Apparatus and method for dispensing substances into containers

Method for dispensing a substance into a container the method comprising:

• controlling a handling device to pick up a container from a storage rack and place the container into a holder device that is supported on a load receiver of a weighing device;
• moving a liquid-dispensing device or a powder-delivery device to a position above the container, and delivering a liquid or powder into the container either by volume as determined by the delivery device, or by weight as determined by the weighing device;
• controlling a capping device to place a cap on the container;
• and
• controlling the handling device to remove the container from the holder device, wherein the capping device seals the container by pushing or screwing the cap onto the container while the container is still seated in the holder device, and wherein during a capping operation the container is immobilized and held in a firm grip by a clamping device.

Automated laboratory system wherein the system includes a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a substance, into a container, said apparatus comprising:

• a weighing device with a load receiver;
• a holder device which is attached to the load receiver and serves to receive a container and loosely hold the container while a substance is dispensed into the container;
• a dispensing device for dispensing said substances into the container while the container is seated in the holder device;
• and
• a clamping device for firmly gripping and immobilizing the container a cap on the container or to remove the cap from the container while the container is seated in the holder device, the apparatus being configured as a compact module with a housing inside of which at least the weighing device, the clamping device and the holder device are arranged in such a manner that only a top of the holder device and a top portion of a container seated in the holder device protrude through a window opening in a top surface of the housing.