(57) A method and apparatus is disclosed for discharging the contents of a sealed container
(10), such as a test tube, having a resilient closure (18). A plurality of tubes or
needles (32, 38) are mounted in a socket or holder (50). The tubes needles (32, 38)
puncture the closure (18) to establish fluid flow paths between the interior and exterior
of the container (10). A pump (66) is positioned at one end (34) of the first fluid
flow path (32), and a discharge tube (70) extends through the second fluid flow path
(38) such that upon activating the pump (66), air or the like is introduced into the
interior of the container (10) creating a pressure therein, in response to which fluid
from the container (10) is discharged through the discharge tube (70) onto a specimen
plate (88) or the like.
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