Abstract: A device for moving a coupon comprising a coupon retainer for retaining a coupon on which a target solution is to be tested, a coupon manipulator for engaging the coupon retained in the coupon retainer with the target solution, and a first controller for controlling a movement of the coupon manipulator.

Abstract: An injection needle cartridge for a sample injector for injecting a sample fluid into a mobile phase in a fluidic path of a fluid separation system between a mobile phase drive and a separation unit, the injection needle cartridge comprising an injection needle configured for aspirating the sample fluid from a fluid container when the injection needle has been moved to the fluid container, and for injecting aspirated sample fluid into the fluidic path when the injection needle is sealingly accommodated in a needle seat, and a sealing force generator configured for applying a sealing force to the injection needle for sealingly accommodating the injection needle in the needle seat, wherein the injection needle cartridge is configured for being substitutably mountable on a handling robot of the sample injector for handling the injection needle cartridge between the fluid container and the needle seat.

Abstract: A two-part coaxial needle for a pipetting device, in particular for use in microscopy of cell probes, makes it possible both to inject a liquid into a pipetting container and to remove by suction a liquid from the pipetting container. Both the drive for lowering the coaxial needle into the pipetting container, and injection and removal by suction of the liquid take place pneumatically by way of only one pressure source. The design of the coaxial needle and of the drive systems makes possible fast and reliable pipetting with high metering accuracy and a particularly compact pipetting unit which without mutual interference can be used with a multitude of widely-used microscope types.

Abstract: Novel and improved systems and methods for high speed arraying, hybridization, quantitative development and/or assaying are provided. Some embodiments provide a web based arraying format. Some other embodiments provide a sheet based arraying format. Some embodiments use a drop on drop assaying or hybridization mode. In some embodiments, a substantially inert substrate is utilized. In some other embodiments, an interactive substrate is utilized.

Abstract: A pipetting device is described comprising more than one pipetting unit, wherein said pipetting units are independently movable in Y and Z direction and comprise at least one module arranged in a staggered manner compared to the adjacent pipetting unit.

Abstract: A structure for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element adjacent each opening engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element.

Abstract: The sample preparation system according to the invention comprises substantially a transport mechanism movable in the x, y and z directions, which at a first retaining fixture has a sampler for taking up samples that is movable in the z direction and at a second retaining fixture supports a processing apparatus for processing samples that is movable in the z direction, wherein the sampler is connected via at least one connecting line to the processing apparatus for fluid exchange.

Abstract: Syringe mounting apparatus includes a body (25,300), and a coupling mechanism (20) on the body having a housing (22) to receive a barrel of a syringe component and means (28) to detachably engage the barrel and thereby interchangeably retain the syringe component. A plunger connector (60) is positioned with respect to the housing for operably coupling a plunger driver to a plunger element in the barrel of a syringe component when it is interchangeably retained by the coupling mechanism. The plunger connector includes means (74) for detachably engaging the plunger element in a manner allowing the plunger driver to effect reciprocatory movement of the plunger element longitudinally of the barrel for drawing fluid into or expelling fluid from the syringe component. Also disclosed are a syringe system, a disposable syringe component, and a syringe component with engagement features.

Abstract: A sample injecting device is provided for reducing carryover. The sample injecting device includes the following mode: a needle is set at a low descending speed when sample is injected into an injection port in a total-volume injection manner by the sample injecting device. When the needle is in contact with the injection port, the needle is set at a low speed, thereby increasing the accuracy of the position of the needle relative to an injection hole and decreasing friction between the needle and the injection hole. Contaminants present in the injection hole are prevented from easily flowing from the injection hole into an analyzing flow path, so as to achieve an excellent low carryover.

Abstract: A system for automatically creating a denaturation curve is disclosed. In accordance with certain embodiments, a movement system including a unit having a plurality of cannulas is used. The cannulas are in fluid communication with a fluid system, which allows the cannulas to draw in and dispense fluid. A measurement system is included which draws fluid from a well into a detector to determine a characteristic of the fluid. A controller is used to control these systems and also to create a denaturation graph from the measured characteristics. In another embodiment, a plurality of formulations may be created using the system.

Abstract: A manually directed, multi-channel electronic pipettor includes a software biasing mode to assure proper alignment over wells in the 96-well plate and the 384-well plate. The system also includes manual repositioning levers for nesting receptacles which are customized for 96 well-plates and 384 well-plates respectively.

Abstract: A manually directed, multi-channel electronic pipetting system is designed to transfer liquids from a standard multi-well plate, deep-well plate or reservoir into another multi-well plate. The preferred pipetting head includes an array of 96-tip fittings. A deck with at least one but preferably two or more wellplate nesting receptacles holds one or more multi-well plates or reagent reservoirs for access by an array of disposable pipette tips mounted to the pipetting head. The electronic motion control system includes a control handle that is mounted to a load cell, the carriage for the pipetting head and is held in the palm of the user. In use, the user grasps the control handle and operates the system in a manner similar to one using a handheld electronic pipettor.

Abstract: A manually directed, electronic multi-channel pipettor uses servo controlled motors to drive a carriage and pipetting head in response to a user's manipulation of a control handle. The pipetting head include an array of tip fittings, e.g. 96. The system includes a check processor to avoid unintended motion in case of system faults or crashes. The system requires substantial force to attach the array of tips, and therefore includes controls that require both of the user's hands be occupied during the tip attachment process.

Abstract: A structure for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element adjacent each opening engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element.

Abstract: A self-contained sampling probe characterized by a drive module and a syringe module removably coupled coaxially to the drive module to allow for different syringe modules to be interchangeably coupled to the drive module. The coupling is effected by quick connect and disconnect devices, and the syringe module may carry an identifier. The probe is engageable by a gripper or insertable in an interface device, both of which provide for communication of the probe with other system components. The probe has a dimension that is 8 mm or less in at least one projection coincident with an aspirate/dispense axis of the probe.

Abstract: A system and method utilizes distance-measuring equipment including a laser sensor for controlling the collection instrument-to-surface distance during a sample collection process for use, for example, with mass spectrometric detection. The laser sensor is arranged in a fixed positional relationship with the collection instrument, and a signal is generated by way of the laser sensor which corresponds to the actual distance between the laser sensor and the surface. The actual distance between the laser sensor and the surface is compared to a target distance between the laser sensor and the surface when the collection instrument is arranged at a desired distance from the surface for sample collecting purposes, and adjustments are made, if necessary, so that the actual distance approaches the target distance.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing arm, a driving motor, and a transmitting/buffering unit. The dispensing arm is rotatable and conveys a fluid drawn at a predetermined drawing position to a predetermined discharge position. The driving motor rotates the dispensing arm. The transmitting/buffering unit includes a crank shaft that rotates through a driving force of the driving motor and a crank rod that is coupled with the crank shaft and rotates with a rotation of the crank shaft thereby rotating the dispensing arm.

Abstract: A liquid transporting device capable of transporting a liquid, such as dispensing or distributing a liquid, to microplates in number larger than a value mountable on a table. The liquid transporting device comprises a table on an upper surface of which a storing member and a discharge receiving member are detachably mounted, sucking/discharger means, a control unit for transporting a liquid in accordance with a previously incorporate program while relatively moving the sucking/discharger means and the table, an input device, and an alarm signal notifier. The control unit has a function of determining whether ID information of the storing member and/or the discharge receiving member, which is a work target of the previously incorporate program, is identical to ID information of the storing member and/or the discharge receiving member mounted on the table.

Abstract: Relates to a carrier (1) for positioning objects (5), which are oriented in the Z direction of a coordinate system, in relation to laboratory articles. Z rods (12) comprise a Z guide (43), on a cage (10) carrying the individual drive wheel (17), on which the Z rod (12) is guided in the Z direction. Each drive wheel (17) comprises a section (41), which is tailored to the cross-section of the profiled rod (18) of the Z drive of the carrier (1), individually driven by a motor, on which the drive wheel (17) is seated so it is not rotatable and is displaceable by sliding in the Y direction. The carrier (1) is characterized in that the attack faces (40) of the profiled rods (18) for driving a drive wheel are larger than the attack faces of a profiled rod having a square cross-section but having equally large radius.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing droplets of reagent onto samples includes a probe tip to which droplets of reagent can adhere. The apparatus advances the probe tip toward a sample until a droplet of reagent touches the sample and is pulled off from the probe tip. A sensor detects that the droplet has been pulled off from the probe tip and halts the advance of the probe tip before the probe tip touches the sample. Such apparatus may be used to automatically dispense small volumes of reagent onto fragile samples.

Abstract: A pipette nozzle is provided for use on a movable arm on an automated pipette machine. The pipette nozzle includes a body defining a passage therethrough. At least two seating surfaces are provided on the body, including a first seating surface and a second seating surface. The first seating surface is configured to receive and sealingly mate with a first size of pipette tip in a manner such that the first end of the passage is in fluid communication with the first size of pipette tip. The second seating surface is configured to receive and sealingly mate with a second size of pipette tip in a manner such that the first end of the passage is in fluid communication with the second size of pipette tip. The seating surfaces are frustoconical outer surfaces. The pipette nozzle may be further configured to sealingly mate with and removably receive a third pipette tip having a third diameter different from the first diameter and the second diameter.

Abstract: A pipetting device, having a base plate, an elastic sealing plate that covers the outside of the base plate, and a plurality of pipetting channels arranged in a predetermined grid extending through the base plate and the sealing plate. A magazine is loaded in the same grid with the pipette tips, each pipette tip having a shoulder. The magazine is arranged in a magazine holder indirectly frictionally connected via the shoulders and the sealing plate with the base plate, and a drive motor, indirectly connected to the eccentric shafts of two identical eccentric drives that are permanently mounted on the support on the base plate. Each drive has an eccentric pin that is offset by a distance with respect to the axis of the eccentric shaft, and one T-shaped gravitational pendulum is suspended from each of the eccentric pins. The magazine holder is formed by a U-shaped magazine frame with a bearing surface on the inside.

Abstract: A method for storing pipette chips for making a container for storing used pipette chips on a pipetting device compact is provided. A method for storing pipette chips including a step of moving a pipette chip to an entrance portion of a pipette chip container, a step of cutting at least a part of a pipette chip, a step of taking a cut pipette chip into the pipette chip container, and a step of stacking a pipette chip to be subsequently taken in onto a preceding taken-in pipette chip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pressurized fluid station. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressurized fluid station includes a vessel for receiving a sample probe. The vessel includes walls contoured to form a seal around the sample probe. Further, a delivery system is coupled to the vessel for delivery of a pressurized fluid to the sample probe while the sample probe is disposed within the vessel. In use, the formation of a seal around the sample probe and delivery of a pressurized fluid into the probe while such probe is disposed within the vessel allows for removal of sample blockage from the probe as well as high speed rinsing of the sample probe in between analyses.

Abstract: The invention concerns an automatic pipetting unit with a replaceable pipetting head. The pipetting head includes two head rails located on opposite sides. The pipetting unit also has two horizontal guide channels located in the interior of the pipetting unit for supporting the two head rails. Two frame-mounted, double-sided slider crank mechanisms are vertically arranged in the pipetting unit. Each double-sided slider crank mechanism includes two crank mechanisms each connected to a common articulated thrust joint by a thrust couple. The horizontal guide channels are formed in the articulated thrust joint and the crank mechanisms are connected indirectly to a head cover of the pipetting unit, so that with the opening and closing motion of the head cover the two slider crank mechanisms are moved between two end positions so that the pipetting head can be moved vertically between a lower end working position and an upper end replacement position.

Abstract: An enclosure for an automated sampling and/or dispensing device for minimizing contamination to samples enclosed therein. Further, the enclosure may minimize user exposure to the enclosed samples allowing for the containment of potentially hazardous chemicals. In an embodiment, the enclosure includes at least one flexible panel which allows a user to efficiently access the device by retracting the at least one flexible panel. In addition, the at least one flexible panel allows the enclosure to be shipped efficiently for the enclosure may be disassembled into smaller pieces and thus, be shipped in a smaller box when compared to enclosures with non-flexible panels/doors. Moreover, the use of the at least one flexible panel allows the enclosure to be shaped to accommodate varying shaped automated sampling and or dispensing devices and assemblies.

Abstract: A dampening device for an automated sampling/dispensing device. In an exemplary embodiment, the dampening device includes a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body includes a first end and a second end, a first opening being defined within the first end and a second opening being defined within the second end. Further, the cylindrical body may include an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of an automated sampling/dispensing device sample probe. During operation, the dampening device moves out of phase with the automated sampling/dispensing device sample probe allowing sample probe vibrations to be dampened during operation.

Abstract: A sample carrier having a top wall, a base, and a support wall joining the top wall and the base. The top wall includes aligned, spaced-apart openings on at least one side of the support wall which are sized to receive sample tubes. Sleeves depending from the top wall and circumscribing each opening direct sample tubes into sample tube holding areas. The sample tube holding areas each include one or more retaining walls extending upward from the base opposite the support wall. Springs extending outward from the support wall bias sample tubes against the retaining walls. A drip shield comprising a cover plate, a pair of through-holes for accessing sample tubes in the sample carrier, and a depending fin which separates sample tubes on opposite sides of the support wall protects against cross-contamination between sample tubes held by the sample carrier.

Abstract: An automatic pipetting and analyzing device for the preparation and analysis of samples in the wells of a microtitration plate has a work platform on which positioning areas for auxiliary devices and a movement area for the sample plate are provided, a passive mechanical table without its own drive unit, the sample plate lying within the inner passive slide of the passive mechanical table, and an active mechanical table which is arranged above the passive mechanical table and by which a pipetting head can be moved in X-Y direction over the work platform in order to extract, transport and dispense liquids by at least one pipetting channel and in order to displace the sample plate by a coupling connection with the inner passive slide, for example, to place the sample plate in an incubator or to position it with the individual wells in an analysis device.

Abstract: A sample injection apparatus and a liquid chromatography apparatus including the sample injection apparatus are provided. The sample injection apparatus includes a sampling vessel into which a sample is supplied, a sampling needle for aspirating and ejecting the sample, a cleaning part into which a cleaning liquid for cleaning at least the sampling needle is supplied, a sample injection part for injecting the sample ejected from the sampling needle into a moving liquid, and a needle transfer part for transferring the sampling needle among the sampling vessel, the cleaning part and the sample injection part, wherein the cleaning part includes an ultrasonic vibrator for generating an ultrasonic wave in the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: A method for placing a receptacle in a device for sampling liquid is described. It utilizes a device for sampling a liquid present in the receptacle, enabling the method of placing said receptacle to be applied. This method includes placing the receptacle, such as a bottle, having an opening and containing a liquid of interest, in a device for sampling the liquid. The sampling device having a sampling needle. The method further includes a linear movement of the receptacle and a simultaneous pivoting movement of the needle, during which movements the free end of said needle is moved between a terminal position outside said receptacle and a terminal position inside it. The longitudinal axis of the needle and the perpendicular plane of the opening forming a substantially constant intersection during the placing of the receptacle. The preferred industrial application of the invention is to the field of in vitro diagnosis.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for isolating or manipulating a portion of a sample at non-ambient temperatures and pressures. One apparatus embodiment of the invention comprises a primary sample containment vessel defining a primary chamber, the vessel having a primary sample inlet and outlet; a secondary sample collection container defining a collection chamber fluidly connected to the primary containment vessel; and a sample probe comprising a distal end able to isolate a secondary sample in the primary chamber and transfer it to the collection chamber, the probe fluidly connected to the primary chamber via a seal allowing at least the distal end to be moved in 3-dimensions within the primary chamber. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A specimen is sequentially sampled by a probe, and at least one of the number of times of cleaning and a cleaning time when cleaning the probe is changed based on at least one of the number of times of sampling of the specimen by the probe and a sampling amount of the specimen.

Abstract: A method and device for an automatic analyzer, in particular for blood analysis sampling consists in displacing a sampling needle (5) rotatable around an axis (X2) which forms an angle with the sampling needle. The method and device are particularly suitable for use in a small blood sampling automate.

Abstract: A sample injection apparatus and sample injection method capable of sufficiently reducing carry-over, having simple cleaning means for a short cleaning time period, a small influence of vibration of the cleaning means, and a small error in the amount of injected sample and preventing the durability of a sampling needle from being lowered, and a liquid chromatography apparatus having the sample injection apparatus are provided.

Abstract: In a system for sucking and discharging a solution from a vessel (micro-plate assembly 6) by suction nozzles 2, processes for suction, discharge, separation, etc. can be carried out with use of a simple mechanism, including suction nozzle moving means 3 for positioning the respective distal ends of the suction nozzles on the inner wall surface of the vessel, magnetic particle holding means 4 for magnetic particles 7 in a given position in the vessel, and solution discharge means 5 for sucking out and discharging the solution simultaneously from the vessel through the suction nozzles. Each or a combination of these means constitutes a drainage system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automated sampling and/or dispensing device for minimizing possible sample contamination from contaminants (e.g., mechanical pieces of machinery, dust, or the like) falling into sample vials during analysis by having no mechanical moving parts above stationary samples. The automated sampling or dispensing device may include a table for supporting a sample holder holding a sample vessel, a sample arm assembly extending for supporting a sample probe, the sample arm assembly including a z-axis support and a sample probe support arm, and a drive assembly couple to the z-axis support of the sample arm assembly for powering and positioning the sample arm assembly. The drive assembly causes the sample arm assembly to move in translation along the x-axis, in translation along an axis coaxial with the z-axis support, and radially about the z-axis for inserting the sample probe into the sample vessel.

Abstract: A microarraying head 51 has a base portion 57 and a plurality of needles 53. The needles 53 are arranged in parallel with one another on the base portion 57. The needles 53 place a solution on substrates 3 with the top ends of the needles 53 touching substrates 3. Then, the needles 53 retain the solution including biological samples and form spots of the solution on the substrates 3. A space 58 for supplying cleansing fluid or the like is provided in the base portion 57 so as to extend all over the plurality of needles 53. Since the plurality of needles 53 can be all cleansed with substantially uniform pressure applied thereto, all the plurality of needles 53 can cleansed surely in a short time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically performing liquid microextraction on liquid samples includes the steps of controlling movement of a syringe between a cleaning station, a sample station containing a plurality of discrete sample vials and an instrument injector station. Movement of the syringe is controlled automatically for cleaning the syringe, obtaining a sample of each sample in each discrete sample vial, one at a time, and injecting the collected sample into the instrument injector, and then repeating the sequence steps for all discreet samples.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a dissolution profile of a sample material, and for solubilization screening of a library defined by an array comprising multiple sample materials are disclosed. The methods and systems are particularly advantageous for sampling and evaluation of very small samples, and can be advantageously applied in connection with evaluation of drug candidates.

Abstract: A microarrayer for spotting solution onto a receiving surface in an automated microarray dispensing device. Elements of the present invention include: at least one dispense head for spotting the receiving surface, at least one light source capable of illuminating the receiving surface, at least one camera operating in conjunction with the at least one light source. The at least one camera is capable of acquiring and transmitting surface image data to a computer. The computer is programmed to receive the surface image data and analyze it. The computer will then generate post analysis data based on the analysis of the surface image data. The post analysis data is available for improving the spotting of the solution onto the receiving surface. In a preferred embodiment, the surface image data includes information relating to receiving surface alignment, information relating to spot quality, and receiving surface identification information.

Abstract: The sampling pipette comprises a body and an arm movable relative to the body to eject a cone fixed to the pipette, ejection taking place in a longitudinal direction of the pipette, the arm having both a first portion suitable for coming into contact with the cone, and a second portion. 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 by means of an initial movement in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A robotic system and method that provides three axes of movement to couple a robotic arm with a desired target for movement of materials, including but not limited to fluids. The robotic arm moves in two axes of direction only, and the targets move in the third axis of direction to couple the robotic arm with the desired target. The targets are contained on trays that are controlled to move linearly to accomplish the third axis of movement. Multiple trays each containing targets are provided and are vertically stacked on top of each other to increase the target handling capacity of the robotic system without increasing the footprint size of the robotic system. Each axis of motion is accomplished by control of an actuator by a control system and associated motion controller.

Abstract: A highly automated, high volume multichannel pipetting system which transfers liquid from mother plates to daughter plates, or from a fill station to daughter plates. The mother plates are stacked in one set of stacker assemblies, while the empty daughter plates are stacked in another stacker assembly. A plate handling assembly which is capable of moving the plates in three orthogonal directions retrieves the plates from the stacker assemblies, carries them to the pipetting head, and returns them to other stacker assemblies. The pipetting head is removable for replacement or repair thereof, or for insertion of another head assembly having a different number of pipetting channels. The head slides into the housing on slideways, and is retained in place by manually operable, threaded knobs mounted on shafts. The stacker assemblies include a chimney which is removable from a base. The plates may be stacked in the chimney and then inserted on the base.

Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample handling device for an analytical device, comprising a sampler provided with a holder, a movable holding arm for the holder and a support for the holder, said support being arranged in a stationary manner with respect to the holding arm, said holder being transferable between a suspended position on the support and a position located on the holding arm and being releasable from the holding arm by a pulling force exerted by the holding arm substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the latter.

Abstract: A cannula for use in transferring small volumes of fluid materials, such as in a parallel reaction process. The cannula comprises a long thin needle having various end (port) configurations, and an adapter for connecting the needle to a fluid line. The adapter may include the combination of a reservoir and transition, or simply a transition.

Abstract: A probe drive system of a precision liquid handler sequentially inserts probe tips of a multiple probe array into a locator well at a known position on a locator bed. The position of each probe tip is determined by driving the probe tip into contact with points on the side wall of the locator well and sensing the contracts. The positions of the probe tips are mapped and checked for skew of the probe array. The probe tip positions are overlaid to determine probe tip scatter. If a probe tip is excessively misaligned, it is inserted into the locator well and driven against the side wall to bend the probe and reduce the misalignment of the probe tip. The center of the probe tip scatter is determined and is used by the probe drive system as a global correction factor. Probe tips with known positions are inserted into spaced apart locator wells to detect skew of the locator bed.

Abstract: A sampling cartridge for a gas sampling apparatus includes a shell having a cylindrical wall and a sampling window extending through the wall. A pair of spools are coaxially and internally positioned within the shell. The spools are independently rotatable relative to the shell. A first spool may include multiple interval sample collectors while the second spool includes a duration sample collector. Each spool also has a window closing surface which is positioned adjacent the window whenever an access door of the gas sampling apparatus is opened. The sampling cartridge may also include a fully encapsulated section of sample collector material as a negative control, and an integral RF tag for storing chain of custody information including personal identification information of a cartridge replenisher.

Abstract: A work station for simultaneously performing multiple assays includes a base structure, a receptacle rack assembly received within a receptacle rack well formed in the base structure, a pipette tip rack assembly received within a pipette tip rack well formed in the base structure, a multiple conduit substance transfer device, and substance transfer device positioning structure. The receptacle rack assembly holds a plurality of receptacles in which a plurality of individual assays are performed, and the pipette tip rack assembly holds a plurality of contamination limiting pipette tips. The substance transfer device is capable of simultaneously dispensing substances into two or more receptacles or simultaneously removing substances from two or more receptacles. Alternatively, the substance transfer device is capable of simultaneously dispensing substances into two or more receptacles, and, at about the same time, simultaneously removing substances from two or more receptacles.