Patent ID: 7765881
Filing Date: 2010-08-03
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A programmable liquid sampler for obtaining and digitally analyzing multiple, sequential samples in real time from an external source of liquid to be analyzed, said sampler comprising: a sampling assembly for receiving and at least temporarily storing a sample, said assembly comprising a sampling chamber having an interior; an intake sample port in fluid flow with said chamber interior for drawing liquid into said chamber in response to vacuum; an air port in fluid flow communication with said chamber interior for either pressurizing said chamber or applying vacuum thereto; pump means for generating either pressure or vacuum; valve means for applying either pressure or vacuum from said pump means to said air port to either pressurize or apply vacuum to said chamber interior through said air port; load cell means for determining the mass of a sample drawn into said sampling chamber interior in real time; mechanical coupling means for securing the sampling assembly to said load cell means; logic controller means for operating said sampler, said logic controller means interconnected with said load cell means for deriving data therefrom, said logic controller means comprising: means for recognizing a desired target sample size inputted by a sampler operator; means for requesting an initial sample by initiating sampling in response to said target sample size; means for measuring the initial sample size; means for developing a first scaling factor by comparing said target sample size to said measured sample size; and; means for requesting and adjusting the size of a successive sample in response to said scaling factor.