Patent ID: 8178057
Filing Date: 2012-05-15
Classification: B01L,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A sample volume defining device for separating at least one defined volume of a liquid sample from a relatively larger undefined volume of said sample, said device comprising: a first body and a second body moveable relative to each other; said first body having at least one cavity having a defined volume in a form of recess on a surface of said first body, said cavity having an elongated shape with a long axis and a short axis perpendicular thereto, and having a cross section, along said long axis, of a wedge like shape with a first end wall and an opposing second end wall of different slopes, said first end wall having a slow descending slope and said second end wall having a steep slope, respectively; said cavity being orientated with said first end wall at an up-flow end and said second end wall at a down-flow end; said second body including a sealing and scraper means slidable along said surface and over said at least one cavity of said first body upon relative movement of said bodies; a channel formed between said first and second bodies, enclosing an area around said cavity on said surface of said first body; said channel having larger width and length than those of said cavity; and an inlet opening disposed at said up-flow end and beyond said cavity with a distance along said surface of said first body from said cavity and a further opening to ambient air disposed at said down-flow end of said cavity; said inlet opening adapted to fill a liquid sample therethrough into said channel; both openings in communication with said channel between said first and second bodies for filling said liquid sample; wherein when said liquid sample is filled through said inlet opening into said channel, said liquid sample flows on said surface of said first body into said cavity from said first end wall having said slow descending slope to fill said cavity; and wherein when said first body is slid against said second body, said sealing and scraper means scrapes said liquid sample outside said cavity, obtaining said defined volume of said liquid sample in said cavity.