Patent ID: 6146884
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for the preparation of multiple pollen samples for cryogenic preservation, said apparatus comprising:a) a plurality of chambers wherein each of said chambers has an interior for storing the pollen samples;b) a vacuum manifold operatively connected to said chambers for reducing the pressure of said interiors of said chambers;c) an air manifold operatively connected to said chambers for venting said interiors of said chambers to atmospheric pressure;d) a vacuum pump;e) an air source at atmospheric pressure;f) a vacuum controller operatively connected to said vacuum manifold, to said air manifold, to said air source, and to said vacuum pump for controlling said pressure within said interiors of said chambers such that said pressure is pulsed between a first reduced pressure level and a second reduced pressure level; andg) a sensor operatively connected to said plurality of chambers for sensing the moisture content of the pollen samples within said interior of said plurality of chambers at said reduced pressure levels.