Patent ID: 7572638
Filing Date: 2009-08-11
Classification: B01D,B01F,B01L,B65B,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An automated method for individually processing multiple specimens of particulate matter-containing liquid in respective containers, each container having a mixer therein, the method comprising: transporting the containers in single file along a single processing path to present them seriatim to a single mixing head and thereafter to a single specimen acquisition head, the mixing head adapted to mix the specimen in any container presented to it, and the specimen acquisition head adapted to aspirate previously mixed particulate matter-containing liquid from any container presented to it and pass the aspirated liquid through a respective filter so as to collect a particulate matter sample on a surface of the filter; actuating the mixing head in response to presentation of a container thereto and irrespective of the operational state of the specimen acquisition head so as to engage the mixer in the container and carry out the mixing operation independently of the operational state of the specimen acquisition head; and actuating the specimen acquisition head in response to presentation of a container thereto and irrespective of the operational state of the mixing head so as to carry out the aspirating operation independently of the operational state of the mixing head.