Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiwell apparatus for biological and biochemical analysis which provides for separate collection of filtrate from each well, without cross-contamination therebetween. The present invention provides a manifold plate having an array of filtering wells, each of the wells being closed at its bottom by a planar bottom member providing a filter support surface. A discharge nozzle of passageway depends from each well bottom (planar bottom member) in a direction normal thereto, with one such discharge nozzle or port being provided in fluid communication with each filtering well. Each of these filtrate nozzles or drain ports extends from the lower surface of the planar bottom member to such an extent that it will enter into the well of a conventional multiwell, e.g., microtiter, plate in alignment therewith and mate with the sidewall of the aligned well of the multiwell plate.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for puncturing or perforating vegetable segments wherein the perforating step is integrally connected with the cutting and slicing of the segments prior to blanching, dehydrating and/or rehydrating whereby the time of processing of vegetable segments can be quite substantially reduced.