Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This PCT application claims priority from United States Provisional Application No. 63/292,314, filed on December 21, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference here.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to fluid transfer apparatuses. In particular, embodiments relate to apparatuses for transferring a fluid, such as an analyte, from a fluid port or output of a device to an output vessel, which may be different components of a system.

Background

[0003] Fluid or chemical processing and/or measurement instruments provide as an output, processed fluids that tend to need to be transferred to an output vessel, such as an Eppendorf tube.

[0004] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages associated with prior art apparatus and methods for transferring fluids to output vessels, or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

Summary

[0006] Some embodiments relate to a fluid transfer apparatus comprising: a body defining first and second conduits extending between a first end of the body and a second end of the body; a first connector at the first end configured to mechanically couple the apparatus to a device such that:

(i) the first conduit is in fluid communication with a first fluid port; and

(ii) the second conduit is in fluid communication with a second fluid port; a second connector at the second end configured to mechanically couple the apparatus to an output vessel such that the first and second conduits are in fluid communication with an internal volume of the output vessel; and wherein the apparatus comprises a bias configured to urge the output vessel against the device when the apparatus is connected to the device and to the output vessel.

[0007] The body may comprise a resiliently deformable material biased toward a flat configuration. The body may be configured to be manipulated from a non-flexed rest configuration to a flexed connected configuration in which the apparatus is connected to the device and the output vessel, such that in the flexed connected configuration the body acts as the bias to urge the output vessel against the device.

[0008] The second connector may be configured to connect to an Eppendorf tube. The second connector may comprise a clamp configured to close and seal the internal volume of the output vessel. The clamp may comprise a retaining portion. The clamp may be a snap fit or press fit fastener.

[0009] The second connector may comprise a nozzle in fluid communication with the first conduit to dispense fluid from the apparatus into the internal volume of the output vessel. A filter may be disposed within the first conduit.

[0010] The first connector may comprise a base portion and a plurality of feet extending from the base portion. A first pair of the feet may define a first receiving bay therebetween; and a second pair of the feet define a second receiving bay therebetween; wherein the first receiving bay is configured to receive a first clip of the device, the first clip configured to engage with the base portion of the first connector; and wherein the second receiving bay is configured to receive a second clip of the device, the second clip configured to engage with the base portion of the first connector. [0011] The first and/or second connectors may be press-fit or snap fit connectors. The first and second connectors may be integrally formed with the body.

[0012] The apparatus may comprise a cover configured to be connected to the body. The first and second conduits may be first and second grooves defined in the body. The body may comprise an arcuate or narrow portion, the arcuate or narrow portion configured to be a structural weak point.

[0013] Some embodiments relate to a kit comprising: the apparatus as described above; and an output vessel configured to be connected to the apparatus.

[0014] The vessel may be an Eppendorf tube. The kit may further comprise the device as described above.

[0015] Two or more of the apparatus, output vessel and device may have a common identifier disposed thereon, such as two-dimensional barcode.

[0016] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0017] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid processing system, according to some embodiments;

[0018] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a fluid transfer apparatus or conduit used with the fluid processing system of Fig. 1, according to some embodiments;

[0019] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the fluid transfer apparatus, showing the apparatus in a substantially flat configuration, according to some embodiments; [0020] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the fluid transfer apparatus, showing a further view of the conduits and a cover, according to some embodiments;

[0021] Fig. 5 is a cross section view of the fluid transfer apparatus, showing a further view of the conduits, according to some embodiments;

[0022] Fig. 6 is a cross section view of the fluid transfer apparatus, showing a further view of the conduits, according to some embodiments;

[0023] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the first connector of the fluid transfer apparatus, according to some embodiments;

[0024] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the fluid transfer apparatus prior to being connected to the fluid processing system, according to some embodiments;

[0025] Fig. 8, inset is a close up, cross section view of Fig. 8 showing clips on the fluid processing system for connecting with the first connector of the fluid transfer apparatus, according to some embodiments;

[0026] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the positioning of the fluid transfer apparatus when connected to the fluid processing system, according to some embodiments; and

[0027] Fig. 9, inset is a close up, cross section view of Fig. 9 showing the fluid transfer apparatus connected to the fluid processing system, according to some embodiments;

Detailed Description

[0028] The present disclosure generally relates to fluid transfer apparatuses. In particular, embodiments relate to apparatuses for transferring a fluid, such as an analyte, from a fluid port or output of a device to an output vessel, which may be different components of a system.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a fluid processing system 100. The system 100 may be used for processing a fluid, such as an analyte or an output fluid from a chemical process, for example. The system 100 may include or may cooperate with a fluid transfer apparatus or conduit 200 to facilitate the transfer of fluid between various components of the system 100.

[0030] In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises a device 110. The device 110 may be a fluid or chemical processing and/or measurement instrument, for example. In some embodiments, the device 110 may be a cartridge configured to be inserted into a fluid or chemical processing and/or measurement instrument. For example, the device 110 may be similar to the devices or cartridges described in co-pending United States provisional patent application no. 63/241,167 filed on 7 September 2021 and entitled “Chemical processing system, instrument and sample cartridge” and United States provisional patent application no. 63/130,450 filed on 24 December 2020 and entitled “Chemical processing system, instrument and sample cartridge”, the entire content of both of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0031] Once the processing and/or measurement operations are performed on a fluid an output fluid may be transferred to a reservoir, tube or an output vessel 120, such as an Eppendorf tube, for example.

[0032] The device 110 may comprise a seat or socket 112 to receive the output vessel 120. The apparatus 200 is configured to facilitate fluid transfer between the device 110 and the vessel 120. For example, air may be sucked out of the vessel 120 via a first conduit (224, Fig. 2) of the apparatus 200. This creates a pressure differential that encourages the fluid to flow from the device 110 into the vessel 120 via a second conduit (226, Fig. 2) of the apparatus 200.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows the fluid transfer apparatus 200 in more detail. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 comprises a body 210 having a first end 212 and a second end 214. The body 210 may be an elongate member. The first end 212 and the second end 214 may be disposed at opposite remote ends of the elongate member or body 210.

[0034] The body 210 may comprise a first body portion 220A and a second body portion 220B. In some embodiments, the first and second body portions 220A, 220B are physically continuous, integrally formed pieces of the body 210, but are notionally considered as distinct portions for ease of reference. The first body portion 220A may comprise the first end 212, and the second body portion 220B may comprise the second end 214. [0035] In some embodiments, the first and second body portions 220A, 220B are physically separate parts that configured to be connected to each other, such as by a snap fit or press fit. The body 210 may comprise a flexible construction to facilitate attachment to the vessel 120. In some embodiments, the second body portion 220B may be made from a flexible material, while the first body portion 220A is made from a comparatively more rigid material to provide a stable connection to the device 110. A seal or gasket may be placed between the first and second body portions 220A, 220B to prevent or at least reduce the risk of fluid seeping through the connection between the first and second body portions 220A, 220B.

[0036] The body 210 may define at least two conduits or passages 222, such as a first conduit 224 and a second conduit 226. The conduits 222 may extend along the length of the body 210, between the first and second ends 212, 214. In some embodiments, the conduits 222 extend from an extremity of the first end 212 to an extremity of the second end 214.

[0037] The apparatus 200 may further comprise a first connector 230 at the first end 212. The first connector 230 may be integrally formed with the first body portion 220A. The apparatus 200 may further comprise a second connector 240 at the second end 214. The second connector 240 may be integrally formed with the second body portion 220B.

[0038] The first connector 230 may be configured to couple to and/or be in fluid communication with the device 110. The second connector 240 may be configured to couple to and/or be in fluid communication with the output vessel 120. Fluid may be communicated between the first and second connectors 230, 240 through the conduits 222.

[0039] The conduits 222 may perform different functions. For example, a first fluid may flow in or out of the output vessel 120 via the first conduit 224, and a second fluid may flow in or out of the output vessel 120 via the second conduit 226. The first fluid may be air, and the second fluid may be an output fluid from a chemical process. The second fluid may be an analyte. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may comprises three or more conduits, with at least one conduit configured as a vacuum line, and two or more conduits configured to convey fluid to the vessel 210.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second conduit 226 is configured to convey fluid from a fluid output 250 of the device 110 to the output vessel 120. For example, the apparatus may be arranged relative to the device 110 such that the second conduit 226 is in fluid communication with the fluid output 250 of the device 110. The fluid output 250 is connected to a fluid source (not shown) of the device 110. The fluid source may be a reservoir or mixing well containing the analyte, output fluid, or its constituents.

[0041] The first conduit 224 may be arranged to connect or couple to a pneumatic module or pump 260. The pump 260 may be part of the device 110, or be an external pump. When in fluid communication with the first conduit 224 of the apparatus 220 and activated, the pump 260 may create a vacuum or suction, for example, by applying a negative pressure (below atmospheric pressure), which evacuates or extracts air from the first conduit 224, and accordingly, from the vessel 120 when the second connector 240 is connected to the vessel 120 and the first conduit 224 is in fluid communication with an internal volume of the vessel 120. The evacuation of air from the vessel 120 may create a pressure differential that encourages output fluid at the fluid output 250 of the device 110 to flow into the vessel 120 via the second conduit 226, when the fluid output 250 and the vessel 120 are in fluid communication with the second conduit 226.

[0042] The first conduit 224 may be connected, or configured to connect, to the fluid output 250 of the device 110 at the first end 212 of the body 210, and may be connected, or configured to connect, to the vessel 120 at the second end 214 of the body 210. The second conduit 226 may be connected, or configured to connect, to the pump 260 at the first end 212 of the body 210 and may be connected, or configured to connect, to the vessel 120 at the second end 214 of the body 210.

[0043] As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the apparatus 200 may comprise a first pin 270. The first pin 270 may be a relatively short tube. The first pin extends from the first connector 230 and is in fluid communication with at least one of the conduits 222 defined in the body 210. The first pin 270 may be configured to be connected to the pump 260. The pump 260 may create suction which draws air out of the vessel 120 through the first conduit 224, and first pin 270, thereby creating a pressure differential in the vessel 120 that encourages fluid to flow into the vessel 120 via the second conduit 226.

[0044] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 comprises a second pin 280. The second pin 280 may be a relatively short tube. The second pin 280 extends from the first connector 230 and is in fluid communication with at least one of the conduits 222 defined in the body 210. The fluid output 250 may be connected to the second pin 280 so that fluid (such as the analyte or output fluid) enters the second conduit 226 via the second pin 280, travels along the second conduit 226 and flows into the vessel 120 via the second connector 240.

[0045] The body 210 may be biased toward a substantially flat configuration, such as shown in Fig. 3. In its flattest configuration, the first end 212 and the second end 214 are aligned in substantially the same plane.

[0046] The body 210 may be configured to be manipulated from a non-flexed rest configuration to a flexed connected configuration in which the apparatus 200 is connected to the device 110 and the output vessel 120, such that in the flexed connected configuration the body 210 acts as the bias to urge the output vessel 120 against the device 110.

[0047] The bias may be generated at least in part by the inherent material properties of the body 210. The body 210 may comprise a resiliently deformable material biased toward a flat configuration. For example, the body 210 may comprise a resiliently deformable and/or an elastic material which is configured to resist a certain degree of deflection, and spring back to its original shape when the deflecting force is removed.

[0048] The bias may be generated at least in part by the geometry of the body 210. For example, the body 210 may comprise an arcuate portion and/or a relatively narrow portion that is designed to be a structural weak point and to be the first part of the body 210 that intentionally deflects under an exerted force. In some embodiments, the body 210 is generally hook shaped or resembles a question mark, wherein the body 210 tapers or narrows towards the second end 214. The first body portion 220 A may extend away from the first connector 230 in a substantially straight line. The second body portion 220B may comprise an arcuate portion that curves and extends back towards the first connector 230. In Fig. 3, a notional boundary between the first and second body portions 220A, 220B is shown as a dashed line.

[0049] In some embodiments, the bias is generated by a biasing member. The biasing member may be a spring or elastic cable. [0050] Referring again to Fig. 1, the bias of the body 210 helps the apparatus 200 to mechanically couple the device 110 and the output vessel 120. As shown, the apparatus 200 is connected to the device 110 via the first connector 230. In some embodiments, as shown, a lower part of the vessel 120 is retained in position by the socket 112 of the device 110. For example, the socket 112 may comprise walls which extend away from a surface of the device 110 to surround the lower part of the vessel 120. An upper part of vessel 120 is retained by and connected to the second connector 240 of the apparatus 200.

[0051] The body 210 is biased to return to a substantially flat configuration (such as shown in Fig. 3). Twisting or deflecting the body 210 causes the body 210 to exert a resistance or return force. When the apparatus 200 is connected or coupled to the device 110 and the output vessel 120 via the connectors 230, 240, the resistance or return force is directed through the second connector 240 and onto the vessel 120. Accordingly, the bias of the body 210 urges the vessel 120 against the device 110, or a surface of the device 110. This allows the body 210 to force the lower part of the vessel 120 to engage with the walls of the socket 112, for example.

[0052] Turning back to Fig. 3, further detail of the second connector 240 is shown, according to some embodiments. The lid (not shown) of the vessel 120 is opened and/or removed to allow the apparatus 200 to be connected in fluid communication with the internal volume of the vessel 120. With the vessel lid (not shown) opened or removed, the second connector 240 may engage with the vessel 120 and act as a temporary lid for the vessel 120. In some embodiments, the lid (not shown) once opened and removed remains attached to the vessel 120, but nonetheless allows for the second connector 240 to couple (mechanically and fluidly) to the open end of the vessel 120.

[0053] In some embodiments, the second connector 240 comprises a clamp 300 for mechanically coupling or engaging with the vessel 120. The clamp 300 may comprise a base plate 302 which is connected to the second end 214 of the body 210. The base plate 302 may be integrally formed with the body 210. When the second connector 240 is connected to the vessel 120, the base plate 302 acts as a temporary lid for the vessel 120.

[0054] The clamp 300 may comprise a retaining portion 310, which may be a wall or plurality of walls that extend from the base plate 302. The retaining portion 310 may be a snap fit, press fit, or screw thread fastener configured to engage with a corresponding snap fit, press fit, or screw thread fastener of the vessel 120. Where a snap fit or press fit arrangement is used, the retaining portion 310 may be split into two (or more) portions 310A, 310B, separated by a small gap. The gap may allow deflection of the portions 310A, 310B for easier attachment and removal with the vessel 120. The retaining portion 310 may engage with an external part of the vessel 120.

[0055] The clamp 300 may further comprise a ring 320. The ring 320 may be sized to engage with an internal part of the vessel 120. In embodiments of the second connector 240 comprising both the retaining portion 310 and the ring 320, the retaining portion 310 and the ring 320 respectively engage the external and internal parts of the vessel 120, effectively sandwiching the wall of the vessel 120 therebetween and providing a secure mechanical connection.

[0056] The clamp 300 may comprise a tab 330 and a tooth 340. The tooth 340 may engage a corresponding groove formed in the wall of the vessel 120. The tab 330 may be attached to the tooth 340 and/or at least one of the retaining portions 310, so that deflection of the tab 330 releases the tooth 340 and/or at least one of the retaining portions 310 and facilitates removal/disengagement of the vessel 120 from the second connector 240.

[0057] The second connector 240 further comprises a vent 350 which is defined in the base plate 302. The vent 350 is in fluid communication with the first conduit 224 to allow air to be evacuated from the vessel 120. In some embodiments, the vent 350 is configured to introduce air into the vessel 120.

[0058] The second connector 240 may comprise a nozzle 360 which extends from the base plate 302. The nozzle 360 is in fluid communication with the second conduit 226 to allow fluid (such as the analyte) to be introduced into the vessel 120. As the first conduit 224 and the second conduit 226 may be disposed in relative close proximity to each other, the nozzle 360 may assist in mitigating or preventing fluid that is being conveyed from the second conduit 226 being drawn into the first conduit 224 as opposed to into the vessel 120. The nozzle 360 may have a similar cross-sectional area to that of the conduit 226, for example. The nozzle 360 may extend away from the base plate 302 by a distance in the range of 0.5mm to 5mm, 0.5mm to 1.5mm, at least 0.5mm, at least 0.7mm, at least 0.8mm, or about 1mm, for example.

[0059] In some embodiments, a filter (not shown), such as an air-permeable membrane, is disposed in the pneumatic line, for example, within the first conduit 226 to mitigate crosscontamination of fluids.

[0060] It will be appreciated that although Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the second connector 240, any suitable connector that allows the apparatus 200 to mechanically couple or engage with the vessel 120 may be used as the second connector 240. It will also be appreciated that the seat 112 of the device 110 and the second connector 240 may be configured to accommodate any suitable vessel 120 depending on the application, such as a test tube, vial, Eppendorf tube or other container. The illustrated embodiment is particularly configured to connect with DNA LoBind ® Tubes , DNA LoBind ® , 1.5 mL, PCR clean, colorless, for example, and may alternatively be configured for use with: DNA LoBind ® Tubes , DNA LoBind ® , 0.5 mL, PCR clean, colorless,

DNA LoBind ® Tubes , DNA LoBind ® , 2.0 mL, PCR clean, colorless,

DNA LoBind ® Tubes , DNA LoBind ® , 5.0 mL, PCR clean, colorless

DNA LoBind ® Tubes , DNA LoBind ® , 15 mL, conical tubes, PCR clean, colorless,

DNA LoBind ® Tubes , DNA LoBind ® , 50 mL, conical tubes, PCR clean, colorless.

[0061] Turning now to Fig. 4, in some embodiments the apparatus 200 further comprises a cover 400. In some embodiments, the conduits 222 are defined in part by grooves formed in the body 210. The cover 400 may then be attached to the body 210 to enclose the grooves and form the conduits 222. The cover 400 may be a thin film, a membrane or sheet. The cover 400 may be flexible, such as made from a resiliently deformable material, such as polypropylene, for example, to accommodate movement (e.g. bending and/or twisting) of the body 210 without the cover 400 separating from the body 210. The cover 400 may be made from the same material as the body 210. The cover 400 is connected to the body 210 by heat welding or adhesive, for example. The cover 400 may be transparent.

[0062] To facilitate alignment of the cover 400 with the body 210, the cover 400 may be larger than the body 210 and comprise a series of markings or silhouettes 410 which correspond to an outline(s) of the apparatus 200 and/or the body 210. The cover 400 may comprise a first silhouette portion 420 and a second silhouette portion 430. The silhouettes 410 may delineate the first and second silhouette portions 420, 430. At least one of the markings or silhouettes 410 may be perforated to facilitate separation of the first and second silhouette portions 420, 430. The first and second silhouette portions 420, 430 may be separated by cutting the cover 400 to suit the shape and size of the body 210. In some embodiments, such as shown in Fig. 6, the conduits 222 are formed as passages that are fully contained in the body 210. The cover 400 therefore may not be required to cooperate with grooves to form the conduits 222. In some embodiments, the cover 400 helps to protect the outer surface of the body 210 from surface damage. The cover 400 may be textured to facilitate gripping of the body 210, for example when bending the body 210 into the desired shape or when attaching or detaching the body 210 from the device 110.

[0063] Figs. 5 and 6 are cross sections of the body 210 showing the conduits 222 in more detail, according to various embodiments. In Fig. 5, the conduits 222 are shown as grooves in the body 210 that are enclosed by the cover 400. In Fig. 6, the conduits 222 are shown as passages in the body 210 (i.e. not formed by a combination of grooves and the cover 400).

[0064] In Figs. 1 to 3, the cover 400 is not shown so as to illustrate the example placement of the conduits 222 in the body 210.

[0065] The first and second conduits 224, 226 extend between the first and second ends 212, 214 of the body 210. In some embodiments, first and second conduits 224, 226 maintain a fixed spacing therebetween along the length of the body 210. The profiles of the conduits 222 may be consistent or may vary along their respective lengths. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the profiles of the conduits 222 are substantially parallel along their respective lengths. In some embodiments, the profiles of the conduits 222 may differ. For example, the profile of the first conduit 224 may be different to the profile of the second conduit 226, such as being divergent at the first end 212 so that the footprint of the first connector 230 is larger than if the first and second conduits 224, 226 were closer together at the first end 212. Varying the profile of the first and second conduits 224, 226 may result in the lengths of the first and second conduits 224, 226 being different. This may adjust the flow characteristics of the output fluid or analyte entering or leaving the vessel 120. For example, the first conduit 224 may be shorter than the second conduit 226, which for a given fluid flow rate allows fluid to exit the vessel 120 (via the first conduit 224) faster than it enters the vessel 120 (via the second conduit 226).

[0066] The cross sectional size and shape of the conduits 222 may be chosen to suit fluids of certain viscosity. In some embodiments, the cross sectional size and shape of the conduits 222 is chosen to be large enough to allow fluid to flow with a low pressure gradient or differential between the vessel 120 and the fluid output 250. In some embodiments, the cross sectional size and shape of the conduits 222 is chosen to be small enough to reduce the likelihood of residual fluid being left in the conduits 222. This may improve the amount of output fluid collected in the vessel 120.

[0067] The conduits 222 may be rectangular in profile with any suitable width and depth for the fluids involved in a given application. For example, the depth may be in the range of 0.1mm to 1mm, 0.2mm to 0.5mm, or about 0.25mm, while the width may be in the range of about 0.5mm to 2mm, 0.75mm to 1.5mm, about 0.75mm or about 1.2mm. Alternatively, the conduits 222 may be circular in cross sectional shape, with a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 1mm, 0.3mm to 0.8mm, or about 0.5mm, for example. The conduits 222 may have a cross sectional area in the range of 0.1mm ² to 1mm ² , 0.15mm ² to 0.5mm ² , 0.2mm ² to 0.3mm ² , less than 5mm ² , less than 2mm ² , less than 1mm ² , less than 0.5mm ² , about 0.2mm ² , or about 0.3mm ² , for example.

[0068] The cross sectional size and/or shape of the conduits 222 may vary along their respective lengths. The cross sectional size and/or shape of the conduits 222 may differ between each of the conduits 222. For example, the cross section of the first conduit 224 may be a different size and/or shape to the second conduit 226. This may adjust the flow characteristics of the output fluid or analyte entering or leaving the vessel 120.

[0069] The body 210 may be injection moulded from any suitable material, such as polypropylene or polycarbonate, for example. The body 210 may be cut from a flat piece of raw material to facilitate fabrication. The body 210 may machined from a resiliently deformable material; for example to define conduits 222, grooves may be cut into the body 210, or passages drilled therethrough. [0070] Fig. 7 shows the first connector 230 in more detail, according to some embodiments. The first connector 230 comprises a base portion 700. The first body portion 220A, the first pin 270, and the second pin 280 may extend from the base portion 700. The first body portion 220A may extend from the base portion 700 in an opposite direction to the pins 270, 280.

[0071] The base portion 700 defines a first alignment surface 702 which is configured to face the device 110, or the surface of the device 110, when the first connector 230 is connected to the device 110.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first connector 230 comprises a plurality of feet 710. The feet 710 may extend from the base portion 700. The feet 710 may extend outwardly from the base portion 700 in a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane of first body portion 220 A and/or the planes of the pins 270, 280. In some embodiments, the feet 710 extend from the base portion 700 in pairs, in an arrangement that resembles a horseshoe for example. A first pair 710A of the feet 710 may comprise two of the feet 710 spaced apart to define a first receiving bay 730 A therebetween. Similarly, a second pair 710B of the feet 710 may comprise another two of the feet 710 spaced apart to define a second receiving bay 730B therebetween.

[0073] The base portion 700 may be configured for engaging with corresponding clips 800 (Fig. 8) on the device 110 to connect the first connector 230 with the device 110. In some embodiments, the feet 710 may assist with aligning the base portion 700 with the clips 800 so that the first connector 230 may be correctly positioned on the device 110. The first and second receiving bays 710A, 710B may engage with the clips 800 to restrict lateral movement of the first connector 230 relative to the device 110.

[0074] Continuing to refer to Fig. 7, each of the feet 710 comprises a second alignment surface 712 which is configured to face the device 110 when the first connector 230 is connected with the device 110.

[0075] The first alignment surface 702 may be offset from the second alignment surface 712, and in doing so defines a recessed portion 720. The recessed portion 720 may engage with a correspondingly-shaped boss or raised feature on the device 110. This may reduce lateral movement of the first connector 230 relative to the device 110, and as shown in Fig. 8 (inset), may also help align the pins 270, 280 with corresponding fluid connections to the fluid output 250 and the pump 260.

[0076] The base portion 700 may comprise a third alignment surface 722. The third alignment surface 722 is oppositely disposed to the first alignment surface 702. In some embodiments, the first and third alignment surfaces 702, 722 are parallel. When the first connector 230 receives the clips 800 in the receiving bays 710A, 710B, the clips 800 may be aligned (and be configured to engage) with the third alignment surface 722, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0077] Fig. 8 shows a pair of clips 800 as arranged on a device 110. The clips 800 comprise a first clip 800A spaced apart from a second clip 800B. The device 110 may comprise a device body that defines fluid ports 810, 820 for receiving the pins 270, 280. In some embodiments, one of the fluid ports 810, 820 is located on the device 110, and the other one of the fluid ports 810, 820 is located remotely. For example, the first fluid port 810 may be disposed on the pump 260, which may be separate to the device 110.

[0078] The fluid ports 810, 820 may engage with the outer diameter of the pins 270, 280 to assist with guiding the pins 270, 280 into position. The fluid ports 810, 820 are configured to connect the pins 270, 280 with corresponding fluid connections to the fluid output 250 and the pump 260 so that the device 110 can be in fluid communication with the apparatus 200 and the vessel 120.

[0079] The first fluid port 810 may be configured to receive the first pin 270, and the second fluid port 820 may be configured to receive the second pin 280. When the first fluid port 810 receives the first pin 270, fluid may flow through the first conduit 224. For example, the pump 260 may suck air from the vessel 120 through the first conduit 224. When the second fluid port 820 receives the second pin 280, fluid may flow through the second conduit 226. For example, the fluid output 250 may convey an output fluid or analyte into the vessel 120 through the second conduit 226.

[0080] Each of the clips 800 may comprise a clip base 802 and a clip tooth 804. The clip base 802 may be raised from the device 110. The clip tooth 804 may extend laterally from the clip base 802. The clip tooth 804 comprises a root 806 which is attached to the clip base 802. The clip tooth 804 comprises a tip 808 which is remotely disposed to the root 806.

[0081] In some embodiments, the tip 808 of the clip tooth 804 extends towards the device 110 so that the clip 800 resembles a hook. The clip tooth tip 808 does not touch the device 110, and the gap between the clip tooth tip 808 and the device 110 is a receiving area 830. The clip tooth 804 (or clip tooth tip 808) is configured to engage with and retain the first connector 230 in the receiving area 830.

[0082] The clip 800 may be resiliently deformable to act as a snap fit or press fit fastener. In such embodiments, the clip base 802 and/or the clip tooth 804 is configured to deflect laterally when pressed, for example by the first connector 230.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 8, the first clip 800A is aligned with the first receiving bay 710A, and the second clip 800B is aligned with the second receiving bay 710B of the first connector 230. The first connector 230 is brought closer to the clips 800 so that the base portion 700 engages with the roots 806 A, 806B of the clip teeth 804A, 804B. Applying more force causes the first and second clips 800A, 800B to move apart slightly, and the base portion 700 to slide along the clip teeth 804 A, 804B towards the tips 806A, 806B. Once the base portion 700 pushes past the tooth tips 806A, 806B, the tooth tips 806 A, 806B snap back into position and engage with the third alignment surface 722, thereby retaining the first connector 230 in the receiving area 830.

[0084] Fig. 9 (and inset) shows the first connector 230 as received in the receiving area 830. The first connector 230 may be removed by disengaging at least one the clips 800. For example, this may involve manually deflecting at least one the clips 800 to increase the spacing between clips 800A, 800B and thereby allowing the first connector 230 to be released.

[0085] While clips 800 have been described and shown as a snap fit connector to connect the apparatus 200 to the device 110, any other suitable connectors may be used. For example, a press fit, clamp arrangement, twist-lock, sliding or slotted connection may be used. [0086] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200, output vessel 120 and/or device 110 used have a common identifier disposed thereon, such as two-dimensional barcode. In some embodiments, the device 110 may include an identifier to identify or distinguish the processed fluid contained within from processed fluids of other devices 110. The apparatus 200 used to transfer fluid from the device 110 and/or the vessel 120 into which it is dispensed may also be provided with the same identifier. In some embodiments, the device 110 may be provided with a set of identifier tags (not shown), each comprising the identifier (such as a barcode) and with at least some of the set being removable such that they may be selectively removed and applied to the related apparatus 200 and/or vessel 120.

[0087] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.