Abstract: A method and system for picking and placing vessels are provided. The system includes a gripper assembly mounted on a positioning mechanism. The gripper assembly includes a cylinder, a plurality of flexible gripping members extending from the cylinder in a spaced-apart relationship for receiving therebetween a vessel and holding it by friction, a piston slideably inserted inside the cylinder, and a plunger connected to and movable with the piston and extending between the gripping members for engaging the vessel. The method includes the steps of positioning the gripper assembly, picking up and transferring a vessel, and placing, seating and releasing the vessel. The contents of the vessel may also be mixed simultaneously during the transferring of the vessel.

Abstract: A fluid-moving device is disclosed. The fluid-moving device comprises a housing defining a suction chamber; at least one internal passageway formed inside the housing; a moving member movably disposed within the chamber; and a sealing member circumferentially disposed between the housing and the moving member. The internal passageway has a first end opening to the suction chamber and a second end connecting to an outside surface of the housing. The sealing member has a fluid-tight relationship with the housing. The sealing member and the moving member define a continuous and uniform gap, having a size that allows the fluid to fill the gap but prevents the fluid from flowing through the gap from the first side to the second side of the opening under an operating pressure differential between the first and the second side.