Abstract: A hand-held, multi-channel pipettor has an electronically controlled motor to reposition pipette tips for different center to center spacing. Each repositionable tip fitting assembly has a cam following pin that is driven by cam tracks in a motor driven roller drum. Stationary ports for the multiple aspiration cylinders are strategically placed to simplify management of flexible tubes leading to the repositionable pipette tip fitting assemblies. The pipettor has a user interface that can be operated conveniently by one hand to reposition pipette tips. It has a pipette tip ejection mechanism with a sinusoidal stripper bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kind of volumetric pipet. It includes an outer casing. At the lower part of the outer casing, there is a fetching mouth which is detachably mounted to a liquid container. At the top of the outer casing, there is a detachably sealed top cover. Inside the outer casing, there is a hollow core with a top opening. There is an inlet mouth on the side wall of the core that corresponds to the fetching mouth. The internal wall of the outer casing can slide against the external wall of the core. The core's rotating or sliding along its longitudinal orientation makes the fetching mouth and the inlet mouth correspond or stagger. This invention provides an easy-to-operate, precise rationing, quick and sanitary volumetric pipet.

Abstract: Pipette device (10), at least for dispensing metering liquid by increasing the pressure of a working fluid, comprising a metering liquid receptacle (38) which is filled, at least in part, with working fluid and has a pipette opening (36) as a first tapering of cross-section of flow, through which metering liquid can be dispensed from the metering liquid receptacle (38) as a function of the pressure of the working fluid, and comprising a pressure change device (40) which is designed to change the pressure of the working fluid in the metering liquid receptacle (38), wherein the pipette device (10) comprises a throttle point (42) in a pipette duct (12) filled with working fluid during normal operation as a further tapering of cross-section of flow, said throttle point being arranged fluid-mechanically between the metering liquid receptacle (38) and the pressure change device (40) and being dimensioned in such a way that a ratio of a flow resistance (R1) of the pipette opening (36) for dispensed metering liquid t

Abstract: A pipette suitable for carrying out patch clamp techniques for characterizing the physiology of living cells is constructed using microfabrication techniques applied to silicon wafers. The pipette includes a body portion configured for mounting in a micromanipulator and a patch tip having a patch aperture. An internal passage through the pipette permits controlled dialysis of the cell contents. A solid conductive electrode near the patch tip can be connected to suitable electronics, permitting electrical activity of the cell to be monitored with very low access resistance and lowering the capacitance of the pipette. Other microfluidic devices such as pumps and valves are integrated into the device so that the dialysis can be rapidly controlled by electronic means. The pipette can also be configured so that multiple cells can be patched simultaneously, or multiple patches can be made on a single cell simultaneously.

Abstract: A probe assembly for use in the extraction of analytes from a sample, which probe includes an elongate cylinder portion which is arranged to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and having thereon one or more vanes extending away from the cylinder portion.

Abstract: The invention provides hand-held pipettor in accordance with an embodiment that includes a piston that is received in one end of a cylinder, a pipettor tip that is removably secured to an opposite end of said cylinder, a manually driven unit that reciprocates the piston through a selected stroke to aspirate fluid into and to expel the thus aspirated fluid from the pipettor tip, a mechanism including a stepper motor responsive to control signals for adjusting a range of the stroke, and a voice recognition system that decodes verbal commands and outputs the result to a central processing unit, which in turn generates the control signals.

Abstract: A device and method of metering and mixing a dose of a sample liquid with a diluent liquid includes introducing a sample liquid into a channel defined in a housing. The housing defines a pocket open to the channel and sized to both collect a metered dose of the sample liquid, and to retain the collected dose by capillary force when the channel is emptied. The sample liquid is then removed from the channel under conditions that enable retention of the collected, metered dose of the sample liquid in the pocket. Following a cleaning step, a volume of diluent liquid is introduced into the channel to induce diffusion and mixing of the diluent liquid with the dose of sample liquid to form a mixture.

Abstract: A manually directed, multi-channel electronic pipettor includes a software biasing mode to assure proper alignment over wells in the 96-well plate and the 384-well plate. The system also includes manual repositioning levers for nesting receptacles which are customized for 96 well-plates and 384 well-plates respectively.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed pipette tip that can be securely mounted to a barrel of a pipetter yet is designed to substantially reduce the axial force necessary to install and eject the pipette tip from the pipetter. An improved pipette tip that includes the addition of a second elastomeric material and cooperative means for insuring uniform interference and depth of penetration of the pipetter barrel as successive barrels are inserted and ejected. Also disclosed is an improved multiple-tip configuration with similar features as the ergonomic pipette tip that can be mounted to multiple barrels of a multi-pipetter as one tip instead of 8 or 12 individual tips. The secondary elastomeric material allows for better sealing and eliminates alignment issues, high installation and ejection requirements while reducing the hand and thumb forces that due to repeated use will sometimes result in repetitive stress injury.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for extracting a sample from a sample surface. A sample is provided and a sample surface receives the sample which is deposited on the sample surface. A hydrophobic material is applied to the sample surface, and one or more devices are configured to dispense a liquid on the sample, the liquid dissolving the sample to form a dissolved sample material, and the one or more devices are configured to extract the dissolved sample material from the sample surface.

Abstract: A self-contained sampling probe characterized by a drive module and a syringe module removably coupled coaxially to the drive module to allow for different syringe modules to be interchangeably coupled to the drive module. The coupling is effected by quick connect and disconnect devices, and the syringe module may carry an identifier. The probe is engageable by a gripper or insertable in an interface device, both of which provide for communication of the probe with other system components.

Abstract: A pipette [1] is equipped with a jet [10] and handpiece [6]. A piston assembly, housed within the pipette [1], at one end has a seal [9] affixed to a rigid section [2] which extends to a flexible section [4]. At the junction of the rigid [2] and flexible [4] sections is an enlarged shoulder [7]. The flexible section [4] extends through the handpiece [6]. A movable sleeve [3] is positioned between the flexible section [4] of the piston rod assembly and the interior wall [11] of the pipette. At one end, the sleeve [3] passes over the shoulder [7] of the piston assembly and terminates in a constriction [8]. The other end of the sleeve [3] extends from the open end of the pipette [1] and terminates in a shoulder [5] of an external diameter greater than the bore diameter of the pipette [1].

Abstract: A device and method of metering and mixing a dose of a sample liquid with a diluent liquid includes introducing a sample liquid into a channel defined in a housing. The housing defines a pocket open to the channel and sized to both collect a metered dose of the sample liquid, and to retain the collected dose by capillary force when the channel is emptied. The sample liquid is then removed from the channel under conditions that enable retention of the collected, metered dose of the sample liquid in the pocket. Following a cleaning step, a volume of diluent liquid is introduced into the channel to induce diffusion and mixing of the diluent liquid with the dose of sample liquid to form a mixture.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a contiguous, elastic cover, for a dissolution-testing vessel, has a slit from a central opening to its outer edge. The cover may be placed around a stirring shaft by deforming the elastic cover to temporarily enlarge the slit. After returning to its original shape, the cover is placed over the vessel with the shaft free to rotate unimpeded within the central opening. The cover has a first raised annular disk on one side and a second raised annular disk on the other side, where the disks have different outer diameters to enable the cover to be used with differently sized vessels. The cover has a first opening having a first diameter and a second opening having a different, second diameter such that a conventional probe fits either at one depth within the first opening or at a different, second depth within the second opening.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic pipettor includes menu driven software for controlling the information displayed on the user interface display, for inputting information to program the pipettor and for controlling the operation of the pipettor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated picking of animal cell colonies. A picking head comprising a plurality of hollow pins is provided. The apparatus has an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.

Abstract: There is provided a dispensing mechanism for a liquid to be dispensed that does not damage microspherical bodies such as an erythrocyte and a liposome in the liquid to be dispensed when the liquid to be dispensed such as a sample and test liquid is sucked/discharged with a pipette.

Abstract: A hand-held, multi-channel pipettor has an electronically controlled motor to reposition pipette tips for different center to center spacing. Each repositionable tip fitting assembly has a cam following pin that is driven by cam tracks in a motor driven roller drum. Stationary ports for the multiple aspiration cylinders are strategically placed to simplify management of flexible tubes leading to the repositionable pipette tip fitting assemblies. The pipettor has a user interface that can be operated conveniently by one hand to reposition pipette tips. It has a pipette tip ejection mechanism with a sinusoidal stripper bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning device for a sample distribution apparatus, in particular a pipetting apparatus, providing a first part, at which a sample transport device can be arranged, a second part, at which a sample holder can be arranged, wherein the first part and the second part are arranged moveable in relation to each other between a first position and an adjusted target position of the first and second part for performing a positioning motion, such that a sample can be conveyed towards the sample holder by the positioning motion between the first position and the adjusted target position and is conveyable at the target position by release from the sample transport device to the sample holder, or can be conveyed in the sample transport apparatus towards the sample holder by the positioning motion between the first position and the adjusted target position and is conveyable by a motion of the sample transport device relative to the first part into a release position and is conveyable at the r

Abstract: The invention discloses a reaction cuvette wash unit comprising a cleaning needle assembly, a straight guide pair, a slide screw pair, a motor, a trigger component associated with a cleaning needle of the cleaning needle assembly in a manner to move with that cleaning needle, and a sensor used to sense the position of the trigger component. When the trigger component moves to a predetermined position, the sensor is triggered and sends a signal to a controller such that the controller controls in a manner to stop the motor. Each of cleaning needle components further comprises a sheath holder and an elastic member. The elastic member is designed to provide an elastic contact while the cleaning needles touch the bottom surface of the reaction cuvette, such that a relatively small force is exerted upon the bottom of the reaction cuvette, thereby effectively protecting the reaction cuvette from damage.

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 handheld and portable extraction device is directed to a microfluidic-based system to be used in the field to extract and purify an analyte, preferably a nucleic acid, from a fluid-based sample. Preferably, the fluid-based sample is water-based. The fluid-based sample can also be a biological fluid sample. The handheld and portable extraction device includes a syringe-like device coupled to a purification chip. The purification chip is preferably included within a chip block which is removable from the remaining portion of the handheld and portable extraction device. The analyte collected within the purification chip can be later removed and collected for analysis.

Abstract: A cannula (10) for use in removing samples of fluid from a container sealed with a pierceable membrane, the cannula including a hollow needle like portion (12) having a pointed forward end (20) shaped to allow forcible penetration through the membrane, the rear end (14) having a first bore (26) and an insert (40) located within the first bore (40) that reduces the effective size of the first bore (26) without blocking the first bore (26).

Abstract: There is provided a pipette device adaptable to a decrease in diameter of a pipette main body and costing lower. A pipette device 1 in which a plunger 3 is inserted in a cylinder portion “a” of a pipette main body 2 to be movable in an axial direction and the plunger 3 is moved to change a cylinder volume includes seal ring portions 15c, 15d formed on and integrally with one of an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion “a” and an outer peripheral surface of the plunger 3 to seal a gap between the cylinder portion “a” and the plunger 3.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying reagents to tissue mounted on slides, in the field of histology is disclosed. The apparatus holds a number of slides, in slide trays, which are loaded onto the apparatus. Each slide tray forms a batch of slides, with all the batched forming a group. The apparatus holds a number of reagents, grouped into a first group comprising bulk type reagents, and a second group comprising antibodies or probes, and detection systems, for identifying elements of the tissue. A group fluid dispenser, in the form of a robot arm, dispense reagents to the group of slides. Each batch of slides has its own batch fluid dispenser to dispense reagents onto the batch of slides. In on embodiment, the group fluid dispenser dispense antibodies, probes, detection reagents to all slides depending on the protocol defined for each slide, and the batch dispensers dispense bulk reagent to each batch, thus freeing the group fluid dispense from dispensing bulk reagents to all slides.

Abstract: A system controls aspiration and dispensation of a liquid in a pipette. The system includes a computing device and the pipette. The computing device includes a pipetting module and a first communication interface. The pipetting module defines an operation to perform at the pipette. The first communication interface sends electronic signals to the pipette, the electronic signals defining the operation to perform at the pipette. The pipette includes a sampling tube, a piston assembly, a piston drive mechanism, a second communication interface, and a microprocessor. The piston assembly mounts to the sampling tube and includes a piston rod that fits within the sampling tube. The piston drive mechanism includes a control rod having a surface that contacts the piston assembly. The piston drive mechanism moves the piston rod of the piston assembly within the sampling tube thereby causing regulation of a liquid in the sampling tube.

Abstract: There is provided a pipette device capable of adjusting a collection amount in a short time. A pipette device 1 adjusting a volume of a cylinder portion “a” by the axial-direction movement of a plunger 3 caused by the rotation of a push rod 5 includes a speed increasing mechanism 35 provided between a pipette main body 2 and the push rod 5 and increasing a speed of input rotation to transmit the input rotation with the increased speed to the push rod 5.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing droplets of reagent onto samples includes a probe tip to which droplets of reagent can adhere. The apparatus advances the probe tip toward a sample until a droplet of reagent touches the sample and is pulled off from the probe tip. A sensor detects that the droplet has been pulled off from the probe tip and halts the advance of the probe tip before the probe tip touches the sample. Such apparatus may be used to automatically dispense small volumes of reagent onto fragile samples.

Abstract: A liquid aspirating and dispensing apparatus and method of using the apparatus. Among other elements, the apparatus includes a liquid handling device having one or more channel members, each of which has a removable liquid holding tip attached, and a signal transmitting device. A signal transmitted from the signal transmitting device may be used in a variety of ways to yield information regarding the performance of the apparatus. This information may be provided via direct detection of the signal by an operator of the apparatus. Alternatively, the signal may be detected by a programmable signal detecting device, interpreted by the apparatus, and then displayed in a form that is understandable to the operator. Furthermore, the liquid holding tip may be modified to enable different forms of signal transmission.

Abstract: A pipette nozzle is provided for use on a movable arm on an automated pipette machine. The pipette nozzle includes a body defining a passage therethrough. At least two seating surfaces are provided on the body, including a first seating surface and a second seating surface. The first seating surface is configured to receive and sealingly mate with a first size of pipette tip in a manner such that the first end of the passage is in fluid communication with the first size of pipette tip. The second seating surface is configured to receive and sealingly mate with a second size of pipette tip in a manner such that the first end of the passage is in fluid communication with the second size of pipette tip. The seating surfaces are frustoconical outer surfaces. The pipette nozzle may be further configured to sealingly mate with and removably receive a third pipette tip having a third diameter different from the first diameter and the second diameter.

Abstract: A microchip processing apparatus processes a microchip with at least one main separation channel. The microchip processing apparatus includes a holding part configured to hold the microchip, a container containing a sample or a reagent, and a dispensing probe having a needle formed on a tip of the dispensing probe. The dispensing probe is actuated to be inserted into the container from above the container, to draw the sample or reagent, and to inject to a prescribed position on the held microchip. A dispensing probe driving mechanism moves the dispensing probe between prescribed positions of the microchip and the container.

Abstract: A fluid-ejection device includes a handheld and/or mountable enclosure, a pneumatic fitting, an electrical connector, and a controller. The pneumatic fitting extends from and/or through the enclosure and is receptive to placement of a tip thereon. The tip contains a supply of fluid, a fluid-ejection mechanism, and an electrical connector for the fluid-ejection mechanism. The electrical connector extends from and/or through the enclosure and is receptive to electrical coupling of the electrical connector of the tip. The controller is situated within the enclosure to cause the tip to eject the fluid via the electrical coupling of the electrical connectors of the tip and the fluid-ejection device.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately dispensing small volumes of liquid from a cartridge having a substantially cylindrical body and a sliding piston and a dispensing tip, wherein an initial starting state is established by electro-optically sensing the position of the liquid meniscus in the dispensing tip, and by adjusting the motion of the piston according to the output of said sensing means. A means for detaching the liquid drop adhering to the dispensing tip by imparting sufficient acceleration to the dispensing tip that the surface tension bond is overcome which substantially improves the accuracy of dispensing small volumes of liquid from the cartridge.

Abstract: A pipette tip includes a cylindrical distal end portion in which an opening that dispenses or draws in liquid is formed and a body portion that has a cylindrical shape whose outer periphery has a larger diameter than that of the distal end portion and which configures an outer peripheral step portion between itself and the distal end portion.

Abstract: An actuating system 300 is provided for actuating a plurality of pipettes 1 comprising a bellows portion 13. The actuating system comprises means 360 for receiving the plurality of pipettes and an actuator 320. The receiving means 360 and the actuator 160 are reciprocable relative to one another to compress or decompress the bellows portions of pipettes received in the receiving means in use. The receiving means 360 comprises a plurality of pipette receiving parts in the form of clips 140 each configured to receive a respective pipette having a bellows piece 5 and a dispensing piece 3, wherein each pipette receiving part 140 is arranged to cooperate with the dispensing piece 3 of a respective pipette to mount the pipette to the actuating system. The actuating system further comprises locating means in the form of a guide plate 160 to help maintain alignment of the pipette in use, the locating means cooperating with the bellows piece 5 of each pipette.

Abstract: A system and method of mixing and injecting discrete sample mixtures into a flow cytometer or other sample analysis apparatus may generally comprise a sample injection guide coupling a liquid handling apparatus with a sample analysis apparatus and facilitating injection of discrete sample mixtures into a fluidic system of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the column between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction columns employ modified pipette tips as column bodies. In some embodiments, the invention provides columns characterized by low backpressure.

Abstract: Pipette tip, pipette body and method for analysis. The pipette tip (1) comprises a tip body (6) having an inner surface (I) and an outer surface (O). The tip body comprises a first end (3) and a second end (4) having a flow opening (19). The tip body (6) is provided with a first optical grating structure (7) arranged to conduct light away from the tip body to the side of the inner surface (I). The tip body is provided with a receiving grating structure (8) arranged to receive light conducted away from the tip body through the first optical grating structure. The first end (3) comprises a light-receiving surface (9) optically connected through the tip body to the first optical grating structure. The first end (3) comprises a surface (10) that conducts light away and is optically connected through the tip body to said receiving optical grating structure (8).

Abstract: A pipette tip includes a main body having an upper end, a lower end and a sidewall extending between the two ends. A bore extends axially through the main body between the upper and lower ends. The lower end has a bottom surface in which is formed a central opening that communicates with the axial bore to allow the passage of fluid therethrough. The bottom surface is formed with at least one groove that may be concentrically disposed or spirally disposed about the central opening. The at least one groove acts to inhibit fluid passing through the central opening from at least partially flowing along the outer surface of the sidewall from the central opening toward the upper end of the main body of the pipette tip.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively measuring error causing physical parameters in a fluid handling system, includes: measuring the pressure of air between a piston of a pump and a liquid being handled; detecting a pressure abnormality; determining the time at which the pressure abnormality begins to occur; and based on the time of the pressure abnormality determining the magnitude of the physical parameter causing the pressure abnormality. In a preferred embodiment, the error causing physical parameter is a bubble and the fluid handling is an aspirate operation in a diagnostic analyzer.

Abstract: A pipetting device including a pipetting unit (12) having an application chamber (26) and a first end (16) that is realized with a discharge opening (18), and a second, open end (20). In the vicinity of the second, open end (20) of the pipetting unit (12), a sleeve-like receptacle unit (14) is guided so that it can move axially on at least two sealing lips (22, 24) that project radially inward and are at some distance from each other, which is provided on the side facing the application chamber (26) of the pipetting unit (12) with a base element (28), and on the side facing away from the application chamber (26) has an opening (32) and which has, in the vicinity of its periphery, at least one opening (34), the axial dimensions of which are somewhat smaller than or equal to the distance between the sealing lips (22, 24).

Abstract: Described herein are pipette tips that include rigid axial projections circumferentially disposed around the exterior surface of a relatively more compliant annular member. The rigid, axial projections may enable improved, and often optimal, sealing engagement with a dispensing device by (i) allowing deformation of the annular member between the projections, and (ii) restraining overall deformation of the annular member. Pipette tip embodiments described herein readily form a desired seal with a dispensing device, and permit ejection after use without modification to the dispensing device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated picking of animal cell colonies. A picking head comprising a plurality of hollow pins is provided. The apparatus has an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A pipette [1] is equipped with a jet [10] and handpiece [6]. A piston assembly, housed within the pipette [1], at one end has a seal [9] affixed to a rigid section [2] which extends to a flexible section [4]. At the junction of the rigid [2] and flexible [4] sections is an enlarged shoulder [7]. The flexible section [4] extends through the handpiece [6]. A movable sleeve [3] is positioned between the flexible section [4] of the piston rod assembly and the interior wall [11] of the pipette. At one end, the sleeve [3] passes over the shoulder [7] of the piston assembly and terminates in a constriction [8], The other end of the sleeve [3] extends from the open end of the pipette [1] and terminates in a shoulder [5] of an external diameter greater than the bore diameter of the pipette [1].

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic tip and a random access print head for the transfer of microfluidic quantities of fluid. The print head can randomly collect and deposit fluid samples to transfer the samples from a source plate to a target. The print head can also be programmed to create a direct map of the fluid samples from the source plate on the target or to create any desired pattern or print on the target. The tip and print head can be used for a wide variety of applications such as DNA microarraying and compound reformatting. In one preferred embodiment, the tip is used as a capillary or “gravity” pin to draw or collect source fluid and “spot” or deposit the fluid onto the target via physical contact (touch-off). In another preferred embodiment, the tip is used in conjunction with an aspirate-dispense system to actively aspirate source fluid and deposit the fluid via a contact or non-contact approach. The tip provides improved, accurate and repeatable microfluidic transfer.

Abstract: A system and method for the automated processing of fluids according to a process operation plan involving the use of preloaded objects, which are to be present in target object positions, are disclosed. The system includes: a processing area in which objects to be used for the processing of fluids are located; at least one ultrasonic sensor for determining the presence of objects by acoustical waves; a positioning device to which the ultrasonic sensor is fixed and which moves the ultrasonic sensor in at least one direction relative to the processing area; a control computer determining the presence of objects and determining if objects are present in target object positions in the processing area as defined by the process operation plan; a pipetting device for pipetting of fluids between cavities located in the processing area; and an analytical or pre-analytical processing device for processing of fluids located in the processing area.

Abstract: A guide for use with a manual pipette used in loading well plates is provided which insures the accuracy and efficiency of reservoir loading. The pipette guide is used in combination with a conventional well plate generally having 96-384 reservoirs. The guide allows for more exact delivery of liquid reagents to selected reservoirs without concern for missing or duplicating particular reservoirs during loading. The pipette guide is releasably locked onto the well plate and a slide outlines a specific row of reservoirs. In addition a reservoir isolator allows delivery to a single selected reservoir and protects against cross-contamination. Adjustable rods with notches therealong allow the slide and isolator to be precisely moved and indexed as desired.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a methods and a system for measuring liquid volumes and controlling a pipetting process.

Abstract: During a method of evaluating a dosing operation, carried out by means of a dosing pump, for dosing a liquid medium in a vessel, filled at least partially with a gas, a pressure profile of the gas, present in the vessel, is detected at least periodically during the dosing operation. This pressure profile is compared with a desired value profile, prescribed for a control unit of the dosing pump, of the pump rate or pump output defining the dosing operation, and an evaluation result is issued in dependence on the comparison. In such case, the dosing operation is evaluated to be faulty or in need of correction when it is determined that the detected pressure profile over time with the prescribed pump rate or prescribed pump output lies outside a desired value range. A plurality of error conditions for the evaluation of the dosing operation are used, which consider the pressure development in a time window after a prescribed change in the defining pump rate or pump output.

Abstract: Forensic pipette on the basis of a microliter pipette tip having a pipette body composed of screwed together a pipette's upper, middle, and lower parts and a syringe inserted into the middle part, characterized in that in said screwed state a cannula is guided from an outlet of said lower part through a screw connection into said middle part and thus into the interior of the syringe body, wherein said connection of the cannula with the interior can be established during a screwing operation by piercing the syringe body, in that in the region of the outlet a sample carrier is provided with a sample collector having the basic shape of a microliter pipette tip, and in that said syringe piston is connected with a fine advancement drive and with a control element in form of a knurled screw for a dosed force exertion onto the syringe content.