Abstract: A method of making a pipette sampler system for removing and transferring a plurality of liquid samples includes the step of thermoforming a plurality of identical pipettes in a first thin PVC plastic sheet utilizing a first precision die. A concave housing including a plurality of stiffening depressions and a skirt portion possessing a peripheral sealing edge is thermoformed from a second thin PVC plastic sheet utilizing a second die. The housing and pipette sheet are joined by dielectric heat sealing forming a manifold communicating with each pipette, with the peripheral sealing edge and each of the stiffening depressions heat welded to the pipette sheet, forming an inflexible rigid monocoque structure. A filling tray is thermoformed from a third thin PVC plastic sheet utilizing a third die. A sealing washer is sealed to a top surface of the housing, surrounding an aperture formed through a top surface of the housing and communicating with the manifold.

Abstract: A pipette sampling device for removing and transferring a plurality of liquid samples consists of an improved structure which allows a low cost manufacturing process, the use of a minimum amount of material in such process, and a pipette cavity shaped such that hydraulic principles insure accuracy during filling and dispensing. The pipette sampling device is positionable within a filling tray which permits an initial filling of the pipettes by a liquid through capillary action, and an actuating device is then attached over the pipettes. The actuating device provides a vacuum so that the liquid is drawn into each pipette cavity until the walls and rims of all of the cavities are completely wetted and a stretched meniscus is formed at the top of each cavity. The actuator may then be utilized to effect the dispensing of the liquid in each pipette cavity through a provided pressure.

Abstract: A specimen tray assembly for use in an automatic analyzing system for analyzing a plurality of specimen within the tray. The assembly includes a container tray having a plurality of microcuvettes arranged in a spaced apart grid-like pattern. A cover member is adapted to seat over the top surface of the container tray, the cover member including a system for automatically centering the container tray relative to the cover member to provide proper seating of the cover member on the container tray.

Abstract: A reagent dispensing assembly for use in an automated specimen analysis system. The assembly comprises a dispensing station and a plurality of reagent supply containers associated therewith. A system is provided for positioning a desired one of the reagent containers at the dispensing station for dispensing a desired amount of reagent. A device acts on the containers at the dispensing station for dispensing the desired amount of reagent. A control system coordinates the movement of the respective reagent containers to the dispensing station and the amount of reagent dispensed within a specimen in a specimen tray.

Abstract: An automatic system for analyzing specimens which have been selectively treated. The specimens are arranged in a plurality of specimen trays with each tray containing a plurality of specimens. Tray towers support a plurality of specimen trays. A work station selectively moves the trays one at a time from the tower to selectively deliver reagent or analyze the specimen in the tray. A control system is adapted to sequentially actuate the work station to properly sequence the system so that the reagents are administered to the respective specimen and the specimen have been analyzed after a desired incubating period.

Abstract: A tower assembly for supporting a plurality of specimen trays for use in an automated analyzing system. Each specimen tray comprises a container tray for holding a plurality of specimens and a cover member having pad portions. The tower assembly comprises a generally rectangular frame having a plurality of shelves removably supported therein to provide a spaced apart parallel and overlapping array with the spaces between the shelves being adapted to receive the specimen trays. The tower assembly includes a system for capturing the cover member so that only the container tray is moved to a work station for inoculation or analysis while a cover member is retained in the tower.