
to a body region having a body diameter and a body thickness,
wherein the body diameter is greater than the tip diameter, and
wherein the body region is connected to a mouth region having a
mouth diameter and a mouth thickness, wherein the body thickness is
less than one of the tip thickness or the mouth thickness, and
wherein the inner curved surface is substantially smooth in the
transition regions between the tip region and the body region or
between the body region and the mouth region.
2. The pipette of claim 1 wherein the body thickness is less than
the tip thickness.
3. The pipette of claim 1 wherein the body thickness is less than
the mouth thickness.
4. The pipette of claim 1, wherein the inner curved surface is
substantially smooth along the length of the pipette.
5. The pipette of claim 1, wherein the tip thickness is 0.3 mm or
greater.
6. The pipette of claim 1, wherein the tip thickness is 0.6 mm or
greater.
7. The pipette of claim 1, wherein the body thickness is 0.6 mm or
less.
8. The pipette of claim 1, wherein the body thickness is 0.4 mm or
less.
9. The pipette of claim 1, wherein the mouth thickness is 0.3 mm or
greater.
10. The pipette of claim 9, wherein the mouth thickness is 0.6 mm
or greater.
11. A method for producing a pipette comprising the steps of: (a)
providing a parison or preform, the parison or preform having a
longitudinal axis and an inner curved surface enclosing a space;
(b) inserting the parison or preform into a mold, the mold having a
mold cavity and proximal and distal mold end features; and (c)
blow-molding or vacuum forming the parison or preform to form a
pipette in the shape of the mold, the pipette having proximal and
distal ends.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein step (c) involves blow-molding
the parison or preform.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein step (c) involves vacuum
forming the parison or preform.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the proximal and distal mold
end features are orifices.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising a step prior to step
(b) of printing the mold cavity to create mold surface features,
wherein during step (c) pipette surface features are formed on the
pipette corresponding to the mold surface features.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising a step prior to step
(b) of depositing ink on a surface of the mold cavity, wherein
during step (c) the ink is transferred to a surface of the
pipette.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising a step prior to step
(b) of inserting a label into the mold cavity, wherein during step
(c) the label attaches to the pipette.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising a step subsequent to
step (c) of drawing the distal end to form a pipette tip.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein the mold cavity comprises a
cutting or scoring feature configured to cut or score the pipette
during or after step (c).
20. The method of claim 11, further comprising a step subsequent to
step (c) of cutting or scoring the pipette at its distal end to
form or prepare to form a distal aperture.
21. The method of claim 11, further comprising a step subsequent to
step (c) of cutting or scoring the pipette at its proximal end to
form or prepare to form a proximal aperture.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising a step of inserting
a filter into the formed proximal aperture of the pipette.
23-49. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/259,811 filed on Nov. 25, 2015,
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/327,823 filed on Apr. 26,
2016, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/404,677 filed on
Oct. 5, 2016, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to unitary
serological pipettes and methods of forming the same by, for
example, blow molding or vacuum forming.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Currently, unitary serological pipettes are made either by
(A) welding mouthpiece and tip pipette components onto a hollow
tube or (B) reheating a thick-walled hollow tube and drawing down
and trimming the pipette on one or both ends to form a mouthpiece
and tip. Each of these methods has certain disadvantages in part
cost, material waste, quality, or performance.
SUMMARY
[0004] Optionally, a pipette may comprise a length, a longitudinal
axis, and an inner curved surface enclosing a space. The pipette
may further comprise a tip region having a first diameter and a
first thickness. The tip region may be connected to a body region
having a second diameter and a second thickness. The second
diameter may be greater than the first diameter. The body region
may be connected to a mouth region having a third diameter and a
third thickness. The second diameter may be greater than the third
diameter. The second thickness may be less than either the first
thickness or the third thickness. The inner curved surface may not
contain bumps or ridges either between the tip region and the body
region or between the body region and the mouth region.
[0005] Optionally, a method for producing a pipette may comprise
the steps of providing a parison, inserting the parison into a
mold, and blow-molding or vacuum forming the parison to form a
pipette in the shape of the mold. A parison is a hot preform, such
as an extruded form in a tube shape. The parison may be hot as it
exits an extrusion step and this hot part can be placed directly
into a mold. In embodiments, a cold pre-form can be also be used.
The parison may have a longitudinal axis and an inner curved
surface enclosing a space. The mold may have a mold cavity and
proximal and distal mold end features. The pipette may have
proximal and distal ends.
[0006] Optionally, a method for producing pipettes may comprise the
steps of: providing a parison, inserting the parison into a mold
having at least two mold cavities, and blow-molding or vacuum
forming the parison to form at least two pipettes in the shape of
the at least two mold cavities. The parison may have a longitudinal
axis and an inner curved surface enclosing a space. Each mold
cavity may have proximal and distal mold end features. Each of the
at least two pipettes may have proximal and distal ends.
[0007] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure
will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in
part will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading and
understanding the detailed description or recognized by practicing
the embodiments described herein, including the detailed
description which follows, the claims, and the appended
drawings.
[0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description describe various
embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework
for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject
matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated into
and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings
illustrate the various embodiments described herein, and together
with the description serve to explain the principles and operations
of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The following is a description of the figures in the
accompanying drawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale,
and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown
exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity or
conciseness.
[0010] FIGS. 1a-1d illustrates an example of a unitary serological
pipette according to the present disclosure.
[0011] FIGS. 2a-2d illustrate an example method of forming a
unitary serological pipette by blow molding according to the
present disclosure.
[0012] FIGS. 3a-3c illustrate an example method of forming a
unitary serological pipette by vacuum forming according to the
present disclosure.
[0013] FIGS. 4a-4c illustrate an example mold comprising a mold
in-score feature according to the present disclosure.
[0014] FIGS. 5a-5e illustrate an example mold comprising a mold
in-cut feature according to the present disclosure.
[0015] FIGS. 6a-6e illustrate an example mold comprising an
alternative mold in-cut feature according to the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a series of three unitary
serological pipettes being formed according to the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a series of five unitary
serological pipettes being formed according to the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a series of serological
pipettes being formed according to the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates an example mold comprising a separation
cavity according to the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates an example mold comprising a mold pinch
feature according to the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates an example mold assembly comprising a
mold pinch feature according to the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates an example mold assembly comprising
adjacent molds having off-set centerlines according to the present
disclosure.
[0023] The following reference characters are used in this
specification: [0024] 10 Pipette [0025] 11 Inner curved surface
[0026] 12 Mouth region [0027] 13 Mouth [0028] 14 Body region [0029]
15 Tip [0030] 16 Tip region [0031] 17 Volumetric markings [0032] 18
Space [0033] 19 Filter [0034] 20 Mouth-body transition region
[0035] 21 Body-tip transition region [0036] 22 Mouth thickness
[0037] 24 Body thickness [0038] 26 Tip thickness [0039] 30 Outside
surface [0040] 31 Inside surface [0041] 32 Mouth diameter [0042] 34
Body diameter [0043] 36 Tip diameter [0044] 40 Mold [0045] 42 Mold
cavity [0046] 44 Mold half [0047] 46 Mold half [0048] 48 Vacuum
cavity [0049] 50 Parison [0050] 51 Inner curved surface [0051] 55
Parison thickness [0052] 58 Space [0053] 64 Mold end feature [0054]
66 Mold end feature [0055] 70 In-score feature [0056] 71 In-score
feature [0057] 72 In-score feature [0058] 73 In-score feature
[0059] 80 Mold cavity [0060] 82 Mold cavity [0061] 84 Mold cavity
[0062] 86 Mold cavity [0063] 88 Mold cavity [0064] 90 In-cut
feature [0065] 91 In-cut feature [0066] 92 In-cut feature [0067] 93
In-cut feature [0068] 94 In-cut feature [0069] 95 In-cut feature
[0070] 96 In-cut feature [0071] 97 In-cut feature [0072] 100
Compressed air [0073] 110 Pipette [0074] 111 Pipette [0075] 112
Pipette [0076] 113 Pipette [0077] 114 Pipette [0078] 120 Mold
assembly [0079] 122 Mold assembly segment [0080] 130 Extruder
output [0081] 184 Separation Cavity [0082] 186 Separation Cavity
[0083] 194 Pinch feature [0084] 196 Pinch feature
[0085] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description, will be better understood when read in conjunction
with the figures. It should be understood that the claims are not
limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the
figures. Furthermore, the appearance shown in the figures is one of
many ornamental appearances that can be employed to achieve the
stated functions of the apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0086] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the present invention. However, it will be clear to one skilled
in the art when the present invention can be practiced without some
or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known
features or processes may not be described in detail so as not to
unnecessarily obscure the invention. In addition, like or identical
reference numerals may be used to identify common or similar
elements.
[0087] The present disclosure relates to unitary serological
pipettes. According to aspects of the present disclosure, unitary
serological pipettes may be manufactured with improved product
reliability and functional performance. Further, the presently
disclosed manufacturing methods may reduce the cost and material
waste and increase the speed of production of unitary serological
pipettes.
[0088] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, FIGS.
1a-1d illustrate an example pipette 10 according to the present
disclosure, which may be formed according to the methods disclosed
in the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1b (showing the tip
region 16), 1c (showing the body region 14) and 1d (showing the
mouth region 12), the pipette 10 may comprise an inner curved
surface 11 that encloses a space 18. The pipette 10 may comprise a
longitudinal axis. The pipette 10 may comprise a mouth 13 and a tip
15. The pipette may comprise a filter 19. The pipette 10 may
comprise a series of volumetric markings 17 to indicate a current
volume of a liquid stored within the pipette 10. The pipette 10 may
be suitably sized to hold a particular volume of liquid, e.g., 1
mL, 2 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL, 25 mL, 50 mL, or 100 mL. The pipette 10 may
be manufactured from any suitable material, including polymers such
as polystyrene and polypropylene, and glass. The pipette 10 may
have a mouth region 12, a body region 14, and a tip region 16,
portions of each of which are shown in enlarged views in FIGS.
1b-1d. Each region may have a corresponding wall thickness--a mouth
thickness 22, a body thickness 24, and a tip thickness 26--and a
corresponding diameter--a mouth diameter 32, a body diameter 34,
and a tip diameter 36. The pipette 10 may have a mouth-body
transition region 20 between the mouth region 12 and the body
region 14. The pipette 10 may have a body-tip transition region 21
between the body region 14 and the tip region 16.
[0089] The mouth, body, and tip diameters 32, 34, 36 may each be
measured externally. Optionally, the mouth thickness 22, the tip
thickness 26, or both the mouth thickness 22 and the tip thickness
26 may be similar to the body thickness 24. For example, the mouth
thickness 22, tip thickness 26, and body thickness 24 may each be
between 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm, or between 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm, or 0.75
mm. Optionally, the mouth thickness 22, tip thickness 26, or both
the mouth thickness 22 and the tip thickness 26 may be thicker than
the body thickness 24. For example, the mouth thickness 22 and tip
thickness 26 may each be between 0.3 mm and 2.5 mm, or between 0.5
mm and 1.0 mm, or 0.75 mm. For example, the body thickness 24 may
be less than 0.6 mm, or less than 0.4 mm, or approximately 0.25 mm.
The diameters 32, 34, 36 may each be measured between opposing
points on an outer surface of the pipette 10. The body diameter 34
may be greater than either the mouth diameter 32 or the tip
diameter 36. For example, the body diameter 34 may be between 4.0
mm and 25.0 mm. The specific body diameter 34 may depend on the
volume of liquid the pipette 10 is sized to hold. Depending on the
volume, the body diameter 34 may be between 4.0 mm and 5.0 mm, or
approximately 4.5 mm; or between 6.0 mm and 7.0 mm, or
approximately 6.5 mm; or between 7.5 mm and 8.5 mm, or
approximately 8.0 mm; or between 9.0 mm and 10.0 mm, or
approximately 9.5 mm; or between 14.0 mm and 15.0 mm, or
approximately 14.5 mm; or between 17.5 and 18.5 mm, or
approximately 18.0 mm; or between 24.0 mm and 25.0 mm, or
approximately 24.5 mm. Example body diameters, body thicknesses,
and tip thicknesses corresponding to different pipette volumes of
blow-molded pipettes are shown in Table I below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Tip Mouth Body Inner Tip outer Mouth Pipette
outer Body Di- Thick- Di- Thick- Volume Diameter Thickness ameter
ness ameter ness (mL) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) 1 3.5-5.0
0.25-0.7 1.5-5.0 0.3-1.3 3.5-5.0 0.3-1.3 2 4.5.0-7.0 0.25-0.7 1.5-7
0.3-1.3 4.5-7.0 0.3-1.3 5 6.0-8.5 0.25-0.70 1.0-3.0 0.3-1.3 6.0-8.5
0.3-1.3 10 8..0-10.0 0.25-0.70 1.0-5 0.3-1.3 7.0-8.5 0.3-1.3 25
13.0-15.0 0.25-0.70 1.0-4.0 0.3-2.5 7.0-8.5 0.5-2.5 50 16.0-18.5
0.25-0.70 1.0-4.0 0.3-2.5 7.0-8.5 0.5-2.5 100 22.5.0-25.0 0.25-0.70
1.0-4.0 0.3-2.5 7.0-8.5 0.5-2.5
[0090] The enhanced thickness in the mouth and tip regions 12, 16
may provide certain advantages during use--e.g., the mouth and tip
regions 12, 16 may be harder to damage or break than they would be
if they were thinner. In addition, when packaged in sterile
packaging, the thicker mouth and/or tip regions 12, 16 are less
likely to break the sterile packaging, which may reduce the risk of
contamination prior to use. The particular mouth, body, and tip
thicknesses 12, 14, 16 may be created as a result of using blow
molding or vacuum forming to produce the pipette 10.
[0091] Optionally, the pipette 10 may have no bumps or ridges in
the mouth-body transition region 20 between the mouth region 12 and
the body region 14 or in the body-tip transition region 21 between
the body region 14 and the tip region 16, either in the inside
surface 31 of the pipette or the outside surface 30 of the pipette.
The transition regions 20, 21 that lack bumps or ridges may be
referred to as substantially smooth transition regions. The lack of
bumps or ridges in the substantially smooth transition regions 20,
21 may be as a result of using blow molding or vacuum forming to
produce the pipette 10 as a single piece, instead of forming one or
more of the regions 12, 14, 16 separately and then subsequently
joining the regions 12, 14, 16 (e.g., by welding, which may produce
weld seams). The substantially smooth inside surface 31 in
transition regions 20, 21 may reduce particulate and fluid
retention that could otherwise accumulate around bumps or ridges in
such regions. For at least this region, the substantially smooth
transition regions 20, 21 may improve performance of the pipette
10, for example enhancing the accuracy of the volumetric markings
17. For example, when a pipette is assembled, by first drawing or
forming a pipette body and then attaching a tip region or mouth
region or both, there will be a seam or a mismatch or a step or a
bump or a ridge in the internal or external surface of the pipette
where this connection is made. In addition, there may be residue or
particulate created during the assembly process (ultrasonic
welding, for example) which may create unwanted contaminants inside
the pipette.
[0092] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, FIGS.
2a-2d illustrate an example method for producing a pipette 10 using
blow molding. A parison 50 (or a tube or preform) may be inserted
into a mold 40. Typically, the parison 50 will be in the shape of a
hollow cylinder. Optionally, the parison 50 could be a hollow
hexagonally-walled prism, or another shape. The parison 50 may
comprise an inner curved surface 51 that encloses a space 58. As
shown in FIG. 2b, the parison 50 may have a parison thickness 55.
The parison 50 may be manufactured from any suitable material,
including polymers such as polystyrene and polypropylene, and
glass. The parison 50 may be manufactured, for example, by
extruding a polymer melt to form a hollow, cylindrical tube. Prior
to insertion, the parison 50 may be heated to a temperature within
the softening range of the material from which the parison 50 is
made. The softening range includes a range of temperatures at which
the material is readily formable. The mold may comprise a mold
cavity 42. The mold may comprise mold halves 44, 46. The mold may
comprise mold end features 64, 66, which may be blades, knives, or
sharp edges used to cut or score a parison 50 or pipette 10. As
illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2c, the mold halves 44, 46 may close
around the parison 50 rather than inserting the parison 50 into
mold halves 44, 46 that are already closed. As illustrated in FIG.
2c, compressed air 100 may be introduced into the space 58,
creating a differential pressure. The compressed air may be at a
pressure of, for example, 0.05-1.5 MPa. As shown in FIG. 2d, the
positive air pressure within the space 58 pushes the parison 50
into the mold cavity 42 to form a pipette 10 in the shape of the
mold cavity 42. Forming the pipette 10 by blow molding may enhance
the toughness of the pipette 10 due to biaxial expansion during the
blow molding process. During molding, surface features such as
volumetric markings 17 may be introduced to the surface of the
pipette 10. These surface features may be created by several
different techniques, either alone or in connection with each
other. These techniques include printing or imprinting the mold
cavity 42 to create mold surface features that corresponding
pipette surface features during molding; or depositing ink on the
surface of the mold cavity 42 that is then transferred to an outer
surface of the pipette 10 during molding; or inserting a label into
the mold cavity 42 that attaches to an outer surface of the pipette
10 during molding. Once the pipette 10 has cooled sufficiently, the
mold 40 may be opened, for example by opening the mold halves 44,
46, and the pipette 10 may be ejected. Optionally, the mold halves
44, 46 may be opened in an arc shape. A new parison may then be
inserted into the mold 40, and the process may be repeated.
[0093] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, FIGS.
3a, 3b, and 3c illustrate an example method for producing a pipette
10 using vacuum forming. The vacuum forming process is similar to
the blow molding process described above, except that the vacuum
forming process relies on using a negative differential pressure
outside a parison 50 instead of a positive differential pressure
inside the parison 50. A parison 50 (or a tube or preform) may be
inserted into a mold 40. Prior to insertion, the parison 50 may be
heated to a temperature within the softening range of the material
from which the parison 50 is made. As illustrated in FIGS. 3a and
3b, the mold halves 44, 46 may close around the parison 50. In
contrast to the blow molding process, as illustrated in FIG. 3c, a
negative air pressure may be introduced in the mold cavity 42
(outside the parison 50) by introducing a vacuum via vacuum
cavities 48. The introduced vacuum may be at a pressure of, for
example, 0.01 to 0.09 MPa. The negative air pressure in the mold
cavity 42 draws the parison 50 into the shape of the mold cavity
42. Once the pipette 10 has cooled sufficiently, the mold 40 may be
opened, for example by opening the mold halves 44, 46, and the
pipette 10 may be ejected. A new parison may then be inserted into
the mold 40, and the process may be repeated.
[0094] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, FIGS.
4a-4c illustrate a mold 40 comprising mold cavities 80, 82, 84 and
in-score features 70, 71, 72, 73. As illustrated in FIG. 4a, a mold
40 may comprise one or more in-score features 70, 71, 72, 73, which
may each act as an undercut. The in-score features 70, 71, 72, 73,
are designed to score a pipette 10 in the mouth and tip regions 12,
16, to assist with forming a mouth 13 and tip 15. The in-score
features 70, 71, 72, 73 may all be located within a single mold
cavity 80 or may be located in separate, adjacent mold cavities 80,
82, 84 or even separate adjacent molds. As the different mold
cavities 80, 82, 84 separate, the separating mold 40 applies a
force on the in-score features 70, 71, 72, 73 causing excess
pipette material to separate from the pipette. Optionally, a
temperature differential between the different mold cavities 80,
82, 84 may beneficially increase stress at the in-score features
70, 71, 72, 73, leading to enhanced separation efficiency. The use
of the in-score features 70, 71, 72, 73 can eliminate or reduce the
need for post-molding cutting processes conducted outside of the
mold.
[0095] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, FIGS.
5a-5e illustrate a mold 40 comprising mold cavities 80, 82, 84 and
in-cut features 90, 91, 92, 93. As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the mold
40 may comprise one or more in-cut features 90, 91, 92, 93, which
may each provide a sharp point. When a parison 50 is blow molded
(or vacuum formed) into a pipette 10, the sharp point of the in-cut
features 90, 91, 92, 93, may cause pipette material to thin
sufficiently at or near to the in-cut features 90, 91, 92, 93 that
the pipette 10 is separated from an adjacent pipette or adjacent
pipette material, thus forming a mouth 13 and tip 15 in the pipette
10. The larger diameters of the mold cavities 80 and 84 at the site
of the in-cut features 90, 91, 92, 93 may assist with thinning the
pipette material, and thus with the cutting process. The in-cut
features 90, 91, 92, 93 may all be located within a single mold
cavity 80 or may be located in separate, adjacent mold cavities 80,
82, 84 or even separate adjacent molds. The use of the in-cut
features 90, 91, 92, 93 can eliminate or reduce the need for
post-molding cutting processes conducted outside of the mold.
[0096] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, FIGS.
6a-6e illustrate a mold 40 comprising mold cavities 80, 82, 84 and
in-cut features 94, 95, 96, 97. As illustrated in FIG. 6a, the mold
40 may comprise one or more in-cut features 94, 95, 96, 97, which
may each provide a sharp point. A parison 50 may be extruded into
the mold cavities 80, 82, 84. The diameter of the parison 50 may be
equal to the diameter of the pipette's outer mouth diameter, or
inner tip diameter. The sharp point of the in-cut features 94, 95,
96, 97 may protrude from the mold halves 44, 46 so that when the
mold 40 is closed, the parison 50 is cut at the location of the
sharp point due to the interference contact between the in-cut
features 94, 95, 96, 97 and the parison 50. The in-cut features 94,
95, 96, 97 may all be located within a single mold cavity 80 or may
be located in separate, adjacent mold cavities 80, 82, 84 or even
separate adjacent molds. The use of the in-cut features 94, 95, 96,
97 can eliminate or reduce the need for post-molding cutting
processes conducted outside of the mold.
[0097] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, FIG.
7 illustrates a mold 40 comprising mold cavities 80, 82, 84 in
which three pipettes 110, 111, 112 have been formed. The pipettes
110, 111, 112 may be drawn and separated in accordance with
separation features as described in further detail below. As one
example, the pipettes 110, 111, 112 may be cut by mold features 64,
66, which may be blades, knives, or sharp edges used to cut or
score a parison 50 or pipette 112. As will be described with
reference to FIGS. 10-13, other exemplary separation features may
include separation cavities 184, 186 (illustrated in FIG. 10),
pinch features 194, 196 (illustrated in FIGS. 11-12) or molds of a
mold assembly having off-set centerlines (illustrated in FIG.
13).
[0098] Optionally, pipettes 110 and 111 may be arranged such that
their tip regions are adjacent to each other. Optionally, pipettes
111 and 112 may be arranged such that their mouth regions are
adjacent to each other. Arranging the pipettes tip-to-tip and
mouth-to-mouth may enhance production efficiency and reduce
production costs. For example, the amount of scrap pipette material
generated may be reduced by arranging the pipettes tip-to-tip and
mouth-to-mouth. As an alternative, pipettes 111 and 112 may be
arranged such that the mouth region of a first of pipettes 111 and
112 is adjacent to the tip region of the other of pipettes 111 and
112. The large step change from the mouth thickness to the tip
thickness provides a position in the mold 40 where force on the
pipettes 111 and 112 facilitates separation and may lead to
enhanced separation efficiency.
[0099] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, FIG.
8 illustrates a mold 40 comprising mold cavities 80, 82, 84, 86, 88
in which five pipettes 110, 111, 112, 113, 114 have been formed.
The pipettes 110, 111, 112, 113, 114 may be drawn and cut by mold
features 64, 66, which may be blades, knives, or sharp edges used
to cut or score a parison 50 or pipette 113. For example, pipettes
112, 113 may be drawn to form tip regions in each pipette. If
pipettes 112, 113 are drawn to form tip regions, the tip
thicknesses will likely be smaller than described above (i.e., may
be less than 0.4 mm). The pipettes 112, 113 may then be cut (e.g.,
using mold features 64, 66) to form tips in each pipette.
Similarly, pipettes 113, 114 may be drawn to form mouth regions in
each pipette. The pipettes 113, 114 may then be cut (e.g., using
mold features 64, 66) to form mouths in each pipette. Optionally, a
filter may be inserted into the mouth region of each of pipettes
113, 114. Forming the pipettes in a series or in an assembly line
may enhance production speeds. For example, as many as 2,400
pipettes may be formed per minute in a mold 40 with four mold
cavities. Optionally, the mold cavities may be arranged in a
circular arrangement so that they are parallel along their
longitudinal axes. Such a circular arrangement may provide
additional advantages in terms of enhancing production speeds and
efficiency.
[0100] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, FIG.
9 illustrates a mold assembly 120 comprising a plurality of mold
assembly segments 122. As an alternative to preforming a parison
and inserting the parison into the mold, a polymer melt is extruded
from extruder output 130 to form a parison or preform while
contacting the parison or preform with the plurality of mold
assembly segments 122 in succession. The mold assembly segments 122
include cavities when combined as the mold assembly 120 that are
shaped to form the pipettes 110, 111, 112 in a plurality of
portions the size of the mold assembly segments 122. The mold
assembly segments 122 may have a length of between about 0.25
inches and about 14 inches. For example, the mold assembly segments
122 may have a length of between about 0.50 inches and about 10
inches, or between about 1.0 inches and about 7.0 inches or even
between about 2.0 inches and about 4.0 inches. Compressed air may
be applied intermittently or continuously into the mold assembly
120 to form pipettes 110, 111, 112 in the shape of the mold
assembly 120. Alternatively, a negative air pressure may be
intermittently or continuously introduced in the mold assembly 120
(outside the pipettes 110, 111, 112) by introducing a vacuum via
vacuum cavities (not shown). Where compressed air or negative air
pressure are continuously introduced, the mouth, body, and tip of
the pipettes 110, 111, 112 may be formed by varying the speed in
which the mold assembly segments 122 are contacted with the
pipettes 110, 111, 112 and/or by varying the output speed of the
extruder output 130. The pipettes 110, 111, 112 may be drawn and
cut by mold features 64, 66, which may be blades, knives, or sharp
edges used to cut or score the pipettes 110, 111, 112.
[0101] Aspects where a parison is not preformed may enhance
production speeds. Radial witness lines may be formed from the mold
assembly segments 122 and axial witness lines may be formed from
the molds contacting the mold assembly 120 on a parting line. These
witness lines could be surface features that may function as
volumetric markings in various pipette applications.
[0102] Methods disclosed herein are described as including applying
compressed air or negative air pressure to produce pipettes as
described herein. However, it is also contemplated that aspects of
the present disclosure may also apply material memory when forming
the pipettes. Material memory, as used herein, is the propensity of
materials, particularly plastics, to return to a previous shape or
size upon the relief of internal stresses, produced, for example,
by molecular orientation when blow molding an article from a
preform. In certain aspects, material memory may be utilized to
move, or may aid in moving, the parison 50 into the mold cavity 42,
or the cavities of the mold assembly segments 122, to form a
pipette. In pipettes having small thicknesses, material memory may
be sufficient to move the parison 50 to form the shape of the
pipette. However, in certain aspects material memory may be
utilized in combination with applying compressed air or negative
air pressure to form the shape of the pipette.
[0103] Aspects of the present disclosure further relate to methods
and mold features which facilitate forming individual pipettes by
separating a pipette from an adjacent pipette or adjacent pipette
material. Separation features and separation methods will be
described with reference to FIGS. 10-13 in which certain separation
features are illustrated in either one or both of (a) molds in
which a parison is preformed and inserted into the mold and formed
using either a negative differential pressure outside a parison 50
or a positive differential pressure inside the parison 50, or (b) a
plurality of mold assembly segments 122 in which a polymer melt is
extruded from extruder output 130 to form a parison or preform
while contacting the parison or preform with the plurality of mold
assembly segments 122 in succession. Where the separation features
are illustrated only in one of (a) or (b), it should be appreciated
that each of the separation features and separation processes
described herein may be included in the other of (a) or (b) in
which the particular separation feature is not illustrated.
[0104] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, FIG.
10 illustrates an example mold comprising a separation cavity
according to the present disclosure. As shown, an area between
adjacent mold cavities 82, 84 may include at least one separation
cavity 184, 186. As the different mold cavities 82, 84 separate,
the pipette material expands into the at least one separation
cavity 184, 186 and the thickness of the pipette material decreases
within the at least one separation cavity 184, 186. Such a decrease
in thickness of the pipette material in turn causes the material to
split, thus providing a point at which the adjacent pipette
material is separated in-mold and individual pipettes 111, 112 are
formed. Preferably, the pipettes 111, 112 are separated in-mold.
However, in the alternative, the at least one separation cavity
184, 186 may provide a relatively weak area between the pipettes
111, 112 where the pipettes 111, 112 can be easily separated after
they are removed from the mold. As described above, the pipettes
111, 112 may be arranged tip-to-tip, mouth-to-mouth or such that
the mouth region of a first of pipettes 111 and 112 is adjacent to
the tip region of the other of pipettes 111 and 112.
[0105] The at least one separation cavity 184, 186 as shown in FIG.
10 is illustrated as having an opening in communication with mold
cavities 42 and equal length walls extending from the opening
parallel to one another. However, the at least one separation
cavity 184, 186 as described herein is not limited to such a shape
and may be any shape which forms a cavity in communication with the
mold cavities 42. For example, the walls of the at least one
separation cavity 184, 186 may extend from the opening to form a
round or oval cavity. As another example, the walls of the at least
one separation cavity 184, 186 may extend from the opening at an
oblique angle.
[0106] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, FIG.
11 illustrates an example mold comprising a mold pinch feature
according to the present disclosure. According to another aspect of
the present disclosure, FIG. 12 illustrates an example mold
assembly comprising a mold pinch feature according to the present
disclosure. As shown in FIG. 11, an area between adjacent mold
cavities 82, 84 may include at least two opposing pinch features
194, 196, or, as shown in FIG. 12, at least one of the mold
assembly segments 122 may include at least two opposing pinch
features 194, 196. As opposed to mold end features 64, 66, which
may be blades, knives, or sharp edges, the at least two opposing
pinch features 194, 196 comprise flat surfaces which, as the mold
halves 44, 46 close around the parison 50, or as polymer is
extruded into the cavities of the mold assembly segments 122, come
together to form a pinching location. The pinching location between
the at least two opposing pinch features 194, 196 forms an area of
decreased pipette material thickness. Such decreased thickness of
the pipette material in turn causes the material to split, thus
providing a point at which the adjacent pipette material is
separated in-mold and individual pipettes 111, 112 are formed.
Preferably, the pipettes 111, 112 are separated in-mold. However,
in the alternative, the pinching location between the at least two
opposing pinch features 194, 196 may provide a relatively weak area
between the pipettes 111, 112 where the pipettes 111, 112 can be
easily separated after they are removed from the mold.
[0107] The at least two opposing pinch features 194, 196 may be
configured such that the pinch features 194, 196 are not
stationary. For example, the at least two opposing pinch features
194, 196 may be configured to move within the mold cavities 82, 84,
or within the cavities of the mold assembly segments 122, such that
the flat surface of a first of the pinch features 194 moves towards
the flat surface of a second of the pinch features 196 to apply
pressure on the pipette material at the pinching location. Such
pressure may facilitate forming a point at which the adjacent
pipette material is separated in-mold and individual pipettes 111,
112 are formed.
[0108] Alternatively, a pinching location may be formed within the
mold cavities 82, 84, or within the cavities of the mold assembly
segments 122, without the at least two opposing pinch features 194,
196. Within mold cavities 82, 84, an area between the pipettes 111,
112 may include a narrow passage in which an area of decreased
pipette material thickness is formed. Such decreased thickness of
the pipette material in turn causes the material to split, thus
providing a point at which the adjacent pipette material is
separated in-mold and individual pipettes 111, 112 are formed.
Similarly, some of the cavities of the mold assembly segments 122
may include a narrow passage in which an area of decreased pipette
material thickness is formed. Such area of decreased pipette
material thickness may cause the material to split. However, in a
mold assembly 120 such as is shown in FIG. 9, insertion of
subsequent mold assembly segments 122 may apply pressure on the
pipette material within the narrow passage. Such pressure may
facilitate forming a point at which the adjacent pipette material
is separated in-mold and individual pipettes 111, 112 are
formed.
[0109] FIG. 13 illustrates an example mold assembly comprising
adjacent molds having off-set centerlines according to the present
disclosure. As shown, the offset centerlines of adjacent mold
assembly segments 122 forms an interface between the adjacent mold
assembly segments 122 where pipette material is sheared, thus
providing a point at which the adjacent pipette material is
separated in-mold and individual pipettes 111, 112 are formed.
Preferably, the pipettes 111, 112 are separated in-mold. However,
in the interface between the adjacent mold assembly segments 122
may form a step between the pipettes 111, 112 where the pipettes
111, 112 can be easily separated after they are removed from the
mold. As described above, the pipettes 111, 112 may be arranged
tip-to-tip, mouth-to-mouth or such that the mouth region of a first
of pipettes 111 and 112 is adjacent to the tip region of the other
of pipettes 111 and 112.
[0110] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
temperature conditions within the mold cavities 82, 84 or within
the mold assembly segments 122, may be controlled to facilitate
separating a pipette from an adjacent pipette or adjacent pipette
material. As one example, the areas between the pipettes may be
locally cooled relative to the other areas of the mold cavities 82,
84 or the cavities of the mold assembly segments 122, to facilitate
separation of the pipette from an adjacent pipette or adjacent
pipette material. As another example, the areas between the
pipettes may be locally heated relative to the other areas of the
mold cavities 82, 84 or the cavities of the mold assembly segments
122, to facilitate shrinking of the pipette material and separation
of the pipette from an adjacent pipette or adjacent pipette
material. Temperature conditions as described above may be created
by locally controlling the temperature of the air or the
temperature of the construction materials of the mold cavity/mold
assembly segment material in the areas between the pipettes.
EXAMPLES
[0111] 10 ml and 25 ml pipettes were made according to the methods
shown in FIG. 7, blow molding to form a unitary pipette. A cold
preform was inserted into a blow mold and pressurized (10 psi to 20
psi) then heated with radiant heat from the mold. The process took
approximately 40 minutes for the molds to heat, the form to expand
and the mold to cool down. Parts were removed and measured.
[0112] Table 2 shows inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD) and
thickness measurements (in mm) of the tip portion, the body portion
and the mouth portion of these experimental pipettes.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Pipette Tip Body Body Body Mouth Mouth Mouth
Volume Tip OD Tip ID Thickness ID OD Thickness ID OD thickness 10
mL 4.57 2.95 0.81 7.92 8.66 0.37 6.77 7.62 0.42 25 mL 6.48 4.06
1.21 12.70 13.66 0.48 5.71 7.62 0.95
[0113] As can be seen from Table 2, the tip thickness and the mouth
thickness are greater than the body thickness of experimental
pipettes made by blow molding. These measurements were consistent
with thicknesses predicted using modeling.
[0114] Table 3 shows predicted measurements using modeling of blow
molding (according to the methods shown in FIG. 7). Calculated
final dimensions were based on balancing the material in the
preform to the final targeted part diameter and then solving for
thickness.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Pipette Tip Body Body Body Mouth Mouth Mouth
Volume Tip OD Tip ID Thickness ID OD Thickness ID OD thickness 1 mL
3.56 2.03 0.76 2.95 4.14 0.61 2.95 4.14 0.61 2 mL 3.56 2.03 0.76
4.06 5.00 0.46 4.06 5.00 0.46 5 mL 3.51 1.57 0.97 5.97 6.74 0.39
6.95 6.73 0.34 10 mL 3.51 1.57 0.97 7.92 8.52 0.30 6.95 7.62 0.34
25 mL 5.21 2.24 1.49 12.70 13.54 0.42 6.00 7.62 0.81 50 mL 5.21
3.05 1.08 15.88 16.43 0.28 6.34 7.62 0.64 100 mL 6.35 3.18 1.59
22.35 23.02 0.33 5.27 7.62 1.17
[0115] Table 3 illustrates that, using modeled data, pipettes
formed by the methods shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 will result in
pipettes having thicker tip and/or mouth regions compared to the
body thickness. In some embodiments, only one of the tip or the
mouth is thicker than the body thickness. These data are exemplary.
Molding conditions can be adjusted, or a profiled or shaped parison
can be used to modulate thicknesses at the tip or the mouth.
[0116] Table 4 shows blow molding followed by a draw of the tip
portion (according to the methods shown in FIG. 8) techniques.
Using this technique, with a tip draw following formation of the
pipette by blow molding or vacuum molding, the tip thickness may be
any thickness, depending on the extent to which the tip is drawn
following forming of the pipette.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Pipette Tip Body Body Body Mouth Mouth Mouth
Volume Tip OD Tip ID Thickness ID OD Thickness ID OD thickness 5 mL
2.50 1.80 0.35 7.40 8.00 0.29 7.42 8.00 0.29 10 mL 3.43 1.52 0.95
7.92 9.02 0.56 6.73 8.00 0.64
[0117] Table 5 illustrates measurements taken from prior art
examples of pipettes (in mm) (Costar and ALP brand pipettes) made
by traditional means. The first column shows unitary pipettes made
by drawing. The second column shows pipettes made by drawing a
body, and then attaching a tip or, in examples, a tip and a mouth
may be attached in a separate manufacturing step. Table 5 shows
that, in the prior art examples measured, body thickness was
generally greater than or equal to the mouth thickness. While the
mouth thickness of the assembled pipettes may be thicker than the
thickness of the body, these pipettes are assembled by drawing a
pipette body and then attaching a mouth part to the pipette body.
There will always be a seam or a mismatch or a step or a bump or a
ridge in the internal or external surface of the pipette where this
connection is made. In addition, there may be residue or
particulate created during the assembly process (ultrasonic
welding, for example) which may create unwanted contaminants inside
the pipette. For smaller pipettes, the 1 ml and 2 ml pipettes, it
is not practical to assemble pipettes by adding a mouth or a tip
(*). These pipettes are too small. For the larger pipettes, it is
not practical to draw pipettes. These traditionally require
assembly (**).
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Tip Tip Body Body Thickness Thickness
Thickness Thickness Mouth Unitiary Assembled Unitary Assembled
thick- Pipette Pipette Pipette Pipette ness Prior Art Prior Prior
Art Prior Prior Pipette (drawn) Art (drawn) Art Art Volume (mm)
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) 1 mL 0.50 NA* 0.81 NA 0.81 2 mL 0.75 NA* 1.21
NA 1.21 5 mL 0.30 NA* 1.02 1.02 1.02 10 mL 0.33 0.90 1.30 0.80 1.02
25 mL 0.38 1.50 1.70 0.81 1.02 50 mL NA** 1.10 NA** 1.02 1.02 100
mL NA** 1.60 NA** 1.02 1.02
[0118] According to an aspect (1) of the present disclosure, a
pipette is provided. The pipette comprises: a length, a
longitudinal axis, and an inner curved surface enclosing a space; a
tip region having a tip diameter and a tip thickness, wherein the
tip region is connected to a body region having a body diameter and
a body thickness, wherein the body diameter is greater than the tip
diameter, and wherein the body region is connected to a mouth
region having a mouth diameter and a mouth thickness, wherein the
body thickness is less than one of the tip thickness or the mouth
thickness, and wherein the inner curved surface is substantially
smooth in the transition regions between the tip region and the
body region or between the body region and the mouth region.
[0119] According to another aspect (2) of the present disclosure,
the pipette of aspect (1) is provided, wherein the body thickness
is less than the tip thickness.
[0120] According to another aspect (3) of the present disclosure,
the pipette of aspect (1) is provided, wherein the body thickness
is less than the mouth thickness.
[0121] According to another aspect (4) of the present disclosure,
the pipette of aspect (1) is provided, wherein the inner curved
surface is substantially smooth along the length of the
pipette.
[0122] According to another aspect (5) of the present disclosure,
the pipette of any of aspects (1)-(4) is provided, wherein the tip
thickness is 0.3 mm or greater.
[0123] According to another aspect (6) of the present disclosure,
the pipette of any of aspects (1)-(4) is provided, wherein the tip
thickness is 0.6 mm or greater.
[0124] According to another aspect (7) of the present disclosure,
the pipette of any of aspects (1)-(6) is provided, wherein the body
thickness is 0.6 mm or less.
[0125] According to another aspect (8) of the present disclosure,
the pipette of any of aspects (1)-(6) is provided, wherein the body
thickness is 0.4 mm or less.
[0126] According to another aspect (9) of the present disclosure,
the pipette of any of aspects (1)-(8) is provided, wherein the
mouth thickness is 0.3 mm or greater.
[0127] According to another aspect (10) of the present disclosure,
the pipette of aspect (9) is provided, wherein the mouth thickness
is 0.6 mm or greater.
[0128] According to another aspect (11) of the present disclosure,
a method for producing a pipette is provided. The method comprises
the steps of: (a) providing a parison or preform, the parison or
preform having a longitudinal axis and an inner curved surface
enclosing a space; (b) inserting the parison or preform into a
mold, the mold having a mold cavity and proximal and distal mold
end features; and (c) blow-molding or vacuum forming the parison or
preform to form a pipette in the shape of the mold, the pipette
having proximal and distal ends.
[0129] According to another aspect (12) of the present disclosure,
the method of aspect (11) is provided, wherein step (c) involves
blow-molding the parison or preform.
[0130] According to another aspect (13) of the present disclosure,
the method of aspect (11) is provided, wherein step (c) involves
vacuum forming the parison or preform.
[0131] According to another aspect (14) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (11)-(13) is provided, wherein the
proximal and distal mold end features are orifices.
[0132] According to another aspect (15) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (11)-(14) is provided, further
comprising a step prior to step (b) of printing the mold cavity to
create mold surface features, wherein during step (c) pipette
surface features are formed on the pipette corresponding to the
mold surface features.
[0133] According to another aspect (16) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (11)-(15) is provided, further
comprising a step prior to step (b) of depositing ink on a surface
of the mold cavity, wherein during step (c) the ink is transferred
to a surface of the pipette.
[0134] According to another aspect (17) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (11)-(16) is provided, further
comprising a step prior to step (b) of inserting a label into the
mold cavity, wherein during step (c) the label attaches to the
pipette.
[0135] According to another aspect (18) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (11)-(17) is provided, further
comprising a step subsequent to step (c) of drawing the distal end
to form a pipette tip.
[0136] According to another aspect (19) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (11)-(18) is provided, wherein the
mold cavity comprises a cutting or scoring feature configured to
cut or score the pipette during or after step (c).
[0137] According to another aspect (20) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (11)-(19) is provided, further
comprising a step subsequent to step (c) of cutting or scoring the
pipette at its distal end to form or prepare to form a distal
aperture.
[0138] According to another aspect (21) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (11)-(20) is provided, further
comprising a step subsequent to step (c) of cutting or scoring the
pipette at its proximal end to form or prepare to form a proximal
aperture.
[0139] According to another aspect (22) of the present disclosure,
the method of aspect (21) is provided, further comprising a step of
inserting a filter into the formed proximal aperture of the
pipette.
[0140] According to another aspect (23) of the present disclosure,
a method for producing pipettes is provided. The method comprises
the steps of: (a) providing a parison or preform, the parison or
preform having a longitudinal axis and an inner curved surface
enclosing a space; (b) inserting the parison or preform into a
mold, the mold having at least two mold cavities, wherein each mold
cavity has proximal and distal mold end features; and (c)
blow-molding or vacuum forming the parison or preform to form at
least two pipettes in the shape of the at least two mold cavities,
each of the at least two pipettes having proximal and distal
ends.
[0141] According to another aspect (24) of the present disclosure,
the method of aspect (23) is provided, wherein step (c) involves
blow-molding the parison or preform.
[0142] According to another aspect (25) of the present disclosure,
the method of aspect (23) is provided, wherein step (c) involves
vacuum forming the parison or preform.
[0143] According to another aspect (26) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (23)-(25) is provided, wherein the
proximal and distal mold end features are orifices.
[0144] According to another aspect (27) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (23)-(26) is provided, wherein the at
least two pipettes are arranged in the at least two mold cavities
such that the proximal ends of at least two pipette are in close
proximity to each other.
[0145] According to another aspect (28) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (23)-(27) is provided, wherein the at
least two pipettes are arranged in the at least two mold cavities
such that the distal ends of at least two pipette are in close
proximity to each other.
[0146] According to another aspect (29) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (23)-(28) is provided, further
comprising a step prior to step (b) of printing the at least two
mold cavities to create mold surface features, wherein during step
(c) pipette surface features are formed on the at least two
pipettes corresponding to the mold surface features.
[0147] According to another aspect (30) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (23)-(29) is provided, further
comprising a step prior to step (b) of depositing ink on a surface
of the at least two mold cavities, wherein during step (c) the ink
is transferred to a surface of the at least two pipettes.
[0148] According to another aspect (31) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (23)-(30) is provided, further
comprising a step prior to step (b) of inserting a label into each
of the at least two mold cavities, wherein during step (c) a label
attaches to each of the at least two pipettes.
[0149] According to another aspect (32) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (23)-(31) is provided, further
comprising a step subsequent to step (c) of drawing the distal end
of at least one of the at least two pipettes to form a pipette tip
in the at least one of the at least two pipettes.
[0150] According to another aspect (33) of the present disclosure,
the method of aspect (32) is provided, wherein the drawing forms a
pipette tip in each of the at least two pipettes.
[0151] According to another aspect (34) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (32)-(33) is provided, wherein the
drawing to form the pipette tip is achieved by moving at least two
of the at least two mold cavities away and apart from each
other.
[0152] According to another aspect (35) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (23)-(34) is provided, wherein the at
least two mold cavities comprise a cutting or scoring feature
configured to cut or score the at least two pipettes during or
after step (c).
[0153] According to another aspect (36) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (23)-(35) is provided, further
comprising a step subsequent to step (c) of cutting or scoring at
least one of the at least two pipettes at its distal end to form or
prepare to form a distal aperture.
[0154] According to another aspect (37) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (23)-(36) is provided, further
comprising a step subsequent to step (c) of cutting or scoring at
least one of the at least two pipettes at its proximal end to form
or prepare to form a proximal aperture.
[0155] According to another aspect (38) of the present disclosure,
the method of aspect (37) is provided, further comprising a step of
inserting a filter into the proximal aperture of at least one of
the at least two pipettes.
[0156] According to another aspect (39) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (23)-(38) is provided, wherein the
mold further comprises at least one separation cavity between the
at least two mold cavities, and wherein the method further
comprises a step subsequent to step (c) of separating the at least
two pipettes by blow-molding or vacuum forming a portion of the
parison or preform into the at least one separation cavity.
[0157] According to another aspect (40) of the present disclosure,
the method of aspect (39) is provided, wherein the at least one
separation cavity comprises an opening in communication with the at
least two mold cavities and wherein the at least one separation
cavity further comprises walls extending from the opening parallel
to one another.
[0158] According to another aspect (41) of the present disclosure,
the method of aspect (39) is provided, wherein the at least one
separation cavity comprises an opening in communication with the at
least two mold cavities and wherein the at least one separation
cavity further comprises walls extending from the opening at an
oblique angle.
[0159] According to another aspect (42) of the present disclosure,
the method of aspect (39) is provided, wherein the at least one
separation cavity comprises a round shape.
[0160] According to another aspect (43) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (23)-(38) is provided, wherein the
mold further comprises at least two opposing pinch features between
the at least two mold cavities, and wherein the method further
comprises a step subsequent to step (c) of separating the at least
two pipettes by forming a pinching location in a portion of the
parison or preform.
[0161] According to another aspect (44) of the present disclosure,
the method of aspect (43) is provided, wherein the at least two
opposing pinch features comprises flat surfaces.
[0162] According to another aspect (45) of the present disclosure,
the method of aspect (43) is provided, wherein the at least two
opposing pinch features are configured to move within the at least
two mold cavities, and wherein forming a pinching location in a
portion of the parison or preform comprises moving the at least two
opposing pinch features to apply a pressure to the portion of the
parison or preform.
[0163] According to another aspect (46) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (23)-(38) is provided, wherein the
mold further comprises a narrow passage between the at least two
mold cavities, and wherein the method further comprises a step
subsequent to step (c) of separating the at least two pipettes by
blow-molding or vacuum forming a portion of the parison or preform
into the narrow passage.
[0164] According to another aspect (47) of the present disclosure,
the method of aspect (41) is provided, wherein blow-molding or
vacuum forming a portion of the parison or preform into the narrow
passage forms a pinching location in a portion of the parison or
preform.
[0165] According to another aspect (48) of the present disclosure,
the method of any of aspects (23)-(38) is provided, wherein the at
least two mold cavities are configured such that the centerline of
a first of the at least two mold cavities is offset from the
centerline of a second of the at least two mold cavities, and
wherein the method further comprises a step subsequent to step (c)
of separating the at least two pipettes by blow-molding or vacuum
forming a portion of the parison or preform within the at least two
mold cavities.
[0166] According to another aspect (49) of the present disclosure,
a method for producing pipettes is provided. The method comprises:
(a) extruding a polymer melt into at least one mold segment of a
mold assembly having a plurality of mold segments to form a parison
or preform, wherein the plurality of mold segments comprise
cavities shaped to form pipettes; and (b) blow-molding or vacuum
forming the parison or preform to form at least two pipettes in the
shape of the mold segment cavities, each of the at least two
pipettes having proximal and distal ends.
[0167] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having
benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments
can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention
as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should
be limited only by the claims.
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