Abstract: An automated, computer controlled assembly is provided for continuously processing a large number of electrophoresis gels. The assembly includes a loading assembly for loading a gel onto a carrier, a gel staining assembly and a scanning and cutting assembly. The staining assembly and the scanning and cutting assembly each include a robotic arm that is able to capture a gel and transfer the gel to selected work stations and can transfer the gel between the respective robotic arms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically inserting fluids into vessels, stirring the fluids within the vessels and withdrawing the stirred fluids from the vessels by vacuum. A movable arm supports fluid delivery pipettes, a stirring device and a fluid withdrawal system. A microprocessor automatically controls the alignment and operation of a movable arm and its appended operational implements.

Abstract: An automated, computer controlled assembly is provided for continuously processing a large number of electrophoresis gels. The assembly includes a loading assembly for loading a gel onto a carrier, a gel staining assembly and a scanning and cutting assembly. The staining assembly and the scanning and cutting assembly each include a robotic arm that is able to capture a gel and transfer the gel to selected work stations and can transfer the gel between the respective robotic arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for expressing and unloading an isoelectric focusing gel from an electrophoresis gel tube includes a first support for supporting the gel tube, a plunger rod and a second support for supporting the plunger rod. The first support is mounted on a movable carriage and is moved toward the second support so that the gel tube slides onto the plunger rod to unload the gel from the gel tube. A plurality of gel tubes can be mounted in a rack and the rack coupled to the first support. The first support preferably includes a plurality of openings oriented with the gel tubes for guiding a respective plunger rod through the axial passage of the gel tubes. In preferred embodiments, the second support supporting the plunger rods is substantially stationary while the first support moves toward the second support so that the gel tubes slide onto the plunger rods.