Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically removing used magazines with used pipette tips from a pipetting head in an automated pipettor, and for automatically inserting an unused or cleaned magazine with unused or cleaned pipette tips in their place. The apparatus includes a gripping mechanism having two separate and independently operated gripping heads, one gripping head being associated exclusively with unused or cleaned magazines and pipetting tips, and the other gripping head being associated exclusively with used magazines and pipette tips. A transporting mechanism is provided for moving the gripping heads between the pipetting head, a disposal mechanism, and a supply of unused or cleaned magazines and pipetting tips. The supply preferably includes a carousel with a multiplicity of locations for storing unused or cleaned magazines and tips in a vertical alignment. The carousel is rotated so that a compartment containing unused or cleaned magazines and tips is in alignment with an opening in the carousel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically removing used magazines with used pipette tips from a pipetting head in an automated pipettor, and for automatically inserting an unused or cleaned magazine with unused or cleaned pipette tips in their place. The apparatus includes a gripping mechanism having two separate and independently operated gripping heads, one gripping head being associated exclusively with unused or cleaned magazines and pipetting tips, and the other gripping head being associated exclusively with used magazines and pipette tips. A transporting mechanism is provided for moving the gripping heads between the pipetting head, a disposal mechanism, and a supply of unused or cleaned magazines and pipetting tips. The supply preferably includes a carousel with a multiplicity of locations for storing unused or cleaned magazines and tips in a vertical alignment. The carousel is rotated so that a compartment containing unused or cleaned magazines and tips is in alignment with an opening in the carousel.

Abstract: A pipette tip magazine used in an automated pipetting system which has a pipetting chamber with a generally U-shaped ledge. The pipette tip magazine is adapted for insertion into and removal from an operative position contained in the chamber and supported on the ledge. The magazine includes a generally rectangular plate having an undercut edge bordering an inner region. The edge is configured to be supported on the ledge, an the inner region has an array of through openings for vertically receiving and retaining pipette tips. The plate is molded from a polymeric resin reinforced with a fibrous material.