Abstract: An automated micro-well plate handling device for removing a micro-well plate from within a vertically stacked plurality of micro-well plates and transferring the removable micro-well plate to a receiving area. A vertical storage device for storing the vertically stacked plurality of micro-well plates creates a vertical clearance space between the vertically stacked micro-well plates. A shovel slides into the vertical clearance space underneath the micro-well plate that is being removed. The shovel then removes the micro-well plate from the vertical storage device and places the micro-well plate at a transfer station. A gripper then grabs the micro-well plate from the transfer station and transfers the micro-well plate to a receiving area. In a preferred embodiment, the automated micro-well plate handling device is controlled via a computer network.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through another sterilizing chamber, such as an e-beam chamber, to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. Laser energy is then transmitted onto the penetrated surface of the stopper to fuse the stopper material and hermetically re-seal the stopper.

Abstract: A portable sampler for use in an explosion-endangered area, having a housing, in which at least the following components are arranged: a pump unit having a first drive unit, a sensor for determining the amount of sample supplied from the pump unit, a control unit, which controls the taking of a desired amount of sample and the filling thereof into at least one container, and at least one power supply unit, which provides the power for driving the first drive unit, the sensor and the control unit, The following components: the control unit, the power supply unit, the first drive unit and the sensor, are modularly constructed, and each such module is embodied such that it satisfies a specified ignition protection type.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for an automated sample introduction system, utilizing a demountable direct injection high efficiency nebulizer (d-DIHEN) is provided which incorporates an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) for the measurement of the phosphorus content in acid-digested nucleotides and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The solution uptake rate and volume are reduced from 170 ?L min?1 to 30 ?L min?1 and 10 mL to 2.4 mL, respectively, thereby reducing the required DNA sample mass for solutions containing 3 ?g?1 P from 300 ?g to 72 ?g DNA, in comparison to previous analyses in our lab using a glass, concentric nebulizer with cyclonic spray chamber arrangement. The use of direct injection also improves P (I) 213.617 nm sensitivity by a factor of 4 on average.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an automated Pharmacy Admixture System (APAS) may include a manipulator system to transport medical containers such as bags, vials, or syringes in a compounding chamber regulated to a pressure below atmospheric pressure. In a preferred implementation, the manipulator system is configured to grasp and convey syringes, IV bags, and vials of varying shapes and sizes from a storage system in an adjacent chamber regulated at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. Various embodiments may include a controller adapted to actuate the manipulator system to bring a fill port of an IV bag, vial, or syringe into register with a filling port at a fluid transfer station in the chamber. A preferred implementation includes a sanitization system that can substantially sanitize a bung on a fill port of a vial or IV bag in preparation for transport to the fluid transfer station.

Abstract: A rack for preparing samples for analysis is provided. The rack includes a frame, a sliding assembly, a first and a second receptacle mounted in the frame underneath the sliding assembly; and means for selectively connecting each receptacle with a vacuum source. The sliding assembly is mounted for sliding in the frame and is provided with a plate having a plurality of columns for receiving samples through an upper opening of the columns. The sliding assembly is movable between a first position above the first receptacle and a second position above the second receptacle. The sliding assembly is provided with engagement means for a needle, wherein the engagement means are located outside the columns.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dispensing portions of viscous material, such as the viscous materials used to form crystals of membrane proteins or soluble proteins. A liquid under pressure is used to divide the viscous materials into portions. The divided viscous material portions can optionally be deposited into are receptacle.

Abstract: In a microplate processing apparatus that removes lid (11) of microplate (10) conveyed by microplate conveying mechanism (3), performs a dispensing process by dispensing head (8), and attaches lid (11) after the dispensing process is completed, lid (11) removed by lid removing mechanism (6) at second position (P2), is conveyed to fourth position (P4) located downstream, in advance of microplate (10) with this lid (11) having been attached, by microplate conveying mechanism (3), to be retained by lid attaching mechanism (9), and then is attached to microplate (10) having been conveyed to fourth position (P4), after the dispensing process is completed.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through another sterilizing chamber, such as an e-beam chamber, to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. Laser energy is then transmitted onto the penetrated surface of the stopper to fuse the stopper material and hermetically re-seal the stopper.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dispensing unit suitable to precise! dispense material in powder and/or granular form. The dispensing device comprises a gate valve opening sealingly closed by a blend. A control unit, which is interconnected to a scaling device, controls the opening of the gate valve opening by the position of the blend. The precise amount of the material is adjusted in relation to the signal of the scaling device.

Abstract: There is provided a low-cost liquid supply apparatus using a system in which a liquid nozzle is moved, the apparatus being configured so that the installation area of the apparatus is small, a liquid vessel can be installed or removed easily without being hindered by equipment for moving the liquid nozzle, and further the number of parts is small. The liquid nozzle is attached to an arm capable of being turned reversibly around a turning shaft, and the movement of the liquid nozzle is controlled by the turning angle of the arm for either one axis of the X-axis and the Y-axis and is controlled by changing the length of the arm from the turning shaft for the other axis.

Abstract: In a microplate processing apparatus that removes lid (11) of microplate (10) conveyed by microplate conveying mechanism (3) to perform a dispensing process by dispensing head (8), and that attaches lid (11) after the dispensing process is completed, lid (11) removed by lid removing mechanism (6) at first position (P1) is conveyed to third position (P3) located downstream, by microplate conveying mechanism (3), to be held by lid attaching mechanism (9), and then lid (11) is attached to microplate (10) having been conveyed to third position (P3), after the dispensing process is completed, while microplate (10) with this lid (11) having been attached is being lifted to processing position (P4) above microplate conveying mechanism (3), by microplate stage (12).

Abstract: A multi-well microfiltration apparatus and method are provided and feature a manual touch-off system for transferring pendent drops hanging from discharge-conduits of a discharge-conduit array to respective receiving wells or receiving holes of a corresponding receiving array, with minimum or no cross-contamination between the discharge conduits, or the receiving wells or receiving holes. The manual touch-off is achieved by manually shifting a carriage that supports one of the arrays, into a position whereat pendent drops of fluid hanging from the distal ends of the discharge conduits contact the inner sidewalls of the corresponding receiving wells or receiving holes of the receiving array.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing a medicament into containers, especially vials, in which the containers are passed through an enclosure and exposed therein to a sterilising electron beam. The containers are then conveyed to a filling station situated outside the enclosure at which a wall part of the container is punctured with a filling needle and medicament introduced into the container via the needle then withdrawing the needle. Preferred apparatus also includes means for heat sealing the puncture site. A corresponding process is disclosed.

Abstract: The container carrier serves to hold containers for fluid samples. For the transport of the sample containers, the container carrier, which is directly but detachably connected with a cover part during the dispensation of fluid samples into the sample containers, is separated from the cover part, with the sample containers remaining in the container carrier in transport. A transport cap is provided for closing the container carrier in transport, particularly in a fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: A liquid filling apparatus includes a discharge head having a cavity for storing liquid, a nozzle communicated with the cavity, and a discharge device for discharging liquid stored in the cavity through the nozzle. In addition, the apparatus includes a liquid supply section which supplies the liquid to the nozzle of the discharge head by contacting the liquid with the nozzle, and a suction device connected to a cavity side of the discharge head, which draws liquid supplied from the liquid supply section to inside the cavity, by suction from the nozzle via the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for needle filling and thermally resealing containers having stoppers that are needle penetrable for filling the containers with a substance, and are thermally resealable for thermally sealing a needle hole in the stopper upon withdrawal of a needle therefrom. A container support of the apparatus supports at least one container having a resealable stopper in a substantially fixed position during needle filling and thermally resealing a needle hole in the stopper upon withdrawal of a needle therefrom.

Abstract: An integrated filler system to transfer a filler product from a filler product source to a product receptacle is provided. The integrated filler system includes a cylinder housing, a pallet valve disposed within the cylinder housing that contains a product flow aperture, and a piston inserted in a valve bore of the pallet valve. A linear actuator is connected to the piston to selectively actuate a linear travel of the piston within the valve bore. A rotary actuator is connected to the pallet valve to selectively position the product flow aperture to fluidly communicate with either a product input port or a product output port formed in the cylinder housing.

Abstract: An improved tablet feeder includes a rotating body defining multiple chambers that are arranged in fluid communication with one another in a serial manner. Tablets flow through the multiple chambers for discharge from the tablet feeder. The rotating body has a rotational axis that is oriented at an inclination angle less than 60 degrees from horizontal. The chambers preferably include a primary chamber that holds a large number of tablets, a secondary chamber (which may have a frusto-conical sector or wedge shape) that is disposed at a position offset from the rotational axis, and a third chamber and exit tube disposed along the rotational axis. The device may be adapted to provide for singular and/or non-singular discharge of tablets from the exit tube during rotation of the rotating body.

Abstract: An environmental data recorder for recording environmental factors acting on micro-well plates. The environmental data recorder has sensors for sensing environmental factors and it has a microcontroller programmed to receive and process inputs from the sensors. The sensors and microcontroller are housed in a recorder housing unit. The recording housing unit has exterior dimensions that are approximately equal to the exterior dimensions of the micro-well plates enabling the recorder housing unit to be handled by the same robotic device handling the micro-well plates. In a preferred embodiment, the environmental data recorder's sensors are a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and an accelerometer.

Abstract: A milk sampling apparatus for use with a processor controlled milking system. The apparatus may include a cassette wherein milk sample collecting elements are placed, and at least one filling member capable of being placed above a selected one of the milk sample collecting elements by a positioning system, and capable of bringing a milk sample, representatively taken from milk yielded during the milking of an animal by the processor controlled milking system, into the selected one of the milk sample collecting elements. The apparatus may further include a micro processor arranged for two-way communication with the processor controlled milking system.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention refer to a milk sampling apparatus and method for use with an automated milking system. The apparatus comprises a cassette (7) wherein milk sample collecting elements (9) are placed, and at least one filling member (27) capable of being placed above a selected one of the milk sample collecting elements (9) by a positioning system, and capable of bringing a milk sample, representatively taken from milk yielded during the milking of an animal by the automated milking system, into the selected one of the milk sample collecting elements (9).

Abstract: Method for preparing a mixed powder sample by mixing two or more different powders comprising transferring a quantity of a first powder to a mixing vessel and transferring a quantity of a second powder to the mixing vessel to form a powder bed in the mixing vessel comprising the first and second powders. The quantities of the powders are selected so the mixed sample has a predetermined ratio of first powder to second powder. The powder bed is fluidized to mix the powders and produce a mixed sample. The mixed sample weighs about 5 grams or less. The invention also includes apparatus for preparing mixed powder samples by mixing two or more different powders.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for needle filling and thermally resealing containers having stoppers that are needle penetrable for filling the containers with a substance, and are thermally resealable for thermally sealing a needle hole in the stopper upon withdrawal of a needle therefrom. A container support of the apparatus supports at least one container having a resealable stopper in a substantially fixed position during needle filling and thermally resealing a needle hole in the stopper upon withdrawal of a needle therefrom. A robotic arm of the apparatus is drivingly mounted adjacent to the container support and movable relative thereto.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and methods for introducing particles into a microdevice conduit. Also provided are microdevices containing a plurality of particles that occupy at least about 25 volume percent of a microconduit. In some instances, particles may controllably form a particle bridge in a bridging zone within a microdevice.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser that uses rotary motion to create a relative movement between one or more dispensing elements and one or more receivers is disclosed. The dispensing elements are fluidically coupled to one or more reservoirs, which contain ingredients that are to be dispensed by the dispensing elements into one or more receivers. The receivers are disposed on a receiver support structure that is located beneath the dispensing elements. In some embodiments, the dispenser operates according to a quasi-continuous dispensing protocol or quasi-simultaneous dispensing protocol, or both quasi-continuous and quasi-simultaneous dispensing protocol.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling biological sample containers comprises a conveyor assembly for conveying containers and a lid handling assembly operable to remove lids from and replace lids onto containers while the containers are in motion on the conveyor assembly. The lid handling assembly comprises a pair of ramps onto which a lid is lifted by a lifting mechanism configured to handle overhanging lids or non-overhanging lids as required. The lid handling assembly may be configured to handle lids of containers of various sizes by altering the ramp spacing. A conveyor assembly comprises a pair of converging rails which carry a pair of jaws operable to carry a container. The convergence of the rails makes the jaws clamp the container so that it is held tightly in position for micro-arraying to be carried out. The conveyor assembly may be adapted to handle different sizes of container by the provision of holders to hold various container types.

Abstract: A robotic system and method that provides three axes of movement to couple a robotic arm with a desired target for movement of materials, including but not limited to fluids. The robotic arm moves in two axes of direction only, and the targets move in the third axis of direction to couple the robotic arm with the desired target. The targets are contained on trays that are controlled to move linearly to accomplish the third axis of movement. Multiple trays each containing targets are provided and are vertically stacked on top of each other to increase the target handling capacity of the robotic system without increasing the footprint size of the robotic system. Each axis of motion is accomplished by control of an actuator by a control system and associated motion controller.

Abstract: A collector system for collecting a measurable amount of a particulate substance using an electrostatically charged collector. The collector is brought into proximity with the particulate substance and the electrostatic forces collect a measurable amount of the particulate substance on the collector. The collector system can further include a measurement system to measure the collected amount and a control system to adjust the collected amount until a specific amount of particulate substance is collected. The system can further include a conveyance system configured to convey a specific amount of the particulate substance from location to location within the collector system. In addition, the collector system can be configured to automatically collect and measure a specific amount of a particulate substance.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting fluid fractions. The present apparatus includes an inlet, a channel, a plurality of collectors, and an outlet. The inlet communicates with the collectors and the outlet through the channel. The collectors are disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The method for collecting the fluid fractions comprises two steps. First step, injecting the fluid in to the inlet for guiding the fluid to the outlet along the channel, wherein the fluid fills the collectors one by one due to the capillary attraction when passing through the collectors, and flows to the outlet after the collectors having been filled. Second step, injecting pressurized gas into the channel to drain the fluid fractions from fill the collectors respectively to a plurality of corresponding containers.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through an e-beam chamber, wherein an electron beam is directed onto a penetrable surface of the stopper to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is mounted within the e-beam chamber and moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. The needle is then withdrawn from the stopper and the filled container is transported outside of the e-beam chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-duct fluid dispenser for withdrawing liquid (14) from a plurality of cavities (12) formed in a reservoir platter (10) and spraying it onto a receiving platter (16). It comprises: a plurality of flexible ducts (26) arranged in a convergent bundle, the first ends of which are intended to be immersed in said cavities and the second ends of which are assembled in a miniaturized array, means of filling said ducts, from their first ends, with the liquid contained in the cavities, and means of expelling a drop of liquid from the second end of each duct toward the receiving platter. The ducts are formed in a plurality of flexible plates (18) joined together by their part (24) that comprises the second ends of the ducts. They are each formed of two polymer sheets (34, 36) sealed together and of which at least one is endowed with an array of convergent grooves forming the ducts.

Abstract: A multi-well microfiltration apparatus and method are provided and feature a manual touch-off system for transferring pendent drops hanging from discharge-conduits of a discharge-conduit array to respective receiving wells or receiving holes of a corresponding receiving array, with minimum or no cross-contamination between the discharge conduits, or the receiving wells or receiving holes. The manual touch-off is achieved by manually shifting a carriage that supports one of the arrays, into a position whereat pendent drops of fluid hanging from the distal ends of the discharge conduits contact the inner sidewalls of the corresponding receiving wells or receiving holes of the receiving array.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing protein-containing materials, such as, for example, pastes, gels, lipidic cubic phases, lipidic mesophases, and mixtures of the foregoing into containers, e.g., wells of assay trays. The invention further provides a method for preparing the aforementioned containers for various experiments involving soluble proteins or membrane proteins or both types of proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes (a) a gel dispenser assembly for dispensing small quantities of gels; (b) a pipette probe for dispensing fluids; (c) an actuator for moving the gel dispenser assembly vertically relative to the pipette probe; (d) a liquid-handling robot having a robot arm for moving the pipette probe and the gel dispenser assembly vertically and horizontally relative to containers, e.g.

Abstract: A dispenser that is capable of simultaneously filling a large array of receivers (e.g., wells, etc.) with nano-liter volumes of liquid at high accuracy. The dispenser has a very simple construction, is quite compact, and has few if any moving parts.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a volume of fluids from a reservoir, through a fluid outlet in fluid communication with said reservoir, into each well of at least a series of wells, whereby the fluid is dispensed into said series of wells at a continuous uninterrupted flow. A micro titer plate constructed from a hydrophobic and more in particular from a plastic material containing a plurality of series of wells and to an apparatus able to perform the above method.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling biological sample containers comprises a conveyor assembly for conveying containers and a lid handing assembly operable to remove lids from and replace lids onto containers while the containers are in motion on the conveyor assembly. The lid handling assembly comprises a pair of ramps onto which a lid is lifted by a lifting mechanism configured to handle overhanging lids or non-overhanging lids as required. The lid handling assembly may be configured to handle lids of containers of various sizes by altering the ramp spacing. A conveyor assembly comprises a pair of converging rails which carry a pair of jaws operable to carry a container. The convergence of the rails rakes the jaws clamp the container so that it is held tightly in position for micro-arraying to be cared out. The conveyor assembly may be adapted to handle different sizes of container by the provision of holders to hold various container types.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing and/or aspirating device to be operated manually repeatedly, having a controlling device, a motor drive, control electronics, a manually actuatable actuating element, and a programming element, where the quantity of liquid which is conveyed by motor on actuation of the actuating element is adjusted in the control electronics by the programming element. A process interval (tp) for a plurality of process steps to be carried out in succession is stored in the control electronics. A first type of actuation of the actuating element triggers an individual process step, while a second type of actuation automatically results in repeated successive triggering of process steps, each in the process interval (tp). Handling of the device in practice is greatly improved by the fact that the process interval (tp) is automatically determined by the control electronics by analyzing the interval(s) occurring between the individual actuations of the actuating element.

Abstract: Method for preparing a mixed powder sample by mixing two or more different powders comprising transferring a quantity of a first powder to a mixing vessel and transferring a quantity of a second powder to the mixing vessel to form a powder bed in the mixing vessel comprising the first and second powders. The quantities of the powders are selected so the mixed sample has a predetermined ratio of first powder to second powder. The powder bed is fluidized to mix the powders and produce a mixed sample. The mixed sample weighs about 5 grams or less. The invention also includes apparatus for preparing mixed powder samples by mixing two or more different powders.

Abstract: The present invention provides highly automated fluid delivery systems and related methods with significantly improved throughput relative to preexisting technologies. In particular, the invention relates to a fluid dispensing system that simultaneously produces multiple fluid mixtures on-the-fly in multiple multiwell plates. The invention also includes control system and machine software in addition to various systems and related methods for performing assorted downstream processes.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting fluid fractions are provided. The present apparatus includes an inlet, a channel, a plurality of collectors, and an outlet. The inlet communicates with the collectors and the outlet through the channel. The collectors are disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The method for collecting the fluid fractions comprises two steps. First step, injecting the fluid in to the inlet for guiding the fluid to the outlet along the channel, wherein the fluid fills the collectors one by one due to the capillary attraction when passing through the collectors, and flows to the outlet after the collectors having been filled. Second step, injecting pressurized gas into the channel to drain the fluid fractions from fill the collectors respectively to a plurality of corresponding containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering powdered filling material has a filling material container whose bottom is provided with bores which cooperate with tamping plungers and transfer plungers. Underneath the bottom is a stop ring which functions as a counter support for the tamping plungers. To prevent powder losses from the bottom the filling material container is axially movable in such a way that it can be pressed against the stop ring during the downward motion of the tamping plungers. This is achieved by means of hold-down elements which can be moved synchronously with the tamping plungers.

Abstract: A device and method for the automated storage and retrieval of trays holding subject matter. A computer system is programmed to control a storage gantry to move the trays between a storage rack and an automated machine. In a preferred embodiment, the subject matter in the trays is a plurality of micro-well plates in which microscopic crystals may be growing and the automated machine is configured to inspect and classify microscopic crystals. The automated machine has an indexing device for sequentially placing microscopic crystals in camera-view of a camera and a control computer is programmed to control the indexing device and to cause the camera to take images of the microscopic crystals and then transfer the images to a classifying processor where the images are classified. In a preferred embodiment, the microscopic crystals are protein crystals that have been grown in the wells of micro-well plates.

Abstract: Apparatus for aspirating and dispensing powder, comprising a hopper having a powder transfer port and a suction port for connection to a source of suction to establish an upward flow of air (or other gas) through the transfer port. A gas flow control system varies the upward flow through the transfer port to have different velocities greater than 0.0 m/s. These velocities include an aspirating velocity for aspirating powder into the hopper through the transfer port to form a fluidized bed of powder in the hopper, and a dispensing velocity less than the aspirating velocity but sufficient to maintain fluidization of the bed while allowing powder from the bed to gravitate through the transfer port for dispensing into one or more destination receptacles. A method of aspirating and dispensing powder is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the gravimetric calibration of multi-channel pipettes contains a balance that has a load receiver configured to support receptacles containing a substance to be weighed. The apparatus has a holder device to support a certain number of the receptacles into which a test liquid is dispensed from the multi-channel pipette. The apparatus further has a transport device for advancing the holder device towards the load receiver. The receptacles are seated in the holder device at equally spaced positions and are one by one delivered to and subsequently removed from the measuring device.

Abstract: To sample hot liquids containing volatile materials, the liquid is cooled in a refrigerator and pumped through a syringe needle into a container until the container overflows. The needle is removed slowly and the container is automatically closed as the needle is withdrawn, wherein liquid flows upwardly continuously as the needle is withdrawn through an opening. The cap for the container includes a closure having a valve opening extending upwardly and sized to narrowly receive the syringe needle in a perpendicular valve member opening. The valve member includes a flat member on one end adapted to be gripped by a cam follower for opening and closing of the valve opening in coordination with the movement of the syringe needle.

Abstract: A multi-channel fluid dispenser includes a reservoir with multiple internal chambers, a multi-channel liquid dispensing head, a plurality of fluid-delivery conduits, and support and positioning elements. The fluid-delivery conduits receive liquid from the chambers in the reservoir and deliver it to the dispensing head. The support and positioning elements are operable to support and position the dispensing head so that it can deliver the liquid from the reservoir to an underlying receiver. The fluid-delivery conduits include one or more optional flow control features that improve the accuracy of the dispensing operation. The multi-channel liquid dispensing head, which includes a valve-support member, a plurality of valves and a plurality of nozzles, is advantageously movable in three directions to facilitate alignment with an underlying receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing protein-containing materials, such as, for example, pastes, gels, lipidic cubic phases, lipidic mesophases, and mixtures of the foregoing into containers, e.g., wells of assay trays. The invention further provides a method for preparing the aforementioned containers for various experiments involving soluble proteins or membrane proteins or both types of proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes (a) a gel dispenser assembly for dispensing small quantities of gels; (b) a pipette probe for dispensing fluids; (c) an actuator for moving the gel dispenser assembly vertically relative to the pipette probe; (d) a liquid-handling robot having a robot arm for moving the pipette probe and the gel dispenser assembly vertically and horizontally relative to containers, e.g.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes recirculating systems though which the dispersants are recirculated to prevent settling of solid components, such as pigments that may be present in the dispersants. The apparatus includes dispensers located on a movable table positioned inside a frame assembly of the apparatus. The table is positioned to dispense a selected dispersant into a container placed atop a weighing scale through the dispenser selected in accordance with a recipe. The weight of the selected dispersant is monitored by the weighing scale and once a desired amount of the selected dispersant is dispensed, a signal is received by the apparatus from the weighing scale to switch off the dispensing of the dispersant. The table is then moved to deliver the next dispersant, required in the recipe. The process is continued until all the desired dispersants are dispensed in the container to form the composition, such as an automotive paint.

Abstract: A method for reducing carryover of and delivering liquid taken from a source container by a dispensing means to a target container by spinning the target container so that any liquid within the target container is removed from the dispensing means prior to dispensing liquid into the target container.