Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically removing used magazines with used pipette tips from a pipetting head in an automated pipettor, and for automatically inserting an unused or cleaned magazine with unused or cleaned pipette tips in their place. The apparatus includes a gripping mechanism having two separate and independently operated gripping heads, one gripping head being associated exclusively with unused or cleaned magazines and pipetting tips, and the other gripping head being associated exclusively with used magazines and pipette tips. A transporting mechanism is provided for moving the gripping heads between the pipetting head, a disposal mechanism, and a supply of unused or cleaned magazines and pipetting tips. The supply preferably includes a carousel with a multiplicity of locations for storing unused or cleaned magazines and tips in a vertical alignment. The carousel is rotated so that a compartment containing unused or cleaned magazines and tips is in alignment with an opening in the carousel.

Abstract: A pipetting system having a plurality of tip fittings whose spacing can be simultaneously, quickly, and accurately adjusted so that the spacing between each adjacent tip fitting is substantially identical. The tip fittings are attached one to another by a linkage such as a pantographic linkage. The spacing is limited by an adjustable, slidable stop. Uniformly increasing and decreasing the spacing is accomplished by pulling and pushing a rod attached to one tip fitting.

Abstract: An improved pipette tip support rack having a honeycomb structure. The rack includes an array of interconnected sleeves, each of the sleeves being constructed to support a pipette tip therein. The sleeves are connected by bridges which form along abutting, touching surfaces thereof, or which extend between non-touching sleeves. Openings are formed between adjacent ones of said sleeve which occupy substantially all of the space between adjacent sleeves not occupied by the bridges. Inwardly extending lips on the interior of each sleeve support the enlarged portion of the pipette tip and provide a channel through which the stem extends. Interior side walls of each sleeve provide lateral support to the pipette tips. The tray may be used in conjunction with a container to provide ventilation during autoclaving. The tray snaps into the container and rests on shoulders therein. A finger tab is provided for lifting the tray out of the container.