Abstract: A two-piece handle assembly (10, 10a) including a plunger (12, 12a) and a body (24, 24a) having an axial bore (50, 50a) in which plunger (12, 12a) can move between retracted and extended positions. The upper end (28) of body (24, 24a) includes a pair of opposed longitudinal slots (32) that permit radially outward resilient movement of the upper end (28) to enlarge a bore (52), defined by a neck portion (54) of the body, to permit insertion of plunger (12) into body (24, 24a). A plunger shoulder (44) is designed to engage a body shoulder (55) to limit movement of the plunger in the direction of retraction, and a finger pad (13) is provided to limit movement of the plunger in the direction of extension.

Abstract: A self-contained blood withdrawal apparatus (20) which includes a movable appendage piercing mechanism (27), a suction mechanism (30) and a specimen storage container (29). A base portion (21) is formed with a cavity opening (24) over which the appendage (10) is placed and a first passageway (25) extending from the opening to the storage container. The appendage piercing mechanism (27) is aligned with the cavity opening (24) and is movable between a retracted position and an extended appendage piercing position. Additionally, the suction mechanism (30), for facilitating withdrawal of the blood from the appendage, is coupled to the base portion (21) and communicates with the cavity opening through a second passageway (31). Accordingly, present invention provides a unitary apparatus which pierces an appendage, facilitates blood withdrawal and stores the specimen in a container.

Abstract: A positive displacement liquid drawing and dispensing apparatus (21) having a tubular member (22) with an axially extending lumen (24) and a plunger (31) mounted for axial displacement in the lumen (24). The plunger (31) has a first seal (33) positioned proximate an end (34) of the plunger and a second seal (37) axially spaced from the first seal (33). The first and second seal each slidably and sealingly engage an interior surface (23) defining the lumen (24) as the plunger (31) is displaced in the lumen. The plunger further includes a recess (38) intermediate the first and second seals for receipt of trapped gas (40,41) which can be drawn in through an intake end (27) of the lumen during drawing of the liquid (36) into the tubular member (22). The plunger is formed for positioning of the first seal (33) beyond the intake opening (27) so that air will automatically be isolated between the first and second seals (33,37) as the plunger is withdrawn into a lumen.

Abstract: A self-contained blood withdrawal apparatus (20) which includes a movable appendage piercing mechanism (27), a suction mechanism (30) and a specimen storage container (29). A base portion (21) is formed with a cavity opening (24) over which the appendage (10) is placed and a first passageway (25) extending from the opening to the storage container. The appendage piercing mechanism (27) is aligned with the cavity opening (24) and is movable between a retracted position and an extended appendage piercing position. Additionally, the suction mechanism (30), for facilitating withdrawal of the blood from the appendage, is coupled to the base portion (21) and communicates with the cavity opening through a second passageway (31). Accordingly, present invention provides a unitary apparatus which pierces an appendage, facilitates blood withdrawal and stores the specimen in a container.

Abstract: A baffle assembly (23) positioned between a pipetter assembly (10) and a disposable pipette tip (16) for substantially reducing transfer of aerosol and/or fluid specimens to the pipetter. The baffle assembly (23) includes a barrier structure (25) extending transversely across a receiving chamber (17) of the pipette tip (16) and defines at least one narrow passageway (26) extending generally in the direction of the longitudinal axis (27) through the barrier member (25) between an entrance (30) and an exit (31) thereof. The passageway (26) includes a first wall (32) extending generally transverse, and preferably perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis (27) of the pipette tip to define at least one elbow portion positioned between the entrance (30) and the exit (31) of the passageway. A filter membrane (55) preferably is secured across the passageway (26) to reduce aerosol transport through the passageway (26).

Abstract: A sterile inoculation assembly includes an inoculation device (20), a storage container (84) and a handling tool (60). The inoculation device (20) includes an elongated body (22) having an inoculation end (26) and an opposed gripping end (24). The container (84) is formed with at least one cavity (86) with an opening (88) thereto. The cavity (86) is dimensioned to receive the inoculation device (20) in an orientation which permits the gripping end (24) to be grasped through the opening (88). A sheet-like cover (98) is positioned across the opening (88) to seal it and to retain the inoculation device (20) in the cavity (86). The cover (98) is capable of being punctured for grasping of the gripping end (24) and removal of the inoculation device (20) by a handling tool (60). This handling tool (60) telescopically engages the gripping end (24) for releasible securement thereto.

Abstract: A pipette tip (30) for use with a pipetter (10) and a method for dispensing a precise volume of a fluid (54). The pipette tip (30) has a hollow body (32), which defines an interior volume (34), and a channel (42) therein having a calibrated volume. Channel (42) extends from an intake opening (44) to an overflow opening (46) positioned inside the interior volume (34) of the tip above a reservoir portion (50) inside the tip. Fluid (54) drawn through the intake opening (44) and into the channel (42) in excess of the calibrated channel volume is gravity-shed or sloughed into an overflow reservoir (50). Thus, a calibrated volume of fluid (54) remains in the channel (42) and can be dispensed accurately from the channel (42). Additionally, the reservoir portion (50) captures and contains the overflow fluid in a stable condition, permitting the reservoir (50) to be used to react various substances (76, 77) with the overflow fluid (56a) inside the pipette tip (30).

Abstract: A cap for sealing closed the opened end of an elongated tube such as a blood drawing tube, a test tube or the like is disclosed herein and comprises an integrally formed main body constructed of a flexible material, preferably polyethylene plastic. This main body is closed at its top end, and tapers outwardly at and near its bottom end, and it includes an arrangement of annular sealing ribs, all of which allow a cap to be readily positioned over the tube to be sealed in a reliable fluid sealed fashion and readily removed from the tube without causing the substance in the tube to aerosol (in the case of liquids) or otherwise escape into the ambient surroundings.