Abstract: A culture bottle for the in vitro exposure of a cell culture to a volatile chemical comprises a closed cylindrical body defining a longitudinal axis and having an opening at each end of the body, substantially concentric with the axis, wherein each opening, comprises an aseptically sealable septum, wherein each opening has a diameter less than the diameter of the body.

Abstract: A dry frameless chemical analysis film includes a support sheet and a reagent layer formed on the support sheet. An incubator for incubating the film spotted with a sample liquid includes an incubator base on which the frameless chemical analysis film is placed, an incubator cell member which is movable up and down between a lower position and an upper position and presses a part of the upper surface of the frameless chemical analysis film against the incubator base while tightly enclosing a space around the frameless chemical analysis film in the lower position, and a first heater which heats the part of the incubator base with which the frameless chemical analysis film is brought into contact to a first predetermined temperature and holds the same at the first predetermined temperature, and a second heater which heats the incubator cell member to a second predetermined temperature higher than the first predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An incubator and its cover are provided for an analyzer, and especially a mechanism for raising and lowering the cover. Such a mechanism includes a connector between the cover and incubator that allows the cover to be raised to a superimposed position, but not rotated. A pivot pin is mounted directly between the connector and the cover so that the cover can be pivoted relative to the connector to complete exposure of the incubator for access. A latch is provided on the connector for automatically latching the cover in the raised position as soon as the cover is pivoted in the plane at least part way from the superimposed position.

Abstract: An automatic test apparatus for use in a test method to determine antimicrobial drugs. The test apparatus comprises a first aluminum, electrically heatable block with holes for the insertion of test containers and a separate, second cooling aluminum block adapted to be placed periodically in contact with the heated aluminum block to cool rapidly the heated block. The test apparatus includes timed signals existing therein to alert the test user. The test apparatus is adapted to provide for the timed sequential solid heating and cooling of one or more test containers containing a test sample.

Abstract: A tip on a conical bottom of a conical-bottom vial fits snugly in a receptacle in a central portion of a base. The base can be attached to the conical bottom for use as a stand for the vial. The tip is generally truncate-spherical. An entrance to the receptacle is flexible and resilient to contain the tip with resistance to a designed amount of pulling force. Base walls comprised of a flexible and resilient material on an outside periphery of the base are extended from the base to a position of contact with an outside periphery of a top portion of the conical bottom. The base walls maintain the vial concentric with the base. The vial is attachable to the base by inserting the tip into the receptacle with the base held concentric to the vial. A vial with a bulb tip is separable most easily and quickly from the base by eccentric pivoting of the vial and the base. The base generally has an outside periphery that has the same circumference as an outside periphery of the vial.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a bioassay incubator for use with a robotic arm, the incubator including: a housing; a first plurality of linearly spaced apart shelves disposed within the housing, the shelves dimensioned to support thereon bioassay trays; a robotic access opening defined in the housing and extending along the first plurality of shelves, through which robotic access opening the first plurality of shelves may be accessed by a robotic arm to place on, or to remove from, the bioassay trays; sealing apparatus disposed over and substantially sealing the robotic access opening; and the sealing apparatus having defined therethrough a robotic access window, the robotic access window being positionable adjacent a selected one of the first plurality of shelves and being minimally dimensioned to permit the robotic arm to assess the selected one of the shelves therethrough, while the sealing apparatus otherwise substantially seals the robotic access opening to minimize disturbance of the interior environment o

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically removing well-strips from well-strip holders. The apparatus includes a frame and a base plate for receiving a plurality of well-strip holders, each holder having a plurality of well-receiving areas and corresponding apertures with the individual wells of the well-strips positioned in the areas so as to overlie the apertures. A pneumatically-operated movable drive member is attached to the frame so as to be movable in a substantially vertical direction toward and away from the base plate and well-strip holders. The movable member has a plurality of well-strip engaging portions secured to the underside thereof, each portion including a plurality of pegs that pass into the open end of the apertures formed in the well-strip holders to contact the well-strips and remove same from the holders.

Abstract: A heater which accommodates microwell plates having a variety of bottom and peripheral geometries. The heater consists of a thermally conductive compliant material layer disposed on a planar heated platen. The compliant layer is dimensioned such that it contacts the microplate along the bottoms of the wells only, and not along the peripheral portions thereof. A temperature sensor may be disposed within the compliant layer to provide an indication of the well temperature for accurate control.

Abstract: The invention provides a tube adapter for use on a plurality of different types of tubes. The tube adapter includes a sleeve in which to receive smaller diameter tubes. The sleeve preferably includes a bar code reader slot to allow reading of bar codes on the tubes through the sleeve. The sleeve includes a spring portion biased to retain tubes in the tube adapter. The sleeve also preferably includes a key for aligning the tube adapter in a tube cassette. The tube adapter can include a clip to prevent the tube adapter from inadvertently being removed, rotated or dropped from the tube cassette.

Abstract: An incubator comprises a rotor ring with two sets of apertures displaced along an arc of rotation, holding a cuvette in them. The apertures of one set are connected to an aperture of the other by a slot sized to allow passage of an elevator lead screw, but not a cuvette, between the apertures, the cuvette being raised on the top of the elevator during such passage. The elevator can also be used to move the cuvette into contact with a luminometer.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device having a sample chamber whose temperature can be rapidly and accurately modulated over a range of temperatures needed to carry out a number of biological procedures, such a the DNA polymerase chain reaction. Biological samples are placed in glass microcapillary tubes and then located inside the sample chamber. A programmable controller regulates the temperature of the sample inside the sample chamber. Once a heating cycle is completed, the controller opens a door to the chamber for venting hot air out and cool ambient air is moved in. Temperature versus time profiles corresponding to optimum denaturation, annealing and elongation temperatures for amplification of DNA are achievable by the present invention.

Abstract: A chemical analysis system has a chemical analysis film cartridge having a box-like casing for accommodating therein a plurality of chemical analysis films which are stacked in a predetermined direction. Each chemical analysis film is composed of a base and a reagent layer formed on the base. A spring is provided on the inner side of a first end wall of the casing and urges the stack of the chemical analysis films toward a second end wall of the casing, the first and second end walls being opposed to each other in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A liquid-handling instrument has a worksurface with registration for modular stations to support containers of liquid, pipette apparatus with a pipette tip coupled to a sensing circuit, a robotic translation system for moving the pipette tip, and a control system with an iconic user interface for programming and editing. A gauge block registered on the worksurface provides for calibration using the sensing tip, and register cavities on the worksurface provide for modular stations. There is a wash station fop the pipette tip on the worksurface. An automated laboratory based on the liquid-handling system has heating and cooling and a sealable incubation station as well as a magnetic separation station. Methods are disclosed using the apparatus to convey droplets of liquid, to aspirate with minimum tip contamination, to mix liquids in containers, and to validate the worksurface.

Abstract: An incubator and method of transfer in such incubator in an analyzer, wherein a simple transfer mechanism is provided for moving a cuvette from one incubator ring to another adjacent one. The mechanism comprises a shuttle disposed above said rotors, said shuttle having an aperture sufficiently large as to receive, but not retain by friction, one of said vessels, a mechanism for moving the shuttle and its aperture to traverse from one ring to the other, and a pusher member and mechanism for moving the pusher member to raise a cuvette from one ring into the shuttle. When the shuttle aperture aligns with the aperture of the other ring, a cuvette in the shuttle simply falls under the influence of gravity into the other ring.

Abstract: A cell feeder/harvester assembly including a primary platform with at least one recessed culture vessel holding area whereon two pipet tip racks, one for holding sterile pipet tips and the other rack for collecting used pipet tips, and an array of culture vessels are supported. An X assembly extends transversely across the primary platform and is driven longitudinally thereover, the X assembly having a Y assembly, including a secondary platform, disposed thereon which is adapted to be driven transversely over the X assembly, wherein both the X assembly and the Y assembly move so as to position a Z assembly, which is attached to a top of the secondary platform, over a select pair of culture vessels on opposite sides of the secondary platform. The Z assembly is adapted to service all culture vessels on the primary platform, without the need for manual or individualized directing, by removing waste products and adding necessary chemicals to the individual culture vessels.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the comparative effect of growth-affecting substances, such as antimicrobial drugs or antibiotics, on different cultures of microorganisms is disclosed. The cultures are plated on the surface of a culture medium (12), such as agar, in adjacent at least partially separated tracks, such as tracks formed as Archimedes spirals. The cultures may be different concentrations of the same microbe or a test culture and a reference culture. The growth-affecting substances (22) are placed in contact with the culture medium on which the cultures have been plated preferably in the form of disks containing a powdered growth-affecting substance which dissolves and diffuses differentially into the culture medium to produce zones (24) of inhibition of growth extending radially outward from the disk.

Abstract: A cell culture and testing system provides a completely self-contained environment in which living tissues may be placed and where living tissues may be nutrified, oxygenated and maintained within a range of temperatures within which life may be sustained. The system includes aspects permitting administering of drugs or other substances to living tissues and monitoring of results accruing from such administration. In the preferred embodiment, the system is completely self-contained and sealed and may be operated both through use of an external power supply and an internal back-up power supply. The system is maintained at a positive pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure to prevent contamination from the surrounding environment. The system includes at least three levels of containment to completely isolate living tissues from ambient surroundings and the system has been successfully tested under conditions of zero gravity.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide gas measurement and control system which comprises a thermal conductivity CO.sub.2 sensor and a humidity sensor which produce separate and independent output signals which are compared in a microprocessor, thereby generating a humidity compensated carbon dioxide gas measurement which is accurate to within .+-.0.1%.

Abstract: A sample container holder is provided for gripping a sample container which contains a sample. The sample container holder comprises a body having a bore for receiving a sample container. A flexible element is disposed within the bore. A fluid passage is operatively connected with the flexible element for supplying a fluid to the flexible element such that, when the sample container is received in the bore in the body of the sample container holder, the flexible element engages the sample container with a conforming, cushioning compression of sufficient magnitude to resist removal of the container from the bore.

Abstract: A vessel and closure assembly for culturing cells wherein a gas permeable membrane is provided in the closure to allow rapid and uniform equilibration of gases between the atmosphere of the vessel and the atmosphere of the incubator. A plug is provided for occluding passage of gases through the gas permeable membrane when the vessel is removed from the controlled atmosphere of the incubator.

Abstract: A hybridization incubator assembly (10) is provided for incubation of samples contained in elongated sample bottles (16) and short sample bottles (60). The incubator (10) includes and oven body (18) which encloses a rotisserie assembly (14) adapted for carrying and agitating the sample bottles. The rotisserie assembly (14) includes a pair of bottle support wheels (43) mounted eccentrically on a drive shaft (40). The first wheel (44) and the second wheel (46) are mounted at different degrees of eccentricity and are axially separated on the drive shaft (40) by a distance slightly less than the length of the elongated bottles (16). Each support wheel (43) includes a plurality of grasping clamps (60) affixed about the rim portion (56) for holding the bottles (16), with each the grasping clamps (60) being paired with another on the opposing wheel (43) such that a bottle (16) may be supported by both wheels (43). The perimeter surface (58) of each wheel is beveled to facilitate agitation.

Abstract: A sample rack with at least one receptacle for the accommodation of respective sample tubes. At least one receptacle has a removable adapter sleeve located within it for receiving a corresponding sample tube. Additionally, locking means are included for fixedly engaging the adapter sleeve within the corresponding receptacle.

Abstract: A method of holding a container with a container holder comprises the following steps. The container is received within a bore on the container holder, and a fluid is conveyed through a fluid passage operatively connected with a flexible element within the bore such that the flexible element engages the container to retain the container within the bore.

Abstract: A complete in situ PCR system for amplification of nucleic acids contained in a prepared cell or tissue sample. The containment system for the PCR sample comprises a glass microscope slide, a specimen sample containing the target nucleic acid sequence mounted on the slide, a flexible plastic cover over the sample, and a retaining assembly fastened to the slide and to the cover to retain and seal a reaction mixture against the sample during thermal cycling. The retaining assembly includes a rigid ring on a rim portion of the cover, a cross beam having spaced parallel rails joined by opposite flat ends, and a pair of clips which are pressed over the ends and opposite sides of the slide to fasten the cross beam and cover to the slide.

Abstract: A hybridization incubator, of a type usefully employed to perform blot nucleic acid and protein/antibody hybridizations and stringency washes for blot procedures such as Northern, Southern, Dot, Slot, Colony, and Western blot techniques, wherein the hybridization incubator comprises an incubator chamber of irregular geometric shape. In a specific embodiment, the hybridization incubator comprises: (a) a housing including walls and a door cooperatively defining an enclosed interior volume within the housing, wherein the interior volume is bounded by segmented wall surfaces forming at least one obtuse included angle between adjacent wall segments; (b) a rotational carousel assembly constructed and arranged for holding hybridization sample(s) thereon, and mounted in the interior volume within the housing; (c) means for selectively rotating said rotational carousel assembly; and (d) means for heating gas and circulating heated gas in the interior volume of the housing over the segmented wall surfaces.

Abstract: A tissue cassette holder including a rectangular open-top tray having a pair of locking side rails affixed to the upper portion of the longitudinal sides thereof, the rails having a raised elastomeric protuberance projecting inwardly from the center thereof and spaced sufficiently apart to permit a conventional tissue cassette to snap firmly therebetween. Preferably, the trays are configured to permit removably locking a plurality thereof into superposed and/or side-by-side relationship, and further to positively lock a plurality of cassettes within each such tray for liquid processing and to break such cassettes loose after the tray and cassettes are wax-dipped preparatory to slicing the tissue therein for microanalysis.

Abstract: An incubator unit has a base and a lid which are releasably securable together to define an internal sealed chamber. Inlet and outlet passageways are provided for allowing gas flow through the chamber as required. An elongate filter member is located in the outlet passageway for filtering contaminants from the gas flowing out of the chamber. One or more static filter members are mounted in the chamber at a selected height between the upper and lower walls of the chamber. The static filter member is a flat sheet of filter material held in a holder with apertures for exposing the majority of the surface of the sheet for absorbing contaminants.

Abstract: A diagnostic microbiological testing apparatus and method includes at least one test tray including a plurality of reaction chambers, a light source disposed proximate to the test tray for directing light, at an excitation wavelength of a fluorescence emitting agent contained within the reaction chambers, at the test tray, a filter for passing therethrough only light generated by a fluorescence emitting reaction resulting from the interaction of the fluorescence emitting agent and a sample, and an imaging mechanism for detecting only the light generated by the fluorescence emitting reaction at the emission wavelength simultaneously from the plurality of reaction chambers.

Abstract: A clean box in which the rubber arms and hands may slide laterally relative to the remainder of the box. A first rigid plastic sheet has ovals passing through it. A second rigid plastic sheet, in front of the first, has circular openings on which the rubberized arm and hand gloves attach. The circular openings' diameter approximately equals the smaller dimension of the ovals on the first sheet of plastic. Resin strips provide an air seal along the upper and lower edges of the sliding first sheet of plastic. Wiper blades attached to the edges of the moving sheet complete the seal between the two sheets of plastic. A worker, with his hands and arms in the gloves and needing to reach a distant point in the clean box, may simply push against the edge of the openings for the gloves. The sheet of plastic will then move in the direction in which pushed. The clean box may have entirely rigid transparent sides to allow for a clear view.

Abstract: A holder is pneumatically actuated to grasp and hold a plurality of sample containers during an analytical process which requires movement of the containers. The holder comprises a body having holes therein for receiving the caps and upper portions of the containers. Within each hole is a rigid cylindrical element and within each rigid element is a flexible tubular element. The outer diameter of the flexible element is smaller than the inner diameter of the rigid element so that a pneumatically sealed chamber is formed between the two elements when the ends of the flexible element are folded back over the ends and outer surface of the rigid element. The holder body and the rigid element are provided with holes forming a fluid passage through which positive and negative pressures may be applied to the chamber. When a negative pressure is applied to the chamber to draw the flexible element outward toward the rigid element, the cap and upper portion may move freely into the flexible element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing automated sample preparation, DNA amplification and detection, which apparatus has heat-sinking, flat carriers for holding specimens and reagents, devices for heating and cooling and maintaining the specimen to or at any given temperature for any given time periods, and a computer to generate signals that control said temperatures and times.

Abstract: An incubator housing is disclosed with access apertures and doors, and a single mechanism for operating the doors comprising a cam, a cam track, and a cam follower on each door mounted in the track.

Abstract: A method for determining an interacting culture medium concentration IAC of a growth-affecting substance in a volume of the culture medium related to growth of a microbial population deposited on a surface of the culture medium in accordance with the invention includes the steps of depositing the growth-affecting substance at a selected stock concentration SC in a programmed deposition on the surface of the culture medium such that the volume of the stock concentration at any deposited location on the surface of the culture medium is determinable; determining a transformation function TF which accounts for movement of the deposited growth-affecting substance through the culture medium; and calculating IAC as a function of SC and TF.

Abstract: A carousel for carrying and positioning a plurality of assays and a plurality of reagent packs in an immunoassay testing apparatus is designed to direct warmed or heated air in a predetermined and controlled manner for maintaining the assays and reagent packs within a specified, controlled temperature range.

Abstract: An incubator and an incubator method using two independently driven incubator rings each holding and transferring a liquid-containing cuvette between processing stations. At least one reagent addition station is disposed permanently adjacent each of the two rings. One advantageous result is enhanced throughput compared to having only one such ring for all reagent addition stations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature-gradient incubator for studying temperature dependent phenomena, such as temperature ranges for the growth of microbes, comprising a temperature-gradient plate (10) serving as a reaction substrate and heat transfer elements (17 and 18) extending along the opposite edges of the temperature-gradient plate (10) for the heating and cooling of the edges of the temperature-gradient plate (10). Each heat transfer element (17 or 18) is provided with two passages for the circulation of a heating and/or cooling medium. Gable elements (9, 16) connect the passages to each other. The gable elements (9, 16) and pipe joint elements (6, 13) are separated from the ends of heat transfer elements (17, 18) by rubber sheets (1) which serve to provide heat insulation and sealing and are provided with holes (2, 3) for the circulation of a medium.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for temperature regulating a fluid sample in a cuvette transported through various stations of an automated system for optically monitoring the sample in the cuvette. A track guides the cuvette through the various stations of the optical monitoring system. The sample is in heat exchange relationship with the track by way of the cuvette. A drive unit drives the cuvette along the track. A cooling unit cools a first portion of the track. A heating unit heats a second portion. A heat flow restriction device restricts heat flow between the first and second portions of the track.

Abstract: Apparatus for the in situ hybridization of slide-mounted cell samples contains modules for the three processes required: (a) reagent metering and spreading on a slide (1) which is effected by drawing a quantity of reagent (56-59) into a reservoir (31) and then spraying it on the slide (1) using air pressure. The rate of flow through the spray is ascertained by measurement and the dosage determined by timing the spraying; (b) slide washing; and (c) slide incubation. The slide washing and incubation are performed in the same dual-purpose housing (16). A high humidity level is maintained in the housing during incubation so that the samples do not need to be covered to prevent them drying out. A plurality of slides (1) are mounted in a carrier (11) to be washed and incubated at the same time.

Abstract: A sanitary sampling system for attachment to a tube portion of a fluid containing enclosure. The sanitary sampling system is comprised of a rigid stem portion for attachment to the tube portion of the fluid enclosure, a stopper portion having a lower portion for insertion into the rigid stem portion and tube portion, a disk-shaped orifice plate fitting for placement on the upper surface of the stopper portion and an adjustable clamp for adjustment around the stem portion, orifice plate fitting and stopper portions of the sanitary sampling system. The sanitary sampling system is designed to enable the stem portion, stopper portion and orifice plate fitting to interlock to form an air-tight and leak-free seal when the adjustable clamp is tightened.

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: A temperature controlled chamber for an analytical instrument which includes a circular conveyor for transporting assay cartridges, the chamber enclosing the outer peripheral part of the conveyor on which the assay cartridges reside. The temperature controlled chamber has a bottom wall of polymeric material located beneath the conveyor, an outer wall of polymeric material extending upward above the conveyor, a metallic top wall and a metallic inner wall which extends downward to the upper surface of the conveyor. Thermal control, including rapid thermal response to compensate for temperature perturbations induced by periodic introduction of assay cartridges which are at a temperature less than that of the chamber, is accomplished by heating elements located above and below the conveyor. The heating elements are pulsed by an electrical circuit at a rate substantially faster than the rate of introduction of new assay cartridges.

Abstract: Laboratory apparatus for performing repetitive tacks includes a table and first and second bearing ways below the table. First and second carriages are mounted on corresponding bearing ways for independent motion therealong, the second carrriage moving in a plane below and parallel to the first carriage. An independently operable transfer device moves objects between the table and a selected carriage or between the carriages, as desired, and apparatus is provided adjacent to the table for performing operations on objects located on the table or on the carriages, the transfer device, and the operating apparatus being capable of repetitive operation.

Abstract: An automated assay system includes a temperature controlled chamber with a conveyor therein. The conveyor carries berths past a port in a sidewall of the chamber to permit insertion and extraction of assay cartridges via the port into respective ones of the berths. An injector disposed outside the chamber and at the port includes a loader arm for advancing cartridges along a path through the port to accomplish insertion and extraction of a cartridge. A track is provided in the injector for guiding the assay module. A portion of the track connects by a swing arm to a pivot allowing the track portion to be swung away from the path for ejection of a cartridge. A door which provides for opening and closing of the port is connected to the swing arm to move concurrently with the swinging of the track portion. This allows for automatic closure of the port subsequent to an insertion or an extraction of a cartridge, and automatic opening of the port prior to insertion or extraction of the cartridge.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis apparatus comprises a sample accommodating region, an accommodating region for test films containing a reagent which reacts with a liquid sample to give rise to a change in optical density, and a conveyor for sequentially pulling out each test film from the test film accommodating region. An applicator takes up the liquid sample from the sample accommodating region and applies it to the test film at the position to which the test film has been pulled out. An incubator incubates the sample-applied film portion for a predetermined time, and a detector measures the optical density of the sample-applied film portion during or after the passage of the predetermined time. The conveyor, the incubator and the detector are provided to correspond to each of the test films, and a movement device moves the applicator to apply the liquid sample to the test films.

Abstract: An incubation apparatus for microtiter plates includes an heating chamber and a incubation chamber. The heating chamber has a controllable hot air generator over which are arranged air guide devices for equalizing and distributing a stream of hot air to the microtiter plates. Air return devices are provided for collecting and returning hot air to the hot air generator. The heating chamber can be closed by a gate, and incubation chamber is divided by shelves into a plurality of compartments for receiving the microtiter plates. It is possible to close each compartment with a gate, and the side walls of the compartments are provided with heating devices. Furthermore, the incubation apparatus is provided with a gripping and transporting device having a working platform that is vertically displaceable and having a horizontally displaceable gripping arm.

Abstract: A test tube holder and tray assembly designed for use with a dri-bath incubator. The test tube holder comprises a top shelf which comprises a rigid top plate and a sheet of flexible material secured to the rigid plate having a second plurality of openings which are aligned with the openings in the top plate. The openings in the elastomeric material are slightly smaller than the test tubes such that when test tubes are placed therethrough a frictional engagement is provided so as to maintain the test tubes in the desired position. A bottom shelf is spaced from the top shelf and secured thereto. A tray is provided for holding the test tube holder and allows pre-positioning of test tubes therein so that the test tube holder and test tubes placed therein can be used directly with a dri-bath incubator.

Abstract: A multi-well test plate which includes a base and a plurality of well strips. The well strips are removable from the base and the individual wells of each strip are separable. The wells in each strip are joined by T-shaped connecting members which hold the wells in a flat linear array when the well strips are either held in or removed from the base and the T-shaped members are readily severable to permit easy separation of individual wells. The bottom wall of each well is a microporous membrane.

Abstract: A specimen rack for specimen containers such as test tubes composed of M structurally identical holders for linearly receiving N specimen containers at a time as well as a stand for receiving the M holders, which stand has vertical side parts, so that a plurality of holders can be mounted on the stand parallel to one another and affixed there by means of a detent connection. With this modularly designed specimen rack, the stand enables secure holding of multiple containers, while contrarily the holders, in which the specimen containers can remain during all the stages of the procedure, may be an inexpensive disposable plastic part the purpose of which is merely the linear, spatial association of a number of specimen containers, and which after the measurement is ended can optionally be discarded along with the specimen containers. Because of the minimal design of such a holder, any disposal problems are also slight.

Abstract: A multi-well test plate which includes a base and a plurality of well strips. The well strips are removable from the base and the individual wells of each strip are separable. The wells in each strip are joined by T-shaped connecting members which hold the wells in a flat linear array when the well strips are either held in or removed from the base and the T-shaped members are readily severable to permit easy separation of individual wells.

Abstract: The invention concerns an immunological assay system, wherein the inner face of the cuvettes is used as the solid phase. The equipment includes a displaceable carriage (8) for the cuvette set as well as, above the carriage, a dosage head (9), to which the liquid dosimeter (11) and the measurement device (19) are attached. All the operations take place automatically.