Patent ID: 6628382
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: B82Y,G01N

Abstract:
A photometric or spectrophotometric apparatus wherein a sample in the form of a liquid drop is contained by surface tension forces between two planar surfaces, one containing a photometric or spectrophotometric source and the other a photometric or spectrophotometric detector and an optical path is established through the sample between the two surfaces said apparatus comprising:first and second anvil surfaces at least one being moveable relative the other to any one of three positions: an adjustable sample loading position so selected that the at least one moveable surface and the other surface are so remotely spaced that a liquid drop can be placed on the first surface; an adjustable sample compression position so selected that the surfaces are opposed and substantially parallel and proximally spaced so that the liquid wets and spreads upon both surfaces; an adjustable sample measuring position so selected that the opposed substantially parallel surfaces are spaced apart to pull the sample into a column wherein it is contained by surface tension thereby providing an optical path for a photometric or spectrophotometric measurement.