Abstract: A dispensing device is disclosed having a cylinder, a piston disposed in the cylinder and moveable in priming and dispensing directions, including a spring device biasing the piston to move in the priming direction at a predetermined rate, and an operating plunger connectable to the piston and moveable along a path to move the piston in the dispensing direction. The operating plunger has an engagement device and is moveable between an engaged position in which the engagement device is connected to the piston and movement of the plunger along the path is transmitted to the piston, and a disengaged position in which the engagement device is disconnected from the piston and movement of the plunger along the path is independent of the piston. The engagement device is arranged such that movement of the plunger between the engaged and disengaged positions is of a different kind to movement along the path.

Abstract: The inventive device is provided with a unit (1) comprising a body (3) which interacts with a pipette tip (24) in a vertical position in order to retain the content of the pipette tip (24) in the unit (1) and comprises a nozzle (2) having a capillary channel (4) insertable into a straw (25) oriented in a transversal position with respect to the body in such a way that, when the body is in a vertical position, said nozzle (2) is in a horizontal position. The inventive method consists in sampling a liquid substance initially contained in a top-open container (45) with the aid of the pipette tip (24) in the vertical position, in transferring the content of pipette tip (24) to the body (3) of the unit (1) prior to filling the straw (25) with the predetermined dose of a liquid substance transferred thereto from the unit (1).

Abstract: Method for registering filling potential of a waste container of a microplate washing device has a needle for aspirating liquids, a waste container, a pump for generating a partial vacuum and a pressure sensor for determining air pressure in the container, a sensor controller, and a first valve for blocking the line between the needle and the waste container. The pump and needle are connected to the container and the method includes closing the first valve, generating a partial vacuum in a test range, closing a further valve between the container and the pump, opening the first valve, triggering a partial vacuum dissipation in the container, measuring a test time for the partial vacuum dissipation in the test range, comparing the test time to a known threshold time, and deciding that the waste container is fillable or not.

Abstract: Testing the reliability of flexible separators arranged under conditions enabling the cycling rate of testing to be accelerated. According to the invention, two separators are enclosed in two rigid chambers, each defining a liquid capacity and a gas capacity. The two gas capacities communicate with each other, and each of the liquid capacities communicates with means for causing the volume of each of them to vary in alternation.

Abstract: The sampling valve comprises a valve body that is movable in a valve housing between a closing position and an opening position of the sampling valve, and is characterized in that the valve body comprises an outlet bore for the sample to be taken, the outlet bore continuously increasing in size towards the free end of the valve body, and that the lower edge of the outlet bore is sloping downwards towards the free end. After a sample has been taken, there will be no drops remaining in the outlet bore, whereby a source of contamination for a sample taken that has so far been encountered frequently is now eliminated.

Abstract: Provided is a droplet discharging device that can precisely dispense large flow rate of droplets and small flow rate of droplets selectively. The droplet discharging device according to the present invention includes a pneumatic discharger for discharging a droplet having a first flow rate, and an electronic pipette for discharging or sucking a droplet having a second flow rate equal to or smaller than the first flow rate. The pneumatic discharger includes, i) a storage chamber for storing a liquid, ii) an air tank connected to the storage chamber through a first air pipe and supplying compressed air to the storage chamber to push the liquid of the storage chamber outside, and iii) a first nozzle connected to the storage chamber through the liquid pipe and receiving the liquid pushed out of the storage chamber to discharge droplets.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser useful in automated biological reaction systems comprising a barrel having a reservoir chamber, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion, a cap located on top of the upper portion of the barrel and connected to the reservoir chamber, the cap having an external surface with at least one hole therethrough, a valve comprising a biasing member and a hole sealer, the valve being located in the hole in the cap at the point where a downward force is applied against the cap, a coupler having a dispense chamber, the coupler being coaxial with the barrel and wherein the barrel lower portion moves into the dispense chamber during dispensing of fluid, and a vent located between the cap and the reservoir chamber, the vent including a vent opening and a vent material composed of oliophobic material.

Abstract: A pipette is provided. The pipette includes a body, a piston, and a valve. The body includes a nozzle, a first chamber, a second chamber, and a channel formed in the nozzle. The first chamber is isolated from the second chamber, and the channel is isolated from the first chamber and the second chamber. The piston is mounted to slide within the first chamber and the second chamber so that movement of the piston simultaneously increases a first volume of the first chamber and decreases a second volume of the second chamber. The valve is in communication with the first chamber, the second chamber, the channel, and an exterior of the body to selectively provide a communication between the first chamber and the channel, between the second chamber and the channel, between the first chamber and the exterior of the body, and between the second chamber and the exterior of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for taking liquid or gaseous samples from containers and/or tubes that are filled with a medium, in particular from fermenters, by means of negative pressure, wherein an element which acts as a non-return valve is arranged within a sample probe as an inlet for the sample that is to be taken, and a supply line which is able to convey gas and a discharge line which is able to discharge sample are arranged on a common side of the element.

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 pipette is provided. The pipette includes a body, a piston, and a valve. The body includes a nozzle, a first chamber, a second chamber, and a channel formed in the nozzle. The first chamber is isolated from the second chamber, and the channel is isolated from the first chamber and the second chamber. The piston is mounted to slide within the first chamber and the second chamber so that movement of the piston simultaneously increases a first volume of the first chamber and decreases a second volume of the second chamber. The valve is in communication with the first chamber, the second chamber, the channel, and an exterior of the body to selectively provide a communication between the first chamber and the channel, between the second chamber and the channel, between the first chamber and the exterior of the body, and between the second chamber and the exterior of the body.

Abstract: A system including an inspection chip equipped with at least a pump connection having a flow path opening for interconnecting to a micro-pump, a flow path through which a fluid flows, and a fluid mixing section for joining and mixing two or more fluids, and including a system body equipped with at least a base body, a chip connection having a flow path opening for interconnecting to the inspection chip, a micro-pump unit in the base body including micro-pumps in substantially the same shape, a detection processor and a controller for controlling at least the functions of the micro-pump unit and the detection processor, and the joining amount ratio is adjusted to set the mixing ratio of two fluids to be joined in the fluid mixing section to be approximately m:n (not 1:1) by making the drive voltages of the micro-pumps substantially equal to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems for isolating toxins and collecting an eluate from a sampling column for subsequent testing and to methods of extracting and collecting an eluate using the same systems. Preferably, the systems comprise a sample holder such as an immuno-affinity column for holding the sample and a self-contained fluid delivery system that can deliver liquid, e.g., reagents, and gaseous fluids, e.g., compressed air. More preferably, the fluid control system of the fluid delivery system provides some amount of pressurized gas continuously to the headspace of the column even when a fluid is not being forced through the resin gel in the column.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided which dispenses a predetermined amount of a liquid from a reservoir. It includes a negative pressure system to supply a negative pressure which acts on the liquid in the liquid reservoir while no liquid is being dispensed. The negative pressure system includes a negative pressure source, an electropneumatic regulator communicating with the negative pressure source to regulate the pressure inside the liquid reservoir to a desired negative pressure level, a pressure sensor provided between the electropneumatic regulator and reservoir, and a control means for controlling the electropneumatic regulator responsive to a signal from the pressure sensor to regulate the pressure inside the reservoir to the desired negative pressure level. It can assure a negative pressure which is stable even just after it is switched on and can thus work stably even right after the switch-on.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic precision pipetting device. The inventive device comprises at least two cylinder/piston-type pumping units (1, 2), the rods of which are rotated by means of a common motor unit (MP). Moreover, the pumping chamber of each of the pumping units (1, 2) is connected to a circuit comprising, successively, a conduit that opens into a container of rinsing liquid (RL), three successive solenoid valves (EV1, EV2, EV3) and a portion of circuit which connects the second solenoid valve (EV2) with the pipetting means (AP). The larger pumping chamber is connected in the part of the circuit that provides the connection between the two solenoid valves (EV1, EV2) while the second pumping chamber is connected to the above-mentioned portion of circuit by means of a connector, said portion of circuit comprising a solenoid valve (EV3) which is disposed between said connector and the aforementioned pipetting means.

Abstract: A dispensing system delivers a precise amount of fluid for biological or chemical processing and/or analysis. Dispensing means moves the fluid. The dispensing means is operated by a pneumatic force. Connection means delivers the fluid to the desired location. An actuator means provides the pneumatic force to the dispensing means. Valving means transmits the pneumatic force from the actuator means to the dispensing means.

Abstract: A rugged, all-electronic fluid dispensing system for use with pipettes or in other contexts indirectly measures fluid flow by using a non-linear system model to correlate vacuum existing at the top of a column of suspended fluid. Non-contact operation is provided to eliminate the need for contact-type closed-loop fluid flow sensing and associated potential cross-contamination risks. In one particular exemplary non-limiting illustrative implementation, an electronic controller within a gun-shaped, cordless self-contained pipetter housing dynamically calculates valve opening time based on a non-linear equation. Calibration is used to derive equation constants, and column vacuum pressure before the valve is opened is used as the independent variable to derive a valve opening time that will result in accurate dispensing of a desired programmed fluid quantity.

Abstract: An HPLC injection valve is mounted to a probe drive system close to the probe axis to minimize probe movements required for sample injections into a mobile phase column. The probe is directly connected by a short conduit to the injection valve, eliminating the need to dispense aspirated samples from the probe into a remote injection port.

Abstract: A pipette dispenser unit having a hand-held pipette dispenser having a pipette connector and a handle, a source of positive and negative air pressure in fluid connection with said pipette connector, and a foot-operated controller for regulating the flow of air between said air pressure source and said pipette connector. A method of metering fluid through a pipette by connecting the pipette to the pipette dispenser, holding the dispenser with one hand, and controlling fluid flow through the pipette by operating the controller with at least one foot.

Abstract: A capillary 1 is moved to a position above a vessel 17 having a solution 15 stored therein. Then, the vessel 17 is raised while the inside of a tube 5 is opened to an ambient pressure until one end 1a of the capillary 1 is dipped into the solution 15. The solution 15 is introduced into the capillary 1 by means of capillarity. Next, the vessel 17 is lowered, to thereby removing the end 1a of the capillary 1 from the solution 15 stored in the vessel 17. Subsequently, the capillary 1 is moved to a position above a vessel 19 to which the solution 15 is to be transferred. Then, the tube 5 is connected to a pressure mechanism, thereby pressurizing the inside of the capillary 1 from another end 1b thereof. The solution 15 in the capillary 1 is then discharged to the vessel 19.

Abstract: The invention features pipets for fast and efficient liquid exchange, pipet controllers for use with such pipets, and pipetting systems utilizing pipets and/or pipet controllers of the invention.

Abstract: A pipette dispenser unit having a hand-held pipette dispenser having a pipette connector and a handle, a source of positive and negative air pressure in fluid connection with said pipette connector, and a foot-operated controller for regulating the flow of air between said air pressure source and said pipette connector. A method of metering fluid through a pipette by connecting the pipette to the pipette dispenser, holding the dispenser with one hand, and controlling fluid flow through the pipette by operating the controller with at least one foot.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for automatically transferring and weighing a powder material. The apparatus comprises a weigh station including a device for weighing the powder material in a container. A transfer device for collecting and dispensing the powder material is provided in which the device has a hollow body having a first end and a second end. The first end being operatively connected to a vacuum source so that a vacuum is selectively formed in the body. A collecting/dispensing tip is detachably coupled to the second end of the body. The tip is a hollow member with a tip orifice at one end so that a vacuum is formed in the tip upon actuation of the vacuum source. A controller for causing the selective actuation of the vacuum source and movement of at least one of the transfer device and the container is provided.

Abstract: A device and related method for dispensing liquid. The device includes a housing configured to contain a plurality of liquid dispensing members containing a liquid and configured to contain a receiving member in a receiving position to receive the liquid from the plurality of liquid dispensing members. The housing defines a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber. The first pressure chamber is capable of being sealed relative to the second pressure chamber. The device also includes a differential pressure generator operably connected to one of the first and second pressure chambers. The generator is capable of generating a pressure differential between the first and second pressure chambers to cause the plurality of liquid dispensing members to dispense liquid onto the receiving member.

Abstract: A top with a mantle wall defining a sample space, for receiving a liquid sample, the tip having first open end to be inserted into a liquid and a second open end for attaching the top to a suction device intended for dispensing, which tip is provided with a membrane device closing the gas and liquid passage in a gas and liquid tight manner from the first end of the tip to the suction device, when the tip is attached to the suction device, the membrane of the membrane device being made of a gas and liquid impermeable, flexible, reversibly deformable material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus therefor for depositing a flattened droplet on a partially absorbent surface comprising the steps of providing a narrow bore transfer tube having a proximal end and a distal end and containing a microvolume of liquid, the proximal end connected to a pneumatic system adapted for issuing an outgoing flow of displacement gas into the tube and drawing an incoming flow of displacement gas therefrom; and issuing an outgoing flow of displacement gas for slowly discharging substantially the entire microvolume of liquid as a droplet on the surface and controllably blowing one or more bubbles into the droplet towards the end of its discharge for flattening the droplet on the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for depositing a flattened droplet on a surface. The method includes the steps of providing a tube with a distal end that contains a microvolume of liquid, issuing an outgoing flow of displacement gas for slowly discharging substantially the entire microvolume of liquid as a droplet on the surface, and controllably blowing one or more bubbles into the droplet for flattening the droplet on the surface.

Abstract: A magnetic material attracting/releasing control method makes use of a pipette device sucking a liquid from or discharging a liquid into a container. A magnet body or bodies are provided in a liquid suction line of the pipette device, and any magnetic material contained in liquid sucked into the liquid suction line by magnetic force are deposited on the internal surface of the line. The magnetic material is released and discharged together with liquid from the liquid suction line to a state where the effect of the magnetic force generated by the magnet body is cut off.

Abstract: A pipet gun for drawing liquids into and dispensing liquids from a pipet which includes a variable flow valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve which is capable of accommodating a plurality of flow rates, and which is progressively adjustable during pipetting between a first air flow rate and a second air flow rate which is in excess of the first flow rate and which is non-progressively adjustable during pipetting to a third air flow rate which is substantially greater than the second air flow rate. The valve assembly further includes a threshold detector in the form of a spring detent, which provides an indication to the operator that the pipet gun is operating at the increased fluid rate, i.e., the “express mode” of operation.

Abstract: A dispensing bulb having a squeezable body portion and integral squeezable neck portion having a pair of diametrically disposed vent holes. An adaptor is mounted in the neck portion and is provided with a cylindrical portion extending into the bulb neck portion beyond the vent holes and spaced radially inwardly therefrom. A dispensing tube is connected to the adaptor and communicates with the interior of the bulb. The neck portion of the bulb is squeezed to draw liquid into the tube, and the cylindrical portion of the adaptor limits the squeezing of the neck portion to prevent liquid from being drawn through the tube into the body portion of the bulb.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing precise quantities of reagents is disclosed including a positive displacement syringe pump in series with a dispenser, such as an aerosol dispenser or solenoid valve dispenser. The pump is controlled by a stepper motor or the like to provide an incremental quantity or continuous flow of reagent to the dispenser. The pump and dispenser are operated in cooperation with one another such that the quantity and/or flow rate of liquid dispensed by the dispenser can be precisely metered substantially independently of the particular operating parameters of said dispenser to attain a desired flow rate, droplet size or mist quality, droplet frequency and/or droplet velocity.