Abstract: This invention describes a cartridge pump and dispensing assembly for applications where cartridges containing liquid reagents are interchanged often. The cartridge pump comprises a reagent reservoir which directly empties into a metering chamber. A valve is at each end of the metering chamber. The two valves are aligned in the same direction so as to allow unidirectional liquid flow. The metering chamber is made of a compressible material, such as flexible tubing, so that when an external compression is applied to the chamber, the liquid contained therein is forcibly expelled. As the compression is removed, the metering chamber resumes its former shape and draws liquid into the chamber from the reagent reservoir. A dispensing assembly with electromechanical actuators for compression of the metering chamber and a means for sensing the amount of liquid contained within the reagent reservoir are also shown.

Abstract: Device for collection of liquid samples has a pump (16) for pumping sampling liquid (24), a tube (7) for delivering the sampling liquid, sample container (23) for collection of the sampling liquid, and a transport device for moving the tube in succession from one sample container to the next sample container in at least one row of sample containers. An elastic cloth (22) is sealingly applied over the openings of the sample containers, and a slit (21), in which the tube (7) runs, is arranged in the cloth. The transport device is arranged to stop the tube when it is in a position over the sample container.

Abstract: In an automatic sample treatment apparatus of the invention, a tray for vials is provided with slits for a home position and vial positions. The slits for the vial positions have shapes different from that of the slit for the home position. When the apparatus is used, a position detecting sensor detects a desired sample position, and a vial detecting sensor recognizes that the vial is disposed. Then, a syringe is lowered to suck a sample from a vial. Accordingly, even if a stepping motor becomes out of tune, the tray can be transferred to a position in which a needle is securely inserted into the vial.

Abstract: A diluting station and a pipetting station for a machine such as a biological sample testing machine. The diluting station has a rotating shot tube that fills with diluent without the need for priming when the shot tube is in a vertically inclined orientation, and which dispenses the diluent into a receptacle when the shot tube is rotated to a downward orientation. A thimble valve is placed in the shot tube to control the flow of diluent into the valve.The pipetting station includes a cylindrical housing storing a plurality of straws and a concentric rotating drum that sweeps a straw into a straw withdrawal slot. A tubular tapered transfer pin is inserted into frictional engagement with the straw. The tubular transfer pin rotates the straw out of the slot and into a generally downward orientation towards a receptacle containing a fluid. The pin and straw are lowered so as to place the end of the straw into the fluid.

Abstract: An automated sample preparation workstation and sample preparation method for the vapor diffusion method of crystallization which performs multiple processing functions such as pipetting, diluting, coverslip manipulations, plate greasing and the like under microprocessor control. The apparatus is responsive to operator-entered processing requests and performs complex and accurate processing functions. The disclosed apparatus is menu-driven and thus easy to learn and simple to operate.

Abstract: An automated dispensing device is provided that dispenses a calibrated quantity of a fluid into a receptacle having a plurality of spaced-apart rows of receiving wells. The calibrated quantity of fluid is determined based upon a dispensing time and a dispensing scale factor that accounts for the viscosity of the fluid to be dispensed. The automated dispensing device can be configured with independently controllable nozzles for selective delivery of fluid. The automated dispensing device is particularly suitable for dispensing a calibrated quantity of ammonium hydroxide into the receiving wells of each row of a microtiter plate for oligonucleotide cleavage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a liquid capable of accurately performing detection of a liquid level using a pipetting probe even in a case of a high electric conductivity of a in-flow-passage moving fluid which transmits sucking and discharging operation of a syringe (107) to the pipetting probe (100, 400, 500, 600). The probe has a liquid level sensing electrode (103, 401, 501, 601) and an inner tube (102, 402, 502, 602). The liquid level sensing electrode capable of contacting with a liquid to be pipetted is electrically separated from an inner tube filled with the moving fluid, and the both are insulated by an electric insulating member (104B, 403, 503) between them. A container (111) containing the liquid to be pipetted is held by a container holder (112), and a liquid level can be detected by change in an electrostatic capacitance between the container holder and the liquid level sensing electrode of the probe when the probe is moved downward.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for filling containers with a liquid which tends to form foam, in which the container and the filling nozzle are positioned in relation to each other in such a way that the impact of the stream of liquid pouring out of the filling nozzle is reduced. The liquid stream guided through the filling opening of the container lid is directed preferably against the inner sleeve surface of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus is proposed making it possible in automated manner to perform several analyses on the same sample. For this purpose several fixed, chemical preparation cells (10) can separately receive several fractions of the same sample. Reagent injection systems (24) associated with these cells, as well as stirrers (14) make it possible to prepare, in each of them, a chemical preparation which is transferred into an analysis cell (36) associated therewith by an air ejector (44). The same ejector discharges the preparation to the drain (38) when the analysis has been completed. Ducts (70, 72), as well as a discharge line (62) then make it possible to wash, rinse and empty each chemical preparation cell (10).

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for transporting articles held within a liquid medium from one location to another. Apparatus according to the invention comprise a hopper having a top end, a bottom end, and at least one side wall extending therebetween. The bottom end includes an opening therein, and the hopper is adapted to receive the articles and the liquid medium. A means is provided for injecting an amount of the liquid medium into the hopper to fluidize the articles while held within the liquid medium. The apparatus further includes a container which may be aligned with the opening at the bottom end of the hopper. The container is sized to receive a known quantity of at least one of the articles.

Abstract: A diluting station and a pipetting station for a machine such as a biological sample testing machine. The diluting station has a rotating shot tube that fills with diluent without the need for priming when the shot tube is in a vertically inclined orientation, and which dispenses the diluent into a receptacle when the shot tube is rotated to a downward orientation. A thimble valve is placed in the shot tube to control the flow of diluent into the valve.The pipetting station includes a cylindrical housing storing a plurality of straws and a concentric rotating drum that sweeps a straw into a straw withdrawal slot. A tubular tapered transfer pin is inserted into the straw frictional into engagement with the straw. The tubular transfer pin rotates the straw out of the slot into a generally downward orientation towards a receptacle containing a fluid. The pin and straw are lowered so as to place the end of the straw into the fluid.

Abstract: A device for agitating and taking samples of blood products from tubes which are closed by stoppers and grouped together in a rack. The device includes a rack support adapted for holding at least one rack, at least one rack held by the rack support which is capable of holding a plurality of tubes with each tube being held in a selected position, a sampling station from which a sample of blood product can be withdrawn from a tube, a gripping device which is capable of taking hold and withdrawing from the rack one of the tubes at a selected position, bringing the tube to the sampling station and back to the selected position without agitation and replacing the tube in its selected position, and a drive device for displacing the gripping device. The device of the invention further includes a device for agitating the rack support and the rack which is operable during operation of the device for bringing and a device for withdrawing.

Abstract: This invention describes a cartridge pump and dispensing assembly for applications where cartridges containing liquid reagents are interchanged often. The cartridge pump comprises a reagent reservoir which directly empties into a metering chamber. A valve is at each end of the metering chamber. The two valves are aligned in the same direction so as to allow unidirectional liquid flow. The metering chamber is made of a compressible material, such as flexible tubing, so that when an external compression is applied to the chamber, the liquid contained therein is forcibly expelled. As the compression is removed, the metering chamber resumes its former shape and draws liquid into the chamber from the reagent reservoir. A dispensing assembly with electromechanical actuators for compression of the metering chamber and a means for sensing the amount of liquid contained within the reagent reservoir are also shown.

Abstract: When determining an activity of particular predetermined ions in a sample liquid by use of a device for measuring ionic activity including a pair of ion-selective electrodes which are selectively responsive to particular predetermined ions, a pair of spotting holes through which a sample liquid and a reference liquid are respectively supplied to the ion-selective electrodes and a porous bridge which communicates the spotting holes with each other so as to permit the sample liquid and the reference liquid spotted to the spotting holes to electrically contact with each other, for instance, the sample liquid is first spotted to one of the spotting holes of the device for measuring ionic activity with a first spotting tool, and at least one of the first spotting tool and the device for measuring ionic activity is thereafter moved to remove the first spotting tool away from the device for measuring ionic activity.

Abstract: A device for transferring, agitating, and sampling blood products sealed in tubes which are grouped together in cassettes wherein each cassette containing sample tubes is extracted from a storage receptacle by a moving loading and ejection carriage which shifts and positions it, using a retractable finger, in the cavity of a rotary carriage. The rotary carriage mixes the samples and stops so that sampling of tubes in the cassette can be performed by a sampling station which is movable in relation to the tubes temporarily immobilized in a vertical position with plugs facing downwards. The device is usable as a hematological analyzer.

Abstract: To select a designated bottle in a sampler, the distributor is calibrated as to position and the outlet of the distributor arm is moved over the desired bottle by counting changes in incremental angular movement of the distributor arm until it is over the bottle. The position of the distributor arm is recorded in memory. To calibrate the distributor, the arm is rotated against a stop member in a first direction, then in a second direction and the overrun of in excess of 360 degrees of the motion of the distributor arm is determined and corrected. A series of random numbers is generated for depositing of samples, the distributor is moved at designated times over the bottles in a random order to deposit a sample and the ordering of bottles is recorded. The rollers of a peristaltic pump are supported to prevent said rollers from compressing said tube more than the thickness of the walls of the tube. A functional module for a bubbler or pH probe or ultrasonic level detector may be connected to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid from a closed, liquid-containing blood collection tube is described. The apparatus includes a dual conduit providing a passageway for liquid to be dispensed from a closed blood collection tube and a gas conduit providing a passage way for gas to be introduced into the blood collection tube. The apparatus further includes mechanisms for inserting the dual conduit into the blood collection tube, turning the tube away from a vertical and upright orientation, connecting and disconnecting the gas supply to the gas passageway, and providing control over the operation of the mechanisms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing immobilized reactants onto substrates for use in generating a biological assay plate for detecting the presence of mobile reactants that bind to the immobilized reactants. The apparatus includes a dispensing bed that holds a plurality of substrates. Each potential immobilized reactant is held in a cartridge. The apparatus includes a holder that allows any of these cartridges to be used in dispensing an immobilized reactant. The apparatus includes a positioning mechanism for positioning the cartridges over each of the substrates. The positioning mechanism also allows a cartridge so positioned to be brought into contact with each of the substrates at a predetermined location on each of the substrates so as to dispense a known quantity of the immobilized reactant onto the substrate at that location.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a sample of liquid from a sealed thermoplastic container which includes both a volumetrically flexible chamber holding the liquid and also a plurality of spaced axially vertical nozzles on the container underside, the nozzles having an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber. The container is first manipulated to increase the volume of the chamber, rotated from a right side up position to an upside down position, and after the two preceding operations an axial opening is non-invasively created in the nozzle while the container is upside down without decreasing the volume of the chamber. The container is then rotated from the upside down position to a right side up position without decreasing the volume of the chamber, manipulated to decrease the volume of the chamber and expel a sample of the liquid from the chamber through the nozzle opening, then rotated to an upside down position and the opening in the nozzle is closed by melting and clamping it closed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the automatic quantitative filling of powdered or granulated samples for analytic measurement purposes as well as a shaking and holding device for sample substances utilized therefor with which precisely admeasured amounts of the sample substance can be filled into a measuring vessel. The shaking device permits the sample substance to be filled in a continuous, slow and defined flowing stream. The shaking and holding of the sample vessel transpires preferentially pneumatically.

Abstract: Device for filling a receptacle (R) by lowering it onto a needle (5) which pierces it. The portions of the installation adjacent to the bottom of the receptacle (R), which could be polluted by ill-timed projections of liquid from the needle, are washed and dried by nozzles (27, 28, 29) for washing the zones potentially reached by the projections, as well as the needle (5) itself, this washing and drying being followed by drying by suction orifices (38).

Abstract: A system for processing a specimen to which fluid must be added includes a fluid dispensing work station within a housing. The work station holds the fluids that are to be added to the specimen. A nozzle dispenses fluid at the work station. The system also includes a carrier that moves within the housing. The carrier operates in a first mode at the fluid dispensing work station. The carrier also operates in a second mode outside the work station to perform a different processing function. A coupling mechanism attaches the nozzle to the carrier when the carrier enters its first operational mode to transport the nozzle around the fluid dispensing station. The coupling mechanism releases the nozzle from the carrier when the carrier enters its second operational mode, thereby freeing the carrier for movement outside the work station out of association with the nozzle.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus comprises a robot device (14) having gripping means (20a, 20b) presentable to a plurality of stations, each station being adapted to provide an operation in a sequence of operations such as to produce a measured quantity or dose from a supply of a hazardous substance, and one of the stations (32) comprising a multi-syringe receiving and filling station comprising syringe receiving means (106) capable of receiving and holding syringes of different sizes each adapted to contain a said substance, the said station having means (95) for operating each syringe when located at that station whereby syringes of different sizes may be operated automatically as selected. The said station may comprise a hazardous liquid filling station for filling items one of which comprises a syringe.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a tube-feeding portion which holds and feeds a tube made of an elastic material, a tube nozzle portion which supports an end portion of the tube and guides the tube to a liquid container by moving the tube up and down and from side to side, a tube-pressing and conveying portion provided between the above tube-feeding portion and the tube nozzle portion which draws out the tube from the tube-feeding portion, presses the tube and conveys the tube to the tube nozzle portion and a tube end-discarding portion, wherein the tube-pressing and conveying portion includes tube-pressing rollers which press the tube and set a length of a tube-pressing portion.

Abstract: A method of obtaining aliquots or samples from a liquid specimen collection container and an apparatus which automateally perforths those methods involves transferring a sample of liquid from a sealed non-deformingly expandable container containing gas and the liquid without contaminating the liquid remaining inside the container, and comprises (a) non-deformingly volumetrically expanding the sealed container sufficiently to reduce pressure therein below ambient pressure outside the container, (b) applying heat selectively to a locus on said enlarged container to non-invasively create a hole having a diameter effective to equilibrate the pressure inside the container with said ambient pressure without loss of liquid from the container, and (c) non-deformingly volumetrically reducing the container to expel liquid from the container through the hole.

Abstract: A system for injecting liquid into containers moving through an inspection station at variable speeds without spilling liquid over the outside of, or between, the containers for inspecting the containers for the presence of certain substances such as potential contaminants, such as ammonium salts or amine salts in glass or plastic bottles. The movements of each container is tracked with sensors upstream of a high speed injector, and one or more nozzles is timed to inject liquid in a narrow, high velocity stream only while the top opening of a container is under the nozzle(s). The liquid is employed to enhance liberation of vapors from within the containers for detection of the contaminants in the containers.

Abstract: A liquid transfer device including a holder for a pipette array. A flexible preformed membrane having cups is over the proximal openings of the pipettes and sandwiched therebetween with a housing with the cups extending into the proximal openings of the pipettes. A vacuum drawn in the housing everts the membrane from the proximal openings thereby creating reduced pressure in the pipettes which when their distal ends are immersed in a liquid will draw up some of the liquid into the pipettes in substantially equal amounts. In one embodiment a movable abutment is provided to control the upward travel of the everting membrane and thereby the amount of liquid drawn into the pipettes. A method for fabricating the preformed membrane is also shown.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for transferring a metered charge of granular material from a bulk source to an individual receptacle at high speed. The apparatus comprises a nozzle having suction and positive ports, a screen disposed within the nozzle, and suction and positive pressure sources that selectively communicate with the suction and pressure ports to sequentially engage a charge of granular material from a bulk source and then expel the charge of granular material into a receptacle. The apparatus includes a controller for selectively actuating valves connecting the suction and positive pressure ports to the suction and positive pressure sources. Methods of transferring a discrete charge of the granular material from a bulk reservoir to an individual receptacle are also provided.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device which delivers microliter and sub-microliter volumes by means of a reciprocating force mechanism requires no capillary contact between the delivery system and work surface. Furthermore, a built-in vacuum-based rinse station permits the user to dispense a variety of fluids while avoiding complex and time consuming changes to the fluid delivery system.

Abstract: A fluid catch container for sampling and drain valves provides for the containment of any residue which may leak or drip from the outlet of such a valve. The container is selectively openable and closable, providing easy access for the taking of a sample or for the draining of fluid from the outlet. A rotatable closure serves to prevent the flooding of the catch container due to rain or other agent(s) and the undesirable distribution of any residue due to wind action. The base of the container is removable for emptying and cleaning, and alternatively may be replaced with a fitting for a larger residue collection container. The device is preferably formed of corrosion resistant materials, such as stainless steel, although other materials (e.g., plastics, etc.) may be used. The device is particularly useful in the petroleum, petrochemical, and chemical industries, or any environment where fluid samples must be taken on a regular basis from regular points in a processing system.

Abstract: A semi-automated biological sample analyzer and subsystems are provided to simultaneously perform a plurality of enzyme immuno assays for human IgE class antibodies specific to a panel of preselected allergens in each of a plurality of biological samples. A carousel is provided to position and hold a plurality of reaction cartridges. Each reaction cartridge includes a plurality of isolated test sites formed in a two dimensional array in a solid phase binding layer contained within a reaction well which is adapted to contain a biological sample to be assayed. The carousel and cartridges contain structures which cooperate to precisely position the cartridges in each of three separate dimensions so that each cartridge is positioned uniformly. An optical reader operating on a principle of diffuse reflectance is provided to read the results of the assays from each test site of each cartridge.

Abstract: A sample delivery apparatus which can by used to repetitively deliver a sample to a process or an analyzer, either automatically or on demand. The sample delivery apparatus can be sealed under an inert atmosphere, thus minimizing the possibility of changes in the sample due to, for example, evaporation, hydrolysis, or oxidation. The design of the apparatus is such that only the volume of the actual sample delivered is consumed. Therefore, a large number of samples can be delivered with minimum consumption of the sample material. The sample delivery apparatus can be used to deliver both liquid and gaseous fluids. The present sample delivery apparatus is especially useful as an automated method for delivering a sample to calibrate on-line analyzers used to monitor chemical processes.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus comprises a base, and a robot device on the base having opposing jaw members. A number of stations locate on the base, and cooperate with the robot device in a sequence of operations such as to produce a measured pharmaceutical dose from a supply of a pharmaceutically acceptable substance. One of the stations locates several hypodermic syringes in parallel and a container, and produces relative movement of the appropriate syringe and the container towards and away from each other to arrange that the syringe penetrates and withdraws from the container.

Abstract: A machine for dosing powdered pharmaceutical from a container in which the powdered pharmaceutical is present as a layer. An element is driven by a first drive to undergo horizontal translation between a first position for sampling powder in the container and a second position for release of the powder into a receiving seat. A device which supports a dosage unit is moved by the element and when the element is in the first position a second drive translates the device vertically in relation to the element so that the dosage unit penetrates into the powder and removes a measured amount thereof. A third drive operates the dosage unit to release the powder therefrom into the receiving seat when the element is in the second position. The first and second drives are independently operable to displace the dosage units respectively in horizontal and vertical directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically evacuating blood aspiration tubes has an arraying table supporting a number of stoppered blood aspiration tubes which are to be evacuated, an air suction needle for evacuating air from inside the stoppered blood aspiration tubes, and an arm supporting the air suction needle on a needle rest and moving it horizontally and vertically over the arraying table. A drive control moves the air suction needle downward into the stopper of each of the blood aspiration tubes in turn, causes the needle to evacuate air from the tube, then withdraws the needle upward from the stopper. A presser is mounted to a lower part of the needle rest and presses the stopper during the upward movement of the needle in order to maintain the air-tight stoppering of the tube.

Abstract: A washing apparatus for washing a probe which is transferred substantially horizontally in a plane during a washing process includes a washing body having a wall structure defining an inner hollow portion, a feed water unit provided for the wall structure of the washing body for feeding water in the inner hollow portion, slits formed in the wall structure of the washing body so as to communicate with the inner hollow portion of the washing body, and at least a first waterway channel having one end connected to a bottom portion of at least one of the slits and a second, free end, wherein the waterway channel is disposed on a level substantially corresponding to a transfer route of a tip of the probe and has a shape so as to substantially correspond with the transfer route of the probe.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for translatorily moving a plate-shaped cup holder, equipped with cups arranged successively in the direction of movement for receiving liquid, to the processing station of an analyzer. The cups are used for mixing viscous body fluid, e.g. blood, with a diluent.Movement of the cup holder and exact positioning of the cups in the processing station are effected in that the cup holder frictionally rests on a driven endless belt, in that an incrementally driven indexing wheel is brought into engagement with the cups, and in that a sensor is arranged for detecting the passage of each cup and determining the indexing position of the indexing wheel in which a cup is located in its processing position.

Abstract: Straws, in particular for artificial insemination of animals and storage of biological products, are filled by aspiration through a suction nozzle fitted with a needle which enters the straw to the rear of a composite stopper and is fitted with a seal. A biological product (diluted sperm) is drawn up a flexible elastomer tube to an injector nozzle in response to reducing the pressure in the straw. The flexible tube is held centered over a distance equal to at least five times its outside diameter in a hoop held in a support. The elastomer from which the flexible tube is made has a Shore hardness of 41 to 47 and a reversible elongation capacity of at least 250%. These arrangements ensure rigorous centering of the needle in the hoop despite the flexibility of the tube. Parts which have been in contact with the sperm can be discarded after all of a sample has been used up, rather than requiring costly cleaning.

Abstract: A method for forwarding automatically liquid samples, etc. and a device for realizing same are disclosed, in which needle forwarding information for forwarding a needle is stored in a memory so that the needle can be inserted in sample vessels mounts on a sample vessel table. The needle is forwarded to the position of a desired sample vessel on the basis of the needle forwarding information stored in the memory apparatus and procedure to be inserted therein so that liquid sample is sucked and ejected through the needle. The storage of the needle forwarding information is effected by first setting apparatus and procedure for setting the needle forwarding information by inputting numerical values by means of an inputting device or second setting apparatus and procedure for setting the magnitude of the forwarding when the needle is really forwarded as the needle forwarding information.

Abstract: Liquid transport system with constant fluid flow rate provided by cam driven pump. Multiple cams on common cam shaft are driven by a source of constant power and coordinate timing and operation of multiple system elements.

Abstract: Introducing a measured amount of a liquid into receptacles in a microtiter plate includes locating receptacles in register with the liquid supply. The liquid supply includes pistons and cylinders operated by a stepper motor for adjustable measured and controllable incremental delivery of amounts of liquid simultaneously to the receptacles. A liquid source is located below the support for the receptacles and the receptacles are transversely moveable on a conveyor away from a filling station so that the liquid can be obtained from the liquid source. Pneumatic means moves both the cylinders and the pistons in the liquid supply upwardly and downwardly relative to the receptacles and the liquid source. The stepper motor moves the pistons upwardly and downwardly relative to the receptacles and liquid source.

Abstract: In order to automatically carry out the emptying and rinsing of non-recoverable bottles or flasks (78) made from a perforatable material such as polyethylene and e.g. containing a low activity solution (88), an apparatus is proposed making it possible to pass the inverted bottles under a double-walled needle (44). The needle (44), operated by a jack, perforates the bottom (82) of the flask (78). Compressed air is then injected into the bottle above the solution (88) through the annular passage formed between the walls of the needle (44), so as to discharge the solution through the central passage of the needle. The flask is then rinsed by injecting pressurized water in place of the compressed air. Finally, the rinsing water is discharged by a further compressed air injection. The emptied and rinsed flasks are then passed to a station, where they are directly discharged into a storage drum.

Abstract: A system for automatically and accurately transferring/transporting quantities of liquids from bulk storage source tanks to mixing/processing tanks with minimal contamination of the liquids or to the surrounding environment. The several bulk storage source tanks are individually connected by associated pumps and control valves to a corresponding plurality of first couplers fixedly mounted on a terminal panel in an array of predetermined geometry. A second coupler, adapted for selective mating engagement with the first couplers, is carried by a robotic arm that is movably mounted on a support base for bringing the second coupler selectively into registry and coupling engagement with any one of the first couplers.

Abstract: For collecting a batch of liquid samples, such as in the laboratory testing of body fluids, there is provided a collecting sheet having an array of resiliently deflectable fingers formed in the sheet. The fingers can be deflected out of the plane of the sheet to dip into respective liquid containers such as wells in a microtiter plate so as to absorb liquid samples therefrom. When released, the fingers snap back into the plane of the sheet retaining the liquid samples therein.

Abstract: An evacuating apparatus for applying suction to the underside of a microtitration diaphragm plate including a plurality of diaphragm receptacles each having an open top and a diaphragm bottom, the evacuating apparatus including a housing defining an evacuation chamber having an aperture provided in a top wall of said chamber and having associated therewith peripheral gasket means for supporting a rim of said microtitration diaphragm plate, and further comprising a carrier including support means for supporting a microtitration recipient plate including a plurality of closed bottom receptacles each having an open top and a closed bottom, said carrier being adapted to be displaced between an access position wherein said recipient plate may be positioned onto or removed from said support means, and a loading position wherein said recipient plate is disposed within said chamber below said diaphragm plate so that said diaphragm receptacles of said diaphragm plate vertically register with said closed bottom recepta

Abstract: A method and means for delivering the liquid generated by a coreflood experiment to test tubes and the gas so generated to a gas outlet. A mixture of gas and liquid is fed through an axially rotating tube extending through the central portion of a sealed chamber in which the test tubes are arranged in a circular path. The tube has a transversely extending delivery portion which deposits liquid into the test tubes, while gas is collected through a conduit leading from the chamber. The tube is incrementally rotated through a mechanism which allows fluid from the core sample to flow into the tube at the same back pressure under which the experiment takes place.

Abstract: An automatic medical sampling device comprises a vacuum breaking needle for connecting the inside of a vacuum blood gathering tube with the air. An inserting needle has a length sufficient to be located at a position slightly below the lower end of the vacuum breaking needle at the highest position of the vacuum breaking needle. A container holder or maintainer has a botom slope or projections for supporting a container, and a stirring device stops reciprocation of the stirring bar by detecting the position of the bar.

Abstract: In the equipment for drawing off milk samples from a milk conveyor pipe (1), in order to remove any milk remaining from the previous supplier and adhering within the suction pipe (5) and the injection syringe (6), before taking a sample from the current supplier the suction pipe (5) and the injection syringe (6) are filled with milk and after being completely filled they are emptied again by pumping the milk back into the conveyor pipe (1). The process of filling to fullness is monitored by a control means (9) which operates a hose pump (7) such that only the exact quantity of milk required to fill the suction pipe (5) and the injection syringe (6) is conveyed. Only after this filling and emptying procedure is the injection syringe (6) inserted into a sampling bottle (8) disposed on a dish (15) which can be raised. A holding down device (16, 17, 18) guarantees perfect withdrawl of the injection syringe (6) from the sampling bottle (8) when the dish (15) is lowered at the end of the sampling.

Abstract: An autosampler is provided having a carrier and openings for receiving large diameter vials and moving the same to a sampling station at which a probe can aspirate liquid therefrom. In cases where the volume/height of the liquid is so low as to prevent aspiration, the conventional large diameter vial is not used and instead a sleeve with a smaller volume vial located therein is positioned in the carrier opening which elevates the level of the liquid in the vial rendering it accessible to the probe and capable of being aspirated thereby for subsequent sampling.

Abstract: Automated gel permeation chromatography of multiple individual samples is effected with high precision and high speed utilizing a common sample sizing loop into which each sample is placed prior to its injection into the chromatography column, thereby eliminating the need for precisely matched sample loops. Each sample is pre-stored in its own container, the containers being automatically sequentially accessed to feed a portion of the contained sample medium to the common sample sizing loop. The common sample flow path, including the sample sizing loop, is automatically cleaned with rinse solvent between loading of successive samples into the sizing loop. Multiple programs may be employed to control the processing times for different types of sample fluid. A sample container closure member having a unique sealing insert member is provided to preclude leakage of fluid from the sample storage container when the container is pressurized.