Abstract: A multifunctional filtration apparatus is provided for the automated transfer, separation and filtration which accommodates all types of filter papers or filter mediums including aerophobic filter mediums such as nitrocellulose, nylon, biological membranes as well as aerophyllic filter mediums. The automated multifunctional filtration apparatus includes a first manifold and one or more separation chambers disposed on one side of a filter medium and a second manifold disposed on the other side of the filter medium.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump is provided having an adjustable flow regulation provided by an adjustable axial elongation means for the variable elongation of resilient tubing disposed between the associated rotors of a rotary peristaltic pump or the plurality of reciprocal pushers or fingers in a linear peristaltic pump to provide a radial compression of successive sections of the resilient tubing. The rotary or linear peristaltic pump includes a calibrated display and a variable speed electric motor having forward and reversing capabilities along with computer interface control for precisely metering and monitoring the volume of liquids for medical, biological and laboratory applications.

Abstract: A superfusion apparatus for the controlled reaction of a sample within a test chamber through controlled exposure to a series of reagents in a set test sequence is provided for electrical or chemical stimulation to determine if a receptor binding compound is an agonist or antagonist. The superfusion apparatus provides a mass production but meticulously controlled sample environment for controlling temperature, quantity and arrangement of reagents and wash fluids to provide a high reproducability of results which may be compuer assisted. The device has a fully automated mode or a manually operated mode. The fully automated mode allows for the storage and execution of a number of different tests to be performed on the samples due to the provision of desired sequences of test parameters.

Abstract: A multi-layered cell harvester having a multi-layered top section and multi-layered bottom section with holes and channels formed in the multiple layers along with vacuum and wash manifolds is provided for removing, filtering and washing the contents from test tubes in a standard test tube rack. The novel multi-layered cell harvester precisely controls an equal volume of wash fluid or reagent to the test tubes and each of the filter areas on a sheet of filter paper areas on a sheet of filter paper by utilizing a wash fluid or reagent reservoir having a purge means and wash channels of equal length formed in the multi layers from the reservoir to the tip of each wash needle where the diameter of each wash channel is the same, or by increasing the diameter of some of the wash channels or a combination thereof. The multi-layered cell harvester can include provisions for separately handling radioactive materials and saving the mother liquid and wash fluids or reagents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the simultaneous filtering of samples contained in a plurality of test tubes includes a test tube block, a vacuum manifold, base manifold and vacuum base. The vacuum manifold is provided with a plurality of recesses complementary with barrels in the block defining chambers to receive the test tubes. The base manifold and vacuum base are assembled as a unit including recesses to receive filter screens and passages leading from the recesses to a vacuum source. The vacuum manifold is positioned onto the block with a filter medium placed over the vacuum manifold and secured in place by attaching the base manifold/vacuum base unit to the block. When vacuum is applied to the vacuum base the entire assembly is inverted whereby the contents of the test tubes are drawn through passages in the vacuum base to the filter medium. Passages in the base provide a wash solution to the barrels which is drawn through the device by the vacuum.