Abstract: A syringe pump which includes a pusher block is slidably mounted on bearings on one or more guide rails. The pusher block is advanced or retracted by a lead screw having an axis which is offset from the axis of the one or more guide rails which are supported at their respective ends by support blocks, wherein forward and/or trailing sides of the pusher block bearings are extended, and wherein the guide rail support blocks include recesses for accommodating the extended ends of the pusher block slide bearings. In another embodiment, the syringe pump includes quick connect-disconnect fixtures for loading and unloading syringes. Other mechanical, and programmable improvements are described in the specification.

Abstract: This invention relates to equilibrium dialysis systems and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to pre-assembled or ready-to-use single-well or multi-well dialysis systems that are disposable in their entirety, comprising a molded block for performing equilibrium dialysis of one or more samples. Such equilibrium dialysis systems can be used for protein binding assays, molecule-molecule interaction studies, tissue cultures and many other biological and chemical applications. Such equilibrium dialysis systems are suitable for use in manual or high throughput formats.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods using assemblies of shaped inserts coated with diverse binder materials optionally positioned inside conformal housings. The devices are capable of immobilizing target analytes of interest (e.g., specific or groups of biomolecules) and are optionally usable as single units, linear strips or array formats. The coatings on the inserts and, optionally also on the inside walls of the housings, create variable gaps with narrow fluid paths resulting in enhanced diffusion and absorption of target analytes from transiting fluid samples while exhibiting minimal resistance to flow or back pressure commonly seen in conventional plug-type packings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method for small sample preparation using a tube or column, such as a pipette tip, in which the interior surface is coated with a solid matrix for sample preparation. Said solid matrix is composed of a polymeric substance such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and one or more column materials such as reactive or absorptive materials suited for sample filtration, separation or purification. The desired sample, containing bio-molecules such as DNA, proteins or other molecular components, is passed through said tube or column, which may be a pipette tip, or like structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to an equilibrium dialysis system in a multi-well format for the simultaneous preparation of multiple samples. Such an equilibrium dialysis system can be used for protein binding assays, molecule-molecule interaction studies, tissue cultures and many other biological and chemical applications. The equilibrium dialysis system described herein has at least 96 wells for the simultaneous preparation of 96 samples and can also be made in 96-well, 384-well, 1536-well or other multi-well formats.