Abstract: A vertical bagging apparatus includes a vertically mounted spool for dispensing a roll of centerfold plastic film with the fold in the upper position. A pair of vertical metering rollers are mounted adjacent to the spool for advancing the film from the spool. An adjustable generally inverted-V-shaped film inverted is mounted downstream from the metering rollers. A sealing and severing system is located beneath the film invertor and a trim spool is located beneath the sealing and severing system. The film invertor turns the film inside out, relocating the fold from the horizontal axis to the vertical axis. The film invertor also causes the open end of the folded film to be accessible from either above or the side. The film invertor is adjustable by raising and lowering the apex of the inverted-V which relocates the horizontal location of the fold in the film. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the film invertor is made from flexible wire and the free ends of the wire are attached to a takeup shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically separating at least one compound from a plurality of discrete liquid specimens. One embodiment utilizes sample preparation columns which are automatically fed to a column transport disc. The transport disc is preferably provided with compound bores which allow the columns to be easily positioned, transported past a plurality of reagent/gas dispense stations, and ejected after use. Another aspect of a preferred embodiment provides for separate dispensing of reagent and pressurized gas into the sample preparation columns. Eluate is preferably collected in containers. In order to enhance the drying of the eluate collection containers, heated gas, e.g. air, can be directed into the containers. Alternatively, the eluate containers can be heated and vented to enhance drying.