An automated metered fluid dispensing and aspirating apparatus comprising
a combination delivery/removal fluid head with upper shuttle and lower
reservoir assemblies is disclosed. A covered, variably positionable well
table allows for mounting sample wells and automatically presenting at
least one array of sample or reaction wells to the delivery/removal fluid
head at a time. A fluid handling system of inter-connected tubing, pumps
and valves interfaces with the delivery/removal fluid head. The fluid
handling system provides reagents to and removes waste from the
delivery/removal fluid head and sample wells. A control assembly,
including a central processing unit and hardware, software and gas
pressure sources, provides for time responsive operation and control of
the delivery/removal fluid head, drive mechanisms for the table and fluid
head, fluid handling system and well table. The entire apparatus is
mounted on its own platform and includes separate housings for control
and sample handling sections.