Process for preparation of samples for analysis
US4894345A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/25875
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automated sample preparation system for chemical assay of samples of materials. The sample preparation system includes a sample preparation chamber which includes a removable cup for taking solid or very viscous samples to the sample preparation system. The cup may be attached in sealing relationship to a cap through which extends various utilities such as a mixer/grinder to grind solid samples and mix non-homogeneous samples, a fill pipe to pump in liquid samples, an effluent pipe in the sump of the cup to allow pumping of samples and solvents and a nozzle to allow liquids to be sprayed against the walls. A sample metering valve associated with the sample preparation chamber allows a known volume of sample to be isolated so that solvent may be pumped in to dilute the sample to a user defined concentration. A reversible pump is coupled by a pair of manifolds which are themselves coupled by solenoid operated valves to various sources of solvents, pressurized gas, vacuum, water, the sample preparation chamber and the assay system. A control system coordinates the operation of all remotely controllable units in the system to allow the user to customize various sample preparation pr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.