Patent ID: 6809826
Filing Date: 2004-10-26
Classification: B82Y,G01N

Abstract:
A photometric or spectrophotometric apparatus wherein a sample in the form of a liquid drop is contained in tension by surface tension forces between two 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 sample 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; and 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 in tension by surface tension thereby providing an optical path for a photometric or spectrophotometric measurement; the improvement comprising: providing means for limiting the surface area of the drawn column on at least one surface.