Abstract: An apparatus is described for performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) within a single, integrated and disposable device. Fluid enters the device via a sample charging port. From the sample charging port, the fluid travels through an inflow channel to the polymerase chain reaction chamber. This chamber is formed at a thin tab extension of a top portion of the device, and is generally defined by a cavity within the thin tab extension. After PCR is performed, the fluid leaves the polymerase chain reaction chamber through an outflow channel into a first sample well. A vent channel is connected to the first sample well for venting the first sample well to ambient atmosphere. The first sample well and a second sample well are in fluid communication by a sample channel. An electrophoresis separation channel is orthogonal to and intersects the sample channel, and has a first and second electrophoresis buffer well at each end.

Abstract: A tool for use in removing a plurality of spaced apart caps while said caps are in locked engagement with a plurality of corresponding tubes comprises a body have a first portion adapted to be engaged by the user and a second portion having a plurality of spaced apart pegs extending from the body, the pegs being of such size, shape and relative spacing as to be closely received within a corresponding hollow in the cap, whereby, upon insertion of the pegs into the caps and application of a rocking force to the tool, the tubes are uncapped nearly simultaneously.

Abstract: A tool is provided for use in near simultaneous removal of a plurality of caps from a strip of PCR reaction tubes held in a tube rack (and, in an alternate embodiment, for also recapping the tubes) without disturbing the contents thereof.

Abstract: A disclosure is made of automatic apparatus for processing transfer membranes to which a blot pattern of molecular fragments has been bound so that the pattern may be optically visualized. The apparatus is characterized by at least one open processing cell and two systems for pumping; one selectively controlled to direct fluid to and from functional units and one which is closely coupled to the cell and recirculates the fluid in the cell to assure adequate and thorough treatment therein by uniform fluid flow across both sides of the membrane.

Abstract: A separation and direct blot transfer module useful in gel electrophoresis is disclosed in which a transfer membrane stabilized by a frame is moved substantially orthogonally relative to the plane of the separation gel while in minimal contact with the end of the gel toward which molecular fragments are driven electrophoretically. The frame moves at a controlled velocity in a selected direction away from a line of contact that generates a controlled tension in the membrane which is a function of the loading on the line of contact. The module is particularly amenable to automated processing. Apparatus for automated separation, transfer, membrane processing, detection and identification is disclosed in which the module of the invention is employed.