Abstract: A negative dead volume syringe comprising a body defining a chamber, a syringe tip disposed at a distal end of the chamber and having a tip passageway therethrough in open communication with the chamber, a rod extending from a first end within the chamber to a second end coupleable to a motor to produce bidirectional motion of the rod, and a plunger tip having a proximal portion coupled to the first end of the rod, a medial portion distally extending from said proximal portion and shaped to complement the tip passageway, and a tip extension distally extending from said medial portion and shaped to be received within a dead volume defined by a passageway of a valve coupleable to the syringe tip wherein the plunger tip ensures evacuation of fluid and air from the chamber, syringe tip, and dead volume of the valve upon distal displacement of the rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the automated production of active substance beads having a gel-like carrier material, preferably a biopolymer, such as agarose, and having embedded in the carrier material a biologically active material, such as an active substance and/or a material which generates an active substance, comprising the following steps: a) provision of a flowable, solidifiable mixture comprising the carrier material and the biologically active material, b) solidification of a core bead by introducing a predetermined amount of the flowable mixture into a fluid bath, preferably a liquid bath, particularly preferably an oil bath, c) removal of the core bead from the fluid bath, wherein for carrying out step c), a bead contact surface of a bead receiving tool is used, and for this purpose step c) comprises either the following sub-step ca1) or the following sub-step cb1): ca1) creation of a locating engagement between the core bead and a preferably concave bead reduced-pressure contact

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature adjustment device (10) for adjusting the temperature of at least one sample container (12), which temperature adjustment device (10) comprises, for optional heat-transferring coupling of the sample container (12) therewith and for isolation of the sample container (12) therefrom, at least one sample container holder (16) extending along a holder axis (A), the temperature adjustment device (10) comprising a first temperature adjustment zone (26) and a second temperature adjustment zone (31) which can be operated separately therefrom, the first and second temperature adjustment zones (26, 31) being arranged in different axial regions of the sample container holder (16) relative to the holder axis (A).

Abstract: A shift and scan test tube rack apparatus and method comprised of an array of initially aligned racks each comprised of a row of spaced apart receptacles each having a receptacle window through which a barcode on a received barcode labeled test tube is viewable and each rack further comprised of a plurality of line of sight windows each interposed between two adjacent spaced apart receptacles, and a shifting device for individually shifting any one of the racks in the array of initially aligned racks to a shifted position that allows a plurality of the receptacle windows in the shifted rack to be viewed through the plurality of line of sight windows in the remaining aligned racks for reading barcodes on barcode labeled test tubes received in the shifted rack.

Abstract: A probe head used in robotic assays for transferring liquid in miniscule quantities. The probe head includes an array of liquid transferring needles which move as a unit with the probe head. As the needles contact a surface, high spots or other irregularities on the surface are accommodated by needle compliance to assure all needles ultimately touch the surface. Touching contact assures reliable liquid transfer.

Abstract: A sample treatment system for automated extraction of compounds is disclosed. The system includes a housing defining an enclosure including a top cover having open ended chambers to receive sample plates on an interposed carriage frame, an automated shuttle means for lateral transportation and vertical lifting of the carriage frame to selectively address the chamber below the sample plate for the throughpassage of fluid from the sample plate and urged by a vacuum pump for evacuating air from a chamber to a degree below atmospheric pressure for through passage of fluid from the sample plate to either a waste plate or a collection plate. The shuttle means includes motor drives for precisely laterally and vertically positioning the carriage frame.

Abstract: A dual-chambered dispensing device having a single piston. The device is driven by an electric precision motor. Each chamber is capable of aspiration and dispensation. When one chamber is aspirating, the other is dispensing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of tamper proofing a transport vessel such as a railroad car, a cargo truck or an ocean container. The transport vessel has a portion, such as an opening or a fitting, with multiple locations at risk of tampering. The portion of the transport vessel is covered with a pliable cover to cover the multiple locations. The cover is then sealed over the portion with a tamper proof seal in a manner effective to prevent removal of the cover, and to prevent access to the locations without tampering with the seal or the cover.

Abstract: A sample treatment system for automated extraction of compounds is disclosed. The system includes a housing defining an enclosure including a top cover having an open ended well for allowing a sample plate to nest therein, a automated shuttle means for lateral transportation and vertical lifting of both a waste and a collection plate to selectively address an area below the sample plate for the through passage of fluid from the sample plate and a digitally controlled variable speed vacuum pump operatively coupled to said housing for evacuating air from the enclosure to a degree below atmospheric pressure for through passage of fluid from the sample plate to either the waste plate or collection plate. The shuttle means includes motor drives and positive position feedback for precisely laterally and vertically positioning both the waste and collection plates.

Abstract: An automated assaying system is disclosed having a multiplicity of lumens oriented and controllable in clusters. The lumens are portrayed in a matrix, wherein each row of the matrix consists of one such cluster that is individually controllable for aspiration and dispensation purposes. Also provided is a unique wash system capable of flushing the entirety of the system. A method is also depicted for accomplishing this unique assaying.

Abstract: A manual pipette having a cushioned hand grip area and a tip ejector. The ejector is located strategically so that an operator can easily manipulate either the ejector or a pipette fluid plunger which introduces and expels fluid to be sampled. The pipette is ergonomically balanced and designed to prevent operator fatigue. The pipette includes structure for in field calibration and volume variation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for solid phase extraction chromatography is disclosed in which the flow rate of a fluid, such as the motive pressurized gas is monitored, adjusted and compared with a standardized pressure curve which is correlative of a sample being processed. By monitoring and adjusting changes in flow rate, which can correspond to process initialization, beginning, ending and key fractionating points, and correlating to a standard, the cycle time for assaying the sample in question can be maximized and multiple samples can pass through analysis automatically and quickly.

Abstract: A releasably attachable manual dispensing aid is operable with a syringe having a syringe body and a syringe plunger that is movable within the syringe body. The dispensing aid includes a dispensing aid body that is releasably attachable to the syringe body. The dispensing aid further includes a dispensing aid plunger that is attachable to the syringe plunger, and has a slide that is slidable within the dispensing aid body. A fine adjustment, bottom stop, Chaney stop, and/or drag brake for the slide are optionally provided. An electronic linear position measuring device has a first portion fixed to the dispensing aid body and a second portion fixed to the dispensing aid plunger. Optionally, the dispensing aid includes a microprocessor that receives as inputs a calibration value for a particular syringe and the position signal, and determines as an output signal the true volume of liquid displaced by the syringe plunger movement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for solid phase extraction chromatography is disclosed in which the flow rate of a fluid, such as the motive pressurized gas is monitored, adjusted and compared with a standardized pressure curve which is correlative of a sample being processed. By monitoring and adjusting changes in flow rate, which can correspond to process initialization, beginning, ending and key fractionating points, and correlating to a standard, the cycle time for assaying the sample in question can be maximized and multiple samples can pass through analysis automatically and quickly.

Abstract: A liquid handling system includes a translation mechanism, and a probe mounted on the translation mechanism. The probe has a number of lumens extending along the length of the probe. The lumens are open at their lower ends and connectable at their upper ends to a compressed air source and sources of liquid solvents. The system further includes multiple seal heads that can be attached to the lower end of the probe to perform various functions. Some seal heads seal to the tops of various sized containers placed below the probe, with a cylindrical splash guard overlying the exterior of the top of the container to prevent splashes that might injure personnel. Other seal heads rotatably attach to other structures, such as filters. The seal heads may be parked and then used, one at a time, by inserting the probe into the appropriate seal head. After use, the seal head is returned to the parking location and drawn off the end of the probe.

Abstract: Hydraulic jet propulsion apparatus having steering deflectors which are hydraulically balanced which operate against a seal to reduce spillage and to reduce jamming ans which will provide a smooth contour for the flow of water while not restricting the cross-sectional area of the jet stream. The apparatus also provides a reversing duct which is operable to intercept the jetstream, downstream of the steering deflectors so that the jetstream is divided into two streams the relative proportions of which depend upon the operation of the steering means each stream being turned while in the duct through an angle in excess of 90 degrees to emerge in diagonal directions respectively forward-to-port and forward-to-starboard so as to produce a reverse thrust with steering dependant on the relative proportions of flow in the two streams.

Abstract: An automatic, push-to-start, fluid-operated screwdriver is disclosed including a magazine providing a supply of fasteners so that only a source of fluid pressure is required for operation. A control valve is responsive to push-to-start actuation for automatically initiating a series of steps including (a) commencing operation of a fluid operated motor, (b) terminating operation of the motor when a predetermined torque level is applied to the fastener, (c) causing a subsequent fastener to be released from the magazine, (d) relatively shifting a fastener holder and rotary drive means for allowing the subsequent fastener to enter into alignment with the rotary drive means, (e) causing the holder to secure the fastener in engagement with the rotary drive means, and (f) thereafter returning to the condition prior to step (a) so that the machine is automatically conditioned for driving the subsequent fastener upon push-to-start actuation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving substantially simultaneous dilution or mixing and dispensing is disclosed wherein the diluent or carrier is supplied by a syringe including a relatively large diluent reservoir and a pipette including a replaceable tip for containing a specimen or concentrate, the syringe including a nozzle or tube extending into the interior of the replaceable tip to produce a jet of diluent directed toward an outlet opening formed by the replaceable tip, the specimen being intermixed with the diluent jet for substantially simultaneous dispensation. In a preferred embodiment of the syringe which may be employed by itself or within the above noted diluting dispenser, a replaceable cartridge provides a relatively large volume of the diluent or other material for delivery by the syringe.

Abstract: A syringe is described in which the needle assembly thereof is manually adjustable axially with respect to the body of the syringe to line up one end of the needle assembly with a reference mark on the transparent hollow barrel. Means are provided for locking the position of the needle assembly with respect to the body.