Manually-operable multi-well microfiltration apparatus and method

An apparatus, comprising:

• a platform having a first treatment station and a second treatment station, the first treatment station including a holder for securing a first receiving array of receiving wells or receiving holes, and the second treatment station including a holder for securing a second receiving array of receiving wells or receiving holes;
• a carriage configured to carry a discharge-conduit array comprising discharge conduits into a position above the first receiving array at the first treatment station, and configured to carry the discharge-conduit array into a position above the second receiving array at the second treatment station, the carriage being configured for:
• (1) movement between the first treatment station and the second treatment station;
• (2) movement at the first treatment station along a first, generally horizontal, axis from a neutral position whereat the discharge-conduit array and the first receiving array are substantially axially aligned;
• and (3) second movement at the second treatment station along a second, generally horizontal, axis from a neutral position whereat the discharge-conduit array and the second receiving array are substantially axially aligned;
• a vertical positioning assembly for supporting the discharge-conduit array for linear movement at the first treatment station along a third, generally vertical, axis between (a) an elevated position whereat the discharge conduits clear the receiving wells or receiving holes of the first receiving array, and (b) a lowered position whereat the discharge conduits extend down into respective receiving wells or receiving holes of the first receiving array;
• and
• a manually operable handle connected to the carriage and the vertical positioning assembly such that a movement of the handle at the first treatment station moves the carriage along the first axis, a second movement of the handle at the second treatment station moves the carriage along the second axis, and a third movement of the handle moves the vertical positioning assembly along at least the third axis.