Abstract: An automated assaying system is disclosed having a multiplicity of lumens oriented and controllable in clusters. The lumens are portrayed in a matrix, wherein each row of the matrix consists of one such cluster that is individually controllable for aspiration and dispensation purposes. Also provided is a unique wash system capable of flushing the entirety of the system. A method is also depicted for accomplishing this unique assaying.

Abstract: A liquid handling system includes a translation mechanism, and a probe mounted on the translation mechanism. The probe has a number of lumens extending along the length of the probe. The lumens are open at their lower ends and connectable at their upper ends to a compressed air source and sources of liquid solvents. The system further includes multiple seal heads that can be attached to the lower end of the probe to perform various functions. Some seal heads seal to the tops of various sized containers placed below the probe, with a cylindrical splash guard overlying the exterior of the top of the container to prevent splashes that might injure personnel. Other seal heads rotatably attach to other structures, such as filters. The seal heads may be parked and then used, one at a time, by inserting the probe into the appropriate seal head. After use, the seal head is returned to the parking location and drawn off the end of the probe.

Abstract: This is a method and apparatus for fluid sampling, particularly fluid sampling of like quantities of similar fluids, particularly in small quantities for testing and analysis. The apparatus and the method comprises the sampling and simultaneous sampling of a variety of dissimilar fluids in identical quantitative amounts. The method involves the extraction of samples of the various fluids to be analyzed and the dispensing of such fluid samples by activation of a single control lever wherein the lever can be used to extract in defined quantities by movement to a stop position or wherein the quantity may be selected at infinite quantity measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving substantially simultaneous dilution or mixing and dispensing is disclosed wherein the diluent or carrier is supplied by a syringe including a relatively large diluent reservoir and a pipette including a replaceable tip for containing a specimen or concentrate, the syringe including a nozzle or tube extending into the interior of the replaceable tip to produce a jet of diluent directed toward an outlet opening formed by the replaceable tip, the specimen being intermixed with the diluent jet for substantially simultaneous dispensation. In a preferred embodiment of the syringe which may be employed by itself or within the above noted diluting dispenser, a replaceable cartridge provides a relatively large volume of the diluent or other material for delivery by the syringe.

Abstract: A syringe is described in which the needle assembly thereof is manually adjustable axially with respect to the body of the syringe to line up one end of the needle assembly with a reference mark on the transparent hollow barrel. Means are provided for locking the position of the needle assembly with respect to the body.