EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE

This Application claims priority from a Complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202231061007, filed on October 26, 2022, and titled “A SMART PIPETTE AND A METHOD TO OPERATE THE SMART PIPETTE”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of chemistry and biological laboratories, and more particularly, a smart pipette and a method to operate the smart pipette.

BACKGROUND

Media dispenser is a common tool used in laboratories associate with chemistry, biology and medicine. Particularly, a pipette is an essential laboratory tool that is used to dispense a specific volume of a liquid, in volumes of milliliters (ml) or microliters (pl). Typically, the fundamental function of the pipette is to extract, transport and dispense liquid samples.

Traditionally, liquid handling constitutes the fundamental block of most biochemical, chemical and biological tests performed in many industries. Liquid handling is essentially defined as the act of bringing one sample into contact with the other. Further, it may be necessary to bring the liquid samples to a specific temperature to perform specific tests/ experiments. In such scenarios, the existing laboratory tools fails to satisfy the requirements of liquid handling and heating of the liquid samples.

Hence, there is a need for an improved system and method for a pipette which addresses the aforementioned issue(s).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a smart pipette is provided. The smart pipette comprises an elongated pipette body having an outer surface and an interior wall wherein the pipette body is adapted to perform a heating process and a mixing process of a sample solution. The sample solution comprises a plurality of constituents in pre-defined proportions. Further, the smart pipette comprises a container positioned within the interior wall of the pipette body, wherein the container is adapted to accommodate the sample solution. The container is also operatively coupled to a motor and an ultrasonic transducer. The motor is configured to rotate the container upon a power supply, wherein the motor comprises a shaft to hold the container in position during the mixing process. The ultrasonic transducer is fastened on an upper portion of the container, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is configured to generate ultrasonic waves that help to mix the plurality of constituents in the sample solution. Furthermore, the smart pipette comprises an induction heater coiled around the outer surface of the container and configured to generate heat waves. Moreover, the smart pipette comprises a pipette tip operatively coupled to the pipette body wherein the pipette tip comprises a bendable pipe coupled to an end of a pipe hose. The bendable pipe facilitates to accurately expel the sample at specific points on a target surface. The smart pipette also comprises a power supply positioned outside the pipette body and adapted to operate the smart pipette during the mixing process and heating process. The smart pipette comprises an electric bulb positioned towards a nozzle of the pipette tip wherein the electric bulb is adapted to illuminate the targeted surface at the occurrence of dropping the sample on the target surface.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating a smart pipette is provided. The method comprises collecting, by a plurality of containers of the smart pipette, a sample solution from a user. The method also comprises connecting, by a power supply positioned outside a pipette body of the smart pipette, the smart pipette to operate the smart pipette for multiple purposes. Further, the method comprises performing, by an induction heater coiled around the plurality of containers, a heating process of the sample solution via heat waves to increase the temperature of the plurality of constituents of the sample solution, in response to an electric current provided by a power supply. Furthermore, the method comprises performing, by a motor in conjunction with a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer, a mixing process of the sample solution, by rotating the plurality of containers thereby mixing the plurality of constituents of the sample solution, in response to an electric current provided by a power supply. Moreover, the method comprises viewing, via one or more transparent sections on an outer surface of the pipette body, the sample solution and corresponding level during the heating process and mixing process. The method also comprises expelling, by a pipette tip of the smart pipette, the sample solution from the smart pipette via a bendable pipe thereby accurately dropping the sample solution at specific points on a target surface. The method comprises illuminating, by an electric bulb of the pipette tip, the target surface at the occurrence of expelling the sample solution.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a smart pipette in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a pipette tip illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3a- 3c are schematic representations of a heating process facilitated by the smart pipette in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG.4 illustrates a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for operating the smart pipette in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional subsystems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The discussion that follows describes a smart pipette (100) that may be herein referred to as “Spipette”. Typically, the “Spipette” is operable for multiple purposes for example, but not limited to, extraction, transportation, dispensing, heating a sample solution and mixing a sample solution.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a smart pipette (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The smart pipette (100) comprises an elongated pipette body (102) having an outer surface and an interior wall. The elongated pipette body (102) is adapted to perform a heating process and a mixing process of a sample solution. The heating process is explained thereafter in FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b and FIG. 3c. Further, the sample solution comprises of a plurality of constituents in pre-defined proportions that are used in a laboratory for biological or chemical reactions. The smart pipette (100) is hallowed in nature to accommodate a container (104).

The container (104) is positioned within the interior wall of the elongated pipette body (102) and is adapted to accommodate the sample solution. In one embodiment, the container (104) may accommodate a volume of 70 ml of the sample solution. Further, the container (104) can be detached from the pipette body (102). Therefore, a user of the smart pipette (100) can arrange multiple containers (104) with different sample solutions such that the heating process and the mixing process may be performed on the multiple containers (104) at an accelerated rate and in succession. In other words, the container (104) can be taken out and replaced by a similar container filled with a different sample solution. For instance, the smart pipette (100) may be equipped with five other containers (104) so that the sample solutions can be mixed and pipetted out in succession, without wasting time.

Further, the container (104) is fabricated with quartz, as quartz provides durability with varying temperatures within and outside of the pipette body (102). In other words, quartz has high strength at both room temperature as well as high temperature. It must be noted that the container may be also fabricated with any other suitable mineral and is not limited to the said quartz.

Furthermore, the container (104) is operatively coupled to a motor (106) and an ultrasonic transducer (110). The motor (106) is configured to rotate the container (104) upon a power supply. The rotation helps to mix (or blend) the plurality of constituents of the sample solution with each other. The motor (106) also comprises a shaft (108) to hold the container in position during the mixing process. Further, the ultrasonic transducer (110) is fastened on the upper portion of the container (104) and is configured to generate ultrasonic waves that help to mix the plurality of constituents of the sample solution. Therefore, it is to be noted that the mixing of the plurality of constituents takes place with the combination of the rotational movement of the container and the ultrasonic waves.

The smart pipette (100) is also configured with a pipette tip (112). The pipette tip (112) is functionally coupled to the pipette body (102) wherein the pipette tip (112) comprises a bendable pipe (shown in FIG. 2) coupled to an end of a pipe hose (130). The bendable pipe facilitates to accurately expel the sample solution at one or more specific points on a target surface. Further, the pipette tip (112) comprises an electric bulb (118) positioned towards a nozzle end. Typically, the electric bulb (118) is adapted to illuminate the target surface at the occurrence of dropping the sample solution on the target surface.

The smart pipette (100) is also configured with an induction heater (114) (as shown in FIG. 2a) that is coiled around the outer surface on the container (104) and configured to generate heat waves. The heat waves are accountable to increase the temperature of the sample solution stored inside the container (104). The induction heater (114) is operable for the heating process of the sample solution.

The smart pipette (100) also includes a digital thermometer (120) operatively coupled to the container (104). The digital thermometer (120) is configured to measure and display the temperature of the sample solution stored in the container (104).

The smart pipette (100) also includes one or more transparent sections (120) positioned on the outer surface of the pipette body (102). The one or more transparent sections (120) allows a user to view the sample solution and its corresponding level enclosed within the container (104), during the heating process and the mixing process. In one embodiment, the one or more transparent sections (120) is fabricated of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The smart pipette (100) also includes a first switch (124) and a second switch (126) operatively coupled on the outer surface of the pipette body (102). The first switch (124) is enabled by the user to initiate and control the mixing process of the sample solution. Similarly, the second switch (126) is enabled by the user to initiate the heating process of the sample solution. The second switch (126) is operatively coupled to the ultrasonic transducer (110) that generates the ultrasonic waves for the heating process.

It must be noted that the smart pipette (100) operates on a power supply (116) (not shown in FIG.1 ) positioned outside the pipette body (102) and adapted to operate the smart pipette (100) during the heating process and mixing process of the sample solution. In one embodiment, the power supply (116) is rechargeable with a 12 V DC supply from a lithium-ion battery. Therefore, the smart pipette (100) may be portable and can be used at locations with no power supply. In another embodiment, the power supply (116) is detachable.

In one embodiment, the smart pipette (100) is placed on a stand (not shown in FIG. 1) prior to the heating process and mixing process.

In one embodiment, the smart pipette (100) may be configured with the dimensions of 10 cm in length and 3 cm in width. However, it is appreciated to those skilled in the art that the dimensions are not limited to the said and may be reconfigured accordingly.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a pipette tip (112) illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pipette tip (112) is capable of a bending motion to ensure that the sample solution is dropped accurately at a target surface. The bending motion is achieved by a bending pipe. The tip of the bending pipe is attached to the end of a pipe hose.

FIG. 3a- 3c are schematic representations of a heating process facilitated by a smart pipette (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the heating process may increase the temperature of a sample solution to 200°C.

FIG. 3a is a schematic representation of an induction heater (114) coiled around the outer surface of the container (104) and configured to generate heat waves.

FIG. 3b is a schematic representation illustrating the flow of heat waves produced by the induction heater (114).

FIG. 3c is a schematic representation illustrating the connection of the induction heater (114) to an alternating current (AC) power supply (116). In one embodiment, the AC power supply is 60 Hz.

FIG.4 illustrates a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for operating a smart pipette in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (200) includes collecting a sample solution from a user in step (210). The sample solution is accommodated in a smart pipette for multiple purposes in a laboratory. The method (200) also includes connecting the smart pipette (100) to a power supply to operate the smart pipette for the multiple purposes in step (220). It is to be noted that the smart pipette (100) must be clamped on to a stand before the heating process and mixing process in the succeeding steps.

The method (200) also includes performing a heating process of the sample solution in step (230). The heating process is performed by generating heat waves by an induction heater coiled around the container that stores the sample solution. The heat waves increase the temperature of the plurality of constituents of the sample solution, in response to an electric current provided by a power supply.

The method (200) also includes performing a mixing process of the sample solution via an ultrasonic transducer in conjunction with a motor in step (240). The mixing process is performed by rotating the container thereby mixing the plurality of constituents of the sample solution along with ultrasonic waves, in response to the electric current provided by the power supply.

In other words, mixing of the sample solution is achieved by rotating the container at a specific rotational speed (for instance, 100 rmp) by a motor. This rotational movement blends the constituents of the sample solution. Further, the motor is started and controlled by a first switch positioned on the smart pipette (100).

Further, the mixing of the sample solution is also achieved by ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic transducer positioned at a top portion of the smart pipette. Typically, the ultrasonic waves are vibrations that are transmitted through the sample solution. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer is configured with 10mm diameter, thickness of 7mm, impedance of 800Q and emits ultrasonic waves above 40 kHz.

The method (200) also includes viewing the sample solution and its corresponding level during the heating process and the mixing process through one or more transparent sections on the smart pipette in step (250).

The method (200) also includes expelling the sample solution from the smart pipette via a bendable pipe in step (260). This facilitates the sample solution to be dropped accurately at specific points on a target surface. The bendable pipe is detachable and is available in different shapes and sizes. The bendable feature provides flexibility in drawing the sample solution from positions that are not easily accessible by the rigid tip of the smart pipette (100).

The method (200) also includes illuminating the target surface at the occurrence of expelling the sample solution, by an electric bulb in step (270). The electric bulb is a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp at the bottom of the smart pipette near its nozzle to illuminate the surface on which the sample solution is poured. This enables the user to observe the sample solution accurately. Further, illuminating the target surface is beneficial in scenarios of insufficient light during the operation of the smart pipette at a location. The tip of the “Spipette” is also bendable to allow the sample solution to be dropped accurately at the target surface (desired location). This will be done by using a bendable pipe. The tip of the pipette will be attached to the end of the pipe hose.

It must be noted that besides the heating process and mixing process, the “Spipette” is capable to perform other normal functions of a micropipette that exists in the art.

Various embodiments of the smart pipette as described above provides additional features of heating and mixing a sample solution in laboratories. Further, the said features may be performed in multiple containers of the smart pipette thereby providing a faster method to perform the said features.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.