Abstract: A self contained dispensing head apparatus wherein a modified pipette tip box tray carrier is utilized to furnish pipette tips, carried in a standard pipette tip box, by a pipette tip box tray carrier to the head apparatus and wherein means are provided to engage the pipette tip box tray carrier in a manner whereby the pipette tips are loaded into corresponding internal cylinders formed in the dispense block head. The dispense block head comprises a solid block of material having a plurality of internal cylinders to engage the pipette tips in a sealing arrangement. The pipette tips are modified from the conventional design in that a disk-shaped ring portion is interposed adjacent one end of the pipette tip, a tapered end of the tip allowing a seal to be formed with the dispense block head internal cylinders.

Abstract: A sampling system includes a rocket body, and a first sampling vessel coupled to the rocket body, wherein, during operation, a propellant is discharged from the rocket body and causing the rocket body to be propelled towards a body of liquid. The sampling system may also include a deployment line coupled to the rocket body at a first point on the line, the deployment line also coupled proximate to a launching area at a second point on the line, wherein, subsequent to the discharge of the propellant, the rocket is retrieved by an operator using the deployment line.

Abstract: A pipettor uses no pistons in order to provide highly automated, precise and accurate pipetting operations. Additionally, a self-aligning pipette tip enables better engagement of such pipette tips by the pipettor. The pipette tips may be automatically engaged and locked into place by the pipettor and may be automatically disengaged to enable highly-automated pipetting processes for industrial and laboratory purposes. Open proximal ends of the pipette tips are engaged by a pipette block, which then forms a temporary seal with the individual pipette tips. Displacement of the pipette block with respect to the pipette tips increased or decreases the effective volume of the pipette tip allowing it to aspirate or expel fluids in a precise, accurate, and predictable way. Additionally, seals may be seated in grooves engraved in either the pipette tip or the pipette block to provide a sliding seal between the pipette block and pipette tip.

Abstract: A method for detaching a barrier means adapted to the end part of the suction device for closing an opening in the end part by the movement of a plunger intended for changing the volume of a cylindrical space provided in the end part whereby the barrier means is removed by bringing means for limiting the movement of the plunger in the cylindrical space, e.g. means intended for removing the disposable tip, in such a position that the plunger can be brought into contact with the barrier means for detaching the barrier means from the end part of the suction device.

Abstract: A pipettor uses no pistons in order to provide highly automated, precise and accurate pipetting operations. Additionally, a self-aligning pipette tip enables better engagement of such pipette tips by the pipettor. The pipette tips may be automatically engaged and locked into place by the pipettor and may be automatically disengaged to enable highly-automated pipetting processes for industrial and laboratory purposes. Open proximal ends of the pipette tips are engaged by a pipette block, which then forms a temporary seal with the individual pipette tips. Displacement of the pipette block with respect to the pipette tips increased or decreases the effective volume of the pipette tip allowing it to aspirate or expel fluids in a precise, accurate, and predictable way.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pipette comprising a body, an arm mobile relative to the body along a longitudinal direction to eject a tip fixed to the body and a push button controlling the movement of the arm. The pipette is designed such that the push button is mobile relative to the body in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction by being able to take up any one particular position in a continuous range of positions in said plane and enabling to control the movement of the arm in said any particular position.

Abstract: A proportioning device, comprising a manually operable actuating device, a sensor associated with the actuating device for detecting a force manually exerted on the actuating device, an electric driving motor, an electric control connected to the sensor and electric driving motor for controlling the driving motor during the detection by the sensor of a force exerted on the actuating device, an electric voltage supply connected to the sensor, electric driving motor, and electronic control, and a displacement device coupled to the actuating device and electric driving motor for proportioning a liquid.

Abstract: An air displacement pipette having axially spaced annular sealing and substantially cylindrical lateral support zones on the outer surface of the pipette's mounting shaft for mating with axially spaced annular sealing and substantially cylindrical lateral support regions on the inner surface of a pipette tip, whereby the pipette tip is easily and firmly mountable on and easily ejectable from the pipette tip mounting shaft by the application of minimal axial mounting and ejection forces.

Abstract: Automatic pipettor with a single-row, multi-channel pipetting head, with tip ejector mechanism by which the pipette tips attached to pipettes arranged in a row are successively removed and which, by means of the movable construction of a lifter arranged below the pipetting head and carrying, e.g., a microtitration plate, can be used in an all-purpose manner for different microtitration plates in the direction of the pipettes and the movability of the pipetting head in a direction orthogonal thereto.

Abstract: A pipette gun and holster apparatus having a remote source of positive and negative air pressure. The holster supports the pipette gun above a work table with the pipette connector oriented generally, vertically downwardly. The holster has a base which may be fastened to a vertical wall. A mounting bracket is fixed to and extends transverse to the base. The bracket has a bottomless socket constructed and arranged to receive and removably hold the pipette gun by inserting the pipette connector into the socket. A switch deactivates the remote air pressure source when the pipette gun is parked in the holster and energizes the remote air pressure source when the pipette gun is removed from the holster. A method of metering fluid using a pipette gun and holster apparatus. The holster is removable fastened to a vertical surface next to or proximate a horizontal work table top.

Abstract: A pipetting device for detachably mountable pipette tips, comprising a moving device, a piston movable by the moving device in a cylinder to displace a column of air, an attachment stem for mounting a pipette tip, with an aperture having a connection to the cylinder at the free end, two stops limiting the movement of the piston during the displacement of the column of air, one of which is dislocatable, a precise adjustment device for dislocating the dislocatable stop in parallel with the piston for a precise adjustment of the piston stroke, a coupling device which puts the precise adjustment device into function, when coupled, and puts it out of function, when uncoupled, a rough adjustment device for dislocating the dislocatable stop when the precise adjustment device is uncoupled, for a rough adjustment of the piston stroke, and a measuring and indicating device coupled to the dislocatable stop for measuring the position set for the dislocatable stop and indicating the proportioning volume that matches the p

Abstract: A pin support assembly includes a pin support frame having a plurality of apertures for supporting an array of pins for dispensing fluids. The pins are supported for longitudinal or “floating” movement to prevent damage to the pins. An actuation assembly engages an end of each of the pins to ensure that the pins are properly seated in the support frame in a planar fashion. The actuation assembly engages the pins as the pins move relatively toward a head block and disengages the pins as the pins move relatively away from the head block.

Abstract: A pipette tip member having an elongated tubular receptacle having a sidewall having a plurality of stabilizing projections extending from the sidewall for aligning the pipette shaft and a sidewall with a bifurcated section that comprises first, second, and third sidewall portions. The first sidewall portion comprises a base wall and the second and third sidewall portions branch therefrom. The second sidewall portion comprises an outside branch wall, and the third sidewall portion comprises an inside branch wall spaced substantially parallel with and radially inward from the second sidewall portion. The inside branch wall is flexible in the radial direction and engages a pipette tip when it is inserted into the receptacle and to form a fluid-tight seal therewith. A method of forming a pipette tip member is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for mixing a liquid within a disposable aspirating probe tip so that most of the liquid is forced to move past a transition zone between two different inside diameters to cause rotational mixing. The apparatus and method can be used to provide agglutination of blood, which in turn can be used for blood typing. The probe tip can comprise a single integral piece, or two separate portions. The transition zone can comprise a sharp demarcation between inside diameters, or a smooth one.

Abstract: A multiple channel pipetting device and pipette shaft, in which each pipette shaft has a circumferential seal receptacle inside, at its upper end in which the circumferential plunger seal is positioned and in which the circumferential plunger seal, at least in the case of a pulled back pipette plunger, definitely remains in the seal receptacle when the pipetted shaft is removed from the shaft carrier.

Abstract: A pipet device (A) includes a pipet nozzle (1) formed with an internal passage (10) and a hollow pipet tip (4) removably attached to the nozzle (1). The tip (4) is movable between a normal fixed position and a completely detached position relative to the nozzle (1). The nozzle (1) is formed with an external-air intake groove (16). The intake groove (16) is closed by the tip (4) when the tip (4) is at the normal fixed position. The intake groove (16) is exposed from the tip (4) when the tip (4) is moved from the normal fixed position toward the completely detached position.

Abstract: A self contained dispensing head apparatus wherein a modified pipette tip box tray carrier is utilized to furnish pipette tips, carried in a standard pipette tip box, by a pipette tip box tray carrier to the head apparatus and wherein means are provided to engage the pipette tip box tray carrier in a manner whereby the pipette tips are loaded into corresponding internal cylinders formed in the dispense block head. The dispense block head comprises a solid block of material having a plurality of internal cylinders to engage the pipette tips in a sealing arrangement. The pipettes are modified from the conventional design in that a disk-shaped ring portion is interposed adjacent one end of the pipette tip, a tapered end of the tip allowing a seal to be formed with the dispense block head internal cylinders.

Abstract: The sampling pipette comprises a body (2) and an arm movable relative to the body to eject a cone (9) fixed to the pipette, ejection taking place in a longitudinal direction (10) of the pipette, the arm having both a first portion (16, 18, 20) suitable for coming into contact with the cone, and a second portion (14). The two portions are engaged one in the other and, starting from an operating position, they enable the first portion to be separated from the body (2) by means of an initial movement in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (10).

Abstract: The invention concerns a pipette comprising a body, an arm (20) mobile relative to the body along a longitudinal direction (10) to eject a tip fixed to the body and a push button (14) controlling the movement of the arm. The pipette is designed such that the push button (14) is mobile relative to the body (2) in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (10) by being able to take up any one particular position in a continuous range of positions in said plane and enabling to control the movement of the arm in said any particular position.

Abstract: A present micro array manufacturing apparatus includes a substrate placement portion 11 on which a plurality of substrates can be arranged, a tighter plate 12 for storing a solution including a living body sample, a solution storing member 52 for taking in the solution from the tighter plate 12 and storing the solution therein, and a needle 51 which can be inserted into the solution storing member 52 to allow the solution stored in the solution storing member 52 to adhere onto each of the substrates by a given quantity, wherein the solution storing member 52 and needle 51 are moved in directions where they approach and part away from the substrates to thereby form spots on the substrates. And, the individual operations of the solution storing member 52 and needle 51 are carried out by single drive means 32.

Abstract: The invention provides multichannel pipette heads and autopipettors for loading, measuring, transporting and dispensing, particularly from one micro-plate to another. An exemplary multichannel pipette head comprises a pump housing, pistons, a drive plate, an aspiration drive and bearing rails, wherein the pump housing comprises chambers adapted to receive the pistons, the pistons each comprise a shaft, the drive plate retains the pistons and translocates the piston shafts through the chambers, the aspiration drive translocates the drive plate along the bearing rails which pass through the drive plate and attach to the pump housing.

Abstract: A pipette tip and mounting shaft combination in an air displacement pipette, the combination comprising a pipette tip mounting shaft having a radially stepped exterior comprising adjacent substantially cylindrical portions of different diameter and an annular sealing zone including an annular edge seal at an outermost edge of a radially extending shaft transition, a pipette tip including an annular sealing region having an inner sealing surface on a sidewall of the tip which in the sealing region is sufficiently thin as to expand slightly and form an interference fit and air tight seal between the sealing surface and the sealing zone when the sealing zone penetrates the sealing region, and axial penetration limiting means for limiting penetration of the shaft into the tip to limit axial contact between the sealing region and the sealing zone to a narrow annular band comprising the annular edge seal.

Abstract: A pipette for use with disposable tips and having ejector and actuating devices for detaching the disposable tips from the pipette. The actuating device includes at least one cam element for interacting with the ejector, connected to the pipette body by a pivotal joint. The mechanism makes it possible to vary the torque conversion ratio of the cam element throughout the operation cycle of the actuator. It is particularly well suited for use with a multi-tip device in which the force required for tip ejection is larger than in single tip devices.

Abstract: A pipette for use with a pipette tip to aspirate and dispense a quantity of liquid, comprising a housing, a pipette tip mounting shaft extending from the housing to receive a pipette tip, a pipette tip ejector mechanism for ejecting the pipette tip from the mounting shaft, energy storage means, means for storing energy in the energy storage means and means for releasing energy from the energy storage means to assist the tip ejector mechanism in the ejecting of the pipette tip from the mounting shaft.

Abstract: A pipette for the handling of a syringe. The pipette has jaw chucks which are adjustably arranged with respect to the plunger receptacle, being pivotably mounted on a plunger-gripping device. The syringe is insertable with opened jaw chucks with the plunger head only partially contacting the jaw chucks. The jaw chucks are laterally engageable on the plunger head upon insertion of the syringe. The engaging movement of the jaw chucks on the plunger head is regulated according to the invention so that the engaging movement has a substantially tangential component with respect to the surface of the plunger head. As a result, a desired and form-locking connection to the plunger head of the syringe results that requires a small amount of force.

Abstract: A reagent dispensing valve particularly adapted for dispensing precise microfluidic quantities of fluids. The valve includes a valve portion and a solenoid actuator that are in fluid isolation from one another. The valve portion includes a plunger and seat combination and the actuator is substantially decoupled from the fluid path through the valve. The fluid path through the valve is substantially non-tortuous, thereby minimizing localized fluid pressure drops, and hence undesirable gaseous bubble precipitation within the fluid. The valve is also configured to substantially prevent bubble accumulation. The valve can further include a bubble trap for trapping and removing bubbles.

Abstract: A pipette for repeatedly aspirating and dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid. The pipette includes a hollow body having first and second extremities. The second extremity is adapted to removably receive the pipette tip. An ejector is carried by the body and has a first extremity disposed within the first extremity of the housing and a second extremity movable vertically about the second extremity of the housing. The ejector is movable from a first position for permitting the pipette tip to be securely mounted on the second extremity of the housing and a second position for pushing the pipette tip off of the second extremity of the housing. A spring is carried by the housing and is compressed so as to store energy in the spring. A locking mechanism is additionally carried by the housing for retaining the spring in the compressed position.

Abstract: An automatic tip changer for an automatic multichannel pipettor comprises a plurality of pipettes arranged in a pipetting head. Each of the pipettes arranged in the pipetting head is directly connected to a tip. A magazine which is outfitted with tips and lying in a magazine frame is pressed against the pipetting head. A supply carousel is provided for storing a plurality of stacking boxes in which magazines outfitted with tips are deposited. A lifting group which is arranged in a stationary manner relative to the supply carousel and the magazines are positioned successively in a mounting plane which is determined by the position of the magazine frame. A sliding group is included which is arranged in a stationary manner relative to the lifting group and by which the magazines are displaceable back and forth successively between the stacking box and the magazine frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for loading tips onto a pipettor. A means for applying removal force on the pipette tip box is provided so as to ensure that the box is dislodged from the pipette tips after the pipette tips have been forced onto the dispense head mandrels. In the preferred embodiment, the shuck arms are modified to incorporate springs such that when the engagement force is removed from the pipette tip box, the shuck arms are forced by the springs against the pipette tip box thereby displacing the pipette tip box from the pipette tips.

Abstract: An air displacement pipette having axially spaced annular sealing and substantially cylindrical lateral support zones and regions on the pipette's mounting shaft and tip, respectively, in combination with means for insuring uniform depth of mounting shaft penetration into the pipette tip to maintain uniform tip interference with the mounting shaft as successive tips are mounted on and ejected from the mounting shaft whereby the pipette tip is easily and firmly mountable on and easily ejectable from the pipette tip mounting shaft by the application of axial mounting and ejection forces of about two pounds and one pound, respectively.

Abstract: A top with a mantle wall defining a sample space, for receiving a liquid sample, the tip having first open end to be inserted into a liquid and a second open end for attaching the top to a suction device intended for dispensing, which tip is provided with a membrane device closing the gas and liquid passage in a gas and liquid tight manner from the first end of the tip to the suction device, when the tip is attached to the suction device, the membrane of the membrane device being made of a gas and liquid impermeable, flexible, reversibly deformable material.

Abstract: A nozzle 33 is formed on a distal end side of a cylinder 3. The nozzle 33 has an intermediate portion 3b formed such that a tip 7 is freely attachable thereto and detachable therefrom. The intermediate portion 3b of the nozzle 33 is formed with an annular projection 3e for retaining the tip 7. The tip 7 has a thick portion 7a provided in a root portion thereof and formed larger in diameter than a root portion 3a of the nozzle 33 to be abuttable against a tip releasing member 11. Along an inner periphery of the root portion of the tip 7, an annular projection 7b is formed to contact with the annular projection 3e of the nozzle 33 thereby providing a seal with the nozzle 33. Both the annular projections 3e and 7b of the nozzle 33 and the tip 7 are arranged to reach a position where a sound of abutment is produced between the root end surface of the tip 7 and the shoulder of the nozzle 33 at the completion of fitting of the tip 7 onto the nozzle 33.

Abstract: A suction device for dispensing a liquid having a membrane device mounted in a gastight manner in the air space jointly formed by the cylindrical space of its end part and the sample space of a tip to be mounted onto the end part, the membrane device comprising a membrane, made of a liquid and gas impermeable, flexible, reversibly deformable material, with which membrane the reciprocating device in the cylindrical space can be brought into contact for taking a liquid sample into the sample space of the tip and/or removing it therefrom.

Abstract: A pipetting system including a syringe (2), a working piston (5) connectable with the syringe piston (24) and extending into a working chamber (3), an actuating piston (7) extending into the working chamber, and a storage chamber (4) connected with the working chamber (3) by a valve (12) that provides for flow of the hydraulic liquid, which fills both chambers, from the working chamber (3) into the storage chamber when the working piston (5) is displaced into the working chamber (3), for flow of the hydraulic fluid from the storage chamber (4) into the working chamber (3) when the actuating piston is displaced out of the working chamber, and that separates the storage and working chambers (3, 4) when the actuating piston (7) is advanced into the working chamber.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus has, in a housing (13), a cannula (8) whose rear end is connected to a diluter (17) via a connecting tube (16). A piezoelectric actuator (10) increases in length under the action of a control signal and acts on a membrane (6) pierced by the cannula tip (9) and belonging to an interchangeable polypropylene pipette tip mounted on the delivery apparatus and adhering to the housing (13) by means of a collar (7) resting against said housing, and causing said membrane to sag, with the result that a drop of a sample liquid which was previously sucked in by means of the diluter (17) and whose accurately adjustable volume is between 1 nl and 1 &mgr;l is ejected from an outlet orifice (4). After a pipetting process the pipette tip is ejected by means of a slide (15). If the level of the sample liquid in the pipette tip always remains below the cannula tip (9), virtually no carry-over occurs.

Abstract: A volume adjustable manual pipette having a hand-holdable housing supporting (i) an electronic digital display and associated position sensing and control circuitry, (ii) a plunger unit and (iii) a quick set volume adjustment mechanism for simultaneously controlling the volume setting of the pipette and the electronic display, the quick set volume adjustment mechanism comprising a pipette volume setting member for limiting upward movement of the plunger unit within the housing to define the volume setting for the pipette and the volume setting member being supported for axial movement on the plunger unit and releasably secured relative to the housing by a pipette user operable locking mechanism. When released from the housing, the volume setting member is axially moveable on and with the plunger unit to quickly set the volume for the pipette.

Abstract: A pipette assembly for automatic pipetting machines including a stepped mandrel and tip for providing a minimum contact seal between the pipette tip and mandrel. The mandrel includes a first cylindrical portion with a first exterior diameter and a second cylindrical portion with a second exterior diameter. Raised bands on the first and second cylindrical portions contact the interior wall of the pipette tip to form seals. Because only a portion of the mandrel, specifically the seal portions, contacts the pipette tip, lower forces are required to insert the tip onto the mandrel.

Abstract: A self contained dispensing head apparatus wherein a modified pipette tip box tray carrier is utilized to furnish pipette tips, carried in a standard pipette tip box, by a pipette tip box tray carrier to the head apparatus and wherein means are provided to engage the pipette tip box tray carrier in a manner whereby the pipette tips are loaded into corresponding internal cylinders formed in the dispense block head. The dispense block head comprises a solid block of material having a plurality of internal cylinders to engage the pipette tips in a sealing arrangement. The pipettes are modified from the conventional design in that a disk shaped ring portion is interposed adjacent one end of the pipette tip, a tapered end of the tip allowing a seal to be formed with the dispense block head internal cylinders.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aspirating and dispensing reagents are provided. Aspirating of reagents is accomplished by a probe, a vial insert and reagent vial according to the present invention wherein a seal is formed between the probe and the vial insert when the probe engages the vial insert. Dispensing of reagents is accomplished by a probe and a probe dispense and wash station according to the present invention wherein a seal is formed between the probe and the vial insert when the probe engages the probe dispense and wash station.

Abstract: A self contained dispensing head apparatus wherein a modified pipette tip box tray carrier is utilized to furnish pipette tips, carried in a standard pipette tip box, by a pipette tip box tray carrier to the head apparatus and wherein means are provided to engage the pipette tip box tray carrier in a manner whereby the pipette tips are loaded into corresponding internal cylinders formed in the dispense block head. The dispense block head comprises a solid block of material having a plurality of internal cylinders to engage the pipette tips in a sealing arrangement. The pipettes are modified from the conventional design in that a disk-shaped ring portion is interposed adjacent one end of the pipette tip, a tapered end of the tip allowing a seal to be formed with the dispense block head internal cylinders.

Abstract: A liquid aspiration method which includes a method for determining the quality of the aspirated sample through mathematical analysis of the pressure profile generated before, during, and after the aspiration process and comparison of the results with predetermined known values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipette comprising a housing, said housing comprising a suction chamber, said suction chamber provided with a movable piston, an adjustable, threaded retainer mechanism for retaining the piston's motion, said retainer mechanism being provided with a range adjustment threading, and a calibration mechanism for the motion of the piston. In addition, the pipette includes another adjustable, threaded retainer mechanism for retaining the motion of the piston, said retainer mechanism being provided with a fine adjustment threading with a pitch that is smaller than that of the range adjustment threading of the first retainer mechanism. According to the invention, the volume is adjusted rapidly and still accurately.

Abstract: A distribution head 14 is provided with nozzles 17. A tip holder 5 is placed on a platform 53 which is supported on a rod 52 of a cylinder 51. The tip holder 5 holds a number of distribution tips 15 upright. The nozzles 17 are fitted to the top portion of the distribution tips 15 by lowering the distribution head 14. As the platform 53 is elastically supported on the rod 52 of cylinder 51 so that it can move slightly up and down, the distribution tips 15 may be surely fitted to the nozzles 17 without suffering from damage. Air pressure given to the cylinder 51 is adjusted in accordance with the total number of tips 15, or other factors.

Abstract: A method for removing a replaceable tip used with a suction device for dispensing a liquid removes the tip by bringing a removal device, arranged in an air space formed jointly by a sample space of a replaceable tip and a cylindrical space of an end part of a suction device, movable between its two extreme positions, namely an inner home position and an outer removal position, into cooperation with an inside surface of the replaceable tip mounted on the end part whereby the movement of the removal device into its removal position causes the replaceable tip to be detached from the end part. A suction device is provided for using the method.

Abstract: Automatic pipettor with a single-row, multi-channel pipetting head, with tip ejector mechanism by which the pipette tips attached to pipettes arranged in a row are successively removed and which, by means of the movable construction of a lifter arranged below the pipetting head and carrying, e.g., a microtitration plate, can be used in an all-purpose manner for different microtitration plates in the direction of the pipettes and the movability of the pipetting head in a direction orthogonal thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding a pipette in a pipetting aid, permitting gastight insertion of the pipette into the pipetting aid without contact pressure having to be exerted by the person handling it, spreader elements (2) being cast in a soft rubber or plastic aperture bead of the pipetting aid, and it being possible for the spreader elements (2) to have their positions relative to each other changed by tensioning elements (3) in such a way that the aperture bead can be widened for the insertion of the pipette.

Abstract: A magnetic material attracting/releasing control method makes use of a pipette device sucking a liquid from or discharging a liquid into a container. A magnet body or bodies are provided in a liquid suction line of the pipette device, and any magnetic material contained in liquid sucked into the liquid suction line by magnetic force are deposited on the internal surface of the line. The magnetic material is released and discharged together with liquid from the liquid suction line to a state where the effect of the magnetic force generated by the magnet body is cut off.

Abstract: An air displacement pipette having axially spaced annular sealing and frusto-conical lateral support zones and regions on the pipette's mounting shaft and tip, respectively, in combination with structure for insuring uniform depth of mounting shaft penetration into the pipette tip to maintain uniform tip interference with the mounting shaft as successive tips are mounted on and ejected from the mounting shaft whereby the pipette tip is easily and firmly mountable on and ejectable from the pipette tip mounting shaft by the application of reduced user generated axial forces.

Abstract: A user-replaceable grip for use on the handle of a pipette gun. The grip has a length, width, thickness, attachment surface, and a gripping surface. The grip is releasably fastened to the handle of the pipette gun by fasteners without interfering with the trigger. A plurality of grips having different identifying indicia on the gripping surface are provided so that the pipette gun can be identified to ownership, function, status, or the like. Alternatively, a plurality of grips are provided having the same length and width but having a different thickness so that the shape and size of the pipette gun handle can be customized to the hand size of different technicians using the pipette gun. Since the grips are removably fastened to the pipette gun handle, the grips can be easily interchanged when the identity of the pipette gun changes or a different technician uses the pipette gun.

Abstract: In a method for distributing liquids, in which a distribution tip attached detachably to the lower end of a distribution nozzle can be replaced at any time necessary, a tip rack having a plurality of unused distribution tips lined up thereon is placed on a fitting stage to have the distribution tips fitted with a distribution nozzles. Then, the existence, or non-existence, of a distribution tip left behind on the tip rack without being attached to a distribution nozzle after the fitting operation is finished is detected by a detection section formed of an interrupting-type light sensor, the targeted place of detection by the light sensor being the lower end of the distribution tip. Under the above-described structure, misfitting of a distribution tip can be detected with a high certainty at an early stage before an operation for sucking/discharging liquids is started.