Abstract: A feeding tray for retaining a liquid nutrient liquid is provided for use with a multiwell filter plate. The feeding tray includes a flat support surface surrounded by walls which retain liquid on the support surface. The flat support surface includes protrusions positioned to contact the membrane portion of a multiplicity of wells of the multiwell filter plate when the multiwell filter plate is removed from the feeding tray. These protrusions remove residual liquids from the bottom of each filter well thereby minimizing cross contamination in subsequent processing steps. Additionally, it may contain one or more baffles, in lieu of or in addition to the protrusions for controlling liquid movement during handling.

Abstract: A feeding tray for retaining a nutrient medium is provided for use with a multiwell filter plate. The feeding tray includes an inclined support surface surrounded by walls that retain nutrient medium on the support surface. The support surface is inclined away from an area for introducing nutrient medium into the feeding tray toward an area for draining the feeding tray of nutrient medium.

Abstract: A multiwell test apparatus comprising a multiwell filter plate and having wells that fit within the wells of a single or multiwell receiver plate is provided. The multiwell filter plate also is provided with posts which fit into holes of the receiver plate. The posts and holes are shaped to fix the position of the wells of the multiwell filter plate within the well(s) of the receiver plate and to permit controlled lateral movement of the multiwell filter plate when it is partially removed from the receiver plate so that excess liquid on the wells of the multiwell filter plate can be directed into the well(s) of the receiver plate.

Abstract: A multiwell filter plate of a multiwell test apparatus is provided to effect addition or removal of liquid from a feeding tray positioned below the multiwell filter tray. Access holes extending through a plate of the multiwell filter plate are provided so that a syringe can be extended through the access holes.

Abstract: An integrated proteomics sample preparation device and method for in-gel digestion of proteins and for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device and method of the present invention allow for digestion, desalting and concentration of sample prior to analysis. More specifically, the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells in fluid communication with a an outlet or drainage opening containing a three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. In a preferred embodiment, the wells are configured so as to prevent a sample carrier present in the wells from clogging the outlet when subjected to a driving force such as vacuum.

Abstract: A multiwell test apparatus formed of a multiwell filter plate having a plurality of wells and a first feeding plate and a second receiver plate is provided. The wells of the multiwell filter plate each have an open bottom surface to which a membrane is attached, at least one first access hole providing access to the feeding/receiver plate below, a pair of alignment pins designed to fit alignment holes in the feeding/receiver plates in a particular arrangement. The first feeding plate is a single well plate or a multiwell plate used solely for feeding. The second receiver plate is a multiwell plate having the same number of wells as the filter plate and aligned so as to receive the wells of the filter plate therein used as the assaying plate. The use of alignment holes in the feeding/receiver plates and alignment posts in the filter plate ensure precise alignment of the plates when together.

Abstract: A feeding tray for retaining a nutrient medium is provided for use with a multiwell filter plate. The feeding tray includes an inclined support surface surrounded by walls that retain nutrient medium on the support surface. The support surface is inclined away from an area for introducing nutrient medium into the feeding tray toward an area for draining the feeding tray of nutrient medium.

Abstract: A feeding tray for retaining a liquid nutrient liquid is provided for use with a multiwell filter plate. The feeding tray includes a flat support surface surrounded by walls which retain liquid on the support surface. The flat support surface includes protrusions positioned to contact the membrane portion of a multiplicity of wells of the multiwell filter plate when the multiwell filter plate is removed from the feeding tray. These protrusions remove residual liquids from the bottom of each filter well thereby minimizing cross contamination in subsequent processing steps. Additionally, it may contain one or more baffles, in lieu of or in addition to the protrusions for controlling liquid movement during handling.

Abstract: A multiwell test apparatus comprising a multiwell filter plate and having wells that fit within the wells of a single or multiwell receiver plate is provided. The multiwell filter plate also is provided with posts which fit into holes of the receiver plate. The posts and holes are shaped to fix the position of the wells of the multiwell filter plate within the well(s) of the receiver plate and to permit controlled lateral movement of the multiwell filter plate when it is partially removed from the receiver plate so that excess liquid on the wells of the multiwell filter plate can be directed into the well(s) of the receiver plate.

Abstract: A multiwell filter plate of a multiwell test apparatus is provided to effect addition or removal of liquid from a feeding tray positioned below the multiwell filter tray. Access holes extending through a plate of the multiwell filter plate are provided so that a syringe can be extended through the access holes.

Abstract: A variable orifice valve for controlling fluid flow in a conduit, comprising a band or other movable members defining an opening for passing the fluid therethrough, the band mounted transverse to the direction of fluid flow in the conduit, so that the band opening is at least partially in the conduit. The band is movable relative to the conduit, to change the amount of the opening exposed to fluid flow.

Abstract: A dialysis apparatus is provided including a multiwell plate, a separations membrane and a template having holes which mate with the wells. The membrane is sealed to one end of the wells by positioning the template about the outer peripheral surfaces of the wells with the membrane being frictionally held therebetween.