Abstract: An apparatus for use with an array of liquid specimen containers having open upper ends includes a panel structure having an array of openings corresponding to the array of liquid specimen containers such that the open upper ends of the containers will be aligned with the openings upon placement of the panel structure over the containers in an upright engagement with the containers. The apparatus further includes filter material stretched across the openings so as to extend across the open upper ends of the containers in overlying abutment with the open upper ends of the containers when the panel structure is in the upright engagement. In this arrangement, liquid contents of the containers can flow downward through the filter material when the panel structure and the containers are together moved from their upright engagement to an overturned engagement inverted from their upright engagement.

Abstract: A device for simultaneous processing of a number of liquid specimens is disclosed. The device is in the form of a plate having a plurality of compartments, each compartment being adapted to hold a liquid specimen and having an aperture at its top for introducing and withdrawing liquid into and from the compartment, respectively. Each compartment has a vent opening at a side wall at about mid portion thereof between the compartment's top and bottom, the vent opening is at one end of a duct and the other end of the duct opens to the atmosphere wherein each of the compartments has an upper converging portion ending in an aperture with an annular rim adapted for tight engagement with a filter sheet and having a bottom portion with an inverted dome shape.