Patent ID: 6321607
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A collecting apparatus for automatically collecting a sample during a particular time interval comprising:a power supply for providing an electric power to operate said collecting apparatus; andat least one individually operating sampling unit electrically connected to said power supply, said sampling unit comprising:a timing device for counting down and generating a starting signal at a specific time for collecting said sample;a valve for allowing said sample to enter said sampling unit;a valve controller electrically connected to said timing device for generating an opening signal and an ending signal to open and close said valve respectively after receiving said starting signal; anda collector connected with said valve for collecting said sample through said valve,wherein said collector further comprises:a tube connected to said valve;a heater mounted around said tube for heating said tube when collecting said sample to prevent said sample from being adsorbed in said tube;a reservoir connected to one end of said tube for containing said sample, wherein said reservoir is made of stainless steel and has an electroplating coating on an inner surface of said reservoir for preventing said inner surface from being contaminated by said sample; anda flow controller connected to the other end of said tube for controlling the flow rate of said sample entering said reservoir.