Patent ID: 6309362
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: B82Y,G01N

Abstract:
An automated apparatus for batch processing a set of samples in respective containers, a monolayer of particulate matter from each sample being deposited on a corresponding slide for examination, the apparatus comprising:a container support arranging a group of containers in a first pattern;a first conveyer advancing said container support to a head stage;a group of heads corresponding to said group of containers and engaging respective containers at said head stage, each of said group of heads communicating with its respective sample;a pump producing a flow of each sample from its respective container through its respective head;a group of filters corresponding to said group of heads, each of said filters communicating with said flow of its respective sample and including:a membrane being interposed in a first branch of its respective sample flow and adapted for collecting its respective monolayer of particulate matter; anda frit being interposed in a second branch of its respective flow circumventing said membrane;a slide support arranging a group of the slides in a second pattern, said group of the slides corresponding to said group of heads;a second conveyer advancing said slide support to a deposit stage; anda controller coordinating each of said first conveyor advancing said container support, said group of heads engaging said group of the containers, said pump producing said flow of each sample, and said second conveyer advancing said slide support engagement;wherein said controller is adapted for coordinating automatic sample throughput and correlating each sample container with a corresponding slide.