Abstract: There is disclosed herein a machine for performing nucleic acid amplification under computer control. The machine utilizes any one of a number of heating and cooling systems under control of a host computer which directs the heating and cooling systems to heat and cool a reaction-chamber-containing heat exchanger at appropriate times in the process. The reaction chambers are pre-loaded with the nucleic acid(s) to be amplified, a thermostable enzyme to catalyze polymerization, specific oligonucleotide primers, and four different nucleotide triphosphates. Also disclosed is the process for the amplification chain reaction implemented by the machine, which utilizes a thermostable enzyme.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a machine for performing nucleic acid amplification under computer control. The machine utilizes any one of a number of heating and cooling systems under control of a host computer which directs the heating and cooling systems to heat and cool a reaction-chamber-containing heat exchanger at appropriate times in the process. The reaction chambers are pre-loaded with the nucleic acid(s) to be amplified, a thermostable enzyme to catalyze polymerization, specific oligonucleotide primers, and four different nucleotide triphosphates. Also disclosed is the process for the amplification chain reaction implemented by the machine, which utilizes a thermostable enzyme.

Abstract: An automatic liquid transfer system includes a horizontally translatable table and a pipette that is translatable both vertically and horizontally in a direction transverse to the axis of translation of the table. The table accommodates one or more titer trays having a multiplicity of receptacles to be filled, or holding liquid samples to be diluted, transferred, or aspirated, and a rack housing plural rows of disposable tips. Between each cycle in a liquid transfer process, a fresh tip is picked up by the pipette and used to transfer liquid in a sterile manner from a sample or diluent source to a well in the titer tray, or from one well to a different well anywhere on the one tray or to a receptacle in a different tray, where it is mixed with diluent. Thereafter, the tip is discharged back into the rack to maintain sterile conditions during the process and a new tip is installed.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurately transferring liquids for filling or diluting microliter quantities of regents, analytes or cells for bioassays and the like include a vessel having a plurality of troughs for supplying an array of pipettes to effect the transfer. The vessel is automatically indexable on a horizontal table to bring a selected trough into register with vertical movement of the pipette tips. The table is then indexed to bring the tips into alignment with a plurality of microtiter tray wells. In a preferred form the troughs are of different widths to supply differing quantities of liquid to the pipettes for transfer.