Patent ID: 6058762
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
In combination:A sample preparation unit and a sprout damage indicator, said sample preparation unit adapted to provide a grain slurry to said sprout damage indicator;said sprout damage indicator including:a mixing cup with a chamber drain in a lower end;a first tank having a first reagent therein, connected via a first conduit to said mixing cup for selective dispensing of said first reagent into said mixing cup;a first conduit valve in said first conduit, operable between open and closed positions;a first mixer having a first blade located within said mixing cup, operable to mix contents within said mixing cup;a drain tube extending from said chamber drain to a reactor vessel;a drain tube valve in said drain tube, operable between open and closed positions;a heater connected to said reactor vessel to warm contents within said reactor vessel;a second mixer having a second blade located within said reactor vessel, operable to mix contents within said reactor vessel;a drain pipe extending from a vessel drain in said reactor vessel, for draining contents of said reactor vessel;a drain pipe valve in the drain pipe, operable between open and closed positions; andapparatus for sensing viscosity, mounted proximal said reactor vessel with means located within said reactor vessel to sense viscosity of contents of said reactor vessel; andsaid sample preparation unit including:a slurry loop arranged over said mixing cup and operable to selectively hold and dispense a grain slurry into said mixing cup;said slurry loop being connected to a source of air pressure, said first tank, and a grinder cup, to selectively receive air pressure, said first reagent, and grain slurry, respectively;said grinder cup having a grinder blade operable to wet grind grain and reagent therein, and further having a drain fluidly connected to said slurry loop to supply slurry to said slurry loop; andsaid grinder cup connected to a source of grain, a source of air pressure, and said first tank, to selectively receive grain, air pressure and said first reagent, respectively.