Abstract: A pipette tip plate includes individual tips organized in ranks and files to match in pattern the array of wells in a standard well plate and held together by a web structure which permits individual tips to move into registration with individual pins of a robotic head.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing tray (92) holds an array of sample wells (82) in a rank and file pattern by means of rigid file members (85) connected by flexible mechanisms (87) permitting the pattern to be expanded to change the center-to-center spacing between adjacent wells (82) form 9 mm to 10.8 mm.

Abstract: A pipette tip device. The device includes a plurality of interconnected pipette tips disposed in substantially parallel orientation and in side-by-side alignment. The tips are hollow and each tip includes a tip body and a flattened distal extremity. The flattened distal extremities are all disposed in substantial co-planar alignment common to a single plane to thereby enable simultaneous insertion of the flattened distal extremities between closely spaced-apart plate surfaces.

Abstract: A cryogenic freezing vial. The vial includes a hollow sample container having exterior threads seated inside a hollow outer container having interior threads. The two containers define a surrounding volume there between which operates as a thermal barrier to resist temperature change within the sample container. A cap having a tubular wall extending outwardly from a continuous capping surface includes threads formed on both of the opposing sides of the tubular wall. The inner threaded side of the tubular wall can be screwed onto the hollow sample container, and then the outer threaded side of the tubular wall can be screwed into the hollow outer container. In such manner the cap is disposed in simultaneous threaded engagement between the two containers to intercouple and seal the containers from their surrounding environment.

Abstract: A micro volume, filtered pipette tip device useful with either of two respective pipettors comprising (i) a manual or electronic, air displacement pipettor operable within the approximate range of 0 to 20 microliters and having a relatively long insert tip, and (ii) a manual or electronic, air displacement pipettor operable within the approximate range of 20 to 200 microliters and having a relatively short insert tip. The filtered pipette tip device includes a pipette tip body having insert and fill chambers extending in continuous tapering configuration from the mounting end to the fluid contacting end. A filter is positioned within the axial bore in the intermediate section, providing a dividing barrier between the insert and fill chambers of the pipette tip device. The insert chamber includes a tapering internal wall structure configured to receive a continuously tapering terminal insert portion of each of the two respective pipettors in a snug, sealed fit within the insert chamber.

Abstract: A system for transporting by gravity a single-file series of elongate, tapered articles along an inclined transport path for distribution into receiving slots. The system includes a hopper for holding a supply of the articles and a pair of adjacently parallel rotating cylinders for holding the articles in suspended, sliding contact therebetween. A cleated conveyor belt carries the articles from the bottom of the hopper to a point above the cylinders and drops them onto said cylinders. The base of the hopper defines an inclined movement path to thereby convey articles which might fall from the cylinders back to the conveyor belt. The articles are thus fed by the conveyor onto the cylinders and slide along the gap therebetween to an end location. A series of three gates manipulates the articles one at a time to drop in a vertical orientation into an array of narrowly-tailored receiving slots in a packing rack.