Abstract: This invention is a multiple channel pipetting device for aspirating and dispensing volumes of liquid using disposable or non-disposable tips. The device is comprised of a main body made of a hard synthetic material with multiple channels and an associated ram plate activated by a four-quadrant synchronous drive. The drive assembly is mounted on four standoffs, and the ram plate moves up and down by the means of four lead screws moved with a synchronous fibrous belt moved with a motor. A moveable plate mounted to the bottom of the device to remove disposable tips is activated by a set of automated ejector plate arms. The entire device can be mounted in a self-contained housing or attached to another device allowing it to be moved.

Abstract: An automated sample preparation workstation and sample preparation method for the vapor diffusion method of crystallization which performs multiple processing functions such as pipetting, diluting, coverslip manipulations, plate greasing and the like under microprocessor control. The apparatus is responsive to operator-entered processing requests and performs complex and accurate processing functions. The disclosed apparatus is menu-driven and thus easy to learn and simple to operate.

Abstract: An improved automated pipetting system for programmingly pipetting predetermined quantities of liquid between preselected groups of test tubes, vials or wells arranged on a horizontal table. A substantially rigid overhead frame mounted over the table on which the test tube arrays or the like are arranged. A pair of parallel X-axis guide shafts mounted in the rigid frame. A pair of helical screws rotatably mounted in the frame parallel to the pair of X-axis guide shafts. Each helical screw is driven by a stepper motor coaxially connected thereto. A pair of X-axis roller sections are movably mounted on the pair of X-axis guide shafts and support a Z-axis probe mechanism via a pair of Y-axis guide shafts and a parallel Y-axis helical screw. A stepper motor is drivingly and coaxially connected to the Y-axis screw for moving the Z-axis probe mechanism along the Y-axis guide shafts. The Z-axis probe mechanism is movably mounted on the pair of Y-axis guide shafts.

Abstract: An automated pipetting system for performing programmed pipetting procedures on an array of fluid containing test tubes, vials or wells. The system includes a frame which is placed above a horizontal table which holds the array. The frame is equipped with a pair of X-axis guide shafts and a pair of X-axis helical screw shafts. A subframe which is mounted on the X-axis guide shafts is equipped with a pair of Y-axis guide shafts and a Y-axis helical screw shaft. A carriage is mounted on the Y-axis guide shafts and at least one row of probes is mounted on the carriage. A Z-axis drive independently drives the probes in a Z-axis direction relative to the array.