Abstract: A system and method for processing and detecting nucleic acids from a set of biological samples, comprising: a capture plate and a capture plate module configured to facilitate binding of nucleic acids within the set of biological samples to magnetic beads; a molecular diagnostic module configured to receive nucleic acids bound to magnetic beads, isolate nucleic acids, and analyze nucleic acids, comprising a cartridge receiving module, a heating/cooling subsystem and a magnet configured to facilitate isolation of nucleic acids, a valve actuation subsystem configured to control fluid flow through a microfluidic cartridge for processing nucleic acids, and an optical subsystem for analysis of nucleic acids; a fluid handling system configured to deliver samples and reagents to components of the system to facilitate molecular diagnostic protocols; and an assay strip configured to combine nucleic acid samples with molecular diagnostic reagents for analysis of nucleic acids.

Abstract: A pipette with an adjustable dosing volume comprises a housing connected to at least one seat configured to releasably hold a pipette tip. A displacement device is positioned within the housing and configured to aspirate and discharge liquid from the pipette tip. A stroke rod is coupled to the displacement element and configured to be longitudinally displaced relative to the housing to displace the displacement device. A catch sleeve is rotatably mounted within the housing and is connected to the stroke rod. An adjusting sleeve configured to engage a transducer shaft that is rotatably mounted within the housing and comprises a countershaft of a gearbox that is configured to be shifted between different shift stages. Each shift stage comprises different gear ratios between a rotational speed of the adjusting sleeve and a rotational speed of the catch sleeve. The different gear ratios enable coarse volume adjustment and fine volume adjustment.

Abstract: A device for locking a volume adjustment screw for a pipetting system, comprising a control member which rotates as one with a position selector, the member cooperating with a locking wheel such that: when the selector is in the free adjustment position, the member ensures that the wheel is axially spaced from another wheel, such that the teeth of the wheels do not cooperate with each other; when the selector is in the fine adjustment position, the member allows the wheel to move away from and then to move axially towards the other wheel while transitioning from one tooth to another; when the selector is in the locking position, the member axially locks the wheel to prevent the teeth from being disengaged.

Abstract: A serological pipette has an elongated hollow tubular body having an optical transmission of 40 to 70% over a range of 390 to 700 nm. The pipette body is formed from a polymer composition that includes 5 to 30 wt. % poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) and 70 to 95 wt. % polystyrene. The tubular body is formed by extrusion at a barrel temperature ranging from 400 to 500 F.

Abstract: A control button (12) for a manually actuated sampling pipette, the button including lower and upper parts (24a, 24b), one of which is equipped with a force sensor (31) and the other with an actuating member (30). In the vertical position of the button, in a state not subjected to a force, not only does the member (30) ensure that the upper part is retained axially on the lower part (24a), but these parts also define a circular axially retaining connection (42) therebetween, the circular connection exhibiting an axial clearance (47) configured such that, when a pressure is exerted on an off-centre action zone (102a) by the thumb of an operator, the axial clearance (47) is taken up in this zone (102a), while the connection (42) retains a reaction zone (102b), arranged diametrically opposite the action zone (102a), axially and locally relative to the lower part (24a).

Abstract: A system for preparing a test sample includes a vial holder, a needle trap connected to the vial holder, and a sample preparation station. The vial holder includes a vial chamber configured to hold a vial, a purge gas needle, and a needle trap heater. The needle trap includes a needle with the needle trap heater surrounding a distal end portion of the needle. A packing bed is disposed in the needle at the distal end portion. The sample preparation station includes a housing and a vial heater assembly including a vial heater and defining a cavity. The vial holder is configured to be received in the cavity in an installed position with the vial heater surrounding at least a portion of the vial.

Abstract: A pipette quickset volume adjustment mechanism having various modes of operation. The quickset volume adjustment mechanism provides for easy selection between at least a direct drive mode, and a speed multiplying mode that hastens pipette volume changes. The quickset volume adjustment mechanism incorporates a gear train, the individual gears of which are appropriately and selectively engageable or disengageable to produce the various modes of operation.

Abstract: A lighter case is provided. The lighter case may have a main body forming a clamshell shaped to receive a cigarette lighter. The lighter case may have a grinding apparatus on a portion of the main body or slidable relative to the main body and configured to disaggregate a smoking material. The lighter case may collect the disaggregated smoking material and may guide the disaggregated smoking material into a receptacle such as by scooping or via a piston. In this manner, the smoking material may be prepared.

Abstract: Improved methods, devices, and systems for mixing fluids, including small volumes of fluid, are provided. Pressing a pipette tip against an inner surface of a mixing vessel allows pressure to be applied within the tip. Greater pressure may be built-up than would be possible without engaging the tip with the mixing vessel. Disengaging the tip allows fluid flow through the tip, providing improved fluid mixing as compared to methods lacking engagement of a pipette tip with an inner surface of a mixing vessel while applying pressure within the pipette tip. Mixing vessels having features on an inner surface that are configured to engage a pipette tip, and to occlude an orifice of a pipette tip, are provided. Sample analysis devices and systems including pipette tips and mixing vessels configured to engage each other for pressure application within the tip are provided.

Abstract: A pipette is described which includes a piston for aspirating liquid into and dispensing out of a container in the pipette. The pipette is provided with at least one tracking element which is able to count the magnitude of some variable or variables relating to the amount of use of the pipette, at least one operating device for creating a limit magnitude for each variable, and for giving information when the limit value is exceeded. Thus, the user may, for instance, be warned when he may be exposed to high workload stress possibly causing injuries.

Abstract: A clothing dryer having an improved structure of a drainage unit thereof, including: a body; a drum; a base that is disposed at a lower portion of the drum; a first water tub that is mounted on the base to collect condensate water generated when a drying operation is performed; and a plurality of drainage pipes that are combined with one side of the first water tub and cause the condensate water to move, wherein, in order to change a position at which the plurality of drainage pipes and the first water tub are combined with each other, the first water tub is combined with edges of the base so that at least a part of the first water tub is able to be exposed to an outside.

Abstract: A dipstick adapter assembly for use with an oil pan includes a front fixture having an inner face, and a backing plate coupled to the front fixture opposite the inner face. A first fastener is applied through the front fixture and fixed to the backing plate with a bond to prevent rotation of the backing plate with respect to the first fastener. A second fastener is applied to the front fixture for application to the backing plate so as to engage the backing plate and move the backing plate toward and away from the front fixture.

Abstract: A dipstick adapter assembly for use with an oil pan includes a front fixture, a clamping means coupled the front fixture, the clamping means being moveable through the hole to arrange the assembly between a free condition and an applied condition, in which the clamping means is inside the oil pan and the front fixture encircles a hole in the oil in direct contact against an outer surface of the oil pan and is sealed around the hole. The front fixture carries a gasket which is compressed against the outer surface, and first and second fasteners couple the clamping means to the front fixture and are adjusted through the hole from outside of the oil pan.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer having a reaction vessel in which an analyte is caused to react with a reagent; a probe for suctioning the reacted analyte from the reaction vessel; an analyzer unit for analyzing the reacted analyte; a transfer channel for transferring the reacted analyte suctioned by the probe to the analyzer unit 6; and a liquid-surface detector, connected to the reaction vessel and the probe via signal lines 1a and a pair of signal lines 4a and 4b, respectively, for detecting the electrical characteristics between the probe and the reaction vessel. A switch is located between the signal lines 4a and 4b that connect the liquid-surface detector to the probe, so that the switch can connect or disconnect the signal line 4a to/from the signal line 4b.

Abstract: Novel and improved systems and methods for high speed arraying, hybridization, quantitative development and/or assaying are provided. Some embodiments provide a web based arraying format. Some other embodiments provide a sheet based arraying format. Some embodiments use a drop on drop assaying or hybridization mode. In some embodiments, a substantially inert substrate is utilized. In some other embodiments, an interactive substrate is utilized.

Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for manually metering liquids, for example a pipette or a metering button. The device comprises a joint forming a seal between a hollow cylinder and a piston housed inside the cylinder, the piston being moved vertically so as to suck in or expel the liquid. During the metering operation, the joint remains fixed with respect to the movement of the piston and comprises parts formed by portions having dedicated geometric and mechanical characteristics which make it possible to locally optimize the functions of sliding, sealing and fastening in the cylinder.

Abstract: A sampler (10), in particular for use in testing the dissolution behavior of pharmaceutical products, wherein the sampler (10) comprises: a vial holder (20) for accommodating a plurality of vials (22a, 22b); a sampling needle assembly (30) with a plurality of sampling needles, wherein the sampling needle assembly (30) and the vial holder (20) may be moved relative to one another in such a way that the sampling needles of the sampling needle assembly (30) may be inserted into the vials of the vial holder (20); and a pump unit (40) with a plurality of diaphragm pumps (42a, 42b) which are designed to convey a fluid via the sampling needle assembly to the vials in the vial holder (20) and to withdraw a fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A pipetting device having a modular pipetting unit including a pipetting tip for pipetting of fluid samples and a pump conduit for transferring a negative or positive pressure to the pipetting tip is disclosed. The pipetting tip and a portion of the pump conduit adjoining the pipetting tip mutually define a fluid sample conduit for receiving the fluid samples. The modular pipetting unit is detachably attached to an automated positioning device for positioning the modular pipetting unit. A system and method for pipetting of fluid samples using such a pipetting device are also disclosed wherein pipetting of the fluid samples is performed in such a manner that each pipetted fluid sample volume is smaller than a volume of the fluid sample conduit.

Abstract: A pipetting device is described comprising more than one pipetting unit, wherein said pipetting units are independently movable in Y and Z direction and comprise at least one module arranged in a staggered manner compared to the adjacent pipetting unit.

Abstract: The pipetting method is directed to mounting and ejecting a disposable pipette tip. The pipetting system has one or more tip mounting shafts with an upper locking section and a lower sealing section. The upper locking section has outwardly extending lobes spaced around the mounting shaft and located above a stop member. The lower sealing section on the tip mounting shaft is located below the stop. As the mounting shaft is inserted into the collar of the disposable pipette, the collar distorts out of round and engages the lobes on the upper locking section of the tip mounting shaft. Contemporaneously, the lower sealing section of the mounting shaft seals against the barrel of the disposable pipette tip.

Abstract: A device for generating a drop of a primary liquid is described, including: a reservoir fillable with the primary liquid, a pressure generation device for generating a hydraulic pressure on the primary liquid, at least one inlet channel for introducing a secondary fluid, and a channel having a flow cross-section transverse to a main flow direction, wherein the flow cross-section includes a main region and at least one sub-region extending from the main region, designed such that the primary liquid can be held in the main region by capillary forces, and the secondary fluid can be held in the sub-region by capillary forces, wherein the reservoir is fluidically connected to a first end of the channel via an output opening, and the at least one inlet channel is also fluidically connected to the channel, and wherein the pressure generation device is implemented to apply a hydraulic pressure to the primary liquid, whereby the same is moved along the channel and output at a second end of the channel as free-flying d

Abstract: A lab member for use in a laboratory liquid handling system including a pipetting module and a drive system, the pipetting module including first and second pipettors, the first and second pipettors including first and second pipettor shafts, respectively, a first pipetting tip extending from an end of the first pipettor shaft, and a second pipetting tip extending from an end of the second pipettor shaft, includes a lab object and first and second integral adapter structures. The first and second adapter structures are configured to engage the first and second pipettor shafts, respectively. The first adapter structure is configured to releasably secure the lab member to the first pipettor shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for separation of proteins and other biomolecules. A preferred use is for sample preparation of crude as well as pre-fractionated samples. In a preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention is a pipette tip having dual channels, one for inlet of sample and one for outlet. The outlet, but not the inlet, channel is provided with sample separation media for separation of a desired biomolecule from a sample. The flow through the sample separation media is unidirectional.

Abstract: Described are pipettes capable of dispensing both high volumes of liquid and highly accurate smaller volumes of liquid wherein the accuracy of the volume of liquid delivered increases along the length of the pipette. Embodiments of the pipette include an elongated body with an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen within the elongated body, a proximal orifice at a proximal end, a distal orifice at a distal end. The intermediate portion includes a first generally frustoconical-shaped portion defined by a first inner diameter proximate the proximal end of the elongated body and a second inner diameter proximate a second end thereof. In an embodiment, the intermediate portion includes a second generally frustoconical-shaped portion defined by a third inner diameter proximate the transition to the first portion and a fourth inner diameter adjacent the distal end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus includes a laser triangulation system that locates the position of a lower end of a pipette tip. When the laser triangulation system identifies a discrepancy between the actual position of the lower end and the proper position of the lower end, the sample processing apparatus may undergo a compensating action to compensate for the discrepancy.

Abstract: Automated apparatus and methods for dispensing fluids into microplates utilizing microwell covers, the covers comprising open portions to allow a pipette access to one or more wells and impermeable portions which prevent the fluids from getting into wells shielded by the impermeable portion. The open portions and impermeable portions are preferably arranged and sized to align with alternating rows of wells in a particular microplate. Preferred covers are movably positioned on the microplate. Automated dispensing apparatus for use with microplates and microwell covers comprises a programmable controller, and suitable interfaces which allow the apparatus to be programmed, and which control a dispensing head such that pipettes are moved in the desired manner in order to take advantage of the protective features of the microwell covers. The apparatus also preferably comprises at least one transfer mechanism for moving a cover relative to a microplate at a dispensing station.

Abstract: A structure for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element adjacent each opening engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element.

Abstract: A system for collection and delivery of sub-milliliter liquid samples is described that provides a dramatic simplification for the measurement of clinical values. The system produces high dilutions of capillary size samples, such as bodily fluids or blood, by a factor of 1000 or more. Multiple assays can be conducted on a sample of 0.1 cc or less. A small lancet can create a drop of blood on a fingertip or other location, which can be collected into a self-priming capillary blood collector. The sample is then loaded into a consumable loader. Then a fluid, such as saline, is flowed into the consumable loader, and passes through the capillary collector, washing out the fluid. Downstream, the blood in the capillary is reliably diluted by mixing with appropriate reagents to allow analysis of selected blood properties. One or more individual bubbles can be inserted into the stream during loading. The capillary loading system can be used for one or several assays on a single blood sample.

Abstract: An X-Y gantry system is disclosed. The X-Y gantry system includes an X-axis element, a Y-axis element coupled to the X-axis element. An instrument is coupled to the Y-axis element. The Y-axis element includes a slider assembly with a slider and a guide support element coupled to the slider. The guide support element may have a flexible portion. The slider may or may not contact a slider bar in the system.

Abstract: A reader for mechanical actuation of fluids within a test cartridge. The instrument interface including multiple independently-controlled plungers aligned to respective fluidic pouches on a test cartridge that is inserted into a testing apparatus embodying the instrument interface. The plungers include tips for applying mechanical force to the respective fluidic pouches.

Abstract: A device comprising a sampling probe configured to sample a fluid, and an ultrasound sensor coupled to the sampling probe and configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy, the ultrasound sensor further configured to generate a first signal by receiving ultrasound energy reflected from a fluid surface of the fluid is provided. Fluid handling systems and methods of using the fluid handling devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking the state of a pipette, which pipette includes a suction tube and a pipette tip. According to the invention, ultrasound is coupled into the wall of the suction tube and the damping of the ultrasonic signal is measured as a function of the frequency. The measured frequency-dependent damping is compared with at least one reference measurement or a calibration curve based on the reference measurements, in order to determine whether the pipette is in a functional condition and/or whether the pipette contains or has made contact with fluid. Furthermore, the invention relates to a pipetting method which uses the inventive method for checking the state, a suction tube arrangement for a pipetting device for pipetting fluid, and a pipetting device with which the inventive methods can be carried out.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for an apparatus for use with a syringe or pipette. A chamber body can comprise a first chamber, a second chamber, and a fluid port. A first fluid seal can be disposed in the first chamber, and a second fluid seal can be disposed in the second chamber. The chamber body can comprise a first volume which is defined by a first chamber wall, the first seal, and the second seal, when the first seal and second seal are disposed in a first position. The first volume can also be defined by a sum of: a second volume defined by at least a second chamber wall, the first seal, the second seal; and a third volume comprising fluid displaced at the fluid port, when the first seal and second seal are disposed in a second position.

Abstract: The present invention is a pipette tip device for extraction of liquid, semi-solid or solid solutions to be chemically analyzed and the methods for their use. The pipette tip extraction device contains a screen or filter at its lower narrow end to contain solid particulate matter and a barrier at its upper wide end. The optional upper frit is to be made of material that permits liquid solutions to flow through it. In addition to the barrier and screen, the pipette tip extraction device may contain solid-phase sorbent. Through the use of a removable cap, the pipette extraction tip may also serve as a sample collection container or tip in which samples can be delivered to the top of the tip (e.g., for direct collection of samples, including solid samples). A new method for DPX extraction using liquid-liquid-solid-phase extraction is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for receiving and dispensing liquids has a plurality of piston-cylinder units (1, 1?, 1?) which are respectively arranged on a piston plate (2) and a cylinder plate (3). The liquid is received and dispensed by displacing the pistons (1?) in the cylinders (1?) by changing the distance between the plates (2, 3), perpendicularly to the plate planes, by means of a drive mechanism (6) and a plate guiding system. The volume can be determined by an upper abutment (4) and a lower abutment (5), at least one of said abutments being regulatable by a regulating means (8). The device is suitable for handling precise volumes of a larger number of piston-cylinder units (1, 1?, 1?) in a technically simple manner.

Abstract: A dispensing device and an analyzer capable of improving dispensing accuracy as well as improving jamming detection accuracy can be realized by having a short distance between a syringe and a suction tip. The dispensing device 10 includes an upper fixed unit 10A, a lower movable unit 10B which is connected to the upper fixed unit 10A, the movable unit being relatively movable with respect to the upper fixed unit 10A, and a Z-axis movement mechanism 55Z which moves the upper fixed unit to and fro. A syringe 4 and a plunger 13 are held by the upper fixed unit 10A. A tip nozzle 8 is attached to the lower movable unit 10B. An interior space of the syringe 4 and an interior space of the tip nozzle 8 are connected with each other by a connection tube 1 having flexibility.

Abstract: A system for titrating liquids, with a syringe or tip, comprising a holding device and at least one tag and a metering equipment, comprising an additional holding device for holding the syringe or tip on the holding device, a reading device for reading the tag of the syringe or tip held by the additional holding device, a driving device having a motor, which is detachably coupled with a plunger of the syringe when the same is held by the additional holding device, or which is coupled with a plunger which is arranged in a cylinder which is coupled with the tip via a fluid conduit, when the same is held by the additional holding device, an operating device for operating the metering equipment and a control device, connected with the operating device, the reading device and the driving device, which controls the movement of the plunger depending of the tag of the inserted syringe or tip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipette having: an elongated handle body in which a drive unit is arranged for a displacement unit having an operating element in the top end, and having a seat for a pipette tip or syringe in the bottom end, wherein the handle body has a front grip surface that is approximately straight in the bottom part of the handle body in a vertical sectional plane through the handle body, and curves across the handle body toward a thumb rest in the top part of the handle body above the area that comes into contact with the surface of the hand, and the operating element actuatable with the thumb is arranged in the thumb rest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, to a system, and to a method for the preparation and fractioned dispensing of samples of a fluid. The device of the invention comprises a body having formed therein guide means suitable for receiving a sample-taker member and for guiding it in translation through the device, and at least one preparation chamber enabling an aliquot of a fluid sample dispensed into the chamber by a said sample-taker member to be prepared in a stream of a suitable reagent. The guide means pass through the preparation chamber and communicate therewith to enable an aliquot of fluid to be dispensed into the chamber in a determined position of the sample-taker member in the guide means. The preparation chamber has an introduction orifice for introducing at least one reagent into the chamber for mixing the reagent with an aliquot, and at least one dispensing orifice for dispensing the mixture formed by said aliquot and said reagent to recovery and/or analysis means.

Abstract: A system for automatically creating a denaturation curve is disclosed. In accordance with certain embodiments, a movement system including a unit having a plurality of cannulas is used. The cannulas are in fluid communication with a fluid system, which allows the cannulas to draw in and dispense fluid. A measurement system is included which draws fluid from a well into a detector to determine a characteristic of the fluid. A controller is used to control these systems and also to create a denaturation graph from the measured characteristics. In another embodiment, a plurality of formulations may be created using the system.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for mixing, cooling, and distributing multiphase fluid mixtures within a reactor, wherein reactor internal apparatus of the present invention provides not only improved fluid mixing and distribution to each underlying catalyst bed surface, but also offers other advantages including: decreased mixing tray height; easier maintenance, assembly and disassembly; and decreased amounts of fabrication material. In an embodiment, fluid may be evenly distributed to a catalyst bed from a fluid distribution unit comprising a nozzle tray including a plurality of nozzles, wherein the nozzles include at least one liquid inlet disposed tangentially to an inner surface of the nozzle.

Abstract: A sealing pipette tip includes features to seal the tip directly against the piston in an air displacement pipette, avoiding the need for a piston seal within the pipette. This configuration reduces potential points of failure, allows the pipette-tip interface to be optimized, and improves liquid handling characteristics of the pipette.

Abstract: A mechanical pipette comprising: a. a manually drivable mechanical unit for pipetting liquids, b. at least one sensor for detecting operating and/or performance data, c. an operating unit, and d. a display unit, e. wherein a device module comprises the mechanical unit for pipetting, the sensor and operating unit, f. a display module physically separate from the device module completely or partially comprises the display unit, and g. means for wireless communication between the device module and the display module.

Abstract: Highly efficient and rapid filtration-based concentration devices, systems and methods are disclosed with sample fluidic lines and a filter packaged in a disposable tip which concentrate biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. The concentrate is then dispensed from the disposable tip in a set volume of elution fluid. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. All conduits by which the disposable tip attaches to the instrument are combined into a single connection point on the upper end of the tip.

Abstract: A proboscis for use with a diagnostic instrument includes an elongated main body having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The distal end includes an orifice which is in fluid communication with the lumen. A fluid splash guard is affixed to the main body at the distal end, and provides protection for the orifice and lumen from being clogged with a sample fluid.

Abstract: In a control method for a computer-controlled liquid handling workstation with a work surface, a motorized pipetting robot with at least one pipette, and a control computer, to which the pipetting robot is connected, a control program activated in the control computer enables the pipetting robot to position the pipette at specific positions on the work surface and to execute a specific action using the pipette. The interface includes an input mechanism, visualization mechanism, interface software, and an electronic memory. The visualization mechanism visualizes the positions at which containers are situated on the work surface of the liquid handling workstation and a selection of the specific actions executable using the pipettes.

Abstract: A method for removing a fluid substance from a sealed collection device comprising a cap and a fluid-holding vessel, where the method aids in venting air from the collection device when the cap is penetrated by a fluid transfer device used to withdraw a fluid substance from the vessel. Venting is aided by incorporating a pause step between penetrating the cap and contacting the fluid substance held by the vessel with the fluid transfer device or by contacting the cap at a slower speed than the fluid transfer device enters the collection device after the cap has been penetrated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held pipetting device (11) with a housing (13) and a pipette receptacle (23) on the housing (13) for a replaceable pipette (24). The pipette (24) is received with its first end in the pipette receptacle (23) and has a tip (26) as a second end. Furthermore, the hand-held pipetting device (11) has a negative pressure source for aspirating a liquid, an overpressure source for dispensing an aspirated liquid, and an air line which connects the negative pressure source and overpressure source with the pipette receptacle. A valve system, which is at least partially electrically controllable, is arranged within the air line and is controlled by an aspirating button (17) provided on the housing and by an dispensing button (19). A light source (37) is provided on the housing (13) at a short distance to the longitudinal axis (31) of the pipette receptacle (23).

Abstract: A method of selecting pipetting parameters of a pipetting device for dispensing or pipetting a specific volume of a liquid sample, includes a fluid column of a fluid chamber of the pipetting device set into oscillation at the beginning of the aspiration, the pressure is monitored with the pressure transducer in the fluid chamber, and the pressure changes generated during aspiration into measuring signals are recorded. These measuring signals are processed by a computer or micro-processor and reproduced as a pressure curve, which is characteristic for the fluid column with the aspirated liquid sample, and which is compared with known pressure curves. Based on this comparison, pipetting parameters of the pipetting device are selected for the dispense or for pipetting a specific volume of the liquid sample. Selectable pipetting parameters include a speed of a movement of a pump piston of the pipetting device.