Apparatus and method for handling pipetting tip magazines

Apparatus for inserting and withdrawing from an automated pipettor magazines containing a plurality of pipette tips, said apparatus comprising:

• at least one gripping head for retrieving a used magazine containing used pipette tips from the pipettor and for replacing the used magazine and used pipette tips in the pipettor with another unused or cleaned magazine with unused or cleaned pipette tips;
• a source of unused or cleaned magazines and unused or cleaned pipette tips;
• a transport for transferring a used magazine with used tips away from the pipettor, and for retrieving an unused or cleaned magazine with unused or cleaned tips from the source of unused or cleaned magazines and tips;
• and
• a tray for receiving used magazines and pipette tips from the at least one gripping head, and for transporting the used magazines and pipette tips from the gripping head to a disposal location.

Apparatus for inserting and withdrawing from the dispensing head of an automated pipettor magazines containing a plurality of pipette tips, said apparatus comprising:

• at least one gripping head for retrieving a used magazine containing used pipette tips from the dispensing head, and for replacing the used magazine and used pipette tips in the dispensing head with another unused or cleaned magazine with unused or cleaned pipette tips;
• a source of unused or cleaned magazines and unused or cleaned pipette tips;
• and
• a transport for transferring a used magazine with used tips away from the dispensing head of the pipettor, and for retrieving an unused or cleaned magazine with unused or cleaned tips from the source of unused or cleaned magazines and tips.

In combination:

• an automated pipettor comprising:
• a dispensing head;
• and
• a clamp for securing a magazine containing a plurality of pipette tips within the dispensing head;
• at least one gripping head for retrieving from the clamp of the pipettor a used magazine containing used pipette tips and for replacing the used magazine and used pipette tips in the clamp with another unused or cleaned magazine with unused or cleaned pipette tips;
• a source of unused or cleaned magazines and unused or cleaned pipette tips;
• a transport for transferring a used magazine with used tips away from the clamp in the pipettor and for retrieving an unused or cleaned magazine with unused or cleaned tips from the source of unused or cleaned magazines and tips.