Patent ID: 7159740
Filing Date: 2007-01-09
Classification: B01J,B01L,C40B,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a computer-controlled process line that dispenses particle material into locations of a solid support having multiple locations, the method comprising: positioning an array of hollow tubes above a reservoir containing a bed of particle material; engaging the tube array with the reservoir such that the lower ends of the tubes are pressed into the particle bed and a volume of particle material is forced into the tubes; disengaging the tube array from the reservoir such that the volume of particle material is retained within each of the tubes, wherein the retained volume is defined by the tube from the lower end of each tube to a plunger within each tube; positioning the array above the solid support such that the lower ends of the tubes are located above corresponding locations of the solid support; using the plungers to push the particle material retained within each tube out into the corresponding locations of the solid support; and packing the solid material within the reservoir by engaging the bed of particle material with a compacting cover.