Patent ID: 7105133
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A fluid sampling apparatus comprising: a first nozzle assembly including a plurality of outlet nozzles, each having a first end that is fixed to one of a plurality of fluid lines, the outlet nozzles each supplying a flow of fluid from the corresponding fluid lines, wherein the first nozzle assembly further includes a first plate having a disc shape, the first plate including a plurality of first fluid passages passing through the first plate and formed along a periphery of the first plate, and wherein the outlet nozzles are connected to first sides of the first fluid passages; a second nozzle assembly installed in opposition to the first nozzle assembly and including an inlet nozzle that receives the flow of fluid from a selected one of the plurality of outlet nozzles, wherein the second nozzle assembly further includes a second plate having a disc shape, and wherein the inlet nozzle is connected to a first side of the second plate; a driving system that selects one of the outlet nozzles from the plurality of outlet nozzles, wherein in a first position, the driving system connects a second end of the selected one of the outlet nozzles with the inlet nozzle, and wherein in a second position, the driving system separates the second end of the selected one of the outlet nozzles from the inlet nozzle, wherein the driving system includes a rotating shaft connected to a central portion of the second plate, a motor connected to the rotating shaft for aligning the selected outlet nozzle with the inlet nozzle, and a pneumatic cylinder connected to the first plate for connecting and separating the selected outlet nozzle to and from the inlet nozzle, and a second fluid passage connected to the inlet nozzle passing through a central portion of the second plate to a center axis of the rotating shaft, wherein the second nozzle assembly further includes a plurality of auxiliary inlet nozzles connected to the first side of the second plate corresponding to the plurality of outlet nozzles other than the selected outlet nozzle, and a plurality of third fluid passages formed through the second plate along a periphery of the second plate, wherein the auxiliary inlet nozzles are connected to the third fluid passages, respectively.