1. Field
The present application relates to spatulas, particularly multifunctional laboratory spatulas.
2. Related Art
Laboratory spatulas are often used to dispense chemicals or biological samples, or to collect a quantity of material for measurement or analysis. Many prior art laboratory spatulas are elongated metal spatulas (e.g., stainless steel) that can be re-used after washing and/or sterilization. It is common laboratory practice to use such re-usable spatulas with disposable weigh boats or other disposable containers. Thus, a fresh spatula must be used with each material to prevent cross-contamination, and used spatulas must be cleaned.
Furthermore, many spatulas have only a single blade for dispensing material. Most metal spatulas are heavy, and therefore more difficult to manipulate. Metal spatulas may also have large handles that make manipulation of the spatula difficult. Metal spatulas are also not flexible, and can be further limited in their uses because the metal may conduct temperature and electrical current. For example, it could be difficult to handle a metal spatula when working with extremely cold or extremely hot preparations.
To avoid these problems, some researches have turned to inadequate substitutes for metal spatulas. For example, wooden or plastic tongue-depressor type devices can be used to transfer chemicals. However, these flattened elongated shapes are badly suited to transferring materials, particularly small amounts of material, or material in containers that have openings that are difficult to access. For example, these types of spatulas tend to be very thick, are also difficult to grasp, and may not have chemical or physical properties that are compatible with laboratory use.
Finally, most laboratory spatulas can hold only a limited amount of material. For example, only the ends of most prior art laboratory spatulas can be used to hold granular chemicals. Further, there is a risk of spilling material when using these prior art spatulas, because the material only resets on the blade of the spatula, on an open surface. In addition, most laboratory spatulas can only be used with solids (e.g., granular solids or powders), and cannot safely be used to store material for any length of time.
Described herein are disposable, hollow laboratory spatulas for manipulating (e.g., collecting, transporting, storing, etc.) a material such as a laboratory chemical or biological sample or a sample of an unknown material; kits including laboratory spatulas; and methods of using laboratory spatulas. As described in more detail below, a laboratory spatula may be completely or partially hollow, and both ends of the spatula may be configured to hold or transfer one or more materials. A laboratory spatula may be calibrated. In some variations, the laboratory spatulas are pretreated (e.g., coated, infused, or embedded, etc.) in order to have a desirable property (e.g., anti-friction, anti-static, hydrophobicity, etc.). In some variations, the laboratory spatulas are textured.
In one exemplary embodiment, a spatula includes a stalk region having a hollow first end and a hollow second end, a first manipulating region at the hollow first end of the stalk region, and a second manipulating region at the hollow second end of the stalk region. The first manipulating region and the second manipulating region may be any appropriate type of manipulating region. In general, a manipulating region may be any region having an extended open surface for collecting or contacting a sample. The manipulating region may be selected from the group including (but not limited to): a shovel region, a scoop region, a whisk region, a punch region, a sieve region, a loop region, a cutting edge, a spreading region, a grinding region, a hook region, a scraper region, a tweezer region, a grasping region or a pick region. Of course, although the manipulating regions described herein may be referred to as “shovel region” or “scraper region” or the like, it is to be understood that all of these regions may have multiple, and overlapping functions. For example, a shovel region may be used to shovel, scrape, stir, cut, pick, or the like. Thus a single spatula may have multiple uses, particularly if the spatula has manipulating regions at both ends, further increasing the possible uses of the spatula.
In some variations, at least one end of the spatula is closed, and may be sealed (closing off a hollow interior region). As used herein, unless the context specifies otherwise, the term “hollow end” refers to a hollow end region, and may include hollow end regions that are open or closed. For example, a first hollow end may be closed (or sealed) off. Although the very end of the region is closed, the end region may remain hollow. The spatula may also include calibration marks for measuring a quantity of material held by the spatula. The calibration marks may be on any appropriate part of the spatula, including the stalk and the manipulating region. In some variations, the entire spatula is hollow.
The spatula, or any part of the spatula, may be made of any appropriate material, including polypropylene. In some variations, the spatula also includes an anti-static agent or material, such as fatty acid esters, ethoxylated amines, quaternary ammonium compounds, alkylsulfonates, and alkylphosphates which are sold under a variety of brand names such as Atmer™ AS 290G, Baerostat 318 S, Irgastat® P 18 (CIBA Specialty Chemicals, Switzerland), Irgastat® P 22 (CIBA Specialty Chemicals, Switzerland), Lankrostat 0-600 (Akcros Chemicals, United Kingdom), CESA®-stat PPATEE 17690 (Clariant, Winchester Va.), ALA Ethylan L-3, Ampacet 100323 (Amapcet, Tarrytown, N.Y.), Larostat 264 A anhydrous (BASF Corporation, Mount Olive, N.J.), Plasadd PE8811 (Cabot Corp., Boston Mass.), Chemstat 106G-60DC, Masterad Antistatic AD-100L, Dehydat 10 PE 40 (Polycom Huntsman, St. Claire, Mich.), 0129-12, Niax® Antistat AT-21, Kemamide® W-40 (Crompton, Middlebury Conn.), Tegomer® 994 S, Aluminasol 100, Zelec Electroconductive Powder and Bayton. In particular, the material Nourymix® AP 675 (Armostat® 600 in a PP carrier) or Nourymix® AP 475 (Armostat®P 400 in a PP carrier) (Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals BV, Amersfoort, The Netherlands) may be particularly useful. For example, the micro spatula's described above may incorporate Nourymix® AP 675 (Armostat® 600 in a PP carrier) or Nourymix® AP 475 (Armostat® 400 in a PP carrier). Furthermore, the spatula may be any appropriate size or length. For example, a spatula may be a micro spatula, having a length of less than about 195 mm (or between about 15 mm and 195 mm long). A spatula may be a standard spatula (e.g., between about 195 mm to 220 mm long). A spatula may be a macro spatula having a length of greater than about 220 mm (e.g., between about 220 and 400 mm long).
Also described herein are spatulas comprising a stalk region having a hollow first end and a hollow second end, and a manipulating region at the hollow first end of the stalk region. The manipulating region can be selected from the group consisting of: a whisk region, a punch region, a sieve region, a loop region, a cutting edge, a spreading region, a grinding region, a hook region, a scraper region, a tweezer region, a grasping region or a pick region. In some variations, the spatula may have only one manipulation region (and may be open at the other end, or closed at the other end).
Also described herein are spatulas for manipulating a material, comprising a stalk region having a hollow first end and a hollow second end, and a manipulating region at the hollow first end of the stalk region. Manipulating may include collecting, transporting, stirring, storing, or the like. The spatula may also be greater than 400 mm long, and the stalk region may have a wall thickness that is less than about 0.1 mm thick. Any appropriate manipulating region may be used.
Also described herein are methods of using a laboratory spatula including contacting a laboratory chemical with a laboratory spatula comprising a stalk region having a hollow first end and a hollow second end; and a manipulating region at the hollow first end of the stalk region. The laboratory spatula may manipulate the laboratory chemical (or biological sample) with the first manipulating region. For example, the laboratory spatula may manipulate the chemical by collecting, stirring, moving, storing, etc. The method may further include disposing of the laboratory spatula.
The present application can be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which like parts can be referred to by like numerals.
In general, a laboratory spatula may be a disposable laboratory spatula comprising a stalk region connected to one or more manipulating regions for collecting, transferring, measuring or storing material such as chemicals (e.g., laboratory chemicals), solutions or the like. The laboratory spatula may include a connecting junction (e.g., a neck) between the stalk region and a manipulating region. The laboratory spatula may also be at least partially hollow, so that the manipulating regions are adjacent to openings into the stalk region.
Various regions (e.g., the stalk region, manipulating regions, etc), characteristics, and properties of laboratory spatulas are described below. Although this description is broken up into sections, it should be understood that the laboratory spatulas described herein may include any reasonable combination or variation of the properties and characteristics described in each of the sections. Furthermore, any region of a laboratory spatula may incorporate characteristics described for any other region.
Stalk Region
The stalk region (which may also be referred to as a stalk segment) may be any appropriate length, diameter, and shape so that it can be grasped to manipulate one or more of the manipulating regions of the spatula. The stalk region is generally an elongated shape having at least two ends, onto which manipulating regions may be connected. The stalk region is also at least partially hollow, and in some variations, the stalk region comprises a handle region that can be gripped by a user. The stalk region may comprise one or more inner chambers formed within the hollow core of the stalk region. In some variations, the stalk region comprises markings, including calibration markings.
a. Shape of the Stalk Region
The stalk region may comprise any appropriate shape that can be grasped by a user and that can connect to one or more manipulating regions. Thus, the stalk region may be linear, curved, rounded, elongated, asymmetric, or tapered. In some variations, the stalk region may be flexible, or bendable. For example, the stalk region may include a hinged region, an accordion region, or a deformable region.
The stalk region may have any appropriate cross-section, or different cross-sections. For example, the stalk region may include a cross-section that is polygonal (e.g., triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, etc.), circular, elliptical, or asymmetric. In some variations, the stalk region includes areas having different cross-sectional shapes, or combinations of cross-sectional shapes. The cross-section may be hollow (e.g., when that portion of the stalk region is hollow).
In some variations, the stalk region is completely or partially hollow. For example, the stalk region may have an inner cavity (e.g., a tube) that extends the entire length of the stalk region. The cavity formed within the stalk region may open at one or both ends of the stalk region so that the cavity can be filled with a material being transported or measured by the spatula. In some variations, the stalk region includes one or more openings into the cavity from the sides of the stalk region.
The walls of the stalk region may have a wall thickness that is uniform over the length of the stalk region, or the stalk region may have a wall thickness that is thicker or thinner in some regions than in others (e.g., along the length, across the width, or both). The wall thickness may be related to the size of the spatula, the shape of the spatula, or the length of the stalk region. In some variations, the stalk region is hollow, but includes one or more “plugs” or seals blocking all or part of the cavity formed within the spatula. A plug may block a material that is being transferred, measured or stored by the spatula from entering another part of the spatula stalk or from spilling out of the spatula (e.g., when material is stored in the stalk region). A plug may be formed from the walls of the spatula (e.g., by melting), or from another region of the spatula.
The stalk region may include a handle region adapted so that it can be readily grasped or held by a users' hand, or by some additional device. In some variations, the handle region is textured to facilitate gripping the spatula. Any appropriate texture may be used, including pebbled, indented, woven, ventilated, grooved, roughened, smoothed, ribbed, etc. The handle region may also have a different cross-section than other portions of the stalk region. For example, the handle region may comprise an enlarged cross-section, a flattened cross-section, rounded cross-section, etc. In some variations, the entire stalk region is a handle region.
The stalk region may comprise any appropriate size. In some variations, the stalk region is greater than 5× longer than it is wide. In some variations, the ratio of length to width of the stalk region is greater than 10×, 20×, 30×, 50×, or 100×. The width may change as the length changes. For example, the stalk region may taper at one or both ends. In some variations, the length of the stalk is not related to the width of the stalk. In some variations, the stalk section may be extendable (e.g., may become longer or shorter). For example, the stalk section may be telescoping, or may extend/contract by an accordion structure.
The stalk region may also include a handle region for gripping or manipulating the laboratory spatula. In
In
Although many of the stalk regions described herein are shown as elongated (linear), shapes, the stalk region may comprise any appropriate shape, including non-linear (e.g., rounded, angled, curved, bent, spherical, etc.) shapes.
b. Marking the Stalk Region
The stalk region may comprise any appropriate marking, color, or labels. For example, the stalk region may be calibrated. Calibration may indicate depth (e.g., distance from one end of the spatula or the other), volume (e.g., fill volume within a cavity of the stalk region), mass (e.g., estimated from volume, etc) or any other appropriate parameter (e.g., temperature, pH, etc.). Calibration may comprise one or more calibration marks that may be located in any appropriate position on the stalk region or spatula. The calibration marks may include major and minor marks, and may include labels, units, or other identifying features.
The stalk region may be marked with any sort of identifying information (e.g., numerical information, date of manufacture, type of spatula, manufacturers name, etc.). In some variations, the stalk region comprises a labeling region that may be marked. For example, the stalk region may comprise a labeling region that readily accepts ink, adhesive label, or other markings. In some variations, the labeling region is configured so as not to interfere with other regions of the spatula, such as any calibration marks, handle, etc. In some variations, the labeling region comprises a coating, texture, or incorporated material to enhance labeling. The labeling region may be specifically indicated on the spatula (e.g., by a visual cue, such as a box, a phrase or word, etc.).
As mentioned, a spatula can be made from the combination of any of the stalk regions described herein and any one or more manipulating regions.
Manipulating Region
The spatula may comprise one or more manipulating regions that are attached to the ends 110, 110′ of a stalk region 101 so that the spatula may be used to collect, carry, or store a material. Any appropriate material may be manipulated (e.g., collected, carried, stored, etc.) by the spatula through a manipulating region, including solids, liquids, gases, suspensions, gels, mixtures, samples, etc. In general, a manipulating region includes one or more extended open surfaces that interact with a material. Manipulating regions may allow the spatula to collect, carry or store materials. The manipulating region may comprise a shovel region, a scoop region, a whisk region, a punch region, a sieve region, a loop region, a cutting edge, a spreading region, a grinding region, a hook region, a scraper region, a tweezer region, a grasping region, a pick region, or the like. In some variations, the manipulating region may be formed from the same material as the stalk region. For example, a manipulating region may be cut, shaped, extruded, or formed from the same material as the stalk region. The extended open surface (or surfaces) of the manipulating region may be different from the walls of the stalk region. The stalk region typically includes a hollow region that is not part of the manipulating region, to which the manipulating region is connected. The stalk region may also be separated from a manipulating region by a connection junction.
In some variations, a single manipulating region is attached to one of the ends of a stalk region. In other variations, both ends of a stalk region have manipulating regions. The two manipulating regions attached at each end of a stalk region may be identical manipulating regions, or they may be different. For example, a first manipulating region may comprise a shovel-type manipulating region, and a second manipulating region may comprise a scoop-type manipulating region. The manipulating region may be connected to the stalk region in any appropriate manner and orientation. For example, two manipulating regions may be attached to a stalk region so that they lie in the same plane as the stalk region. In one variation, the manipulating regions attach to the stalk region so that they lie in different planes relative to each other.
Any of the manipulating regions described herein may be calibrated, or may include calibration marks, as described above for calibration of the stalk region. Thus, the manipulating region may comprise calibration marks arranged to allow measurement or estimation of quantities of a solid or liquid. In some variations, the calibration marks may encompass a range of values, and may be of any appropriate value. In some variations, the spatula (or regions of the spatula) is calibrated or configured to collect, hold or transfer a predetermined amount of a substance. For example, the manipulating region may be configured to hold a predetermined volume (ml, cubic inches, cubic meters, ounces, teaspoons, grams, etc.). Calibrated spatulas do not need to include calibration marks.
a. Shapes of Manipulating Regions
The shovel region shown in
The manipulating region may also be configured as a scoop, as shown in
Any of the manipulating regions described herein may be adapted in any appropriate manner. For example,
The manipulating region may also be a beveled, region, having an exposed or open surface onto which a material may be collected or held. For example,
The manipulating region may also be configured to sieve material. For example a manipulating region may include perforations or passages through the surface (e.g., from the inner to the outer surfaces), so that some material (e.g., fluids) may pass through the manipulating region while other materials are collected, carried or stored by the spatula. In some variations, the manipulating regions size-sorts materials using sieves of different passage sizes.
One or more surfaces of a manipulating region (or part of a manipulating region) may also comprise a texture. A textured surface may help prevent material from sliding off of a manipulating region, or may help guide or partition the material that is being held or transported on a surface of the manipulating region. For example, a manipulating region may include channels extending along the manipulating region.
A manipulating region may also be configured to “core” a material such as an agar plate or a tissue.
Generally, the manipulating region may be configured to have an inner or outer surface for collecting, storing or transporting material. Other examples of manipulating regions include tweezers, pouches, whisks, and the like. In some variations, the manipulating region may comprise any shape having an open surface (e.g., not part of the cavity of the stalk region) for collecting, storing or transporting a material.
The manipulating region may also comprise a grasping region. For example the whisk manipulating region shown in
In some variations, a region (e.g., the end) of the spatula may be configured to mount to another tool, such as a rotary device. For example, one end of the spatula may be adapted to mount to another tool by including a reinforced attachment region that may include a fastening means (e.g., threads, latches, etc.). A spatula may thereby be attached to any appropriate tool. For example, the spatula may be mounted or connected to a tool for pipetting, stirring, rotating, moving, mixing, etc., with the spatula.
The manipulating region may also be formed by sealing (e.g., heat sealing) the end of the spatula to form a surface for manipulating material 260, as shown in
The manipulating region may also be closed off without pinching (e.g., without forming a flat surface). For example,
In some variations, the manipulating region, or portions of the manipulating region, may be movable to manipulate material. For example,
The manipulating region may also be extendable. Thus, a portion (e.g., the very end) of the manipulating region may be extendable and/or retractable with respect to other portions of the manipulating region, or with respect to the stalk region. For example, the tip of the manipulating region may be protected (including keeping it sterile) by retracting it until the user wishes to contact a material. The user may then cause the end to extend (or retract) by acting on the manipulating region.
The manipulating region may also have any appropriate curvature for collecting, storing and/or transporting a material. For example, the manipulating region may have edges that are flat or curved upward (to form a cavity or channel) along the inner surface.
As described above, the open surfaces of the manipulating regions of a spatula with more than one manipulating region do not have to lie in the same plane. For example, the open surfaces of a spatula having a shovel region and a scoop region may lie in different planes, or may be oriented differently.
The manipulating regions may be directly connected to the stalk region, or they may be connected via a junction (e.g., a fixed or moveable connecting junction) that may position the manipulating region relative to the stalk region.
Connecting Junction
A connecting junction links the manipulating region to the stalk region, and may be continuous with the stalk region and the manipulating region. In some variations, the laboratory spatula does not include a connecting junction. In some variations, the laboratory spatula includes a connecting junction configured as a neck. For example, the connecting junction may include a neck that positions the manipulating region so that a surface of the manipulating region is in a different plane than (i.e., is not aligned with) the long axis of the stalk region. For example, a manipulating region may be attached to a stalk region so that the manipulating region is at an angle relative to the long axis of the stalk region. Thus, a connecting junction may include a bend and may connect the manipulating region to the stalk region.
The connection junction may have any appropriate shape or size. In some variations, the junction between the stalk region and the manipulating region may have the same diameter as the stalk region. In some variations, the connecting junction may have a smaller diameter than the stalk region.
The connecting junction may position the manipulating region in any appropriate orientation with respect to the stalk region. For example, the manipulating region may be positioned so that the plane of the manipulating region (i.e., the plane formed by the inner surface) is centered with the midline of the stalk region (i.e., the long axis of the stalk region). In some variations, the plane of the manipulating region is parallel to the midline of the stalk region, but is offset from the axis (e.g., the manipulating region is “above” or “below” the long axis of the stalk region).
Returning now to
The connecting junction may also be removable, or may allow the removal of the manipulating region (or a part of the manipulating region) from the stalk region. For example, the connecting junction may be perforated so that the manipulating region can be torn or otherwise separated from the stalk region. In some variations, the connecting junction is flexible or bendable. For example, the connecting junction may be an accordion-like shape, allowing movement.
As described above, either or both the manipulating region and the connecting junction may be flexible or movable. In some variations, the manipulating region may be moved so that it restricts (or completely closes off) the entrance into the hollow portion of the stalk region or a portion of the manipulating region. In some variations, the manipulating region (and/or the connecting junction) may be secured either within a hollow portion of the spatula, or on the outside of a hollow portion of the spatula, so that the hollow portion of the spatula is held in a closed configuration.
Other variations of the spatula are also possible in addition to those described above. Furthermore, many of the variations described may be combined in full or in part, to form other variations. For example, a spatula may be configured as a spreader (e.g., a cell spreader). Thus, the spatula may apply cells (e.g., bacteria, yeast, etc) to a media plate, and may be formed from a stalk region as described above with a sealed end having a surface for applying cells. A spatula with a bent stalk region (as shown in
Spatula Variations
As described above, a laboratory spatula may comprise any combination of the features described herein. In particular, the laboratory spatula may comprise any number of manipulating regions and a stalk region. The spatula (the manipulating region(s) and stalk region) may be any appropriate size or sizes.
a. Sizes of Spatulas
In general, the laboratory spatula may have a final length and width that is compatible with using the spatula to collect, transport and move material. For example, the spatula may be manually manipulated by a user (e.g., handheld), or automatically (e.g., robotically). Thus, the spatula may be of any size appropriate for manipulation by the user. The dimensions of the spatula may also be correlated to the amount or type of material to be collected, transported or stored by the spatula. For example a spatula may be considered “small,” “medium,” or “large” based on the dimensions, which may be correlated to the amount, volume or size of material that may be collected, transported or stored using the laboratory spatula. The “small,” “medium,” or “large” terms may refer to the capacity of the spatula, or the capacity of any region of the spatula.
In general, the spatula may be considered to have a length and a width. It should be understood that a laboratory spatula may have an irregular shape, thus the terms “length” and “width” may refer to the average length and width, the maximum (or minimum) length and width, or a mean length and width. Furthermore, the length and width of the spatula may change in some variations.
A laboratory spatula can be of any appropriate length. For example, the spatula can have a length of between about 20 mm and 400 mm. The laboratory spatula can also have any appropriate width or diameter. For example, the stalk region can have a diameter between about 1 mm and 30 mm. As previously described, the manipulating region of the spatula may comprise diameter that is greater than the diameter of the stalk region (e.g., between about 1 mm and 95 mm), or less than the diameter of the stalk region (e.g., less than about 30 mm). The laboratory spatula may be divided up into a range of sizes that may have additional properties or may be correlated to particular uses. For example, the spatula may comprise micro (e.g., “small”), regular (“medium”) or macro (“large”) sizes.
a. Micro Spatula
Small (or micro) laboratory spatulas may be used to collect, transfer or store small amounts of materials, particularly when those materials are scarce, rare, or expensive, because the small size of the spatula (especially the manipulating region) may prevent excess material from being retained on the surface of the manipulating region or other regions of the spatula. Thus, as described below, the micro spatula may comprise an anti-sticking or an anti-static material that reduces the attraction or interaction between the surface of the spatula and a material begin collected, transferred or stored by the spatula. In some variations, the spatula may be treated so that a surface of the spatula (or the material from which the spatula is made) has an increased attraction or interaction with a material (e.g., the surface may be made “sticky”). As previously mentioned, any of the spatula variations described herein (e.g. for the micro spatulas) may be included in any other variations of the spatula.
The micro sized spatula may include manipulating regions at both ends of the stalk region. For example, the micro spatula may include a scoop region at one end of the stalk, and a shovel region at the other end of the stalk. In one variation, the micro spatula is a hollow, thin-walled, disposable spatula with a stalk region and at least one manipulating region, wherein at least a portion of the spatula is comprises an anti-static agent, such as fatty acid esters, ethoxylated amines, quaternary ammonium compounds, alkylsulfonates, and alkylphosphates and are sold under a variety of brand names such as Atmer™ AS 290G, Baerostat 318 S, Irgastat® 18 (CIBA Specialty Chemicals, Switzerland), Irgastat® P 22 (CIBA Specialty Chemicals, Switzerland), Lankrostat 0-600 (Akcros Chemicals, United Kingdom), CESA®-stat PPATEE 17690 (Clariant, Winchester Va.), ALA Ethylan L-3, Ampacet 100323 (Amapcet, Tarrytown, N.Y.), Larostat-264 A anhydrous (BASF Corporation, Mount Olive, N.J.), Plasadd PE8811 (Cabot Corp., Boston Mass.), Chemstat 106G-60DC, Masterad Antistatic AD-100L, Dehydat 10 PE 40 (Polycom Huntsman, St. Claire, Mich.), 0129-12, Niax® Antistat AT-21, Kemamide® W-40 (Crompton, Middlebury Conn.), Tegomer® 994 S, Aluminasol 100, Zelec Electroconductive Powder and Bayton. In particular, the material Nourymix® AP 675 (Armostat® 600 in a PP carrier) or Nourymix® AP 475 (Armostat® 400 in a PP carrier) (Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals BV, Amersfoort, The Netherlands) may be particularly useful.
The manipulating region may comprise a scoop or a shovel. In some variations, the micro laboratory spatula has two manipulating regions, for example, a manipulating region configured as a scoop region and a manipulating region configured as a shovel region, two scoop regions, or two shovel regions. As described above, a scoop region may comprise an elliptically cut region such that the stalk ends in a rounded area, or the scoop region may comprise a diamond shaped area, having a point at the end of the scoop.
The small size may refer to either the length or the diameter of the laboratory spatula, or both length and diameter. For example, the laboratory spatula may be the same length as the medium (or regular) sized spatula, but the diameter may be smaller. This may allow the spatula to be readily manipulated by a user. In some variations of the micro spatula, both the length and the diameter of the spatula may be smaller. For example, the micro sized spatula may be a “fingertip” spatula that is proportioned so that it may be easily manipulated by the tips of a user's fingers.
Small spatulas may have a length of between about 15 mm and 400 mm and a stalk diameter of between about 2 mm and 5 mm. More preferably, the length is about 140 mm, and the diameter is approximately 3.5 mm.
b. Regular Spatula
Medium (or regular or standard) laboratory spatulas may also be used to collect, transfer or store intermediate amounts of material, including chemical and biological materials. In some variations, the spatula has two manipulating regions, including a scoop end and a shovel end. Medium spatulas may have a length of between about 50 mm and 400 mm, and a stalk diameter of between about 5 mm to 10 mm. More preferably, the length of the medium spatula is about 210 mm, and the diameter of the stalk region of the medium spatula is approximately 7 mm.
In one variation, the regular spatula is a hollow, thin-walled, disposable spatula with a stalk region and two manipulating regions. In some variations, the regular laboratory spatula has a scoop manipulating region and a shovel manipulating region.
c. Macro Spatula
Large (or Macro) spatulas may be used to collect, transfer or store larger amounts of materials, particularly materials that may be difficult to reach with a smaller (or narrower or shorter) spatula. In some variations, the diameter of the larger spatula is larger so that the spatula may have at least one larger manipulating region. In some variations, the length of the large spatula is greater than 300 mm. In some variations, the spatula includes only a first manipulating region. In some variations, the spatula includes a second manipulating region configured as a beveled region, or as a pick region, as described above.
Large spatulas may have a length of between about 210 mm and 450 mm, and a stalk diameter of between about 10 mm and 15 mm. More preferably, the length of the large spatula is about 310 mm, and the diameter of the stalk region of the large spatula is approximately 11.5 mm.
d. Examples
FIGS. 1A-C, 4 and 5 show variations of laboratory spatulas as described herein. In a one variation, shown in
As previously described, the stalk region 101 can be any shape. In one exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the stalk region 101 can be a circle, resulting in a stalk having the three dimensional form of a cylinder. In another exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the stalk region 101 can be a square, giving the stalk region 101 a square three-dimensional form. In another exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the stalk region 101 can have the shape of any other polygon (e.g. a triangular, rectangular, hexagonal shape, with our without rounded edges). The stalk region 101 can have any diameter. In one embodiment, the stalk region 101 has a diameter of 7 mm. In another exemplary embodiment, the stalk region 101 can have a diameter of 2.5 mm. In another exemplary embodiment, the stalk region 101 has a diameter of between 1.0 mm and 10 mm. In another exemplary embodiment, the stalk region 101 has a diameter of between 10 mm and 40 mm. In some variations, the shape and/or diameter of the stalk region of the spatula may change over the length of the spatula. Thus, the spatula may comprise different cross-sections (e.g., round, square, etc.), or different cross-sectional areas.
The stalk region 101 can be completely hollow. As described, it should be understood that the hollow stalk region 101 allows the spatula to be used as a pipette to move quantities of liquids held therein. In addition, the stalk region 101 can have one or more calibration marks 104 to allow the spatula 100 to measure or estimate quantities of a solid or liquid contained therein. The calibration marks 104 can be for any measure, such as volumes. Calibration marks 104 may be on a portion of the stalk region 101, or may extend around the entire diameter of the stalk region 101. The calibration marks can be arranged in any manner that allows the quantity of a solid or liquid to be measured or estimated. The calibration marks 104 can be made by any method, including but not limited to, printing, screen printing/silk screening, hand painting, lithography (off-set), hot stamping, heat transfer, embossing, debossing, etching, decal, thermography, foil stamping, engraving, laser printing, laser marking/engraving and in-mold decorating. Other methods of making the marks include making the marks directly in the spatula material.
The shovel region 102 can include calibration marks configured to allow measurement or estimation of quantities of a solid or liquid. The calibration marks can be for any quantity, such as a volume. The calibration marks can be arranged in any manner that allows the quantity of a solid or liquid to be measured or estimated. By way of example and not limitation, calibration marks can be placed at any point on or on any surface of the shovel region 102 (including deforming the surface of the spatula to form the calibration marks), on the underside of shovel region 102, or surrounding the entirety of shovel region 102. In another embodiment, the calibration marks may be linear gradations on the shovel region 102, or can be concentric shapes, such as circles or ovals. The calibration marks can be made by any appropriate method.
In another embodiment, a plurality of hollow spatulas can be attached to a single multiple pipette holder or pipette aid. This allows the plurality of spatulas to dispense liquid into a plurality of locations simultaneously (e.g., dispensing liquid to a plurality of wells in a micro titer plate simultaneously). For example, spatulas may be configured to be used by a liquid handling robot or other automated device.
With reference to
The dimensions of the manipulating regions of the spatula, particularly the open surface of a manipulating region, may depend upon the size of the spatula (particularly the diameter of the spatula) and upon the shape of the manipulating region. For example, in one variation of the macro spatula, the shovel region is 40 mm from the end of the stalk region to the tip of the manipulating region, and 37 mm from the connecting junction to the tip of the manipulating region, and the shovel region is 30 mm wide (when flattened). The spread of this shovel region (e.g., the width at the widest point of the sides of the shovel) can vary between 20 mm and 26 mm with 22-23 mm being ideal. In one variation of a standard (regular) spatula, a shovel region is 26 mm from the end of the stalk region to the tip of the manipulating region, 22 mm from the narrow connecting junction to the tip of the manipulating region, and the width of the shovel region when flattened is 19 mm. The spread of the shovel region at the widest point can vary between 13 mm and 17 mm with 14-16 mm being ideal. In on variation of the micro (small) spatula a scoop region that is in the form of diamond with curved sides is 13.5 mm from the end of the stalk region to the tip or point of the manipulating region and 3.5 mm wide.
In a further embodiment, with reference to
The stalk region 101 can be completely hollow. As in the previous embodiment, it should be understood that the hollow stalk region 101 allows the spatula to be used as a pipette to move quantities of liquids held therein. In addition, the stalk region 101 can have one or more calibration marks 104 to allow the spatula 100 to measure or estimate quantities of a solid or liquid contained therein.
With reference to
With reference to
Returning to
A stalk region 101 having a hollow first end and a hollow second end, or a stalk region 101 that is completely hollow, provide advantages over spatulas with stalk regions lacking a hollow first end and a hollow second end, or spatulas lacking a stalk region 101 that is completely hollow. Such stalk regions can give the spatula flexibility, which assists in removing material from difficult-to-reach locations, such as the corners of containers. Spatulas with such stalk regions are lighter than spatulas lacking a hollow first and a hollow second end, have better balance and hand feel, and result in less strain and fatigue to the user. Further, spatulas with such stalk regions are less rigid, allowing for easier disposal in a compactor, scraping material off the sides and bottom of containers, and/or selecting cells or colonies from a group (or groups) of cells or colonies (e.g. tissue culture). Spatulas with such stalk regions facilitate moving other types of materials, such as moving plugs of agar or other semi-rigid materials. As well it can be understood by those skilled in the art, spatulas with such stalk regions can be used as a stir rod capable of both mixing and pipetting liquids simultaneously or sequentially.
In addition, the stalk region 101 can have one or more calibration marks 104, as previously described, for any quantity, such as volumes. One or both manipulating regions can include calibration marks 106 configured to allow measurement or estimation of quantities of a solid or liquid. Further, the cross-section of the stalk region 101 can be any shape.
With reference to
In the present embodiment, the junction between the stalk region 101 and the shovel region 102 can have any shape or size. The edges can be straight, curved, beveled or cut at angles. In one embodiment, the junction between the stalk region 101 and the shovel region 102 can have the same diameter as the stalk region 101. In other embodiments, the shovel region 102 can be thinner than the diameter of the stalk region 101 at the place 105 where it adjoins the stalk region 101, or can be wider than the stalk region 101.
With further reference to
With reference to
Fabricating Laboratory Spatulas
A laboratory spatula as described herein may be fabricated by any appropriate method. In some variations, the laboratory spatula is formed in parts and assembled. In some variations, the laboratory spatula (including the manipulating regions and stalk region) is formed as a single piece. For example, a spatula can be manufactured via extrusion, thermal forming (e.g., thermoforming) or injection molding. Other manufacturing methods include but are not limited to: rotational molding, blow molding, compression molding, reaction injection molding, insert molding, fabrication or other common molding techniques used with thermoplastics, thermosets or other manufacturing materials or combination of materials. In one exemplary embodiment, the spatula is produced by extrusion to make a hollow stalk. In this embodiment, the width of the walls of the stalk can be from 0.01 mm to 12 mm. In another exemplary embodiment, the spatula is produced by thermoforming or injection molding, and the width of the walls of the stalk can be from 0.01 mm to 20 mm. It should be recognized that the each process can be varied to adjust the wall thickness of the spatula.
Fabrication of the spatula may comprise additional steps as well, including forming steps. For example, the stalk region or manipulating regions of the spatula may be shaped, cut, or otherwise formed into an intermediate or final shape either mechanically or manually. In some variations, the final shape of the manipulating region (e.g., shovel or scoop) may be formed with pressure, radiation, heat, stamping, or some combination thereof. Furthermore, the spatula may be treated by the addition of chemicals or other treatments that may provide additional properties. For example, the spatula may be sterilized (e.g., by autoclaving, steam sterilization, dry heat sterilization, gamma irradiation sterilization, chemical disinfectant sterilization, UV sterilization, or any other appropriate means). In some variations, the spatula (or a portion of the spatula) may be treated by the addition of a coating or other layer. Layers may be applied by any appropriate method, including spraying, dipping, submerging, printing, etc.
Materials
The spatula can be produced from any appropriate material. For example, the spatula can be manufactured from any one or combination of thermoplastics or thermosets. Thermoplastics include but are not limited to base resins including styrenics, arylates, olefins, polyamides, polyesters, acetal, high temperature crystalline resins and melt processable fluoropolymers. Resins can include, but are not limited to, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyacetal (acetal), polyacrylonitrile (PAN) (acrylonitrile), Polyurethane (PU), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), cellulosic, polyamide (PA) (Nylon), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyaryletherketone (PAEK) (Ketone), polycarbonate, polyketone (PK), polyester, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), polyimide (PI), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphthalamide (PTA), polysulfone (PSU), ethylene vinyl alcohol (E/VAL), fluoroplastics (PTFE) (FEP PFA CTFE ECTFE ETFE), ionomer, polyacrylates (Acrylic), polybutadiene (PBD), polybutylene (PB), polyethylene (PE), polyethylenechlorinates (PEC), polymethylpentene (PMP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), and/or polypropylene (PP). For example, the spatula may comprise polypropylene homopolymer.
Spatulas made from different materials have different properties. By way of example and not limitation, spatulas made from polystyrene can withstand exposure to diluted acids and bases and temperatures up to between 100° C. and 110° C. Spatulas made from poly(methylmethacrylate) (“PMMA”), an acrylic, can degrade when exposed to acids and bases but can withstand temperatures up to between 85° C. and 100° C. Depending on composition, spatulas made from polypropylene can withstand temperatures up to 170° C.
Thermoset base resins can include but are not limited to acrylics, bismaleimides, cyanate esters, epoxies, vinylesters, phenolics, polyimides, polyesters, urethanes and Ultraviolet (“UV”) curables. Such resins include, but are not limited to, polyurethane (PU), epoxy, allyl resin (allyl), melamine formaldehyde (MF), phenol-formaldehyde plastic (PF) polyester, polyimide, and silicone.
Additionally, a biodegradable material (including but not limited to biodegradable plastic or starch), aluminum, tin, paper or waxed paper can be used to manufacture the spatula 100. It should be recognized that the materials, or combination of materials, used to produce the spatula depend on the manufacturing methods and the desired properties of the spatula such as, but not limited to, the presence or absence of static electricity, ability to withstand heat, cold, acids, bases, organics, and exposure to ultraviolet or other radiation.
It should be recognized that base plastic resins can also include materials such as fillers, plasticizers, and stabilizers. For example, polystyrene can be manufactured to resist impact by addition of rubber modifiers or polyester resin reinforced with glass fibers.
a. Material Properties
The spatula may be made compatible with any appropriate laboratory protocol. For example, the spatula may be made DNAase/RNAase free (for use with polynucleotides), magnetic or magnetically inert, anti-stick, anti-static, anticorrosion, pH resistant, sterile, etc, as described further below.
The spatula can be manufactured to be disposable. For example, if the spatula is produced by extrusion, injection molding, or thermal forming, the spatula can be produced at a low cost. Other manufacturing methods include but are not limited to rotational molding, blow molding, continuous extrusion blow molding, compression molding, reaction injection molding, insert molding, fabrication or other common molding techniques used with thermoplastics, thermosets, or other materials used in manufacturing.
In some variations, the spatula may be impregnated, coated, or otherwise treated with a compound that provides the spatula with beneficial properties.
b. Coatings and Treatments
Thus, the spatula can include one or more coatings or layers. The coating can be placed on the surface of one or more regions of the spatula, such as the stalk region or manipulating region. The coating can be placed on the inside or outside of the hollow first end or hollow second end of the stalk, or in a portion of, or the entirety of, a completely hollow stalk.
In one exemplary embodiment, one or more regions of the spatula can be coated with non-stick coatings such as fluoropolymers, silicon, Teflon®, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) after molding. It should be understood that such a coating can render the coated region of the spatula resistant to sticking of a solid or liquid or render it chemically inert. In another example one or more regions of the spatula can be treated with an external anti-static agent such as, but not limited to, ELEC QN, ELEC AC, LOVING BS-2, or Finastat which can be applied by spraying, wiping or dipping.
Further, one or more internal anti-static agents can be incorporated in the spatula material. Antistatic agents include but are not limited to fatty acid esters, ethoxylated amines, quaternary ammonium compounds, alkylsulfonates, and alkylphosphates and are sold under a variety of brand names such as Atmer™ AS 290G, Baerostat 318 S, Irgastat® P 18 (CIBA Specialty Chemicals, Switzerland), Irgastat® P 22 (CIBA Specialty Chemicals, Switzerland), Lankrostat 0-600 (Akcros Chemicals, United Kingdom), CESA®-stat PPATEE 17690 (Clariant, Winchester Va.), ALA Ethylan L-3, Ampacet 100323 (Amapcet, Tarrytown, N.Y.), Larostat 264 A anhydrous (BASF Corporation, Mount Olive, N.J.), Plasadd PE8811 (Cabot Corp., Boston Mass.), Chemstat 106G-60DC, Masterad Antistatic AD-100L, Dehydat 10 PE 40 (Polycom Huntsman, St. Claire, Mich.), 0129-12, Niax® Antistat AT-21, Kemamide® W-40 (Crompton, Middlebury Conn.), Tegomer® 994 S, Aluminasol 100, Zelec Electroconductive Powder and Bayton. In particular, the material Nourymix® AP 675 (Armostat® 600 in a PP carrier) or Nourymix® AP 475 (Armostat® 400 in a PP carrier) (Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals BV, Amersfoort, The Netherlands) may be particularly useful. For example, the micro spatula's described above may incorporate an anti-static agent.
The spatula can include a layer or coating allowing the spatula to withstand exposure to high or low temperatures, acids, bases, organics, radiation and/or other environmental conditions. By way of example and not limitation, a Teflon® coating may be applied via spraying. Teflon is normally unaffected by chemical environments. The only chemicals known to affect all Teflon industrial coatings are molten alkali metals and highly reactive fluorinating agents. Teflon is also heat resistant and can withstand temperatures up to about 260° C./500° F.
In another embodiment, one or more regions of the spatula can be treated to become sterile. By way of example and not limitation, the spatula can be heated, washed with antimicrobial solutions, or treated with UV light, ozone, ethylene oxide, and/or radiation (including but not limited to gamma radiation or microwave radiation). In another example, one or more regions of the spatula can be treated to remove pyrogens and/or endotoxins. For example pyrogens and/or endotoxins can be removed by the use of a high-emulsifying cleaner combined with heat, followed by rinsing with pyrogen-free or endotoxin-free water.
In another embodiment, one or more regions of the spatula can be treated to remove Dnases and/or Rnases. For example, DNase can be destroyed by autoclaving a spatula for 15 minutes at 121° C. DNase and Rnase can be removed from a spatula through the use of chemical baths or through the use of commercially available decontamination solutions such as ELIMINase® or NucleasEliminator™. RNase can be removed through the use of commercially available decontamination solutions such as RNaseAway™ and RNaseZap™. The commercial solutions listed do not degrade glass, plastics or stainless steel.
c. Appearance
The spatulas may be marked, colored, or coded in any appropriate fashion. For example, the spatula may be designed to have one or more colors. The one or more colors can be selected to provide contrast with colored powders, solids, or liquids. Further the spatula may be designed to have colored stripes. The color differences or the presence or absence of color stripes may be used to provide a visual indication of the properties of the spatula 100, e.g. non-sterile spatula or sterile spatula. The one or more colors can be any color in the visual spectrum. Alternatively, the one or more colors can be fluorescent. The spatula may also be designed without color, opaque or clear.
The spatula may also include one or more indicators, including color indicators that indicate use or some physical property of the spatula. For example, the spatula may include a thermosensative dye which reacts to indicate temperature (e.g., above/below a certain temperature). In another example, the spatula may include a sterility indicator, or an indicator of exposure to various environments (e.g., a pH indicator).
It will be appreciated that writing can be included at any region of the spatula, as previously described. The writing can include a mark, such as an identifying company mark, trademark, or patent mark. The writing may be added by any means known in the art.
Methods of Using Spatulas
In practice, the spatula may be used to collect, transfer or store any appropriate material, including chemical and biological material. For example, the spatulas described herein may be used with laboratory chemicals (e.g., chemicals, mixtures, solutions, and/or compounds that may be used in medical and scientific research, or treatment). Generally, a user manipulates the spatula by gasping the stalk region of the spatula to control a manipulating region of the spatula. Thus, the spatula may be used as a spatula, a shovel, a scraper, a stirring rod, a policeman, or the like.
In some variations, the spatula comprises two manipulating regions. For example, a first manipulating region may be configured as a scoop, and the second manipulating region may be configured as a shovel. Either end of the spatula may therefore be used to collect, transport or store material. The spatula may be appropriate for laboratory use, food preparation, or for manufacturing uses. For example, the spatula may conform to regulatory standards for food contact applications (e.g., U.S. FDA standards), or commercial manufacturing standards.
The spatula may be used to collect material using the manipulating region. Thus, a user may grasp the stalk region and guide the manipulating region of the spatula toward the material to be collected. In some variations, the manipulating region may be configured to gather material to be collected, for example, by scooping, scraping, tearing, cutting, dividing, or any other appropriate manipulation. The material can contact one of the collecting surfaces (e.g., the inner or outer surfaces) of the manipulating region, so that it can be supported by the surface, and collected.
In some variations, the spatula may be used with additional collection devices. For example, the spatula may be use with another spatula or other manipulator. In another example, the spatula (e.g., the hollow region through the stalk) may be attached to a suction device. In some examples, the spatula may be treated to attract or retain a material to be collected. For example, the spatula may be magnetic, or may include a magnetic material, that may help collect materials that are magnetically permeable (or are themselves magnetic).
Materials may also be transported using the spatula. Once a material has been collected by the spatula, the material may be held on the collecting surface, or within the hollow region of the spatula (such as the stalk region). The spatula may be used to transport material held in or on the spatula. The spatula can be sealed by a plug, by heat, stapled or taped closed. Material may likewise be released from the spatula once it has reached a desired location. In some variations, the spatula may include ways to retain or to hold material (to prevent leakage, spilling, etc.) during transport. For example, the spatula may include a cover (e.g., to cover all or a part of the manipulating region), or a cap to cover a hollow region (e.g., in the stalk). Materials may also be transported by the spatula when the materials are not collected on or in the spatula. For example, the spatula may be used to stir a material (e.g., as a stir rod) or to push a material, or to break up a material.
The spatula may also be used to store material, for either short term (e.g., seconds, minutes, hours) or for long term (days, months, years). For example, material maybe collected by the spatula, and held in the hollow region of the stalk. This region may be capped (e.g., to prevent loss of the material from the hollow region) by blocking the one or more opening into the hollow region (e.g., with plugs, seals, covers, clamps, lids, stoppers, etc.). The spatula, containing the material, may then be stored until the material is needed for later use. In some variations, the spatula may be frozen (including freezing in liquid nitrogen, etc.). In some variations, the spatula may include calibration marks indicating the volume or other characteristic of the material within the spatula. In some variations, the spatula comprises a UV or light-protecting material that prevents photodamage to material stored in the spatula.
(a) Kits
The spatula 100 can be part of a kit. A kit may comprise one or more spatulas as described herein, and directions for using the spatula. Instructions may be written or pictorial, and may be in any language, or may be translated into multiple languages. In some variations, the kit may also comprise packaging for the spatula. The packaging may protect, the spatula, preventing contamination or otherwise maintaining the integrity of the spatula. The packaging may be individual (e.g., each spatula may be individually wrapped), or the packaging may hold multiple spatulas. For example, spatulas may be packaged in a set of 25, 100, 200, 300, 500, 1000, etc. In some variations, instructions or other labels may be printed on the packaging. In some variations, the packaging may include suggested uses, or warnings. For example, the packaging may indicate suggested uses, what material the spatula is made of, the material properties of the spatula (e.g., disposability or how to dispose of the spatula, the acid/base tolerance, autoclavability, shatter resistance, weight, size, shape, chemical tolerance, color, etc.), or the like.
In some variations, a kit comprising a spatula may include a pre-loaded material. For example, a material (including a solution) may be pre-loaded into the spatula as previously described. Thus a kit may include a solution pre-loaded into the spatula. Any appropriate solution or solid may be used (i.e., buffers etc.). For example, a preloaded solution may be dehydrated.
The foregoing described embodiments of the invention are provided as illustrations and descriptions. They are not intended to limit the invention to precise form described. For example, as discussed above, the concepts and principles of the present invention will apply to other laboratory spatulas, scoops, or the like. Furthermore, although the spatula is described as a laboratory spatula, it should be understood that the spatulas described herein may be used for any appropriate purpose, in any appropriate setting, not limited to research or medical laboratory uses.
In particular, it is contemplated that the laboratory spatulas described herein may be implemented equivalently in shape, materials, and/or other reasonable dimensions. Other variations and embodiments are possible in light of above teachings, and it is thus intended that the scope of invention not be limited by this Detailed Description, but rather by Claims following.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/578,074, titled “LABORATORY SPATULA” and filed on Jun. 7, 2004, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US05/20246 | 6/7/2005 | WO | 11/22/2006 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60578074 | Jun 2004 | US |