Abstract: A multi-function metering device having a plurality of control valves arranged on an annular support. Each control valve can be controlled independently of the others. The annular arrangement of the valves allows the lines to be kept short so that the metering device is particularly suitable for micro-scale work such as in a sequenator or a synthesis machine for the production of nucleotides or peptides.

Abstract: An improved valve arrangement for distributing liquid and/or gaseous subsces from a plurality of substance storing vessels to a processing vessel utilizing fluidic pressure control valves. A common conduit line runs through a block and has an output end connectable to a receiving vessel, the line has a series of openings along one surface of the block. Flexible membranes disposed above the openings of the common conduit line and similar openings in the block surface connected to the supply conduit lines control the fluid communication between the supply conduits and the common conduit.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for distributing liquid and/or gaseous substances from a plurality of substance-storing vessels to a processing vessel. The valve arrangement is characterized by an elongated conduit having an output end connectable to a receiving vessel and a plurality of openings along the length thereof the supply conduits associated with said further openings in the elongated conduit are respectively connectable to substance-storing vessels. Valves are disposed between the supply conduits and the further openings for selectively placing the respective supply conduits in fluid communication with the output end of the elongated conduit.

Abstract: An evacuation device for removing volatile components from a reaction ves of a protein sequenator and requiring connection to a single vacuum pump is provided. The evacuation device includes a vacuum path having a downstream end thereof connectable through a cooling trap to the vacuum pump and an upstream end defining an input. The vacuum path additionally includes a shutoff valve intermediate the length thereof. A further vacuum path bridges the first mentioned vacuum path upstream and downstream of the shutoff valve and has a smaller vacuum cross-section and houses a throttle therein, the second vacuum path being used for generating a prevacuum in response to the closing of the shutoff valve in the first mentioned vacuum path.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically converting of thiazolinone amino acids into phenyl thiohydantoin amino acids as a stage in amino acid sequence analysis of proteins and peptides. According to the invention a solution of thiazolinone amino acids is, under continuous exclusion of oxygen, introduced into a reaction vessel and evaporated to dryness. Then there is added an aqueous trifluoro acetic acid solution or dilute hydrochloric acid, containing a mercaptan, and again evaporated, followed by dissolving of the residue in a mixture of dichloroethane and methanol.